business for which cause labouring under his disease Ant. lib. 13. cap. 22. he applied himself to War and toiling above his strength amidst those tumults he yielded up the Ghost in the thirty seventh year of his Reign leaving the Kingdom to Alexandra his Wife Alexandra Alexander's Wife through the opinion of Vertue obtaineth the Kingdom fully accounting that the Jews would in all things obey her because that she always misliking and seeking to hinder his cruelty and iniquity had won the hearts of the people Neither was he deceived for she being admired for her piety amongst them they easily submitted to her the rather F for that she was well acquainted with the Customs of her Countrey and even from her Childhood detested them who violated our holy Laws Hircanus first made High Priest and afterwards King She had by Alexander two Sons the eldest was called Hircanus whom by reason of his years she made High Priest and because of his dull nature she thought that though he were in Princely Authority yet he would molest no man As for the youngest Son Aristobulus because he was of a hot spirit she was willing that he should lead a private life Now there was a certain Sect among the Jews The Pharisees getting in favour with the Queen are made her chief Governours and enjoy all honours which were called Pharisees who joyned themselves with the Queen These people were thought to be of the godliest sort and to be more skilful than others in interpreting the Scriptures and Alexandra favoured them the more because she was much given to Religion These having by G little and little insinuated themselves into her favour domineer'd at their pleasure displacing disposing imprisoning and restoring to liberty whom they pleased for no other purpose but that they might enjoy the Profits and Commodities of the Kingdom leaving to Alexandra nothing but the Expences and care of the Government H This Queen was always desirous of high attempts and daily studied to encrease her wealth She levied two Armies and hired many strangers whereby she not only strengthened her own Countrey but also made her self feared by other Nations Alexandra willingly obeyeth the Pharisees She ruled others but her self was ruled by the Pharisees who at last killed Diogenes a gallant man and highly in favour with King Alexander affirming that through his counsel the King commanded those eight hundred before-mentioned to be crucified The Pharisees by their envy and Accusations are the death of many good men And further they perswaded the Queen Alexandra that she should put to death all others through whose counsel Alexander her Husband had been incited against those eight hundred The Queen being blinded with Superstition thought it unlawful to deny any thing which they requested so that they put to death whom they I pleased till such time as the chiefest of those who were in this danger in humble wise came to Aristobulus Aristobulus expostulateth with his Mother who perswaded his Mother to spare some and to banish others who she thought had deserved punishment which Exiles dispersed themselves through the whole Countrey Now Alexandra sent an Army to Damascus and because Ptolomey daily vexed the City she took it without doing any thing worthy of memory She also solicited Tigranes King of Armenia with Gifts and Promises who with an Army had besieged Ptolemais wherein Cleopatra was but he for fear of troubles in his own Countrey in that Lucullus had entred into Armenia withdrew himself from thence Shortly after Alexandra falling sick Aristobulus proclaimeth himself King her youngest Son Aristobulus with his Servants K which were many in number all trusty and in the heat of their youth got all the Castles Alexandra imprisoneth Aristobulus's Wife and Children and hiring Soldiers with the money he found in those Castles he proclaimed himself King But Alexandra pitying the complaints of Hircanus imprisoned the Wife and Children of Aristobulus in a Castle near the North part of the Temple which in old time was called Baris as we said before afterwards Antonia from Antonius The year of the World 3863. before Christ's Nativity â—â— as in like manner Sebaste and Agrippias other Cities were named of Augustus and Agrippa But Alexandra died before she could revenge Hircanus of the wrongs which Aristobulus had done him This Queen reigned nine years and left Hircanus in possession of all whom during her life time she had advanced to the Kingdom But Aristobulus being both stronger in power Alexandra dieth and Hircanus succeedeth her in the Kingdom and greater in authority encountred with his L Brother about Jericho where many of Hircanus's Soldiers forsaking their King fled to Aristobulus so that he and the remnant that followed him were forced to fly into the Castle called Antonia where he found Hostages to redeem them for as we have already said Aristobulus his Wife and Children were imprisoned in that place Ant. l. 14 c. 1. And lest any worse mis-hap should betide him The Brethren contending for the Kingdom are accorded upon certain conditions he concluded a Peace upon condition that Aristobulus should be King and that he as Brother to the King should enjoy some other Dignities Upon these conditions they were made friends in the Temple where in the presence of all the people they friendly embraced each other which when they had done Ant. lib. 14. cap. 2 3 4. they changed houses and Aristobulus went to the King's Palace and Hircanus to Aristobulus's house M CHAP. V. Of the War between Hircanus and the Arabians Antipater perswadeth Hircanus to fly to Aretas King of Arabia and to crave his assistance to recover his Kingdom and of the taking of Jerusalem NOw a sudden fear invaded all the enemies of Aristobulus when they saw him contrary to all expectation made King and especially Antipater above all others whom Aristobulus had long hated This Antipater was an Idumaean born and for Nobility and Riches the chief and best reputed of his Nation This man perswaded N Hircanus to fly to Aretas King of Arabia and crave his help to set him in his Kingdom He exhorted Aretas likewise to receive Hircanus and to help him to recover his Kingdom Antipater with Hircanus fly from Jerusalem by night to Aretas King of Arabia speaking much against the manners of Aristobulus and praising Hircanus adding that he being King of so famous a Nation ought to assist those who were unjustly oppressed and that Hircanus had manifest injury offered him being forced to forsake his Kingdom which by the right of Succession was due unto him After he had thus made his way he took in the night time Hircanus and fled with him out of the City and making all haste possible they arrived safe at a Town called Petra a Town where the King 's of Arabia are accustomed to keep their Court there he delivered Hircanus into the King's
certified him by the Prophet That during his life-time the punishment of his Race should be deferred because he had repented him of his misdeeds but that K the threats and menaces should take effect in his sons time CHAP. VIII Adad King of Damascus and Syria fighteth two several Battels with Achab and is overthrown by him WHilest Achabs affairs were after this manner disposed 1 Kings 20. 1 ad 〈◊〉 the son of Adad that reigned over the Syrians Adab's War against Achab. and those of Damascus assembled the Forces of his whole Countrey and associated with him two and thirty other Kings with whom he came and made War against Achab. Who being far inferior to him in power came not into the L open field to bid him battel but closing up his Soldiers in his strongest Cities he himself retired into Samaria which was begirt with a very strong wall and very hard to be taken For which cause the Syrian taking his Army with him came to Samaria and encamping before it The Syrianâ— intended to batter the City But first of all he sent a Herald to Achab Embassage to Achab. to require him to give audience to his Ambassadors which he would send unto him by whom he should be certified what his resolution was As soon as the King of Israel had granted them free access the Ambassadors came and according to the Kings directions required that Achabs goods his children and wife should be at Adads command which if he would yield to and suffer him to take so many as he pleased he would raise the siege and batter the City no more Achab gave the Ambassadors order M to certifie the King of Syria that both himself and all whatsoever was his was at his command Upon which answer the King sent a second message unto Achab enjoining him the next day to admit such of his servants as he should send unto him to search his Royal Palace and the houses of his friends and kinsmen and take from thence that which they liked best Achab amazed at this second Embassage of the King of Syria assembled his People and let them know that he was ready to deliver up into the Enemies hands his wives and children for their safety and repose and to abandon all that likewise which was in his possession for the Syrian had demanded no less at his hands in his first Embassage But that now he required that his Servants might be admitted to ransack all their houses N to the end they may leave nothing therein that was of any value making it hereby appear to the World that he had no intent to make Peace since that after the Syrian was sensible that Achabs tenderness for his Subjects security had prevail'd so far with him as to grant him whatsoever belonged peculiarly to himself he sought nevertheless an occasion of a breach by demanding liberty to seize upon their Proprieties notwithstanding that he would do whatsoever they should think good of To this the People answer'd That they could not endure that any of his demands should be listened unto or respected but that the King should prepare for War Whereupon he called for the Ambassadors and dismissed them with this answer Ver. 10 11. That they should report unto their Master that Achab agreed unto those things which were required His answer to the Lâ—gatâ—s because he desired the happiness of his Subjects but O touching his second demand that he would no wayes condescend thereunto and thus sent he them away When Adad heard this answer he was moved and sent unto Achab the third time threatning him That his Soldiers should make a bulwark higher than the walls he so much trusted in yea The year of the World 340. before Christ's Nativity 924. though only each of them should bring but an handful of earth with A them which boast he used to terrifie him and to express thereby how great a multitude of Men he had to oppose against him But Achab answered That he ought not to glory in his Army but in those actions that should determine the War When the Ambassadors were returned back they found the King at Dinner with two and thirty Kings his Allies to whom they made report of Achabs answer Hereupon Adad gave commandment to begirt the City with Palisadoes Ver. 12. and to raise bulwarks of earth Adads confidence in his Soldiers and to streighten the siege Whil'st these things were in hand Achab was grievously troubled and all the People with him but at length he grew confident and cast off all his fear through the arrival of a certain Prophet who said unto him That God promised to deliver all those thousands of Soldiers and his Enemies which he beheld into his hands The same Prophet B being afterwards asked By whose means this victory might be gained He said That it should be by the Sons of the Governors whom the King himself should lead forth Achab therefore calling unto him the Governors Sons found that their number amounted to 232 and having notice that the Syrians intended nought else but pleasure and banquetting V. 13 14 c. he opened the City-gates The Israelites God promiseth victory against the Syrians and sent these young Men out against them Now when the Centinels of the adverse part had discovered them they certified Adad thereof who sent out certain Soldiers against them commanding them That if they were come out in warlike sort to bid the Battel they should bring them unto him fast bound and if they came in peace they should do the like Now Achab had within the City ranged another Army and kept them in a readiness When therefore the young men had charged the Syrian guard and slain C a great number of them and had pursued the rest even unto their own Camp Achab spying his present victory and advantage caused his whole Army to sally forth who giving an unexpected charge upon the enemies Ver. 20 21 discomfited the Syrians who little expected such a stratagem from the Hebrews and assailed them disarmed and drunken Achab's victory against the Syrians so that they left both armor and weapons behind them and fled from their Camp and their King likewise was so hotly pursued that he scarcely had opportunity to save himself by the swiftness of his Horse Achab made a long chase in following the Syrians and slaughtering them that fled he spoiled their Camp likewise and carried thence great riches and an huge quantity of gold and silver He took Adabs Chariots and Horses also and with them returned back into the City D But whereas by the advice of the said Prophet he was persuaded to prepare and keep an Army in readiness against the next year for that the Syrians were resolved to assault him again the King omitted no preparation that concerned the War For Adad being escaped from the fight with those few Forces
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
Ballez son to be put to death and is made King his Vices rendred him so odious to his Soldiers that they offered themselves up to Cleopatra Demetrius's Relict She married Antiochus Sother Demetrius's brother and made him be crowned King heovercame Tryphon who fled to Dora and from thence to Apamee where he was taken by force and killed Antiochus took a great liking to Simon the great Sacrificer or High-Priest I NOt long after the captivity of Demetrius Hedio Ruffinus cap. 10. Tryphon killed Antiochus the son of Alexander 1 Mac. 15. sirnamed Good notwithstanding he had the care and charge of his education for four years that he reigned Tryphon murthering Alexander obtaineth the Kingdom and spreading abroad a certain report That the young King in exercising himself fortuned to dye he sent his friends and familiars to the Soldiers promising them That if they would choose him King he would give them a great sum of money giving them to understand that Demetrius was a Prisoner among the Parthians and that if Antiochus his brother should obtain the kingdom he would punish them divers ways and revenge the revolt and rebellion which they were guilty of by forsaking him The Army hoping that if they bestow'd the kingdom on Tryphon Tryphon having obtained dominion discovereth his corrupt nature it would redound highly to their profit they proclaim'd him King But after he had attain'd the fulness of his desires he shewed K how malicious and wicked his nature was For when he was a private man he flatter'd the People Tryphons Army submit to Cleopatra Demetrius's wife who married Antiochus Soter and committed the authority to his hands and made shew of moderation and by such allurements he drew them to do what he pleased but after he had taken possession of the kingdom he discover'd his hypocrisie and shew'd plainly that he was not unaptly call'd Tryphon that is to say Trifler or Mocker By which means he lost the hearts of the better sort and as for his Army it became so averse from him that it submitted it self to Cleopatra Demetrius's wife who had at that time confin'd both her self and her children in Seleucia And whereas Antiochus sirnamed the Devout and brother to Demetrius was driven from place to place Hedio Ruffinus cap. 11. and had not any City that would entertain him for fear of Tryphon Cleopatra sent unto him inviting him both to be her husband and to take possession of the kingdom L Antiochus having driven Tryphon out of Syria besieged him in Dora And hereunto did she the rather draw him partly for that she was thereunto persuaded by her friends and partly for the fear she had lest some one of Selucia should betray the City to Tryphon As soon as Antiochus was arrived in Seleucia and that from day to day his Forces encreased Tryphonâ— death he marched forth into the field and fought with Tryphon and overcame him in battel and drove him out of the higher Syria and pursu'd him as far as Phoenicia where after he had retired himself into Dora a strong and impregnable Castle he besieged him therein and sent Ambassadors to Simon the High-Priest of the Jews to confirm a friendship and confederacy with him Simon very courteously accepted his demands and presently sent Antiochus both money and victuals sufficient to furnish his Army at the siege of Dora so that in short space he was accepted amongst the number of his M entire friends Tryphon flying from Dora to Apamea was in that place besieged taken and slain after he had reigned three years CHAP. XIII Antiochus Sother's ingratitude to Simon Machabaeus They come to make War Simon gets alwayes the better and renews his alliance with the Romans BUT the innate avarice that was in Antiochus and the malignity of his nature made him forgetful of those offices and services that Simon had done him so that he sent N Sedebaeus Hedio Ruffinus cap. 12. his great friend with a mighty Army to invade Jewry and to surprize Simon But he having some privy intelligence of Antiochus's Treachery notwithstanding that at this time he was very old was so provoked with the injuries that Antiochus had done him that animated with courage more than became his age he went himself to the War as if as yet he had been but youthful Simon and his son expelleth Sedebaeus out of Jewry he therefore caused his son to march before with the best Soldiers of his Army and having left a number of his Soldiers in ambush in the hollow retreats of the mountains he executed all his designs without failing in any one of them so that after he had every way obtained the upper hand of his Enemies he ever after enjoyed his Government in peace during the remainder of his life and renewed likewise the confederacy with the Romans O CHAP. XIV The year of the World 3830. before Christ's Nativity 134. A Simon Machabaeus Prince of the Jews and High-Priest is betrayed and killed by his Son-in-law Ptolomey who at the same time makes his Relict and his two sons Prisoners HE governed Judea for the space of eight years and was at last slain at a banquet by the Treachery of Ptolomey his son-in-law Hedio Ruffinus cap. 15. who seizing on Simons Wife and his two children 1 Mac. 6. and detaining them in Prison sent out certain of his Train besides to kill John the third son No faith nor trust no not in sons-in-law sirnamed Hircanus of Jerusalem But the young man having some inkling of their drift retired himself speedily into the City and avoided the danger that B they complotted against him assuring himself of the good will of the People in consideration of the benefits they had received at his fathers hands and the hatred that they bare unto Ptolomey who intending to enter the City-gates was sharply repulsed by the Citizens for they had already entertain'd Hircanus CHAP. XV. Hircanus Simon 's son besiegeth Ptolomey in Dagon Castle but his great love towards his mother and his brothers whom Ptolomey threatens to put to death if he storm'd the Castle made him forbear to assault it and raised the siege after which Ptolomey nevertheless put C them to death WHereupon Ptolomey retired unto a certain Castle situate beyond Jericho called Dagon Hedio Ruffinus cap. 14. but Hircanus was made High-Priest in his fathers stead who after he had recommended himself to God Ptolomey besieged by Hircanus knowing the power of natural affection keepeth his mother and brethren prisoners whippeth them on the walls and threatneth to throw them down by the firstling Sacrifices that he offer'd marched out against Ptolomey his brother-in-law to make War upon him Now when he was fully resolved to besiege the place whither Ptolomey was retired he had the advantage in all other things but only by the affection that he bare unto
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
Simon having obtained this place from hence invaded all Idumea and not only robbed and spoiled all the Towns and Cities thereof but also wasted and destroyed much of the Country for besides his Army there followed him fourty thousand men so that he could not find Victuals for such a Multitude Moreover besides this Calamity that he brought upon Idumea he exercised great Cruelty and Out-rage upon the Country and caused great spoil therein And as after great swarms of Locusts the Trees and O Woods are dispoiled so wheresoever Simon had been all the Country was left desolate A And either by fire or by ruinating places where he came or else by treading upon the Corn-Fields with the feet of his Army or by destroying such as they found they left nothing standing or growing either in Field or Town and only by passing thorow fertile places he made the fields harder than barren ground and left no sign in places which he had destroyed that ever they had been tilled Hereat the Zealots were again animated against him Simon spoiled all Idumea yet durst they not fight with him in open field The Zealots take Simons Wife but placing Ambushes in the way he was to pass they took Simons Wife and many of her Servants and so came again into the City rejoycing as though they had taken Simon himself For they perswaded themselves that Simon would presently lay down Arms and come in humble manner to entreat them to restore B him his Wife But Simon was not moved with compassion for the loss of his Wife but with fury and coming to the Walls of Jerusalem like a cruel Beast that had been wounded and could not come to them that hurt him he killed all he met And taking them that went out of the City to gather Herbs and Wood he caused them to be whipt to death whether they were young or old This cruelty seemed only wanting in him that he did not eat the flesh of the dead Bodies Also he took many and cut off their hands and so sent them into the City thereby to terrifie his Enemies and to cause the People to abandon the Zealots and he bad them tell the Citizens that except they presently restored his Wife to him he swore by God who governed all that he would break down their Walls and use all he found in the City after that fashion and that he would spare no age nor respect the innocent more than the guilty C These his threats did not only terrifie the People The Zealots send back Simons Wife but also the Zealots insomuch that they sent him his Wife again and so his anger being somewhat asswaged he ceased a while from his Murders CHAP. VIII Of Galba Otho Vitellius and Vespasian D NOT only in Judea Sedition thorow the whole Roman Empire but also in Italy at this time was Civil War for Galba was slain in the midst of Rome after whom Otho was created Emperour and fought against Vitellius who affected the Empire being chosen Emperour by the German Legions The Battel was fought near Bebrias a Town in Gallia Cisalpina the first day Otho got the Victory against Valens and Cecinna the Generals of Vitellius his Army But the day following they overcame Otho and so many being slain on both parts and news being brought that Vitellius his Army had gotten the Victory Otho being at Brixels slew himself when he had held the Empire three Months and two days Otho's Souldiers turned to Vitellius his Captains and joyned with them and so Vitellius came E to Rome with his Army Vespasian once more invades Judea In the mean time Vespasian the fifth day of June departed from Cesarea and went to those parts of Judea which were yet unconquered and first of all he went into the high Countrys and subdued the two Toparchies of Acrabatena and Gophnitis and after them two Towns called Bethel and Ephrem and placed Garisons in them and so went to Jerusalem killing many that he found in the way and taking many Captives One of his Captains called Cerealis with a party of Horse and Foot wasted all the higher Idumea Gaphâ—â—mitts 〈◊〉 and in the way as he went he took Caphetra a Castle and burnt it and besieged another called Capharis enclosed with a strong Wall by reason of which he deemed he should have made long abode there but contrary to his expectation the F Inhabitants opened the Gates to him and yielded themselves Cerealis buâ—â—eth the anciâ—â— City of Hebron beseeching him to be good to them When he had overcome them he went to Hebron an antient City and set it on fire this Hebron as I have already said was scituated upon the Mountains and near Jerusalem and breaking into it by force he slew all them that he found there and fired the City And having subdued all places save only three Castles to wit Herodium Massada and Macheron which were kept by the Thieves now only Jerusalem remained to be Conquered G CHAP. IX H Of Simons Acts against the Zealots AFter Simon had recovered his Wife from the Zealots he went into Idumea to rob and spoil that which was left and chasing the Inhabitans up and down at last he forced them to flie to Jerusalem and he himself pursued them thither and at the foot of the Walls The Zealots fill the whole City with iniquity he killed all the People he took that returned out of the fields from their labour Thus Simon without the City was more terrible to the People I than the Romans and the Zealots within the City crueller than them both being incouraged and incited thereto by the counsel of the Galileans For they had put John in Authority and John in reward thereof permitted all things to be done as they requested There was no end of robbing and spoiling rich mens Houses and of slaughtering both of Men and Women and to kill Men and Women was but a Pastime And having with blood bedew'd their prey and without all fear gotten what they liked they now began to lust after Women yea they became effeminate and lascivious they curl their Hair and clothed themselves in Womens Apparel and anointed themselves with sweet Ointments that their beauty might be pleasing and alluring they now not only imitate the Attire of Prostitutes but also their impudency and became so shameless K that they thirsted after unnatural pleasures as though Jerusalem were become a Stews and so profaned the whole City with their execrable impurities Yet though they effeminated their Faces their Hands were prone to blood-shed and though they lived in ignominious manner as People given over to pleasure yet could they quickly become Warriors and in the habits of Women drawing their Swords they killed whomsoever they met Whosoever escaped Johns hands Simon the more cruel murthered and whosover escaped the Tyrant within the City The way of flight was quite cut off
were put to death I came out again and join'd my self with the Priests and chiefest Pharisees whom I found surprized with great fear when they saw the People in Arms and uncertain what to do wanting the means to pacifie these mutinies But apparently perceiving the danger both I and the Pharisees feign'd our selves of their mind and counselled them to contain themselves in peace and let the Roman Forces depart in hope that Gessius would with all expedition draw out great Forces and chastise these L Peace-breakers But as soon as he arrived and fought with them he was overcome and a great number of his men slain whereupon follow'd the utter ruine of our whole Nation For such as desired the War were puffed up with that Victory and conceived assured hope that in the end they should overcome the Romans Besides this ensuing occasion presented it self The Inhabitants of the Cities that border upon Syria The Jews are plagued both by strangers and their own Countreymen laid hands on those Jews that dwelt among them and slew them with their Wives and Children without any just cause or crime committed by them For they had not conspired any ways or intended to revolt from the Romans or to use any Hostility or any secret Conspiracy against any of those with whom they were conversant But amongst all the rest the Citizens of Scythopolis exceeded all other in M impiety and wickedness For being besieged by certain of the Jews they inforced those Jews that inhabited amongst them to take Arms and fight against those of their own Nation which is expresly prohibited by our Laws and having overcome by their assistance they by a detestable perfidiousness forgot the obligation they had the faith which they had engag'd to them and slew every one of them to the number of many Thousands The like misfortune also fell upon those Jews that inhabited Damascus But of this we have more amply spoken in those our Books which we have written of the Wars of the Jews and at this present I make mention hereof onely to signifie to the Reader The Jews constrained by necessity to make War that our Nation became engaged in War with the Romans not out of voluntary intent and purpose but in great part by necessity and constraint N After that Gessius was overcome as is before declared the chiefest men of Jerusalem perceiving that the Seditious were strongly armed and provided they began to fear lest if they should be found disarmed they should suddenly be overthrown by their enemies as in effect it fell out afterwards and hearing that all Galilee was not as yet wholly revolted from the Romans but that a part thereof as yet remained in peace they sent me with two other Priests Joazar and Judas who were both virtuous and honourable men to persuade the mutinous to lay down their Arms and to let them know that it was more advantagious for the Nation that such Men as were in Authority and Reputation should have the keeping thereof The resolution that was taken O by them was that they had them always ready upon all occasions but that they expected until they were certified what the Romans intended to do A With this Commission and the like Instructions I repaired into Galilee where I found the Sephorites were ready to come to a Battel with the Galileans The danger of the Sephorites for that these latter had threatned to ravage their Countrey in regard of their league of friendship with the Romans contracted and ratified by Senius Gallus Governor of Syria But I delivered them from that fear and appeased the Common people by permiting them to send at all times when they pleased Sedition in the City of Tiberias their Hostages to Gessius who lay at Dora a City of Phoenicia I found likewise that the Inhabitants of Tiberias were already in Arms upon this occasion There were in that City three different Factions the one of the Nobility whose Chief was Julius Capella Three Factions in the City of Tiberias to whom were joined Herod the Son of Miarus Herod the Son of Gamal and Compsus the Son of Compsus For Crispus the Brother of Compsus who in times past had been made B Governor of the City for Agrippa sirnamed the Great was in his own possessions on the other side of Jordan All these I say were of opinion to remain under the Romans authority and to obey their King But Pistus alone of the Nobility would no ways acaccord to this advice by the persuasion of his Son Justus The second Faction was of the common sort who concluded upon War Justus Son of Pistus who was the Ringleader of the third Faction carried himself very doubtfully touching the War yet notwithstanding he secretly thirsted after Innovation hoping that by a change he should encrease his power The Oration of Justus Pistus's Son to the multitude Presenting himself therefore in the midst of the multitude he endeavored to persuade them that their City was always one of the chief of Galilee and that during the days of Herod the Tetrarch who founded the same it was the C chiefest City whose pleasure it was that the City of Sephoris should yield obedience to that of Tiberias That they had not lost that preheminence in the time of King Agrippa the Father but had continued the same till Faelix obtained the Government of Judaea But for the present since they had been given by Nero to the younger Agrippa they had fallen from and lost their Superiority For the City of Sephoris obtained the Sovereignty of Galilee after that she acknowledged the Roman Government which had removed the Treasure of the Charters and the Receipts of the Kings Money By these words and others of like nature against King Agrippa he incited the People to Rebellion Justus incites the people to Rebellion signifying to them That an opportunity invited them to take Arms to the end that being associated with the Galileans they might recover the advantages which D they had lost unjustly To which purpose all the Province would willingly join with them through the hatred they bare the Sephorites on whom they would revenge themselves with great power because they continued in their Allegiance which they promised to the Romans By these words he won the Peoples hearts to him for he was a Man very eloquent and by his subtilty and politick discourse Justus the off-spring of War easily overthrew all that which his Adversaries produced against him He was also skilful enough in the Greek Language to attempt the writing of the History of those Transactions to the end to disguise the truth thereof But in the process of this discourse I will shew more particularly what his ill designs were and how by his and his Brothers means he wanted little of utterly overthrowing E his Countrey When therefore this Justus had persuaded the Citizens of Tiberias to take
know what their pleasure was I should do They gave me this answer that I should remain where I was and retain my Collegues that I had with me if they thought good to take charge of Galilee But they after they had gather'd great Sums of Money for the Tenths and Tithes that were due to them resolved with themselves to return to their own houses But for that I entreated them to remain with me till such time as we had setled affairs they willingly consented unto me I therefore departed with them to the City of Sephoris and came into a Borough called Bethmaus distant from Tiberias some four Furlongs and from thence I sent a Messenger O to the Council of Tiberias desiring the chiefest among the people to come and speak with me They came accompanied with Justus I told them that I was sent Ambassador A to them with my Collegues by the Commonalty of Jerusalem to persuade them to deface that Palace that was erected by Herod the Tetrach wherein divers figures of living Creatures were painted for that our Law forbad such things and I exhorted them to suffer us to set about that execution as soon as possible Capella The Palace set on fire that was in Tiberias and those of his party did for a long time refuse to consent thereunto but in the end we press'd them so much that they condescended Now whilst we debated this matter Jesus the Son of Saphiâ—s of whom we have spoken heretofore declaring how he was the Chief of the Faction of Sailers and poor men took with him certain Galileans and set fire on the Palace in hope to get great Riches thereby for that there B were certain Roofs of the House covered with Gold and they pillag'd many things against our consent After we had thus conferred with Capella and the chiefest Tiberians we retired from Bethmaus into the higher Galilee In the mean time Jesus's Men slew all the Greeks that remained there and all who before the War had been their Enemies Which when I was certified of I was much displeased and went down to Tiberias to secure the King 's Moveables for fear they should be carried away by the Robbers and having recovered divers Candlesticks of Corinthian work rich Tables and no small quantity of massive Silver I resolved with my self to reserve it to the King's use Joseph procureth the safety of the King 's goods Calling therefore ten of the chiefest Senators and Capella Son of Antillus to me I delivered the Vessels into their hands charging them to deliver the same to no Man C but my self From thence with mine Associates I went to John at Gischala to know what his mind and resolution was and I presently discover'd that he affected Innovation and Tyranny For he desir'd me to grant him liberty to Transport Caesar's Wheat that was stored up in the Villages of higher Galilee telling me that he would bestow the price of the same in re-edifying and repairing the Walls of his City But I perceiving his drift denied him that liberty For I thought that that Wheat would either serve the Romans or the Province the care of which was committed to my hands by the City of Jerusalem When therefore he could get nothing at my hands he addressed to my Companions of whom not foreseeing those Troubles that were likely to come and greedy of D Rewards he obtained a liberty to dispose of all the Corn that was in the Province in that I my self was unable to contradict them both After this John used another subtlety for he said that those Jews who inhabited Caesarea Philippi being by the Command of their King John's acts in Gischala and his covetousness restrain'd within their Walls and wanting Virgin oyl desired to buy the same of him for fear lest contrary to their Custom they should be compelled to use that of the Greeks This he said not out of respect to Religion or Devotion but for his filthy lucres sake For knowing that among the Caesareans two sextaries were sold for a drachm and that at Gischala eighty sextaries were sold for four drachms he sent all the oyl that was in that Town to them pretending my permission I dar'd not withstand the same lest the People should stone me to death By this craft John gathered E a great Sum of Money From this place Joseph sends back his companions to Jerusalem I dismissed my Companions back to Jerusalem employing my self wholly afterwards in preparing Arms and fortifying Cities In the mean time calling the stoutest Libertines before me and having in vain exhorted them to quit their Arms I persuaded the People to pay them Contribution Joseph President of Galilee which was more advantagious for them than to suffer their Countrey to be spoiled by their Excursions And thus having taken their Oaths I dismiss'd them on condition that they should not come into our Region except they were called or wanted their due pay nor spoil either the Lands of the Romans or the Inhabitants of the Countrey But above all things my care was to keep Galilee in peace Joseph joined seventy of the Nobility with him To which purpose I got seventy pledges of their F Loyalty chosen out amongst their Nobility under pretext of friendship I made them my Companions and Fellow-Judges and decreed many things according to their opinions having especial care lest through rashness I should injure Justice or for Rewards stain mine incorrupted Honour Joseph at thirty years of age offered no Woman violence and would not be bribed I was now Thirty years old and though a man who bridles himself from unlawful affections can hardly escape the poysoned sting of detraction especially if great authority be annexed to his green years yet none ever durst say that I suffer'd Violence to be done to any Woman or receiv'd a Bribe from any Man yea I refused those Tenths which in right of Priesthood I might have receiv'd Yet after the Conquest of the Syrians I took part of the spoil which I freely confess I sent to Jerusalem to my Kinsmen And though at two times I forcibly overcame G the Sephorites the Tiberians four times and the Gadarenians once and had brought John under my subjection who had oftentimes sought to entrap me yet could I not endure to revenge my self on him Joseph's bounty towards his Enemies or any of the abovenamed People as in the sequel H of this story I will make manifest For which cause I suppose The Galileans faith and love towards Joseph that God who is the Tryer and Searcher of all hearts both delivered me at this time out of the hands of mine Enemies and afterwards many times from several dangers and misfortunes as hereafter shall appear But so great was the fidelity and benevolence of the common People of Galilee towards me John desireth that he might bathe himself in the hot bathes of Tiberias
that their Cities being overthrown and their Families led into Captivity they were less toucht with their own Calamities than concern'd for my preservation Which when John perceived he began to envy me And he writ to me that I would give him licence for his health-sake to bathe himself in the hot bathes of Tiberias I suspecting no Treason willingly granted him that which he demanded Moreover I wrote to those I to whom I had committed the trust and administration of the City to prepare him a Lodging and to furnish him and all his Followers with things necessary for Diet and Entertainment In the mean space I past my time in a certain Village of Galilee called Cana. John's Treason But after that John came to Tiberias he persuaded the Townsmen to forget their faith and duty to me and revolt unto him many of them lent a willing ear to his Entreaties especially such as were prone to change and desirous of dissention and in particular Justus and his Father Pistus willingly entertained this occasion to revolt from my obedience and to submit themselves to John yet was this Conspiracy of theirs prevented by my speedy access For a certain Messenger came to me from Silas whom I had formerly preferred to the Government of Tiberias who certified me of the K Citizens intent and exhorted me in all haste to repair thither otherwise the City would shortly fall into another mans hands As soon as I had perused Silas's Letters I Travelled all night with Two hundred chosen Men The people of Tiberias came out to meet Joseph and sending a Messenger before me to signifie my approach to the Citizens I neither lost time nor way and in the morning when I drew near the City the People came out to meet me and amongst the rest John who after he had saluted me with a suspitious Countenance fearing lest his Treason being discovered he should come in danger of his life he speedily retired himself into his Lodging When I came to the great Piazza and had dismiss'd all my Train but one servant Joseph's exhortations to the Tiberians and retained only Ten armed Soldiers with me I began to represent to the Tiberians from a certain high place from whence I might be heard how L important it was for them to remain faithful since otherwise I could no longer trust them and they would one day repent that they had fallen from their duty Scarcely had I spoken this but one of my Friends advertis'd me to descend telling me that this was no time to reconcile the Tiberians or to persuade them but rather to seek mine own security John seeketh to betray and murther Joseph and how I might escape mine Enemies That John having learned that I was destitute of Followers had sent a Thousand of his chosen Soldiers to kill me that they were at hand and ready to commit the Murther which they had done had I not speedily leapt down with the help of my servant Jacob and Herod the Tiberian who carried me to the Lake where finding a Back by M chance and putting forth to Sea I escaped contrary to mine Enemies expectation and came to Taricheas As soon as the Inhabitants of that City understood how persidiously and â—â—â—â—rously the Tiberians had dealt with me they were much displeased and betaking themselves to their Weapons persuaded me to lead them forth against them telling me that they would revenge the injury that was offered unto their Governor The Galileans require that they may invade Tiberias of which they sent advice thorow all Galilee Hereupon a great number of armed Galileans came to me and persuaded me to attaque Tiberias and destroy it and fâ—ll the Inhabitants with their whole Families under the Spear The like did my Friends who escaped with me out of the City persuade me But I in no sort would admit N their advice out of fear to revive a Civil War and judging it best to accommode the matter To which end I shew'd them that such revenge would be prejudicial to themselves also if the Romans at their coming should 〈◊〉 them in Civil discords By this discourse at length the Galileans rage was appeased But when John saw that he had failed of his purpose he began to fear for himself John excuseth himself to Joseph and taking with him those armed Men that he had about him he left Tiberias and went to Gischala from whence he wrote Letters to me excusing the Fact as if he had been no ways guilty thereof and desiring me not to suspect him and he confirmed his words with execrable Oaths to the end to get more credit to them O But the Galileans who were gathered in great multitudes from all parts of the Region A knowing that he was a wicked and persidious Man press'd me to lead them forth against him promising me to ruine both him Gischala and all his Countrey After I gave them Thanks for their love towards me and promised them that mine offices of love should be answerable to their kindness But I pray'd them to restrain themselves and to allow me to appease this Trouble without effusion of Blood This Request of mine the Galileans granted Whereupon we presently went to Sephoris But the Townsmen who were resolved to continue faithful towards the Roman people Jesus Captain of Thieves fearing my approach endeavor'd to divert me elsewhere To which purpose sending a Messenger to Jesus the Captain of eight hundred B Thieves that kept upon the Confines of Ptolemais they promised him a great Sum of Money if with his Army of eight hundred Men he would make War against me He allur'd by their promises resolv'd to surprize me unawares to which end he desir'd me by a Messenger to grant him leave to come and salute me which when he had obtained for that I was wholly ignorant of his Treason he took with him a Troop of his Thieves and hasted speedily towards me yet failed he of his purposed Treason for when he was not far off from me a certain Fugitive of his Troop discovered his intent towards me Which when I heard I went out into the Market-place feigning that I knew nothing of his secret Fraud being attended with a multitude of armed Galileans and among them with C certain Tiberians Jesus seeks to betray Joseph I sent abroad certain parties to guard the Highways and commanded the Keepers of the Gates that 〈◊〉 should onely suffer Jesus to enter with the foremost of his Company and exclude the rest and if they attempted to break in by force they should beat them off Jesus entering with a few was requir'd by me presently to lay down his Weapons except he desir'd to be slain he seeing himself invironed with armed Souldiers obeyed Whereupon they that follow'd him Joseph politickly surprizeth Jesus and were excluded perceiving that their Captain was apprehended suddenly betook themselves to flight and leading Jesus
the Enemies Countrey who had committed themselves to my trust yet thinking that if it should so fall out that they fell into the Romans hands they would be safer than if by suffering them to remain in my Countrey I should see them opprest I adventured them thus Yet were they saved and the King pardon'd them And this was the end of this Tumult But they of Tiberias wrote to the King desiring him to send a Garrison into their Countrey The Tiberians Letters to Agrippa Seven stadia maketh almost a German mile on which condition they would submit to him As soon as I knew of it I went to them and they desired me that I would build them those Walls which I had promised them for they had already heard that Tarichea was invironed with Walls Whereunto I I condescended and gathering Materials I set the Workmen to their task But some three days after departing from Tiberias toward Tarichea which was thirty stades distant from thence by chance a Troop of Roman Horsmen were discovered not far from the City which the Inhabitants believ'd were the Kings Army Whereupon they presently began to utter many things in honour of the King Sedition and Rebellion in Tiberias and more in my reproach And presently a certain friend posted to me and told me what their mind was and how they intended to revolt from me Which when I understood I was wonderously troubled For I had sent back my men of War from Tarichea to their houses because the next day was the Sabbath for I would by no means that the Citizens of Tarichea should be charged or troubled with entertaining Soldiers And at all times when I remained in that City I took K no care of the guard of mine own person having had often proof of the affection of the Inhabitants towards me Joseph in danger for the Tiberians sake Being therefore at that time attended only with seven Soldiers and a few of my Friends I knew not what to determine For I thought it not fit to call back my Forces because the day was well nigh past and although they should have been with me the next morning yet they might not have taken Arms because our Laws forbid the same how great soever the occasion be that is offered And although I should have drawn forth the Taricheans and the strangers that were retired thither and under hope of prey have led them forth yet I saw that they were too feeble to resist the enemy On the other side I already perceived that if I stayed over-long the Army which was sent by the King being already entred the City would have excluded me I therefore determined to L use this stratagem I presently set a Guard at the gates of the City consisting of my most trusty Friends suffering no man to pass out of them and assembling the chief of every Family I commanded them to lanch their Boats into the Lake and to follow me with the Masters of their ships Joseph saileth to Tiberias After which both I and my Friends and seven other Soldiers betook us to a Bark and sailed toward Tiberias But when the Tiberians saw that no Forces were come from the King and that the whole Lake was covered with Barks amazed and fearing the ruine of their City for that they supposed the ships to be full of Soldiers they changed their sentiments And laying by their Weapons themselves with their Wives and Children came forth to meet me and receiv'd me with joyful acclamations for they though I had had no notice of their intents beseeching me that for the safety M of their City I would enter the same But I drawing near the City commanded the Masters of the Barks to cast Anchor far off the shore lest the Townsmen might perceive that the ships were empty And I my self drawing near with mine own Bark to them reproached them that contrary to their Oaths they had been so foolishly induced to revolt After which I promised them pardon if so be they would deliver me ten of their chiefest Nobility which when they had incontinently performed I shipt them in a Bark and sent them Prisoners to Tarichea Then I demanded ten more and I continu'd to use the same artifice till I had by little and little got all the Senate of Tiberias and many of the chiefest Citizens and sent them thither At length the rest of the multitude perceiving in how great danger they were they N besought me that I would punish the chief Author of this Conspiracy Clytus the Author of the Sedition in Tiberias who was called Clytus a bold and rash young man I was unresolv'd what to do being loth to kill one of my own Nation and yet it was expedient to punish him wherefore I commanded Levias one of my Guard to seize on him and cut off his hand Levias not daring for that he was alone to enter into so huge a multitude I for fear lest his Cowardise should be discovered by the Tiberians called Clytus unto me and said unto him Vngrateful and perfidious man as thou art since thou deservest to lose both thy hands I charge thee to become thine own Executioner left through delay thou procure thy further punishment And whereas with many prayers he besought me to grant him one of his hands Clytus cuts off his own left hand I hardly condescended At length of his own accord for fear he should lose both he took a Knife O and cut off his left hand and thus was this Tumult appeased A As soon as I returned to Taricheâ— and the Tiberians understood what stratagem I had used with them they were all amazed seeing how I had punished their ingratitude and disobedience without any bloodshed Afterwards I sent for such of the people of Tiberias as were in Prison amongst whom was Justus and his father Pistus and invited them to sup with me and during the repast I told them that I was not ignorant that the Roman Army excelled all Men of the world in power and force notwithstanding that I kept my self silent in the respect of the Seditious that were round about and I counselled them that they also would do the like in expectation of better days and yet that in the mean time they would not think amiss of my Government because no other could treat them better I reminded Justus also that before I came from Jerusalem the Galileans B had cut off his Brothers hands accusing him to have forged false Letters before the War and that after Philip's departure the Gamelites being at odds with the Babylonians slew Cares Philip's own Kinsman Joseph dismisseth the Tiberians whereas I had moderately punished his Brother-in-law Jesus who had married his Sister After this discourse during supper time I set Justus and his Friends Philip the Son of Jacim early in the Morning at liberty But before this came to pass it hapned that
Philip the Son of Jacim departed from the Fort of Gamala upon this occasion As soon as he understood that Varus was revolted from King Agrippa and that Modius Equus who was his Friend was sent to succeed him he certified him of his estate by his Letters Agrippa's kindness and humanity towards Philip. which when he had received he highly rejoyced at Philip's safety and sent those Letters to the King and Queen who lived at Berytus Whereupon the King understanding C the false rumor that ran touching Philip that he was the Chieftain of the Jews Army who undertook the War against the Romans sent certain Horsemen to Philip to bring him to his presence before whom he no sooner arrived but he embraced him very kindly and shewed him to the Roman Captains telling them that that was Philip of whom it was commonly reported Hedio Gadara that he was in Rebellion against the Romans After which he sent him with a party of Horsemen in all diligence to the Fort of Gamala to draw his houshold servants from thence and re-establish the Babylonians in Batanaea and travel to his uttermost power that the Subjects might be continued in obedience and peace After Philip had received this commandment from the King he hasted to perform the same D But one Joseph a pretended Physitian or Treacle-seller One Joseph stirred up a sedition in Gamala gathering together a sort of bold young Men and inciting the Nobility of Gamala persuaded the People to fall from the King and take Arms for recovery of their former liberty Having thus drawn many to his party he fell to killing of all those that durst contradict him Amongst these died Cares Jesus his Kinsman and the Sister of Justus the Tiberian as we have heretofore declared After this they requested me by Letters that I would send them aid and Labourers to build Walls for their Town To both which Requests of theirs I easily condescended About this time the Countrey of Gaâ—lonitis as far as the Borough of Solyma rebelled against Agrippa I also inclosed with Walls Seleucia and Sogon which were two strong places unaccessible Many Jews revolt from the Romans and fortified by Nature I did the like also by Jemnia E Ameritha and Charabe a Borough of higher Galilee although they were scituated among the Rocks I fortified in like sort Taricheas also and Tiberias and Sephoris Cities of Galilee and the Cave of the Arbalians Bersobe Selamen Jotapa Capharath Comosogona Nepapha and the Mountain Itabyrim In which places I stor'd up great plenty of Corn and laid up much of Armor and Munition for defence Mean-while John laboureth to supplant Joseph in his Government John the Son of Levi increased his hatred daily more and more towards me being greatly grieved to see my prosperity and whereas he was fully resolved to rid me of my Life after he had encompassed his Countrey Giscala with Walls he sent Simon his Brother with an hundred Soldiers to Jerusalem to Simon the Son of Gamaliel desiring him to labour the matter in such sort with the City that my Authority might be F disannulled and that John by common consent might be ordained Governor of Galilee in my place This Simon was born in Jerusalem Noble in Birth and in Sect a Pharisee which Sect of all other is most strictly observant in the Laws of our Countrey a Man of excellent wisdom who by his counsel was able to repair the decaying Ruines of his Countrey and who of long time had made use of John's friendship because he was at that time mine Enemy This Man sollicited by the intercession of his Friends persuaded the High Priest Ananus and Jesus the Son of Gamala and other of his Faction to stop my increasing honors before I attain'd to a higher degree of power For it should be very advantagious for them also if I were removed from the Government of Galilee Further he told Ananus G and the rest Simon 's counsel against Joseph that they were not to delay the matter lest upon discovery of their counsel I should attack the City with an Army Ananus the High Priest replied That is could not easily be done for that divers Priests and Governors of the People bare witness for me that I behaved my self honestly in that Government and that it was ill done to H bring an Accusation against a Man who could not be charged with any Misdemeanor When Simon heard what Ananus said he pray'd him and the rest at least to speak nothing thereof nor to make his motion known for he himself would undertake the execution of it And calling unto him the Brother of John he charged him to tell his Brother that the way to accomplish his design was to send Presents to Ananus For said he they will work so much with him that they will make him change his opinion In the end Simon obtained that which he long time sought after For Ananus and his Adherents being corrupted with Money accorded to remove me from the Government of Galilee without the consent or allowance of any other of the Citizens For which cause they thought good to send certain persons Noble in Birth and no ways inferior to one I another in Learning whereof two were of the common sort and Pharisees the one called Jonathas Simons second counsel against Joseph the other Ananias the third was Jozarus of the Tribe of Levi who was also a Pharisee and of the race of the Priests To these they joined Simon who was also descended of the High Priests and the youngest of them all These they commanded to call together a Council of the Galileans and demand of them why they loved me so well If they answered that it was because I was of Jerusalem they should say that Jerusalem was their Countrey likewise But if they said it was because of my knowledge in the Law they were willed to say that they understood the same as well as I. If they said it was in regard I was a Priest that they loved me Ambassadors with Soldiers sent to Joseph they should likewise averr that two of them were Priests Being thus instructed and receiving forty thousand silver K drachms of the Publick treasure with their Fellow and Collegue Jonathan they set forwards And for that at the very same time a certain man called Jesus of Galilee was come to Jerusalem with a band of six hundred Soldiers they sent for him and hired him and gave him three Months pay commanding him to follow Jonathan and his Companions and to do as they should command them and to these they adjoined three hundred Citizens whom they hired with Rewards With this preparation the Legates set forward being accompanied with Simon John's Brother who had one hundred Soldiers with him with Commission from those that sent them that if I willingly laid down Arms they should send me alive to Jerusalem and if I resisted by
their Authority they might lawfully kill L me Joseph's Father signifieth all these News unto him They had Letters also directed to John which incited him to make War against me Moreover they charged the Sephorites Gabarites and Tiberians to maintain John against me After I had intelligence hereof by my Fathers Letters who had notice thereof by Jesus the Son of Gamâ—â—a one of those who were present at the deliberation and who intirely loved me I was much grieved seeing with how much ingratitude my Countreymen requited me and of malice had decreed my death and for that my Father invited me by most affectionate Letters to draw my self homeward telling me how much he desired to see me who was his Son before he left this life I imparted these things to my Friends and certified them that within three days I would forsake their Countrey and retire my self into mine own Joseph resolveth to return home Whereupon they were surprized with great sadness M and besought me with tears that I would not forsake them for that they should be utterly overthrown if so be they were left destitute of my conduct But whereas they could by no means persuade me and the care of mine own security prevailed very much with me the Galileans fearing lest I should leave them and by that means the Thieves should be encouraged to set upon them they sent Messengers thorow all Galilee to signifie unto them the resolution of my departure Whereupon divers understanding the news resorted unto me from all parts bringing with them their Wives and Children not so much as I suppose for the sorrow they conceived at my departure as the fear that they had for themselves For they persuaded themselves that if I remained among them there could no mischief befall them They assembled therefore in a great Plain called N Asochim where I remained That night in my sleep I had a strange dream Joseph's admirable dream For lying in my bed and being wholly disconsolate and troubled with the News I had received methought a certain Man from above spake unto me after this manner Comfort thy self and fear not For the distress in which thou art shall be the cause to make thee great and happy beyond thine expectation For not only these things shall turn to a fortunate issue but also many other Be not thou therefore dismayed but remember the advice that I give thee to make War against the Romans After this dream A number of Galileans besought Joseph that he would not forsake them I awak'd and as I prepared to go down into the Plain the people of Galilee with their Wives and Children humbling themselves to the earth and weeping besought me that I would not leave them for a prey to their Enemies or abandon their O Countrey to their discretion But seeing that I made small reckoning of their prayers they uttered a thousand curses against the people of Jerusalem that envied them the peace and happiness which they enjoyed under my conduct A After I had heard these words and seen the desolation of the People my heart was melted with compassion Joseph consenteth to stay in Galilee and I resolved in my self that in respect of so great a multitude my life could not be better hazarded than for their preservation I therefore gave my consent to remain with them and gave order that five thousand of the best Soldiers with fit provisions should attend me as for the rest I sent them back to their own houses When these five thousand presented themselves I join'd them to the other three thousand that I had with me and drew out with them fourscore Horsemen and marched on towards Chabalon a Borough upon the marches of Ptolemais where I undertook to prepare them for the Battel Placidus against Joseph expecting some assault from Placidus who was come with two Companies of Footmen and one of Horsemen sent by Cestius Gallus to B burn the Countrey-towns of Galilee and other little Boroughs that border on Ptolemais And for that he was entrenched before the City of Ptolemais I encamped my Army likewise not far from the Borough Chabalon some sixty stades off and divers times drew I out my Forces to bid him Battel but there pass'd nothing but skirmishes For Placidus perceiving my forwardness to fight was dismay'd thereat and retired himself yet he departed not from Ptolemais About this time came Jonathan with the other Ambassadors who as we have heretofore declared were sent by Simon and the High Priest Ananus they labour'd to entrap me by policy for that they durst not assail me in open field To which purpose they writ a Letter to me to this effect Jonathan's Letter to Joseph Jonathan and the Ambassadors with him who C are sent by those of Jerusalem to Joseph Greeting The chief Men of Jerusalem being informed that John of Gischala hath oftentimes sought to betray you we are sent to repress his malice and to exhort him hereafter to submit himself unto you And being desirous to confer with you touching what concerneth the publick good we pray you to resort to us as soon as you can with some few Attendants because the Borough is not able to entertain many To this effect they writ to me hoping that one of these two things would fall out either that coming disarmed I should be easily surprized by them or else bringing with me 〈◊〉 great Company I should be condemned for an Enemy to my Countrey The Messenger that brought me this Letter was a valiant young Man mounted on Horse-back and had in times past born Arms for the King A Horseman brought the Letters The time at which he came to me was two hours within night D when I was banquetting with my Friends and the chief Governors of Galilee After that one of my Houshold Servants had certified me that a certain Jew on Horseback was come to speak with me I commanded he should be brought in who saluted me but coldly and delivering me the Letter said unto me They that are come from Jerusalem send you this Letter give them a speedy answer For I am commanded to make a speedy return They that sate at the Table with me were amazed at the Soldiers insolence But for my self I willed him to sit down and sup with us but he refusing the same I open'd the Letter without the observation of any present and having seen what it contain'd I folded it up again and held it in my hand in such manner as I had received it and began to talk with my Friends of other affairs and not long after rising from Supper and dismissing the rest E to their repose I only retained with me some of my most intimate Friends and gave order that the Soldier should receive twenty drachms to bear the charges of his Voyage He having received the same and giving me thanks I perceived well that he lov'd Money and
consequently might easily be wrought upon with it Whereupon I said unto him if thou wilt drink with me thou shalt have a drachm for every glass thou drinkest To this the Soldier listned willingly and having drunk good store of Wine to get the more Money he became drunk so that he was unable any longer to conceal his secrets but of his own accord he declared the Treason that was prepared and how the sentence of death was given by them against me Joseph's policy Which when I understood I answer'd them to this effect Joseph's answer to Jonathan Joseph to Jonathan and those that accompany him Health I am F very glad to hear that you are arrived in Galilee in good health especially because I may now deliver into your hands the government of the affairs thereof to the end according as I have long time desired I may return into my Countrey I am willing not only to come to you at Xallon but to any further place also though you should not send for me But you will please to pardon me though I come not at this present for I am now at Chabalon to attend Placidus who pretendeth to invade Galilee Resort you therefore unto me after you shall have read these my Letters Farewel After I had written this answer and deliver'd it to the Soldier to carry it to them I sent with him thirty of my most approved Friends of Galilee commanding them to salute the Deputies without any further speech of any business whatsoever I assigned also to G each of these one of my most resolute and best Soldiers to watch carefully if any of those I sent should confer with Jonathan's Men. They therefore set forward on their way and Jonathan and the other seeing their first purpose failed them they sent me another Letter to this effect Jonathan's Message and Letter to Joseph Jonathan and his Company to Joseph Health We command you that H within three dayes you make your appearance before us without any of your Soldiers in the Borough of Gadara to the end we may take cognisance of the Crimes whereof you have accused John As soon as they had written this and received those Galileans whom I had sent they went to Japha which is the greatest Town of Galilee fenced with strong Walls and peopled with many Inhabitants The People of that City with their Wives and Children The Ambassadors of Jerusalem coldly entertained in Galilee came forth to meet them exclaiming against them with loud cryes and charging them to return back and not to deprive them of the good Governor they had Jonathan and his Companions though displeas'd with these words yet durst not make any open shew of their displeasure but without returning them any answer they resorted to other Towns where they met with no less peremptory Exclamations from the Multitude I who protested plainly that they would have no other Governor but Joseph Whereupon Jonathan with his Followers departed without any further speech and went to Sephoris the greatest City of Galilee The Inhabitants thereof being affected to the Romans went forth to meet them but they said nothing at all concerning me Departing from Sephoris they went to Asochim where the Citizens sung the same Song that the Japheans did Whereupon they being unable to contain their displeasure commanded their Soldiers to beat with their Truncheons those that exclaimed against them and desir'd me for their Governor And when they drew near Gabara John came out to meet them accompanied with 3000 Soldiers and I having intelligence by their Letters that they were resolved to make War against me departed from Chabalon accompanied with 3000 Soldiers and K having committed the Camp to the charge of one of my trustiest Friends I went to Jotapata because I would be within forty stades of them and sent them this Letter If your will be that I must needs come unto you Joseph writeth again to them there are in Galilee two hundred and four Cities and Boroughs I will meet you in any one of them which you please except Gabara and Gischala for that the one is the place of John 's Nativity and the other is Confederate with him After Jonathan had received this answer he replied no more but sought means to entrap me The consultation of the Ambassadors against Joseph John was of the opinion to write to all the Cities and Boroughs of Galilee supposing that without question there were one or two in them that were mine Enemies whom they might incense against me as against their common Enemy He gave order also that this his resolution should be sent to Jerusalem to the end that those of the City L understanding that I was adjudged an Enemy by the Galileans might in like sort confirm that their decree by their opinion For he said that by this means it would come to pass that the Galileans who were well affected towards me would forsake me for the fear they stood in of them This advice of Johns greatly pleased them all and was presently brought unto me about the third hour of the Night by one Sacchaeas who flying from them came and brought me the News and particularly related to me their intent For which cause perceiving that the time requir'd no longer delay I commanded Jacob who was one of my most assured and trusty Servants Joseph besetteth the wayes of Galilee to take two hundred Men with him and to beset the wayes between Gabara and Galilee and to send me those Passengers whom he should take and especially those that carried Letters I sent Jeremy also who was one M of my Friends to the marches of Galilee with six hundred Men at Arms to keep the passages that way toward Jerusalem commanding him to seize on all those that carried Letters and to commit the Men to Prison and to send me their Packets After I had in this sort instructed those whom I sent I commanded the Galileans the next day following to take their Arms Joseph with his Troops resorteth to Gabaroth and to furnish themselves with Victuals for three dayes and to attend me at the Borough of Gabaroth Those Soldiers that I had I distributed into four Companies and kept those with me in whom I reposed most confidence for the guard of my person and having appointed Captains over them and commanded them to be careful I charged them to suffer no unknown Soldier to enter in among them The next day I came to Gabaroth at the fifth hour of the day where I found all the N fields about the City full of armed Galileans who resorted thither to assist me according as I had commanded them Thither also came a multitude of other Men from other Boroughs As soon as I came amongst them and was ready to speak to them all of them began to cry out calling me their Benefactor and the Maintainer of their Countrey After I had solemnly given them
Lodging where Jonathan and the Embassadors were Whereupon seeing that it was impossible to restrain their fury I incontinently betook me to my Horse and commanded the People to follow me to Sogan a Borough of the Arabians distant from thence some 20 stades By this means I brought to pass that the beginning of a Civil War might not be imputed to me When I arrived at Sogan I made a halt and admonisht my Followers not to give way to their froward displeasures Joseph sends one hundred Ambassadors to Jerusalem nor entertain any desire of revenge and I commanded I them to choose out an hundred of the chiefest and eldest amongst them who should repair to the City of Jerusalem and there complain unto the People against those that had kindled Sedition in their Province And I said unto them If the People be favourable and listen to your discourse you shall persuade them to write unto me that by their authority I remain in Galilee and that John and his Followers depart from hence After I had given them this charge and that they were furnished with all things necessary for their journey with all expedition on the third day I dispatched them and sent five hundred armed Men with them I writ also to my Friends in Samaria so to provide for their passage that they might finish their journey in all security For Samaria was already in subjection to the Romans and it behoved my Men of necessity in order to make a short K journey to pass that way For from Galilee by this means a man may in three days arrive at Jerusalem Furthermore I conducted the Ambassadors my self as far as the Frontiers of Galilee setting Guards upon the ways to the end that none might easily know of their departure Which done I sojourned for a certain time at Japha But Jonathan and his Companions having failed of their purpose intended against me dismissed John to Gischala as for themselves they went to Tiberias hoping to bring the same under their obedience The Ambassadors hope to get Tiberias into their hands and possession for that Jesus who was President at that time had writen to them and promised them to persuade the People to entertain them and to take their part if they came in which hope they retired thither Sylas who as I declared was left by me as Agent in Tiberias certified me of all this by his Letters advising me to return in all diligence L in doing which I was brought in danger of my life upon this occasion that ensueth Jonathan and his Followers being come to Tiberias persuaded divers who were mine Enemies to revolt from me Joseph falleth in danger but after they were certified that I was there in person they were afraid and came unto me and saluting me told me that they reputed me happy in that I had so wisely behaved myself in Galilee and they rejoyced also in appearance that I was returned with honor telling me that they participated in that honor as being their Fellow-Citizen And they protested to me that the friendship which I bore them was more considerable to them than that of John and desired me to return promising very shortly to deliver John into my hands and these speeches of theirs they seconded with dreadful Oaths Jonathan and his Confederates policy which made me think that I had no cause to disbelieve them Furthermore they M prayed me to take up my Lodging in another place because the Sabbath being near it were an inconvenience that the City of Tiberias should be drawn into trouble on that day I who suspected nothing repaired to Tarichea leaving notwithstanding certain of my Friends behind me in Tiberias who might curiously observe what the common talk was of me and all along the way betwixt Tarichea and Tiberias I laid certain Men in wait who from one to another might certifie me of that which was discovered by them who remained in the City The next day therefore they all assembled in the Proseucha or Oratory which was a large house wherein they prayed and capable of a great Multitude The People assemble in the Proseucha When Jonathan was entred into this place he durst not openly speak to them of a revolt but only told them that their City had need of a better Governor But the President N Jesus without dissembling spake plainly after this manner unto them It were better for you my Friends that you were subject to four Men of Nobility and great wisdom than to one and thereupon he pointed to Jonathan and his Collegues Justus stood up and praised this advice and drew some of the people to his opinion But the greater part assented not and there had presently followed a mutiny had not the Assembly been dismissed The Jews sixt hour is to ui eleven or twelve a Clock at noon by reason it was mid-day which is the ordinary hour amongst them to take their repast Thus did Jonathans consorts remit the determination of the matter until the next day retiring themselves without any good done Which being reported to me I resolved with my self the next morning to repair to the City of Tiberias and accordingly arriving there very early I found the People already assembled in the place of O prayer but they knew not the cause why they were assembled Jonathan and his Collegues seeing me there contrary to their expectation were very much troubled and A bethought themselves of this subtilty They told the Multitude that a certain Friend of theirs had inform'd them Jonathan and his Associates subtilty that he had discovered certain Roman Horsemen upon the Frontiers of that Territory some thirty stades from the City in a place called Homonoea Whereupon they cry'd out that they ought not to endure their Countrey to be pillag'd by the Enemy in their sight They used this Speech supposing that under pretext of rescuing the Countrey they might send me abroad and so remain Masters of the City by getting the affection of the Inhabitants to my prejudice Now although I knew very well their intent yet I gave ear to them lest I should bring the Tiberians into an opinion that I was negligent and careless of their security I therefore rode out and came to the place of which they had spoken where finding no footstep B or appearance of an Enemy False Accusations and Epistles produced by the Ambassadors against Joseph I returned speedily without delay to Tiberias When I came there I found the whole Council assembled with a Multitude of People and Jonathan making against me a very vehement Invective that I made no account to relieve them in their Wars and studied nothing but mine own pleasure And whil'st they spake these words they produced four Letters as written unto them by those who live upon the Marches of Galilee requiring succor of them for that the Roman Horsemen and Footmen would within three days forage
Priest The hundred Amdassadors return from Jerusalem and Simon the Son of Gamaliel that without their consent they had sent Deputies into Galilee to L dispossess me of the Government there and their displeasure was so great that they were ready to set their Houses on fire They brought me also Letters by which the Governors of Jerusalem upon the instant Request that the People made to them confirmed me in the Government of Galilee and commanded Jonathan and his Associates to return back again with all expedition An Assembly in Arbela After I had receiv'd these Letters I repair'd to the Borough of Arbela where I assembled the Galileans before whom I commanded the Ambassadors to report how much the People of Jerusalem were displeased at those things which Jonathan had done against me and how they confirm'd me in the Government of this Countrey The Council held against Joseph by Jonathan and his Companions and recall'd Jonathan and his Confederates back again to Jerusalem After this I sent them that Letter that was directed to them commanding the M messenger to observe very carefully both their actions and countenance They were greatly troubled and sent for John and those of the Council of Tiberias with the Governor of Gabara and consulted with them what was best to do The Tiberians opinion was that Jonathan and dis Collegues should continue to take care of affairs and not forsake the City which had put itself into their hands especially because I would attack them for that I had so threatned them they were not asham'd to feign and imagin This advice not only pleased John but he further gave this counsel that two of the Ambassadors should be sent from them to the People of Jerusalem to accuse me that I had unjustly govern'd Galilee which they might very easily persuade the People to believe both in regard of their Authority as also for that the common People are by nature variable and inconstant This counsel N that John gave was allow'd by them all and it was thought fit that Jonathan and Ananias should in person repair to Jerusalem and the other two remain at Tiberias and for their Convoy they gave them an hundred armed Soldiers The Tiberians after this provided for the reparation of their Walls gave commandment to all the Citizens to take Arms The Tiberians intend War against Joseph Jonathan with his Followers taken and kept captive and sent for some supplies to John who was at Gischala to strengthen their Garison if they should any ways be assaulted by me Jonathan travelling onwards of his Journey came to Dabaritta a City situated upon the uttermost Borders of Galilee in a great Plain there he met about Midnight with some of my Troops that kept the Watch who commanded them to lay by their Arms and kept them Prisoners as I had commanded them Hereof Levi who had the charge of this O Quarter certifi'd me by his Letters I dessembling the matter for two days sent Letters A to the Tiberians by which I counselled them to lay their Arms aside and dismiss every one to his own dwelling place But they returned me an injurious answer for they supposed that Jonathan and his Train were already arrived in Jerusalem But I setting light by their Injuries resolved to use Cunning rather than Force for I thought it a dangerous matter to kindle a Civil War Being therefore willing to draw them out of their walls I chose out ten thousand of my best Soldiers whom I distributed into three Bands and lodged one Company of them secretly at Dora in ambush I placed another thousand in a certain Borough scituate in a mountainous place some four stades from Tiberias commanding them that as soon as I gave them a watch-word or sign they should break forth The Tiberians scoff very bitterly against Joseph as for my self I drew into the open field and there quarter'd B Which when the Tiberians saw they made continual Excursions towards me using many bitter and injurious Taunts against me and so great Folly possessed them that they laid a Coffin in the open Plain and going round about the same they scornfully seemed to lament me as dead whil'st in the mean time I took pleasure to laugh at their follies But being desirous to surprize by some policy Simon and Joazar the two other Collegues I sent to desire them that they would march forth a little without their walls attended by their Friends and a Guard for their security for that I was minded to confer with them upon a Peace Joseph surprized Simon by subtilty and leadeth him away prisoner and to share the Government with them Simon blinded with Ambition was so weak as to come forth with all expedition but Joazar suspecting some stratagem would not adventure without the walls As soon as I saw Simon C I went out to meet him and embraced him kindly giving him thanks for that he was come down and after walking along with him as if I intended to communicate somewhat with him in secret I withdrew him from his Friends and laying hands on him I deliver'd him to my Friends to lead him into the Borough and gave a sign to my Soldiers to come forth and with them I assaulted the City of Tiberias There was a sharp skirmish on both sides and the Tiberians had well nigh gotten the Victory for my Soldiers began to flie but perceiving how the matter went I animated those of my Company and gave a valiant onset on the Tiberians who almost had the better and chased them into their City and sent another Company by the Lake to set fire on those Houses which they should first light upon Joseph surprizeth Tiberias Hereupon the Tiberians thinking their City was D taken by force cast down their Weapons for fear and pray'd me to have compassion on their Wives and Children and to pardon their City Accordingly being moved with compassion I restrained the fury of my Soldiers and because it was late I sounded a Retreat both to spare the City and relieve my wearied and wounded Soldiers I sent for Simon to come and sup with me and comforted him in his misfortune promising him to send him to Jerusalem with all fafety and to furnish him for his ordinary expences with all things necessary The next day with ten thousand Soldiers I entred into Tiberias Joseph sends the Authors of the Sedition to Jotapata and having assembled the chiefest Citizens in the Hippodrome I commanded them to discover to me who had been the Authors of that Rebellion They satisfied me and I laid hands on them and bound them and sent them incontinently to Jotapata As for Jonathan E and his Consorts I gave them Money for their charges and sent them back to Jerusalem with Simon and Joazar and five hundred Soldiers for their Guard Hereupon the Tiberians re-assembled themselves before me beseeching me to pardon their misdeeds
promising me to recompence by their future fidelity their former defection Those Goods that were taken from the Citizens are restored and desiring me to restore those Goods to the Citizens which in way of pillage were taken from them Whereupon I gave command that all the prey should be brought and laid before me and whereas the Soldiers delayed to perform the same I espying one of those Soldiers that stood by me better apparelled than he was wont to be asked him where he had gotten that Garment who confessing that he had taken it in the spoil of the City I caus'd him to be well-cudgel'd and threatned a worse punishment to all those that F would not restore what they had taken away By which means recovering a great part of the prey together I gave every Citizen that which belong'd to him In this place I cannot forbear to reprehend Justus A Reproof of Justus the Historiographer that falsely accused Joseph and others for foul dealing For having spoken of this business in their Histories they are not asham'd to gratifie their passion and hatred by delivering it to Posterity otherwise than indeed it was In which they differ nothing from Counterfeiters of Evidences and Razers of Records but that these Men are more encourag'd by impunity For Justus to the end he might seem to employ his time well undertaking to set down the events of this War hath belyed me in many things and hath been no less guilty of falsities in matters relating to his own Countrey For which cause I am necessarily enforced in this place to discover that G which hitherto I have concealed and to reprove that which he hath falsely testified of me neither is it to be wondered at that I have so long deferred it For whosoever writes a History though oblig'd to speak the Truth yet is not bound H to inveigh against the wickeder sort too vehemently not for that they are worthy of this favour but that he may keep himself within the bounds of prudence and moderation Tell me therefore Justus for thou desirest to be held for the man of greatest credit amongst all other Historians tell me I pray thee in familiarity for I must so talk with thee as if thou wert present before me how I and the Galileans were the Authors of that Rebellion which thy Countrey began both against the Romans and their King For before I was chosen Governor of Galilee by the People of Jerusalem both thou and all the Tiberians were not only up in Arms but had already made War against those of Decapolis in Syria Thy self hadst burnt their Villages and one of thy Servants dyed in that encounter Yet I not I alone witness this but it is extant also in writing in the Records of the Emperor Vespasian how the Inhabitants of Decapolis supplicated Vespasian then in the City of Ptolemais that thou mightest be punished as the Author of their mischiefs and assuredly thou hadst been punished by the Emperor had not Agrippa who received Commission to execute thee upon the instant request of his Sister Bernice spared thy life and kept thee bound in Prison for a long time But the sequel of thy actions sufficiently shews what the rest of thy life hath been and how thou didst cause thy Countrey to rebel against the Romans whereof I will produce hereafter most evident Arguments and for thy cause will I urge somewhat against those other Tiberians and will make it plain to such as shall read these Histories that thou hast been no friend to Rome Tiberias Justus Countrey nor faithful to thy King And I first instance in the greatest K Cities of Galilee Sephoris and Tiberias two chief Cities of Galilee Sephoris and Tiberias in which thou Justus wert born The former is scituate in the heart of Galilee having round about it a number of Villages and being easily able to make a revolt at pleasure yet notwithstanding the Citizens thereof resolved to observe their faith to the Romans and would not receive me nor take Arms for the Jews And through the fear they had of me the Inhabitants surpriz'd me by their artifices and oblig'd me to encompass their City with a wall and that done they willingly entertained a Garison which was sent them from Cestius Gallus who was General of the Roman Legions in Syria and deny'd me entrance because at that time he had a great power and terrifi'd the Countrey round about Yea when our great City of Jerusalem was besieged and the Temple common to all our Nation was in danger to fall into the Enemies hands the Sephorites L sent no succors to the end it might not be said that they took Arms against the Romans But thy Countrey Justus being scituate upon the Lake of Genazareth distant from Hippos thirty stades from Gadara sixty from Scythopolis sixscore in a Countrey obedient to the King having not any City of the Jews round about it might have very easily kept their faith to the Romans if they had pleas'd For both the City and People were furnished with Munition in all abundance But as thou sayest I was the cause at that time And who afterwards For thou knowest that before the siege of Jerusalem I was in the Romans hands and that Jotapata was taken by force and divers other Castles and that a great number of Galileans had been lost in divers Battels At that time shouldest thou have delivered thy self of that fear thou hadst of me laying thine arms aside and presenting thy self to the M King and the Romans if thou tookest Arms not of thine own accord but enforced But the truth is you expected Vespasian's coming even until such time as he begirt your City with a siege and then laid you your Arms aside for fear of danger yea even then had your City been overthrown except the King in excuse of your folly had obtained your pardon at Vespasian's hands It was not therefore my fault but your own that you behaved your selves like Enemies to the Roman Empire Do not you remember how often I obtained the victory against you and how seldom you could complain of Bloodshed But you falling at dissention one with another became the instruments of your own ruine and not for the love you bare either to the King or the Romans but of your own malice you slew an hundred eighty five Citizens at such time as I was besieged by the Romans in Jotapata Nay more is it not true N that during the said siege of Jerusalem there were more than two thousand Tiberians slain or taken Prisoners But perhaps thou wilt alledge that at that time thou wert no Enemy because thou wert fled to the King but I tell thee that thou fleddest thither for the fear thou hadst of me I am a wicked man as thou sayest but what art thou whom King Agrippa delivered from punishment Justus condemned to death at such time as thou wert condemned by
Vespasian to lose thy head whom he made Prisoner twice and as many times past the sentence of Banishment against and once commanded to be thine own Murtherer spar'd thy life upon the importunate sollicitation of his sister Bernice And after so many Crimes committed by thee having entertained thee for his Secretary when he found thy corruption in that office he banished thee from his presence O A But I will say no more of these matters notwithstanding I wonder at thine impudence that hast openly protested Justus knew nothing of the Wars of the Jews that thou hast written more exactly and perfectly of this matter than any man whereas thou art utterly ignorant of those things that were done in Galilee For at that time thou wert at Berytum with the King and knewest not what the Romans suffer'd at the siege of Jotapata seeing thou didst not follow us Neither couldst thou be able to learn how I behaved my self therein for that there was not one of those that helpt me to defend it left alive to give thee certain intelligence Thou wilt perhaps say that thou hast carefully described that which hapned during the siege of Jerusalem And how is this possible For thou wert neither agent nor spectator in that War neither hast thou read the Commentaries of Vespasian Which I clearly affirm because thou hast written clean contrary to that which is B contained therein Justus published his Book when Titus and Vespasian were dead And if thou art so confident that thy History is truer than others why didst thou not publish it during the lives of Vespasian and Titus who were the Generals of that War or during the life of King Agrippa and his Relations who were all of them very expert in the Greek tongue For thou hast kept it written by thee above twenty years and mightest have produced witness of thine exact diligence before them who were privy to all things But now when they are dead and thou thinkest that no man liveth that may reprove thee thou hast taken the boldness to publish thy Work I have used no such policy in my Books but presented them to the Emperors themselves Manifest Testimonies of the truth of Josephus History who were eye-witnesses and actors thereof For I knew in mine own soul that I had set down all things truly Whereupon I obtained my expected approbation Moreover I communicated the same History with divers others whereof C some of them were present in the War as was King Agrippa and some of his kindred And Titus the Emperor himself was so desirous that posterity should learn the truth of that History out of these Books that he placed them in his Library and caused them to be published being subscribed with his own hand As for King Agrippa he sent me seventy two Epistles testifying the truth of my Books whereof two are subjoin'd to the end that the truth may appear thereby King Agrippa to his dear friend Joseph Health I have with great contentment read the Book wherein thou seemest in my opinion to have handled this matter more exactly The first Epistle than any other For which cause I pray thee send me the rest Farewel my friend King Agrippa to Joseph his dear friend Health I perceive by thy writings that thou needest no information from me The second Epistle how matters passed from the beginning yet when we D meet next I will between me and thee tell thee certain things which thou knowest not Thus was he a witness of the truth of my History Josephus prosecuteth his History and leaveth to debare with Justus not flattering me for it became him not neither deriding me for far was it from so noble a mind to be subject to so servile a folly but onely to this end that the truth of my writings might be commended to the Reader by his testimony And thus much have I thought good to set down by way of answer to Justus Now as soon as I had pacified these troubles in Tiberias and had established a council of such as were well affected towards me I bethought my self of what concerned me to do in respect of John All they of Galilee were of the opinion that I should gather together all the forces of my Government and march against John and do justice upon E him as he that had been the Author of all this mischief But for mine own part I misliked their counsels because my desire was to extinguish these Troubles without blood-shed and for that cause I injoyn'd them with all diligence possible to learn the names of all those who served under him which being done I published a Proclamation by which I promised safety and pardon to all those that should forsake John assigning them the term of twenty daies to determine of that which seemed best for their own security and I threatned to set fire on their houses and confiscate their goods Four thousand of John's Followers forsake him and follow Joseph except they quitted their Arms. They hearing these things were greatly troubled and forsook John and after they had laid down their Arms they came unto me to the number of four thousand so that only about fifteen hundred Men remained F with John either of Citizens or strangers of Tyre When John perceived that he was circumvented by this policy he ever after remained quiet in his Countrey in great fear At that time the Sephorites grew so bold that they took Arms in confidence of the strength of their walls and for that they saw me distracted with other business They sent to Cestius Gallus Governour of Syria praying him to repair to them with all expedition and take possession of their City or send them a Garrison at least Gallus promised to come to them but he set down no certain time of his approach Whereof when I was advertised I took the Men of War I had and marched against the Sephorites and took their City by force The Galileans very glad of this opportunity and supposing the time was come wherein they might satisfy the insatiable hatred G they bare against that City omitted nothing that might wholly ruine the City with all the Inhabitants They set fire on the houses which they found desolate for the Inhabitants were fled away for fear and retired into a Fortress They plundred the Town and left nothing unspoiled neither was there any kind of misery which they H inflicted not on their Countrymen Sephoris spoiled Which when I saw I was much grieved and commanded them to give over telling them it was impiety in them to shew themselves so savage towards their Countreymen And seeing that neither by any prayer or command I could draw them to obedience for that their animosity was so violent I commanded those that were about me and whom I most trusted to spread a rumor that the Romans were entring on the other side of the City with
a great Army All which I did to the end that by this rumor I might restrain the fury of the Galileans and save the City of Sephoris And this policy took good effect For when they heard this news they were afraid and forsook their pillage to trust to their heels because I who was their General did the like For I made a shew that I believed the rumor to be I true as well as they and by this stratagem the City Sephoris was saved beyond all hope Tiberias also hardly escaped from being spoiled by the Galileans Tiberias in danger of ruine through this occasion which ensueth The chiefest of their Council writ to the King to desire him to come and take possession of their City The King promised to satisfie them very shortly and deliver his Letters to one of his chamber called Crispus a Jew born to carry the same to the Tiberians The Galileans took this messenger on the way and brought him unto me which when the common people understood of meer spleen they fell to Arms and the next day divers of them assembled themselves from all parts and came to the City of Asoch where I made my abode and made great exclamations calling the Tiberians traitors and the Kings friends and demanding of me K liberty to repair to Tiberias and raze it to the ground being as much displeased against the Tiberians as they were against the Sephorites Which when I heard I stood in great doubt how to deliver the Tiberians from that displeasure which the Galileans had conceived against them for I could not deny but that the Tiberians had written and sent for the King for the answer which he made them Joseph consulteth with himself did evidently express the same Having along while debated the matter with my self I said unto them I know as well as you that the Tiberians have offended neither will I hinder you from spoiling their City but you must proceed to the execution thereof with some prudence For the Tiberians alone do not betray the publick liberty but others also who are more accounted of in the Countrey of Galilee Stay L therefore until such time as I am throughly informed who they be that are Authors of this Treason and then you shall have them all under your hands with all such you paticularly think worthy punishment By this discourse I appeas'd the People who departed from me contented The Galileans wrath pacified conceived against the Tiberians As for the messenger that was sent by the King I caused him to be imprisoned having respect to an urgent necessity of mine own which constrained me to depart out of the Kingdom within a little while And calling Crispus secretly unto me I charged him to make the Soldier drunk who had the charge of him to the end that he might in all security flie back to the King Thus Tiberias being ready to be destroyed the second time by my government and providence avoided a great and fatal danger M At the same time Justus the son of Pistus fled to the King without my knowledge the cause of which flight I will orderly express As soon as the Romans had begun the War against the Jews Justus desireth to command Galilee the Tiberians concluded to obey the King and in no sort to rebel against the Romans But Justus persuaded them to take Arms thirsting after alteration and hoping to usurp the Government of Galilee and of his own Countrey but his hope failed him for the Galileans being enviously bent against the Tiberians for those injuries they had suffered at their hands before the War would not allow Justus to be their Governor My self also whom the People of Jerusalem put in trust with the Government of Galilee was oftentimes so much moved that I failed little of killing Justus so intolerable was his perfidiousness He therefore fearing least my displeasure should shorten his days went N to the King supposing that he might live more freely and securely with him The Sephorites beyond their expectation having escaped this first danger writ to Cestus Gallus the second time desiring him to come to them to the end he might seize their City or else send them Forces to withstand the incursions of their enemies And they wrought so much that Gallus sent them a Body of Horsemen and after them Footmen who came by night and were received into their City But seeing that the Country round about was but in poor estate by reason of the Roman Horsemen I drew my Forces together and came to Garizim where I encamped some twenty stades from Sephoris and by night I approached the same Joseph assailed the walls of Sephoris and set Ladders to the wall with which I entred a great number of my Soldiers and became Master of the better part of the City from O whence notwithstanding we were afterwards constrained to retire because we knew not all the ways killing before our departure twelve Roman Footmen and two Horsemen A with some Sephorites with the loss of one of ours Afterwards a Fight hapning between us and their Horsemen in open field we fought for a long time with disadvantage For the Romans having invironed me on all sides my Reerward through the fear they conceived began to retire In this skirmish I lost one of my Guard called Justus who in times past had served in the very same place under the King Silas Captain of the King's Guard After this the King's Forces both of Horse and Foot came thither under the Government of Silas Captain of the Guard who encamping some five stades off from Julias beset the Highways that lead towards Cana with Men of War and the Fort of Gamala to hinder the Inhabitants from receiving any Commodities from the Countrey of Galilee As soon as I received News hereof I sent out two thousand Soldiers under the command B of Jeremy who lodging themselves within a stade of Julias near the River Jordan offered nothing else but light skirmishes until such time as I had gathered three thousand Soldiers more and came to them The next day having planted an Ambush in a certain Trench near the enclosure of their Camp I touled out the King's Soldiers to skirmish having first forewarned my Soldiers to feign a flight till they had drawn their Enemies as far as the Ambush which they cunningly executed But Silas supposing that our Men fled for Cowardice set forward to follow them as fast as he could but they that lay in Ambush charged him on the back Joseph putteth the King's Soldiers to flight and discomfited his Army and I presently turning and making head against them constrained the King's Forces to trust to their heels and I should have got a signal Victory had not Fortune cross'd my C success For the Horse whereon I rode falling into a certain Bog cast me on the ground whereby my hand being put out of joint about
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
where this Tower was builded 9. is at this present called Babylon by reason of the confusion of tongues that first began in that place for Babel in Hebrew signifieth confusion Of this Tower and the diversity of languages Sibylla makes mention in these words At such D time as men used one kind of language Sibyls prophecy of the Tower of Babel they built a most high Tower as if they meant by the same to mount up into Heaven but the gods rais'd winds and overthrew the Tower and sent amongst the Builders distinct and several languages whence it came to pass that the City which was afterwards built in the same place was called Babylon But as touching the field of Senaar where Babylon stands Hestiaeus testifieth after this manner It is said of those sacrificers who escaped from this great disorder that they took the Sacred Reliques of Jupiter the Conqueror and came into Senaar of Babylon CHAP. V. How Noah's Posterity disperst themselves thorow the whole World E FRom that time forward by reason of the diversity of tongues the multitude dispersed themselves into divers Countries and planted Colonies in all places and occupied those places whither either God or their good fortune conducted them Hedio Ruffinus cap. â— so that both the Sea-coasts and the Middle-land were replenished with Inhabitants Some there were also The year of the World 1790 before Christ's Nativity 2174. who passing the Sea in ships and vessels first peopled the Islands And there are some Nations likewise who at this day retain the names which in times past were imposed on them some others have changed them Others are altered into names more familiar and known to the Neighbors deriving them from the Greeks the Authors of such Titles For they in latter times having grown to great name and power The Names of Regions and Nations appropriated the ancient glory to themselves in giving names unto the Nations which they subdu'd as if they F had taken their original from them CHAP. VI. The Descendants of Noah down to Jacob. The several Countries which they possess'd NOw they Hedio Ruffinus cap. 11. in honour of whom the Nations receive their first names were the children of the sons of Noah Gen. 10. à ver 10. ad finem Japhet the son of Noah had seven children who extended themselves in Asia The 〈◊〉 descended from Gomar from the mountains of Taurus and Amanus to the River of Tanais and in Europe unto Gades occupying the Countries which they first met with not before inhabited and calling their several Lands by their own name Gomar was the founder of the Gomarians The Progeny of Japhet whom the Greeks now call Galatians Magog dwelt amongst those who G according to his name were called Magogians Noah's first begotten Son and by the Greeks Scythians Of Madâ—â— the first begotten son of Japhet issued the Madians whom the Greeks name Medes and of Javan his other son the Jonians all the race of the Greeks took their original Thobelus gave name likewise to the Theobelians who at this day are called Iberians Meschus was H the founder of them that were called Meschinians who were since named Cappadocians for they shew even at this day a token of their ancient name to wit the City of Masaca which testifieth that this Nation hath been so called There 's gave name to the Therians who were under his Government and whom the Greeks called Thracians All these Nations took their original from the seven sons of Japhet The Progeny of the Sons of Gomar But of the three sons which Gomar had Aschanaxes gave name to the Aschanaxians at this day termed Rheginians by the Greeks Riphates gave name to the Riphatinians called at this day Paphlagonians Tygranes to the Tygraneans The Progeny of the Sons of Javan who by the Greeks are called Phrygians Also Javan the son of Japhet had three sons of whom Alisus gave name to the Alisians who at this present day are the Aetolians over whom he commanded Tharsus St. Paul 's Countrey Acts 9. Tharsus gave name to the Tharsians which was the ancient I name of the Cilicians as appeareth by the name of their Renowned and Metropolitane City Tharsis Chetim obtained the Isle of Cherine called at this day Cyprus whence it is that not only all Islands but also all places on the Sea-coast are by the Hebrews called Cethim witness one of the Cities of Cyprus Whence grew the change of names which hath had the fortune to preserve its ancient name being called Citium by those that give Greek names to all things a word not very much varying from Cethim These Nations were founded by the sons and young children of Japhet But I will first publish one thing which perhaps is unknown to the Greeks and then prosecute my purposed Narration which I have omitted that is that these names have been changed after the manner of the Greeks to the end their pronuntiation might be more easie and agreeable For we never alter the terminations of words K But the sons of Cham possessed Syria and all the Region that abutteth on the Mountains of Amanus and Libanus Of the Sons of Cham and their Progeny extending their Empire even as far as the Ocean and giving names to the same Which names are partly wholly abolished and partly so changed that they are very hard to be known There are only the Aethiopians of whom Chus one of Cham's four sons was Prince that have always preserv'd their name and not only in that very Countrey but also through all Asia they are call'd Chuseans to this day The Mesreans descended from Mesré Libya or Africa have also preserv'd their name for we call Aegypt Mesrée and the Aegyptians Mesréans Phut likewise establisht the Colonies of Libya and called the Inhabitants thereof according to his name Phutians and there is a River in the Countrey of Mauritania which hath the same name of which it is manifest that divers L Greek Histories make mention as also of the Countrey near adjoining which they call the Countrey of Phut but it hath since changed its name by the means of one Libis one of the sons of Misraim why it is called Africa I will hereafter signifie unto you As touching Canaan the fourth son of Cham The Progeny of the Chananeans he dwelt in the Countrey at this day called Judaea and call'd it the Countrey of Canaan according to his own name Chus who was the eldest son of Cham had six sons Sabas Prince of the Sabeans Evilas Prince of the Evileans The year of the World 1790. before Christ's Nativity 2174. at this day called Getulians Sabathes Prince of the Sabatheans whom the Greeks name Astabarians Sabactes Prince of the Sabactians and Romus Prince of the Romeans who had also two sons of whom Juda dwelt in the Countrey of the Indians amongst those
Egypt they abstained from his slaughter Hedio Ruffinus cap. 10. al. 7. Being therefore thus born and brought up when he increased in years he evidently by his virtue made it known unto the Egyptians that he was O born to abase their pride and to exalt the Hebrews by this occasion which ensueth The Ethiopians who confine upon Egypt having spoiled and destroyed the Countrey round A about them spoiled and made pillage of all the Goods of the Egyptians who incensed against them for the wrongs and injuries which they had done levied an Army intending to revenge them of that disgrace which their Enemies had offered them but in the Battel they were all put to flight so that many of them were slain and the rest shamefully flying Ver. 11. returned with ignominy worse than death into their own Countrey The Ethiopians proud with this good fortune The Egyptians war against the Ethiopians instantly pursued them and supposing it a cowardly part not to take the benefit of their present good fortune and conceiving an assured hope of conquering Egypt they enter'd the Countrey and generally wasted the same and having tasted of the sweetness of pillage without any temper or moderation in their Victory they were encouraged to attempt greater matters And whereas B they perceived that having wasted all the Neighbor-regions no man durst sally out to encounter them in Arms they marched forward toward Memphis even to the Sea arriving near no City that had the heart or durst make head against them By which calamities the Egyptians being much oppressed they send one to ask counsel of the Oracle by what means they might redress their miseries and when an answer was given them That they should choose an Hebrew to assist them in the Wars the King commanded his daughter to give them Moses who together with the Empire might govern the whole Army She taking an Oath of the King that no injury or violence should be offered him delivered him into his hands esteeming it to be a great good fortune for Moses that he was called to the succor of her Countrey and on the other side blaming the Priests C who were not ashamed to demand his aid and assistance The Egyptians require Moses to be their Captain whom they had adjudged to be slain as their common Enemy But Moses exhorted by Thermuthis and the King willingly took the charge upon him Whereat the Priests of both Nations were very joyful for the Egyptians hoped that when by his virtue and valor he had overcome their Enemies they afterwards might more easily dispatch and murther him by some treason and sinister means Moses marcheth against the Ethiopians and the Hebrews conceived an hope that they might get out of Egypt by reason that Moses was the General of the Army Moses therefore making haste before such time as the Enemies had any notice that he was dislodged he levied his Army and conducted them not along the banks of the River but through the main Land wherein he made manifest his most admirable prudence For the journey by Land being very D dangerous by reason of the multitude of Serpents which the Countrey thereabouts breeds of all sorts and some of that kind that the like thereof are not seen in any other place all different in malignity and horrible form and some winged ones who not only offend those that they encounter on the earth very privily but also towre very high in the Air and hover about to hurt those that are not aware of them he for the security of his Army and to the end he might march without any inconvenience invented this marvellous and admirable stratagem He caused two Paniers of Sedge to be made in form of Coffers and filled them with certain Birds called Ibis who are mortal Enemies to Serpents and before whom the Serpents flee and sometimes in flying from them like Harts they are laid hold of and swallowed by them Otherwise these Birds are managed E and made tame and are not harmful to any but to Serpents of whom I will now cease to write any further because the Greeks do already know what kind of Bird it is When therefore he arrived in the Countrey of Serpents The victory which Moses and the Egyptians had against the Ethiopians he let flie his Ibis against the venomous Beasts and made use of them to encounter the other And having marched in this sort he surprized the Ethiopians before they suspected him and suddenly charging them he overcame them in Battel spoiling them of the hope they had to conquer Egypt and entring the Towns of Ethiopia he razed them and made a great slaughter of the Inhabitants The Egyptian Army having tasted this happy success under the conduct of Moses omitted not the pursuit especially for that they saw that the Ethiopians were well nigh conquered Saba their chief City besieged or rather wholly destroyed and in the end having driven them F even to Saba the chief City of Ethiopia which Cambyses called Meroe for the love which he bore unto his sister who was so called they besieged them The City was strong and very hard to be assailed by reason of the River Nilus which environs it round about on the other side the Rivers of Astapus and Astaobora flow in so fiercely that they could neither break the course of the water nor wade over the stream for the City is built in an Island environed with a strong wall round about having great Ramparts betwixt the Rivers and the walls built to resist the inundations of the waters by reason whereof that the City could be very hardly taken although the opposite Army had found means to pass the water Now when Moses was much troubled that his Army profited nothing Tharbis the King of Ethiops daughter requireth love and marriage at Moses handsâ— by reason that the Enemy durst not encounter them in open field G behold what a chance hapned Tharbis the daughter of the King of Ethiopia beholding Moses as he approached with his Army near the walls of the City and seeing how valiantly he fought and behaved himself and wondring at the Exploits and Enterprises which he made The year of the World 2400. before Christ's Nativity 1564. which was the cause that the Egyptians almost despairing of their H estates and liberty were grown desperate and how the Ethiopians not long before esteemed the Conquerors and happy in their warlike exploits and fortunate executions were in the greatest extremity of danger she was surprized with love of him and for that this passion augmented more and more in her she sent to him seven of her most faithful houshold servants to offer him her love Which he accepted on condition that she should deliver the City into his hands promising her by a solemn Oath That when he was Master thereof he would take her to Wife without falsifying or breach of his promise
call'd Rabatha was four Cubits in breadth and nine in length This success did not only bring present advantages to the Hebrews but also open'd them a way to greater Conquests Ruffin cap. 5. for they took sixty well fortifi'd Cities which were under C his Government Hedio cap. 6. Hierico so that there was not any of the meanest Soldiers but were greatly enrich'd with pillage After this Moses remov'd his Camp toward Jordan and pitched it in a broad Plain near the City of Jericho which is rich and fruitful and aboundeth with Palm-trees and Balm And now were the minds of the Israelites in such sort confirm'd that they desir'd nothing more than War and Battel and Moses thinking good to make use of this their forwardness having sacrific'd to God in way of Thanksgiving and feasted the People he sent part of them arm'd to destroy the Countrey of the Madianites and to force the Cities of that Region which War had this Original CHAP. VI. D Of the Prophet Balaam WHen Balac King of the Moabites who was both an old Friend and Confederate with the Madianites saw the progress of the Israelites Numb 22 23 24. per totum he began to suspect the security of his own fortune and estate for he knew not that God had inhibited the Hebrews to attempt the Conquest of any other Countrey but the Land of Canaan And therefore more rashly than prudently he resolv'd to oppose them and for that he durst not assail them in Battel whom he knew elevated with the success of many Victories yet desirous to hinder them from proceeding any further he sends Ambassadors to the Madianites to consult with them what was fit to be done C. 22. 1. ad 5 The Madianites knowing that E beyond Euphrates there liv'd a famous Prophet call'd Balaam who was their especial Friend sent some of their most honourable Princes together with Balac's Ambassadors Balac King of the Moabites Embassage to the Madianites beseeching him that he would come unto them and curse the Israelites The Prophet entertained the Ambassadors with great humanity and ask'd counsel of God concerning what answer he should give them Balaâ—s and the Madianites Embassage to Balaam God forbad him to do that which they deâ—ir'd And so Balaam told them that he wanted not will to gratifie them but that God to whom he owed the gift of Prophecy forbad him for that Army which they desired should be cursed was dearly beloved of God For which cause he gave them counsel to make peace with the Israelites upon any conditions which said he dismissed the Ambassadors But the Madianites being instantly requested by Balac once more sent their Ambassadors F to Balaam who desirous to satisfie them in their demands consulted with God But God offended with him commanded him to assent to the Ambassadors and he not conceiving that God spake thus to him in his anger Ver. 15. because he had not obey'd his order departed onward with the Ambassadors The second Embassage to Balaam But as he Travelled upon the way the Angel of God came and met him in a narrow place between two stone walls which when the She-ass whereon Balaam was mounted perceived she started out of the way and crushed her Master against one of the walls Ver. 21. ad 28. and neither by the strokes which he gave her being grieved by his bruise nor by any other means The Angel resisteth Balaam could she be drawn forward Whil'st the Angel kept his station and the Prophet continu'd tormenting the Ass God caus'd the Beast to speak to Balaam with a humane and articulate voice Ver. 28. 31. blaming him for that having G never before that time received damage by her The Ass speaketh to Balaam he had so cruelly tormented and beaten her and understood not that God did prohibit him from the performance of that which he desired The year of the World 2493. before Christ's Nativity 1473. As he stood amazed at the Prodigy an Angel appeared to him blaming H him and telling him that the Ass was not in fault but that himself deserv'd to be punisht for resisting God's will These words encreased Balaam's astonishment and he prepar'd himself to return back again but God commanded him to continue his intended journey Balaam is reproved by the Angel charging him to say nothing but that which he should inspire to him After God had given him this charge he went unto Balac who entertained him honorably Ver 35 36. and caused him to be brought to a certain Mountain from whence he might behold the Hebrews Camp Balaam cometh to Balac Balac also himself being Royally attended accompanied the Prophet conducting him unto a Mountain which was but 60 Furlongs from their Camp Balaam having well consider'd it desir'd the King to build seven Altars on which to offer seven Bulls and seven Rams All which being readily executed by the King he offer'd I a burnt Sacrifice to the end he might presage on which side the Victory would turn which done he address'd his speech in this manner toward the Army of the Israelites Happy People of whom God himself vouchsafeth to be the Conducter on whom he bestoweth so large blessings C. 23. 1. ad 10. and abundance of riches Balaam's prophecy of the people of Israel and over whom his Providence incessantly watcheth No other Nation shall equal you in the love of virtue your Successors also shall surpass you because amongst Men God only favoureth you and taketh care that no Nation under the Sun shall either exceed or equal you in happiness You shall likewise possess that rich Land which he hath promis'd you and your posterity shall be perpetual Lords thereof and the glory of your name shall fill both the whole Earth and Sea and so shall your Nation be multiplied that there shall K be no place of the World where it shall not be diffus'd Blessed are you most worthy Army and deserving great admiration being composed of the descendants of one single Man The Land of Canaan at this present will suffice you but know that hereafter the whole World will not be too great for your inhabitation so that both in the Islands and in the Continent you shall live in so great number that you shall equal the Stars of the Firmament And though you are like to grow so innumerable yet notwithstanding God will furnish you with all sort of good things in abundance in Peace and in War he will render you victorious Wherefore we ought to wish that our Enemies may resolve to take Arms and to assault you since they cannot do it without their own total destruction So greatly are you favoured and loved by God who takes pleasure to abase the proud and great and to raise the weak and humble L Thus spake Balaam in his prophetical spirit being inspired by the Spirit of
Amorites which was the seventh part of Canaan was given for an habitation and remembring them of the care which Moses had taken of them even to his death he exhorted them to perform with joy what they had promis'd him as they were oblig'd both in acknowledgement of the affection which he had testifi'd to them and for the common advantage They shew'd themselves ready and willing to perform that which he commanded them Numb 13. and they furnish'd 50000 Men. After this departing from the City of Abila The Spies survey Jericho he drew towards Jordan and marched forward some 60 Furlongs When he was encamped the Spies returned again and presenting themselves unto him certifi'd him of the whole estate of the Canaanites For being unknown and unsuspected upon the first F arrival they observed and viewed the walls and strength of the City at their pleasure searching which of them were more or less defended and which of the gates were easiest or hardest to assault neither did any that met them offer any offence unto them for whil'st they thus pryed into and viewed every place the Citizens rather interpreted their diligence to be the curiosity of strangers than suspected that they intended any hostile stratagem About the shutting in of the Evening they retired themselves into a certain Hostry that joined to the walls whither they had been directed to take their repast and whil'st after Supper they consulted about their return the King advertis'd that certain Spies sent out of the Hebrews Camp had survey'd the City and taken up their Lodging in Rahabs house with intent to conceal themselves till they might get opportunity G to depart sent Officeâ— to apprehend them to the end that being brought before him he might by Torture extort from them the cause and reason why they came into his City But Rahab having gotten some private intelligence of it hid the Spies under certain Packs of Linnen which she dryed near the walls and told them that were sent by H the King that certain strangers a little before Sun-set had supt in her house but that they were departed and if they were suspected by the King as persons that intended any detriment to the City they might with little labour and persuit be overtaken in their way vers 4 6. They hearing the woman speak after this manner and imagining no subtlety or deceit in her Rahab hideth the Spies returned back without searching the Hostry and went in pursuit and search after them every way tracking every path where they might be suspected to travel towards Jordan But having no tidings of them they desisted any further to pursue them No sooner was the Tumult appeased but Rahab call'd forth the Spies and told them the dangers to which she had exposed her self for their security for had she been convinced to have concealed them both she and all her family had miserably I perished She therefore desired them to sware to her that when they should take Jericho and kill all the inhabitants with the Sword as God had told her they should they would save the life of her and her family as she had saved theirs This said she dismissed them to the end they might return home again After they had with many thanks protested and swore to her to acknowledge her kindness not in words but in deeds and had advis'd her that when she should perceive the City ready to be surprized she should retire all her substance and all those that appertained unto her into her house and that before the door thereof she should hang a Red Cloath to the intent that the General perceiving the same might inhibit the Souldiers from pillaging and spoyling her house for said they we will give him notice K hereof by reason of that willing forwardness that hath been in thee to save our lives and if by misfortune any of thy Friends dye in the Combat do not impute the fault unto us and we beseech God by whom we have sworn that he bâ— not displeased against any of us but only against such as falsifie their oaths Having after this manner made the Covenant Jos 3. 1 2 3. they were let down with a rope from the wall and when they were arrived in safety among their Nation Joshua passeth Jordan with his Army they recounted unto them all that had hapned since their arrival in the City Joshua hereupon declared unto Eleazar the High Priest and the rest of the Elders what oath his Spies had made to Rahab and all of them ratified the same But the General was pensive and troubled for that he knew not which way to pass the River of Jordan by reason that for the present it was very deep L and without Bridges For before that time there was not any Bridge built thereon and if they would have built one the Enemy would have interrupted them besides that there were not any places convenient to stay in But God made him a promise that he would make the waters fall and give them passage Joshua therefore waited with his Army two dayes and then he passed over the River in this manner The Priests marched first with the Ark after them went the Levites bearing the Tabernacle and those vessels which were destinated for Sacrifice Jos 4. 1 2 3. then followed the whole multitude distinguished in their Tribes having inclosed within their Battels the Women and Children whereby they might be the more secure from the force of the stream But when the Priests had entred and found the River passable and the water decreased and M that the Current thereof was not so violent but that in the bottom there was good footing so that it was fordable then all of them without fear passed over finding all things assuredly performed unto them which God had promised unto them but the Priests kept in the midst of the Channel until the multitude were past over Josh 4. v. 5. ad finem and were in security Joshua buildeth an Altar on the other side of Jordan and when every one had gotten to the other Bank the Priests came out permitting the River to flow according to its free and ordinary course which presently flowing grew to that greatness and swiftness which it had at first Now when the Hebrews had marched fifty Furlongs Josh 5. 10 11 12. they encamped about ten Furlongs from Jericho But Josua built an Altar of twelve stones which every one of the Princes of the Tribes had gathered out of the Channel of Jordan The Israelites celebrate Easter enjoy the fruits of the earth and cease to feed on Manna by his order to the end it might be a N Monument of the prodigious restraint of the River and on the fame he sacrificed to God and the solemnity of the passover was celebrated in that place and at this time the Army was in as great a plenty as ever it had been
in necessity for they reap'd the Corn of the Canaanites which at that time was ripe and carried away much other prey In the same season likewise their nourishment of Manna failed them whereon they had fed for the space of forty years And whereas the Israelites did all these things with security and freely and the Canaanites never sallied out against them but dismay'd with fear kept themselves up within their walls Joshua resolved to besiege them in their Cities so that on the first day of the Feast the Priests bearing the Ark and guarded on every side with Troops of Armed Men Josh 6. 3. drew near Jericho sounding seven Horns thereby O to animate the Soldiers to behave themselves manfully Joshua with his Army walketh about the City and they walked about the walls being attended by the Senate neither did they any other thing but Blow their A Horns and so returned back into their Camp Which when they had done for the space of six dayes on the seventh Joshua assembled the Army and all the people bringing them joyful news of the City which that day should be taken without labour the walls falling down of their own accord and without mans hand and yielding them free passage and entrance into the City and he encouraged them to kill all those whom they met Cap. 6. vers 21 22 23. and not to give over the slaughter of their enemies although they were weary nor to be moved with compassion Joshua commandeth that none but Rahab and hers should be saved nor allured from the slaughter and execution by desire of prey or to permit the enemy in any sort to flye but that they should extinguish and root out all that had life reserving nothing for prey or private profit He commanded likewise that all the gold and silver that was found should be brought into one place B to offer to God as the first fruits and in thanksgiving for his assistance and that only Rahab with her Kindred should be spared by reason of the oath which the Spies had sworn unto her vers 10. This said he advanced his Army towards the City then did they once more walk round about the City The walls of Jericho fall down of themselves the Ark marching before them and encouraging them to Valour by the sound of their Cornets And after they had environed the walls seven times and had a little reposed themselves the walls fell though the Hebrews had forced no Engine nor used any other violence against them So that they entering into the City slew all those that were therein who were already discomforted by the sudden and unexpected overthrow of their walls vers 24 25. and thorow their sudden fear made unapt to fight Jericho is taken the men slain and the City destroyed and burnt so that they were slain in their streets finding neither refuge nor C relief to succour them and so great was the slaughter that they neither spared Women nor Children but filled the City with dead Carcasses which at length being set on fire served for a Funeral flame to consume them Rahab and hers reserved and with like fury they ravaged and burnt the houses of the Countrey only Rahab and her houshold who kept themselves within her house were saved by the Spies and being brought to Joshuah's presence he gave her thanks for saving his Spies and promised her that he would reward her courtesies and soon after he gave her possessions and ever held her in great honour All of the City which the fire spared the sword consumed And Joshua pronounced Curses against those who should afterward endeavour to erect that which he had ruined namely that he that should lay the first foundation should be deprived of his first begotten Son D and he that should finish the work might lose his youngest Son and it hath pleased God that this imprecation hath not been frustrate as hereafter shall be shewen At the surprize and sack of this City there was gathered an infinite quantity of Gold Silver and Brass and none but one man brake the Edict or sought any prey or lucre for himself These spoils Joshua delivered to the Priests to be laid up in the Treasury and after this manner was the City of Jericho destroyed But Achar the Son of Zebedias of the Tribe of Judah having got the Kings Coat embroidered with Gold and an Ingot of Gold of two hundred Sicles in weight Joshua 7. v. 1. and thinking in him self that it were not just that the profit he had got by the hazard of his life Achar hideth certain parts of the prey contrary to Gods Commandment should be taken from him and presented to God who had no need thereof he digged a deep Pit in his Tent and buried E his spoils therein thinking by this means to defraud God as well as his Companions At that time their Tents were pitched in a place called Gilgal which signifieth Enfranchized because being delivered from the affliction of Egypt and the penury of the Desart they thought they had nothing more to fear Gilgal signifieth liberty But some few dayes after the destruction of Jericho Joshua 7. 5. Joshua sent out three thousand Armed men against Ain a City situate a little above Jericho who encountering with the Ainites in Battel The Israelites are put to flight by the Aâ—inites and by them put to flight lost thirty six of their company The news of which disaster being brought to the Camp the Israelites were seized with exceeding grief not onely for the men they had lost which were all of them valiant men and worthy of honour but also by reason of the despair they conceived of their future success For whereas F they had persuaded themselves that they were already Masters of the field and that their Army should be alwayes Victorious according as God had promised them they saw on the contrary that this success had raised the hearts of their adversaries so that cloathing themselves with sackcloth they spent three dayes in tears and lamentations without tasting any meat Josuah's prayer unto God so grievously were they afflicted with the defeat that had hapned Joshua seeing the Army dejected after this manner falling on his face to the earth addressed himself to God Joshua 7. 6 7 8 9. saying We have not been induced by our own temerity to attempt the conquest of this Land by force but we have been hereunto encouraged by thy Servant Moses to whom thou hast promised by divers signs that thou wouldest give us this Countrey to inhabit in and that our Army should have always the victory in battel and of these thy G promises we have oftentimes experienced the event But now beyond all expectation having received an overthrow and lost some of our Soldiers being terrified by this accident and suspicious of thy promises to Moses we both abstain from War
and after so many enterprizes of War we cannot hope any fortunate or successful proceedings But be thou assistant unto us H O Lord who art Almighty and canst by thy mercy change our present sorrow into joy our discouragement into confidence and give us victory Joshua having made this prayer God presently commanded him to arise and purge the Army of that sacriledge that had hapned therein Gods answer to Joshua's prayer v. 10. and of a Theft committed by one of the multitude who was so hardy as to violate and conceal those things which were consecrated to him assuring him that that was the cause of the present calamity but as soon as he had searched out and punished the sacriledge the Israelites should become fortunate and obtain the victory This Oracle Joshua declared to the people and calling for the High Priest and the Magistrates he cast lots upon the Tribes and when the lot had fallen on the Tribe of Juda it was again cast by Families and when again the Sacriledge was found to be committed I in Zacharias Family they cast the same once more man by man and it fell upon Achar Achar found out by lot and punished v. 16 17 18. who unable to hide what was discovered by God himself confessed the fact and brought forth those things which he had concealed whereupon being presently put to death he was by night buried after an ignominious manner according as he deserved But Joshua having purified the people led them forth against Ain and laying Ambuscado by night above the City early in the morning he drew the Enemy out to fight who boldly broke forth being encouraged by their former victory but Joshua making a shew of Retreat drew them farther off from their City imagining that the Israelites fled and that they should gain a second victory over them But when Joshua suddenly made a stand and charged them and gave a signal unto those that lay K in ambush they march all together towards the City and easily entred the gates where and on the Walls stood divers of the inhabitants as spectators as they thought of their atchieved victory Ainan sackt and burnt v. 24 25. In this manner was the City taken and all that were therein slain Joshua on the other side pressed those in such manner with whom he maintained skirmish that they turned their backs and fled towards the City as if it had been in the same state as they left it but when they perceived that it was taken and saw both it their Wives and Children consumed with fire they scattered themselves about the fields Joshua 8. 1 2. not being able to rally by reason of their disorder By this overthrow of the Ainites The prey distributed amongst the people there were a great number of Women and Children and Bond-slaves taken Captive and store of all sorts of moveables The Hebrews also became Lords L of much Cattel and gathered a great quantity of Silver for the Countrey was rich All which Joshua upon his return to Gilgal distributed amongst the Soldiers But the Gibeonites who dwelt not far from Jerusalem understanding what had hapned to them of Jericho and the Ainites and fearing lest the like misfortune might fall upon themselves thought it to no purpose to endevour to move him by their prayers because they knew that he warred with a resolution utterly to root out and extinguish the Nation of the Canaanites from off the earth Joshua 9. 3. They therefore persuaded the Cepherites and Cathierimites their neighbours to joyn with them in order to contract an alliance with the Hebrews as the only means to secure themselves from the danger which threatned them Which counsel of theirs being accepted they sent Ambassadors to Joshua M such men as they thought most capable and wisest amongst them in the affairs of the Common-wealth The Gibeonites send Ambassadors to Joshua to treat a peace betwixt them and the Israelites and knowing that it would be very dangerous for them if they should say that they were Canaanites and that on the contrary they should avoid the danger if they protested that they had no community or alliance with them but dwelt far from them they told Joshua that being incited by his fame they had undertaken a long journey the truth whereof he might conjecture by their habits which upon their setting forth were new but by their long journey were quite worn to which purpose they had put on old garments to the end to colour their subtle insinuation Standing up therefore in the midst of the multitude attired after this manner they told them that they were sent by the Gibeonites vers 6. and N the neighbouring Cities far distant from that Countrey to treat and ratifie a Peace between them The Gibeonites oration to the Hebrews For knowing well that the Countrey of Canaan was given unto them by the favour of God to the end they should be masters and possessors thereof they were much rejoyced thereat vers 15. and desired to be received as their confederates By these words and the oldness of their garments Joshua maketh a covenant with the Gibeontes and the pretence of their long journey they perswaded the Hebrews to enter and accord an amity with them And the High Priest Eleazar with the Council of the Elders sware unto them that they should be reputed for Friends and Allies and that no hostile action should be enterprized against them the people likewise approved the alliance After this Joshua encamping with his Army upon their confines and understanding that the Gibeonites dwelt not far from Jerusalem and that O they likewise were of the race of the Canaanites he sent for the principal among them and upbraided them with their deceit whereunto they answered that they had no A other means to procure their safety and security and for that cause they had us'd this fraud Whereupon he called to him Eleazar the High Priest and the Council of the Elders and it was resolv'd not to infringe the Oath made to them but that they should be obliged to serve for the publique works Whereupon they were adjudged to attend on these services and by this means delivered they themselves from their imminent peril But the King of Jerusalem was much incensed against the Gibeonites v. 21 23. for that they had revolted and submitted to Joshua The Gibeonites are appointed to publick ministeries and he assembled together the Kings of his neighbour Nations to make War against them The Gibeonites perceiving the danger they were in and how the Enemy prepared to assault them and to that end had pitched their Tents near a certain Fountain not far from the City they desired Joshua to assist and B defend them Josh 10. v. 1. For their affairs were in that state that they expected death from the hands of their Friends The King of Jerusalem moveth War
taken they should never more come into his presence Now Phinces executed the office of the High Priest by the permission of his Father by reason he was very aged The Hebrews upon the arrival of the Ark conceived great hope that they should have the upper hand of their Enemies v. 5. ad 11. The Philistines likewise were dismayed fearing the presence of the same v. 11. 12. c. but the event was not answerable to the one or to the others expectation Ophni and Phinees with thirty thousand are slain and the Ark is surprised by the Enemy For when they joyned battel the victory which the Hebrews hoped N would be theirs fell to the Philistines and the loss which the Philistines feared fell upon the Hebrews who at last perceived that they had reposed their confidence on the Arke in vain For as soon as their Enemies gave them the first charge they turned their backs and lost about thirty thousand men amongst whom were the two Sons of the High Priest and the Ark was taken and carried away by the Enemy O A CHAP. XII The year of the World 2871. before Christ's Nativity 1093. Eli understanding the loss of his Sons fell from his Seat and dyed AS soon as the news of this overthrow was brought to Silo 1 Sam. 4. 13 ad 18. and it was certainly known that the Ark was taken Eli understandeth of the loss of his sons and the surprizal of the Ark. for a young Benjamite who had escap'd out of the Battel came to bring tydings thereof all the City was filled with sorrow and Eli the High Priest who sate in one of the gates on a high Throne understanding the lamentation and judging that some disaster had befallen his People sent to seek out this young B Messenger by whom he was advertis'd of that which had hapned This accident of his Sons and the Army he heard with great moderation because that before that time God had told him what should happen Ver. 18. and those adversities which are foreseen do less afflict us when they happen But when he knew that the Ark was taken Eli hearing of the loss of the Ark dyed and in the Enemies hands a Calamity so beyond his expectation in such sort augmented his grief that he suffered himself to fall from his Throne upon the ground where he dyed he lived 98 years in all and spent 40 of them in the Government of the People The same day dyed the Wife of Phinees the Son of Eli soon after she understood the misfortune of her Husband Ver. 19 20 21. for she was with Child when the message of his death was brought to her Phinees wiâ—e bare Ichabod and dyed and she was deliver'd of a Son in the seventh month which lived and C was called Ichabod which signifieth ignominy by reason of the Infamy received at that time by the Army Eli was the first that governed among the Successors of Ithamar one of the Sons of Aaron The genealogy and progeny of Eli the High Priest for before that time the house of Eleazar was possessed of the Priesthood the Son receiving it from his Father Eleazar left it to Phinees after him Abiezer his Son enjoy'd the place and left it to his Son Boci whose Son called Ozes receiv'd it after whom Eli of whom we speak at this present took the same whose Posterity retain'd that dignity till the time of the Reign of Solomon when the Posterity of Eleazar were restored to it D E F G The Sixth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS The year of the World 2850. before Christ's Nativity 1114. H Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Sixth Book 1. How the Philistines compelled by Pestilence and Famine sent the Ark of God back again unto the Hebrews 2. The Victory of the Hebrews under the Conduct of Samuel 3. How Samuel when his strength failed him through age committed the administration of I Affairs to his Sons 4. How the People being offended with the manners of Samuels Sons required a King that might rule over them 5. Saul by Gods Commandment anointed King 6. Sauls Victory against the Ammonites 7. The Philistines assailing the Hebrews are over come by them in Battel 8. The Victory of Saul against the Amalekites 9. Samuel translateth the Royal Dignity unto David 10. The Expedition of the Philistines against the Hebrews 11. Davids single Fight with Goliath and the slaughter of the Philistines that follow'd K 12. Saul admiring Davids fortitude giveth him his Daughter in marriage 13. How the King sought Davids death 14. How David oftentimes hardly escaped the Kings malice yet having him twice in his power he would not hurt him 15. The Hebrews are overcome in a great Battel by the Philistines wherein Saul the King and his Sons fighting valiantly are slain CHAP. I. How the Philistines compelled by Pestilence and Famine sent back the Ark of the L Covenant unto the Hebrews AFter the Philistines had got the Victory over the Hebrews 1 Sam. 5. 1 ad 6. and taken the sacred Ark Hedio Ruffiâ—us cap. 1. as we have before declared they brought it with their other spoils to the City of Azot and plac'd it in manner of a Trophee in the Temple of Dagon their Idol The sacred Ark is carried into the Temple of Dagon But the next day after when early in the Morning they entred into the Temple to adore their god they found him fallen from that Base or Pillar that sustained him and lying along the ground his face upward They of Azot are horribly plagued for taking away the Ark. before the Ark whereat being much moved they took him up and fastened him in his former place and when they came often thither and always found him prostrate M and as it were adoring before the Ark a great fear and perturbation invaded the whole People Mice devour the fruit of the Countrey of Azot At length a grievous Plague not only ranged in the City of Azot but also seized on all the Inhabitants of the Countrey For the People being suddenly taken with the Flux dyed in great Torment and some of them vomited up their Bowels being corrupted and corroded with the disease Besides this the whole Land swarmed with Mice which destroying all things neither spared the Corn nor any other Fruit. The Azotians being afflicted with these Calamities and unable longer to endure the same understood that the Ark was the cause thereof and that neither the Victory or the taking of the same had any ways procured their advantage They therefore sent to the Ascalonites desiring them to receive the Ark into their City who willingly condescending N to their Embassage and Demand received the Ark and were presently plagued with the same sicknesses which the Azotians had suffered For together with the Ark the
calamities also were transported for which cause it was likewise sent from this place to another where it remained but a little while for the Inhabitants of the place being afflicted with the same Maladies which the other endured sent it to the Neighbor Cities and after this sort the Ark was conveyed to five Cities of the Philistines exacting as it were by those Plagues a Tribute of every one in punishment of the Sacriledge which they committed by retaining a thing consecrated to God At last wearied with so many evils and made examples unto others not to entertain the Ark which so grievously recompensed those that received the same 1 Sam. 5. 2 aâ— finem they conceiv'd there was no other way left O but to find out some good means to rid themselves of it When therefore the Princes of the five Cities of Geth Accaron Ascalon Gaza and Azot were assembled they consulted A amongst themselves what was best to be done and first of all it was propos'd to send back the Ark to those to whom it appertain'd since God scourg'd with so many Plagues those that receiv'd it into their Cities to testifie his indignation for the taking of it and to execute his vengeance of the Crime But some said that this resolution was unfit to be executed Consultation about the Ark. denying that those evils were to be imputed to the Captivity of the Ark whose power if it were so great as they imagin'd or if God had any care of the same he would never have permitted it to have fallen into the hands of Men of a contrary Religion and persuading them to bear these Misfortunes with an equrl mind and to account all these Calamities as effects of Nature which at certain periods of times is wont to produce in Mens Bodies in the Earth and in Plants and in other things B subject to her power such kind of alterations and changes Others more prudent and intelligent propos'd a third way which was neither to send away the Ark nor yet to retain it but to offer to God in the name of the five Cities five golden Statues in testimony of their gratitude because they had been preserved by his favor from that Plague from which by humane remedies it was impossible to escape and to offer also as many golden Mice like those that had spoiled their Countrey All these to be locked in a Chest and laid upon the Ark and the Ark to be plac't upon a new Cart made purposely to which they should yoke and tye two Kine that had new Calved locking up their Calves from them lest they should be an impediment to their Dams and to the intent that through the desire to see their young they might hasten the faster That done that C driving the Chariot to a place that had three wayes they should suffer them to draw that way that they listed and if they took the way of the Hebrews and travel'd towards their Countrey then they should assure themselves that the Ark was the cause of their evils The conclusion of the counsel as touching the sacred Ark. but if they drew another way let them said they be driven back again being most assured that the Ark hath no such virtue in it This counsel was approved by every one of the Assembly and presently executed having prepared all things they brought the Chariot into a high way that lookt three ways and leaving it there returned back again CHAP. II. D The Victory of the Hebrews under the Conduct of Samuel NOW when the Kine took the way which led to the Israelites 1 Sam. 6. 12 ad 18. and Travelled therein no otherwise than if some Men had led them the Governors of the Philistines follow'd them The sacred Ark cometh to Bethsama desirous to understand whither they went and in what place they would rest There is a Borough in the Tribe of Juda called Bethsama towards which they drew And although they had a very fair Plain before them yet would they not Travel any further The gratulation of the Bethsamites upon the arrival of the Ark. but rested the Chariot in that place The Inhabitants came to the spectacle and greatly rejoyced thereat for although it was Summer-time wherein every one was busied in gathering the fruits of the field yet when they perceived the Ark E they were so transported with joy that they laid aside the work which they had in hand and run presently to the Chariot Then taking down the Ark and the Coffer wherein the Statues of Gold and golden Rats were they laid them upon a stone in the field and after they had solemnly sacrificed and feasted together they offer'd up both the Chariot and Kine for a Burnt-offering unto God Which when the Philistines saw they returned back into their own Countrey to carry the News But Gods indignation and displeasure was kindled against the Bethsamites Ver. 16. so that 70 of them were slain because they had dar'd to touch the Ark Ruffinus writeth that God strook 70 of the greatest and 50000 of the common sort as it is 1 Sam. 6. 21. and with prophane hands not being Priests attempted to sustain it The Inhabitants lamented their loss and mourned for that their Countreymen were extinguished by no common death but by a punishment and plague sent F from God And acknowledging that they were unworthy that the Ark should remain with them they sent Messengers to the Governors and the rest of the Hebrews to let them understand that they had recovered the Ark out of the hands of the Philistines Whereupon order was given to place the same in Cariathiarim The Ark is transferred into Cariathiarim a City bordering upon the Bethsamites In that place there dwelt a Man of the Race of the Levites called Aminadab who had the honour and reputation of a good Man to his House the Ark was sent as to a place agreeable to God because there dwelt in the same a Man of so much virtue Hedio Ruffinus cap. 2. His Sons had the charge of the Ark and continued in that service for the space of 20 years The punishment of the Israelites during which time it remained in Cariathiarim after it had remained only four months with the Philistines Whilst the Ark was in the City of Cariathiarim the G Israelites liv'd very Religiously and offer'd to God Prayers and Sacrifices shewing great devotion and forwardness in his service 1 Sam. 7. 3 ad 6. The Prophet Samuel perceiving this their good demeanor and supposing it a fit occasion to exhort them to liberty and the benefits which attend the same The year of the World 2851. before Christ's Nativity 1113. he accommodated his Speech to their Sentiments and spake to them H to this effect Ye men of Israel since at this present the Philistines cease not to molest you and God beginneth to shew himself merciful 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
this bleeting of Sheep and bellowing of Beasts throughout the Army Saul replyed That the People had reserved that Cattel for Sacrifice but all the Nation of the Amalekites was exterminated as God had commanded and none remaining but onely the King whom he would cause to be presented before him to the end they might consult together what should be done with him Ver. 17 c. Hereunto the Prophet answer'd That God took no E pleasure in Sacrifices Samuel chideth Saul but in those men that are good and just and such said he are they that obey his Will and Commandment since no action may be reputed good but in respect of the reference it hath to Gods Will for God refuseth not him that sacrificeth not but him that disobeyeth him Ver. 22. For he accepteth not those Sacrifices that are offered to him by those that submit not themselves unto him The contempt of God wherein it consists and offer not unto him the true and acceptable offerings yea though they present divers and many great Sacrifices and bring him jewels of gold and silver but he rejecteth such things and respecteth them not as pledges of piety but effects of hypocrisie But he taketh pleasure in those onely that observe that which he hath commanded A pleasing and acceptable sacrifice unto God and had rather dye than infringe the same not seeking that Sacrifices should be offered unto him but if they be offered although of small and no value yet are they more acceptable unto him in poverty F and obedience Ver. 23. than all those which the richest hand or strongest fortune can afford Know thou therefore Samuel telleth Saul of Gods displeasure and the loss of his kingdom said he that thou hast incurr'd Gods displeasure in that thou hast contemned and neglected his Commandments for how canst thou think that he will regard those Sacrifices with a gracious eye which he himself hath adjudged to utter perdition and ruine Is it possible for thee to think that there is no difference between destroying and sacrificing Be assured therefore of the loss of thy kingdom and power Ver. 24. which hath in such sort transported thee that thou hast contemned God Saul confesseth his sin and craveth pardon which notwithstanding is denied him who bestowed the same upon thee Saul confessed that he had sinned and done amiss in that he had not obeyed the words of the Prophet yet alledg'd That he was compelled to do the same in that he durst not restrain the Soldier who was set upon the prey but said he be favourable and merciful unto me for hereafter I will take heed G lest I fall into the like sin and he entreated him that he would stay with him a little and offer a Peace-offering in his behalf But the Prophet knowing that God would be moved by no Sacrifice would not be persuaded by him CHAP. IX H Samuel proclaims David King BUT Saul Ver. 27 28. willing to retain Samuel took hold of his Garment and for that the Prophet hastily withdrew himself Saul striving to stay Samuel renteth his garment he tore away a part thereof whereupon the Prophet told him That in like manner his Kingdom should be rent from him and another who was more honest and upright should take possession thereof for God is not like men he is unchangeable in his determinations Saul answer'd That he had grievously sinned but being it was impossible for him to recall that which was past he desir'd him that at least he I would worship God with him in presence of all the People Hedio Ruffinus cap. 10. which Samuel condescended to and went with him to adore God After this Agag the King of the Amalekites was brought before Samuel Ver. 32. who heard him lament The King of the Amalekites is slain by Samuels command and complain that death was very bitter to which he answer'd in this manner As thou hast caused divers Mothers amongst the Hebrews to weep and lament the loss of their Children so shall thy death cause thy Mother to weep and lament which said he presently commanded that he should be put to death in Gilgal 1 Sam. 16. 1 c. and returned back again to the City of Ramath But the King perceiving into how many mischiefs he had fallen by his offences committed against God God sendeth Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint David King departed to his chief City call'd Gaba which name signifieth a Hillock and from that day forwards he never more saw the Prophet Samuel who was heartily sorry for his K fall but God commanded him to give over his care and that taking with him the sacred Oyl he should repair to the City of Bethlehem to the house of Jesse the Son of Obed and there anoint that of his Sons for King whom he should shew him and when the Prophet said that he was afraid lest Saul getting notice thereof should seek to slay him God commanded him to fear nothing whereupon being encourag'd in his attempt he came to the forenamed Town where he was saluted with great concourse of People who enquired of him to what intent he came thither and he answer'd them that he came to offer Sacrifice to God Now when the Oblations were performed he invited Jesse and his Sons to banquet with him and beholding the eldest of them to be a goodly and well proportioned Man he conjectured by his stature and comeliness that it was L he that God elected King but in this matter he mistook the intention of God For demanding whether he should anoint that young man Ver. 7 8 ad 11. whom he thought so worthy of the Kingdom God respecteth not the beauties of the body but the perfections of the mind it was answer'd him That God judgeth not in such manner as men do For thou said he beholding the beauty of the young man supposest him worthy of the Kingdom but I dispose not of a Crown by the beauties of the Body but by the virtues of the Soul and him I consider that is perfectly furnished herewith and hath his mind beautified with piety justice obedienee and fortitude Upon these words Samuel desir'd Jesse to bring all hss other Sons into his presence and he presented to him five others the eldest being called Eliab Jesses sons being goodly in personage were not to be preferred to the sovereignty the second Aminadab the third Sala the fourth Nathaneel the fifth Rael the sixth Asam Now when the Prophet beheld these no less beautiful Men than the eldest he M asked of God which of them he should anoint King God answer'd him that he should anoint none of them Then Samuel enquired of Jesse whether he had any other Sons besides them who told him that he had one called David who had the care and custody of his Flocks The Prophet desir'd him to send for him saying
David said unto him I know that thou wilt further me in what thou mayst David desired Jonathan to sound his Father how he was affected towards him and refuse me in nothing Now to morrow is the first day of the month in which I was accustomed to dine at the Kings Table if thou thinkest good I will depart out of the City into the field where I will lie hid And if he ask for me thou shalt say I am gone into the Countrey of Bethlehem where my Tribe solemnizeth a feast and thou shalt certifie him also that thou hast given me leave And if he I say God speed him which is an ordinary wish that friends use to such as go a journey know that he hath no hidden rancour nor secret malice conceived against me but if he answer otherwise it shall be an assured testimony that he plotteth some mischief against me and this shalt thou ascertain me of as both becometh my present calamity and our mutual friendship which by vowed oath thou being my Lord hast plighted to me who am thy Servant And if thou think me unworthy of this favour and injurious towards thy Father without expecting the sentence of his justice kill me now at this present with thine own Sword These last words so pierced Jonathans heart that he promised him to accomplish his request and certifie him if he any wayes could perceive that his Father was ill affected towards him and to the intent he might the better be believed K he caused him to walk forth with him into the open air v. 16 17 8 19. and there sware to him that he would not omit any thing that might tend to his preservation For said he that God that seeth and governeth all things in this universe Jonathan confirmeth his friendship towards David with an oath and who before I speak knoweth my mind he I say shall bear witness of that accord which shall be between thee and me that I will not cease to sound my Father till I know his intention concerning thee and as soon as I understand the same I will not conceal it from thee but give thee notice thereof be it good or evil The same God knoweth how incessantly I beseech him to be assistant to thee as also he is at this present and that he never abandon thee but make thee Lord over thine Enemies yea though it were my Father or my self Only remember me in this point that after my death If I chance to die before thee L thou take care of my children and be as favorable towards them as I am affectionate to thee at this present v. 20. ad 24. After he had sworn this oath Jonathan giveth David certain signs whereby he should know whether his Father were displeased with him he dismissed David willing him to conceal himself in a certain place of the Plain where people ordinarily exercised themselves For that as soon as he understood his Fathers mind he would return thither with his Page and if saith he having shot three shafts at the mark I command my Page to fetch them back again to me know that thou art to expect no evil from my Father but if I do not think thou that my Father is incensed and ill affected towards thee yet howsoever it be I will do my best that nothing shall befall thee otherwise than we expect and wish Be thou therefore mindful of these things when thou shalt obtain thy happy dayes and be favorable to my children David being confirmed M by Jonathans promises retired to the apointed place The next day after which was the solemnity of the new-Moon after the King had purified himself according to the custom he sate down to take his repast and as his Son Jonathan was set on his right side and Abner the General of his Army on the left Saul perceived Davids place void and spake not a word supposing that he was absent from that company by reason he was not purified since he had the company of his Wife v. 25. ad 30. but seeing that on the second day of the new-Moon he was absent likewise Saul questioneth about Davids absence he asked his Son Jonathan why David was not present at the feast those two days He answered him that he was gone into his countrey Jonathan by his answer essayeth to know his Fathers mind according as it had been concluded between them where his own tribe celebrated a feast and that he had given him leave to assist at the same Further said he he invited N me to the feast and if it stand with your pleasure I will go thither for you know how entirely I love the man At this time Jonathan knew the displeasure his Father had conceived against David v. 30. and perceived most apparently how heinously he was affected Saul discovereth his heinous hate against David for Saul could not conceal his choler but began to rail upon his Son calling him Rebel and Enemy and companion and confederate with David and telling him that he shewed reverence neither to him nor to his Mother since he was so minded and that he could not believe v. 28 29. that as long as David lived their Royall estate could be safe he commanded him therefore to bring him before him Jonathan excusing David to his Father is almost slain with a javelin by him to the end that he might do justice upon him Jonathan replied What evil hath David committed for which he should be punished Hereupon Saul not only expressed his choler in words and reproaches O but took a javelin to kill his Son and had certainly slain him had he not been restrained by his friends Thus Jonathan clearly discovered the â—â—â—red of Saul A to David and how ardently he sought his ruine since his friendship to him had like to to have cost him his own life Then did Jonathan withdraw himself from the banquet without eating seeing with how little profit he had pleaded and seeing that David was adjudged to die he passed all the night without sleep and about day-break he departed out of the City to the appointed field making shew that he walked out to take his exercise v. 33 34. but indeed it was to discover to his friend the intent which his Father had Jonathan flyeth from the banquet according as it was covenanted between them After Jonathan had done that which he promised and sent back his Page into the City he came to David both to see and speak with him in private v. 35 36. David as soon as he saw him cast himself at his feet Jonathan and David meet in the field calling him the preserver of his life But Jonathan lifted him up from the earth B and both of them embracing one another and intermixing their mutual kisses for a long time Hedio Ruffinus chap. 13. lamented their misfortune with tears and this
been judged to have done an injury to your Majesty Wherefore you ought not to think evil of me or that if David at this time hath some ill design against you v. 15 16 17. that by reason of the courtesie I have shewed him The unjust slaughter of Abimelech with his whole Family I either favour him or maintain him to your prejudice Notwithstanding all these just allegations Saul could not be induced to believe him but imagined that it K was fear that made Abimelech speak in this manner so that he commanded certain armed men that were about him to put both him and all his family to the sword But when they excused themselves because it was no less than Sacriledge to violate by violent death Nob the City of the Priests is burnt and all the inhabitants slain such persons as were consecrated unto God Saul commanded Doeg the Syrian to commit the slaughter who accordingly with certain other sacrilegious and impious men murthered Abimelech and all his Race who were in number three hundred thirty and five Sup. li. 5. ca. 11. He further sent to Nob the City of the Priests and put all of them to the sword sparing neither woman nor child and consumed the whole City with fire only one Son of Abimelech escaped 1 King 2. 3. who was called Abiathar All which came to pass according as God had foretold to the High Priest Eli that by reason of the transgression L of his two Sons his posterity should be extinguished This cruel and detestable act perpetrated by King Saul in shedding the blood of all the Sacerdotal Race v. 18 19. without either compassion of Infants or reverence of old age A manifest exemplification of that proverb Honours change manners and his destroying of that City which God had chosen to be the residence of the Priests and Prophets manifestly shews how far the pravity of the mind of man may proceed For so long as men are low and limited by a private estate because they neither dare nor can give scope to their wicked inclinations they seem good and just and make shew of great love of justice and of a sence of pity Note diligently and are persuaded that God is present in all our actions and discerneth all our cogitations But no sooner do they attain to Power and Empire but they lay aside their former fair semblances they take upon them as it were a new part and another personage becoming M audacious and insolent and contemners of both Divine and Humane Laws And though the height of their sâ—ution exposing even their least actions to the view of all the World ought to make them comport themselves irreprehensibly yet as if they thought that God shut his eyes or feared them they will needs have him approve and men account just all that their Fear Hatred or Imprudence suggests to them without troubling themselves what will be the issue So that after having rewarded great services with great honours they are not contented to deprive those that had so justly merited them upon false reports and calumnies but they also take away their lives not considering how deservedly they oppress but only giving credit without proof to rash and scandalous detractions executing and satiating their rage not on those they ought to punish but on those that may most easily be destroyed A manifest example whereof appears N in Saul the Son of Cis who after the Government of the Nobility and that of the Judges having been established the first King of the Hebrews slew three hundred Priests and Prophets only for that he suspected Abimelech and after he had slain them destroyed their City with fire v. 20. 21. and as much as in him lay deprived the High Temple of God of Priests Abiathar escaping from Sauls hands telleth David of the slaughter of Abimelech his Father and of the Priests sacred Ministers and after so hideous a slaughter neither spared their Countrey nor any of their off-spring But Abiathar Abimelechs Son who only escaped of all his family flying to David declared to him both the overthrow of his family and the death of his Father David answered him that he expected no less than that which hapned at such time as he espied Doeg there who as his mind gave him would not fail to calumniate Abimelech to Saul yet he was extreamly sorrowful for the misfortune that hapned O to his friend by his means and therefore prayed him to remain with him because he could not be concealed or secured in any place better than with himself A About the same time David understanding that the Philistines made an inroad into the Countrey of Ceila and wasted the same he determined to assault them if after the Prophet had asked counsel of God he should be by the Oracle animated to it which accordingly falling out he sallied out accompained by his friends and set upon the Philistines and made a great slaughter of them and recovered a very rich prey and gave safeguard to the Ceilans till they had safely gathered in and housed all their Corn and fruit The rumor of this his exploit was presently brought to Saul for this great action was not shut up within the limits of the place where it was performed David defendeth Cilla against the incursions of the Philistines but the renown thereof was dispersed every where and both the Action and the Author thereof were highly commended Saul was very joyful to hear that David was in Ceila B imagining that God had delivered him into his hands by leading him to shut up himself in a City inclosed with Walls 1 Sam. 23. 1 2 3 ad 7. Gates and Barrs whereupon he suddenly gave commandement to his Soldiers to march against Ceila v. 7 8. and besiege the same and not to raise the Siege till David were either taken or slain Saul seeketh to besiege David in Cilla But David having intelligence hereof and advertised by God that if he stayed among the Ceilans v. 9. 10 11 12. they would deliver him into the hands of Saul took with him his four hundred men David admonished by God flieth from his danger and withdrew himself from the City into the Desart and encamped on a hill called Engaddi Whereof the King being advertized forbore to send out an Army against him From thence David departed into the territories of Ziph where Jonathan v. 13 14. Sauls Son David came with his Army to Caena or Ziphia where Jonathan cometh unto him comforteth him and reneweth his covenant met him and after embraces exhorted him to be of good courage C and to conceive assured hope of future good fortune and not to give place to his present miseries because he should one day obtain the Kingdom and have the whole State of the Hebrews subject to him but that such things were not wont to happen till after
all which had hapned But when his grief was abated and he returned to himself he lifted up his heart unto God and B commanded the High-Priest Abiathar to put on the Ephod and ask counsel of God and that done Ver. 7 8 9. to declare unto him how he might overtake the Amalekites if he should pursue them David taketh counsel of God whether he will assist him to recover his Wives and Goods out of the hands of the Amalekites and whether he should recover his Wives and Children that they had led away and revenge himself of his Enemies As soon as the High-Priest had certified him that he might pursue them he sallied out with 600 Soldiers and pursued the Enemy and drawing near unto the River he found a certain stragler an Egyptian by Nation very faint and feeble through want and famine having for three dayes space wandered in the Desart without any sustenance whom after he had refreshed with meat and drink he asked to whom he belonged and what he was The Egyptian told him his Countrey and how he had been left in that place by his Master because that through his weakness it was C impossible for him to follow them He confessed likewise that his Master was one of the number of those that had burned and sacked Ver. 11 ad 19. not only other quarters of Judea but Siceleg also David guided by an Egyptian slave overtaketh the Amalekites David taking this Man for his Guide overtook them finding some of them lying on the ground others banquetting and debauching and almost sensless by overmuch drink wherefore being not in a condition to defend themselves he fell upon them and slew so great a number that scarce 400 Men escaped for the slaughter continued from Noon until the Evening David assaileth the Amalekites makes a great slaughter of them and recovereth the whole prey So recovered he all that which the Enemy had ransackt and released both his own Wives and those of his Companions Whereupon they returned to the place where they had left the other 200 which could not follow them because they were appointed to guard the Baggage To these the 400 would not grant a part D of the Booty because they had not as they said followed the Enemy with them but shewed themselves slack in the pursuit alledging that they ought to content themselves with the recovery of their Wives But David thought the sentence pronounced against them to be unjust Ver. 20 ad 25. for since they had defeated their Enemies all of them deserved to partake of profit David compromitteth the debate betwixt those that pursued the chase and those that kept the Baggage touching the pillage which ought equally to be divided both amongst those that fought and amongst those that stayed behind to guard the Baggage And from that day forward this Law hath been firmly observed amongst them that they that guard the Baggage should have an equal part of the prey with those that go out to Battel But when David was returned to Siceleg he sent unto his Friends of the Tribe of Juda apart of the spoil In this manner was Siceleg sacked and burned and thus were the Amalekites discomfited E But the Philistines fought a bloody Battel with Saul wherein they got the Victory and slew a great number of their Enemies Saul King of Israel with his Sons fought valiantly and seeing that there was no hopes of conquering they endeavoured to die as honourably as they could 1 Sam. 31. 1 2 3. For since the Philistines bent all their Forces against them they could not make good their Retreat Saul and his sons seeing their Army overcome by the Philistines are desperately dismayed and slain so that incompassed by them they died in the midst of them and yet before their death slew a great number of their Enemies There were there present Sauls three sons Jonathan Aminadab and Melchi who being defeated the Hebrew Army turned their backs so that being closely pursued by the Enemy there was a great slaughter made Saul with those about him retreated in good order And although the Philistines drew out against him a multitude of Archers that shot many F Darts and Arrows at him yet were they all but a very few repulsed and although he had fought very bravely having received divers wounds yet being unable any longer to support himself he commanded his Esquire to draw his Sword and to thrust it through his Body 1 Sam. 31. 4 c. before he should be taken alive by his Enemies which he refused not daring to lay hands upon his Master Saul striveth to kill himself and being unable useth the assistance of a young Amalekite Whereupon Saul drew his own Sword and setting it to his Breast cast himself thereon but unable to force it home enough he looked back and saw a young man behind him whom he asked What he was and hearing that he was an Amalekite he requested him That he would kill him that he might not fall alive into the hands of his Enemies which he did and having taken from him the Gold which he had about his arms and the Royal Crown he fled The Esquire seeing Saul G dead presently slew himself Not one of all the Kings Guard escaped but they were all slain near unto the Mountain Gilboa When they that inhabited the Valley on the other side of Jordan and in the Plain had intelligence that Saul and his sons were dead and with them a great number of their Nation was slain The year of the World 2891 before Christ's Nativity 1073. they abandoned their Cities H and fled to others that were better fortified The Philistines finding these Cities destitute of Inhabitants seized on them The next day whil'st the Philistines spoiled the dead they found the bodies of Saul and his sons which they spoiled and beheaded sending their Heads round about the Countrey â—a Ver. 7 ad 10. to make it known that their Enemies were defeated They offered up their Arms also in the Temple of Astaroth and their Bodies they hung on the Walls of the City of Bethsan The Hebrews that inhabit the Valley beyond Jordan leaving their towns flie to defenced cities at this day called Scythopolis When they of Jabes a City of Galaad understood how the Philistines had cut off the Heads of Saul and his sons they were enraged and thought it became them not to be unconcerned whereupon the most valiant amongst them went out and marched all night till they came to Bethsan and approaching near the Walls they took down the Bodies of I Saul and his sons Ver. 9. and carried them unto Jabes without any opposition of the Enemy These men of Jabes lamented over the dead Bodies The Philistines hung up the bodies of Saul and his Sons and buried them in the best part of their Countrey called Arar Thus they mourned both Men
the truth for he of whom he speakth is that Adad that made War I in Samaria during the Reign of Achab King of Israel of whom we will speak hereafter But when David had led forth his Army against Damascus Jerusalem spoiled by Syssac King of Egypt and against the rest of the Countrey of Syria he reduced them all under his obedience placing garrisons in their Countrey and imposing tribute upon them He dedicated also to God in the City of Jerusalem the Golden quivers and Arms of Adads guard which afterward Syssac King of Egypt took when he vauquished Roboham his Nephew and carried away great riches out of the temple of Jerusalem as it shall be declared hereafter when we come to treat of that matter This King of the Hebrews being inspired by God who made him prosperous in all his warrs encamped before the chiefest cities of Adrezar that is to say Betha and Mazcon which he besieged took and spoiled where there was found great store of Gold K and Silver and of Brass 3 King 14. which was more precious then Gold whereof Solomon made that great vessel called the Sea The prey that was made in the War and other fair lavers as such time as he adorned and furnished the Temple of God When Thoy King of Amoth understood all which had hapned to Adarezer 2 Sam 8 6. c. and how his power and forces were destroyed he grew afraid of his own estate The King of the Amathens requireth a League at Davids hands and resolved to enter into a league and confederacy with David before he should come out against him and to that intent he sent his Son Adoram unto him to congratulate his success against Adarezer his Enemy and to contract an amity with him He sent him presents also namely vessels of antique worke of Gold of Silver and of Brass whereupon David made a league with him and received the presents that were sent unto him and afterwards honourably dismissed his Son both for the one L and the other and consecrated that to God which he had presented him together with the Gold and Silver which he had taken from the Cities and Nations that were subiect unto him For God did not only so far favour him as to make him victorious and happy in his own Warrs David compelleth the Idumeans to pay tribute by the Pole but having also sent Abisai Joabs Brother the Lieutenant of his Army against the Idumeans he likewise granted him victory for Abisai slew in the battel about eighteen thousand of them and filled all Idumea with garrisons imposing a tribute throughout the Countrey by the Pole The distribution of Offices This King loved justice of his own nature and the judgment which he gave was always most equitable He had for his Lieutenant General of his Armies Joab 2 King 9. and appointed Josaphat the Son of Achilles chief over the Registers After Abiather he established Sadock of the house of Phinees for M High Priest who was his friend Sisa was his Secretary Banaia the Son of Ioiada was Captain over his guard and all the Elders were ordinarily about him to guard and attend him He remembring himself also of the covenants and oaths that past 'twixt him and Jonathan the Son of Saul and of their amity and affection for amongst his other excellent qualities he was alwayes most eminent for his gratitude He caused inquiry to be made if any one of the house and family of Jonathan were left alive to the intent he might return the friendship he had received from Jonathan Whereupon a certain man named Ziba was brought unto him who was enfranchised by Saul that might inform him what one of his Race was alive C. 9. v. 1 c. who asked him if he knew any N of Jonathans Sons then living David maketh an enquiry if any of Jonathans kindred were left alive to whom he might make some return of the kindness which he had formerly received from their Father Who answered him that he had one Son remaining whose name was Mephibosheth who was lame of his legges for when the news came that both his Father and Grandfather were slain his Nurse hastily snatching up the child let him fall from her shoulders and so hurt him When he heard where he was brought up he sent unto the City of Labath to Machir with whom Mephibosheth was kept v. 7 8. and commanded him to be brought unto him Now when he came to Davids presence David giveth Mephibosheth his father Joâ—athans house and Sauls inheritance he cast himself on his face before him but the King exhorted him to be of good courage and to hope hereafter for better fortune and gave him his Fathers house with all the possessions that were purchased by Saul his grandfather appointing him to eat with him daily at his own table The young man did him reverence thanking him O for the Royal offers he had made him At that time David called for Siba and told him how he had given Mephibosheth his Fathers house and all Sauls purchases commanding A him to manure his possessions The year of the World 2910 before Christ's Nativity 1014. and to have a care of all things and to return the revenue to Jerusalem because Mephibosheth was every day to sit at his table charging both him and his fifteen Sons and twenty Servants to do him service After the King had thus disposed of him Siba did him reverence and after he had promised to perform whatsoever he had given him in charge v. 9. 10 11. he departed and Jonathans Son remained in Jerusalem David committeth the disposing of Mephibosheths Lands to Siba and commandeth him to make the return of his revenues in Jerusalem where he lived at the Kings table and was entertained and tended as carefully as if he had been his own Son he had a Son also called Mica These were the honours that those children which survived after Jonathan and Sauls death received at Davids hands About the same day died Nahas King of the Ammonites who during his life-time was Davids friend and his Son succeeded him in his Kingdom to whom David sent B Ambassadors to comfort him exhorting him to bear his Fathers death with patience assuring him that he would express no less love towards him than he did unto his Father Hedio Ruffinus cap. 6. But the Governours of the Ammonites entertained this Embassage very contumeliously and not according as David had intended it and murmured against their King telling him that they were but spies sent by David to inquire into their forces 2 Sam. 10. v. 1 2 3 4. and discover the strength of their Countrey David sendeth Ambassadours to comfort the Son of the King of the Ammonites who are bâ—sely abused under a pretext of kindness advising him to stand upon his guard and not to give ear to
his protestation lest being deceived he should fall into some remediless inconveniency Nahas King of the Ammonites supposing that his Governors spake nothing but truth unworthily affronted the Ambassadors that were sent unto him for causing the half of C their Beards to be shaven close by the chin and cutting away the half of their Vestments he sent them back again v. 5. 6. Which when David saw he was much displeased and protested that he would not suffer that injury so easily to be digested David is sore displeased with the injury offered to his Ambassadors intending revenge but that he would make War on the Ammonites and revenge those indignities that were offered to his Ambassadors The Friends and Governors of Nahas considering how they had violated and broken the Peace and how for that occasion they deserved to be punished prepared for that War and sent a thousand talents to Syrus King of Mesopotamia desiring him that he would be their confederate in that War The Ammonites hire their confederates and prepare for the War against David and receive their pay they requested the like of Subas these Kings had 20000 footmen in pay They hired also with their mony the King of the Countrey called Michas and the fourth called Istob which two brought D with them twelve thousand Men. CHAP. VII How David overcame the Mesopotamians BUt David being nothing discouraged v. 7 8. either with the confederacy or force of the Ammonites David sendeth out Joab with the choisest flower of his Army against the Ammonites but trusting in God since he was satisfied that his cause was just persisted to the revenge of those outrages which he had received from them Having therefore mustered under Joab the flower of his whole Army he commanded him to depart and make War upon them who came and incamped himself before their chief City E called Aramath which when the Enemies perceived they came forth and ranged themselves in battel not in one body but two several parties For their confederates and allies were incamped apart in the Plain and the Ammonites stood in battle-array near unto their City gate to make head against the Hebrews Joab perceiving this took this course Joab and Abisaies Armies that he might meet them without any disadvantage for he chose out the ablest and stoutest of his men to serve under him against Syrus v. 9 10 11. and the other Kings confederate with him and gave the rest to his brother Abisai commanding him to oppose himself against the Ammonites whilest he charged the rest and appointing him that if he perceived that the Syrians were stronger than he and did put him to the worst that he should come to succour him promising to do the like if he perceived him to be oppressed F by the Ammonites When therefore he had exhorted his Brother to behave himself valiantly he sent him before to charge the Ammonites and he on the other side assailed the Syrians who valiantly resisted him for a little space but Joab having slain many of them constrained them at length to turn their backs Which when the Ammonites perceived who were afraid of Abisai and his people retreated likewise v. 12 13 14. and following the example of their allies Joabs victory they took their flight into the City By which means Joab having defeated his Enemies returned in triumph and with victory unto the King to Jerusalem Yet were not the Ammonites wholly weakned by this loss for although they had by experience a certain knowledg that the Hebrews were stronger than themselves yet would G they by no means hearken to a Peace They sent unto Chalama King of the Syrians on the other side of Euphrates whose confederacy they attained by bribes and huge sums of money This King had one called Sobac for his Lieutenant-General and under him fourscore thousand foot The year of the Woâ—ld 2910. before Christ's Nativity 1540. and ten thousand horse David understanding that the Ammonitâ—s drew H to an head and intended to assault him again he surceased to send his Lieutenants but went himself in Person and meeting them he overcame them and killed fourty thousand of their Foot and seven thousand Horse he hurt Sobac also Chalamas Lieutenant so that he died of his wounds Hereupon the Mesopotamians yielded themselves unto David 15 16 17 18 19. and gave him many great and magnificent Presents He therefore by reason of the Winter The Syrians with the Ammonites assembled themselves against David retired to Jerusalem but at the Spring he sent out his Lieutenant Ioab once more to make War upon the Ammonites who overrunning their Countrey utterly spoiled it and shut them up in Aramath their principal City which he besieged and took About this time it so fell out that David notwithstanding he were a just man and one that feared God The Mesopotamians submit themselves to David and an exact observer of all the Laws and ordinances of his forefathers I fell into a great sin and offended God For as he walked on the top of his Royal Palace in the evening he discovered a Woman of incomparable Beauty whose name was Bethsabe bathing her self Aramath besieged His passion became forthwith so impetuous that he could not resist it whereupon he sent for her and kept her with him till she conceived She desired him to bethink himself of some means whereby her shame might be concealed Hedro Ruffinus chap. 7. and her life which was in hazard 2 Sam. 11. 1 2 3 4 c. by the Law for her Adultery might be preserved Who thereupon sent for Vrias Bethsabes Husband and one of Joabs Captains who at that time was at the siege of Aramath and enquired of him upon his arrival touching the state of the siege Davids adultery and of the Army who answering him that all things were fallen out according to his wish v 5. David took a part of his own supper and gave it him Bethsabe certifieth the King that she is with child willing him K to repair unto his own house and repose himself with his Wife But Vrias slept among his fellow-souldiers near unto the person of the King Which when David understood he asked him wherefore he repaired not to his own house v. 6 7 8. according to the custome of Husbands that had been long absent David sendeth for Urias and willeth him to repair home unto his Wife which he doth not and why he visited not his Wife from whom he had been so long parted Vrias replied That it became him not either to repose or take pleasure with his Wife whilest his companions and General lay upon the ground in the Enemies Countrey Which said David commanded him to sojourn there all the day long to the end that on the next morrow he might send him back again to Joab That night the King invited him to supper
deliver it to the Enemies to ransack and burn it and the F City shall be destroyed by the hands of the Enemies and their miseries shall be so notorious through the world and to such extremity shall they be driven as it shall hardly be believed so as their neighbours round about them hearing of their calamities shall be astonished and shall seek out the cause why the Hebrews are thus hated by God who beforetime have been so advanced by him in riches and honors and they shall be informed by those that survive that those calamities are brought upon them by their sins and the transgressions which they have committed against the ordinances of their forefathers These things that were declared unto him in a dream 1 King 7. 1. are registred in the sacred Letters Seven years after the Temple had been thus built as it hath been heretofore declared he began the building of his Palace Hedio Ruffâ—â—us cap. 5. which he scarcely finished in thirteen years G space Solomons 〈◊〉 finished 〈◊〉 thirteen years for he was not so intent and earnest in building thereof as he was in the structure of the Temple For although the temple was very great and of incredible and marvellous magnificence yet so it is that God for whom it was made assisting the workmen it was A thorowly finished within the term of the years aforesaid But the Royal Palaces being far less than the Temple were built more slowly because the stuff had not been prepared so long time before nor with so great diligence and the rather because the Palaces that were were not for God but for Kings notwithstanding this House was built very magnificently according as the wealth of the Countrey and the power of the Hebrew King required But it will not be amiss if I declare all the order and disposition of the same House that by the description thereof the Reader may be informed of its capaciousness It was a great and goodly Fabrick sustained by divers Pillars prepared to receive and contain much People at the time of their assemblies wherein they treated of affairs Ver. 8. and held pleas It was an hundred cubits in length and in breadth B fifty The Hall and in height thirty supported by sixteen square pillars covered with Corinthian work The Tribunal with stairs and carved gates which contributed no less to its beauty than its security In the midst of this space and hard by the Temple there was another Pavilion thirty cubits square Ver. 8. sustained with strong pillars within which there was another magnificent Tribunal The Queens house and other Palaces of pleasure on which the King sate to give judgment unto which there was adjoined another Palace prepared for the Queen All the Chambers as well those that were ordinarily in use Ver. 9. c. as those for recreation after he had retired himself from publick affairs were adorned with planks of carved Cedar The ornaments of Solomons Palace and were built partly of stone ten cubits square partly of curious marble and very rarely and cunningly wrought by the most C curious and exact Masons Chambers of pleasure with houshold-stuff of gold And that which made it more beautiful were three panes of Tapistry and the fourth admirable for the artificial engravings for the Workmen had made therein Trees and Plants of divers sorts shadowed with their branches and leafs hanging in such sort that to behold them a Man would have thought that they shook the workmanship was so exquisite and curious that covered the stone The rest as far as the roof was enchased and flourished with divers Antiques and Pictures Furthermore he built other places of pleasure with very long porches to beautifie the Palace amongst which there was one most magnificent to make Banquets and Feasts in which was throughout adorned with gold 1 Kings 10. and all the necessaries for entertainment were of gold It would be difficult to give an exact account of the variety the capaciousness D and magnificence of these structures whereof some were of a greater and some of a lesser bulk some under ground and others raised to a great height the pleasant Arbors likewise and the Gardens which were so fashioned that they afforded a pleasant prospect to the eye as well as refreshment from the heat All the building was made of white Marble Solomons Throne made of Ivory of Cedar of Gold and of Silver the floors and walls were figured with diversity of flowers and of precious stones inchased in gold after the manner of the Temple of God 3 Reg. 5. which shined with such like ornaments There was likewise erected a very large Throne made in form of a Tribunal with six steps of pure Ivory on each side of which there stood two Lyons and the like number were placed above About the place where the King sate there were several Arms stretched out which seemed to E succor or protect him and he sate upon an Oxe looking backwards this Throne was all covered with gold Solomon built all this that hath been spoken of in the space of twenty years being furnished by Hiram King of the Tyrians for these his buildings with great sums of gold and far greater of silver besides a quantity of Cedar and Pine-trees Solomon also remunerated him and gave him great Presents and sent him every year abundance of Corn Wine and Oyl as we have heretofore declared whereof he stood in great need by reason that his Countrey was an Island And besides that he gave him twenty Cities in Galilee Ver. 11 12. not far distant from Tyre Hiram having visited them and not well-pleased with them Solomons gratuity to Hiram for the benefits he received sent unto Solomon to certifie him thereof that he had no use for his Cities and F from that time forward they were called the Countrey of Chabel which is as much as to say in the Phoenician tongue unpleasant Hiram likewise sent unto Solomon certain mysteries 1 Kings 9. and difficult questions requiring him to explicate them and solve those doubts and difficulties that occurred in his demands 1 Kings 5. Solomon being a Man of ripe judgment and understanding explained them all with a great deal of perspicuity Solomon interpreteth certain hidden questions sent unto him by Hiram Menander the Historiographer maketh mention of Hiram and Solomon Of these two Kings Menander who Translated the Antiquities of the Tyrians out of the Phoenician Tongue into Greek maketh mention after this manner After the decease of Abibale Hiram his son succeeded him in the Kingdom who lived Fifty and three years and reigned Thirty and four He annexed the Field which is called the great Field unto the Island and consecrated a golden pillar in Jupiters temple He also caused a great quantity of wood to be hewed G down in the mountain Libanus to make covers and
such time as Joab Ader fled into Egypt General of Davids Army had conquer'd Idumaea and in the space of six months defeated all the youth and those that were capable to bear Arms he fled unto L Pharaoh King of Egypt Ader beseecheth Pharaoh to dismiss him that he might return into his Countâ—â—y who entertain'd him very courteously and gave him an house and lands for his maintenance and loved him dearly when he came to mans estate so that he married him to Taphines his wives sister on whom he begat a Son who was brought up with the Kings children who having intelligence in Egypt of David and Joabs death address'd himself unto Pharaoh and besought him to give him leave to repair into his own Countrey The King ask'd him what he wanted or what the cause was that mov'd him to be so forward to forsake him Notwithstanding therefore that he importuned and requested him divers times yet prevailed he not with him But when Solomons fortunes began to decline Ader returneth into Idumaea and from thence departeth into Syria by reason of his iniquities above-mentioned and the wrath of God provoked M against him Ader by Gods permission came into Idumaea after he had obtained leave of Pharaoh to depart But being unable to move the people to revolt from Solomon by reason of the strong Garisons he held Raas and Ader enemies to Solomon and knowing that without hazard of his own person he could move no alterations or innovation in that place he departed from thence and went into Syria where confederating himself with a certain man called Raas who was fled from his Master Adarezer King of Sophone and lived like an Outlaw in that Region he contracted friendship with him and a great sort of Outlaws and Thieves that were his followers and went into Syria and seizing on that Countrey proclaimed himself King thereof From whence making excursions into the lands of the Israelites he spoiled and pillaged the same during Solomons life-time Thus were N the Hebrews enforced to sustain those Outrages at Aders hands Moreover a certain Man called Jeroboam the son of Nebat by Nation a Jew rebelled against Solomon Ver. 26 ad 35. and raised his hopes above his estate persuaded thereunto by a Prophesie that concerned him Jeroboam rebelleth against Solomon and incited him unto the action For being left very young by his Father and carefully instructed by his Mother as soon as Solomon perceived him to be of a noble and couragious spirit he made him Commissary over the building of the Walls at such time as he immured and fortified Jerusalem In this office he behaved himself so well Ver. 30. that the King thought very well thereof and by way of recompence made him General over the Tribe of Joseph Achâ—as the Prophet foretelleth that he should be King over the ten Tribes Towards which whil'st he travelled from Jerusalem a certain Prophet met him upon the way who was of the City of Silâ— called O Achias who approaching near unto him and saluting him drew him out of the way into a place where none but themselves were present and there renting the garment which he wore upon his back in twelve pieces he commanded Jeroboam to take ten telling him That God had so decreed The year of the World 2971. before Christ's Nativity 993. and how he would rent the Government from Solomon and reserve A only one Tribe unto his son with that other which was annexed unto it by reason of the promise made to David and to thee said he he giveth the other ten because Solomon hath offended God and addicted himself to the love of strange Women and the service of foreign gods Now since thou knowest the cause wherefore God hath alienated the Kingdom from Solomon be thou just and observe the Laws for if thou behavest thy self in such sort as thou knowest David did a great reward of thy piety and recompence of thy observance attendeth thee so that thou shalt become as mighty as David hath been before thee Jeroboam confirmed in great hopes by these words of the Prophet being by nature haughty in years young and besides that Ver. 40. desirous of authority Jeroboam flieth into Egypt and remaineth there until Solomons death he took no rest but being possessed of the place of B General and remembring himself of that which had been told him by Achias he presently began to persuade the people to revolt from Solomon and to choose him for their King Solomon hearing news of this his design sought means to lay hands on him and to put him to death but Jeroboam preventing him fled unto Susac King of Egypt with whom he remained until the death of Solomon And thus for that time escaped he punishment and thus was he reserved to the fortune of a Kingdom CHAP. III. After the death of Solomon the people revolt from Rehoboam his Son and proclaim Jeroboam King of the Ten Tribes C BUT when Solomon was very old The death of Solomon he dyed after he had Reigned fourscore years and lived ninety four and was buried in Jerusalem of all Kings the most happy rich and prudent Hedio Ruffinus cap. 8. al. 4. except that sin whereunto he was drawn by Women in his old age of whom and those calamities that presently after befell the Hebrews we have sufficiently spoken 1 Reg. 12. 1 ad 11. After the death of Solomon as soon as his son Rehoboam whom he begat upon an Ammonitish woman called Noma succeeded him in the Kingdom the Governors of the people sent certain messengers into Egypt to recall Jeroboam who arriving in the City of Sichem Rehoboam came thither also resolving in that Assembly of the Israelites to take the Kingdom upon himself by the peoples consent The people require Rehoboam to mitigate their burthen To him therefore the Princes D of the people resorted with Jeroboam beseeching him That he would remit somewhat of their servitude and shew himself more merciful than his father had been for that under his government they had been sorely oppressed assuring him that by that means his Kingdom should be the more secured if so be he had rather be beloved than feared He three days after promised them to return an answer to their demands and by that means drew them into suspition that upon the motion he misliked of the offers they had proposed for they thought it became his years to be affable and ready to deserve well yet remained there some hope in them Ver. 6 7 8. that they had not presently suffered a repulse Mean while he calling about him his fathers friends The wholesom advice of the Elders consulted what answer he should give the people they that wished his welfare and knew the nature of the people very well persuaded E him to speak familiarly unto the people and remitting a little of his Kingly
further hereafter Now when the feast of Tabernacles which hapned in the seventh month was at hand he himself intended to celebrate in Bethel after the same manner as the two other Tribes had feasted in Jerusalem and erected an Altar before the Calf and was himself the High Priest ascending up to the Altar being assisted by the Priest Now at such time as he was about to sacrifice and to offer up burnt-offerings in the sight of the people there came a Prophet and stood by him called Jadon sent from O Jerusalem by the commandment of God who standing up in the midst of the people and in the hearing of the King turned himself towards the Altar and spake after this manner Thou Altar thou Altar thus saith the Lord there shall a man rise of the Tribe of David called Josias he shall kill upon thee the false Prophets of his time and shall burn the bones A of the deceivers and seducers upon thee And to the intent that each man may believe that this Prophecy is true it shall be confirmed by a Prodigy This Altar shall suddenly break and the fat of the Sacrifices that are laid thereon shall be poured on the ground Jeroboam displeased with these words of the Prophet 1 Reg. 13. 1 2 3. stretched out his hand commanding them to lay hold on him But the hand that he stretched out became instantly wither'd so that he could no more draw it back again to himself The Prophecy against the Altar in Bethel but held it hanging down astonished and mortified On the other side the Altar cleft in twain and all that was thereon fell down according as the Prophet had foretold The Prophecy is confirmed by a miracle The King perceiving that the man had a true and divine spirit of Prophecy besought him to pray unto God that his hand B might be restored to him again in its full strength and vigor Ver. 4. and he prayed and his hand was restored Jeroboams withered â—and restored wherewith Jeroboam being well-pleased invited the Prophet to dine with him But Jadon answer'd him and said That he neither might enter into his house nor taste any bread or water within the City because God had prohibited him furthermore he told him That it was not lawful for him to return the same way that he came But the King admiring at the continency of the man Hedio Ruffinus cap. 9. began the more seriously to suspect his estate and conjecturing by those things which he had both seen and heard he divined the assured disaster of his estate and fortunes There dwelt in that City a certain false Prophet whom Jeroboam held in great honour in that he soothed him up in whatsoever was best pleasing to his ears This man lay at that time sick upon his Bed being feeble through age and when he was informed by his son that there was a Prophet come from C Jerusalem and what wonders he had wrought and how Jeroboam by his prayers recovered again his withered hand he fearing lest the King should make more account of this stranger than of himself commanded his sons presently to saddle his Ass and to have him in a readiness against his departure Which when they had performed he mounted thereon and went after the Prophet whom he overtook where he rested himself under a thick shadowy Oak and upon the first encounter saluted him and afterwards expostulated why he had not visited him Ver. 7 ad 10. neither accepted of that hospitality which he willingly would have afforded him The Prophet is brought back by the subtilty and fâ—â—ud of the false Prophet Jadon answer'd him That God had forbidden him and charged him not to taste any kind of sustenance in any mans house that dwelt within the City Truly said the other with me thou mightest eat for I also am a Prophet and honour the same D God that thou doest and now also come I unto thee by his commandment to conduct thee back again unto my house and to entertain thee with a friendly dinner These words of the false Prophet made Jadon credulous so that he turned back again with him But as they sate at their Banquet and were making merry together God appeared unto Jadon and said unto him That since he had broken his commandment he should suffer punishment for the same and withall expressed unto him the manner which was That in his return homewards he should be torn in pieces by a Lyon Ver. 19 ad 23. and that he should not be buried in the monument of his fathers This thing hapned in my opinion by the Will of God The disobedience of the Prophet his punishment and burial to the intent that Jeroboam should not respect Jadons words who had been found a lyar As therefore Jadon returned back to Jerusalem a Lyon met him on the way and tore him in pieces from his Ass E and slew him yet offered he no violence to the Ass that bare him which he preserved with the body of the Prophet standing fast by the same until such time as certain passengers beholding the spectacle brought news thereof into the Town unto the false Prophet who sent his sons to bring back the body which by their assistance he honourably buried charging them that after his death they should bury his body by him assuring them that all that which he had prophesied against that City against the Altar the Priests and false Prophets was very true And as touching himself he commanded that after his decease they should bury him by him because that being buried with him there might no difference be made betwixt their bones Jadons Prophecy is detracted to Jeroboam by the false Prophet and his Tomb might be honoured When therefore he had interred the Prophet and given his son these things in charge being other F ways a most wicked and impious man he addressed himself to Jeroboam and said unto him Why art thou troubled at the words of this mad man The King told him all that which had hapned about the Altar and his hand and assured him that he accounted him a true and divine Prophet and one sent by God But the false Prophet began most maliciously to weaken his belief and disguise the truth of that which hapned by his persuasive words For he told him that what had hapned to his hand was only occasioned through weariness and the pains he had taken in bearing the Sacrifices and after that he had a little rested that it came into his own natural state again and that the Altar being newly built and divers great Sacrifices laid thereupon it cleft in twain and fell down through the weight of what was laid on it Consequently he declared unto him the death of him that had foretold these signs that were to come and how G he had been slain by a Lyon for which cause he persuaded him to think
spake after this manner That sith they had obtained from God so notable a victory they ought to behave themselves like virtuous men and M such as feared God The exhortation of Azarias the Prophet conforming themselves unto his will in all things assuring them that if they persisted in the same God would give them victory over their enemies and all the happiness of this life but if they forsook the service of God they should fall into so great extremity that neither true Prophet or Priest should be found amongst them 2 Chron. 15. that should instruct them in righteousness ver 3 4. that their Cities should be overthrown and their Nation should be scattered over the face of the whole earth that they should live like Wanderers and Vagabonds In the mean while therefore while they had time he counselled them to live uprightly wishing them that they would not deprive themselves of that favor which God bare unto them When the King and all the people heard these words they were very joyful and every one was careful to serve God The King also sent out certain Deputies over the Countrey who were commanded N to see the laws duly executed In this state were the affairs of Asa King of the two Tribes Now will I return to Basa King of Israel Religion reneâ—ed in Israel who having slain Nadab the son of Jeroboam usurped the Kingdom He made his abode in the City of Thersa and reigned four and twenty years shewing himself more wicked than either Jeroboam or his son had been He miserably oppressed his Subjects and by his blasphemies dishonoured the Name of God Basa's impiety who sent the Prophet Gimon unto him 1 Reg. 1â— 1 ad 5. to foretell him that his whole race should perish and that his house should be persecuted with as many miseries as himself had inflicted on Jeroboams posterity because that having received the government from God he shewed himself ungrateful unto him for his goodness A Prophecy against Basa and governed his O people impiously and unjustly whereas justice and piety are both profitable unto those that practise them and well-pleasing unto God Moreover in that he had conformed H himself in his life The year of the World 3006. before Christ's Nativity 9â—8 to the dissolute course that Jeroboam used and had given himself over to follow the same vices he might deservedly expect to suffer the same punishment Although Baasa heard all those evils that should shortly fall on him and his posterity by reason of his wickedness yet he redeemed not the time nor endeavoured to obtain pardon of God by repenting himself of his sins but he continued still to engage himself further than before in all sorts of wickedness and became worse and worse to the utter ruine and confusion both of him and his houshold In the end he assembled an Army 1 Kings 15. 17 21. and assailed Ramoth once more 〈◊〉 was a great City some four Leagues distant from Jerusalem Baasa surprized Ramath and fortifi'd it which he took placed a Garison therein and fortifi'd it with a resolution from thence to make his inroads into Asa's Kingdom But Asa fearing the invasion I of his Enemy and considering that the Soldiers who were left in Ramath did grievously pillage the adjacent Countries sent Ambassadors to the King of Damascus with gold and silver to induce him to become an Associate in the War and to renew that amity between them Asa inciteth thoâ—e of Dâ—mascuâ— to invade Baasa which was begun betwixt their Fathers The King graciously received those treasures that were sent him and made a league with him and brake the truce which he had made with Baasa so that he sent the Governors of his Dominions against those Cities that were under Baasa's subjection with a commandment that they should destrâ—y them Of these they burnt some and ransackt others amongst which were Gelam Dan and Abelma Which when the King of Israel understood he gave over the fortifying of Ramath K and with all expedition turn'd to yield those of his subjects his assistance who were assaulted by the Enemy Alias chap. 9. But Asa in the mean while built two strong Towns The death of Baasa Gabath and Maspha of the materials which Baasa had prepar'd to build withall Baasa afterwards prevented by death had no more opportunity to make War against Asa He was buried in the City of Arsane and his son Ela succeeded him in his Kingdom who after he had reigned two years was traiterously slain by Zamri a Captain of half his Horsemen For whil'st Ela banquetted with Osa who was the steward of his house Zamri wrought so effectually that he persuaded some of his horsemen to assault Ela who at that time was alone and destitute of his Guards because all his Soldiers were at the siege of Gabathan a City of the Philistines L CHAP. VII Baasa's Off-spring being extinct Zamri reigned in Israel and after him Amri and his son Achab. AFter that Ela was slain Baasa's stock destroyed Zamri took the kingdom upon him and wholly rooted out Baasa's posterity according as the Prophet Gimon had foretold For after the same manner was his Family utterly overthrown for their impiety Ver. 11 1â— as Jeroboams progeny was extinguish'd for their iniquity as we have before declar'd For the Army which besieged Gabathan hearing news of the Kings death and that Zamri had murther'd him M and seized the kingdom they made Amri General of the Army and anointed him for their King who raising the siege before Gabathan came before the Royal City of Thersa which he besieged Divers factions of the people and took by force Zamri seeing the City destitute of defence had retired himself into the most secret place of the Palace where setting it on fire he burnt both himself and it Ver. 16. after he had reigned seven days Suddenly after this the Israelites fell at variance amongst themselves Amri King of Israel because some of 〈◊〉 thought to prefer Thaman to the kingdom and others were wholly addicted to Amri but they of Amri's side had the better and being of the better sort slew Thaman and made Amri Sovereign over the people The thirteenth year of Asa Amri began his Reign and was King for twelve years space six years govern'd he in Thersa and six in Mareon which the Greeks N call Samaria himself imposed this name of Samaria from the name of him whom he purchased the Mountain on which he built this City He differ'd in nothing from the other Kings his predecessors but in that he was worser than any of them for there was nothing which he left unattempted Ver. 28. that by daily impieties he might alienate the people from God Amri dyeth and Achab hâ—â— son succeeded him For which cause God being displeas'd exterminated him and his posterity from the face of the
rain and told that he saw nothing at length going up the seventh time in descending he brought him this news that he saw B some black appearance in the Air not much unlike to a mans footstep When Elias understood this he sent unto Achab wishing him to retire himself within the City before the rain fell who had no sooner recover'd the City of Jezrael but that the Air was presently cover'd with thick clouds and a vehement wind intermixed with rain fell upon the earth 1 Reg. 19. 1 ad 4. and the Prophet seized by the Spirit of God ran with the Kings chariot as far as Jezrael a City of Asser Elias flieth from Jezabel When Jezebel Achab's Wife had notice what miracles Elias had perform'd and how he had slain her Prophets she was displeased and sent messengers unto him threatning him in like sort to revenge herself on him as he had slain her Prophets Which Elias fearing fled into the City of Bersabe which is upon the borders of the Tribe of Juda Gods care for his servantâ— bounding upon Idumaea in which place he left his servant and retired C himself into the Desart where whil'st he pray'd God that he would take him out of the World he fell asleep under a certain Tree and after he was awaked he arose and found bread and water ready prepared by him When he had eaten and was refreshed Mount Sinai Ver. 5 6. he went unto where it is said that Moses received the Law from God where finding out an hollow Cave God speaketh to Elias in the desart he entred into it and remained therein And being demanded by a certain voice which spake unto him he knew not from whence Wherefore he remained in that place and forsook the City He answer'd Because he had slain the Prophets of the false gods and because he had persuaded the people that there was but one onely God who ought to be honoured by all men and that for this cause he was sought for by the Kingâ— wife that he might be put to death The voice replied again and commanded him to shew D himself openly assuring him that he should understand that which it behoved him to perform Hereupon as soon as it was day he forsook the Cave and perceiv'd the earth to tremble under his feet Ver. 16. and after all things were appeased the voice which proceeded he knew not from whence Jehu King of Israel willed him That he should in no wayes be discomforted with that which he saw for that no one of his enemies should have power to hurt him charging him to return unto his house to the intent to proclaim Jehu the son of Nimsi King of the people and Azael of Damascus King of the Syrians Ver. 19. assuring him that in his place Elizeus calling Elizeus of the City of Abela should be Prophet and that the wicked people should be destroyed the one by Azael and the other by Jehu When Elias heard these things he return'd into the Countrey of the E Hebrews and met Elizeus the son of Saphat at the Cart and with him divers others driving before them twelve couple of Oxen he came near him and cast upon him his garment and he instantly began thereupon to prophetize so that forsaking his Oxen he followed Elias Hedio Ruffinus cap. 14. ad 11. Yet required he that before his departure he might take leave of his Parents which when he had perform'd he committed them unto God and follow'd Elias 1 Kings 21. 1 ad 16. attending on him during all his life like his disciple and servant This issue had the affairs of this so excellent a Prophet The story of Naboth who was stoned to death for denying Achâ—b his Vineyard But a certain Citizen called Naboth of the City of Azar had a Vineyard near unto the lands of Achab who requir'd him to sell him the same at what price he thought convenient to the intent he might annex it to his own lands and make them one possession wishing him that if he would not sell it him F for silver to choose in exchange thereof any one field of his which he liked best Naboth answer'd him That he would not do it but that he intended to gather the fruit of his own land himself which he had received as an inheritance from his father The King no less troubled with the repulse than if he had lost his own inheritance would neither wash nor receive any sustenance Whereupon Jezabel his wife inquir'd after the cause of his discontent and how it came to pass that he neither washt nor eat he told her of Naboths rude behavior and how having offer'd all just and reasonable composition he could not obtain what he requested Hereupon Jezabel willed him to be of good cheer advised him to continue his ordinary entertainment because she herself would take upon her to revenge him on Naboth Whereupon she presently sent Letters in Achabs name to the Governors G of the Countrey whereby she enjoined them to celebrate a Fast and to assemble the people charging them that in that place Naboth should have a seat prepared for H him by reason of his birth and quality willing them afterwards that suborning three false Witnesses to depose against him that he had blasphemed God and the King they should by this means cause him to be stoned and put to death by the people All which was performed according as the Queen had written and Naboth accused by false witness for scandalizing God and the King was stoned by the people and put to death When Jezabel had tydings hereof she repaired to the Kings presence and told him That he should enjoy Naboths Vineyard and disburse nothing for it But God displeased with this her wickedness Ver. 17 ad 26. sent the Prophet Elias purposely to meet with Achab in Naboths ground Elias prophesieth what revenge God will take of Achab and Jezabel and to tell him That he unjustly possessed the lawful inheritance of another whom he had put to death As soon as the King perceived that he came I unto him supposing it to be unseemly for a King to be reproved he first of all confessed his fault and offer'd him to make restitution according as he should think fit Then did the Prophet foretell That in the same place where Naboths Carcass was consumed by Dogs that both his and his Queens blood should be shed and that all his Race should be destroyed for that they durst commit such an impiety and so wickedly murder against all Law so good and innocent a man These words made so great an impression upon Achab that he repented him of the offence he had committed Ver. 27 28. so that apparelling himself in sackcloth and walking barefoot Achab's repentance he tasted not any meat but confessed his sins with hopes to appease Gods wrath Whereupon God
Governors and Priests of his Countrey enjoining them to ride their Circuit about the Provinces and to teach the Inhabitants of every City the Law of Moses training them up in the observance thereof and in the study of piety The peace in Jehoshaphats time Which all the Citizens embraced and entertained so willingly that they seemed to emulate and strive one with the other which of them should exceed the rest in the service of God Jehoshaphats Army The Nations likewise that dwelt round about him loved Jehoshaphat and were at peace with him Ver. 13. The Philistines also payed those Tributes which were imposed on them And the Arabians furnish'd him every year with six hundred and threescore Lambs and the like number of Horses He fortified also other great Cities of importance and made preparation of Munition of War and Arms against the O Enemy He mustered in the Tribe of Juda Three hundred thousand Men over whom he placed Edraus General and Two hundred thousand under the conduct of Johanan who besides these had Two hundred thousand Archers on foot of the Tribe of Benjamin Another Chieftain called Ochobat The year of the World 3047. before Christ's Nativity 917. levied and led for the King One hundred and fourscore A thousand Men armed at all points besides those which he sent into fenced Cities He married his Son Joram to Athalia the Daughter of Achab King of the ten Tribes And not long after resorting to Samaria Achab received him very courteously and magnificently entertained his Army with bread wine and flesh in abundance desiring him to yield him his assistance against the King of Syria Jehoshaphats expedition with Achab against the Syrians to the intent he might recover the City of Ramath in the Countrey of Galaad which Adabs father had won and conquered from his father Jehoshaphat promised to assist him and being no wayes inferior unto him in force he sent his Army from Jerusalem to Samaria When these two Kings were departed out of the City 1 Kings 22. 2 ad 8. and each of them were seated upon their Thrones they B distributed their Pay to every one of their Soldiers At that time Jehoshaphat commanded 2 Chron. 18. 1 ad 8. That if at that present there were as yet any Prophets amongst them they might be sent for to give notice what the issue should be of this their War against the Syrians and whether they thought it good to make War against them by reason that at that time there was amity and peace betwixt Achab and the Syrians confirmed for the space of three years since the time that he took Adad Prisoner and delivered him CHAP. X. Achab fighteth against the Syrians and is overcome and slain in the battel C HEreupon Achab called for the Prophets who were in number four hundred and commanded them to enquire of God 1 Kings 22. 6. Whether he would give him the victory in that War which he undertook against Adad 2 Chron. 18. 5. And whether he should recover the City which he intended to besiege The false Prophets prophesie plausibly Who answered and counselled him to hazard the Battel For he should over come the Syrian and should take him Prisoner as he had done before Jehoshaphat understanding by their words that they were false Prophets asked Achab If he had not any other Prophet of God who might more exactly certifie him of that which should follow Achab answered That he had one as yet remaining but that he hated him because he prophesied nought else but mishap and misery unto him and had foretold him That if he should fight against the Syrians 1 Kings 22. 14. ad 28. he should be overcome and slain and for that cause he held him at that time in D Prison signifying unto him that his name was Micheas the son of Imlah Jehoshophat desired that he might be brought into his presence 2 Chron. 18. 13 ad fin which was accordingly performed by one of his Eunuchs Micheas the true Prophet who by the way certified Micheas That all the other Prophets had prophesied to the King victory But Micheas told him That it was not lawful for him to lye against God but that it concerned him to speak that which God should inform him of concerning the King As soon as he came before Achab and was adjured to speak the truth he said That God had shewed him the Israelites put to flight and dispersed by the Syrians that pursued them no otherwise than sheep without their shepherd All which signifieth no less said he but that the rest of the people returning home in safety Achab only should be slain in the battel When Micheas had spoken after this manner Achab turning himself towards Jehoshaphat E said unto him I told you before how this fellow was affected towards me But Micheas constantly avowed That he prophesied nothing but that which God had commanded him to speak assuring Achab that he was sollicited by the false Prophets unto War under hope of victory whereas he should assuredly perish in the Battel These words of his made Achab much discomforted But Sedechias one of the false Prophets stepped forth and exhorted him to set light by Micheas's words because he spake untruly And for confirmation of this he appealed to Elias who was a far more skilful Prophet in foretelling things to come than Micheas was yet that the same Elias had foretold that the Dogs should lick Achabs blood in the City of Jezrael in the field of Naboth because Naboth had been stoned to death at the instance of Achab. Whereby it appeared manifestly that since he contradicted a Prophet so F excellent as he was he lyed in saying that the King should dye within three dayes Moreover said he it shall appear whether he be truly sent from God or no if as soon as he shall receive a buffet from me he cause my hand to wither according as Jadon made Jeroboams hand shrink at such time as he thought to apprehend him For I think said he O King that thou art assuredly informed hereof which said he struck him and because no inconveniency fell upon him by reason of that his audacious attempt Achab assured himself and recovered his courage and set forth against the Assyrian Army For as it is to be supposed the Will of God was such that it caused the false Prophets to triumph over the true which was the cause that the false Prophets were trusted more than the true to the intent that Gods preordained Will might be fulfilled G But Sedechias made him iron horns and said unto Achab that God by them signified unto him that he should lay waste all Syria but Micheas prophesied to the contrary that H within very few days Sedechias should walk from Cave to Cave to hide himself and avoid the punishment of his falshood Achab displeased hereat commanded that he should be
not escape that sickness Elias did that which God had commanded and the Messengers of the King having understood that which was declared unto them returned O back again with all expedition Ochozias marvelling much at their sudden return asked them the cause whereupon they answered him that a certain man came unto them and forbad them to pass any further but to return The year of the World 3048. before Christ's Nativity 915. and let their Master know from God that his sickness should wax worse and worse A Hereupon the King commanded them to describe what manner of Man he was that spake these words unto them who answer'd That he was an hairy Man girded with a leathern girdle And understanding hereby that it was Elias he sent a Captain with 50 Soldiers unto him Ver. 8. commanding him to bring the Prophet prisoner unto him This Captain that was sent Elias 〈◊〉 anâ— habit perceiving Elias sitting on the top of a Mountain commanded him to come down and repair unto the King who had sent for him which if he performed not presently Ver. 9 10. he threatned him to make him do it by force 〈◊〉 Solâ—iers sent to fetch Elias are consumed with lightning Elias answered him To the end thou mayest know by thine own experience that I am a true Prophet I will pray that fire may fall from Heaven and consume both thee and thy Soldiers And incontinently after Elias had prayed lightning fell down from heaven and consumed both the Captain and his Soldiers B When the King had tydings of this loss he was sore displeased and sent another Captain to Elias with the like number of Soldiers who threatned the Prophet that if he would not willingly come down he would violently pull him thence but Elias prayed that fire might fall from Heaven and incontinently both he and his were consumed in like manner as the first When the King had understood likewise how his second messenger had sped he sent a third but he being a discreet man when he came to the place where Elias was he saluted him very courteously and said unto him That contrary to his own will and to no other purpose but to fulfill the Kings pleasure he was come unto him and that they that were sent with him came not thither voluntarily but by the same command He therefore required him to have compassion both of him and his Soldiers and to vouchsafe to C come down and to come after them to the King Elias being moved by his discreet and courteous demeanor came down and followed him As soon as he came into the Kings presence he prophesied Ver. 17. and told him that God said That since he had despised him and so lightly accounted of him 〈◊〉 dying without issue Jâ—ram his brother reigned in his stead as if he had been no God or else such an one as had no power to foretell him any truth touching his sickness but that he had sent to the gods of Accaron to enquire after the success of his sickness know said he that thou shalt dye And not long after according to the Prophecy he dyed as Elias had foretold him and his brother Joram succeeded him in the Kingdom because he departed without issue This Joram was a wicked man also 2 Kings 2. â— 1. and as impious as his father for abandoning the service of the true God Elias according as Enoâ—h was taken from the sight of men he set up strange gods In all things else he was a man fit for D government In his time Elias was no more seen amongst men and until this day no man knoweth what his end was But he left a Disciple behind him called Elizeus as we have heretofore declared It is written in Holy Writ touching Elias and Enoch who was before the Deluge Hedio Ruffinus cap. 3. that they disappeared for no man hath known the manner of their dâ—â—ths 1 Kings 3. After that Joram had taken possession of the kingdom Elizeus he resolved to make war upon Misa the King of the Moabites Ver 11 13. who paid Achab his father before him the tribute of two hundred thousand sheep bearing wooll Jâ—ram asketh aid against the Moabites When he had assembled his Forces he sent unto Jehoshaphat requiring him That since he had been his fathers friend he would likewise second him and send him aid in his War intended against the Moabites who had then newly revolted from his government Jehoshaphat not only promised him to afford E him succors but moreover he assured him That he would draw the King of Idumaea who depended on him into their association When Joram understood these things by those whom he had sent unto Jehoshaphat he took his Army with him and repaired to Jerusalem where he was magnificently received and entertained by the King of that City where after they had concluded to march thorow the Desart of Idumaea and that way to charge the Enemy Ver. 17. in that they expected nothing less than to be endangered on that side these three Kings departed together from Jerusalem namely Wanâ— of water in the Hebrews Army the King of Jerusalem the King of Samaria and the King of Idumaea When they had marched seven dayes journey they found a great scarcity of water amongst them both to water their Horses and to refresh their whole Army by reason that their Guides had led them astray out of F the High-way so that they were in great want and especially Joram who by reason of the necessity wherewith he was pressed cryed unto God expostulating with him for what offence of his he would deliver up three such Kings into the hands of the King of Moab But Jehoshaphat who was a virtuous man encouraged him and sent into the Army to know whether there were any Prophet of God that had followed them to the battel Ver. 13. to the intent said he that we may understand from God what we ought to do The Kings 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 at Elizeus's hand and whereas one of the servants of Joram said that he had seen Elizeus the Son of Saphat the Disciple of Elias all the three Kings by the persuasion of Jehoshaphat resorted unto him When they drew near unto the Prophets Tent which he had pitched apart from the rest of the company they asked him what should become of the Army and Joram especially G To whom Elizeus answered That he had no reason to sollicite him in this sort but to repair unto his fathers and mothers Prophets who would certifie him the truth Notwithstanding H Joram intreated him The year of the World 3049. before Christ's Nativity 915. that he would prophesie and preserve the Army and his life but Elizeus sware by the living God That he would answer him nothing except for Jehoshaphats sake who was an upright man and one that feared God
rather that he ought to conceive that the Prophet Elizeus had discovered all that which was intended against him V. 13 14 15. Whereupon he sent out his Soldiers with an express charge to know in what City Elizeus made his ordinary abode Elizeus besieged in Dothaim by his enemy who returning back brought him news that he remained in Dothaim For which cause Adad sent a great number of Horsemen and Chariots to Dothaim to lay hold on Elizeus who begirt the City by Night and laid watch round about the walls that no Man might escape them Early in the morning C when the Prophets servant had notice hereof and was advertised that the enemies sought to surprize Elizeus he fearfully hasted and discovered their intent to his Master who encouraged him and commanded him not to be afraid because he was assured of Gods help whereupon he prayed to God that at that present he would shew his power and assistance both toward the relief of his necessity Ver. 16 17. and the confirmation and encouragement of his servant The Angels about Elizeus the Prophet At that time God hearing his prayer represented to the Prophets servant a great number of Chariots and Horsemen that invironed Elizeus so that he laid his fear aside and was assured when he perceived these succors That done Elizeus besought God again That he would blind his enemies eyes and cause a thick cloud to fall upon them to the end they might not discover him Which done he presently thrust himself D amongst the thickest of his enemies demanding of them Whom they came 〈◊〉 seek for They answer'd him That they sought for the Prophet Elizeus he promis'd them to deliver him into their hands Ver. 18 19. if so be they would come with him into the City where he was Elizeus leadeth the Syrians blinded into Samaria where by his persuasion they are courteously entertained and presented by Joram and sent home They being blinded in eyes and depraved in their understanding followed the Prophet willingly who marched before them When therefore Elizeus had brought them into Samaria he willed King Joram to lock the gates and to inviron the Syrians with his Soldiers This done he prayed God that he would open the eyes of the Syrians and they being delivered from their blindness perceived that they were in the midst of their enemies Whereat being sore astonished and uncertain whence this divine and unexpected act had befallen them King Joram asked the Prophet Whether he should kill them E with darts But Elizeus forbade him to do so For said he it is a just and convenient matter that they who are taken in War should lose their life but that they had done no evil unto his Countrey but by Gods providence came thither without their own knowledge for which cause he counselled him to give them Presents and refresh them and afterwards to suffer them to depart without any injury Joram giving ear to the Prophets words entertained the Syrians magnificently and with great humanity and sent them back unto Adad their King to whom upon their arrival they declared all that which had hapned unto them Adad astonished at this unexpected event Hedio Ruffinus cap. 4. and wondering at the power of the God of the Israelites and admiring the Prophet whom God so wonderously assisted he concluded from that time forward F never more to attempt the King of Israel in secret because he feared Elizeus but concluded to make open War against him hoping to have the upper hand of his enemies by means of the great number and force of his Army so that he issued out with a mighty power against Joram who supposing himself to be overmatched by the Syrian Army locked himself up within Samaria putting his trust and confidence in the fortification and strength of the walls thereof Ver. 24. Adad hoping to take the City if not by force at leastwise by famine Samaria besieged by the Syrians and default of things necessary drew near unto Samaria to besiege it But Joram was so destitute of convenient supplies that by reason of the incredible want of victuals an Asses head was sold in Samaria for 80 pieces of silver and a measure of Pigeons dung at five pieces of silver which they used instead of Salt neither G was there any thing that more troubled the King than that he feared lest some one constrained by famine should deliver or betray the City unto the enemy For which cause H he every day walked the round about the walls The year of the World 3050. before Christ's Nativity 914. and visited the Centinels of the City for fear lest any one should lie hidden within and with all care and diligence he gave order That if any one had such a sinister intent the means to execute the same should be taken from him And whereas a certain Woman cryed out unto him Have mercy upon me O King he incensed with wrath and supposing that she asked him some meat began to rail on her telling her That he had neither Grange nor Wine-press whereby he might any ways supply her necessity The Woman answer'd him Ver. 28. That she had no need thereof The famine so great in Samaria that Women eat their own children and that she was not troubled for want of food but onely desired that he would determine a debate betwixt her and another Woman whereupon he commanded her to express and declare what she required Hereupon I she said That she had made an agreement with another Woman her Neighbor and Friend that since the famine and scarcity was such as they could find no redress for the same that they should kill their children for each of them had one and in this sort should nourish one another As for my self said she I have first of all strangled mine and we have both of us yesterday eaten thereof but now she will not do the like but breaketh the accord betwixt us and concealeth her child Joram was grievously tormented to hear these words and rent his garments and cryed out with a loud voyce and afterwards wholly enraged against the Prophet he devised in his heart to put him to death because he prayed not unto God to grant him means to escape those evils that invironed them round about so that he sent a Man presently to cut off his head Ver. 31 32. who prepared himself with all expedition to K the slaughter Joram threaneth Elizeus's death But Elizeus was not ignorant of this resolution of the Kings for sitting at home with his Disciples in his house he told them That Joram the murtherers son sent a Man to take away his head Ver. 33. but said he when he that hath the matter in charge shall come hither suffer him not to enter but make him attend and stay at the gate for the King will follow him and will
as the Prophet had foretold him and God N visited him with a disease in his bowels Ver. 19 20. whereof he dyed miserably the People likewise handled his body ignominiously supposing that being cut off in that sort by Gods displeasure he was unworthy of a Royal Funeral for he was not buried in the Sepulchre of the Kings neither was any honor done unto him He lived 40 years and reigned eight they made Ochozias King CHAP. IV. The King of Damascus maketh War against the King of Israel JOram King of Israel 2 Kings 8. 25 ad finem hoping to recover Ramath in Galaad from the Assyrians after he had made great preparations for War Hedio Ruffinus cap. 6. led his Army against it In this siege he was hurt O by an Arrow shot by a certain Syrian and retir'd himself into the City of Jezrael untill he should recover of his wound Joram's expedition against â—amath leaving Jehu with his Army at Ramath who took the City intending to make War against the Syrians But Elizeus sent one of his disciples to Ramath gave him holy oyl The year of the World 3060. before Christ's Nativity 904. willed him to anoint Jehu and to say That God had chosen and anointed A him for King and after he had given him some other instructions he commanded him to depart as one that flieth making no man privy to it When this disciple of his came to the City he found Jehu in the midst of the Captains of War as Elizeus had told him and drawing near 2 Kings 9. 1. ad 6. he told him That he would communicate certain secrets unto him for which cause he arose and follow'd him Whereupon the young man taking out the oyl poured it on his head Jehu by Gods commandment anointed King saying That God had chosen him to exterminate the race of Achab and revenge the blood of the Prophets unjustly murthered by Jezabel and that both he and his house might be brought to nought in like sort as the sons of Jeroboam the son of Nebat and the children of Basa were extinguished for their impiety so that no one of the race of Achab might survive in the world As soon as he had spoken thus he issued out of the chamber that he might not B be discovered by any of the Army Ver. 11. Now when Jehu came out he returned to his place to his Captains who besought him to declare unto them wherefore the young man came unto him alledging that they supposed him to be out of his wits Truly said he you have divined well for he hath talked unto me after the manner of a mad man wherein he told them what he had said unto him namely how God had chosen him to be King over the people As soon as he had spoke Ver. 13. every one of them cast off their garments and spread them before him and sounding a Trumpet they proclaimed Jehu King who assembling his Army determined to conduct them toward the City of Jezrael against Joram who lay there to recover his wound which he had received at the siege of Ramath in Galaad as we have heretofore declared Thither also resorted in the way of friendship and consanguinity C Ochozias King of Jerusalem to visit Joram and to see how he was recovered of his wound for he was his nephew and son unto his sister as we have said before Jehu desirous to surprize Joram and his followers on the sudden gave command that none of the Soldiers should run before to give any intelligence of his repair unto Joram alledging that it should be a demonstration of their good will towards him whereas contrariwise they that did otherwise declared that they held him not for their King CHAP. V. Joram with all his Race is slain by Jehu Ochozias King of Jerusalem is likewise slain D THE Men of War were very joyful to execute this his command Ver. 17. ad 23. and guarded the ways that no Man might secretly steal into Jezrael and bare tydings of that which had hapned Mean-while Jehu attended by his choicest Horsemen and mounted in his Chariot marched towards Jezrael And when he drew near unto the City the Centinel that was appointed by Joram to discover those that repaired to the City perceived Jehu resorting thither with a multitude of attendants and told Joram that a Troop of Horsemen were at hand Whereupon a Scout was sent out to discover who they were who drawing near unto Jehu asked him what News there was in the Army telling him that the King was desirous to know the same Jehu willed him to take no care thereof but to folâ—ow after him The Centinel perceiving this certified Joram that the Messenger E whom he had sent went along with them that came and followed their General Whereupon the King sent out a Messenger the second time and Jehu commanded him to attend him as he did the first which the Câ—ntinel signified to Joram likewise who thereupon took his Chariot to meet them accompanied with Ochozias King of Jerusalem who as we have said was come to the City to see how the King was recovered of his hurt because he was allied unto him But Jehu marched on in good aray till Joram meeting him in the field of Naboth asked him how the Army did who instead of returning an answer reviled him bitterly and called him the son of a Poysoner and of an Harlot For which cause Joram fearing his turbulent spirit and suspecting he designed some Treason against him fled away as swiftly as his Chariot could be driven telling Ochozias F that they were both of them betrayed but Jehu flung a Dart at him and pierced him thorow the heart Ver. 24. Whereupon Joram instantly fell on his knees Jorams slaughter and dyed Hereupon Jehu commanded Badac to cast Jorams body into Naboths field remembring him of the Prophecy of Elias foretold to Achab Ver. 25 26. who murthered Naboth The truth of Elias Prophesie namely That he and his Race should dye in that field For sitting behind Achabs Chariot he heard these words pronounced by the Prophet in effect it so fell out as he had prophesied When Joram was fallen down Ochozias was afraid to be slain for which cause he turned his Chariot to take another way Ver. 27. hoping that Jehu would not discover him The death of Ochozias King of Jerusalem and his burial But he was overtaken in a steep way and was hurt with an Arrow whereupon he forsook his Chariot and being mounted on a swift Horse posted to Maggedo where after his wounds had been dressed G some few dayes he deceased and was carried to Jerusalem and buried there after he had reigned one year and surpassed his father in wickedness H CHAP. VI. Jehu reigneth over Israel and keepeth his Court in Samaria and after him his Progeny to the fourth generation
AT such time as Jehu arrived at Jezrael Jezabel being on the top of a Tower in her Princely Robes cried out O trusty Servant said she that hath slain his Master He looking upward asked her what she was commanding her to come down unto him at length he charged her Eunuchs to cast her down from the top of the Tower in her fall v. 10. 30 31. she besprinkled the walls with her blood and as soon as she came to ground I her body was trampled under the horses feet A famous example of Gods Judgement untill she died That done Jehu repaired to the Palace with his friends and reposed himself there commanding his servants that they should bury Jezabel in respect of the Royal Race from whence she was descended but they to whom the charge of the obsequies were committed found no part of her body but her hands and head for all the rest was devoured by dogs Jehu certified hereof wondred at the prophecy of Elias who had foretold that Jezabel should die in that sort in Jezrael Now Achabs seventy Sons being brought up in Samaria 2 King 10. 1 ad 7. Jehu sent two Letters the one unto the Masters of the infants the other to the Governours of the City giving them to understand that they should choose one of the most vertuous amongst Achabs children K to reign as King over them because they had a multitude of strong Chariots horses Armor men and strong Cities to the end that in so doing they might take revenge on those that slew their Lord and Master This did he under a colour to sound how the Samaritans were affected towards him When the Governors and Tutors had received these Letters they were afraid and made account that they could prevail nothing against him who had prevailed already against two mighty Kings For which cause they wrote back unto him acknowledging him for their Sovereign and offering themselves in all duty Achabs 70. children slain in Samaria to be under his subjection Whereupon Jehu sent back unto them again commanding them that to express their obedience they should send him the heads of Achabs children divided from their shoulders Which command of his they L failed not to execute but presently packed up the heads in panniers and sent them unto him to Jezrael As soon as they were brought thither tidings thereof were carried to Jehu as he sate at supper with his friends who commanded that they should be laid in two heaps at the City gates on either side thereof Which done he issued out as soon as it was day to see them and beholding them he began to tell those that accompanied him that he had voluntarily Armed himself against his Master and slew him but as touching those whom they saw there The rooting out of Acabs line he had no wayes layd hands on them His only intent was that all men should know that all that which hapned unto Achabs race was done by the ordinance of God and that his house was destroyed according as Elias had foretold v. 12. 13 14. And after he had slain and dispatched both these and all those that were M found to be of Acabs race amongst the Israelites The slaughter of Ochozias servants he went unto Samaria and meeting by the way with Ochozias houshold Servants who was King of Jerusalem he asked them whither they went Jonadab who answered him that they went to salute Joram and their King Ochozias for they knew not as yet that they were both of them slain Hereupon Jehu commanded his Servants to lay hands on them and put them to the sword notwithstanding they were forty two in number After them he met with a virtuous man called Ionadab who in times past had been his ancient friend who embracing him praised his forwardness in that he had performed all things according to the Will of God in abolishing Achabs house Jehu caused him to come up to him into his Chariot and accompany him to Samaria telling him that he should see that he would spare no wicked man N but would punish all the false Prophets and tellers of lyes and abusers of the people who had made them forsake the true service of God and adore strange gods because that which is most acceptable to a good man is to behold the punishment of the wicked Jonadab perswaded by these words mounted up into his Chariot and went with him to Samaria and after Jehu had sought out Achabs kindred he put them to death and intending that no one of his false Prophets and Priests should escape his hands he assembled them together by a subtil policy For gathering the people together he protested that he would have twice as many gods as Acab had willing that all the Priests that belonged unto them should present themselves for that he intended to celebrate most magnificent sacrifices to Acabs gods protesting that whatsoever Priest should be absent he should lose his O head Now this god whom Acab honored was called Baal Having in this sort assigned a day wherein he would offer sacrifice he sent thorow all the Countrey of Israel charging all Baals Priests to repair unto him and commanding that each of them should have their vestments given them The year of the World 3061. before Christ's Nativity 405. As soon as they were apparelled he resorted A to his lodging accompanied with his friend Jonadab and commanded that a search should be made amongst them to espie whether any one of a contrary quality or condition were mixed with them for that he intended that no stranger should be amongst the Priests v. 18 ad 28. When therefore he understood that none but the Priests were in that assembly even at such time as they began to offer sacrifice â—he slaughter of Baals Priests he caused them to be inclosed by fourscore Soldiers whom he esteemed to be most trustly commanding them to kill the false Prophets and to punish them according to the custom of their forefathers which had already too long been neglected dreadfully threatning all those who should any wayes omit to root out the name and memory of these wretches out of the world They therefore slew all those Priests and guarded the Kings Palace and in so doing cleared B Samaria of forrain gods This Baal was the god of the Tyrians for whom Achab built a Temple in Samaria v. 30. intending thereby to content Ithobaal the King of the Tyrians and Sidonians to whom he assigned Priests Baal god of the Tyrians and honoured him with all sorts of sacrifice After this Idol was exterminated Jehu suffered the Israelites to adore golden calves When this execution was performed in punishing the wicked The Kingdom promised to Jâ—hues posterity God to whom this action of his was acceptable told Jehu by his Prophet that his children should enjoy the Kingdom of Israel to the fourth generation This was Jehu's
them that they mocked them and esteemed them to be mad and spit upon those Prophets that exhorted them to piety and foretold them the evils they should suffer if they served not the true God and finally they laid hold on them and put them to the sword And not contenting themselves with this presumption they attempted yet far worser things and never gave over until that God for a punishment of their impiety subjected them to their enemies 2 Chron. 29. as shall appear hereafter But divers of the Tribes of Manasses Zabulon and Issachar The Word of God is never without fruit respecting the good counsels of the Prophets submitted themselves to the service of God and repaired all together to Jerusalem to King Ezechias to honour G God As soon as they were arrived there Ezechias went up into the Temple accompanied with the Governors and all the People and offered there seven Bulls seven Rams H and as many Goats The year of the World 3618. before Christ's Nativity 746. and after that he and all the Governors had laid their hands upon the heads of the Sacrifice they deliver'd them to the Priest according as it appertained to them and they sacrificed and made burnt-offerings of them The Levites also assisting round about with Instruments of Musick sung Hymns and Songs unto God according as they had been taught by the ordinance of David Ezechias's sacrifice The other Priests had Trumpets which they used in consort to the tune of their Hymns Which done the King and all the People cast themselves prostrate upon the ground 2 Chron. 29. â—â— 20 21. and adored God and afterwards sacrificed seven Oxen an 100 Sheep and 200 Lambs The King likewise bestowed 600 Oxen and 3000 sheep upon the People to feast withall And when the Priests had joyfully perform'd all things according to the custom contain'd in the Law I the King sate down and eat with the People and gave thanks unto God And when the feast of unleavened bread was come they eat the Passeover and during the seven other dayes Ver. 30 31. they offer'd up their other Sacrifices The King gave in way of gratuity unto the People besides that which had been offer'd 2000 Oxen Reformation of Gods service and 7000 Sheep The Governors did the like and gave the People a 1000 Bulls and 1400 Sheep and thus was the feast solemnized which had not been so magnificently and devoutly celebrated since Solomon's time When the solemnity of this feast was past they journeyed and went thorow the Countrey and purifi'd it They purged the City likewise of all Idols and the King ordained that the daily Sacrifices should be made according to the Law upon his charge He enacted also That the People should pay the Tenths to the Priests and Levites K with the first-fruits to the intent they might wholly intend piety and never estrange themselves from the service of God By which means it came to pass that the People brought all kind of fruit to the Priests and Levites The King overcometh the Philistines which the King put up in certain store-houses which he had built to be distributed to every one of them their Wives and Children and by this means they returned again to their former purity in Religion After the King had disposed all things in this sort 2 Kings 19. he made War upon the Philistines Ezechias forsaketh the service of the King of Assyria and overcame them and seized all their Cities between Gaza and Geth About this time the King of Assyria sent unto him and threatned him That if he would not pay those Tributes which his father before him had paid unto him he would destroy all his Countrey Nevertheless Ezechias set light by his threats assuring himself in that piety and zeal he bore L towards God and in the Prophet Esay by whom he was exactly instructed touching all those things that were to succeed CHAP. XIV Salmanasar slayeth the King of Israel and leadeth the Israelites captive into the Countrey of Media WHen tydings was brought to Salmanasar King of Assyria that the King of Israel had privily sent unto Soan Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. King of Egypt to request his assistance against the M Assyrians he was sore displeased and drew forth his Army against Samaria in the seventh year of the Reign of Oseas But the King of Israel withstood his entrance into the City by which means he was besieged therein for three years space and finally Samaria was taken by force 2 Kings 17 24. in the ninth year of Oseas and the seventh of Ezechias's Reign At which time all the Kingdom of Israel was destroy'd and all the People transported into the Countries of Media and Persia and amongst the rest King Oseas was taken Prisoner The King of Assyria caused certain Nations of a Countrey called Chut so stiled from a River of that name to remove their habitation and to dwell in Samaria and inhabit the Countrey of Israel As for the ten Tribes of Israel they were transported out of their Countrey 947 years The Israelites removed from their possessions are translated into the Region of the Chuthites since their Predecessors departing out of Egypt possessed N the Countrey of Canaan 800 years after the government of Joshua and 240 years seven months and seven dayes since they revolted from Roboam Davids Nephew to give the Kingdom to Jeroboam This was the end of the Israelites who transgressed the Laws and disobeyed the Prophets who foretold them of that calamity which should happen unto them except they repented them of their impieties The sedition that they rais'd against Roboam in taking his servant for their King was the original of their mischiefs For Jeroboam committing impiety against God and they imitating his wickedness caused God to be displeas'd with them so that he punish'd them according as they deserved But the King of Assyria ravaged and spoiled all Syria and Phoenicia with his Army and his name is found written in the Chronicles of the Tyrians for he made War against the Tyrians O at such time as Eulaleus reigned in Tyre whereof Menander maketh mention who wrote the History of Tyre which hath been Translated into the Greek Tongue The King Eluleus saith he reigned 36 years The year of the World 3224. before Christ's Nativity 740. and pursued the Chutheans that were revolted from A him by Sea and made them subject Against whom the King of Assyria sent forth his Army and invaded all Phoenicia and afterwards having made a Peace with them he returned back again into the Cities of Sydon Arce and old Tyre and divers other Cities revolted from the Tyrians and submitted themselves to the King of Assyria For this cause The Tyrians Chronicles touching the Wars of Salmanaâ—ar against the Tyrians written by Menander and for that they of Tyre did not obey him he drew his Army
happy and after that he began to serve God 1 Chron. 34. 1. ad 14. he invited many to the imitation of his virtues After he had lived 67 years he dyed in the 55th year of his Reign and was buried in his garden His kingdom came into the hands of his son Amon the son of Emalsema of the City of Jabath who imitating the Impieties to which his father addicted himself in his youth was slain in his own house by a conspiracy plotted by his own houshold-servants after he had lived 24 years and reigned two After his death the people slew his murtherers and he was buried with his father and the kingdom was given to his son Josias who was eight years old CHAP. IV. E The History of Josias THE Mother of Josias King of Juda was of the City of Bosceth and was called Jâ—da Josias King of Juda. This Prince was by nature so excellently disposed to all virtue that during the whole course of his life he proposed to himself no other example but that of his Predecessor King David 2 Chron. 34. 8. When he grew to be twelve years old he gave a manifest proof of his piety and justice Josias restoreth the true service of God for he drew the people to a conformable course of life and to the detestation and abolishing of Idols that were no gods and to the service of the onely and true God of their forefathers And considering the actions of his Predecessors he began to rectifie them in that wherein they were deficient with no less circumspection than if he had been an old man and that which he found to be advisedly F done by them he did promote and imitate And besides this wisdom which was innate to him he made use also of the advice and counsel of the Elders for following the laws 2 Kings 22. v. 4 24. both in respect of publick policy as also in religion he walked uprightly in that by observing them he could not err He made a particular inquiry both in Jerusalem Josias rooteth out Idolatry and the Countrey round about for those places where they had set up the worship of false gods and overthrew their altars and all those gifts that had been offered to them by his Predecessors were defaced and in this manner caused he the people to return to the service of God and to forsake the honour they did unto Idols He offered likewise the ordinary sacrifices and burnt-offerings upon the altar and established Judges and Magistrates to determine publick debates and to do each man right charging them G to have no less respect of equity than they had of their own lives He sent also thorow all the Countrey commanding that all those that would be Contributers either in gold or H silver The year of the World 332â— before Christ's Nativity 643. towards the reparation of the Temple should bring in their benevolence according to their abilities And when all the money was gathered together he appointed Superintendents both over the Temple as also over the charges that were defrayed in the reparation thereof namely Amasias who was Governor of the City and Saphan the Secretary and Joata who was over the Registers with the High-Priest Elcia who with all expedition and diligence provided workmen 2 Chron. 34. 9. ad 14. and all that which was requisite for the building The zeal of the people in the reparation of the Temple and began the work This sudden and speedy reparation of the Temple gave a manifest testimony of the Kings piety who when he had attained to the 18th year of his age sent Elcia the High-Priest and caused him to melt down the remainder of the money that was given towards the building of the Temple and to make vessels cups and I ewers for the service of the Altar He commanded also that all the gold and silver that was in the Treasury 2 Kings 22. 8. should be brought forth and employed after the like manner in cups and other vessels 2 Chr. 14. 15. Now whil'st the High-Priest search'd the Treasury he found the sacred Books of Moses in the Temple Moses sacred books found in the Temple which he brought and deliver'd to the Scribe Saphan who after he had perused the same presented them unto the King giving him to understand 2 King 32. 13. that all that which he had commanded was accomplished besides that he read the Books unto him 2 Chr. 34. 21. which when the King heard Olda thâ— Prophetess sent unto by Josias he rent his cloaths and called Elcia the High-Priest unto him and the Scribe Saphan with certain other of his inward friends 2 King 22. 15. ad finem and sent them unto the Prophetess Olda the wife of Sallum a man in high dignity and famous for his Nobility commanding them That when they came unto her they K should endeavor to appease Gods wrath 2 Chron. 34. 23. ad 28. and labour to recover his favor because it was to be feared The Prophecy of the Jews miseries that by reason that their ancestors had transgressed the Laws of Moses they should be in danger to be dispossessed of their Countrey and abandoned by all men should at length perish miserably When the Prophetess had heard the Kings commandment she willed those that were sent unto her to return unto the King and to certifie him from her That God had given sentence against them which might not be revoked by any prayers whatsoever namely that since they had transgressed the Law of Moses the people should perish and should be cast out of their Countrey and deprived of all their goods because they had not repented of the violation of his most holy Laws notwithstanding the Prophets had exhorted them to repentance and had foretold L the punishment of their impieties which should happen unto them to the end that they might believe that God is God and that he fails not in any thing that he hath foretold by his Prophets Furthermore she said That he forbore as yet to send these afflictions upon them for Josias sake who was a virtuous man but that after his decease God would pour out his wrath upon the people This Prophecy of the Woman they signifi'd unto the King who sent into all parts and assembled the People in Jerusalem commanding the Priests and Levites and generally all men 2 Chron. 34. 29. ad finem without distinction of age or person to be present in that Convention Now when they were assembled A lively image of a godly Prince he first of all caused the sacred books to be read and afterwards standing aloft upon his Throne he caused all the people to swear and promise that they should serve God and keep Moses Laws Whereupon all of them did willingly M approve of whatsoever he said promising to do that whereunto they were exhorted And therewithall
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
outrages were best liking unto them For this cause the Prophet Jeremy came unto him protesting oftentimes against him and denouncing That if he would not forsake his impieties and addict himself to that which was just but gave ear unto his Governors amongst which there were many wicked men nnd to those false Prophets that mis-led him trusting that the Babylonians should not make War against his City but that the Egyptians should levy an Army and overcome them that then he should suffer much misery For said he they have no truth in their sayings and they will always mislead you by false reports Whil'st Sedechias gave ear to these discourses of the Prophet he was persuaded and acknowledg'd all that to be true which he had spoken and very profitable both for him Ezekiel prophesieth the destruction of the Temple and his people but anon after his friends corrupted him and diverted him according E to their own opinions Ezekiel also at the same time had prophesied in Babylon concerning all those calamities which were to fall upon the Temple and sent notice to Jerusalem of that which he had received from God Notwithstanding Sedechias gave no credit to his Prophesies by reason that all the Prophets were accustomed to accord in all things the one with the other as touching the surprisal of the City and the imprisonment of Sedechias but Ezekiel differed in this that he said that Sedechias should not see Babylon notwithstanding that Jeremy had prophesied that the King of Babylon should lead him away Prisoner in bonds Ver. 20. because therefore these two accorded not in all their sayings Sedechiâ—s revolts from the Babylonian he concluded that the matter wherein they agreed was of no consequence Notwithstanding all things hapned unto him according as the Prophets had pronounced as F we will declare hereafter Hedio Ruffinus cap. 10. After that he had continued his alliance and friendship with the King of Babylon for the space of eight years 2 Kings 25. 4. ad 12. he brake the league that was between them and confederated with the Egyptians under hope that they should overcome the Babylonians The King of Egypt coming to rescue the King of Jerusaâ—em is overthrown by Nabuchodonosor with all his Army and driven out of Syria Which when the King of Babylon understood he led forth his Army against him and destroy'd his Countrey to the uttermost so that after he had taken his Cities of defence he brought his Army before Jerusalem and besieged it The Egyptian perceiving the state wherein his Ally Sedechias was levied an huge Army and came into Judea with an intent to raise the siege Whereupon the Babylonian withdrew his Army from Jerusalem to encounter with the Egyptian and fought with him and overcame him in battel and pressed on him with such courage that he put him to flight and drave him G out of Syria As soon as the Babylonian was dislodged from Jerusalem the false Prophets deceived Zedechias telling him That the Babilonian should never more return to make War either H against him or his Nation and that he should never any more depart from his house in Babylon and that they who had been led away captives should return home again loaden with those vessels of the Temple which the King of Babylon had taken from them But the Prophet Jeremy presenting himself before the King prophesied the contrary to these Impostors Zedechias seduced by false Prophets assuring both him and the People That no profit could befall them by means of the Egyptians for that the Babilonians should overcome them and should return and encamp before Jerusalem The Prophecy of the captivity of Babylon and the delivery and besiege the same and destroy the People by Famine and lead them away Prisoners that were remaining and carry away all their substance and that after they were seized of the riches of their Temple they should finally burn the same As for the City they should raze it Jer. 25. v. 1. ad 12. and said he they shall keep us captive for the space of 70 years And I from this servitude the Persians and Medes shall deliver us at such time as they have gotten the Empire out of the hands of the Babilonians Jer. 29. 1 ad 10. then shall they send us back again into our Countrey C. 37. per tot and we shall build our Temple anew and establish the City of Jerusalem Divers men gave credit to these words of Jeremy but the Governors and such as contemned God intreated him very cruelly as if he had been a man beside himself And whereas he had an intent to visit his Native Countrey Anathoth some 20 furlongs from Jerusalem one of the Magistrates encountring him in his journey and laying hold on him retained him loading him with this slander That he stole away to submit himself to the Babilonians But Jeremy answer'd That he was falsely accused and that he repaired only to the place where he was born This Prince giving him no credit arrested him and brought him K before the judgment-seat Jerusalem besieged where he sustained all sorts of outrages and torments and was shut up in Prison to be punish'd and remain'd there for a time suffering the extremity of wrong and injury 2 Kings 25. 1 ad 10. The ninth year of the Reign of Zedechias and on the tenth day of the ninth month Jer. 39. 1 ad 19. the King of Babilon came and encamped the second time before Jerusalem Two mighty enemies Famine and Pestilence and intrenched himself round about the same for the space of 18 months and laid siege thereto using his utmost endeavor to make himself Master of the place And they that were besieged therein were afflicted with two of the greatest calamities Famine and a most grievous Pestilence Jeremy persuadeth them to yield At this time the Prophet Jeremy being in Prison held not his peace but cryed with a loud voice and preached and exhorted the People willing them to entertain the Babilonians and to open their gates unto them because that in so L doing they might secure themselves with their families whereas otherwayes they were assured of destruction He foretold them also That if any one remained in the City he should most assuredly either perish by famine or the enemies fury but if so be they submitted themselves to the enemies mercy they should escape from death But those Governors that heard him speak after this sort gave him no credit in that they were not as yet pressed with the danger for which cause they came unto the King and after a despiteful manner told him all that which had been spoken accusing Jeremy and reproving him for a mad man urging this That he had abated their courage and by his woful predictions had weakned the hearts of the people which were otherwayes ready to fight for him and their Countrey
by reason that he flying unto the enemy M menac'd them with the surprizal and utter ruine of their City The King in regard of the natural humanity and justice that was in him was not any wayes hereby provoked against Jeremy Jer. 39. 11 12. yet to the intent that he might not seem utterly to oppose the Governors The reward of godly Preachers in this life he deliver'd the Prophet into their hands to deal with him howsoever they pleased Who having obtained this liberty from the King entred the Prison on the sudden and laying hold on Jeremy they let him down into a Pit full of mud to the intent he might die in that place and be strangled by the filth in effect he was set therein up to the neck But one of the Kings servants an Ethiopian by Nation certifi'd the King of the Prophets affliction assuring him That his Friends and Governors did not justly so to thrust and bury the Prophet in the mud and cursedly to conspire against him N tiring him with bonds and tortures worse than death Whereupon the King hearing this was sorry that he had deliver'd the Prophet to the Governors and commanded the Ethiopian to take 30 men of his Court with him with cords and such other things necessary as might concern the safety of the Prophet charging him with all expedition to deliver him from that captivity Hereupon the Ethiopian furnish'd with men and necessary means drew the Prophet out of the mud and dismiss'd him without any guard That done the King sent for him in private demanding of him If he had any message to deliver him from God Zedechias neglecteth the Prophets good counsel for fear of the Governors praying him to let him understand whatsoever he knew as touching the success of the siege The Prophets answer was That although he should tell him yet it would not be believed and that if he should exhort him he would not give ear or listen unto him O But said he O King thy friends have condemned me to death as if I had been a most wicked Malefactor But where are they now at this present that have deceived thee and born thee in hand The year of the World 3354. before Christ's Nativity 610. saying That the Babylonian would not come and besiege thee Now will I take heed how A I tell thee the truth for fear lest thou condemn me to death Hereupon the King swore unto him That he should not die neither that he would deliver him into the hands of the Governors For which cause Jeremy grounding himself upon the faith which he had plighted unto him counselled the King to yield up the City to the Babilonians because that God had willed him to signifie unto the King that if he would save his life and avoid the imminent danger and save his City from utter ruine and preserve the Temple from burning he should submit or otherwise that none but he should be reputed to be the cause of all those evils that should happen unto the City and Citizens and of that calamity that should confound both him and all his family When the King heard this he told him B That he would do according as he had counselled him and perform whatsoever he thought necessary to be done but that he feared that his Subjects who were already gone over to the King of Babylon would do him ill offices with that King and that by their means he might be accused and deliver'd unto death But the Prophet encourag'd him telling him That his fear was in vain assuring him that he should suffer no evil if so be he yielded up the City and that neither his wife nor children nor the sacred Temple should suffer any mischief Upon these words the King dismissed Jeremy charging him to communicate the counsel that was held between them to no one of the Citizens no not to the Princes if they should ask of him wherefore the King had sent for him advising him to answer if so be they were inquisitive That he resorted to the King to request him that he might be no more imprisoned all which the Prophet performed but they pressed him very much to know C for what cause the King had sent for him CHAP. X. Jerusalem is taken and the People carried into Babylon by Nabuchodonosor MEan-while the Babylonian continued his violent siege against the City of Jerusalem 2 Kings 25. 1. c. and having raised Towers upon certain Bulwarks Jerusalem besieged eighteen months and at length taken he drave away by this means D all those that approached near unto the walls he raised also round about the City divers platforms that equalled the walls in height Mean-while the City was as valiantly and couragiously defended by the Inhabitants for neither Pestilence nor Famine plucked down their spirits And although that within the City they were tormented with these scourges yet were not their resolutions broken nor did the enemies inventions astonish them nor their engines afright them so that all the battel betwixt the Babylonians and Jews seem'd to be a tryal both of valor and art whil'st these do assuredly hope to surprize the City Ver. 5 6 7. and the other thought their safety consisteth herein Zedechias flieth by night and is surprized by the enemy if they ceased not by new inventions to frustrate their enemies endeavors And in this state continu'd they both for the space of 18 months until they were consumed by Famine E and by the darts that were shot against them by those that shot from the Towers At length the City was taken by the Princes of Babylon in the eleventh year of the Reign of Zedechias the ninth day of the fourth month who were put in trust by Nabuchodonosor to manage the siege for he himself made his abode in the City of Reblata Now if any man be desirous to know the names of them that had command at such time as Jerusalem was surpriz'd these they be Nergelear Aremantus Emegar Nabosar and Echarampsor The City being taken about midnight the Princes of the Enemies Army entred into the Temple which when Zedechias understood he took his wives and his children with the Princes and his friends and fled thorow a great valley by the desart which when the Babylonians understood by certain Jews that were revolted and had submitted themselves F unto them they arose early in the morning to pursue them and overtook and surprized them near unto Jericho Whereupon those Princes and friends of Zedechias that had taken their flight with him seeing the Enemies near unto them forsook him and scattering themselves here and there endeavour'd each of them to save himself When therefore the Enemies had apprehended him attended by a few followers only and accompanied by his children and wives they brought him unto the Kings presence who no sooner beheld him but he called him wicked and perfidious and upbraided him
with breach of his promise and contempt of his Majesty Furthermore he reproached him for his ingratitude in that having received the Royalty from his hands which he had G taken from Joachin to bestow on him he had notwithstanding employed all his Forces against his Benefactor H But said he that great God that hateth thy Treachery The year of the World 3356. before Christ's Nativity 6â—8 hath delivered thee into my hands and when he had spoken these words he caused Zedechias Friends and Children to be slain before his eyes with all his other prisoners afterwards commanding his eyes to be plucked out he led him to Babylon All which happened unto him according as the Prophets Jeremy and Ezekiel had foretold him V. 5. 6. 7. namely that he should be surprized and brought before the King of Babylon Zedechias hath his eyes pulled out and his Children slain before his face and should speak with him face to face and should see him with his eyes for so had Jeremy prophecied but being made blind and conducted to Babylon he should not see the City of Babylon according as Ezekiel had foretold All which may sufficiently express to those that know not the nature of God how divers and admirable his judgements be in disposing all things in good order and pre-signifying those things that are to come even as I in this place there appeareth a most signal example of humane error and incredulity How many and how long the Kings reigned that were of David's Line by which it was not lawful for them to avoid their future calamity nor shun their unalterable destiny Thus was the Race of the Kings extinguished that descended from David who were in number One and twenty that Reigned after him All of them together governed Five hundred and fourteen years V. 9. ad 18. six months and ten days adding thereunto the twenty years of the first King Saul The Temple the Palace and the City spoiled and burnt who was of another Tribe After this the Babylonian sent Nabuzaradan General of his Army unto Jerusalem to spoil the Temple giving him in charge to burn both it and the Kings Palace and to raze and level the City with the ground and afterwards to transport the People unto Babylon Nabuzaradan arrived there the eleventh year of the Reign of Zedechias and spoiled the Temple and carried away the Vessels that were consecrated K to Gods service both those of Gold as also those of Silver he took likewise the great Laver that was given by Solomon the Columns and Pillars of Brass with their Chapters likewise and the Tables and Candlesticks of Gold and after he had born away all things he burned the Temple the first day of the 5th month of the eleventh year of Zedechias Reign which was the eighteenth of Nabuchodonosor's He burned also the Kings Royal Palace and razed the City This Temple was burned 470 years six moneths and ten days after the foundation thereof and in the year 1062. six months and ten days after the departure of the people out of Egypt and 1950 years six months and ten days after the Deluge from the Creation of Adam V. 18. ad 22. until the ruin of the Temple there were three thousand five hundred and thirteen years six moneths and ten days The captivity of Babylon Thus have we set down the number of the years and L expressed in what time every thing hath been performed The General for the King of Babylon having destroyed the City and transported the People took prisoner the High Priest Sareas and his Collegue the Priest Saphan with the Governors and Keepers of the Temple which were three the Eunuch also which had the charge over the rest and seven of Zedechias friends and his Secretary besides sixty other Governors all which together with the Vessels which he had pillaged he sent to Reblatha a City of Syria unto the King of Babylon who commanded in that place that the High Priest and Governours should be beheaded as for the rest of the prisoners and Zedechias the King he carried them with him to Babylon he sent also in Bonds with the rest Josadoch the Son of Sareas the High Priest whom he had put to death in Reblatha M as we have before related And since we have reckoned up the race of the Kings that swayed the Scepter of Juda and given an account how long they Reigned it will not be unnecessary to recite the names of the High Priests The high Priests in Jerusalem and to report who they have been that have administred the Priesthood under the Kings Sadoc was the first High Priest of the Temple built by Solomon After him his Son Achimas succeeded in that Honour and after Achimas Azaras after whom succeeded Joram and after Joram Joschua after Joschua Axioram who had for his successor Phideas to Phideas succeeded Sudeas to Sudeas Julus to Julus Jotham to Jotham Vrias to Vrias Nerias to Nerias Odeas to Odeas Saldum to Saldum Elcias to Elcias Sareas to Sareas Josadoch who was carried away prisoner into Babylon all which have succeeded in the Priesthood by lineal descent N Jer. 52. 10. 11. When Nebuchodonosor was come to Babylon he shut up Zedechias in prison where he kept him until he died Zedechias death and after his death he honoured him with a Royal Tomb. He likewise offered the Vessels that he had taken out of the Temple of Jerusalem unto his gods Hedio Ruffinus chap. 11. and caused the people to inhabit the Countrey of Babylon delivering the High Priest from his Bonds The General Nabuzaradan that led the people away captive left the poorer sort in the Countrey of Judea and those also that voluntarily yielded themselves unto him over whom he appointed Godolias the Son of Aicam Governour a man that was both upright and noble commanding them to till the Land and to pay their assigned Tribute to the King C. 40. v 4. He delivered the Prophet Jeremy also out of prison Godolias Captain of the Fugitives persuading him to repair with him to the King of Babylon telling him that he had O received express commandment from the King to furnish him with all things necessary for that journey but if he were not contented to repair to Babylon he should declare unto him in what place he would make his abode to the intent he might certify the King thereof But the Prophet would not follow him or sojourn in any other place desiring rather to live amidst the ruins of his Countrey and among the pitious Reliques of his poor Nation When the General Nabuzaradan understood his resolution he gave charge to the Governour Godolias whom he left in Judea to have care of him Jeremy set at liberty by the Babylonian and richly offered and presented and to furnish him with all that which he wanted and after he had gratified him
G contribute both Gold and Silver towards the building of the Temple and to furnish them with Cattel for the Sacrifices After that Cyrus had certified the Israelites of this his intent the Princes of the two Tribes of Juda and Benjamin with all the Levites and H Priests departed thence and repaired to Jerusalem Nevertheless divers of the Jews remained in Babylon because they were loth to abandon those Possessions they had gotten Those unto whom Cyrus had directed his Letters afforded them their assistance and furnished them with all things necessary to build the Temple some of them with Gold V. 7. 8. others with Silver and the rest with a certain number of Oxen and Horses Thus payed they their Vows unto God The Vessels belonging to the Temple sent back from Babylon to Jerusalem and offered Sacrifices according to the antient custom as if they had but now first begun to build the City and this were the third time of practising those Ceremonies which our Fathers had observed Cyrus sent them back also those Vessels which were consecrated to God which King Nabuchodonosor had sent unto Babylon after he had spoiled the Temple and delivered them I to Mithridates his Treasurer commanding him to commit them to Abassars hands who should have the custody thereof until the Temple were built to the end that a such time as it should be compleat he might deliver them to the Priests and Princes of the people to be restored again to the service of the Temple He sent Letters also to the Governors of Syria to this effect V. 9. 10. Cyrus the King to Sisine and Sarabasme health I have permitted those Jews that inhabit my Countrey Cyrus's Mandate to the Princes of Syria to return into their native Countrey and to reedify their City and erect the Temple of God in Jerusalem in the same place where it stood before I have also sent my Treasurer Mithridates and Zerobabel the Prince of the Jews with express charge and authority to lay the foundation of the same and to build it sixty Cubit sin heighth and as many in breadth making three Isles of hewen stone and another of such Timber as the K Countrey affordeth the Altar likewise whereupon they may offer Sacrifice unto God And my pleasure is that the charge of all these things be defrayed out of my Coffers I have also sent back those Vessels which Nabuchodonosor took out of the Temple and have delivered them to the Treasurer Mithridates and to Zerobabel the Prince of the Jews to be conveighed to Jerusâ—lem and restored to the Temple of God the number whereof I have hereunder subscribed Fifty Lavers of Gold and four hundred of Silver Fifty pots of Gold and four hundred of Silver Fifty golden Sieves and five hundred of Silver Thirty Ewers of Gold and three hundred of Silver Thirty great Viols of Gold and two thousand four hundred of Silver and besides all these One thousand other great Vessels We grant also unto the Jews the same Revenues which their Predecessors have enjoyed and we do allow them 205200 Darchmes for the purchasing L of Cattel C. 2. v. 1 2. aâ— finem Wine and Oil and we give them 2500 measures of Wheat to make fine Flower which we appoint to be taken out of the Countrey of Samaria and the Priests shall offer up these Sacrifices in Jerusalem The number of the Iews that returned from the captivity of Babylon to Jerusalem according to the ordinance of Moses and during their Sacrifice they shall make Prayers unto God for the preservation of the King and his House to the end that the Empire of the Persians may be still permanent And my Will is that they that disobey and oppose these Commands shall be hanged on a Gibbet and that their Goods shall be confiscate These were the Contents of his Letters Now the number of those that returned from the captivity into Jerusalem was Forty two thousand four hundred sixty two M CHAP. II. The Jews begin to build the Temple at Jerusalem but after the death of Cyrus the Samaritans and other neighbouring Nations writ to King Cambyses his Son to cause him to put a stop to the Work WHilest according to the King's Order Hedio Ruffinus chap. 2. the Jews laid the foundation of the Temple and were very busy about the building thereof Esd 4. 2. ad 11. the Nations that bordered upon them and especially the Chutheans whom Salmanazar King of Assyria sent from Persia and Media The Samaritans inhibit the Iews from building the Temple to inhabit in Samaria at such time as he carried away the N people of the ten Tribes incited the Princes and Governors to hinder the Jews from repairing their City and re-edifying the Temple These Men corrupted with Silver sold their negligence and delay to the Chutheans Alias C. 3. v. 11. ad 17. which they used in those Buildings For Cyrus intending his other Wars was ignorant hereof and having conducted his Army against the Massagetes The Letters of the Samaritans and others written to Cambyses as touching the re-edifying of the City and Temple of â—â—rusalem he ended his days in that expedition When as therefore Combyses his Son had obtained the Kingdom they of Syria and Phoenicia the Ammonites Moabites and Samaritans wrote their Letters to Cambyses in these terms O King thy Servants Rathymus the Chancelor Semelius the Scribe and those Men that are Counsellors in Syria and Phoenicia have thought themselves obliged to advertise thee that those Jews that were led Captive into Babilon are returned back into this Countrey and are O about building their City which was destroyed by reason of their rebellion and that they do repair the Walls of the same and re-edify their Temple likewise Know therefore that if these things be permitted to be finished that they will no more endure to be thy Subjects and Tributaries The year of the World 3435. before Christ's Nativity 529. but will oppose themselves against their Kings holding it more fit to command A than to obey We have therefore thought good before the Work be too far advanced to give your Majesty notice that you may search the Records of your forefathers wherein you shall always find that the Jews have been Rebels and enemies to their Kings and that the City hath been for this cause laid desolate unto this present We have thought good to signify thus much to your Majesty which perhaps is unknown unto you because that if this City be once more re-inhabited and inclosed with a Wall they will thereby obstruct your passage into Coelosyria and Phoenicia CHAP. III. B Cambyses forbiddeth the Jews to proceed in re-building the Temple WHen Cambyses had read this Letter being by nature V. 17. ad 22. wicked and malicious he grew jealous and displeased at the Contents thereof Cambyses answer wherein he inhibiteth the Iews
gather the fruits to the end they may pay the King his tribute And if he will or command any thing it must be performed without any delay Furthermore when the King is addicted to any pleasures or intendeth to enjoy his rest during the time that he sleepeth he is guarded by those that watch who are as it were tyed unto him through the fear and awe they have of him For not one of them dare forsake him when he sleepeth nor depart from him to follow their own affairs but intend those services only which he thinketh necessary which is the guard of his person Who therefore will not esteem the Kings force to be greater than any others since so many people obey him in whatsoever he commandeth After he had spoken to this effect Zorobabel the third expresseth the power of women and at length attributeth the palm unto truth Zorobabel who was the third began to speak of the M power of Women and Truth after this manner True it is that Wine hath much force and no less true that all men obey the King yet far more mighty is the power of a Woman For by a Woman the King was bred and brought into this world and those men that plant the Vineyards where Wines do grow are born and nourished by Women and generally there is not any thing which we enjoy not by their means For they weave us garments they have the care and custody of our houses neither is it possible for us to be severed from Women Yea they that possess much gold and abundance of silver and other things of great and inestimable price only upon the sight of a fair Woman forsake all these things and will follow after the beauty which they beheld and for the possession thereof content themselves to lose all things We forsake likewise our Father and Mother and the Countrey that hath bred us and forget our Friends N for our Wives sake yea we will willingly content our selves to dye with them Yet is there a greater and further demonstration of the most mighty power of a Woman For whatsoever we travel for all the pains that we endure both by Land and Sea to the intent we may reap some fruits of our labours do we not carry all this to give unto our Wives as unto those who were our Mistresses I have seen the King likewise who is so great a Lord endure a stroke on the ear by Apame the daughter of Rhapsaces his Concubine and patiently suffer her to take the Diadem from his head and set it on her own When she laughed he laughed and when she was displeased he was displeased and according as her passion changed so he complyed and humbly submitted his affection to her pleasures according as he saw her passionate or pleased But whil'st the Princes in way of admiration beheld one another he began to discourse O of Truth saying I have already declared what the force of Women is yet notwithstanding both the King and they are more feeble than Truth For whereas the earth is huge and vast the heaven likewise of an immeasurable height and the sun of unspeakable celerity and whereas the Will of God both governeth and moveth these things because God is just and A true it therefore followeth that Truth is the most mighty of all things against which injustice may no ways prevail Furthermore all other things notwithstanding they seem to be of value yet are they mortal and of little continuance but Truth is immortal and everlasting Moreover all those things which we receive thereby are neither mortal nor subject to the injuries of time Zorobabel obtained both praise and great rewards by his good discourse fortune or alteration but continue equal and separated from all stain of injustice When Zorobabel had spoken after this manner he made an end of his discourse whereupon all the Assembly began to pronounce that his Assertions were of most value and that only Verity had an immutable force and an undeterminable continuance Whereupon the King commanded him to ask what he would Ezra 6. 1. ad 15. as touching that which he had promised to give because he intended to grant it him as to the wisest and best learned amongst the B rest For said he thou shalt sit henceforth next unto me and shalt be called my friend When the King had spoken thus Zorobabel called to remembrance the vow that the King had made Darius being put in memory of his vow commandeth that the Temple should be restored if so be at any time he obtain'd the Kingdom namely That he would build Jerusalem and the Temple of God and restore those vessels likewise which were taken away by Nabuchodonosor and carried into Babylon For this said he O King is my request which you permitted me to ask and you promised me to grant at that time when I was judged wise and well-learned by you The King was well-pleased at his words and rising from his Throne Hedio Ruffinus cap. 4. he kissed him He wrote also to his Governors and Princes that they should send away Zorobabel and those of his company to build the Temple Moreover he sent Letters to them of Syria and Phoenicia commanding them to cut down the Cedars C of Libanus and to send them to Jerusalem towards the building of the City publishing a Law that all Jews should be made free if they would resort unto Judea forbidding all Commissaries and Princes to impose any charge upon the Jews for the necessities of the Kingdom and commanding that all the Countrey which they should inhabit Darius Letters for the liberty possession and erection of the Temple granted to the Jews should be exempt from Tribute appointing the Idumaeans Samaritans and Coelosyrians to restore those lands unto the Jews which they unlawfully with-held which their Ancestors had heretofore possessed And besides that to deliver them by way of contribution 50 Talents of silver towards the building of the Temple permitting them to offer their ordinary Sacrifices 1 Esd 6. v. 7 8 ad 16. He likewise commanded that all the Necessaries and Vestments which either the High-Priest or the other Priests used in the service of God should D be furnished at his charge He appointed also that the Levites should have Instruments of Musick deliver'd unto them to praise God withall and that certain portions of land should be alotted for them that had the guard of the City and the Temple Moreover he allow'd them a certain Sum of money every year for their ordinary maintenance After this he sent back all those vessels which Cyrus heretofore had resolv'd to restore unto Jerusalem When Zorobabel had obtained these things above-named at the Kings hands he went out of the Palace Ver. 22. and lifting up his eyes unto Heaven he began to give God thanks That he had enabled him to appear more discreet than others before the King Glad
so doing they should be in security For the thirteenth day of the twelfth month by the Hebrews called Adar and by the Mecedonians Distre the posts that carried the Kings letters certified them that they should exterminate their enemies on that very day whereon they themselves were in danger to be exterminated The Governors likewise of the Provinces the Lords and chief Magistrates did honour to the Jews for the fear they had of Mardocehus and after the Kings Letters were published it came to pass that the Jews slew about five hundred of their enemies Within the City of Susa the King declared unto Esther the number of the dead that perished in the City Esther 9. v. 2. 5 10 13. and suspecting what might happen thorow the whole Countrey he asked her if she requested any further matter promising her that D he would see it executed she besought him that it might be lawful for the Jews to revenge themselves yet once more the next day upon their enemies and to hang Hamans ten Sons upon the gibbet which the King being loth to contradict Esther permitted so that on the 14. day of the Month Distre they slew about three hundred more of their enemies without taking the smallest portion of their goods Furthermore the Jews slew in the Countrey and in the Cities about sixty five thousand of their enemies whom they dispatched the thirteenth day of the month and solemnized the day following in mirth and feasting The Jews that were at Susan assembled themselves likewise on the fourteenth day of the month and banquetted that whole day Whence it cometh to pass that all the Jews which are throughout the world keep and solemnize E this day for a festival and send Presents the one unto the other Mardocheus also wrote unto the Jews who lived under the Empire of Artaxerxes commanding them to observe those dayes and to solemnize them willing them to charge their Successors to do the like to the end that this feast might continue for ever For since on that day they should have been destroyed by Haman they should do well if after they had escaped that danger and taken revenge on their enemies they should observe the same day to give thanks to God For this cause the Jews keep a solemn feast on these dayes and call it Purim that is to say Lotts But Mardocheus was great and powerfull with the King Governing the whole Kingdom under him and had also all the power that could be conferred on him by the Queen and for this cause the affairs of the Jews had F better success than was hoped but there was nothing during the whole reign of Artaxerxes which hapned to be of greater importanance than this which we are going to relate C. 10 per totum Puraea festa Mardocheus authority G H CHAP. VII The year of the World 3584. before Christ's Nativity 380. John the High-Priest kills Jesus his brother in the Temple Manasses the brother of Jaddus the High-Priest espouseth the daughter of Sanaballath Governor of Samaria AFter the death of Eliasib the High-Priest Judas his son succeeded in the office And Judas being dead Hedio Ruffinus cap. 7. John his son obtained the place and was the cause that Bagoses General of Artaxerxes Army The revenge taken of John for slaying his brother polluted the Temple and made the Jews tributaries so I that before they could offer their ordinary and daily sacrifices they were compelled to pay for every Lamb 50 drachmes which hapned upon this occasion John had a brother called Jesus whom Bagoses favoured and promised to give him the High-Priesthood One day these two Brethren being in the Temple they fell out about the succession and the quarrel rose so high that John slew his brother Jesus in that holy place It was a thing very strange that John being a Priest should commit such an impiety against his brother and yet far more strange in that so cruel an act and an offence so impious hath neither hapned amongst Greeks nor Barbarians But God left it not unpunished in that for the same sin the people lost their liberty and the Temple was polluted by the Persians When Bagoses had intelligence that John the High-Priest among the Jews had slain his brother Jesus in the Temple Jaddus High-Priest whose brother Manasses marrieth Sanaballaths daughter he came thither in all haste and began to break K forth into bitter threats against the Jews Have you said he been so bold as to commit murther in your Temple And when he attempted to enter they hindered him Whereupon he replied Am I therefore more polluted than the body that lieth dead in the Temple And having spoken thus he entred thereinto and for the space of seven years Bagoses being thus incensed against the Jews punish'd them for murthering Jesus After that John was deceased Jaddus his son was made High-Priest who had a brother called Manasses Sanaballath sent by the late King Darius to govern Samaria for he also was of the race of the Chuteans from whom came the Samaritans knowing that Jerusalem was a famous City and that the Kings thereof wrought much trouble unto the Inhabitants of Assyria and Coelosyria he willingly marrieth his daughter Nicasis to this Manasses with L an intent that this Marriage should be as a pledge of his good will to the Nation of the Jews CHAP. VIII Alexander the great King of Macedonia passeth out of Europe into Asia destroyes the Empire of the Persians and when it was believed that he would have demolish'd the City of Jerusalem he pardons the Jews and treats them very favourably M ABout this time Philip King of Macedon died in the City of Aegaea being traiterously slain by Pausanias the son of Cerastes Alexander made King after Philip his father King of Macedon of the race of Orestes and his son Alexander succeeded him in the kingdom who passing over the Hellespont gave battel unto the huge Army of Darius near the River Granic and there obtained a famous victory And hereupon also invading the Countrey of Lydia after he had conquered Jonia and over-run Caria he fell upon the quarters of Pamphilia as is declared in another place But the Elders of Jerusalem were much displeased that Jaddus's brother who was at that time High Priest and had married a foreign Woman should be companion and associate with him in the Priesthood so as they mutined against him For they supposed that that Marriage would be but a means to animate those who had a mind to profane Marriages N and prove an inducement to others to communicate in Marriage with strangers calling to mind that the cause of their evils and first captivity was because some of them had fallen and offended by coupling themselves with Women of foreign Nations They therefore commanded Manasses either to forsake his Wife or else never more to approach the Altar The High-Priest likewise being
a Watch by reason that from that place a man may discover the City and Temple of Jerusalem The Phoenicians and Chaldeans that were in Alexanders Army grounding their hopes upon his displeasure doubted not but that he would give I them leave to sack the City and to hew the High-Priest in pieces but it fell out quite contrary for Alexander espying the People from afar in white Rayments and the Priests going before them in their Rochets and the High-Priest attired in a Robe of Purple broidered with Gold having his Mitre on his head and his plate of Gold wherein the Name of God was written Alexander himself marched forward before the rest of his company and fell prostrate on his face before that Name saluting first of all the High Priest and at the same instant all the Jews together saluted the King with one voice and encompassed him round about The Kings of Syria and the rest that saw that which hapned were wonderfully astonished and thought that the King was out of his wits Parmenio only drew near unto him and ask'd him what he meant to adore the Priest of the K Jews whereas all other men adored him To whom he answer'd I do not adore him but that God whom the Priest worshippeth for in my sleep I saw him in such a habit as I see him in at this present at such time as I was in Dio a City of Macedonia and whilest I consulted with my self by what means I might attain to the conquest of Asia he counselled me to make no delay but to march forward boldly assuring me that it would be he that would guide both me and mine Army and would deliver the Empire of the Persians into my hands Since that time I have not seen any one attired after the same manner and at this present beholding this man and calling to mind the vision and exhortation that he gave me in my sleep I hope that mine Army being conducted by divine providence I shall overcome Darius and discomfit the Persians and that my designs shall have a happy issue L When he had thus answer'd Parmenio Alexander's sacrifice in the Temple the confirmation of his conquest by Daniel's prophecy his bounty to the Jews he gave the High-Priest his hand and went with him into the City being conducted by the Priests after this when he came into the Temple he offered sacrifice according to the High-Priests direction whom he honoured likewise with very great reverence And when Jaddus shewed him the Prophecy of Daniel wherein he declared that a certain man of the Nation of the Greeks should destroy the Empire of the Persians and that in his opinion he was the man Alexander was very joyful and dismissed the multitude that attended him for that time The next day assembling the Jews he commanded them to let him know what favors they desired at his hands Whereupon the High-Priest answer'd That he desired that they might be permitted to live according to the Laws and Customs of their Forefathers and that every seventh year they M might be exempted from tributes Which was granted them fully They besought him likewise That by his permission the Jews that were in the Countries of Babylon and Media might live according to their laws And he promis'd them willingly to do all that which they desired He made Proclamation also among the People That if any one of them would bear Arms under him and live according to the custom of their Nation he was ready to receive them whereupon divers listed themselves under him in the Wars After that Alexander had thus behaved himself at Jerusalem he marched with his Army against the neighbouring Cities and wheresoever he went he was received with great affection But the Samaritans whose Metropolitan City at that time was Sichem scituate near unto the Mountain of Garizim in which there dwelt divers Jews also that were N revolted from their Nation seeing how favourably Alexander had received those of Jerusalem they resolved to profess themselves to be Jews For such is the nature of the Samaritans as we have declared heretofore that when the Jews are in affliction they renounce all alliance with them wherein they confess the truth But when they perceive our Affairs to be in prosperous condition The Samaritans be kinsmen to the Jews in prosperity strangers in adversity they endeavour to persuade the World that we are both sprung from the same original and are descended of the race of Ephraim and Manasses the sons of Joseph They came therefore to the Kings presence and met him near unto Jerusalem with great magnificence and demonstration of singular affection towards him And after that Alexander had entertained them they of Sichem approached near unto him being accompanied with those Men of War that Sanaballath had sent O unto the King beseeching him That he would visit their City and honour their Temple with his presence whereupon he promised That at his return he would visit them They required him also The year of the World 3632. before Christ's Nativity 332. That he would acquit them of the Tribute of the seventh year because they did A not sowe in the same He ask'd them Who they were that made that request They answer'd him That they were Hebrews but that they were called Sichemites by the Sidonians He ask'd them again If they were Jews And they said They were not Well said he I have made this grant unto the Jews The Temple on the Mount of Garizim when therefore I shall return and be more particularly informed I shall do that which shall be requisite Thus dismissed he the Sichemites but he commanded Sanaballaths Men of War to follow him into Egypt Onias son of Jaddus High-Priest promising in that place to give them possessions by lot which afterwards he did enjoining them to live in Garison in the City of Thebais to make good that Countrey After Alexander's death his Empire was divided amongst his Successors and the Temple built near unto Mount B Garizim remained entire And if any one were accused in Jerusalem for eating unlawful meats or for breaking the Sabbath or for any such like fault he fled unto the Sichemites saying That he was accused unjustly In that time deceased the High-Priest Jaddus and Onias his son succeeded him This was the state of the Inhabitants of Jerusalem at that time C D E F G H The Twelfth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS The year of the World 3643. before Christ's Nativity 321. Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Twelfth Book 1. Ptolomey the Son of Lagus is made Governour of Jerusalem and the rest of Judaea by a stratagem and leadeth divers Jews with him Prisoners into Egypt I 2. Ptolomey Philadelphus translateth the Laws of the Jews into the Greek tongue and dismissing divers Captives of that Nation he dedicateth many presents to the
Temple of God 3. In what estimation the Jews were with the Kings of Asia and how the freedome of those Cities which they built was granted them 4. Joseph the Son of Tobias driveth away the Jews imminent calamity by reason of his friendship with King Ptolomey 5. The friendship and society between the Lacedaemonians and Onias the High Priest of the Jews 6. The Jews distracted by seditions call Antiochus to their assistance 7. How Antiochus leading his Army to Jerusalem and taking the City spoyled the Temple K 8. Antiochus forbiddeth the Jews to use the Laws of their forefathers the Son of Asmonaeus called Matthias contemned the King and put his Captains to flight 9. Mathias being dead Judas his Son succeeded him 10. Apollonius a Captain of Antiochus is overcome in Jewry and slain 11. The overthrow and death of Lysias and Gorgias sent out against the Jews 12. How dividing their Armys Simon overcame the Tyrants and Ptolomaidans and Judas the Ammonites 13. The death of Antiochus Epiphanes among the Persians 14. Antiochus Eupator overthrowing the Army of the Jews besieged Judas in the Temple 15. Antiochus giving over his siege plighteth a league of friendship with Judas L 16. Bacchides a Captain belonging to Demetrius being sent with his Army against the Jews returneth back to the King without success 17. Nicanor elected Captain after Bacchides and sent out against the Jews is slain with his whole Army 18 Bacchides sent out once more against the Jews overcometh them 19. How Judas being overcome in battle is slain CHAP. I. After the death of Alexander the Great his Army is divided amongst his Captains M Ptolomey one of the chife of them makes himself Master of Jerusalem by surprise sends several Colonies of Jews into Egypt and puts great confidence in them continual Wars betwixt the Inhabitants of Jerusalem and the Samaritans ALexander King of Macedon having overcome the Persians and establisht the state of the Jews according as hath been related departed this life The death of Alexander and the Wars of his succssors Whereupon his Dominions and Kingdoms fell into divers mens hands Antigonus made himself Governor of Asia Seleucus of Babylon and the bordering Nations Jerusalem surprized by policy and the Jews lead way captive Lysimachus had the Hellespont Cassander Macedon and N Ptolomey the Son of Lagus held Egypt Now when these men were at discord amongst themselves whilest each of them affected the soveraignty and fought the one against the other they raised divers great and bloody Wars which ruined many Cities and destroyed great numbers of their Inhabitants Syria had sufficient experience of all these miseries under the Government of Ptolomey the Son of Lagus surnamed Soter a Title which he little deserved He it was that seized on Jerusalem by a stratagem for he entred the City upon a Sabbath day under pretext to offer sacrifice and whilst the Jews suspected nothing but spent the day in ease and idleness he surprised the City without resistance and made the Citizens captives Agatharchides the Cnidian who wrote the Acts of Alexanders successors testifieth the same reproaching us of superstition as if by that means we lost our City O He writeth to this effect There is a certain Nation which are called Jews who inhabit a City which is call'd Jerusalem both strong and mighty They suffered it to fall into Ptolomeys hands because they would not stand upon their guard and through their unseasonable superstition they permitted themselves to be subdued by a Tyrant conquerour The year of the World 3634. before Christ's Nativity 321. See A here what Agatharchides saith in this place of our Nation But Ptolomey leading away with him divers prisoners from the better quarters of Judaea and the places near unto Jerusalem of Samaria and mount Garzim sent them into Egypt to inhabit there and being assured that those of Jerusalem were most firm in maintaining their oaths and promises according as it appeared by their answer made to Alexander when after the discomfiture of Darius he sent Ambassadors unto them he put divers of them into his Garrisons giving them the same priviledges in the City of Alexandria which the Macedonians had After he had received their oath that they should be faithful unto him and his successours in memory of the great trust and favours he had bestowed on them many of the other Jews likewise of their own accord went into Egypt partly B allured thereunto by the plenty of the countrey Sedition betwixt the Jews and Samaritans as touching the Temple partly by the liberality of Ptolomey towards their Nation Yet were there continual quarels betwixt their posterity and the Samaritans because they would keep and maintain the customes and ordinances of their forefathers whereupon divers wars arose amongst them For they of Jerusalem said that their Temple was the true Sanctuary of God and would have the offerings and sacrifices sent thither the Samaritans on the other side commanded them to be brought to the mount Garazim CHAP. II. Ptolomey Philadelphus caused the Laws of the Jews to be translated into C the Greek tongue and dismissing many Captive Jews dedicateth many presents to the Temple of God AFter the death of Ptolomeus Soter his Son Ptolomeus Philadelphus succeeded in the Kingdom of Egyptt Hedio Ruffinus chap. 2. and held it for nine and thirty years space he it was that translated the law into the Greek tongue and delivered the Jews from that servitude wherein they were inthralled in Egypt to the number of sixscore thousand upon this occasion 〈◊〉 library of Ptolomey Phyladelphus Demetrius Phalereus Master of the Kings Library endeavoured to make a collection of all sorts of Books that were in the world and brought all which he thought would be agreeable to the King who was very curious in his collection of Books D The Kings demanding one day how many thousands of Volumes he had already gathered he answered him that he had already gott about two hundred thousand Volums but that shortly he hoped to have to the number of five hundred thousand Besides he told him that he had been lately informed that there ware divers Volumes among the Jews wherein many things touching their Laws and policies were written which were worthy to be known and deserved a place in so memorable and famous a Liberary but that it would be very difficult to translate them into the Greek tongue for their characters seem to have some relation to the Syriack and their pronunciation likewise is not much different from it notwithstanding they have their phrase proper and peculiar unto themselves But nevertheless he believed it might be done since his Majesty would E not think much of any charge the King approved of this proposal and wrote unto the High Priest of the Jews to help him to these books In the mean time a certaâ—n man called Aristaeus who was intirely beloved by
priviledges granted to the Jews by Seleucus Nicanor King of Syria and permitted them to dwell in those Cities which he built in Asia and lower Syria and in Antioch which was the Metropolitane chief City Moreover he gave order that B they should be held in as great estimation as either the Macedonians or Greeks that inhabitted therein so that even unto this day that order is continued as it appeareth by this for that the Jews refusing to anoint themselves with forrain oyl do receive a certain sum of money from the Masters of the exercises in lieu of the Oyl Which when the people of Antioch intended to abolish during the present War Mutianus at that time Governour of Syria The priviledge in Antioch continued to the Jews opposed himself against them Again when Vespasian and his Son Titus had conquered the world although the Alexandrians and Antiochians desired that the priviledges which the Jews enjoyed might continue no longer yet could they not obtain it Whereby the humanity and valour of the Romans may appear and especially of Vespasian and Titus that notwithstanding they had received so great C trouble the Wars of the Jews and were so bitterly incensed against them for that they had not by laying down their Arms submitted themselves but had continued War against them to the uttermost yet they deprived them not of their privileges but put a stop to that displeasure which they had long before conceived against them and in like manner had no regard to the request of two so pusient Cities as Alexandria and Antioch wherefore they granted nothing in favour of them nor ordained any thing to the prejudice of those whom they had overcome in War so as to abolish one jot of those priviledges which they had in times past but said that they that had resisted them by Arms and who had been overcome were sufficiently punished for their obstinacy and as touching those that had not committed any offence they saw D no reason to deprive them of their rights and priviledges We know likewise that Marcus Agrippa was of the same opinion touching the Jews For whereas the Jonians were seditiously bent against them and besought Agrippa that it might be only lawful for them to make use of the priviledges which Antiochus Seleucus's Nephew whom the Greeks intituled by the Name of God had given them requiring that if the Jews were of their blood they might be tyed to adore the same gods which the Jonians worshipped When therefore this matter was referred to the determination of the Judges the Jews had the better and obtained the liberty to live according to their own Laws and Customs and he that at this time pleaded their cause was Nicholas Damascene For Agrippa pronounced That it was unlawful for them to innovate any thing And if any man desire E to have a more exact knowledge hereof let him read the 123 and 24 book of the Histories of Nicholas Neither ought this judgment of Agrippa's to seem in any sort strange for at that time our Nation had not by any Wars procured the Romans displeasure But upon just occasion may a man admire the magnanimity of Vespasian and of his son Titus who behaved themselves with such moderation after so great a War and such doubtful Battels as they had fought against us Antiochus the great King of Asia and Syria vexeth the Jews But to return to my purpose from whence I have digressed At such time as Antiochus the great reigned in Asia the Countrey of Jewry was much harassed and both the Jews and Inhabitants of Coelosyria endured many miseries For Antiochus making War against Ptolomey Philopater and his son called Ptolomey the famous they were miserably perplexed For whether Antiochus overcame or was overcome they were continually spoiled so that betwixt the prosperity and adversity of Antiochus F they fared like a ship tossed in a storm But at length after Antiochus had overcome Ptolomey he conquer'd Jewry After the death of Philopater his son sent a great Army into Coelosyria under the conduct of Scopas who seized a great number of those Cities and falling upon our Nation also he conquer'd it Not long after this Antiochus fought with Scopas near unto the River Jordan and obtained the victory discomfiting the greater part of the Enemies Army at which time Antiochus recover'd again those Cities of Coelosyria which were before taken by Scopas He took Samaria also which when the Jews perceived they submitted themselves of their own accord unto him and having received him into the City of Jerusalem they gave both his Army and his Elephants abundance of provision and willingly assisted him with their Forces to subdue those Garisons which G Scopas had placed in the fortresses of the higher City Whereupon Antiochus supposing it to be for his honour to acknowledge and remunerate the affection and forwardness which the Jews had expressed in his service wrote unto his Captains and Friends signifying unto them how forward the Jews had been in his Wars and to let them know that he was resolved to gratifie them for their service Hereafter I will insert the copy of his letters which he wrote in favour of them after A I have recited that which Polybius the Megalopolitane writeth to this purpose which I will recite out of the sixteenth Book of his histories Scopas saith he the General of Ptolomey Army marching towards the mid-land did in one winter overcome the whole nation of the Jews Ptolomey Epiphames King of Egypt wareth against the King of Syria He reciteth also in the same Book that after that Scopas had been overcome Antiochus seized Bathanaea Samaria Abila and Gadra and anon after the Jews which dwelt at Jerusalem where the Temple was joyned themselves with him and although we are to speake more amply and particularly of that appartition that hapned neare unto the Temple yet we shall defer the recital hereof untill another time This is that which Polybius hath written But to return unto our purpose I will recite B in this place the copy of those letters which were sent by the King King Antiochus to Ptolomey Health Whereas the Jews have given us most apparent testimony of there affection towards us Polybius the Megalopolitane of Scopas Ptolomeys Captain since the first time of our entrance into their Countrey and have magnificently entertained at such time as we were in person before their City by presenting themselves before us with all their Elders Antiochus Epistle to Ptolomy as touching the liberty of the Jews and have also furnished us largely with all that which was necessary for our Souldiers and our Elephants and have likewise taken Arms with us against the Aegyptian Garrison we have thought fit to afford them some satisfaction in repairing their City ruinated by casualties to the intent it might be inhabited and Peopled again by gathering together C those Jews that are scattered abroad in
Timotheus's Soldiers perceiving that it was Machabeus whose valor and good fortune they had already experienced to their great loss they without delay betook themselves to flight But Judas with his Army followed after them and slew about 8000 of them and marching toward Malla A a City of the enemies he surprized it and slew all the men therein and afterwards consumed it with fire After this departing thence he took and destroyed Chaspoma Bosor and divers other places in Galaad Shortly after Timothy's Soldiers slain Timothy levied another great Army and drew out with him all his Allies to his succor and a number of Arabians whom he had hired with this Army of his passed he the River Malla taken and burnt and encamped near unto a Town called Rapha exhorting his Soldiers to behave themselves like valiant men against their Enemies the Jews Chaspoma and Bosor taken and to hinder their passage because all their hopes of victory depended upon the securing of that Pass Judas understanding that Timotheus was prepared to fight Timothy gathereth new Forces and is overcome by Judas took with him all his Forces and marched hastily against the Enemy so that having passed the River he set upon them B killing divers of them that resisted and terrifying the rest who casting away their Arms were constrained to flie There were some of them who saved themselves by their swiftness and some by retreating into a Temple called Carnain where they were in hope to be secured and so to escape but after that Judas had taken the City where the Temple was he slew them and burnt it and caused all his Enemies to perish either by the sword or by fire After this overthrow he led away with him from Galaad all the Jews their wives and children The Jews are brought out of the Countrey of Galaad into Judea and substance and brought them with him unto Judea When as therefore he drew near unto the Town of Ephron which was scituate directly in his way so that it was impossible for him to march any other wayes in his return home without going very much about and putting himself to great inconveniencies he sent Messengers C to the Inhabitants Ephron besieged and burnt to pray them to open their gates and to grant him free passage through their City for they had made barricadoes of stones to cut off the passage But when therefore the Ephronites would give no ear unto him he besieged their City for a day and nights space and took and burnt it and slew all the men that were therein and afterwards went onward on his way and so great a number was there of those that were slain that he marched upon the bodies of dead men After they had past Jordan An admirable victory of Judas Machabeus who in all these conflicts lost not one man they came into a great Plain wherein the City of Bethsan by the Greeks called Scythopolis stood from whence they departed and came into Judea with joy and gladness singing and praising God and using their accustomed pastimes and songs of victory This done he offer'd up sacrifices of Thanksgiving for their happy D success and the safety of his Army especially since in all those battels and encounters he had not lost one Jew Joseph and Zachary overcome by Gorgias lose 2000 Soldiers In the mean while two Captains to wit Joseph the son of Zachary and Azarias who were left for the guard of Judea whil'st Simon went into the Countrey of Galilee against those of Ptolemais and Judas and Jonathan his brother were in Galaad against the Ammonites desirous also to obtain the honour and reputation of valiant men by some notable exploit marched with the Forces under their command towards Jamnia Against these came forth Gorgias who was Governor in that place and charg'd them in that manner that the Jews lost 2000 men and fled as far as the Marches of Judea This mischief fell upon them because they had disobey'd Judas's commandment who had prohibited E them to fight with any before his return And this gives us just cause more and more to admire the providence and excellent conduct of this great Captain of the Jews Judas and his brethren making War against the Idumeans Chebron and Marissa besieged gave them no respite but continually charging them on every side they took also the City of Chebron and destroyed all the fortifications thereof and burnt the Towers spoiling all the Countrey of the enemies and razed the City of Marissa likewise Afterwards coming to Azor they took and spoiled it and carried away a great quantity of booty from thence and returned back into Judea in safety F G H CHAP. XIII King Antiochus Epiphanes being forced shamefully to raise his siege from before Elymais a Town in Persia where he designed to pillage a Temple consecrated to Diana and troubled for the defeat of several of his Captains which he sent against the Jews dyeth for grief AT this time Antiochus passing through the upper Provinces of his Kingdom understood that there was a very wealthy City in Persia called Elymais Hedio Ruffinus cap. 13. in which I there was a Temple dedicated to Diana 1 Mac. 6. full of all sorts of Presents wherein also he was inform'd Antiochus desirous to spoil Diana's Temple besiegeth Elymais and is shamefully repulsed to Babylon that the shield and Cuirasse of Alexander was kept who was Philip King of Macedons son Hereupon he resolv'd to make himself Master of the place and forthwith besieg'd it And the Inhabitants thereof being neither affrighted with his approach nor terrifi'd with his siege made a stout resistance so that he failed of his purpose For they drave him from their City and sallying out upon him they pursu'd him so hotly that he fled back to Babylon and lost a great number of his men After this defeat Antiochus Epipiphanes burden'd with cares falleth sick and frustration of his hope news was brought him of the overthrow of his Captains whom he had left to War against the Jews and how they of Jewry were now the stronger and had the upper hand This trouble seconding his former discontent K touched him so nearly Polybius Megalopolitane of the cause of Antiochus sickness that he fell sick and his disease aggravated with other accidents increasing he knew well that he should die and therefore he call'd for his most familiar friends and told them That his sickness was violent and desperate and that he deserv'd this affliction because be had persecuted the people of the Jews and destroyed their Temple committed horrible Sacriledge and contemned that God which they adored And whil'st he thus spake unto them he gave up the ghost So that I wonder at Polybius the Megalopolitane who is in other things a good Historian who writeth That Antiochus died because he would have spoiled the Temple of Diana
in the Countrey of Persia For since he had only intended to commit Sacriledge but had not effected it he merited not to suffer punishment for it And if it seemeth good unto Polybius that Antiochus was punish'd by death L upon this occasion it is far more likely to be true that his death befell him for the Sacriledge he had committed in the Temple of Jerusalem But our purpose is not to argue against those that maintain that Polybius's reasons are of greater truth and consequence than ours are CHAP. XIV Antiochus Eupator succeeds his father Epiphanes Judas Machabeus lays siege to the Cittadel at Jerusalem Antiochus comes against him with a great Army and besiegeth Bethsura they both raise their sieges and come to a pitch'd Battel The wonderful M courage and the death of Eleazar one of the brothers of Judas Antiochus takes Bethsura and besiegeth the Temple of Jerusalem but when the Jews were reduced to the greatest extremity he raiseth the siege upon the news that was brought him of Philip's having caused himself to be proclaimed King of Persia BEfore Antiochus gave up the ghost Antiochus appointeth Philip Governor of his kingdom and committeth his son Antiochus to his charge he called for Philip one of his chief friends and made him Governor of his kingdom And having deliver'd his Diadem into his hands his Royal Robe and his Ring and Jewels he charg'd him to deliver them to his son Antiochus entreating him to take care of his education and to secure the kingdom N for him until he came to years of discretion This done Antiochus died the 149 year of the kingdom of Syria Hedio Ruffinus cap. 14. After that Lysias had certifi'd the people of the Kings death he proclaim'd his son Antiochus whom at that time he had in his protection King sirnaming him Eupator Lysias createth Antiochus the younger King and sirnameth him Eupator according to the instructions that were given him About that time the Garison and Apostates that were in the Fortress of Jerusalem did much mischief unto the Jews For setting upon them that went up to the Temple to worship and offer Sacrifice The Macedonians in the Castle of Jerusalem do much harm to the Jews they slew them for the Fortress commanded the Temple For this cause Judas resolved to cut off these Garisons and to that intent he assembled all the people and besieged it This enterprize was undertook in the year 150 after that Seleucus had usurped the government of those Countries Having therefore made him certain Engines O and raised divers Platforms he industriously continued the siege But divers of those Apostates that were revolted Judas Machabeus besiegeth the Castle and of that Garison came out by night and assembling together such men as were as malicious as themselves they came unto King Antiochus beseeching him The year of the World 3803. before Christ's Nativity 161. That he would not suffer them to be abused by those of our Nation nor to be neglected A by him since their sufferings proceeded only from their having devoted themselves to his fathers service for whose sake they had forsaken their own Religion and follow'd his Laws and Ordinances Furthermore they told him That the Fortress was in danger to be surprized by Judas and his Associates The fugitive Jews flie out of the Castle and require Antiochus's assistance except some present succors were sent unto them When Antiochus the younger had notice hereof he was displeased and sent for his Captains and Friends commanding them to hire strangers and to list all those in his kingdom who were of years to bear Arms so that he gather'd in short time an Army of 100000 Foot and 20000 Horse and 32 Elephants and with this equipage marched out of Antioch committing his Army to Lysias Antiochus marcheth into Judea with his Army As soon as he came into Idumaea he went up unto Bethsura a walled City B and very difficult to be taken which he besieged but with such a disadvantage that the Bethsurians resisting him valiantly Bethsura besieged and sallying out upon him burnt those Engines which he had prepar'd for the battery of the Town When therefore a long time was consumed about the siege Judas with his forces encountreth the King at Beth-zacharia Judas having intelligence of the Kings approach raised his Camp from before the Castle of Jerusalem and marching forward to meet the Enemy he encamped in a certain streight in a place call'd Beth-zacharia about 70 furlongs from the Enemy The King having notice thereof raised his siege from Bethsura and marched toward the streight where Judas's Army was encamped and about the morning he set his Soldiers in battel aray He first of all caused his Elephants to march one after another through the streight for that it was impossible for them to march in a square body About every Elephant were 1000 Footmen and 500 Horsemen These Elephants bare high Towers on C their backs fill'd with Archers The rest of his Forces he caused to march two several wayes by the mountains under the conduct of his most trusty friends commanding them to charge their Enemies with a great shout and to discover their golden and brazen bucklers to the end the reflection thereof might dazle the eyes of the Jews whereupon the mountains resounded with the fearful cryes of Antiochus Army yet was not Judas any wayes discourag'd at it Eleazar Judas's brother killeth an Elephant For receiving the charge with a great courage he slew almost 600 of the forlorn hope But Eleazar sirnamed Auran Judas's brother seeing a huge Elephant among the rest with trappings somewhat extraordinary and supposing that the King was mounted thereon Judas returneth to Jerusalem and Antiochus followeth him he made towards him with a mighty courage and after he had slain divers of those that invironed the Elephant and scatter'd the rest he thrust D his sword into the belly of the beast and wounded him to death but the Elephant falling upon Eleazar slew him with his weight and thus honourably diedthis worthy man after that he had slain a great number of his Enemies and sold his life at a dear rate Judas seeing his Enemies Forces so great in number retir'd back to Jerusalem to continue his siege and Antiâ—chus sent part of his Army to Bethsura to take it and with the rest he himself marched toward Jerusalem The Bethsurites being afraid of this mighty Army of the King and seeing their necessary provisions failed The Bethsurites yield up their City yielded up their City after they had taken the Kings oath that he would offer no violence so that when Antiochus was Master of the City he offer'd them no injury The Temple of Jerusalem besieged only he thrust them out disarmed from the City and placed a Garison E therein He spent a long time also in besieging the Temple of Jerusalem
for they who kept it defended it valiantly For against every Engine the King built and raised up against them they erected a contrary Engine They only wanted victuals because their old provision was consumed and the ground had not been manured that year because it was the seventh in which according to the Law the Countrey ought not to be tilled which was the cause that divers of those that were besieged fled away privately for want of victuals insomuch that very few remained for the defence of the Temple In this condition were they who were besieg'd in the Temple But when King Antiochus and Lysias the General had received notice Antiochus hearing news of Philips intent to invade Persia giveth over his siege to meet him that Philip coming out of Persia intended to make himself Lord of the Countrey they concluded to give F over the siege for that time and to march forwards against Philip without giving any notice thereof to his Soldiers He only commanded that Lysias should call a Council of his Captains and without discovering of his design against Philip to tell them That he raised the siege because the place was very strong and his Army began to want victuals and the publick affairs required his presence in other parts of his Dominions Furthermore he thought it expedient to capitulate with the besieged and contract friendship with all the Nation of the Jews promising them the free exercise of their Religion because they rebelled only that they were deprived of it and he was assured that having the grant thereof they would live peaceably and he might safely return into his own Countrey When Lysias had declared these Reasons all the Army and the Captains approved thereof G H CHAP. XV. King Antiochus Eupator makes peace with the Jews but contrary to his promise he demolisheth the Wall that encompassed the Temple He cuts off the head of the High-Priest Onias sirnamed Menelaus and confers that honour upon Alcim Onias the Nephew of Menelaus retires into Egypt where the King and Queen Cleopatra his Wife permit him to build a Temple at Heliopolis in imitation of that at Jerusalem IN pursuance of this resolution Antiochus maketh peace with Judas King Antiochus sent a Herald to Judas and those that I were besieged with him promising them peace with permission to live according to their Religion The wall of the Temple defaced Which conditions they willingly embrac'd and having taken an oath of assurance from the King they surrendred up the Temple Whereupon Antiochus entred into it Onias otherwayes called Menelaus led away Prisoner and seeing it to be a place so well fortifi'd he contrary to his oath commanded his Army to level the Wall that inviron'd it even with the ground which done he return'd to Antioch leading away with him the High-Priest Onias who was called Menelaus For Lysias had counselled the King to murther Menelaus if he intended that the Jews should live in peace and the rather because it was he only who was the Author of all those evils by reason of the counsel he had given to Antiochus his father to inforce the Jews to forsake their Religion The King for that cause sent Menelaus unto Beraea K a City of Syria where he commanded him to be put to death after he had enjoy'd the High-Priesthood ten years Alcim or Jacimus made High-Priest He was a wicked man and to raise himself to that great honour and authority had caused several of our Nation to violate our most holy Laws As soon therefore as Menelaus was dead Alcim was made High-Priest who was called Jacimus Now when Antiochus found that Philip had already conquer'd a great part of his Countrey he fought with him and taking him Prisoner he put him to death But Onias the son of the High-Priest Philip slain by Antiochus whom as we have heretofore declared was left an Orphan in his infancy seeing that the King had slain his Uncle Menelaus Onias the High-Priests son built a Temple in Egypt resembling that at Jerusalem and given the Priesthood to Alcim who was not of the race of the Priests and had transferred this honour into another family at the persuasion of Lysias he fled unto Ptolomy King of L Egypt where being honourably entertained by the King and his Queen Cleopatra he obtained a place at Heliopolis where he built a Temple like unto that which was at Jerusalem whereof we shall hereafter have a more fit opportunity to speak CHAP. XVI Demetrius the son of Seleucus escapes from Rome comes into Syria and causeth himself to be crowned King and puts to death King Antiochus and Lysias He sends Bacchides with an Army into Judea to exterminate Judas and his party and to establish Alcim in the High-Priesthood he proceeds with great cruelty but Judas compels M him to retire to Demetrius for fresh supplies AT that time Demetrius the son of Seleucus fled from Rome Hedio Ruffinus cap. 15. and took possession of Tripolis in Syria and after he had set the Diadem upon his own head and had levied and hired certain Soldiers 1 Machab. 7. he invaded the kingdom Demetrius seizeth Tripolis and other Cities of â—yria and killeth Antiochus and Lysias where he was received to the general content of all men who submitting themselves unto him laid hold on the King Antiochus and Lysias and brought them alive unto him but he forthwith commanded that they should be put to death after that Antiochus had reigned two years To this new elected King divers Jews banish'd for their impiety and with them the High-Priest Alcim resorted Alcim the High-Priest with Apostates accuseth Judas before Demetrius who in general accused their own Nation and principally Judas N and his brethren objecting against them that they had slain his friends and all such as were on his side and that among all those that were in the kingdom and expected his coming some of them were slain and the rest being driven from their native Countrey were banish'd into other places Wherefore he desired him that he would send some one of his friends to take notice of the outrages committed by Judas and his brethren Demetrius was much moved by these reports and for that cause sent Bacchides who was in times past much esteemed by Antiochus Epiphanes for his valor and to whose government at that time all Mesopotamia was committed To whom he gave an Army joining with him the High-Priest Alcim with Commission to kill Judas and his Confederates Bacchides departing from Antioch with his Army came into Judea and sent an Herald unto Judas O and his brethren to treat with him upon certain Articles of Peace because his intent was to surprize them by some treachery But Judas suspecting his design gave little heed unto him for in that he came thither with so great an Army he easily conjectured that he intended no Peace
this time forward the Nation of the Jews were in quiet without any invasion and lived in peace for a little time Alcim the High-Priest dieth but afterwards they were troubled with the like incursions Whereas therefore the High-Priest Alcim intended to beat down an old wall of the Sanctuary which had been built by the holy Prophets he was suddenly strucken by God so that he lost his speech and fell to the ground and after he had endured many torments at last K he died miserably after he had enjoyed the Priesthood for the space of four years After his death Hedio Ruffinus cap. 17. the people with a general consent conferred that office upon Judas who hearing of the great power of the Romans 1 Mach. 8. and how they had conquer'd Gaule Spain Judas covenanteth a peace with the Romans Carthage Grece and the Kings Perseus and Philip and besides all these the great King Antiochus he resolved to procure their friendship and to that purpose he sent Eupolemus the son of John and Jason the son of Eleazar his two most intimate friends unto Rome to entreat the Romans to be their Allies and Confederates and to write unto Demetrius That he should forbear to make War against the Jews When the Ambassadors that were sent from Judas were arrived at Rome the Senate received them and after they had discoursed with them upon the occasion of their coming they accepted their alliance L and made a Decree the Copy whereof was then brought into Judea and the original reserved in the Capitol engraven on a Table of brass Which Decree of the Romans concerning their alliance with the Jews contained these Articles That no man under the obedience of the Romans The decree of the Romans touching society and friendship of the Jews should maintain War against the Nation of the Jews nor should furnish those with victuals ships or money that should make War against them And if any enemies should assail the Jews the Romans should give them succor to the utmost of their power and that likewise if any one should make War against the Romans the Jews should succor them That if the Jewish Nation would add or diminish any thing of that association it should be done with the common advice of the people of Rome and that that which should be ordained should remain irrevocable M This Copy was written by Eupolemus the son of John and by Jason the son of Eleazar at such time as Judas was High-Priest and his brother Simon General over the Army Thus the first amity and alliance was contracted between the Romans and the Jews CHAP. XVIII King Demetrius sends Bacchides with a new Army against Judas Machabeus who resolves to give him battel although he had but 800 men WHen Nicanor's death and the defeat of his Army was told Demetrius he sent a N new Army into Judea Hedio Ruffinus cap. 18. under the conduct of Bacchides who departing from Antioch 1 Mach. 9. and coming to Judea encamped in Arbela a City of Galilee where having taken captive a great number of those that were retir'd into Caves Demetrius sendeth Bacchides with Forces into Jury he departed from thence and went to Jerusalem And understanding that Judas was encamped in the village of Berzeth he marched out against him with 20000 Foot and 2000 Horse Judas had not on his side in all above 2000 men Bacchides meeteth Judas with 20000 Soldiers the greater part whereof being afraid of the numerous Army of the Syrians forsook their Camp and fled away by which means there remained no more with Judas than 800 men He seeing himself abandoned by so many of his men and pressed by his enemies who gave him no time to reinforce his Army he O resolved to engage with those 800 which remained whom he exhorted to be of good courage and to fight valiantly but they answer'd That they were not able to make head against so great an Army and counselled him to retire and stand on his guard for that time until he had gather'd Forces that might be able to face the enemy But Judas replied to this effect God forbid said he that the Sun should see me turn my back upon A mine enemies And if by this means I meet with my death and that I must needs spend my last blood in this battel I will never sullie so many notable actions so worthily atchieved nor diminish that glory which I have obtained by one ignominious flight And having in this manner exhorted the small remnant of those Soldiers that were with him Judas with a small Army intendeth to assail a mighty Host he commanded them that without any apprehension of danger they should make head against the enemy CHAP. XIX Judas Machabeus with 800 men engageth against the whole Army of Demetrius He is slain after he had performed actions almost incredible His praise B BAcchides drew out his Army and ranged them in battel placing the Horsemen on both the wings Bacchides disposeth his Army and fighteth with Judas his light-armed Soldiers and Archers in the front of the Army and after these a strong Band called the Macedonian Phalanx and he himself led the right wing of the battel And in this aray he approached Judas's Camp and caused the Trumpets to be sounded commanding his Soldiers to give a great shout and to charge their enemies Judas did the like and encountred Bacchides so that on both sides there was a most cruel conflict which continued until the Sun-set And when Judas perceiv'd that Bacchides and the flower of his Army fought in the right wing he chose out a certain number of his most resolute Soldiers and drew towards that quarter and setting upon C them Judas disperseth the enemies Army killeth some and at last is slain himself he brake their squadron and afterwards thrusting into the midst of them he forced them to flie and pursu'd them as far as the Mount Aza They of the left wing perceiving the flight of those in the right went after Judas and inclosed him behind So that being unable to flie and seeing himself inclosed by his enemies he resolved to fight it out And after having slain a great number of his enemies he found himself so feeble by the wounds which he had receiv'd that he fell to the ground and crowned all his other great and immortal actions by a glorious death His Soldiers seeing him dead and having no Commander of note left amongst them after the loss of so valiant a Captain betook them all to flight Simon and Jonathan his brothers upon intreaty recover'd his body Judas buried in Modin and carried it to Modin a place where his father was buried there was he interred D by all the people who wept for him divers dayes and honour'd him publickly according to the custom of their Countrey Such was Judas's end who was a valiant man
make War upon him unless he paid him those Tributes which the people of the Jews ought and were wont to pay unto the Kings Ancestors heretofore And that he had certainly done had not Tryphon hindred him for he was forced to turn those Forces that he had prepar'd against Jonathan Demetrius thrust out of Antiâ—ch to make War upon Tryphon O who returning from Arabia into Syria with the younger Antiochus who at that time was under age he set the diadem upon his head All the Army likewise that had abandon'd Demetrius for contracting their Pay came and follow'd him and made open War against their Master The year of the World 3820. before Christ's Nativity 144. and under Antiochus and Tryphon fought with him and overcame A him seized his Elephants and made themselves Masters of the City of Antioch Whereupon Demetrius being wholly discomfited fled into Cilicia But the younger Antiochus sent Ambassadors and Letters to Jonathan calling him his Allie and Friend confirming the Priesthood unto him Jonathan for the favors and benefits he received at Tryphons and Antiochus's hands offereth and performeth his best endeavors against Demetrius and assigned him the four governments annexed to Judea and besides these he gave him vessels of gold a robe of purple with permission to wear the same he gave him also a pendent of gold and assured him that he esteemed of him as one of his friends and created his brother Simon General of his Army from the marches of Tyre as far as Egypt Jonathan finding such honours as these heaped upon him sent Ambassadors both unto him and Tryphon protesting That he was their Friend and Allie and that he would fight on his side against Demetrius of whom he had so great reason to complain B in that he had made no other return but ingratitude for all the services which he had done him But after that Antiochus had granted him leave to levy a great Army out of Syria and Phoenicia to fight against Demetrius he went into the neighbouring Cities and was by them very kindly received yet did they not afford him any Men of War Coming from thence unto Ascalon the Citizens in honourable aray came out to meet him with Presents whom together with the Cities of Coelofyria he exhorted to forsake Demetrius's part and to follow Antiochus to the end that joining themselves with him they might all of them combine their Forces against Demetrius and take vengeance of those mischiefs which they had oftentimes endur'd by his means and which if they prudently examin'd they had many reasons to prosecute their revenge After he had persuaded C these Cities to enter into confederation against Demetrius he came to Gaza to induce them likewise and reconcile them to Antiochus But he found the Gazeans to be of a far contrary disposition than that which he expected for they flatly resisted him and although they were intended to forsake Demetrius yet would they not join their Forces or submit the City to his government For which cause Jonathan besieged their City and spoiled their Countrey for with the one half of his Army he begirt Gaza and with the other half he over-ran the Countrey spoiling and burning the same The Gazeans seeing these miseries which they were constrain'd to endure and perceiving that no succors came unto them from Demetrius but that their own overthrow was at hand and their assistance far off and that which was worse most uncertain they thought it to be the D wisest part for them to forsake the one and follow the other Whereupon they sent messengers unto Jonathan protesting that they would be both his friends and confederates For men do unwillingly take knowledge of their profit before they have bought it to their sorrow and that which they neglected at first and was most expedient for them to perform before they were afflicted that do they earnestly hunt after at such time as they have been chastised Upon this submission of theirs Jonathan receiv'd them into favor and took pledges of them and sent them to Jerusalem and from thence marched he along the Countrey as far as Damasco And whereas an huge Host sent by Demetrius came out against him as far as the City Cedasa near unto Tyre and Galilee making their reckoning to divert Jonathan from Syria by succouring and relieving those of Galilee who were their confederates Jonathan E went out speedily to meet with them recommending the state of Judea to the charge of his brother Simon Simon Jonathan's brother taketh in Bethsura Who assembling all the power that was possible to be gather'd throughout all the Countrey encamped before Bethsura a strong Fort in Judea and besieg'd it for Demetrius being before-time seized thereof kept Garison therein as before this we have declar'd When as therefore Simon raised his Bulwarks and fitted his Engines to assault the City and employ'd all his study to surprize the same they that were besieged waxed afraid lest if he should take the Town by force they should lose their lives For which cause they sent an Herald unto Simon requesting him that he would permit them to depart out of Bethsura with the safety of their lives and goods and go unto Demetrius who satisfying their demands they presently departed out of the City F and he planted a Garison therein of their own men in place of the Macedonians In the mean while Jonathan who was in Galilee caused his Army to dislodge from a place called the waters of Genezareth where he was encamped and marched towards the Plain of Azot without any suspition that his Enemies had been planted thereabouts When as therefore Demetrius's Soldiers had intelligence the day before that Jonathan should march forward against them they laid an ambush for him which they placed near the mountain preparing the rest of their Forces to bid him battel in the Plain As soon as Jonathan perceiv'd their preparation to the battel he arranged his Army as conveniently as was possible but when they that lay in ambush arose and charged the Jews upon their backs they fearing to be enclosed and consequently easily slain began to flie so that all of them G abandoned Jonathan except some few to the number of 50 with Matthias the son of Absalom and Judas the son of Chapsaeus Lieutenant-Generals of Jonathan who boldly H entred and like desperate men charged the Enemy in the Vanguard with such fury that they made them amazed at their and compelled them to trust to their heels Which when they that had abandoned Jonathan perceiv'd they rallied and pursu'd them as far as Cedasa where the Enemies were encamped When Jonathan had obtain'd this glorious victory Jonathan putteth Demetrius's Soldiers to flight wherein there fell about 2000 of the Enemy he returned to Jerusalem and seeing that all things fell out according as he desir'd he sent Ambassadors unto Rome to renew the ancient league that was made betwixt
the Romans and the people of the Jews commanding his Ambassadors upon their return from Rome to go likewise to Sparta and renew their alliance with that City As soon as they were come to Rome and had presented themselves before the Senate I they declar'd how they were sent from the High-Priest Jonathan Jonathan reneweth his friendship and confederacy with the Romans and Lacedemonians who desir'd to renew their alliance Whereupon the Senate granted all which they demanded and gave them their Letters of recommendation to all the Governors of Asia and Europe and to those of each particular City commanding them to grant them free passage to return into their Countrey in their return they went to Lacedemon and deliver'd those Letters which Jonathan had written to that State which were to this effect Jonathan the High-Priest of the Senate and People of the Jews To the Ephores Senate and People of Sparta Health K Forasmuch as heretofore we have received a Letter by the hands of Demotheles written from Arius your King to Onias our High-Priest making mention of that alliance which is between you and us the Copy whereof we have here under inserted we received those Letters with great joy and testified the same both to Demotheles and Arius notwithstanding we were not ignorant of this consanguinity long before because we were informed thereof by our sacred Scriptures And whereas we have not first of all acknowledged our alliance it was for no other reason but that we might give you the opportunity of preventing us Since which time wherein we have contracted friendship with you we have on our holy and solemn days sacrificed unto our God beseeching him to continue and keep you in prosperity and forasmuch as we have been environed with many Wars caused by the inordinate desires of our Neighbours we have not L thought it meet to be troublesom unto you or to any other of our Allies But since we have obtained an hapyy issue of all these troubles we have sent Numenius the son of Antimachus and Antipater the son of Jason Men honourable amongst our Counsellers both to the Romans and to you also to whom we have given our Letters to be presented unto you in our behalf to the end they might renew the amity which is between you and us you shall therefore do well if you write back unto us and certifie us wherein we may serve you there being no good office which we are not ready to perform These Ambassadors were kindly entertained by the Lacedemonians who made a publick ordinance touching their association and amity with the Jews which they delivered M unto them At this time there were three Sects among the Jews who had different and contrary opinions touching humane affairs Three Sects of the Jews the first was that of the Pharisees the second of the Sadduces and the third of the Essenians The Pharisees affirm That some things are directed by destiny and others are left to our liberty The Pharisees The Essenians said The Essenians That destiny govern'd all things The Sadduces and that nothing hapned amongst men that was not disposed thereby The Sadduces avow That there is no destiny and that humane affairs cannot be governed and disposed thereby but that all things depend upon our selves so that we are the Authors of all the good or evil that hapneth unto us The wars of the Jews l. 2. c. 12 according as we follow good or evil counsels But hereof have I treated more exactly in my second Book of the Wars of the Jews N Demetrius's Captains being desirous to wipe off the dishonour of their defeat and recover the loss that had lately befaln them gather'd together a greater power than the former and went out against Jonathan who having intelligence of their coming marched speedily to encounter them near unto the Plain of Amath for he resolved to prevent their incursions into Judea Whereupon he encamped about 50 Furlongs from the Enemy and sent out Spies to discover of what force they were and how they were encamped Who when they had by a most diligent view known all that possibly they could returning took certain Prisoners and brought them away by night with them by whose confession the design of the Enemies was discover'd to Jonathan which was to set upon him on the sudden But Jonathan with a provident care speedily fortifi'd O his Camp placed his outguards and prepared all things necessary for defence keeping his Soldiers up in Arms all the Night and exhorted them to be valiant and ready if there should be a necessity of fighting by Night to prevent the surprisal of their Enemies But when the Captains of Demetrius understood that their design was discover'd A unto Jonathan The year of the World 3821. before Christ's Nativity 143. and knew that they were not strong enough to give him battel in the open field they decamped in the Night and left a great number of fires burning that they might the better conceal their retreat On the morrow when Jonathan came to attack them in their Camp Demetrius's Captains once more make War upon Jonathan and seeing their purposes discovered flie by night and saw it abandoned and conjectured thereby that they were fled he follow'd after them but he could not overtake them because they had already past the River Eleutherus and were retired into their strong holds and places of security Returning therefore from thence into Arabia and making War on the Nabatheans he spoiled their Countrey took great Booties and led away many Prisoners and from thence came to Damascus and there sold all that he had taken About this time Simon his brother marching throughout all Judea and Palestine as far as Ascalon placed his Garisons in such B places as he thought for his purpose and fortifi'd them both with men and munition and at length came to Joppa which he took by force and planted a great Garison therein because he was advertised Jonathan marcheth to Arabia and spoileth the Nabatheans that they of Joppa intended to surrender the City to Demetrius's Forces When Simon and Jonathan had signalized themselves by so many great actions they returned to Jerusalem and assembled the People together in the Temple and persuaded them to repair the Walls of the City and to rebuild that of the Temple that was ruinated Simon his brother taketh Joppa advising them to fortifie the same with strong Towers and besides this he caused another Wall to be built in the midst of the City to secure it against the Garison of the Cittadel Jonathan and Simon repair the City of Jerusalem and the Fortresses of Jewry to the intent that by that means they might cut off and stop up the passages to victual the Fort. He advised them likewise to build far stronger C Fortresses throughout the Countrey than those that were already finish'd All that he proposed was well
prophane hands For I already perceive that the prophane Nations despise us and contemn you as if you had no Leader Simon succeedeth his brothers Judas and Jonathan and I know already that they are marching forward to fight you By these words Simon heartned the People who were distracted with fear so that they revived their spirits and conceived better hope Simon sendeth Jonathan Absalons son to Joppa to expulse the inhabitants thereof Tryphon by fraudulent promises under certain conditions persuadeth Simon that his brother should be set at liberty Whereupon all of them cried with a loud voice That Simon was their General and that he was to succeed his two valiant brethren N Judas and Jonathan in the Government and that as touching themselves they would be obedient in all things that he should command them He therefore assembled in one instant all the men at Arms in that Countrey and hastened to repair the City walls fortifying them with high and strong Towers and sent a certain friend of his called Jonathan the son of Absalon with an Army to Joppa commanding him to turn out the Inhabitants of that City from thence feraing they would submit themselves to Tryphon as for himself he remained in Jerusalem to secure the same Tryphon departing from Ptolomais with a great Army came into Judea leading his Prisoner Jonathan with him Whereupon Simon and his Army went out against him as far as Addida a City scituate upon a Mountain at the foot whereof beginneth the Champain O Countrey of Judea Tryphon knowing that Simon was made Governor of the Jews sent messengers unto him intending to circumvent him by Treason and Policy giving him to understand That if he were desirous of his brothers enlargement he should send him one hundred Talents of silver The year of the World 3821. before Christ's Nativity 143. and two of Jonathans children for hostages to assure him that being A set at liberty he should not withdraw Judea from the obedience of the King For till that present he was held and kept Prisoner by reason of the money which he ow'd the King Simon was no ways ignorant of this cunning intent of Tryphons but knew well enough that he should both lose his money if he should deliver the same and that his brother should not be enlarged no though his children were deliver'd for hostages on the other side he feared lest the People should judge sinisterly of him as if he had been the cause of his brothers death both by not delivering the money neither yet the children Having therefore assembled the Army he declar'd unto them what Tryphon demanded telling them That the whole scope of his actions were nothing else but treacherous stratagems and subtilities yet notwithstanding he told them That he had rather send both the money and the B children to Tryphon than by refusing his conditions and demands to be accused to have neglected the life of his brother Simon sent therefore both the money and children of Jonathan but Tryphon having receiv'd both kept not his promise but detain'd Jonathan and leading his Army thorow the Countrey intended to pass by Idumaea to repair to Jerusalem He came therefore to Dora a City in Idumaea and thitherward marched Simon to encounter with him encamping always right over against him They that were in the Castle of Jerusalem hearing news hereof sent Tryphon word that he should hasten and come unto them and send them munition whereupon he addressed his Horsemen pretending that very night to ride unto Jerusalem but the snow about that time fell in such abundance that it covered the way in such sort and was so thick as the Horses could not C Travel which hindred his repair to Jerusalem For which cause he departed from thence and came into Coelosyria Jonathan is slain by Tryphon and speedily invading the Countrey of Galaad he put Jonathan to death in that place and after he had buried him there he returned to Antioch But Simon sent unto Basca and transported his brothers bones and interred them in his Countrey Modin in his fathers Sepulchre and all the People mourned and lamented for him many days Simon also built a great monument of white and polished marble for his father and brethren Jonathans Monument and rais'd it to a great height and garnish'd it round about with galleries and pillars all of one piece which was an admirable Work to behold Besides that he erected seven Pyramids for his father mother and brethren for each of them one so great and so fair as they caused admiration in those that beheld them and are D as yet to be seen at this present day So great was Simons care that Jonathan and the rest of his family should be honour'd with so magnificent a Sepulchre which Jonathan dyed after he had exercis'd the place of High-Priest and possessed the Government for four years Thus much as touching his death As soon as Simon had taken possession of the High-Priesthood by the election of the People the very first year of his Government he acquitted the People of the Tribute which they were wont to pay to the Macedonians This liberty and exemption from Tribute hapned amongst the Jews one hundred and seventy years since the time that Seleucus The Jews discharged of Tributes sirnamed Nicanor obtain'd the kingdom of Syria And in so great honour was Simon amongst the People that in their private Contracts and publick Letters the date E began Simons authority From the first year of Simon the Benefactor and Governor of the Jewish Nation For they prospered greatly under his Government and had the victory of all their neighbouring Enemies round about them For he destroy'd the Cities of Gaza Joppa and Jamnia he demolished or slighted also the Cittadel of Jerusalem and level'd it with the ground Simon razeth the Castle of Jerusalem to the intent the Enemies might never seize on it any more nor retreat thither to endamage the City as they had done before Which when he had brought to pass he thought it not amiss but very profitable to level the Hill whereon the Castle stood to the intent the Temple might be the eminentest place All this he persuaded the People to do in a common Assembly representing to them how much they had suffer'd by the Garisons and how much they were like to suffer hereafter if a stranger should once F more be master of the kingdom and build a Cittadel in that place By these exhortations he persuaded the People to finish these Works and all of them began to work without intermission both day and night so that in the space of three years they level'd the mountain and from that time forward there was nothing but the Temple that commanded the City See here what Simon perform'd hitherto G H CHAP. XII The year of the World 3824. before Christ's Nativity 140. Tryphon caused Antiochus Alexander
his mother and his brethren he was overcome For Ptolomey having taken them and whipt them upon the Walls in all mens presence threatned Hircanus That unless he levied his siege he would cast them down headlong D from the top of the Castle now whereas one way Hircanus had a great desire to force and surprize the place so also on the other side he was wholly disheartned through the desire that he had to redeem those whom he loved from the Enemies Tyranny True it is That his Mother stretching out her hands besought him That for her sake he would not give over valiantly to assault the place but that he should be the more encouraged to surprize the Fortress and to lay hold upon his Enemy and to be revenged of the wrong that was offer'd unto his dearest friends alledging that she thought it better to die in the midst of a thousand torments than that the enemy should escape unpunished who had been so manifest an occasion of their misery When Hircanus heard his Mother speak thus he was more furiously incensed to give the assault but as soon as he saw his Mother so beaten and sore wounded his heart melted E within him and the fervent desire which he before had to better and beat down the City was presently allayed and cooled and so the pitiful compassion of his Mother surmounted and overcame his wrathful desire of revenge The end of the History of the Bible Whil'st thus the siege was continued and prolonged the year of Repose celebrated amongst the Jews was come For they observed the seventh year as the seventh day is observed in the week so that by this occasion Ptolomey was deliver'd of this siege who afterwards slew both Hircanus's Mother and Brethren which done he fled unto Zeno sirnamed Cotyla who at that time Tyrannized in the City of the Philadelphians F G H CHAP. XVI The year of the World 383â— before Christ's Nativity 133. King Antiochus Sother besiegeth Hircanus in the Castle of Jerusalem and raiseth the siege after a Treaty Hircanus accompanieth him in the War against the Parthians where Antiochus is killed and his brother Demetrius whom Arsaces King of the Parthians had set at liberty taketh possession of the kingdom of Syria ANtiochus calling to mind the manifold losses he had receiv'd by Simons means Hedio Ruffinus cap. 15. invaded Jewry in the fourth year of his Reign Hircanus is driven into the City by Antiochus and in the first of Hircanus's Government I which was in the 162 Olympiade And after he had spoilt all the Countrey he blockt up Hircanus within the City of Jerusalem which he had besieg'd with seven Camps yet with no advantage at all Pleiades the seven stars both in regard of the strength of the Walls and the valor of the Citizens besides the want of Water which he had in his Camp which was notwithstanding remedied by a great fall of rain which fell about the setting of the Pleiades in the beginning of April On the North-side also where there is a great Plain Antiochus caused 100 Towers to be erected every one three stories high on which he planted certain Companies of armed Soldiers who daily fought with the besieged and who by the means of a double and deep Trench depriv'd them of all conveniencies They on the other side made often sallies and if they chanced at any time to charge the Enemy K on a sudden The weaker fort are thrust out of the City they made a great slaughter but if they were discover'd they marched back in order But Hircanus considering the great number of People that were in the City who rather consumed Soldiers victuals than performed any service he divided those that were unfit for War and sent them out of the City retaining only those with him who were valiant and warlike But Antiochus permitted them not to have free liberty to depart Antiochus affordeth seven dayes truce to celebrate the feast of Tabernacles so that wandring here and there between the Walls and the Camp they were consumed with Famine and died miserably When as therefore the feast of Tabernacles was to be celebrated during these affairs they that were within had compassion of their Countreymen and drew them within the Walls and entertain'd them within the City At this time Hircanus sent a messenger to beseech Antiochus to grant him Truce L for seven days by reason of the solemnity of the Feast which he granted for the honour which he bare unto God Furthermore he sent a magnificent Sacrifice into Jerusalem of Bulls with gilded Horns and vessels full of divers Perfumes with other vessels of gold and silver Those that had the charge of the gates received the Sacrifices at their hands that brought the same and offer'd them in the Temple Antiochus himself also gave the Soldiers certain meats to grace their Festival shewing himself herein to be of a far better disposition than Antiochus Epiphanes who after he had taken the City caused Swines flesh to be sacrificed upon the Altar and besprinkled the Temple with the Hogs blood making a confusion of the ordinances of the Law of God which was the cause that this Nation rebelled and conceived a deadly hatred against him But Antiochus of whom M we speak at this present was by all men call'd devout because of the incredible affection that he had to the service of God Hircanus acknowledging the bounty and affection he had towards God and his Sacrifices Hircanus maketh peace with Antiochus and the siege is given over sent Ambassadors unto him requiring him that he would permit them to live according to the ancient Laws and Customs of their Forefathers Whereupon the good King rejected their counsel who advis'd him to destroy the Jewish Nation for being contrary to the customs of all other People And understanding that all the conversation of the Jews was conformable unto piety he answer'd the Ambassadors That if the besieged would yield up their Arms and pay the Tributes of Joppa and the other Cities that were out of Judea and would receive a Garison such as he should appoint he would discharge them of this War They accepted all other his conditions but they consented N not to receive a Garison lest they should be enforced to entertain such with whom they could not converse but instead of the Garison they gave Pledges and paid 500 Talents of silver of which the King receiv'd 300 in hand with the Pledges amongst which Hircanus taketh a huge sum of money out of King Davids tomb was Hircanus's brother and after he had beaten down the Cope and Panes of the Walls with the other fortifications he rais'd the siege and departed But Hircanus opening Davids monument who surpassed all other Kings in riches during his time drew 3000 Talents out of the same Nicholas Damascene whereby he took occasion first of all among the
practiseth great cruelties there several Wars concerning the kingdom of Syria The greatest part of the Jews extreme hatred against their King Alexander They call Demetrius Eucerus to their aid HE afterwards set upon Sephor a City near unto Azoch Ptolomey assaulteth Sephor from whence he departed with the loss of many men with an intent to fight with Alexander who came B forth to encounter him Hecatontamachi or the Warriors by hundreds and met with him near unto Jordan in a place called Asophon and encamped right over against the Enemy He had in his Vanguard 8000 men but the rest of his Forces not finding themselves so well armed were fearful to engage who carried brazen Bucklers Ptolomey's Vanguard also had Bucklers after the same fashion Philostephanus the Camp-master did not a little encourage them For he caused them to pass the River which separated the two Camps which Alexander would not oppose promising himself the victory if his Enemies could not retreat In the beginning of the skirmish each one of them fought with answerable valor so that a great number of them fell on both sides Alexander's overthrow But Philostephanus perceiving that Alexander's Army had the better he took a part of his followers and speedily seconded those who were ready to flie The C Wing of the Jews Vanguard seeing themselves freshly charged and not succoured by any means began to flie and so far were those that marched next them from yielding them assistance that all of them became partners in one shameful flight But they of Ptolomeys side behaved themselves far otherwise for they pursued and slew them and after they had put them in disorder they charged them so hotly that they blunted their Weapons and wearied their Arms with killing them It is reported that 30000 were slain in the battel Timagenes saith 50000 as for the rest some of them were taken Prisoners Ptolomey to the end he might afflict the Jews with more terror causeth his Soldiers to eat mans flesh and othersome fled unto their Houses After that Ptolomey had obtained this victory he over-ran and spoiled the whole Countrey and in the evening he quartered himself in certain Villages of Judea which he found full of Women and Children and D commanded his Soldiers without respect of person to cut their Throats and to chop them into pieces and afterwards to cast the morsels into a boyling Cauldron and when they were well boiled to eat the same All which he acted to the intent that they that were fled from the battel and retired to their own Habitations should know that their Enemies would eat mens flesh that by this means they might be more afraid of them Strabo and Nicholas report Ptolomais taken by force that they demeaned themselves after this manner as I have declared And Ptolomey took Ptolomais also by force as I have made known elsewhere But Cleopatra perceiving how her son prospered and how he had spoilt Jewry without any prejudice Cleopatra prepareth an Army against her son and subdued the City of Gaza she concluded with her self that she ought E not to suffer him to go on after that manner considering it was upon the borders of Egypt whose soveraignty he affected For which cause she suddenly marched out against him with an Army both by Sea and Land committing the command of her whole Forces to Chelcias and Ananias both Jews and sent the greater part of her riches into the Isle of Coos with her Nephews and her Will to be reserved and kept there in safety And after she had commanded her son Alexander to set sail toward Phoenicia with a great Navy because the Inhabitants of that Countrey were revolted she her self came to Ptolomais and besieged it when she perceived that they refused to grant her entry Ptolomey made haste to depart out of Syria and to enter Egypt hoping to be Master thereof when he should find the Countrey unarmed but he was deceived At that time it fortuned F Ptolomey driven out of Egypt that Chelcias one of the two Generals of Cleopatra's Army dyed in Coelosyria being in pursuit of Ptolomey Cleopatra having tydings of her sons enterprise and that the success and fortune he expected in Egypt had failed him she sent part of her Army to drive him out of the Countrey so that he was enforced to return back again out of Egypt Ptolomais besieged and taken by Cleopatra and to go and spend his Winter at Gaza Meanwhile Cleopatra besieged and took the City of Ptolomais whither Alexander resorted unto her with great Presents she received him very kindly in regard Ptolomey had used him so ill he having now no other recourse left him but to her favour and assistance Upon his arrival certain of her familiars counselled her to lay hands on him and to seize the Countrey and not to permit that so great number of Jews and so valiant men should become Subjects unto one man But Ananias gave G her counsel to the contrary alledging That she should commit an act of great injustice if she should depose him who was her Allie from the Government who was beside that very nearly H allied unto her The year of the World 3873. before Christ's Nativity 91. For said he I would you should know that by committing this wrong you shall raise in all the rest of the Jews a heinous hatred against you Cleopatra conforming her self to Ananias counsel resolved with her self to offer Alexander no injury but in stead thereof she entertain'd him as her allie and friend at Scythopolis a City of Coelosyria Now when Alexander perceived Alexander's peace with Cleopatra renewed that he was freed from the fear which he had conceived of Ptolomey he incontinently drew his Army into Coelosyria and after six months siege took Gadaâ—a he took shortly after Amath also which is a great Fortress belonging to the Inhabitants about Jordan where Theodore Alexander taketh Gadara the son of Zenon had hoarded up the richest and best part of his substance who surprising the Jews unawares slew about 10000 of them and pill aged Alexanders baggage I This did not any wayes astonish Alexander but notwithstanding the disaster he marched forward toward the Cities Raphia and Anthedon which Herod afterwards called Agrippias situate on the Sea-coasts and took them perforce and seeing that Ptolomey was retired from Gaza into Cyprus and that Cleopatra his mother was in Egypt he besieged the City of Gaza Alexander besiegeth Gaza and spoilt all the Countrey round about it by reason of the displeasure which he had conceived against the Citizens Apollodotus by night invadeth the Camp of the Jews for that they had sought Ptolomey's assistance against him Apollodotus Captain of the Gazeans made a sally by night and entred the Camp of the Jews having only with him 2000 foreign Soldiers and 1000 of his own followers And as long as the night lasted the
disposing of the Pharisees Hiâ—canus High-Priest commanding the people to obey and serve them She also renewed and confirmed that which Hircanus had disannulled and the Pharisees according to the customs of their forefathers had introduced so that she bare the name and the Pharisees the Authority Royal. The Pharisees admitted to the administration of the Commonweal are greedy of revenge For they restored such as were banished to their estates and delivered Prisoners and in all things they demeaned themselves like great Lords Alexandra I also for her part undertook the care of the Commonweal and kept a great number of Soldiers in pay and increased her power in such sort that the Tyrants round about feared her and deliver'd the hostages and pledges of peace All the Countrey was at quiet Aristobulus his followers accuse the Pharisees of Tyranny only the Pharisees troubled the Queen persuading her to put those to death who had counselled King Alexander to put those 800 to death of whom we have spoken before and they themselves afterwards slew one that was called Diogenes and after him divers others one after another until such time as those in authority came unto the Royal Palace accompanied with Aristobulus who seemed to be displeased with that which had been done and who if the occasion were offer'd made shew that he would not permit his Mother to govern after that manner and told her that which had K hapned and in what dangers they had been to express their duty and loyalty which they ow'd to their deceased Master and how for that cause they had been greatly honour'd by him requiring of her that she would not utterly frustrate them of their hopes which they expected for their service that now they that had escaped from the danger of their foreign Enemies were in their houses murthered like Beasts by their private Foes without any relief or succors from any one They furthermore urged That if their Adversaries would content themselves with those they had slain they would endure their misfortunes patiently by reason of the sincere affection they bare unto their Lords but if they must needs as yet suffer the like they required that they might have liberty to retire For that they would not procure their safety otherwise than by her consent and would rather suffer a voluntary death near unto her Royal Palace if they might L not be spared for that it would be a shame both for themselves and for the Queen if by her toleration those who had been her deceased husbands friends should be thus abused by them which were his Enemies That Aretas King of Arabias and other Princes would be glad of this news to hear that she should deprive her self of those whose names have been dreadful even amongst those neighbouring Kings who have but heard of them And if she had resolved to make more account of the Pharisees favor than of their service they intreated her that she would at least distribute them in several Castles that rather than any ill should fall upon their Sovereign Alexander 's house they were content to lead their lives in that contemptible and despicable condition Whilest thus they spake Alexandra committeth the custody of the Castles to the Jews directing their supplications to Alexander's soul praying him to have M compassion as well of those that were already dead as of those who were in danger of their lives the tears ran from the eyes of all the assistants and Aristobulus above the rest was heartily discontent and expressed the same by finding fault with his Mother But they themselves were the cause of their own calamity because that against all right and reason they had permitted a head-strong and ambitious Woman to reign over them as if the King had no Heirs reserv'd to succeed him in the kingdom The Queen uncertain how to determine the matter at that instant committed the charge of all her Castles into their hands reserving only Hircania Alexandrion and Machaeron wherein the Princes Moveables and Wealth was kept Not long after she sent her son Aristobulus with a strong Army commanding him to N draw his Forces towards Damascus Aristobulus is sent to Damascus against Ptolomey against Ptolomey called Mennaeus who was an ill Neighbor unto that City but he returned thence without doing any memorable action About the same time news was brought that Tigranes King of Armenia invaded Syria with 500000 Men of War Tigranes invading Syria heareth news of Lucullus's pursuit of Mithridates and returneth home intending shortly to set upon Jewry This rumor afrighted the Queen and all the Commonalty and not without cause Whereupon she sent Ambassadors with many Princely Presents unto Tigranes who besieged the City of Ptolomais For Queen Selena otherwise called Cleopatra reigned in Syria and persuaded the Syrians to deny Tigranes passage But Alexandra's Ambassadors met with the King of Armenia and pray'd him to conceive a good opinion of their Queen and of all the whole Nation of the Jews who received them willingly commending them for that O they had sought him out so far to do him honour and put them in good hope After the taking in of Ptolomais it was told Tigranes that Lucullus pursued Mithridates who was not as yet apprehended for that he was fled into Iberia which was the cause that Lucullus had entred Armenia The year of the World 3894. before Christ's Nativity 70. and plunder'd it Tigranes hearing this news returned back into H his own Countrey After this Queen Alexandra fell sick of a dangerous disease whereby Aristobulus took occasion to intermeddle with the affairs of State Walking therefore abroad one night attended by a trusty servant Alexandra's sickness and Aristobulus's attempt he repaired unto those Castles which were committed to the custody of his fathers friends for he had misliked his Mothers government long and feared more than ever that if she should die all her posterity should be made subject to the power of the Pharisees For he perceived how unapt his elder brother was to govern the kingdom unto whom notwithstanding the succession appertained only his Wife whom accompanied with his Children he had left with Alexandra had an inkling of this his intent He therefore went first of all to Agaba where Galestes one I of the chiefest Potentates commanded who entertained him with great joy The next day Aristobulus seizeth the Castles and great concourse of people resort to him the Queen heard that Aristobulus was departed from Court she little suspected at first that he was retired to work some alteration in the State But when Messengers came flocking one after another and told her that after the first Castle the second and after the second all the rest had consequently been surprized by Aristobulus at that time both the Queen and the whole Nation were alarmed fearing lest he should presently usurp the Sovereignty but above all they feared
of some continuance This man therefore being surprized and brought into the Camp of the Jews they required him that as by his prayers he had obtained water so at that time likewise he would by his imprecations incense God against Aristobulus and his adherents But whereas he refused and excused himself he was at last constrained by the people to perform their request so that standing L up in the midst of them he spake after this manner O God King of the whole world since they who are at this present here with me are thy people and those that are besieged are thy Priests I humbly beseech thee that when they shall require thee to be incensed against their brethren thou wilt not hear them and when as likewise they shall provoke thee against the other Onias contradicting the Jews petition is stoned to death thou wilt not respect them Hereupon a certain sort of reprobate Soldiers amongst the Jews hearing these words of his stoneth him to death But God immediately punished this cruelty in them and the murther of Onias so cursedly perpetrated was revenged by this means which ensueth Aristobulus and the Priests being besieged the feast of Eastâ—r or the Passeover fell out during which time it was an usual custom among the Jews to honour God with many sacrifices M Now they who were with Aristobulite not having any beasts to offer up in sacrifice they requested the other Jews that were without That they might have some delivered unto them for their money Whereunto it was answered That if they would give one thousand drachnis for every head they should have some delivered into them To this demand of theirs Aristobulus and the Priests that were with him willingly condescended and let down the prefixed price and deliver'd the same from the wall but the others after they had received the money deliver'd them not those beasts which they desired them to sell them to sacrifice but they were so impious that they falsified their oaths not only toward men Breach of faith and the revenge thereof but defrauded God also in denying that which they had promised toward the furnishing of their sacrifice For which cause the Priests being defrauded in this N manner contrary to the oath and protestations of their adversaries besought God to shew vengeance on their Countreymen that had committed this heinous and perjurious impiety neither did God defer their punishment but immediately after he sent a great and violent Wind that spoiled all the fruits of the Countrey so that a measure of Wheat was sold for eleven drachms O CHAP. IV. A Scaurus being sent by Pompey into Syria Aristobulus gained his friendship He forced King Aretas to raise the siege of Jerusalem Aristobulus gaineth a Battel against Aretas and Hircanus MEanwhile Pompey sent Scaurus into Syria himself being in person detained in Armenia Hedio Ruffinus chap. 4. in pursuit of the War betwixt him and Tigranes When Scaurus came unto Damascus Hircanus and Aristobulus send Ambassadors unto Scaurus he found that Metellus and Lollius had newly taken the City for which B cause he marched on towards Jewry where being arrived certain Ambassadors came unto him in the behalf of Aristobulus and others also in the name of Hircanus requiring alliance and confederacy in the behalf of them both and offering from each of them a Tribute of 400 Talents But Scaurus preferred Aristobulus's promises because he was the ablest Scaurus is presented and of the noblest spirit and withall more moderate in his demand whereas Hircanus was poor and covetous notwithstanding he demanded greater things than his brother did for it was a harder matter to subdue a City that was so strong than to beat a company of runnagate Nabatheans and scarcely well animated to prosecute that War Aristobulus maketh War against Aretas and Hircanus For these causes therefore he receiving his money raised the siege commanding Aretas to return which if he refused he declared him an Enemy to Rome This done Scaurus returned to Damascus and Aristobulus led forth his Army against Aretas and C Hircanus and fighting with them in a place called Papyron he obtained the victory and killed about some 7000 of his Enemies amongst the number of which was â—ephalius Antipater's brother CHAP. V. Pompey cometh into the lower Syria Aristobulus sends him a rich Present Antipater repaireth to him in Hircanus's behalf Both the brothers case was stated to Pompey who defers the decision of it till he reduce the Nabatheans Aristobulus without expecting till then retired into Judea D NOt long after this Pompey cometh into Syria and Aristobulus sendeth a Royal Present unto him Pompey came unto Damascus and as he travelled through Coelosyria divers Ambassadors resorted unto him from all parts of Syria Egypt and Judea For Aristobulus sent him a Present of great value namely a golden Vine of 500 Talents price Hereof Strabo the Cappadocian maketh mention in these words There came an Ambassador out of Egypt bearing a Crown of 4000 pieces of gold and another from Jewry with a Vine or Garden and the workmanship was called Terpole that is to say Recreation I have seen this Vine at Rome in the Temple of Jupiter Capitoline having the inscription of Alexander King of the Jews Antipater for Hircanus and Nicodemus for Aristobulus come as Ambassadors to Pompey and it was esteemed and valued at 500 Talents It is said that Aristobulus Prince of the Jews sent the same E Straight after this there came other fresh Ambassadors to Pompey Antipater from Hircanus and Nicodemus from Aristobulus who accused those that had taken money namely Gabimus for that he first of all had received 300 Talents besides other Presents and secondly Scaurus Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. who had received 400 alledging that by that means they had incensed them against him A Castle destroyed in Apamea He therefore gave direction that they should repair unto him about the Spring each of them to justifie and maintain their several Rights as for himself he drew his Forces from their wintering places and marched towards Damascus destroying in his way a certain Fortress which Antiochus the Cyzicenian had fortified in Apamaea He visited also the Countrey of Ptolomey Mennaeus who was a wicked and perverse man Ptolomey Mennaeus fined at a great sum of money and no wayes differed from Dionysius Tripolitane who was punished F with the loss of his head and was united also with him in friendship and affinity yet acquitted of the death he deserved by the means of a 1000 Talents Ransom which Ptolomey distributed among his Soldiers for their pay He demolished likewise the Castle of Lysias wherein a Jew called Sylas tyrannized and passing by the Cities of Heliopolis and Chalcis and having likewise ascended the mountain which is between them he came to Coelosyria and from Pella repaired to Damascus In which place he gave audience to
the Jews and their Princes Hircanus and Aristobulus who were at odds the one against the other Aristobulus and Hircanus accused by the Jews before Pompey concerning their particular interests the Jews complained against Hircanus and Aristobulus both and alledged that they would not be governed by Kings because their custom was to obey Gods Priests whom they honoured affirming that these G two brethren who were descended of the race of Priests endeavoured to draw their Nation under a different form of government and to reduce them under slavery Hircanus H complained The year of the World 3902. before Christ's Nativity 62. that being the elder born he had been deprived of his inheritance by Aristobulus and had only but a small portion of the Countrey alotted him because Aristobulus had seized the rest by force He complained likewise of those incursions that both by Land and Sea Aristobulus's followers had endamaged their Frontiers with For the people had not revolted if he had not been a violent and turbulent man To this accusation of his Aristobulus's Apology before Pompey a thousand of the principallest of the Jews drawn on by Antipater's persuasion subscribed But Aristobulus answered That Hircanus was dispossessed of the Kingdom by reason of his incapacity and natural defects alledging for himself That the government was forced on him of necessity lest it should be transported to others he protested that he challenged no other title than that which his father Alexander I had had He brought in also for his Witnesses certain arrogant young men who were hated for their pomp purple Robes their curiosity in painting and curling their Hair and other braveries which they presented not like men that intended to hear a Case decided but rather to shew their vanity After that Pompey had heard them he condemn'd Aristobulus's violence but for that time he dismiss'd them after some favorable and gracious conference promising them that he would come into their Countrey Hedio Ruffinus cap. 6. and determine their differences after he had seen the Region of the Nabatheans commanding them in the meanwhile to live in peace He used Aristobulus likewise very kindly fearing lest he should incense the people and shut up his passage which notwithstanding came to pass For Aristobulus came into the City of Delion and from thence K went into Judea without regarding what Pompey had commanded him CHAP. VI. Pompey is offended at Aristobulus's retreat He marcheth against him Their several meetings without taking any effect POmpey hearing this was very much displeased and taking with him his Army which he had prepared against the Nabatheans with the supplies he had in Damascus and the rest of Syria Pompey marcheth out against Aristobulus besides the other Roman companies that he had he marched forth L against Aristobulus when he had passed Pella and Sâ—â—hopolis he came to Coreas which is the entrance into Judea drawing toward the heart of the Countrey There he found a strong Castle situate upon the top of a mountain called Alexandrion Aristobulus descendeth from his Fortress to confer with Pompey whither Aristobulus was retired He sent to invite him to come and parley with him who persuaded by the counsel of many of his best friends by no means to make War against the Romans Aristobulus delivereth the Fortresses to Pompey's hands came down to him and after he had debated his title with his brother concerning the Kingdom Pompey permitted him to return again into his Castle And this he did two or three times alwayes flattering Pompey through the hope he had of the Kingdom Hedio Ruffinus cap. 7. Meanwhile he retired himself and fortified the place and made preparation for the War lest Pompey should alot the Kingdom to Hircanus Pompey commanded him to M deliver up the fortresses that he held Mithridates King of Pontus slain by his son Pharnaces and to write with his own hand to the Captains of the Garisons who otherwise would not have obeyed him Aristobulus submitted but was so displeased that he repaired to Jerusalem on purpose to make preparations for War Immediately after Pompey marched towards him with his Army and a messenger coming from Pontus brought him news of Mithridates's death who was slain by his son Pharnaces N O CHAP. VII The year of the World 3903. before Christ's Nativity 61. H Aristobulus repents cometh to Pompey and treateth with him But his Soldiers refusing to deliver the money that he had promised and to receive the Romans into Jerusalem Pompey keepeth him Prisoner and besiegeth the Temple where Aristobulus's men were retired POmpey having encamped near Jericho where there was a number of Date-trees and where also groweth that balm which is the most precious Gabinius coming to receive the money Aristobulus had promised hath the City Gates shut against him of all other ointments distilling from a little shrub which is opened and slit by a sharp cutting stone the next morning he marched towards Jerusalem Aristobulus being sorry for his misbehavior came unto him offering him money and promising him to receive I him into Jerusalem he intreated him to lay aside all quarrels and to order all as he thought fit without coming to War Whereupon Pompey pardon'd him and condescended to his request Hedio Ruffinus cap. 8. and sent Gabinius with his Soldiers both to receive the money as also to enter the City Pompey besiegeth Jerusalem but could do neither for Aristobulus's Soldiers would not permit that any promise should be perform'd which Pompey took so ill that after he had committed Aristobulus to Prison he went in person against the City which was strongly fortified on every side except toward the quarter that extendeth Northward which was easie to be beaten down for this side is invironed with a large and deep Valley compassing the Temple which is inclosed with a very strong stone Wall K CHAP. VIII Pompey after a three months siege took the Temple of Jerusalem by assault and forbeareth plundering of it He lessens the Jews power He leaveth Scaurus to command his Army carrieth Aristobulus Prisoner to Rome with Alexander and Antigonus his two sons and his two daughters Alexander maketh his escape out of Prison IN the mean time the City of Jerusalem was divided for some thought good to yield up the City to Pompey Jerusalem partly betrayed partly besieged by Pompey others that were of Aristobulus's faction counselled that the gates should be kept shut and preparation for War should be made because the Romans L detained Aristobulus Prisoner The last prevailing seized the Temple and breaking down the bridge which was betwixt it and the City resolved to stand on their defence But the others not only deliver'd the City into Pompey's hands but the Royal Palace also who sent Piso his Lieutenant thither with his Forces to take possession thereof and to plant his Garisons therein
Such was Aristobulus's fortune Aristobulus sent back again Prisoner to Rome with his son Antigonus that he was sent Prisoner back again to Rome and there kept in bonds after he had been King and High-Priest three years and six months A man in that dignity both magnificent and magnanimous yet the Senate sent back his L children according to the tenor of Gabinius's letters who had promised their delivery to their mother when she surrendred the Castles into his hands whereupon they returned into Jewry Aristobulus's sons discharged But Gabinius intending to make War against the Parthians and having already past Euphrates changed his resolution and determined to return into Egypt and re-establish Ptolomey as it is declared in another place In this expedition also he was supplied by Antipater's means with Victuals Money and Ammunition and by his advice those Jews that inhabit Pelusium who kept as it were the very entry into Egypt were reconciled to him When Gabinius returned back out of Egypt he found all Syria full of Tumult and Rebellion Antipater relieveth Gabinius in his journey to Egypt to install Ptolomey For Alexander Aristobulus's son taking once more possession of the Kingdom caused divers Jews from day to day to revolt and foraging the M Countrey with a huge Army he slew all those Romans whom he met withall and besieged all those that fled into the mount Garizim Gabinius seeing the affairs of Syria in that state sent Antipater before him unto them to appease these commotions and to cure them of their phrenzy Alexander Aristobulus's son usurpeth the Monarchy and if it were possible to reduce them to a better mind for Antipater was really a very discreet man He repairing unto them moderated divers of them Alexander overcome by Gabinius and brought them under obedience but it was impossible for him to reconcile Alexander for he having 30000 Men with him came forth to meet with Gabinius with whom he fought and was overcome with the loss of 10000 of his Men near unto the Mount Itabyr After that Gabinius had ordered all things in Jerusalem by Antipater's advice he presently N set forward against the Nabathaeans The conquest of the Nabatheans whom he overcame in battel He sent back also Mithridates and Orsanes Men of good account among the Parthians who had retired themselves unto him Mithridates and Orsanes causing a report to be spread that they were fled with Gabinius Now when Gabinius had perform'd great and magnificent exploits in War he returned to Rome surrendring the government to Crassus Nicholas Damascene and Strabo of Cappadocia who differeth in nothing from Nicholas have written of these Expeditions of Pompey and Gabinius in Judea CHAP. XII The year of the World 3941. before Christ's Nativity 53. A Crassus robbeth the Temple of Jerusalem He is defeated by the Parthians Cassius retireth into Syria and defends it against the Parthians Antipater's great credit his marriage and his children CRassus intending to make War against the Parthians Hedio Ruffinus chap 13. al. 14. came into Jewry and took away with him the sacred money which Pompey had not touched which amounted to the sum of 2000 Talents Marcus Crassus in his expedition against the Parthians taketh thâ— Treasure out of the Temple of Jerusalem He spoilt the Temple also of all the gold that was in it to the sum of 8000 Talents He took away a wedge of solid gold to the weight of 300 B pounds which pound amongst the Jews containeth two pounds and an half He that deliver'd him this wedge was a Priest and the Keeper of the sacred Treasure call'd Eleazar who gave him the same upon no malicious intent for he was a virtuous and just man but whereas he had the custody of the Tapestries of the Temple committed to his hands which were both admirable to behold by reason of their beauty and worth and withall were in like sort tied and fastned to this beam and perceiving that Crâ—ssus used all means to gather all the money he could he fearing lest he should have seized on all the ornaments of the Temple gave him this beam for a Ransom to redeem all the rest binding him upon the delivery thereof by an oath that he should not take any thing away that was in the Temple but should content himself with that onely piece of C great esteem and value which he gave him This beam was inclosed in another hollow beam of wood Crassus breaketh his oath so that no man knew thereof but only Eleazar Crassus therefore took his beam Whence the Temple of Jerusalem grew so rich as if he determined to leave all other things in the Temple yet notwithstanding he falsified his oath and carried away whatsoever was therein Neither is it to be wondred at that there was so great Riches found in our Temple since all those Jews that were dispersed thorow the face of the whole earth Strabo of Cappadocia and all those that feared God both in Asia and Europe for a long time offered their Presents in that place The greatness and multitude whereof wanteth no testimony neither is it feigned in way of ostentation but divers other Historians make mention thereof and amongst the rest Strabo of Cappadocia speaketh after this manner D Mithridates sent Men into the Isle of Coos to fetch from thence the money that Queen Cleopatra had laid up there and 800 Talents of the Jews But we have no publick money but that which is dedicated unto God It is therefore a thing most manifest that the Jews that inhabit Asia transported this money into Coos for fear of Mithridates For it is not likely that they who inhabited Judea and had a City so strong and a Temple so well fortified should send their money to Coos Neither is it credible likewise that the Jews remaining in Alexandria should do it for that they feared not to fall into danger through this War of Mithridates The same Strabo also saith in another place That when Sylla passed thorow Greece to make War against Mithridates and Lucullus he sent Men unto Cyrene which was troubled by E reason of the mutinies of our Nation wherewith the whole world was filled There were four sorts of people in the City of the Cyrenians one of them were Citizens the second were Labourers the third were Strangers and the fourth were Jews who at this present are intermingled thorow all Cities neither is there an inhabited place throughout the world neither was there any Nation that inhabit the same wherein these have not set foot and fortified For both Egypt and Cyrene being under the subjection of the same Princes and divers other Nations conformed themselves to their customs and nourished assemblies of Jews and advanced them and more and more used the Jewish ordinances It appeareth therefore that there was a Colony of Jews in Egypt A great part likewise of the
occasion to deliver Herod in despite of the Council the rather also for that he loved him as intirely as his son Therefore when Herod presented himself before the Council H with his retinue The year of the World 3922. before Christ's Nativity 42. all of them were astonished and none of those that accused him in his absence durst open their mouths to speak one word but all of them kept silence not knowing what do Now whilst they stood upon these terms a certain man called Sameas who was of upright dealing and for this cause was not daunted arose and spake to this purpose Sameas one of the Judges foretelleth Hircanus and his counsellers of their imminent death by Herods means Dread King and you honourable assistants I could never yet remember that ever any man which was called in question to defend his cause before us hath appeared in this equipage and I suppose that none of you can say that the like hath ever hapned but whosoever cometh into this place to receive judgment he presented himself with humility and fear with a countenance prepared to implore mercy having his hair long and his garment black but this gallant Herod accused of murther and this for occasion called before I us who could imagine that he should appear before us in a purple robe having his hairs trimmed and besides that a guard of armed men about him with an intent that if we condemn him according to Law he may put us to death without Law that after he hath violated all right Herod honoureth Sameas he may escape and save himself But I blame not Herod in this action for that he hath a more inward regard of his particular profit than of the Law but I accuse both you and the King Herod admonished by Hircanus saveth himself by flight and appeareth no more in judgment who have given him such assurance Know therefore that there is a soveraign God that will one day punish both you and the King and him whom you will deliver by the Kings means And so fell it out as he had said For as soon as Herod had obtained the Kingdom he put all those of the council to death and Hircanus himself likewise onely Sameas was exempted for he esteemed him mightily because of his wisdom and K justice and because when the City was besieged by Herod and Sosius Sameas perswaded the people to receive Herod telling them that by reason of their sins and offences they could not escape from him whereof we will speak in time and place Hircanus perceiving that the Judges were inclined to condemn Herod deferred the sentence till the next day and sent secretly unto Herod counselling him to flie out of the City assuring him that there was no other means to save his life Thus he posted to Damascus as if he had fled from the Kings presence and presenting himself before Sextus Caesar after he had assured his person he resolved with himself that if the council should call him once more to answer he would not obey them But after his departure the council was displeased with Hircanus and endeavoured to perswade him L that all these things tended to his destruction which he perceived yet knew not what to do Alias chap. 11. Sextus Caesar selleth his Presidents place to Herod for ready money he was so negligent and void of foresight When Sextus had made Herod Governor of Coelosyria which estate he sold unto him for ready money Hircanus was afraid lest Herod should make War against him neither passed there long time before the effect grew answerable to his fear For Herod marched forth against him with a great Army supposing himself to be much wronged by the assignation he had sent him and in that he was summoned to give a reason of his actions before the council Herod marcheth against Hircanus with a great Army and is disswaded from War by his father Antipater and his brother Phasaelus But his father Antipater and his brother Phasaelus came forth against him to hinder his approach towards Jerusalem striving to appease his fury and counselling him not to attempt any thing by way of action but that contenting himself that he had threatned and affrighted Hircanus he should not attempt M any thing further against him who had raised him to that high degree They told him also that it became him not onely to remember that he was cited to answer but that he was absolved also and permitted to depart without danger or any violence Moreover that he ought to think that God governeth the ballance of War and that the issues of battels are uncertain and for that cause he ought not to expect the victory if he made War against the King who was his familiar and from whom he had received far more kindness Hedio Ruffinus chap. 10. and no displeasure who though he made some appearance and shadow of severity Hircanus Embassadors to Caesar touching the accusation intended against him yet notwithstanding it proceeded not so much from him as from his evil counsellers Herod in some sort pacified by these perswasions The Jews much honoured by the Kings of Europe and Asia Julius Caesar testifieth in a brazen Pillar that the Jews were free citizens of Alexandria obeyed his father supposing that it sufficed him in regard of his N future hopes that he had given the people so large a testimony of his power This was the state of the Jews at that time But Caesar arriving at Rome prepared himself to set sail towards Affrick with an intent to make War against Scipio and Cato Hircanus sent Embassadors to him beseeching him to confirm the amity and alliance that he had with him But now I think it very convenient to declare all the Prerogatives and alliances that the Romans and theâ—â— Emperors made with those of our Nation to the end that all other people might know that the Kings of Asia and Europe have been well affected towards us and have made great account of our valor and fidelity And although divers men ill affected to wards us Julius Caesars Decree as touching the honours immunities and priviledges granted to the Jews believe not that which the Macedonians and Persians have written of us because the same matters are not extant in all places neither set down in publick writings O but onely amongst our selves and some Barbarians yet it is manifest that they cannot contradict the declarations made by the Romans which are manifestly affixed in publick places in Cities as likewise at this present they are engraven in the Capitol in brazen pillars Julius Caesar in like manner in a brazen pillar erected by him hath declared unto the Jews that inhabited Alexandria The year of the World 3922. before Christ's Nativity 24. that they were free Citizens therein A and to the intent that these things may more manifestly appear I will propose the decrees
and his sons may be remunerated by the Senate and People of Rome according to the measure of their loyalties and good deserts Julius Caius Caesar Roman Consul To the Governors Senate and People of Patras Health The Jews are come unto us to Delos with some of the Colonies of their Countreymen in the presence of your Ambassadors and assure us of a Decree made by you whereby you forbid them the practice and ancient use of their sacrifices and oblations I think it not fit that you make any such Decrees against our friends and associates neither that you forbid them to live according to their fashions and customs or to employ their purses together in supplying their feasts and sacrifices since in Rome it self they are not interdicted or forbidden to perform the same For at such time as Caius Caesar Consul had prohibited by Edict That in celebrating the Bacchanals no one should dance about the City yet were the L Jews alone exempted from this inhibition and neither have they been prohibited to contribute neither to banquet together My self also in like case in the defence I have made to forbid all other societies have excepted the Jews therein and have given them leave to assemble and demean themselves according to the customs ceremonies and ordinances of their Countrey If therefore you have made any such Decrees against our friends and associates you shall do well to disanul them by reason of the vertue of the Jews and the forwardness they have protested in performance of our service After Caius Caesar's death M. Antonius and P. Dolobella bring Hircanue's Embassadors into the Senate the Consuls Marcus Antonius and Publius Dolobella assembled the Senate and having brought in Hircanus's Embassadors they declared their request and contracted amity with them The Senate likewise ordained that each thing should M be granted them that they required And Dolobella having received Hircanus's Letters sent them throughout all Asia to Ephesus which is the Metropolitan City of Asia in these The General Dolobella to the Princes Dolobellas's Letters to the Ephesians Senate and People of Ephesus Health terms The General or Emperor Dolobella this word Emperor was in those times a title of honour conferred on those Generals who had obtained some great Victory Alexander the son of Theodore Embassador to Hircanus the High-Priest and Prince of the Jews hath given us to understand that his Subjects cannot go to Wars because it is not lawful for them to bear Arms nor travel on the Sabbath day as also for that they may not seek for their victuals and other necessaries on that day according to the custom of their Countrey for this cause I grant them exemption from the War as my Predecessors have done permitting them N to use the ceremonies and rites of their Countrey assembling themselves to make their oblations and sacrifices as their laws and customs require in contributing to the offering of the sacrifices in the Temple And my will is That you write to this effect to every City of the Province See here how Dolobella honoured Hircanus when he sent his Embassadors unto him Lucius Lentulus Consul pronounceth that the Jews that are Citizens of Rome Lucius Luâ—ulllus in the French Lentulus in the Latine being Consul maketh an Edict in the behalf of the Jews and that observe and offer the sacrifices of the Jews in Ephesus before the Tribunal be exempt from warfare by reason of their Religion Given the nineteenth of October There are besides these many other Edicts and Ordinances made to this purpose by the same Generals and by the Roman Senate in favor of Hircanus and our Nation and some O other Cities In like sort there were divers Decrees and writs sent unto the Governors and Rulers of the Provinces concerning our Priviledges all which may be easily believed by those that shall read our History with no prejudicate opinion if they consider those that we have here inserted The year of the World 39â—2 Before Christ's Nativity 42. For we have shewed more express and lively A testimonies of the friendship that we have had with the Romans and such as at this day are affixed to Pillars and engraven in Tables of Brass on the Capitol and that hereafter shall remain affixed for ever For which cause I have thought it to be a frivolous and unnecessary matter to insert all in this place Josephus's conclusion concerning these Edicts and I think that there is not any man of so sinister judgment that will not believe how much we have been esteemed by the Romans as they have given testimonies by divers Decrees published in our behalf neither may any man suppose that we lie considering the truth of that which we publish Thus have we sufficiently declared the amity and league that in time past we have had with the Romans Caecilius â—assus murthereth Sextus Caesar About this time it came to pass that the estate of â—yria was B sore troubled upon the occasion that ensueth Caecilius â—assus one of Pompeys followers laid an ambush for Sextus Caesar and slew him and seising upon his Army usurped the Government Whereby there arose great War near Apamea For Caesars Captains marched out against Caecilius with great force both of Foot and Horse to whom Antipater sent his sons with forces to second them in remembrance of the benefits he had received at Caesars hands supposing it to be an act of justice that the murtherer should be punished for his so hainous offence Marcus succeedeth Sextus in Syria Now whereas this War continued a long time Câ—sar slain by Cassius and Brutus Marcus came and succeeded Sextus And Caesar was slain by Cassius and Brutus in the midst of the Senate after he had commanded three years and six months as it is expressed in another place C CHAP. XVIII Cassius cometh from Syria draweth Seven hundred Talents out of Judaea Herod gains his favor Malichus's ingratitude towards Antipater AFter Caesar's death Hedio Ruffinus chap. 20. the brand of Civil War began to flame and the chiefest of Rome made it their business to raise forces Cassius cometh into Syria and exacteth more then 700 Talents of silver from the Jews But Cassius came into Syria with an intent to take the Army that was near to Apamea and having raised the siege he drew both Bassus and Marcus to be of his faction and travelling from City to City he gathered a number of Soldiers and much warlike provision and imposed huge Tributes D Herod winneth Cassius's heart by the money that he levieth in Galilee but especially he afflicted Jewry and exacted of that Countrey Seven hundred Talents of Silver Antipater seeing the State in so great fear and trouble committing the exaction of a part of this money to his sons the rest he commanded to be assigned to Malichus who was his Enemy Herod first of all gathered that which was commanded him
composition Whereupon he grievously rebuked Hircanus that being forgetful of divers good offices which he had received by him The year of the World 3924. before Christ's Nativity 40. he had given aid unto his enemies For Malichus's brother being at that time A revolted planted Garisons in divers Fortresses and namely in Masada which was the strongest of them all As soon as Herod had recovered his health he drew forth his forces against him and dipossessed him of divers places that he held and after suffered him to depart with his life and goods CHAP. XXI Antigâ—nus Aristobulus's son gets an Army Herod overcometh him and returneth triumphing to Jerusalem Hircanus promiseth him his Grand-daughter Mariamna daughter of Alexander Aristobulus's son B ANtigonus Ptolomey Mennaeus adopteth Antigonus Aristobulus 's son Aristobulus's son got an Army together and hired Fabius Ptolomey Mennaeus adopted Antigonus for being of his near relations He was also assisted by Marion whom Cassius had made Governor of Tyre and tyrannized over Syria having put Garisons in several places of it and had taken possession of three places in Galilee which bordered with his Countrey Herod expelleth Antigonus out of Jewry Herod also marching forth against him dispossessed him of them all and graciously dismissed those Tyrians that had the keeping thereof bestowing Presents on some of them for the love he bare unto their City And that done he came and encountred with Antigonus and fought him and overcame him before he had scarcely entred on the marches of Judaea and drove him from thence C Being come in triumph to Jerusalem Herod marrieth Mariamne Hircanus's niece by his daughter Hircanus and all the People honoured him with Crowns For Hircanus look'd upon him as one of his Family because he was to marry Mariamna daughter of Alexander son of Aristobulus and of Alexandra Hircanus's daughter on whom he begat three sons and two daughters Before her also had he married a Wife of his own Nation Doris Herod's wife who was called Doris on whom he begat Antipater his eldest son CHAP. XXII After Cassius's defeat near the City of Philippi Antonius cometh into Asia Herod obtaineth D his friendship by great Presents Antonius's Edicts in favor of Hircanus and of the Jewish Nation ANtonius and Caesar having overcome Cassius near unto the City of Philippi Caesar went from thence into France and Antonius into Asia And being in Bithynia The Judge corrupted with monâ—â— Embassadors resorted to him from all parts Thither also repaired certain principal Men among the Jews to accuse Phasaelus and Herod saying that Hircanus had onely the name but he the authority of the Kingdom But Antonius greatly honoured Herod Hircanus's Embassadors present Antonius with a Crown of Gold and require the captive Jews liberty sold by Cassius who came unto him to answer those accusations that they had imposed on him for which cause they that were his adversaries could obtain no Audience for E Herod had bought that priviledge from them with his Money As soon as Antonius was arrived in Ephesus Hircanus the High-Priest and all our Nation presently sent an Embassador unto him with a Crown of Gold requiring him that he would write unto the Provinces that the Jews whom Cassius had taken Prisoners contrary to the law of Arms might be set at liberty and that their Countrey which was taken from them in Cassius's time might be restored Antonius supposing that the demands which the Jews had proposed were reasonable wrote back presently to the High-Priest Hircanus and the Jews and sent an Edict also to the Tyrians ta this effect Marcus Antonius Emperor to Hircanus High-Priest and Prince of the Jews Health F Lysimachus the son of Pausanias and Joseph the son of Mennaeus and Alexander the son of Theodore your Ambassadors came unto me to Ephesus and have renewed the same Embassage which they heretofore brought to Rome 〈…〉 and at this present likewise they have duly and faithfully acquitted themselves of the Embassage which they present in the behalf of you and your Nation by giving us to understand what affection you bear towards us so that I esteem you for our friend since I understand how friendly you have behaved your self towards us both in words and deeds For when our adversaries and enemies of the Roman Nation spoiled all the Countrey of Asia and without regard of their Oaths spared neither Cities nor Temples we have opposed our selves against them not onely for our private G respect but in the quarrel of the Common-weal to punish the authors of such offences committed against Men and of such impieties perpetrated against God for which we suppose H that the Sun hath in a manner obscured himself by beholding with unwilling eyes what an hainous offence was committed against Caesar But we have gotten the upper hand of their impious enterprizes which are fallen upon Macedonia as on the Countrey and Air from whence proceed such detestable designs and we have likewise cut off the course of their desperate resolution which made them encounter us near to Philippi a City of Macedonia where we seized their places fortified by nature and enclosed with mountains as if it were with walls as far as the Sea so that the passage was barred up as it were with a gate had not the gods given us way by resisting their unjust exploits and furthering ours Brutus is likewise compelled to flie to Philippi where being besieged by us he suffered with his Consort Cassius and since they have been punished as they deserved we hope for the I future to enjoy peace and tranquility and that Asia shall be delivered from all the miseries of War and as for your part you may assure your selves that both you and your Countrey shall have your share in this happiness because we have so great a kindness for you to lose any opportunity to procure your advantage and all the body thereof seems to be relieved from a grievous malady by means of our victory We have already sent Letters from City to City to the intent that if any one among you either captive or free-man have been sold to the utmost by Caius Cassius or any of that Army they may be set at liberty And our will is that you reap the fruits of all the favors that we and Dolobella have granted you forbidding the Tyrians to molest you and commanding them to restore all that which they have taken from the Jews in goods or possessions As for the Crown which you sent me I accept K of it Marcus Antonius Emperor Marcus Antonius writeth to the Magistrates of Tyre to restore Hircanus and the Jews their Lands Goods and Liberties to the Governors Senate and People of Tyre Health I have been informed in Ephesus by Hircanus's Embassadors who is High-Priest and Prince â— the Jews that you have seized on their Countrey and spoiled the same when our adversaries held that
Province But as we have undertaken the War for the Empire and in defence of Justice and Piety we have punished these ungrateful disloyal and perfidious persons Our will is that you suffer our allies to live in peace and as touching that which you have obtained of our adversaries our pleasure is that you restore the same to those that are dispossessed For none of them had obtained either Province or Army by the consent of the Senate but had usurped them by force and afterwards bestowed them on those who have been Ministers of their impieties and injustice But since they have been punished according to their L deserts we require that our Allies enjoy their own without any hindrance and if you hold any places at this present which belong to Hircanus Prince of the Jews that were seized since the time that Caius Cassius by an unjust War invaded our Provinces restore them unto him without offering to hinder him from the possession of his own And if you have or pretend to have any right in them when I shall repair to those places it shall be lawful for you to debate your right and we will so judge that our allies shall receive no wrong Marcus Antonius Emperor to the Governors Senate and People of Tyre Health I have sent you my Edict my pleasure is that you carefully consider it and that you register it among your publick Records in Roman and Greek letters and set it up in Writing in an M open place to the end that it may be read by all Men. Marcus Antonius Emperor and Triumvir in the presence of the Tyrians assembled for their publick affairs hath declared That Caius Cassius during the troubles by the assistance of his Souldiers hath usurped another mans Province and hath in like sort spoiled our Allies and hath ransackt the Nation of the Jews who are friends to the people of Rome and for that by our valor we have repressed his insolence by our Edicts and Judgments we will correct his offences to the end that all things may be restored to our Allies and that all whatsoever hath been sold and appertained to the Jews whether they be Prisoners or Possessions be restored to their Masters to the end that each Man may be at liberty as he was before and that each mans possession may be restored to his first owner And my pleasure is N That whosoever disobeyeth this Ordinance he may be punished accordingly He wrote to the like effect to the Sidonians Antiochians and Arabians all which we will insert in a convenient place to testifie what account the Romans made of our Nation O CHAP. XXIII The year of the World 3924. Cefore Christ's Nativity 41. A The beginning of Antonius's love for Cleopatra he is very severe to those Jews who came to accuse Herod and Phasaelas Antigonus Aristobulus's son contracteth a friendship with the Parthians AFter this Antonius went into Syria Hedio Ruffinus chap. 11. and Cleopatra came forth to meet him near unto Silicia Cleopatra cometh into Cilicia to Antonius and entangled him in her love At that time also One hundred of the chiefest among the Jews came in Embassage to him to accuse Herod and Phasaelus they had chosen the most esteemed Orator that might be found Messala likewise undertook the B defence of the young men that were accused Herod accuseth by one hundred Jews before Antonius and made them answer Hircanus also was there in person who was already by marriage allied unto them After that Antonius had heard both the one and the other in the City of Daphen he demanded of Hircanas which of both the parties governed the Common-weal best who returned him answer That they who were on Herod's side were most studious of the publick good Antonius maketh Phasaelus and Herod Tetrarchs Antonius who long since had born a good affection towards them by reason of the ancient hospitality that he had received of their father during the time Gabinius was in Judaea established them both Governors of the fourth part committing to their hands the affairs in Judaea and to this effect wrote Letters and committed fourteen of their enemies to prison had not Herod interceeded for their lives he had C condemned them to death Ten thousand Jews repair to Tyre to accuse Herod who are partly slain partly wouned and partly put to flight Notwithstanding this as soon as they returned from their Embassage they could not contain themselves in quiet but resorted once more unto Antonius to the number of 10000 to the City of Tyre where Antonius was But Antonius already corrupted by store of mony by Herod and his brother who commanded in that place ordained that the Embassadors of the Jews should be punished for that they had attempted to make new disturbances and he confirmed Herod's Government At that time Herod walking by the Sea side came unto them advising both them and Hircanus who at that present was with them to give over their appeal lest some misfortune should befal them Which they not regarding certain Jews and Inhabitants of that City all at once ran upon them killed some of them and hurt others and the rest taking their D flight towards their Counerey ever afterwards contained themselves and lived in quiet through the fear the had conceived But when the people ceased not to exclaim and protest against Herod Antonius was so displeased that he commanded all those whom he held prisoners to be put to death The year after 〈◊〉 the Kings son and Barzapharnes a Prince among the Parthians invaded and seized Syria About this time Ptolomey died the son of Mennaeus and his son Lysias reigned in his stead who plighted friendship with Antigonus the son of Aristobulus who obtained his favor at his hands by the councel and sollicitation of a certain Prince of great authority and credit with him E CHAP. XXIV Antigonus being assisted by the Parthians besiegeth Phasaelus and Herod in the Palace of Jerusalem but in vain Hircanus and Phasaelus are perswaded to repair to Barsapharnes ANtigonus having promised the Parthians to give them One thousand Talents of Silver Hedio Ruffinus chap. 22. and five hundred Women Antigonus promiseth the Parthians a great sum of money to 〈◊〉 him in the Kingdom if so be they would deprive Hircanus of the Kingdom and restore it unto him and withal put Herod and his friends to death The F Parthians undertook it and marched towards Judaea though they had not received as yet any of Antigonus's Money Pachorus led his Troops along the Sea-coast and Barzapharnes conducted his more within the Land The Tyrians shut their Gates against Pacorus Pacorus sendeth Horsemâ—n to Antigonus in Judaea but the Sidonians and Ptolomaidans received him into their City He sent a body of Horse into Jewry to discover the estate of the Countrey and to give succors to Antigonus The commander of these Horse was
the Kings chief Cup-bearer who was also called Pacorus The Jews inhabiting about Mount Caâ—el joyn themselves with Antigonus Certain Jews inhabiting about the Carmel joined themselves with Antigonus and were prepared with him to invade his Enemies he conceived some hope that he might by their means reduce a certain part of the Countrey under his Government which is called Drymae and other Jews joining with him in the way perswaded G him to press forward as far as Jerusalem where being seconded by others and his followers already much increased in number they put themselves in a posture to assault the Kings Palace The two Brothers viz. Phasaelus and Herod with their followfollowers H attacked them in the Market-place The year of the World 3952. before Christ's Nativity 39. repulsed the Enemy and drove him into the Temple Which done they sent armed men into the houses near adjoining to guard them but the people rushing in upon them and seeing they were destitute of aid burned both them and the houses wherein they were But this cruelty of theirs was presently revenged by Herod Pentecost who in a skirmish that he had with them killed a great number of them Herod fighteth with his enemies in the suburbs And whereas there were daily skirmishes between both parties the enemies expected until the people assembled from all parts of the Countrey should repair to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost Which being come many thousands of men assembled about the Temple both armed and unarmed who seized both the Temple and the City except the Kings house onely which Herod I made good with a few Men of War The Wall thereof Phasaelus his Brother defended Herod with a company of his followers sallied out upon the Enmy who were planted in the suburbs and fighting valiantly against them he put divers thousands of them to flight whereof some retired into the City others into the Temple the rest into a certain Bulwark near at hand In this battel Phasaelus shewed no little valor Pacorus Conductor of the Parthians Pacorus Chieftain of the Parthians entring the City perswadeth Phasaelus to go Embassador to Barzapharnes came into the City with some few Horsemen at Antigonus's request making shew that he came to appease the sedition but the scope of his coming was to obtain the soveraignty for Antigonus After that Phasaelus was come out to meet him and courteously entertain'd him in his house Pacorus perswaded him to go Embassador with him to Barzapharnes intending under this pretence to surprise K him He suspecting no treacheries was easily perswaded notwithstanding that Herod misliked the course who knowing the perfidious manner of the Barbarians exhorted him rather to assail Pacorus and to assault and oppress his Forces when they were come unto him Nevertheless Hircanus and Phasaelus undertook this Embassage and Pacorus leaving with Herod Two hundred Horsemen and Ten of those whom they call Free-men conducted the Embassadors Now as soon as they came into Galilee the Governors of the Cities in that Countrey came forth armed to meet them Barzapharnes also at the first gave them friendly entertainment and honoured them with Presents but shortly after he began to practise treachery The Parthians complot treacheries against Phasaelus For Phasaelus and his attendants were conducted to a lodging that adjoined the Sea where hearing tidings that Antigonus L had promised One thousand Talents and Five hundred Virgins to the Parthians he began already to suspect the Barbarians For a certain friend of his had given him an inkling that there were treasons intended against him that very night and that his lodging was privily beset with a Guard And surely they had been surprised had they not expected that the Parthians who were round about Jerusalem should have seized on Herod fearing lest he having an inkling of their disaster should betake himself to flight This was shortly confirmed to be true by the guards that arrived For which cause there were some of Phasaelus's friends who counselled him that without any more delay he should betake him to his Horse and fly from thence and amongst the rest Ofilius was most earnest who had discovered this plot by Saramalla a rich Syrian who M offered them his ships that road hard by to further their flight Phasaelus would neither forsake Hircanus nor leave his Brother Herod in danger but repairing to Barzapharnes he told him that he did him wrong to use these sinister practises against him For that if he had need of money he was more likely to receive it at his hands than from Antigonus and that it was an intollerable injustice to put Embassadors to death who came unto him upon his honour and had no ways offended him But the Barbarian hearing these things protested by an Oath that not one point of that which he had suspected was true whereupon he presently went to Pacorus CHAP. XXV Barzapharnes detaineth Phasaelus and Hircanus Prisoners sendeth to Jerusalem to secure Herod N whoretireth by night with his Men and his Relations he is set upon by the way but getteth always the upper-hand Phasaelus killeth himself The King of the Arabian's ingratitude torwards Herod he goeth to Rome AS soon as Barzapharnes was gone Hircanus and Phasaelus surprised by the Parthians some of the Parthians took Hircanus and Phasaelus prisoners who mightily detested his perjuries But the Eunuch that was sent unto Herod had instructions given him to intice him without the City Walls and afterwards to apprehend him But Herod was forewarned of this treachery by certain Messengers who were sent by Phasaelus to give him notice thereof who being intercepted by the enemy in the way and Herod getteth notice thereof he addressed himself to Pacorus and those in greatest authority among the Parthians who subtilly dissembled O notwithstanding they knew how all things went telling him that he should do well to repair with them without the Wall to go and meet those Messengers who brought him Letters who had not as yet been seized by their adversaries but came to acquaint him that Phasaelus was well But Herod gave them no credit because he was already otherways advertised of his brothers surprisal and had also far greater suspition of the Parthians A by the sollicitation of Hircanus's daughter whom he had married And although the rest made no account of her advertisements yet Herod gave credit unto her for that she was a most wise woman The Parthians lâ—y a plot to surprise Herod he discovereth iâ— and preventeth them by flight Now whilst the Parthians were in deliberation what were best to be done in that it was held no policy to make open assault upon such a man they deferred the whole matter until the next morning Whilst thus they were debating of their differences Herod who rather gaving credit to that which he had heard as concerning his brother and touching the treasons intended against him by the
adventure considerable attempts Herod flyeth to Malchus King of Arabia to borrow money For he went unto Malchus King of the Arabians to whom formerly he had shewed much courtesie hoping to receive the like of him in this time of his great necessity and to draw some money from him either by interest or gift For being ignorant of his brothers death he endeavoured to redeem him speedily from his Enemies by paying his Ransom which amounted to Three hundred Talents and for that cause he led with him the son of Phasaelus who was only seven years old to leave him in pledge amongst the Arabians for the sum that was demanded L But certain messengers came to him from Malchus Herod is commanded out of Arabia and flyeth into Egypt from thence after some storms he repaired to Rome where he certifieth Antonius of that which had befallen him who charged him in the Kings behalf to retire back again for that the Parthians had enjoyned him that he should neither receive nor retain Herod And used this colourable pretence because he would not pay his debts and hereunto was perswaded by the advice of the greatest in authority among the Arabians who pretended thereby to make themselves masters of that treasure that Antipater had committed to their custody Herod answered them That he repaired not into their Countrey to give them cause of any trouble but onely to consult with them about certain matters of great importance touching his own estate and that afterwards he was resolved to depart and withdraw himself into Egypt as secretly as might be possible He returned therefore to a certain Temple where he had left divers of M his followers and the next day he came to Rhinocâ—ra in which place he heard tidings of his brothers death But afterwards Malchus repented himself of his ingratitude and speedily sent after Herod but he could not overtake him for he had gotten far on his way and was already arrived near to Pelusium where being denyed his passage to Alexandria in those ships that were there he addressed himself to the Magistrates of the place who highly respected and honoured him and sent him to the City where Cleopatra was who entertained him kindly yet notwithstanding she could not perswade him to remain with her Whereupon he repaired towards Rome notwithstanding the Winter and those grievous troubles that at the very same time afflicted Italy as it was reported Embarking himself therefore to sail into Pamphilia he was tost with a most N cruel storm so that with great danger at last he arrived in Rhodes having been inforced in the tempest to cast into the Sea great part of his goods There he met with Sappinas and Ptolomey two of his endeared friends He found also the City of Rhodes had suffered much misery by Cassius's Wars and although his means were very short yet he helped them in what he might and caused their Walls to be repaired notwithstanding that by so doing he greatly hindred himself After that he caused a little Frigot to be built and embarked himself with his friends to repair into Italy and arrived at Arundusium and from thence went to Rome The first to whom he discovered his misfortunes was Marcus Antonius to whom he reported all the occurrances in Judaea and how his brother Phasaelus was taken by the Parthians and slain and how O Hircanus was imprisoned with him The manner also how they had established Antigonus King under promise to give them One thousand Talents and Five hundred of the fairest Women whom he intended to chuse out of his own race Lastly how he stole away by night and rescued them and escaping his Enemies hands had afterwards endured A many miseries Besides that his friends were in great danger and left besieged for which cause he had sailed by Winter and despised all dangers only to seek for assistance at his hands on whom depended his hope and last refuge CHAP. XXVâ—â—I Herod through Antonius's and Augustus's assistance is declared King of the Jews at Rome Antigonus besiegeth Massada defended by Joseph Herod's Brother ANtonius hearing of all those alterations that had befallen Herod Hedio Ruffinus cap. 23. al. 25. had compassion of B his misery bethinking himself of the estate and condition of great men who are likewise subject to no less casualties and the rather was he induced to do him good Antonius loved Herod and hated Antigonus both in remembrance of the friendship he had with Antipater his father and also by reason of Herods promises of certain sums of money if he were made King by his means Caesar Augustus Herods friend as he had been formerly declared Tetrarch But that which most moved him hereunto was the hatred which he bare unto Antigonus whom he accounted to be a mutinous man and an Enemy to the Romans On the other side Caesar was well inclined to succor him both in regard of those Armies which Antipater had brought into Egypt in his fathers service as also because of the good hospitality and kindness that he had shewed him in all things and especially to gratifie Antonius who was well affected C towards Herod Whereupon the Senate being assembled Messala and Atratinus brought forth Herod Herod admitted into the Senate and declared King and after they had praised him and recited the favors which the Romans had received by his father and the great affection and good will which he bare to the people of Rome they accused and declared Antigonus the Romans Enemy not only for his ancient crimes but also that in contempt of the Romans he had received the Kingdom from the Parthians Whilst the Senate was sore displeased at the report of these things Antonius arose and declared openly before them all that in furtherance of the Parthian War it were not amiss that Herod should be made King which opinion of his was generally allowed and finally ratified The principal demonstration of the love and affection which Antonius bare unto Herod Herod intending the Kingdom for his Wifes brother enjoyeth the same himself was that he D not only obtained him the Kingdom beyond all hope for he never thought that the Romans would grant that dignity unto him who were wont to reserve that honour to those of the Kings blood and therefore he intended to have demanded it for his Wifes Brother Alexander Herod ascendeth the Capitol with Antonius and Caesaâ— and Nephew to Aristobulus by the Fathers side and to Hircanus by the Mother which Alexander Herod afterwards put to death as shall be declared in time and place but also for that within the term of seven dayes he sent him out of Italy with the unexpected titles of his felicity As soon as the Senate was risen Antonius and Caesar went forth leading Herod between them and being accompanied by the Consuls and other Magistrates went up into the Capitol to do sacrifice and to place there this Decree
and after he had heard that which had befaln him in the way he embraced him in admiration of his virtue and did him great honour as to him whom a little before he had raised to a Royal dignity Not long after this Antiochus surrendred the Fort of Samosata to Antonius and upon this occasion the War was ended Whereupon Antonius committed the Province with the Army to Sosius and after he had commanded him to succor Herod he departed into Egypt Sosius therefore sent two Legions of Soldiers before C into Judea to succor Herod and afterwards he follow'd with the rest of his Army In the mean while Joseph is killed in Jewry Sosius hath the army committed to his charge by Antonius who departeth into Egypt on this occasion that ensueth For forgetting his brother Herod's command which he gave him when he repaired to Antonius he took five Companies of Soldiers which Machaeras had left him and marching towards Jericho to gather in the fruits of the field he pitched his Tents upon the Mountains and for that the Roman Troops were but newly levied and consisted of those Men who were untrained in the Wars Joseph Herods brother is slain by Antigonus and for the most part were gather'd out of the Countrey of Coelosyria the Enemies having advertisement hereof assailed and surprized him in certain places of disadvantage The Galileans revolt from Herod where there was a hot skirmish between them in which Joseph died fighting valiantly and all his Army was defeated The dead bodies being in D Antigonus's power he cut off Joseph's head notwithstanding that his brother Pheroras proffer'd him 50 Talents for the whole body Machaeras fortifieth Gath. Which done the Galileans revolting from their Governors Herod departeth from Daphne a Suburb of Antioch into Galilee drowned those of Herods party in the Lake so that divers Commotions and Troubles were raised in Jewry Machaeras he fortified the Castle of Gath. This misfortune of Josephs was reported to the King in a certain Suburb of Antioch called Daphne Herod fighteth with the Galileans and overcometh them and driveth them into a Castle who before the tydings had already conceived some suspition and fear grounded upon certain dreams which gave him certain intelligence of his brothers death Departing therefore from thence with all expedition he arrived near to the Mount Libanus where he took about 800 Men with him and the Roman Legion which he had and from thence came to Ptolomais from whence he departed with his Army by night and E crossed Galilee with them Whereupon the Enemies came forth against him and were overcome by him and shut up in a Fort from whence they were come out but the day before where Herod assailed them by break of day but being unable to do them any harm The house wherein Herod solemnized his Feast fell down when the guests were gone without any mans detriment by reason of the bad Weather he led his Men into the Villages near adjoining But when Antonius's second Legion was come and joined to his Forces they that were within the Fort grew disheartned and forsook the same by night So that Herod marched with all diligence to Jericho with an intent to revenge his brothers death and being encamped near unto the same he banquetted and entertained the Officers of his Army and after the Feast was ended and he had dismissed his company he withdrew himself into his lodging in which place it appeared how much God loved the King for the roof of F the house where he had solemniz'd his Feast fell down without hurt to any one whomsoever for not one was left within it Whence it came to pass that each one persuaded himself that Herod was beloved by God considering he had avoided so great and unexpected a danger The next day Herod wounded by his enemies 6000 Enemies came down from the top of the Mountains to fight with him who afrighted the Romans and their forlorn hope chased Herods Soldiers with darts Antigonus sendeth Pappus to Samaria and stones who was himself also hurt in the Thigh with an arrow Antigonus sent a Captain to Samaria whose name was Pappus with some Soldiers intending thereby to signifie unto his Enemies that he had more Forces than he needed Pappus drew near to Machaeras the Roman Captain and as for Herod he took five Cities by force and put G some 2000 of them that were in Garison to the sword and afterwards having set the houses on fire he went out to encounter Pappus who was encamped in a Borough called H Isanas The year of the World â—9â—9 before Christ's Nativity 35. Divers that came from Jericho and Jewry submitted themselves to Herod who drawing near the Enemy who marched forward with great boldness he fought them and overcame them and being inflamed with a great desire he had to revenge his brothers death he pursued them that fled and killed them even within their borâ—ugh These Houses were presently filled with Soldiers Fight in the houses and divers fled and hid themselves upon the tops thereof who were at last taken for the Roofs of the Houses were beaten down whereby divers were killed by stones that were thrown at them from above the most grievous spectable of all those that had hapned in those Wars was to see an infinite number of bodies heaped up amidst the Rooms of the Houses This exploit of Herod did very much abate the courage of his enemies who lost all I hopes of any better success for the future for a man might have seen them flie away in whole droves and had not a sudden and violent tempest fallen upon them the triumphant Army of Herod had immediately entred Jerusalem with assurance of victory which had made an end of all that War Herod being alonâ— and naked in his house escaped unhurt amongst mâ—ny armed â—nâ—mies For Antigonus had no other thoughts but to flie away and to forsake the City Now the night drawing on Herod gave order for the Soldiers to eat and himself being weary retired into his Chamber to bathe where he escaped a most evident danger through Gods providence for being naked and having no body within but one of his servants three of the enemies who had his themselves for fear started out with their Swords in their hands Herod sendeth Pappus's head to his brother Phaeroras and ran away without daring to attempt any thing against the Kings person so terrible was his presence to them The next day K Herod caused Pappus's Head to be cut off and sent it to Phaeroras to comfort him for the loss of his brother Joseph Herod besiegeth Jerusalem whom this Pappus had killed When the Tempest was over he departed from thence and approached near to Jerusalem and encamped near unto the City Herod repaireâ—h to Samaria to marry â—lexanders daughter This was about the third year after he had
been declared King at Rome and encamping in the places which were fittest for battery he took up his own quarter before the Temple as Pompey had done formerly Having therefore erected three bulwarks in three places he built Towers thereon by means of a great quantity of Wood which he caused to be cut down round about the place and having pâ—t the siege in a forwardness he went to Samaria to marry Mariamna who was Alexander's daughter and Aristobulus's Grand-daughter with whom he had been contracted as we have already L told you M N O CHAP. XXVIII A Herod assisted by Sosius General of a Roman Army taketh Jerusalem by force buyeth the Plunder from the Soldiers in favor of the City Sosius taketh Antigonus Prisoner and carrieth him away to Antonius AFter this Marriage was solemniz'd Hedio Ruffinus cap. 26. Al. 27. Sosius repaireth thither through the Countrey of Phoenicia and having first of all sent his Army through the Continent he himself also resorted thither with many Foot and Horse thither also repaired the King from Samaria Sosius and Herod lead a mighty Army against Jerusalem with a considerable Army to join with the old Bands for he had about 30000 B Men. All these assembled themselves together near unto the Walls of Jerusalem and planted their siege nigh unto the Wall of the City that extendeth towards the Northward The Army consisted of eleven Legions of Foot with 6000 Horse besides the Auxiliaries that came from Syria Two Generals commanded this Army namely Sosius who was sent by Antonius to succor Herod and Herod himself who made War for himself with an intent that having dispossessed Antigonus whom he had proclaimed Enemy to Rome he himself might be King in his place according to the Senates decree Those Jews that were within the Walls that is to say almost all the Nation resisted the Herodians with great courage boasting much of the Temple of the Lord and wishing all good success to the people namely that God would deliver them from all dangers C and spoiling all provision without the City that was either behoveful for the use of man and beast by their secret excursions they made the besiegers destitute of victuals Herod preventeth the dearth Which inconvenience Herod prevented having laid ambushes to out them off As for victuals he made much provision be brought from remote places so that within a very little space they had abundance of all that which was necessary in the Camp He erected also with no less care three bulwarks by the diligent labour of a great number of Workmen for it was Summer-time and neither was the air incommodious or negligence of the Workmen such but that they presently furnish'd and finish'd them Afterwards having raised their Engines upon them they batter'd the Wall with as much violence and diligence as was possible notwithstanding all this they did no wayes daunt D those that were within who for their parts used all the cunning imaginable to defend themselves and by divers sallies set on fire the Enemies Engines and burnt not only those that were half made but those that were wholly perfected and when necessity drave them to close fighting The Jews without fear resist those that besieged them they shew no less valor than the Romans but they were inferior to them in skill and martial discipline And when as the first Wall was beaten down they built up a new and countermined against those Mines that were made by the Enemy so that they fought under-ground hand to hand Thus using despair rather than courage they resisted to the uttermost notwithstanding they were besieged by a great Army and pressed by famine and want of victuals for the year wherein the siege was continued was the seventh in which the earth was unmanured which by us is called E the year of rest But at last 20 chosen Soldiers first of all mounted upon the Wall and after them one of Sosius's Centurions for the first Wall was taken in the fortieth day after the siege and the second on the fiftieth and some galleries were burnt which were near unto the Temple which as Herod said were burnt by Antigonus to bring him into more hatred among the Jews When the outward part of the Temple and the lower part of the City were taken The outward part of the Temple and the lower City taken the Jews fled into the Temple and into the higher Town lest the Romans should hinder them from offering their daily and ordinary sacrifices unto God and they sent Aâ—â—â—dors to their Enemies to require that it might be lawful for them only to bring in certain beasts to offer them for sacrifices VVhich F Herod their King granted them The Jews flâ—e to the upper City and the Temple Jerusalem taken hoping by this means that they would submit themselves and yield up the places But perceiving that his opinion failed him herein and that they obstinately resisted him to continue the sovereignty in Antigonus he gave the assault and took the City by force where all places were presently filled with murthers in that the Romans were displeased because they had continued the siege so long and the Jews that were on Herods side enforced them utterly to destroy all those that were of the contrary party so that slaughters ranged and reigned everywhere both in porches and in the houses whereinto they entred Neither did the religious reverence of the Temple save those Suppliants that resorted thither for safety but without compassion both old and young were put to death neither did their murthering hand spare or refrain from Women nay not so much as from young Infants And although the King requested G them to forbear yet no man gave over but all sorts of persons were murthered by them without respect either of sex or age Antigonus inconsiderate of that estate wherein he H had been or the fortune and disaster that at that present attended him came down from the Tower and humbled himself on his knees before Sosius's feet who having no compassion of the change of that estate wherein he saw him outragiously mocked him calling him Madam Antigona yet he left him not without guard after the manner of a Woman Antigonus submitteth himself to Sosius but fast bound for his further assurance But Herod was busied in devising how he might moderate his associates and strangers after he had the upper hand over his Enemies for the strangers swarmed into the City and not only into the Temple but also into the Sanctuary He therefore exhorted some and threatned others and restrained the rest by force of arms and he was more troubled at that present in being a Conqueror than if he had been conquered for that those things that were not lawful to be I seen were beheld by prophane men He prevented likewise the spoil of the City as much as in him lay beseeching Sosius most
to his occasions he sent unto them to insinuate himself into their favors being in his own nature magnificent and fit to govern so that all his fortunes increased and E all things fell out happily according to his desire True it is that the care which he imployed in honouring Caesar and other mighty Magistrates of Rome caused him to outstrip his customs and to alter divers Ordinances of his Country in building Cities and erecting Temples in honour of them although he builded them not in the Land of Jury for the Jews would not have endured it because we are forbidden to honour images and figures formed according to the likeness of a man as the Greeks are accustomed to do but he did this in the Country and foreign Cities and excused himself to the Jews saying that he did it not of his own head but performed that according to the charge which he had from others Hâ—rod 〈…〉 who were greater than himself and in the mean while gratified Caesar and the Romans in that he respected their honour more than he did the ordinances of his F Country although in all things he had regard to his particular advantage and determined with himself to leave behind him after his death large and ample testimonies of his power and greatness which was the cause that he builded Cities with great charge and expence CHAP. XIII Herod causeth to be built a glorious City in honour of Augustus which he calleth Caesarea He sendeth his two Sons to him whom he had by Mariamne their names were Alexander and Aristobulus Augustus conferreth new favors on him The cause why Herod used the â—â—sseniens so kindly G WHen as therefore he had found out a fit and convenient place upon the Sea-coast to build a City on 〈…〉 which of long time had been called the Tower of Straton he both magnificently designed and set down the model and form thereof and made many sumptuous H buildings The year of the World 3942. before the Nativity of Christ 22 both Palaces and other private Lodgings not builded after a slight manner or of weak and fading matter but of Marble But the greatest work of all was the Haven which he made exempt and free from storms and tempests that in greatness resembled that of Piraeus and was so spacious that it was able to receive many great Ships into the Road and had divers Rooms and Warehouses to lay up the Merchandize therein And the more admirable was this Structure Piraeus the Port of Athens because the materials that were fit to finish this great work were not gotten in that place but must needs be brought from other places with great charge and expence Dora and Joppa ill Harbors This City is seated in Phoenicia upon the Coast in the way to Egypt between Joppa and Dora certain Villages scituate upon the Sea-coasts unfit either I for landing or harbour by reason of the Affrick wind and driving the sand of the Sea upon the shore giveth not any quiet road unto the ships but that the Merchants are enforced for a long time to ride at Anchor To correct this incommodity of the place he made the circuit round about the Port so spacious The Port of Caesarea that it was able to receive a great Fleet and he cast down to the bottom therof which was about some twenty sathoms deep certain huge stones that for the most part were fifty foot long eight foot broad and nine foot high some more That part of the Mole that kept off the Sea was called Procymation that is Stop flood in Greek and some less This Mole extended two hundred foot of which one half served to break the violence of the waves on the other half was built a wall fortified with Towers whereof the fairest was called by the name of Drusus Livia Augustus Empress Son who died young there was also many Vaults like Arches to lodge Sea-men K The descent being hard by incompassed all the Port like a round plat-form that served for a pleasant walking place The entrance and mouth of the Haven was toward the North which is a wind that of all other most purifieth and cleanseth The supporter and strength of all the circuit on the left hand upon the entrance to the Port was an ample and huge Tower to fasten it the more strongly and on the right hand were two huge Pillars of Stone higher than the Tower that stood opposite against them erected and fastened together All round about the Haven there were certain buildings all of a row of polished Marble and in the midst there was a little Mount on which there was a Temple dedicated to Augustus which presented it self to their sight who sailed to the Port there being two Statues the one representing Rome and the other Augustus Caesar This City also L was called Caesarea as much to be wondred at for the matter whereof it was built as for the Art whereby it was erected and no less cunning was there shewed in the Vaults and Conduits under ground then in those buildings that were about them some of them were conveyed toward the Port and discharged themselves into the Sea but there was one that went athwarts all the rest to the end that thereby the rain-water and the cleansings of the City might be conveyed into the Sea and that when the Sea should flow it might wash and cleanse all the City He erected also a Theater of Stone The Theater and Amphitheater and behind the same to the Southward an Amphitheater that was able to receive a great number of men and so pleasantly and fitly scituated Herod sendeth his sons Alexander and Aristobulus to Rome unto Caesar that from thence a man might discover Ships at a great distance on the Sea This M City was finished at the end of twelve years during which time the King was never wearied in following the work nor negligent in furnishing the necessary charges After this perceiving that the City of Sebasta was already inhabited also he resolved to send his two sons Caesar giveth Herod the Dominions of the Trachonites of Baranea and Auranita Alexander and Aristobulus to Rome to present them unto the Emperor Caesar Pollio who was Herod's most intimate friend had prepared them lodgings at his house but it was needless because Augustus gave them an appartment in his own Palace This great Emperor received them with all the kindness and civility imaginable and gave their father the freedom to make choice of either of them to succeed him in his Kingdom enlarging it with the addition of three Provinces Trachona Baranca and Auranita on this occasion that followeth Zenodorus liveth by spoil A certain man called Zenodorus had rented Lysanias lands N and not contenting himself with those revenues which he gathered but desirous to gather more he lived upon spoils and robberies in Trachona which is a Country the
Encounter betwixt them and Gratus the other in fighting against Ptolomey Athronges his Brethren taken The eldest was taken by Archelaus and the last being dis-heartened with the Accidents and seeing no means to escape for besides his other mishaps his Souldiers were afflicted with sickness he with the rest upon Archelaus's Faith and Oath submitted himself unto him But this was done some little while after At this time all Judaea was full of Robberies Hedio Ruffinus chap. 16. and as many seditious Assemblies as drew together so many Kings were there elected who were raised to the utter ruine of D the Commonweal Amongst the rest the Romans were they that smarted least but the Murthers were executed against those that were out of the Countrey But Varus understanding by Sabinus's Letters in what dangers they were and fearing the utter overthrow of his third Legion he took with him the two other for to the uttermost in Syria there were but three and with the assistance of the Kings and Tetrarchs he hasted into Jewry to relieve those that were besieged commanding those that were sent out before he dislodged to meet him at Ptolemais and passing by the City of the Berythians he received a thousand and five hundred Soldiers at their hands to attend him in his War Aretas also who was Lord of Petra drawing himself into Confederacy with the Romans in regard of that hatred he bare Herod sent him E Horse and Foot When all these Forces were assembled at Ptolemais he delivered a part thereof to his Son and one of his Friends commanding them to make War against the Galileans who bordered uopn that City who entring that Countrey and putting all those to flight whosoever durst make head against him he took Sephoris and selling the Inhabitants under the Spear he consumed the City with fire Varus himself marching towards Samaria with his Army violenced not the City in that he knew it was free from the Contagion of the Seditious but he pitched his Camp in a certain Village Arus burned by the Arabians which was Ptolomey's Possession called Arus The same did the Arabians burn revenging themselves on Herod's Friend for his sake and marching forward Sampho and Emmaus burned the Arabians spoiled also another Village called Sampho and for that it was F strongly fortified burned it Besides in that journey nothing escaped their hands but they put all to Fire and Sword For both Emmaus was burned by Varus's Command and in revenge of his Soldiers that were killed in that place it was left desolate and void of Inhabitants Varus repaireth to Jerusalem and delivereth the Legion that was besieged From thence drawing near to Jerusalem those Jews that besieged the Legion of that side upon the sudden view and approach of the Army of the Romans fearfully fled giving over that Siege which they intended But those Jews of Jerusalem being sharply reproved by Varus alledged in their excuse that the people in regard of the Feast were assembled in that place and that the War was not begun by their consent but undertaken by their boldness who resorted thither from divers places and that they were so far off from assailing the Romans that they rather G seemed to be besieged by them And long before this Joseph King Herod's Nephew Gratus and Rufus with their Soldiers were gone out to meet Varus and those Romans that had sustained the Siege had done no less But as for Sabinus he would not appear in Varus's presence by stealing away privily out of the City he fled towards H the Sea Then Varus sending a part of his Army thorough the whole Countrey sought out those Authors of this Sedition and those that were noted men in the action some of which who were most guilty were punished the rest were delivered Of those that were punished for this occasion The Punishment of the Conspirators there were about two thousand crucified and that done seeing that this Army stood him in little stead he dismissed them For divers disorders and injuries contrary to Varus's express Command were acted by his Souldiers who sought after nothing more than to encrease their means by other men's miseries And hearing that ten thousand Jews were assembled together he hasted to apprehend them but they not daring to hazard their fortune in a fight with him by Achiabus's advice submitted themselves But Varus having pardoned the people for I their Rebellion sent all those that were the Ring-leaders thereof to Caesar who pardoned divers of them Hedio Ruffinus chap. 16. al. 17. But he chastised certain of Herod's Allies and such as bare Arms with them for that neither in regard of Kindred nor respect of Justice they had abstained from Insurrection After that Varus had thus appeased all the troubles in Jewry and left the first Legion in Garrison in Jerusalem he returned to Antioch But Archelaus was crossed in Rome by another Occurrent that arose upon this occasion The year of the World 3966. after Christ's Nativity 4. Certain Ambassadours of the Jews resorted thither by Varus's permission requiring that it might be lawful for them to live according to their own Laws these presented themselves to the number of fifty and were back'd by eight thousand Jews K that inhabited the City The Embassage of the Jews to Rome And when Caesar had assembled the Council of his Friends and chief Citizens in Apollo's Temple which he had builded to his mighty charge thither resorted the Ambassadours Archelaus the Ambassadours of the Jews appear before Caesar who were followed by a Troop of Jews and Archelaus also attended by his Friends But the King's Kindred neither stood by Archelaus in regard of the hate they bare him and yet disdained to assist the Ambassadours for that they were ashamed in Caesar's presence to oppose themselves against their nearest Friend and Kinsman Philip Herod ' s Son Philip also was present at that time who by Varus's perswasion resorted thither out of Syria especially to plead for his Brother to whom Varus wished all good fortune Besides that hoping not a little that if the Jews should obtain the liberty to live according to their Laws it might come to pass L that the Kingdom being divided amongst Herod's Children he might also light on some part thereof Therefore after the Ambassadours of the Jews had obtained Licence to propose their demands pretending with themselves wholly to exstinguish the Royalty The Ambassadours of the Jews rip up Herod's and Archelaus's iniquity They began to rip up Herod's disgraces alledging how only in name he had been a King whereas otherwise he had used all the Tyrannous practices that the wickedest person could have invented towards the destruction of his Nation and that not content with these he had of his own head practised and invented new Neither that it needed to reckon up how many he had deprived of life when the
within and the lights likewise were taken away Mundus who lay hid within failed not to accost her who thinking that it was God Anubis satisfied his desires all the night long and in the morning betimes before the Priests who were privy to this Treachery were stirring he retired himself Paulina also early in the morning repaired to her Husband and acquainted him how Anubis appeared unto her and boasting among her Familiars what conference he had used with her But some of them believed her not in regard of the manner of their entertainment the rest were altogether amazed supposing those things to be no ways incredible when they bethought themselves of the Ladies chastity Some three days after this act was committed Mundus meeting with Paulina said E unto her You have saved me two hundred thousand Drachmes wherewith you might have augmented your Treasure and this notwithstanding you have not failed to satisfie my request Neither am I grieved that you have contemned me under the name of Mundus since that undertaking Anubis 's name I have accomplished my desire and this said he departed But she presently amazed with the man's audacious impudence tore her Garments and having told her Husband of all this subtil circumvention she requested earnestly his assistance and that he would not forsake her in the prosecution of her revenge who presently acquainted the Emperour with every particular thereof Now when Tiberius had diligently understood how all things had happened Tiberius causeth Isâ—s's Priests and Ida to be hanged and banished Munduâ— by the inquisition and examination of the Priests he condemned them and Ida who had been the F inventer and complotter of this Treason against Paulina to be hanged He pulled down the Temple also and cast Anubis's Statue into Tyber and banished Mundus supposing that he ought not to be more grievously punished considering that the fault which was committed by him proceeded from extream love Behold here the insolence committed in the Temple of Isis by the Priests that appertained to that Temple Now I intend to declare that which happened to the Jews that were at that time in Rome according as I both purposed and promised CHAP. V. H Tiberius causeth all the Jews to be banished from Rome Pilate punisheth the Samaritans for having drawn themselves together in Arms They accuse him to Vitellius Governour of Syria who sends him to Rome to clear himself There was a certain Jew Fulvia Saturnine's Wife delivereth Gold and Purple to be sent to the Temple in Jerusalem they convert it to their own uses which when Tiberius knew he commanded all the Jews to be thrust out of Rome that having been accused for the breach of the Laws of his Countrey and fearing to be punished for the same fled from thence being a man of a most mischievous behaviour He dwelling at that time in Rome professed himself to be an expounder of Moses's Law and drawing to him three other no I less Reprobates than himself he followed his ordinary Profession Fulvia a Lady of much honour became their Scholar and had embraced the Religion of the Jews whom they had perswaded to send certain Purple and Gold to the Temple of Jerusalem which after they had received they converted it to their own use as before they had determined to do Tiberius who was informed hereof by Saturnine his familiar Friend and Fulvia's Husband who had discovered the same unto him commanded all Jews whatsoever to depart out of Rome Of these the Consuls chose out and enrolled to the number of four thousand men whom they sent into Sardinia and punished divers of them that refused to bear Arms for fear they should transgress the Ordinances of their Countrey So that by reason of the loose behaviour of four wicked K persons all those of our Nation were driven out of the City of Rome Neither was the Nation of the Samaritans exempt from this trouble for a certain subtil Companion who sought by all the means he might to encroach upon the peoples favour perswaded them to withdraw themselves with him to the Mount Gerazim which they supposed to be the holiest amongst all their Mountains in which place he promised he would shew them the Sacred Vessels buried in a certain place where Moses had laid them The Samaritans assemble at Tirathaba to ascend the Mountain Garazim Pilate chargeth and overcometh them and putteth them to flight And at that time they being gathered together in Arms by his perswasion encamped themselves in a Borough called Tirathaba where they entertained those that repaired thither to joyn themselves with them to the end they might ascend the Mountain with the greater Company But Pilate prevented them L and got up before them with Horse and Foot who charging those that were assembled in the Borough put them to flight and slaying some and putting the rest to flight led away a great number of them Prisoners with him Pilate executed the chiefest Ring-leaders amongst them The tumult of these Jews being published abroad and their misfortune made known the Senate of Samaria addressed themselves to Vitellius who had been Consul and who at that time governed Syria before whom they accused Pilate for the murther of those whom he had killed saying that they assembled not in Tirathaba to rebel against the Romans but to secure themselves against Pilate's Tyranny Whereupon Vitellius sent Marcus his Friend to take charge of Judaea Alias chap. 1 commanding Pilate to return to Rome and to satisfie the Emperour of M those things whereof the people had accused him Pilate accused before Vitellius is sent to Rome Hereupon Pilate after he had remained ten years in Jewry repaired to Rome having no means to contradict that Command that Vitellius had given him But before he arrived there Tiberius was dead CHAP. VI. Hadio Ruffinus chap. 8. alias chap. 12. N Vitellius restoreth the High Priest's Vestments to the Jews Vitellius cometh to Jerusalem forgiveth the Jews their Tribute and committeth the charge of the High Priest's Garments to them to keep as they did formerly He treateth in Tiberius's behalf with Artobanus King of the Parthians The cause of his hatred against Herod the Tetrarch Philip Tetrarch of Trachonitis of Gaulanitis and of Bathanaea dieth without Children his Dominions are reunited to Syria AS soon as Vitellius came into Judaea he went up to Jerusalem and celebrated there the Feast of the Passover The High Priest's Vestments reserved in the Castle of Antonia and after he had been magnificently entertained in that place he forgave the Citizens all the Tribute of those Fruits which were sold He delivered them also the Ornaments of the High Priests with all the O rest of the Priestly Furniture within the Temple committing the charge thereof unto the Priests according as in times past they had the same But at that time they A were laid up in the Castle of Antonia for this
appear to the end that a man may know that neither the number of Children nor any other humane force whatsoever it be can be available without the fear of God considering that within the space of one hundred years or somewhat E less it fell out that all Herod's Line which was very populous and fruitful was extinguished a very few excepted Whereby we are given to understand what the misery of Mankind is and learn to moderate our selves It is also expedient to speak something of Agrippa who amongst all other deserveth admiration that being a man wholly in Obscurity and base in Birth he was exalted to such greatness as no one of those that knew him would ever have thought his Fortune should have such success and power And although heretofore I have spoken somewhat of this matter yet it is requisite that I speak something more expresly thereof in this place Herod the Great had two Daughters born by by Mariamne Hircanus's Daughter The one of them which was called Salampso was married by Herod to Phasaelus the Son of Phasaelus F Herod's Brother The other called Cypros was married to Antipater her Cousin who was Salome's Son who was Herod's Sister Phasaelus had five Children by Salampso three Sons Antipater Herod and Alexander and two Daughters Alexandria and Cypros whom Agrippa the Son of Aristobulus married and Alexandria was married to Timaeus of Cyprus who was a man of great dignity and with whom she died without Issue Cypros had by Agrippa her Husband two Sons and three Daughters Bernice Mariamne and Drusilla their two Sons were called Agrippa and Drusus Drusus died very young but Agrippa was Brought up by his Grandfather amongst his other Brethren Herod Aristobulus and Bernice These were Herod's Children Son unto him who was surnamed the Great Bernice was Costobarus's Daughter begotten G on Salome Herod's Sister Aristobulus died leaving his Children under age under his Father's charge with Alexander his Brother as we have already related These attaining their full age were thus married Herod Brother to Agrippa was matched with Mariamne Olympias's Daughter who was Herod the Great his Daughter and of Joseph H Herod's Brother by her he had his Son Aristobulus Aristobulus Agrippa's third Brother married Jotape the Daughter of Sampsigeram King of the Emesenians They had a Daughter which likewise was called Jotape which was deaf These were the Children begotten by Herod's three Sons But Herodias their Sister married Herod the Son of Herod the Great whom he begot on Mariamne the Daughter of Simon the High Priest by whom Salome was begotten After her birth Herodias in contempt of the Laws of the Countrey married her self with Herod her Husband's Brother begotten of the same Father being separated from him during his life time who was Tetrarch of Galilee His Daughter Salome was married to Philip the Tetrarch of Trachonitis Herod's Son Who dying without Children Aristobulus married her who was I Herod's Son and Agrippa's Brother They had three Sons Herod Agrippa and Aristobulus See here the Posterity of Phasaelus and Salampson Antipater by Cypros had a Daughter that likewise was called Cypros which was married to Alexas Selcius the Son of Alexas of whom he begat a Daughter called likewise Cypros As for Herod and Alexander who as I said were Antipater's Brothers they died without Issue Alexander Herod's Son who was killed by his Father begat Alexander and Tigranes on the Daughter of Archelaus King of Cappadocia Tigranes being King of Armenia died without Issue after he had been accused at Rome Alexander had a Son called Tigranes after his Brother's name who was sent by Nero to reign in Armenia who had a Son called Alexander who married Jotape the Daughter of Antiochus King of Comagena K This Alexander by Vespasian was elected King in Lesis a City of Cilicia As soon as Alexander's Posterity began to multiply they fell from their Countrey-Religion to â—â—llow the customs of the Greeks All the rest of King Herod's Daughters died withâ—â—â— issue Having after this manner reckoned up Herod's Posterity which continued â—â—â—il such time that Agrippa the Great began to reign It remaineth at this time to declare what adventures befel this Agrippa and how he escaping his dangers obtained at last so great Power ad Dignity 〈…〉 â—tained great Dignity and Power CHAP. VIII L By what several Accidents of Fortune Agrippa surnamed the Great who was Aristobulus's Son and Herod the Great 's Grand-child and Mariamne's was made King of the Jews by the Emperour Caius Caligula as soon as he had succeded Tyberius SOme little time before the death of King Herod Agrippa living at Rome through his lavish Liberality groweth into Necessity Agrippa was gone to Rome where he came very well acquainted with Drusus Tyberius the Emperour's Son and was beloved of Antonia the Wife of Drusus the Elder by the means of his Mother Bernice whom Antonia held in great esteem and to whom she had recommended M her Son And whereas by nature he was of a liberal and generous spirit as long as his Mother lived he would not discover his inclination lest he should provoke her displeasure against him But immediately after Bernice was dead and he became his own Master partly by his daily and bountiful entertainment and living partly by his immoderate Liberalities but especially by his lavish Prodigality towards Caesar's Free men whose favour he hunted after he was brought into extream Poverty and could no more live at Rome the rather for that Tiberius having lost his Son forbad his friends to come into his sight lest their presence should refresh and encrease the sorrow he conceived for the loss of his Son For these causes he returned back into Judaea having but badly ordered his Affairs Agrippa bethinketh himself how he might shorten his miserable life spent his money and left himself no means to satisfie N his importunate and many Creditors For which cause uncertain how to dispose of himself and ashamed of his present estate he withdrew himself into a Castle called Malatha in Idumaea to pass away obscurely and miserably the rest of his time Which purpose of his Cypros Agrippa's Wife certifieth Herodias his Sister of his Poverty and requireth her assistance when Cypros his Wife perceived she endeavoured by all means to prevent his resolution She wrote to Herodias his Sister who was married to Herod the Tetrarch acquainted her both what Agrippa had decreed as also by what necessity he was enforced thereunto and she exhorted her that in regard of affinity she would assist him and imitate her in this who as much as in her lay relieved his misery although her Fortunes were far weaker than hers Being therefore sent for by his Sister and Wife Agrippa dwelleth at Tiberias he was commanded to dwell in Tiberias and had a certain Summ of Money O assigned him for his maintenance and for his greater honour was appointed Magistrate of
a Tyrant being of himself a cholerick man implacable towards all men without any occasion having a natural inclination so cruel that the easiest pain whereunto he adjudged G those whom he condemned was death Notwithstanding therefore that every man took pleasure to hear the news yet did all conceal it until such time as they might be more fully assured through the fear of those miseries they foresaw if the matter should fall out otherways But Marsyas Agrippa's Free-man having certain H notice of Tiberius's death ran speedily to comfort his Master Agrippa with these good news and meeting with him as he came out of the Bath he made a sign unto him and told him in the Hebrew Tongue the Lyon was dead Agrippa conceiving that which he meant Marsyas Agrippa's Free-man certifieth him of Tiberius's death was ravished with joy and said unto him I will requite thee for all those benefits I have received at thy hands and especially for this good news provided that it prove true The Centurion who had the keeping of Agrippa considering what expedition Marsyas had used in running and the pleasure that Agrippa had conceived in his report he began to suspect some alteration and asked him what had happened and whereas he delayed to give him an answer he importuned him the more Whereupon Agrippa told him plainly what he had heard in that he had grown already intimately I familiar with him The Centurion rejoyced at this news as well as Agrippa hoping to speed the better thereby and made Agrippa good cheer But whilst they were in the midst of their Banquetting The rumour was spread in Rome that Tiberius was alive and drunk freely there came one unto them who told them that Tiberius was alive and that within few days he would come to Rome The Centurion troubled with this news for that he had committed a Capital crime in eating in the company of a Prisoner upon the news of Caesar's death and by rejoycing with him he drave Agrippa out of the place where he sate and reproachfully said unto him Thinkest thou said he that I know not how falsely thou spreadest the rumour of Caesar 's death yes be assured thou shalt answer thy lie with the loss of thy head This said he caused Agrippa to be bound whom before-time he had suffered to go at K liberty and shut him up in more close Prison than he had been before so that Agrippa was all that night long in this extream misery The next day the rumour was spread thorough the whole City that confirmed Tiberius's death and at that time every one boldly protested it There were some also who offered Sacrifices for this cause Caius certifieth the Senate and Piso of Tiberius's death and his Succession and willeth that Agrippa should be sent to his own Lodging And there came Letters also from Caius which were addressed to the Senate by which he assured them that Tiberius was dead and how the Empire was committed to his hands He writ another also to Piso who had the Guard of the City containing the like report and besides that commanding him to transfer Agrippa from the company of those Souldiers by whom he was kept to the same place where he was lodged before so that from that time forwards he grew confident For although he was L as yet a Prisoner yet lived he at his own discretion Caius arriving in Rome brought with him Tiberius's body which he burned most magnificently according to the custom of the Countrey Tiberius's Funeral And although he were very willing to set Agrippa at liberty the same day yet he was disswaded from it by Antonia not for any ill will she bare the Prisoner but in regard of Caius's honour lest thereby he should shew himself to be glad of Tiberius's death in setting him at liberty so speedily whom he had committed to Prison When therefore some few days were over he sent for him to his house and caused his hair to be cut and his garments changed and that done he set a Diadem upon his head Caius createth Agrippa King and giveth him two Tetrarchies and made him King of Philip's Tetrarchy to which he added Lysanias's Tetrarchy and changed his Chain of Iron into a Chain of Gold of the same M weight and sent Marullus into Judaea to govern there The second year of Caius's Reign Agrippa asked leave to repair into Judaea to dispose of his Kingdom purposing to return again when he had dispatched those Affairs Agrippa departeth into his Kingdom Which when the Emperour had granted him he came into Judaea and was seen and saluted for a King beyond all men's expectation serving thereby for a most notable example unto men to express unto them how great the power of Destiny is in humane Affairs The year of the World 4002. after Christ's Nativity 40. considering the poor estate wherein he had been before and the happiness which he enjoyed at that time Some termed him happy in that he resolutely followed his hopes others could scarcely believe that he was thus advanced N CHAP. IX Herodias Hedio Ruffinus chap. 14. alias chap. 16. Herod the Tetrarch's Wife and King Agrippa's Sister being impatient to see her Brother reign in so much Prosperity compels her Husband to go to Rome to obtain a Crown also Herodias Agrippa's Sister envieth her Brothers happiness and inciteth her Husband to seek a Kingdom but Agrippa having written to Caius against him he banished him and his Wife to Lions in France HErodias Agrippa's Sister was married to Herod the Tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea Shee envied her Brother to see him raised to so great Authority and to far greater O Dignity than her Husband enjoyed For which cause she was displeased that her Brother who fled out of his Countrey in that he wanted means to pay his debts was returned A in great Honour and State This alteration seemed unsufferable to her especially to see him apparelled like a King and environed with a great multitude of people so that it was impossible for her to hide her grief for which cause she incited her Husband and perswaded him to make a Voyage to Rome and to purchase as much as he possessed For said she I cannot endure to live if Agrippa Aristobulus 's Son condemned to die by the sentence of his own Father so poor and indigent that to redress his necessities wherewith he was daily pressed by his Creditors he was constrained at last to flee to Rome should return with such Titles of Honour and that her Husband who was a King's Son and was called to the Kingdom by his Father should live obscure and pass his life like a private man Husband said she if herefore it hath been no prejudice to thee to live in less Dignity B than thy Father hath done now at least desire that due honour which belongeth to thy Family neither think it sufferable
shall bear with her the remembrance of those benefits I have employed on him These words spake he with a loud voice desiring them to relate the same unto King Agrippa who seeing that he was grounded in an incurable folly left him in Prison After this Agrippa fortifieth the Walls of Jerusalem the King began to fortifie the Walls of Jerusalem on the side of the new Town upon the common charge encreasing them both in length and breadth which if he might have thoroughly finished it had been an invincible Fort. But Marsus the Governour of Syria Claudius commandeth Agrippa to desist from building the Walls acquainted Caesar what the work was and Claudius suspecting some Commotion wrote expresly to Agrippa commanding him thence-forward to desist from O further building of the Walls according to that form wherein he began whereunto he would not disobey This King Agrippa was of nature so ready to exercise Liberality A and took so great pleasure to use his magnificence towards all sorts of Nations that the great expences he was at obtained him great reputation So that his whole pleasure and delight was to shew courtesie unto all men and to purchase good esteem being every way different in nature and disposition from King Herod his Predecessor For Herod was naturally malicious Agrippa favoured the Jews more than Herod extream in punishing and irreconcileable to those with whom he was displeased manifestly expressing that he loved the Grecians better than the Jews For he beautified those Cities that belonged to strangers and gave them money and erected them Baths and sumptuous Theatres and Temples and in some of them Galleries but as for the Cities of the Jews he bestowed not this bounty on any of them no not the least reparation or gift that was worthy the speaking B of Contrariwise King Agripga was very courteous and affable and equally imparted his bounty unto all men He was courteous unto strangers any testified no less by the bounty he bestowed on them To his Countrey-men he behaved himself affably and especially he was merciful to all those that were in misery For which cause his ordinary Court and the place he took most pleasure in was Jerusalem He was a diligent observer of the Laws of his Countrey and lived religiously and with as great piety as was possible Simon the Lawyer backbiteth the King who craving pardon is reconciled unto him Neither passed there one day wherein he offered not Sacrifice It happened at one time that a certain cunning Lawyer who was called Simon and dwelt in Jerusalem had assembled the people by reason of the King's absence who for the present was in Caesarea In which Assembly he alledged many things against C him that he was a prophane man and that upon just cause he was forbidden to enter the Temple in that it was not lawful nor decent for those that were unclean to enter thereinto These words of Simon 's thus wrongfully spoke against him were signified to the King by Letters sent by the Governour of the City When therefore he sate him down in the Theatre he commanded that very Simon to sit next him and in peaceable and kind manner he spake thus unto him Tell me I pray thee what seest thou worthy of reprehension or done contrary to Law in that which is done here Simon having not any thing to reply besought him to pardon him The King grew friends with him far sooner than it could be imagined resolving with himself that mercy doth far better become a King than wrath and that moderation is more requisite D than cruelty so that after he had bestowed certain Presents on Simon he dismissed him alias cap. 20. Now although he had many reparations in divers places yet he honoured those of Berith above all the rest Agrippa honoureth Berith with good Ornaments and builded them a Theatre surpassing all other in sumptuousness and beauty And besides that he made them a sumptuous Amphitheatre and Baths and Porches no ways inferiour The Dedication also of these things were celebrated with great pomp and magnificence he also made great Shews and Plays in the Theatre in which there were all sorts of Musick and Recreations expressing in all things the greatness of his Magnificence and being desirous to delight the people with a Combat he gathered all the Malefactors that he could get and made two several Companies of seven hundred a piece and brought them together to fight to the end E that in skirmishing they might receive their punishment and besides that by this Warlike Exercise he might present the people with a Past-time concluded with the punishment of wicked men for they fought so desperately that not one of them came off alive After that he had finished these above-named Buildings in Berith Hedio Ruffinus chap. 8. he resorted to Tiberian a City of Galilee and was admired of all the other Kings so that Antiochus King of Comagena came to visit him The like did Samsigeran King of the Emesenians Cotys King of Armenia the less and Polemon Lord of Pontus And besides all these Herod Prince of Chalcis and his Brother All whom he received and entertained most magnificently and amiably to shew his greatness to the end that all men might perceive F that he was deservedly honoured with the presence of so many Kings And whilst these Princes were with him Marsus the Governour of Syria visited him likewise whom to the end he might express the reverence he bare to the Romans he met with seven furlongs off from the City Agrippa is displeased with Marsus for sending away the Kings This interview of so many Kings was the original of that discontent that grew betwixt him and Marsus who seeing all those Kings that came to see Agrippa sitting in the same Charriot with him suspected such Concord and so great Amity supposing that this agreement of so many Kings would be no ways profitable or beneficial to the Romans For which cause he presently sent unto them charging them with all expedition alias chap. 7. to return each of them into their own Countreys Which strict Commission Aelionaeus the Son of Cithaeus made High Priest Agrippa took so ill that he never had any kindness for Marsus afterwards G He took the Priesthood from Matthias and gave it to Aelionaeus the Son of Cithaeus After he had reigned three whole years over Judaea he came to Caesarea which in times past was called the Tower of Straton and there he made Sports in honour of Caesar where all the Nobility of the Countrey was present On the second day H of this Solemnity he being apparelled in a Robe of Silver made with admirable Workmanship came into the Theatre in the morning Where at the first reflex of the rising Sun beating upon his Robe he shined so bright that all those that beheld him were seized with reverence and fear Agrippa is
due justice on those whom he found guilty of that sedition Claudius favourably gave ear to this request and hearing the whole matter he found that the Samaritans were the first Authors of all those mischiefs and caused them to be put to death who came before him to plead and banished Cumanus he gave order also that Captain Celer should be sent back to Jerusalem and that there in sight of all the people he should be dragged about the City until he died He sent Claudius E Foelix Pallas Brother to govern Judaea In the twelfth year of his Reign Hedio Ruffinus cap. 2. aliàs 13. he gave Agrippa Philip's Tetrarchy with Batanea and besides that added thereunto Trachonitis and Abila which in time past appertained to Lysanias Tetrarchy Claudius Felix Governour of Judea taking from this the Province of Chalcis which he had governed for the space of four years After that Agrippa had obtained this gift at Caesar's hands he married his sister Drusilla to Azizus King of the Emessenians who consented to be circumcised Drusilla because Epiphanes King Antiochus Son would not give ear unto the marriage for that he refused to entertain the Religion of the Jews although in times past he had promised his Father no less Mariamne He gave Mariamne to Archelaus Chelcias Son who by her Fathers consent was formerly promised him on whom he begat a F Daughter called Bernice A little after this the Marriage of Azizus and Drusilla was broken off on this occasion following Felix getteth Drusilla from her husband When Felix governed Jewry he saw Drusilla and fell in love with her she surpassing all other women in Beauty He therefore sent a certain Magician called Simon who was born in Cyprus and one of his greatest friends among the Jews who perswaded her to forsake her first Husband and to marry Felix giving her to understand that she should be happy if she refused not this match She unadvised and resolved to rid her self from the hatred which her Sister Bernice bare towards her who hated her in regard of her beauty and for this cause ceased not to injure her condescended to forsake the Religion of the Jews and to marry Felix by whom she had a Son called Agrippa whose death hereafter I will G declare and how in the Emperour Titus's his time he died and was burned in the fire of the Mountain Vesuvius with his Wife Bernice remained a Widow very long after Herod's death who was both her Uncle and her Husband and the report was that she had the company of her Brother At length she wrought so much that H Polemon King of Cilicia caused himself to be circumcised to the end he might marry her purposing by that means to make it known how falsly she had been accused Whereunto Polemon gave ear because she was rich But this Marriage continued not any long time Polemon King of Cilicia marrieth Bernice For Bernice through her impudency as it is reported abandoned Polemon who giving over that Marriage forsook also the Religion of the Jews At the same time Mariamne having forsaken Archelaus her Husband married Demetrius one of the chiefest Jews that were in Alexandria Mariamne scorning Archelaus marrieth Demetrius both in regard of his descent as also his riches who at that time also exercised the office of Alubarcha that is to say the Governour of Arabia She caused the Son she had by him to be called Agrippinus But of all this I will speak more exactly hereafter I The Emperor Claudius died after he had reigned thirteen years Hedio Ruffinus cap. 10. aliàs 15. eight moneths and twenty days Some say that he was poysoned by Agrippina his wife the daughter of Germanicus Claudius's Brother She was first married to Domitius Aenobarbus one of the greatest men of Rome after whose death and long Widowhood she was at length married to Claudius Agrippina Messalina and Paetina Claudius 's Wives into whose house she brought her Son called Domitius by his own Fathers name Claudius had put Messalina his wife to death for the jealousie he had of her although he had had children by her namely Britannicus and Octavia And for his daughter Antonia who was eldest of all his children and begotten on Paetina one of his former Wives she was married to Nero whom Claudius so named and adopted for his Son Agrippina fearing lest Britanicus growing to mans K estate should succeed his Father in the Empire and desirous to make her own Son Emperour as is reported she left nothing unattempted that might bring her Husband to his death an presently sent Burrus who was General of the Army with some other Captains Nero Emperor and those of the greatest power among his free-men to bring Nero into the field and to proclaim him Emperour He being thus established in the Empire caused Britannicus to be secretly poysoned and not long after this he openly caused his Mother to be put to death yielding her this recompence not only for that she had born him in her womb but also because by her means he had obtained the Empire The year of the World 4019. after Christ's Nativity 57. He likewise murthered Octavia his wife the Emperor Claudius's daughter and divers other Noble men under colour of some Conspiracy intended against L him But I will not prosecute this matter for that there are divers who have writ Nero's History Nero a tyrant of whom some have no regard of the truth but have spoken at their pleasure Nero's tyranny for that he had been their Benefactor others transported with hatred and despite against him having not been ashamed to punish such impudent lies against his renown that they deserve to be condemned Neither do I wonder that they have invented so many lyes against Nero considering that in those Histories which they wrote of the former Emperours they have not studied to speak truth although they had not any occasion to hate them considering that they lived a long time after their death For my own part I am resolved never to deviate from the truth contenting my self to touch only by the way those things that concern my M purpose neither will I treat in particular but of what relateth to my Country without dissembling our own faults any more than the afflictions that they brought upon us I will therefore return to the discovery of our affairs Azizus King of Emesene being dead the first year of the Emperour Nero's reign his Brother obtained the Kingdom Aristobulus the son of Herod King of Chalcis had the Government of the lesser Armenia from Nero who gave Agrippa a certain portion of Galilee commanding those of Tiberias and Tarichaea to live under him Besides this he gave him Julias situate beyond Jordan with fourteen Burroughs near adjoyning thereunto N CHAP. VI. Foelix Governour of Judaea causeth Eleazar the High Priest to be murthered and his
Murtherers commit other Murthers even in the Temple Robbers and False Prophets are punished Aliàs cap. 16. A great debate betwixt the Jews and the other Inhabitants of Caesarea Felix punisheth the thieves and Magicians and other seducers of the people King Agrippa establisheth Ishmael High Priest Violences committed by the High Priests BUt the affairs of Judea grew daily worse and worse For the Country was stored again with Thieves and inchanters who deceived the common People Felix apprehended O many of them daily Eleazar the son of Dinaeus sent to Rome and caused them to be executed He took Eleazar also the Son of Dinaeus who was Captain of those Outlaws and Thieves that ranged A in the Countrey Foelix had given him his word that he should no ways be endangered whereupon he came and submitted himself and was presently fettered and sent to Rome Whereas the Governour hated extreamly Jonathan the High Priest because he used to find fault with him for his mis-behaviours lest he should be blamed for him because it was through his means that the Emperour had made him Governnour Foelix conspireth against Jonathan he resolved to make an end of him there being nothing more unsufferable to the wicked than to be rebuked To compass his design he bribed a man called Dora who was born in Jerusalem and was one of those in whom Jonathan reposed his greatest trust to bring in certain Thieves to murther Jonathan who willingly listened to his demands and desirous to gratifie the Governour by this means that ensueth B brought that to effect which he had intended There were certain Thieves that came up to Jerusalem under colour of Devotion who carrying their Swords close hidden under their Garments accosted Jonathan and killed him Now for that this Murther was let slip and not punished from that day forward the Thieves resorted boldly to solemn Feasts having their weapons hidden under their garments and thronging in among the people killed some of those who were their Adversaries and others to pleasure those who had hired them with ready money to rid them of those they mis-liked And they did so not only up and down the City but in the Temple likewise where they killed some who little suspected that any impiety should be committed in that place For my own part I think that God hath destroyed our City in C detestation of that Impiety and for that he accounted the Temple impure he hath sent us the Romans who have set it on fire to purge the City and make us slaves with our Wives and Children intending thereby to teach us Wisdom by our own miseries Thus was the City filled with these Thefts and Murthers And as for the Enchanters and Deceivers The deceitful Magician they perswaded the common people to follow them into the Desart promising them to shew them signs and miracles done by the Power of God whereunto divers gave ear and at last suffered the penalty of their folly For Foelix recalling them back again punished them At the same time there came a certain man from Egypt Hedio Ruffinus chap. 12. to Jerusalem who termed himself a Prophet who incited the common people to follow him to the Mount called D Olivet alias cap. 17. scituate not far off from Jerusalem A false Prophet draweth the Jews to the Mount Olivet and only distant some five furlongs from thence telling them that from thence he would make them see the Walls of the City fall unto the ground by which way he promised to give them entry Which being reported to Foelix he caused the Soldiers to arm themselves and departing out of Jerusalem with great store of Horse and Foot he set upon them and killed four hundred of them and took too hundred alive as for the Egyptian he escaped out of the skirmish and no man knew what became of him The Thieves also incited the people anew to make War against the Romans telling them that they ought not to yield them obedience and they burned and spoiled divers of those Burroughs which opposed themselves against them It chanced also that the Jews that inhabited Caesarea E Hedio Ruffinus cap. 13. mutined against the Syrians that were in the same City in that they strove to have an equal Authority in the Government of the State as well as they Alias 18. The Jews pretended the Title of Superiority A broil in Caesarea between the Syrians and the Jews because that Herod who was a Jew had builded the City of Caesarea on the other side the Syrians owned the Jews sayings to be true but they replied also that Caesarea was formerly called the Tower of Straton and that at that time there was not one Jew that inhabited the same Which when the Governours of that Countrey heard The year of the world 4020. after Christs Nativity 58. they laid hands on the Authors of this Sedition as well of the one as of the other party and gave them the Bastindo pacifying by this means the trouble for a little space For the Jews once more being puffed up with their Riches and contemning the Syrians injuriously reviled and provoked them On F the other side the Syrians being weaker in substance but as great in heart by reason the greatest number of those that bare Arms with the Romans were Caesareans and Sebastens at some times brake out into opprobrious speeches against the Jews and at length the quarrel grew to that heat that they cast stones at one another so that on both sides divers of them were both killed and hurt yet the Jews had the upper hand Foelix perceiving that this debate might breed a War came in between them requiring the Jews to desist from further violence and commanding his Soldiers to beat down those who would refuse to obey him by which means a great number were killed and divers taken Prisoners Moreover he gave his Soldiers liberty to spoil and rob divers very rich houses The other Jews who besides their Authority were renowned G for their moderation fearing lest the like misery should befall them besought Foelix to sound a retreat and to call in his Soldiers and to spare that which as yet remained being sore grieved at that which had happened to which Foelix condescended At the same time King Agrippa gave the Priesthood to Ishmael the Son of H Phabeus There arose also a dissention betwixt the High Priests and the other Priests and Governours of Jerusalem and each Faction walked forth accompanied with a Troop of proud and mutinous persons who decided their debates with bitter words and flinging of stones Ismael the son of Phabeus High Priest so that no man might pacifie them For all things were so out of order as if there had been no Magistrates in the City and the impudency and audaciousness of the High Priests permitted so much that they sent their Servants to the Barns
hands Aretas furnisheth Hircanus with fifty thousand Soldiers and by many gifts and entreaties obtained of him that he O would assist him to recover his Kingdom And to the effecting of the same Aretas gave him an Army of fifty thousand Horse and Foot which power Aristobulus not A able to resist The year of the World 3073. before Christ's Nativity 89. was overcome at the first onset and forced to fly to Jerusalem Aretas besieged him there and he had been surely taken if Scaurus a Captain of the Romans taking opportunity at those troubles had not raised the Siege For Pompey the Great who warred against Tigranes sent him out of Armenia into Syria And he coming to Damascus Scaurus Captain of the Romans found it newly taken by Metellus and Lollius wherefore understanding how matters stood in Judaea he hasted thither in hope of a booty As soon as he entred into the Confines of the Countrey both the Brethren sent their Ambassadours to him The year of the World 3890. before Christ's Nativity 63. desiring him to take their parts But Aristobulus having sent him four hundred Talents these made him neglect Justice for Scaurus upon receipt of that Summ sent messengers to the Arabians and Hircanus threatning the displeasure of the Romans and B Pompey except they would presently raise their Siege Whereupon Aretas being much terrified Scaurus receiveth four hundred Talents from Aristobulus and commandeth the Arabians and Hircanus to depart out of the Countrey returned out of Judaea to Philadelphia and Scaurus to Damascus Yet it sufficed not Aristobulus that he had escaped from being taken but gathering all his Forces together he pursued his enemies and joyning Battel with them about Papyron he slew six thousand of them in which number was Cephalon Antipater's Brother But Hircanus and Antipater being destitute of the Arabians help thought fit to seek for succour from the Romans who had hinder'd them from receiving that of the Arabians For which cause as soon as Pompey had enter'd Syria and was come to Damascus they in humble manner addressed him with many gifts and made the same remonstrances to him that they had made before to Aretas earnestly requesting him C that he would consider the violence offered by Aristobulus Antipater and Hircanus seek for Pompey's help and restore Hircanus to the Kingdom to whom both by birthright and for his virtue it was due Aristobulus who became confident in that he had gained Scaurus by Presents failed not to repair to Pompey also Ant. lib. 14. cap. 6 7. and he went with the Equipage and Pomp of a King but not abiding to debase himself and thinking it disparagement longer to pay him respects in more abject manner than beseemed a King Pompey furnished with the Syrians and Roman Army setteth forth against Aristobulus he returned to Diospolis Whereat Pompey being angry at the request of Hircanus and his followers he went against Aristobulus accompanied both with the Roman Army and the Syrians their Auxiliaries When they had passed Pella and Diospolis and came to Corea where the Confines of Judaea begin as they passed thorough the midst of the Countrey they understood that D Aristobulus was fled to Alexandrium a Castle strongly built and scituate upon a very high hill Pompey commandeth Aristobulus to descend Pompey arriving there sent messengers to him commanding him to descend Which imperious manner of so proceeding appearing insupportable to Aristobulus he determined rather to hazard himself than obey But when he saw that the people began to fear Aristobulus resorteth to Pompey and that his friends advised him to consider the power of the Romans whose strength he was no ways able to resist he followed their counsel and came to Pompey where having alledged many reasons to shew that he had just Title to the Crown he returned again into the Castle And afterwards being urged by his Brother to come and plead his Title he came and returned thither again without contradiction from Pompey As he fluctuated thus betwixt hope and fear and doubted E how the matter would go with him he resolv'd to go to Pompey and tell him that he would do all that he should desire of him but as he was in the midst of his way fearing lest he should seem to derogate any thing from the Majesty of a King he returned back again Pompey willed him to write to the Governours of his Towns and Castles Aristobulus intends to fight with Pompey to surrender because he had commanded them not to do it except they received Letters written by his own hand In this he fulfilled Pompey's mind yet being angry and discontented Hedio he departed to Jerusalem and now fully determined to fight with Pompey Idumaea But Pompey not thinking it best to give him time to prepare himself followed him with all speed Pompey besiegeth Jerusalem and so much the more willingly because that near Jericho he had news of Mithridates his death This is the fruitfullest place of Judaea F where there are great store of Palms and Balm Aristobulus humbly presenteth himself to Pompey This Balsom is a Shrub whose Stem being cut with sharp stones droppeth Balm out of the wounds thereof which men gather as it droppeth from them After he had rested there that night in the morning he hasted to Jerusalem Ant. lib. 14. cap. 7 8. At his sudden arrival Aristobulus being dismayed in humble manner came to him Pompey vieweth the City which way it might most easily be battered and by promising him money and to yield himself and the City into his hands he appeased his anger But he performed no part of his promise for his Associates would not suffer Gabinius who was sent for the money to enter into the City For which cause Pompey being moved to displeasure retain'd Aristobulus in Prison and coming near the City he took a view at what place it might be easiliest entred Sedition within the City betwixt Hircanus and Aristobulus's friends for he did not lightly perceive how he could batter the Walls they were so G strong Moreover there was a deep Ditch before the Wall and hard by he beheld the Temple so fortified that though the City were taken it might be a second refuge for the enemy Whilst thus he long deliberated what to do there arose a Sedition within the City The year of the world 3903. before Christ's Nativity 59. wherein Aristobulus's Confederates thought it best to fight and deliver H the King out of Prison But those that favoured Hircanus would that the Gates should be opened to Pompey At last Aristobulus's Friends not prevailing fled into the Temple and to the end that they might fight it out to the last they cut down the Bridge which leads out of the City into the Temple Pompey and his enter the City and search the King's house When the rest had
account that terrour wherein he had put his enemies C and his own indignation a sufficient revenge and that he would spare the King by whose favour he came to be so potent adding moreover that he ought not to take it ill that he was called to answer his accusations since he was acquitted of them and consequently ought to shew himself grateful to the King who had saved his life Moreover that Prudence obliged him to consider the fortune of war together with the cause thereof that the justice of Hircanus side might do more for him than a whole Army and that he ought not to hope for victory being to fight against his own King who had always been gracious unto him and never had thought of doing him hurt but only being as it were urged thereunto by some of his Council who through meer envy and to satisfie their own passions had framed a shadow of an D accusation against him Herod was satisfied herewith and suppos'd it to be sufficient in order to his great designs to have shewed his forces and his power unto his Nation At this time began Civil war among the Romans near Apamia Bassus murthereth Sextus Caesar by treason in which Caecilius Bassus for the love he bare to Sextus Pompey slew Sextus Caesar at unawares and made himself Governour of his Army and other Captains of Caesar's to revenge his death made after Bassus with all their forces unto whom Antipater by his two Sons sent aid both for the sake of Caesar that was slain and of him that was yet alive for he was an entire friend and well-willer unto them both and these wars continuing long Marcus came out of Italy to succeed Sextus E CHAP. IX Caesar's death Cassius comes into Syria Herod ingratiates with him Malichus poysons Antipater who had sav'd his life For which Herod causes him to be slain AT this time arose great and bloody Civil Wars amongst the Romans after Caesar was slain by the treason of Cassius and Brutus Marcus Sextus Successor having ruled the Empire F three years and seven months Ant. l. 14. c. 2. By reason of which murther their troubles daily increased Julius Caesar slain by Brutus and Cassius and the Nobility being at variance amongst themselves every one followed that couse that they thought most expedient for themselves Whereupon Cassius presently marched into Syria Cassius levieth money in the cities to take possession of the Government of the Army which was about Apamia where he made Marcus and Bassus friends took the conduct of the Legions which they commanded and rais'd the siege from Apamia and leading the Army in his own person Herod Cassius friend he forced every City to be tributary and exacted without measure He commanded the Jews to contribute seven hundred Talents Cassius severe in his exactions Antipater fearing his displeasure appointed his Sons and others of his friends presently to gather the money and especially amongst the G rest he gave this charge to one Malichus a friend of his But Herod first of all got Cassius his favour having brought him an hunndred Talents which he had collected out of Galilee which was his part or Province As for the rest he accused them of negligence and was angry at the other Cities So that having pillaged Gophna and H Ammauntes The year of the world 3922. before Christ's Nativity 40. and other two small Cities he march'd onwards with intent to kill Malichus for that he had been so careless and negligent in gathering the tribute-money But Antipater presently disbursing unto Cassius an hundred Talents saved both him and all the rest of the Cities Malichus forgetful of Antipater's kindness Yet Malichus after Cassius was departed did no more remember how beneficial Antipater had been unto him but oftentimes treacherously laid wait to murther him because he hindered and withstood his villanous pretensions notwithstanding that himself had often confessed that Antipater had saved his life Antipater Antipater gathereth an Army against Malichus fearing both his power and subtilty passed over the River Jordan to gather an Army that he might prevent those treacheries But Malichus being discovered saw nothing left for him to do but to dissemble and accordingly by many I oaths and excuses he won Phasaelus chief of the Garrison in Jerusalem and Herod who was master of the Army that they should be a means to reconcile him unto Antipater Whereupon Antipater intreating Marcus who was General of the Army in Syria and had determined to kill him he was saved The reason that Marus would have put him to death was because Malichus was of a turbulent and factious spirit The young Caesar Octavius Augustus succeedeth after Caesar surnamed afterwards Augustus and Antonius warring against Cassius and Brutus Brutus and Cassius gathered an Army in Syria and in consideration of the great capacity of Herod they made him Procurator of all Syria giving him a band of horse and foot Cassius promiseth Herod after the War to make him King of Judaea Moreover Cassius promised him that if the war had an K happy end he would make him King of Judea But it so came to pass that the merit of Herod which raisd this hope so high was the cause of Antipater his Fathers death For Malichus being hereby put in fear hired one of the Kings officers for a certain sum of money to poyson Antipater by which means he died being thus unjustly rewarded for his good will toward wretched Malichus Antipater poysoned by Malichus He was a worthy man and fit to govern and recovered the Kingdom being lost for Hircanus Malichus perceiving the people incensed against him because they suspected that he had poysoned Antipater pacified and moderated their displeasure by denying the fact yet for his better security he gathered about him a Guard of armed men for he thought that Herod would not let the matter slip so Herod intendeth to revenge his Father's death but would presently come with an Army to L revenge his fathers death But by the counsel of his brother Phasaelus who sent him word not openly to encounter Malichus lest a sedition might arise among the people he patiently permitted it so to be and suffered Malichus to justifie himself and celebrated a solemn funeral for his Father which done he went to Samaria and appeased the sedition wherewith that City was disquieted After this he returned to Jerusalem intending to celebrate the Festival and having sent certain of his armed men before him he appointed the rest to accompany him But Malichus who feared this approach of his sollicited Hircanus to give order that no strangers should intermingle themselves among the people Malichus joyneth with Hircanus to disturb their devotion But Herod contemning this Prohibition entered the City by night whereupon Malichus once more came to him M and wept for Antipater Herod although he could very hardly
bridle his displeasure yet dissembled the same Cassius chargeth Herod by letters to revenge his fathers death and sent letters to Cassius wherein he complained of his fathers death Cassius already hated Malichus sufficiently and so he writ again to Herod willing him to revenge his father's death which that he might the better effect he secretly commanded the Captains of his Regiment to assist him Now for that after the surprizal of Laodicea all the best of the City came to Herod bringing presents and crowns he appointed this for a fit time of his intended revenge which Malichus suspecting as he was near Tyre he purposed secretly to get away his son who was there a pledge and to flee into Judaea But despair of his own safety urged him to greater matters for he hoped to incite the Jews to take Arms against the Romans N whilst Cassius was now busie in the War against Antonius so that he thought he might easily depose Hircanus and make himself King But God prevented these vain hopes For Herod suspecting he had some great design invited him and Hircanus to supper in order to which he made a shew as though he had sent one of his servants to cause a banquet to be prepared but indeed he sent him to the Roman Captains to tell them to lie in wait for Malichus who remembring what charge Cassius gave them The decree of fate laugheth at humane hope came forth of the City to the shore next adjoyning to the Town all armed with swords where compassing Malichus round about they killed him with many wounds Hircanus hereat astonished fell in a swoon and being scarcely come to himself Herod's Tribunes kill Malichus he demanded who killed Malichus one of the Captains answered that Cassius O gave the commandment whereupon he answered truly Cassius hath preserved me and my Country in killing him who was a Traitour to us both but whether herein A he spake as he thought The year of the World 3923. before Christ's Nativity 39. or that for fear he approved the fact it is uncertain Thus was Herod revenged upon Malichus CHAP. X. Ant. lib. 14. cap. 20. How Herod was accused and set free Felix cometh with an army against Phasaelus AFter Cassius was departed from Syria Phasaelus overcometh Felix and reproacheth Hircanus with ingratitude there arose another sedition in Jerusalem B for Felix came with an Army against Phasaelus to be revenged upon Herod for killing Malichus It chanced that Herod was at that time at Damascus with Fabius a Roman Captain and would have come to assist Phasaelus but by the way he fell sick so that he could not succour him but it so fell out that Phasaelus without any help did of himself overcome Felix and afterwards reproached Hircanus as ungrateful in that he had both favoured Felix and suffered Malichus's brother to seize upon divers place as already he had done and especially one of greatest strength called Massada Yet all these did not protect him from Herod who was no sooner recovered of his sickness but presently he retook them all and at Hircanus's request permitted him to depart He also chased Marion whom Cassius had made Prince of the Tyrians C out of Galilee who had got three Castles in that Country As for the Tyrians that he took he spared their lives and sent some away with rewards whereby he got the good will of the City and the hatred of the Tyrant Which Marion had gotten into his hands all Syria and for the hatred he bore to Herod took with him Antigonus Aristobulus's Son and marched against him and by Fabius's means whom Antigonus had gained to himself by money Antigonus Aristobulus's Son put to flight by Herod he also got Ptolemy to assist him in this expedition which Ptolemy was father-in-law to Antigonus and furnished him with all necessaries Herod likewise having prepar'd himself against them gave them battel in the entrance into Judea and got the victory and having put Antigonus to flight he returned to Jerusalem where he was honoured by all men for his courage in that victory so that even they D that before despised him now by reason of his affinity newly contracted with Hircanus sought his friendship and familiarity This Herod long before this time had a wife which was a noble woman of his own Country Doris Herod's first wife of good birth by whom he had Antipater named Doris and had by her a Son named Antipater but he then married Mariamne daughter of Alexander who was Aristobulus his son and of Alexandra Hircanus his daughter by reason whereof he came to be in favour with the King But when Cassius was slain near Philippi Caesar departed into Italy The chiefest Jews repair to Caesar to accuse Phasaelus and Herod and Antonius into Asia at which time the chief of the Jews came and accused Phasaelus and Herod alledging that they by force got unto themselves the rule of the Country and left Hircanus only the bare name of King But Herod being then present so wrought himself into Antonius's favour by a great sum of money E that he permitted not his enemies to speak one word more Ant. lib. 14. cap. 21. who thereupon returned home Afterward an hundred men of the most honourable amongst the Jews repaired to Daphne near Antioch to Antonius now doting on the love of Cleopatra and offered an accusation against the two brethren having chosen some of the greatest Quality and Eloquence to speak for them Messala undertook their defence being assisted by Hircanus Antonius having heard both parties demanded of Hircanus whom he thought the fittest to govern the Common-wealth who answered Herod and his brethren Whereat Antonius was exceeding glad for he had been most courteously entertained by Antipater when he came with Gabinius into Judea and thereupon he made them Tetrarchs Antonius maketh the two brothers Tetrarchs committing to them the rule of all Judaea F which when the Jews Ambassadors misliked he put fifteen of them in prison and was near resolving to put them to death the rest he sent away after he had treated them very ill The Jews once more complain against the two brothers Whereupon there arose greater tumults in Jerusalem and the Jews sent another Embassage of a thousand men to Tyre where Antonius resided with an intent to come against Jerusalem Antonius displeased with their murmurs and complaints commanded the Magistrates of Tyre to kill all they could catch of the Jews and to maintain their Authority Antonius commandeth in Zyre whom he himself had constituted Tetrarchs But Herod and Hircanus went to these Deputies who walk'd on the Sea-shore admonishing them earnestly to be contented lest by their indiscreet proceeding they should become not only the cause of their own deaths but also of War against their own Country G but because they would not be reclaimed by these admonitions Antonius sent
out certain armed men who killed many of them and wounded the rest Hircanus after this disaster caused the dead to be buried and the wounded to be cured notwithstanding all this they that escaped would not contain themselves in Peace but so troubled the H City that Antonius in displeasure slew those that he had in hold CHAP. XI Of the War of the Parthians against the Jews Of the flight of Herod and his being made King of Judaea TWo years after this Ant. lib. 14. cap. 21. and when Barzapharnes a great Noble man of the Parthians governed Syria with Pacorus the King's Son Lysanias perswadeth Barzapharnes to depose Hircanus and enstate Antigonus Lysanias who had succeeded his Father I Ptolomaeus Son of Minaeus promised them a thousand Talents and five hundred Women to put Antigonus in possession of the Kingdom of Judaea and depose Hircanus Being induced by these promises Pacorus march'd along the Sea-coast and Barzapharnes past through the midst of the Countrey But amongst the rest of the places bordering on the Sea the Tyrians would not receive Pacorus notwithstanding the Citizens of Ptolemais and Sidon had given him entertainment wherefore he gave part of his Horse unto one who was the King's Butler called Pacorus as himself was commanding him to pass into Judaea and learn what their enemies meant to do and to help Antigonus where need required As they wasted the Countrey about Carmel many Jews came of their own accord and joyned with Antigonus shewing themselves K very prompt to fight for which cause he sent them before to take a place called Drymos where having fought with his enemies and put them to flight he pursued them with all speed as far as Jerusalem And his number being augmented he came to the King's Palace A sore fight in the Market-place betwixt Antigonus and Hircanus But Hircanus and Phasaelus met them with a strong Company and fought with them in the Market-place where the enemies were forced to fly and part of them were by Herod shut up in the Temple and he appointed to keep them sixty men which he placed in the houses next adjoyning But the people bearing a grudge to the two Brethren Daily slaughters in Jerusalem set the houses on fire Whereat Herod being angry for that his men were consumed with fire set upon the people and killed a great many of them and every hour one laid wait for another so that every day some were murthered L Now the Feast of Pentecost drawing nigh all places about the Temple and the whole City was filled with people of the Countrey whereof the most part was armed and Phasaelus kept the Walls and Herod with a small Company kept the King's Palace and assaulting their enemies upon the suddain as they were in the Suburbs they killed a great many of them and put all the rest to flight part of them he couped up in the City others he shut in the Temple and the rest between that and the uttermost Rampire Whereupon Antigonus requested that Pacorus might come and treat a Peace betwixt them Phasaelus entertaineth the Parthian and with him five hundred Horse Pacorus's Treason and subtilty Phasaelus moved by these prayers received the Parthian into the City and entertained him into his house accompanied with five hundred Horse who came under a pretence to make Peace but in effect he resorted M thither to help Antigonus for craftily conspiring against Phasaelus he perswaded him to repair to Barzapharnes as an Ambassadour to treat a Peace notwithstanding that Herod altogether disswaded him willing him to kill the Traitor and not to trust his subtilty adding that the Parthians were naturally unfaithful Pacorus departing out of the City The year of the World 3924. before Christ's Nativity 38. took Hircanus with him that he might be the less suspected and leaving some Horse with Herod named * Or free Eleutheri he followed Phasaelus with the rest When they came near Galilee they found the Inhabitants at variance and up in Arms and met with Barzapharnes who craftily with pretence of courtesie and friendship hid his Treachery who after he had bestowed Presents upon them and that they were retired laid an Ambush for them whereof they had intelligence N as they came to a place near the Sea-coast named Edippon Here they were informed of the thousand Talents that were promised Herod in Jerusalem and Phasaelus in the Camp are in danger of their lives and how that Antigonus had given the Parthians more than five hundred women of those that were amongst them and that oftentimes they had been laid wait for and had been lately taken but that delay was made till such time as Herod was surprized in Jerusalem lest he hearing what was become of them might provide for himself Now they perceived that these were not only words for they beheld some Guards not far off Yet would not Phasaelus forsake Hircanus notwithstanding that Oselius to whom Saramalla the richest among the Syrians had declared all the Treason exhorted him to fly but he chose rather to to go to Barzapharnes and to upbraid him to his face that he had treacherously laid O wait for him and for money had suffered himself to be corrupted whereas he himself would have given more for his life and liberty than Antigonus had done for the Kingdom A At these words the Parthian with Oaths and Protestations craftily freed himself from suspition and repaired to Pacorus But presently the Parthians who stayed behind and had charge so to do laid hands on Phasaelus and Hircanus who openly exclaimed against their falshood and perjury In the mean time Pacorus was sent out to surprize Herod and by some stratagem to â—oul him out of the City Herod is laid for to be betrayed He wrought by all the means he could according as he was instructed but Herod who was always wont to mistrust the perfideous practices of the Parthian and believed that the Letters which Phasaelus had writ to him to discover the Treason were fallen into the enemies hands would not go forth though Pacorus incited him to ride out and meet them that brought the Letters for he had already learnt B the taking of Phasaelus and Mariamne a very wise woman Hircanus's Daughter with many entreaties perswaded Herod not to go forth but to beware how he trusted himself to the mercy of that Barbarous people whose ill designs he could not be ignorant of Herod in the night time flyeth into Idumaea Whilst Pacorus was consulting with his Complices how he might privily effect his Treasons seeing it was not possible openly to circumvent a man of so great Wisdom Herod in the night time whilst his enemies neither knew nor suspected his intent took his nearest kindred and fled into Idumaea which being once known the Parthians followed him For which cause he made his Mother his Brethren and Mariamne whom he had espoused and
her Mother and youngest Brother to keep on their journey Herod more hotly pursued by the Jews than the Parthians and he with his Servants warily assaulted the Parthians and having in divers assaults C killed a great number of them he hasted towards the Castle of Massada and in his retreat sustained more harm by the Jews than by the Parthians who as they had been always troublesome so now within three score furlongs from the Town they set upon him Herod's Victory The Battel was long but Herod obtained the Victory killed a great many of them and in remembrance of the action built on that place a most stately Palace Herodion and a strong Castle which from his own name he called Herodion In this retreat many joyned with him But when he came to Thersa a Town of Idumaea his Brother Joseph met him and perswaded him to lessen the number of his followers because Massada could not receive such a multitude for the number amounted to above nine thousand Massada Herod according to his counsel dismissed those that were unfit for D his turn and sent them into Idumaea giving them necessaries for their journey As for those that were chosen men and fit for his purpose he retained them with him and so he was received into the Castle where leaving eight hundred Soldiers to defend the women Petra a City of Arabia and Provision sufficient for those that were within he himself went to Petra a City of Arabia In the mean time the Parthians at Jerusalem began to sack the houses of them that were fled The year of the World 3925. before Christ's Nativity 37. and the King's Palace they only abstained from Hircanus's money which amounted to more than three hundred Talents As for other men's Goods they found not so much as they expected for Herod long before suspecting the infidelity of the Parthians had sent all his Riches and Jewels into Idumaea as his followers also had E done When the Parthians had taken the spoil they were so impious that they left no place of the whole Countrey free from Pillage They destroyed the City of Marsa and bound Phasaelus and Hircanus and delivered them in Chains to Antigonus who presently cut off Hircanus's ears Antigonus cutteth off Hircanus's ears to the end that if by some alteration he chanced hereafter to get loose he might be no more High Priest for by our Law none may offer Sacrifice that wants any member of his body But Phasaelus his fortitude prevented the cruelty of Antigonus for having neither Weapon nor his hands at liberty he beat out his own brains against a stone and died demonstrating himself by that act to be the true Brother of Herod and not a Poltron like Hircanus Yet some report that Antigonus sent a Chirurgeon under pretence to cure the wound who filled the same with venomous F Medicines Phasaelus's words before he died and so killed him It is reported likewise that understanding before his death by means of a certain woman that Herod was escaped he spake these words Now I shall die without regret since I leave behind me one that will take vengeance of my enemies The Parthians established Antigonus King and so he died Although the Parthians had not yet received the five hundred women promised them which was the chief thing they looked for yet they established Antigonus in Jerusalem and led Hircanus Prisoner into Parthia But Herod with all speed hasted into Arabia as if his Brother had been yet alive to the intent to borrow money of the King of Arabia with which alone he hoped that the cruelty of those barbarous Parthians might be mitigated towards Phasaelus For his opinion was that although the Arabian had now forgot his Father's Friendship and G were hard-hearted yet at least he would lend him money seeing it was to redeem his Brother whose Son he meant to leave as a Pledge for it For Herod took with him a Son of his Brother 's into Arabia that was seven years old and purposed to give 300 Talents for his Ransom and had made the Tyrians intercessors for him to the Parthians H But Fortune prevented his endeavours so that his love and care for his Brother prevailed nothing He found also that the Arabians renounc'd the League of Amity for Malichus their King sent to him as he was yet in the way charging him with all speed to depart out of his Dominions pretending that the Parthians had sent Ambassadours to him to request him to drive him out of his Countrey but indeed the cause was that his ingratitude suffered him not to pay that which Antipater had deserved or requite his Sons now comfortless for those good turns that he had received at their Father's hands And those who counselled him to this were such as offered to forswear those Summs which Antipater had put them in trust with who were the chiefest men about him Herod perceiveth the Arabians to be his enemies Herod perceiving the Arabians to be his foes for that which I he thought would procure him friendship answered the Messenger according as his resentment moved him and took his journey towards Egypt and the first night he lodged in a Countrey Temple to the intent that those of his company that were behind him might overtake him The next day coming to Rhinoslura his Brother's death was told him after he had paid what he could not refuse to the first sentiments of so violent a sorrow he went forward In the mean time the King of Arabia though too late repented himself of that which he had done to Herod and sent Messengers after him to desire him to return but they could not overtake him he had marched so fast When Herod was come to Pelusium the Mariners of the City would not receive him into their Vessels for which K cause he in person went to the Governours who reverencing the Fame and Dignity of the man conducted him to Alexandria whither he no sooner came but Cleopatra received him very honourably intending to make him General of her Army which she was preparing at that time Herod in great dangers repaireth to Rome But he neither regarding the offers of the Queen nor yet discouraged by the hard Winter Season nor the dangers of the Seas took his journey towards Rome and being in great danger of Shipwrack near Pamphilia both he and the rest of the Passengers were forced to cast away the most part of their lading with much ado he arrived safe at Rhodes which had been much ruined in the War against Cassius there he was entertained by two of his friends Ptolomey and Sapinas and although his money grew scant yet there he built a great Galley with three Ranks of L Oars and in it being accompanied with his friends he sailed to Brundusium and from thence went straight to Rome Herod repairing to Rome hath conference with Antonius
Where first of all in regard of the familiarity between his Father and him he went to Antonius declaring unto him both his own calamity and the miserable desolation of the whole Countrey and how leaving his dearest friends besieged in a Castle himself through the stormy Winter Seas was come to him to implore his assistance Antonius compassionating his calamity and remembring his familiarity with Antipater and esteeming the merit of Herod which stood before him determined to make him King of the Jews whom before he himself had made Tetrarch For he loved not Herod so well but he hated Antigonus as much holding him both a seditious person Ant. lib. 14. cap. 13. and an enemy to the Romans Now to the accomplishment M of this Herod findeth both Caesar and Antonius favourable unto him he found Caesar far more ready than himself when he called to mind the service that Antipater did in Egypt under his Father and his entertainment and friendship in all things And besides all these he was much satisfied with Herod's courage and ability Wherefore he caused the Senate to be assembled wherein Messala and himself Herod praised before the Senate in the presence of Herod recounted his Father's deserts and fidelity towards the Romans declaring Antigonus to be an enemy not only because he had formerly revolted but for that now lately in despight of the Romans he had by the assistance of the Parthians Herod made King by the Roman Senate usurped the Kingdom With which considerations the Senate being moved and Antonius affirming it to be expedient for the Roman Wars a-against the Parthians that Herod should be created King the whole Senate consented N and when it was dismissed Antonius and Caesar came forth with Herod between them and the Consuls marched before him accompanied with other Magistrates to offer Sacrifice and to Register the Decree of the Senate in the Capitol After which Antonius feasted Herod the first day of his Reign A CHAP. XII Of Herod's War for the recovering of Jerusalem after his return from Rome and how he warred against the Thieves AT this time Antigonus besieged those that were left in the Castle of Massada Ant. lib. 14. cap. 23. who had great store of Victuals Antigonus getteth Massada and wanted nothing but Water Joseph Herod's Brother who defended it purposed to go to the Arabians with two hundred of his dearest friends for that he had intelligence that Malichus repented that he had given B Herod no better entertainment And accordingly he had forsaken the Castle had not great store of rain fallen that very night wherein he intended to flee but the Wells and Cisterns being now filled with Water The Wars between Antigonus's Soldiers and Joseph Herod's Brother there was no cause to flee so that issuing out of the Castle he assaulted Antigonus's Soldiers and killed very many of them sometimes in open fight and sometimes by pollicy Yet he fought not always with fortunate success but returned sometimes with loss In the mean time Ventidius who was General of the Roman Army which was sent to expel the Parthians out of Syria after he had repulsed them Ventidius the Roman General taketh money from Antigonus came into Judaea under pretence to succour Joseph and the rest that were besieged out in effect to get money from Antigonus When therefore he drew near Jerusalem and had received the money he looked for he departed with C the greatest part of his Army Ant. lib. 14. cap. 24. leaving Silo behind him with a few to colour his pretence And Antigonus hoping for a second Supply from the Parthians corrupted Silo not to molest him for the present Herod against Antigonus By this time Herod having sailed from Italy to Ptolemais and gathered a great Army of strangers and his own Countreymen together came into Galilee against Antigonus being assisted with the Forces of Ventidius and Silo whom Gellius who was sent from Antonius perswaded to establish Herod in his Kingdom Herod intendeth after he hath taken Massada and Joppa to besiege Jerusalem But Ventidius was busie in appeasing the Broils that the Parthians had made in the Cities and Silo was corrupted by Antigonus Yet did not Herod want aid for every day the further he marched into the Countrey the more his Army encreased all Galilee very little excepted yielding unto him Whereupon he D purposed first of all to go to Massada to deliver his friends that were there besieged but Joppa hindred his purpose which being an enemy Town he thought best to take it before he went any further lest whilst he was going to Jerusalem his enemies should have a place behind him to flee to Now Silo joyned Armies with Herod rejoycing that he had found occasion to retire but he was pursued by the Jews of Antigonus's Party who Herod with a loose Wing of his Army and a small Company of men encountred and presently put to flight and saved Silo who had much ado to make resistance against them This done and Joppa taken he hasted to Massada and the people of the Countrey some for his Father's sake others for his own and many for both joyned themselves to him Many also came to him for hope because he was E now King so that now he had a very puissant Army But Antigonus hindred his journey by planting certain Ambushes in places convenient where Herod was to pass though by all this they little harmed him Herod having raised the Siege of Massada Herod begirteth Jerusalem with a Siege and proclaimeth the cause of his coming and rescued his friends from thence went to Jerusalem where both Silo's Soldiers and many of the City came and joyned with him Being now terrified with the greatness of his Forces there pitching their Tents at the west side of the Town they that guarded that part assaulted them with Darts and Arrows and others issuing by Troops forth of the City assaulted the Front of the Army Whereupon Herod caused one to go about the Walls of the City and to proclaim how that he was come for the good of the whole City and that he would F not take revenge of any though his open enemy but would pardon even them that had been most seditious But when Antigonus his followers with loud exclamations hindred the Crier's voice from being heard lest any man should alter his mind Herod presently commanded his men to beat the enemies off from the Wall upon which order they shot such a flight of Arrows and Darts from the top of the Towers that they forced them to retire At this time Silo was detected to have been corrupted with money Silo's subtilty being corrupted by the Jews for he solicited many Soldiers to cry out that they wanted Provisions and to ask money and Victuals and to crave to be dismissed and sent into some fit place of Quarter during the Winter because Antigonus had laid
waste all the Countrey and even Silo himself offered to be gone and exhorted others to do the like But Herod seeing G himself ready to be forsaken went to the Captains that served under Silo and calling many of the Soldiers together requested them not to forsake him at that exigent whom Caesar Antonius and the whole Senate as they knew had sent thither promising them that within one day he would relieve all their necessities When he had thus H entreated them himself went about the Fields and brought them so much Provision that he cut off all Silo's excuses and forecasting lest hereafter there should be any want he sent Letters to Samaria which City about this time had put it self under his protection willing them to bring Victuals Herod gâ—â—hereth great store of provision and Wine and Oyl and Cattel to Jericho Antigonus hearing this presently sent certain of his men to lie in Ambush in the Fields and suddenly to set upon those that came for Provision and kill them and so hinder them from carrying any Victuals to the Camp according to his Commandment there went a great number of Soldiers to Jericho and placed themselves upon the Mountains with an intent to espy if any body carried Provision to the Army In the mean time Herod rested not Herod accompanied with ten Troops cometh to Jericho for taking with him ten Companies five of the Romans and I five of the Jews with three hundred Mercenaries and a few Horse he came to Jericho where he found the City without Inhabitants and five hundred with their Wives and Families had placed themselves upon the tops of the Mountains whom when he had surprized The Romans got a great Prey he permitted to depart But the Romans brake into the City and sacked it where they found the houses stored with all manner of Riches and the King leaving a Garrison at Jericho returned He sent likewise the Roman Soldiers to the Provinces which were on his side to wit Idumaea Galilee and Samaria that they might abide there till Winter was past Antigonus also thâ—ough Silo's means whom by money he had made his friend obtained that a part of his Army might during the Winter time abide at Lidda that he might by this means obtain the favour of Antonius K and the Romans being now discharged from the Wars lived in great ease and plenty All this time Herod was not idle but accompanied with two thousand Foot and five hundred Horse he went about Idumaea and sent also his Brother Joseph lest by Antigonus's means the people should rebel And having carried his Mother and the rest of his Kindred whom he took from Massada into Samaria and placed them where no danger might betide them himself went into Galilee to subdue that part of the Countrey which as yet was not in his hands and to expel from thence the Garrisons left by Antigonus Ant. lib. 14. cap. 24. And when he was come to Sephoris notwithstanding there was a very great Snow Herod taketh the City of â—â—phoris he easily took it for the Garrison fled before he assaulted it and finding L there great store of Provision he refreshed his Soldiers which now with Winter weather were much harassed and then sent them against the great number of Thieves that infested that Province and lay lurking in Dens and Caves and who making often incursions upon the Countrey molested the Inhabitants no less than if they had been an Army of Enemies Herod setteth forth against the Thieves And sending before three Companies of Foot and one Troop of Horse into a Village called Arbela himself forty days after came thither with the whole Army For all this the Thieves feared him not but arming themselves came to meet him trusting to their experience in Warlike affairs and their own desperate courage The Battel being joyned the Right Wing of their Party put the Left Wing of Herod's to flight but he with his Right Wing presently succoured them M and recalled his men that fled and rushing violently upon his enemies he a little stopped their career till at last the Fore-front of their Battel not able to stand any longer fled Herod pursued them even unto Jordan and killed many of them those that escaped fled over the River And thus he freed Galilee from that fear save that yet there were left some lurking in the Caves by whom he was constrained to make a longer stay Wherefore first of all he gave the Soldiers some fruit of their labours distributing to every one of them an hundred and fifty Drachmes of Silver and unto the Captains more and so he sent them where they should pass the Winter Also he writ unto his youngest Brother Pheroras to provide necessaries for them and to build a Wall about the Castle of Alexandrium which he performed N In the mean while Antonius passed the time about Athens The year of the World 3926. before Christ's Nativity 36. and Ventidius sent for Silo and Herod to assist him in the War against the Parthians after they had settled the affairs of Judaea so as no longer to need their presence Herod willingly sent Silo unto Ventidius and in the mean time he with his Army went against the Thieves in the Caves Ant. lib. 14. cap. 25. These Caves were in very steep Mountains so that there was no way to come to them save only by crooked and very narrow passages And these Mountains were all Rocks of Stone The description of the Caves where the Thieves kept hanging over the Valleys so that the King a great while was doubtful what to do seeing the place so inaccessible At last Herod devised a way scarcely heard of before for he put the valiantest of his men into Chests and so let them down to the mouths of the Caves where they killed the Thieves and their Families and put O fire to them that resisted And Herod seeking to save some of them caused a Trumpet to publish to them that they might come to him with safety but there was not one A that came and those that were forced chose rather to kill themselves than be his Captives So that an old man having seven Sons and a Wife who all requested him that they might go forth to the King and save their lives killed them all after this manner Himself stood before the door of the Cave and bad them come forth one by one and always as one of them came forth he killed him And Herod being in a place where he might behold this spectacle being moved with compassion stretched forth his hand and requested him to spare his Children But he being nothing moved to compassion by Herod's words upbraided Herod's meanness of mind and having butchered his Sons he also killed his Wife and casting the dead bodies down into the Valleys at last he cast himself likewise down headlong B Herod having thus taken the Caves and
slain those that were in them left such a part of his Army as he thought might suffice to repress any that should attempt a Rebellion under the Command of Ptolomey and returned to Samaria carrying with him three thousand Foot Ptolomey Captain of Herod's Soldiers slain and six hundred Horse against Antigonus After his departure those that were accustomed to trouble Galilee having now as they thought opportunity assaulted Ptolomey at unawares and killed him and having wasted the Countrey retired into Marish Grounds and Strong Holds Which when Herod understood he presently came to succour the Countrey and killed most part of the enemies and having taken all the Castles by force he exacted an hundred Talents for a punishment of that revolt to be paid by the Cities In the mean time the Parthians being put to C flight and Pacorus slain Ventidius in obedience to Letters from Antonius sent Machaera to Herod with a thousand Horse and two Legions of Foot to assist him against Antigonus Antigonus writ Letters to Machaera desiring him to help him and complaining that Herod had injured him promised him a great summ of money But he thinking it not best to forsake him he was sent to succour especially seeing that Herod would give more would not be subborned by him yet counterfeiting himself to be Antigonus his friend under that pretence to discover what Forces he had contrary to Herod's counsel he went to him But Antigonus distrusting his intent kept him out of the City Machaera's iniquity and like an enemy drave him away from the Walls Machaera ashamed of what he had done returned to Emmaus unto Herod and being in a rage that things fell out against D his expectation he killed all the Jews he found not respecting whether they favoured Herod or Antigonus The year of the World 3927. before Christ's Nativity 35. Herod hereat was moved and purposed to be revenged upon Machaera as an enemy yet he bridled himself and hasted to Antonius to let him understand Machaera's cruelty Machaera remembring how he had offended followed the King and with many entreaties besought him to be reconciled and obtained it Yet Herod kept on his journey to Antonius and hearing that he was now with a great Army besieging Samosata a very strong City near Euphrates he made the more haste thinking it now a fit time to shew his affection and his courage and that thereby he might win Antonius's favour the more His arrival hastned the taking of the place which Antiochus was constrained to deliver for he killed a great number of the E enemies Antonius admireth Herod's valour and had for his reward a great part of the Spoil and Antonius though before he admired his vertue yet now his opinion of him encreased so that he had a greater addition of his honour and reason to hope his establishment in the Kingdom CHAP. XIII Of the death of Joseph Ant. lib. 14. cap. 25. How Herod besieged Jerusalem and how Antigonus was slain F IN the mean time Herod's Affairs in Judaea went backward He had left his Brother Joseph Governour of all and commanded him to attempt nothing against Antigonus till his return for he little trusted to Machaera's help because of the part he had played before But Joseph seeing his Brother to be far off regarded not what charge was left him but went to Jericho with his own Troops and five Companies of Horse which Machaera sent with him thinking now in Harvest time to have taken away their Corn but being assaulted by the enemies upon the Mountains and in difficult places himself was there slain after he had shewed himself in the fight a worthy and valiant man and there was not one left alive of all the Roman Horse for they had been newly levied in Syria and they had no old Soldiers amongst them to assist their want of experience G Antigonus not contented with the Victory Antigonus's cruelty against Joseph's Carkass became such a Tyrant that having the dead 〈◊〉 in his power he cut off Joseph's head and caused his body to be scourged although Pheroras his Brother offered fifty Talents to redeem the same entire After Antigonus had obtained this Victory there was such a change in Galilee that H those who favoured him too the chiefest of Herod's Favourites and drowned them in a Lake Also there arose great Commotions in Idumaea where Machaera was repairing the Walls of a certain Castle called Githa All this while Herod heard nothing of the news Herod certified of his Brother's death in a Dream for after Samosata was taken Antonius made Sosius Governour of Syria leaving order with him to help Herod against Antigonus and so he departed into Egypt Sosius sent two Legions with Herod into Judaea to help him and he himself with the rest of the Army followed When Herod was at Antiochia near Daphne his Brother's death was shewed him in a Dream and being troubled at it he leaped out of his bed even at the same instant that the Messengers who brought tidings of his death entred into the house He could not forbear some expressions of grief but he check'd his I sorrow to hasten to revenge it upon his enemies with incredible speed When he came to Libanus he took eight hundred Inhabitants of that Mountain to help him and joyned unto them one of the Roman Legions and not expecting the day with them he entred into Galilee where meeting with some enemies he forced them to flee to the place from whence they came and besieged their Castle but before he could take it he was constrained by hard weather to lead his Army into the next Village Within a few days his number being encreased with another Legion which Antonius sent he put his enemies in such fear that in the night time they forsook the Castle Then he hasted to Jericho to be revenged on those that had killed his Brother Herod's Dining-room fell after he had forsaken it and gone to bed where there befel him a most strange accident from which being against all hope delivered he perswaded K himself that God bare a particular love to him For when many Nobles that night had supped with him and Supper being ended every one was gone forth incontinently the house wherein he supped fell down Herod took this as a Presage both of the dangers and prosperous success he was to have in his Wars And the next morning early he removed from thence and about six thousand of the enemies descending from the Mountains charged his Vanguard yet they durst not joyn Battel with the Romans but molested them with stones and darts with which they wounded many so that Herod himself passing along was wounded in the side with a Dart. Antigonus desirous to shew himself the stronger as well in multitude of men as in courage sent Pappus a friend of his with some Forces to Samaria with a design to fight L and
do the like for himself for he built a Castle on a Mountain near Arabia having on one O side a strong place of defence Herodium and this Castle he called Herodium after his own name By the same name also he called a Mount sixty stades from Jerusalem artificially made A in manner of a woman's Dug which he adorned on the top with round Turrets and round about it he built Princely houses gallantly adorned both within and without He also brought water from a great distance with great cost and charges and made a pair of stairs of pure White Marble to go up which had two hundred steps For the whole Hill was made by Art and was of an exceeding height At the foot thereof likewise he built another Palace and houses to receive his Friends and their Carriages Herodium a Castle resembling a City so that this Castle for the abundance of all necessary Lodgings seemed a City and yet was all the King's Palace Having erected thus many Buildings he shewed his great mind in strange Cities likewise for at Tripolis and Damascus and Ptolemais Herod's bounty to all men he built publick Colledges for instructing Youth He built the Wall of Byblis B and Seats Porches Temples and Markets at Berytus and Tyre At Sidon and Damascus he built a Theatre and a Water-conduit at Laodicea a Sea-town At Ascalon he built Fountains or Lakes very sumptuous and Baths with Pillars that for greatness and good work were miraculous To other places he gave Forrests and Ports and to many Cities added Fields as though they had been Fellow-cities of his Kingdom And to others as to Coos he gave Annual Revenues for ever to the end they might never lose the remembrance of the obligation they had to him Moreover he gave all poor people Corn and he often and in sundry places lent the Rhodians money to build a Navy of Ships Herod famous through the World At his own proper cost he repaired the Temple of Apollo Pythius which had been burnt What shall I say of his liberality towards them C of Lycia and Samos or his magnificent Gifts towards all the people of Jonia Nay and the Athenians The year of the World 3954. before Christ's Nativity 8. Lacedemonians Nicopolites and the Citizens of Pergamus and Mysia received very many benefits at his hands He paved also a large Street in Antioch of Syria which was in length twenty stades and that with fair Marble This Street before that time was so full of dirt that no man could go thorough it And all along it he built Galleries that people might go dry thorough it in rainy weather Some may say that these benefits thus bestowed were for the proper use of those people on whom he bestowed them but no man can deny but that which he did for the Citizens of Elis was not only common to those of Achaia but to all the World where the Games called Olympica Certamina were solemnized For Herod seeing D them decay only for want of maintenance and that this was the only remainder of all the ancient Monuments of Greece he not only in his person at that time became one of the proposers of rewards in that Olympiade in which he went to Rome but also gave a yearly stipend to maintain the same lest for want they should be left off It is not to be told what Debts and Tributes he remitted for he delivered the Phasaelites and Balaneotes and other Towns of Cilicia from the payment of a yearly Tribute yet was he not so liberal to them as he would have been fearing lest the envy of some might accuse him of some further meaning if he should be more bountiful to the Cities than those that were the owners thereof Herod a great hunter He exercised his body likewise in exercises fit for so valiant a mind for he was a very skilful hunter wherein he had always his E purpose by reason of his skill in riding so that in one day he killed forty Wild Beasts That Countrey hath many Boars but it hath more store of Harts and Wild Asses He was such a Warrier that no man was able to encounter with him so that many were astonished to see him with what force and exactness he cast the Dart and drew the Bow Herod besides the vertue of mind and body had the blessings of Fortune Besides the Vertue both of his mind and body he had also good Fortune for very seldom the event of War was otherwise than he expected if it sometimes fell out contrary it was not through his fault but through the rashness of his Soldiers or else through Treason F CHAP. XVII Of the disagreement between Herod and his Sons Alexander and Aristobulus BUt his private and domestical sorrows troubled his publick felicity Ant. lib. 1â— cap. 3 8. lib. 16. cap. 13. and most adverse fortune befel him through the means of a woman whom he loved as himself For being now made King he put away his Wife which he first married a Lady born in Jerusalem Herod expelleth Antipater out of the City and killeth Hircanus his Wife's Uncle whose name was Doris and married Mariamne the Daughter of Alexander the Son of Aristobulus which caused troubles in his house both before but especially after his return from Rome For he banished his eldest Son Antipater G whom he had by Doris out of the City only for his Children's sake that he had by Mariamne licencing him only at Festival times to come to the City in regard of some suspicion of Treason intended against him And afterwards he slew Hircanus his wifes Uncle notwithstanding that he returned out of Parthia unto him because he H suspected that he intended some treason against him Barzapharnes after he had taken all Syria had carried him away prisoner with him But his own Countreymen that dwelt beyond Euphrates in commiseration redeemed him from thraldom and had he been counselled by them and not come to Herod he had not been killed but the marriage of his Niece caused his death for for that cause and especially for the love of his native soil he came thither That which moved Herod to kill him was not for that he sought the Kingdom but because he had right to the Kingdom Herod's children by Mariamne Herod had five Children by Mariamne two Daughters and three Sons The youngest was sent to Rome to study where he died The other two he brought up like Princes both for their Mothers Nobility and for that they were born after he I was King But that which above all was most prevalent in their favour was the love he bare to Mariamne which from day to day tormented him more violently in such sort that he seem'd insensible of those griefs which this his best beloved caused to him For Mariamne hated him as much as he loved her and having a just cause and colour of
Of Cestius his Battel against Jerusalem 24. Of the Siege of Jerusalem by Cestius and of the Massacre 25. Of the cruelty of those of Damascus against the Jews and of Joseph's Affairs in Galilee O 26. Of Joseph's danger and escape and of the malice of John of Giscala A 27. The Cities of Tiberias and Sephoris are recovered by Joseph 28. How the people of Jerusalem prepared themselves for War and of the Robberies of Simon Son of Gioras CHAP. I. Of Herod's Successor Archelaus and how he entred into the Temple and the Mutiny that arose for the revenge of those that were executed for taking down the Golden B Eagle ARchelaus being acknowledged Successor in the Kingdom to Herod The year of the World 3964. after Christ's Nativity â—2 lately dead necessity constrained him to go to Rome to the end he might be confirmed by Augustus which Journey gave occasion of new broils For after that for seven days he had celebrated his Father's Funeral and largely feasted the people for this is a custom amongst the Jews Ant. lib. 17. cap. 11. which bringeth many of them to poverty and yet he that doth not so is reputed impious he went to the Temple The Lamentations and Banquets Archelaus made attired in a white Garment C where he was with great joy received of the people and he himself sitting in a Tribunal upon a Throne of Gold very courteously admitted the people to his Presence and thanked them for their diligent care used in his Father's Funeral and for the Honours they had rendered to himself as to their King Yet he said he would not take upon him either the Authority or Name of King till such time as his Succession was approved of by Caesar who by his Father's Testament was Lord and Master of all and for that cause he had refused the Diadem offered him by the Soldiers at Jericho when they would have Crowned him But he promised Archelaus promiseth â—his Subjects all favour that if he were confirmed King by the hands of the Emperour he would largely recompence both the Soldiers and the people for their good will D and that he fully purposed to be more favourable unto them than his Father had been The multitude hereat greatly rejoyced and made present tryal of his mind and purpose for some cried out requesting that the Tributes might be lessened Others desired that the new Imposts might cease others requested him to set all Prisoners at liberty Archelaus in favour of the people granted all these requests and then offering Sacrifices A Sedition about the pulling down of the Eagle and the Agents thereof he banquetted with his Friends But suddenly a little after Noon a great multitude desirous of alteration the common lamentation for the King's death being ceased began a private mourning bewailing their mis-fortune whom Herod had put to death for pulling down the Golden Eagle from the Porch of the Temple Ant. lib. 17. cap. 12. This sorrow was not secret but the whole City resounded with lamentations E for them that were thought to have lost their lives for the Temple and their Countrey Laws They also cried that revenge was to be taken upon them whom Herod for that fact had rewarded with money And that first of all he who by Herod was constituted High Priest was to be rejected and another more honest and devout was to be put in his place Archelaus's bounty towards the Seditious Archelaus although he was herewith offended yet because he was presently to take such a journey he abstained from violence fearing lest he should render the multitude his enemies Wherefore he sought rather by admonition than by force to reclaim those that were seditious and he sent the Governour of the Soldiers to request them to be pacified But the Authors of the Sedition so soon as he came to the Temple and before he spake one word threw stones F at him and in like manner they used others sent afterwards by him to appease them for Archelaus dispatched many messengers unto them whom they contumeliously treated so that if they had been more in number their fury would have proceeded further The Feast of Easter solemnly kept and much Sacrifice offered Wherefore when the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew nigh which the Jews call Easter wherein an infinite number of Sacrifices were appointed an innumerable multitude of people came out of all Villages thereabout for devotion sake to the Solemnity And they who so lamented the death of the Doctors remained in the Temple seeking by all means to promote the Sedition Which Archelaus fearing sent a Band of Soldiers and a Tribune with them to take the chief of the Seditous before such time as they had drawn unto them the multitude of the people against whom the G whole people being stirred up slew a great manâ— of them with stones and the Tribune himself being sore hurt had much ao to escape And when they had so done they presently went and offered Sacrifice as though no hurt had been done But Archelaus perswaded himself that the multitude would not be appeased without H slaughter wherefore he sent against them the whole Army the Foot into the City and the Horse into the Field who assaulting the seditious people as they were sacrificing slew of them almost three thousand and scattered the residue into the Mountains adjoyning Three thousand of the Jews slain at the Feast of â—asâ—er There were also some who followed Archelaus and proclaimed by vertue of his Command that every one should depart home to his house as accordingly notwithstanding the holiness of the day they did But he accompanied with his Mother Poplas Ptolomey and Nicholaus his Friends went to the Sea-coast leaving Philip Governour of the Kingdom and of his Houshold With them departed Salome and her Children and the Kings Brethren and Kindred under pretence to assist Archelaus to the Crown but indeed it was to inform Caesar of the Murther committed I in the Temple against the Law When they came to Caesarea Sabinus cometh into Judaea to seize the Fortresses and keep the Treasure they met with Sabinus Governour of Syria who was coming towards Judea to take into his custody Herod's Treasure Varus to whom Archelaus had sent Ptolomey about this matter forbad him to proceed further And so Sabinus in obedience to Varus neither entred the Castles not took Herod's Treasure from Archelaus Ant. lib. 17. cap 13. but promised that he would let all alone till Caesar's pleasure were understood But so soon as one of them that hindred him was gone to Antioch and the other to wit Archelaus to Rome he still remaining at Caesarea now hasted to Jerusalem and took the King's Palace Where calling for the chief of the Guard and the Purveyors he exacted of them an account and sought to take into his custody K the Castles and Strong Holds But the Captains
fought with them and killed one Arius a Centurion and forty of the most valiant amongst them upon the place the rest being in like danger through the help of Gratus with the Soldiers of Sebaste escaped The End and 〈◊〉 of the War After they had done many things in this manner against their own Countrey-men O as well as strangers at last three of them were taken the eldest by Archelaus and the two other who were eldest after him fell into the hands of Gratus and A Ptolomey and the fourth yielded himself to Archelaus upon Composition Such was the success of the bold Enterprize of these five men But at that time a War of Thieves filled all Judaea with Troubles and Robberies CHAP. â— Varus Governour of Syria for the Romans represses the Insurrections in Judea WHen Varus had Ant. lib. 17. cap. 16. by the Letters of Sabinus understood the danger wherein the B whole Legion was Varus assisteth the Romans against the Jews being besieged in Jerusalem he hasted to succour them But first he went to Ptolemais with two other Legions and four Cornets of Horse where he had appointed the King's Forces and the other Auxiliary Troops to meet him As he passed by Beritus the Inhabitants gave him fifteen hundred men Also Aretas the King of Arabia for the hatred he bare to Herod sent him a great number both of Horse and Foot As soon as the Host was assembled Varus incontinently directed part of his Army into Galilee adjoyning to Ptolemais and appointed a friend of his the Son of Caius their Governour who presently put all to flight against whom he was sent and having taken the Castle of Sephoris he fired it and made all the Inhabitants thereof Slaves Varus taketh divers Cities and Castles of Judaea Varus with the rest of the Army went to Samaria and C took it yet he did the City no harm because he found that amidst all these Tumults they had been quiet When he had pitched his Tents at a Village called Arus which belonged to Ptolomey the Arabians sacked it for they hated those that loved Herod From thence they went to Sampho another strong Burrough which they in like manner sacked and destroyed without sparing any thing All was filled with the slaughter and fires which the Arabians made Emmaus burnt there was no end nor hindrance of their Avarice Also Varus commanded Emmaus to be burnt being angry for the death of Arius and the rest that were slain there and the Inhabitants thereof abandoned it every one by flight seeking to save himself Varus cometh to Jerusalem with his Army and with his only Presence dismayeth the Jews From thence he went to Jerusalem and at his approach the Jews that besieged the Roman Legion fled and scattered themselves D some here some there all about the Countrey They that remained in the City excused themselves that they were not consenting to the Tumult but that for the Celebration of the Feast they permitted those Seditious to come into the City affirming that they had rather have been besieged together with the Romans than have joyned with those of the Sedition and so they laid the cause of that Tumult upon others But first Josephus The year of the World 3966. after Christ's Nativity 4. Archelaus's Cousin with Gratus and Rufus went to meet him leading the King's Army and the Sibastians and the Roman Soldiers adorned in their accustomed Apparel Sabinus durst not be seen by Varus and therefore got him out of the Town before and went to the Sea-coast Varus divided his Army and sent some Parties into the Countrey Varus crucified two thousand of the Seditious to seek the Authors of the Tumult And those that E were brought to him who were in less fault he committed to Prison those who were the chiefest he crucified to the number of two thousand And understanding that in Idumaea there yet remained ten thousand men in Arms he presently sent the Arabians home because he perceived that they did not serve as they that came to help him but as they themselves pleased wasting the Countrey against his Orders and so accompanied with his own Army he hastned against the Enemies But they without any fight through Achiab's Counsel yielded themselves to Varus And he pardoned the Common Soldiers and sent the Captains to Caesar to answer the matter Varus's mercy and bounty to the Idumeans Who pardoning most of them yet punished some that were of Herod's Kindred because they had rebelled against their own King Varus having F thus quieted the Estate of Judea and Jerusalem left in the Fortress of Jerusalem the same Legion that was there before and departed to Antioch CHAP. IV. H How the Jews had an Ethnarch constituted over them The year of the world 3966. after Christ's Nativity 4. NOw Archelaus met a new obsâ—acle at Rome Ant. lib. 17. cap. 17. for the Jews who before the Sedition with the lieve of Varus were gone to Rome to crave the liberty of their Countrey Ethnarcha Ruler or Governour Those who went as Ambassadours in their Countrey 's behalf were fifty in number and they were assisted by more than eight thousand Jews that lived at Rome The Jews call Archelaus in question Whereupon Caesar called a Council of the Nobility of Rome in the stately Temple of Apollo which he had built on Mount Palatine The whole Body of the I Jews appeared with the Legats against Archelaus and his friends Archelaus's Kindred neither came with him nor with the rest of the Jews with him they would not joyn for envy and with the Jews they durst not for shame Amongst them also was Philip the Brother of Archelaus whom Varus sent in courteous manner to assist his Brother or to the end that if it should please Caesar to divide Herod's Kingdom among his Children he might have a part The Ambassadours spoke first and began to declaim against Herod's Memory First of all they said that they found him not a King but the most cruel Tyrant that ever was and that he had murthered many and those whom he left alive endured such misery as they thought themselves far more unhappy than those that were so butchered A bitter Accusation of the Jews against Herod and his Sons For said they he was not only contented K to tear his Subject's bodies with torments but also defaced and ruined the Cities of his own Countrey to adorn and beautifie the Cities of Strangers And he permitted Forreigners to massacre the Jews without revenge And instead of their ancient and wonted happiness which Judea enjoyed by a Religious observation of the Laws the Countrey was by him made so poor and so wasted with Injustice that within these few years that Herod reigned they have suffered more Murthers and Massacres than all their Ancestors had from the time of their departure out of Babylon in the Reign of Xerxes
that they had punishment sufficient in losing all that which they had laid out and bestowed upon him F CHAP. VI. Of the Banishment and Death of Archelaus ARchelaus being now made Prince Ant. lib. 17. cap. 19. remembred the contests past and in revenge thereof Archelaus banished for his Tyranny and his goods confiscated he ill treated not only the Jews but also the Samaritans But in the ninth year of his Reign the Jews and Samaritans sent Ambassadours against him to Caesar by whom he was banished to Vienna a City of Gallia and all his Goods confiscated 'T is reported that before he was summoned to appear before Caesar he had a strange Dream Archelaus's Dream of the Oxen and ears of Corn. in which he saw nine great Ears of Corn devoured by Oxen and G presently sending for some Chaldeans he demanded what that Dream betokened Some interpreted it one way and some another but one Simon an Essean told him that the nine Ears of Corn betokened the number of years he had reigned and the Oxen signified the change of his Fortune for as much as these creatures in labouring H the Land turned up and altered the face of it And therefore nine years being past since he had been established Prince he was to prepare himself for death Five days after this Interpretation Archelaus was sent for to Rome to answer before Augustus the things whereof he was accused I have also thought it worth rehearsing to set down the Dream of his Wife Glaphyra Daughter to Archelaus King of Cappadocia who was first married to Alexander Brother to this man and Son to King Herod by whom he was put to death as we have said before After whose death she was married to Juba King of Lybia and he being dead she returned home to her Father where living in her Widowhood Archelaus refusing Mariamne marrieth Glaphyra Archelaus the Ethnarch beholding her was so inflamed with her love that presently he divorced his Wife Mariamne and married her Soon I after she came into Judaea she dreamed that she saw Alexander her first Husband standing before her and saying unto her Glaphyra saw Alexander in her sleep It had been enough for thee to have married the King of Lybia but thou not contented therewith comest again to my house greedy of a third Husband and which is worst of all art now married to mine own Brother I will not conceal nor dissemble this injury which thou dost me but I will recover thee against thy will And she scarcely lived two days after she had related this Dream to her friends CHAP. VII K Of Judas the Galilean who established a fourth Sect and of the three Sects amongst the Jews AFter that Archelaus's Dominions were reduced into a Province Ant. lib. 18. cap. 12. a certain Roman Knight called Coponius was made Governour thereof During his Administration The year of the World 3973. after Christ's Nativity 11. a certain Galilean named Judas incited his Countrey-men to revolt reproaching them for paying Tribute to the Romans and for being subject to any but to God This Judas was Author of a new Sect of his own devising nothing like other Sects For there are three Sects of Philosophers amongst the Jews one is that of the Pharisees L Three Sects among the Jews of which the Esseans were the best another of the Sadducees and the third of the Esseans which is the most famous of all the three The Esseans are Jews born but live in the greatest union together imaginable They consider all Pleasures as Vices that are to be avoided and esteem Continence and Victory over the Passions as the greatest Vertues They reject Marriage and account other men's Children put to them to be taught whilst young The Esseans Doctrine of Marriage as their own Kins-men whom they diligently instruct in their Manners and Opinions not for that they condemn Marriage and Propagation of Mankind but to avoid women's incontinence for they think that none of them keep themselves true to one man Among the Esseans goods are common Also they contemn Riches and all things with them are common and no man amongst them is richer than other And they have a Law amongst themselves M that whosoever will embrace their Sect he must make his Goods common for so neither any amongst them seems abject for Poverty nor any great for Riches but they have as it were all equal Patrimonies like Brethren They account it a shame to anoint the body with Oyl and if any man though against his Will be anointed therewith they use all diligence to wipe it away And they account themselves fine enough if their Cloaths be white They have amongst them Stewards to oversee all things for their common benefit who are chosen from amongst them by a common consent Their Revenue is distributed according to the need that every one haâ—h The Esseans Hospitality They have not one certain City but are dispersed in many Cities and if any of their Sect though a stranger come to them from another place they give N him any thing they have as if he were their ancient Acquaintance In like manner they go boldly to those whom they never in their lives saw before as though they were familiarly acquainted with them And therefore when they take a journey they only arm themselves against Thieves and carry nothing with them else In every City there is one appointed whose Office is to receive and lodge those of their Sect that come thither and to see that they neither want Cloaths nor any thing else necessary for them The Esseans Appâ—â—el All Children under Government brought up by them go apparelled alike and they never change their Apparel nor Shooes except they have worn out their first Apparel Among themselves they neither buy nor sell but every man that hath any thing which another wanteth giveth him it and taketh that of O him which himself needeth yea every one of them may take any thing he hath need of from whom he pleaseth without any change Above all towards God they A are very Religious for before the Son rise they speak of nothing but holy things and then they make certain Vows and Prayers after the custom of their Countrey as it were praying that God would please to make it rise upon the earth After this every one is dismissed to practice the Art he knoweth And when every one hath diligently laboured till eleven a clock Their Religion and labour they all meet together again and being covered with linen cloaths they wash their bodies with cold water and having thus purged themselves they go to their Cells into which no man that is not of their Sect is admitted And then they come to the Refectory as into a holy Temple where all sitting down with silence there is set before every man in order a loaf and a little mess of pottage
already placed Caesar's Statues in their Temples among those of their gods and herein they did as it were revolt from the Emperour and affront him their Governour who represented his person They answered it was against the Laws and Customs of their Country for it was not lawful for them to have the Image of God much less of a man and that they were not only forbidden by the Law to have an Image in the Temple but also to have it in any prophane place Petronius replied if you observe your Laws so religiously I must also observe my Lord's command for if I do not but spare you O I shall be justly punished and 't is not to me but to him you must make your addresses for I my self as well as you am subject to him At these words the whole A multitude cried out together that before they would see their Religion violated they would willingly expose themselves to any danger When the noise of the people was ceased Petronius said Are ye then prepared and minded to fight against Caesar The Jews answered No we every day offer sacrifices for Caesar and the Romans But if Caesar must needs place his Image in the Temple he must first kill us all with our wives and children The constancy of the Jews Hereat Petronius greatly marvelled and was moved to compassion when he beheld the constancy of the Jews in their Religion and so great a multitude prepared to die for it And for that time they departed nothing being done The next day following he assembled only the Nobility of the Jews Petronius once more assembleth the Jews and threatens them and spoke to them both generally and one by one exhorting them to obey B Caesar's command and sometime admonishing them otherwhile threatning them and putting them in mind of the power of the Romans and Caesar's indignation and that he must of necessity do as he was commanded But they were moved by none of these Whereupon Petronius fearing the ground would be left untilled for it was now seed-time and all the people had remained idle in the City for fifty days space calling them together he said that he would go about a thing which might greatly endanger him self Petronius sendeth to Caesar and signifieth the Jews supplication For said he I will either God assisting me appease Caesar's wrath or else I will lose mine own life to save such a multitude as you are And dismissing the people who made daily prayers to God for him he led his Army from Ptolemais to Antioch from whence he presently sent to Caesar in all haste recounting C to him with how great an Army he went into Judea and that all the whole Nation made supplication to him whose request and humble suit if he denied he must utterly destroy the men and their Country for they remained resolute in their Countrey-religion and vehemently resisted any new Law Caius writ an answer of these Letters to Petronius threatning him that it should cost him his life because he made no more haste to execute his command The messengers that brought these Letters were tossed in a tempest upon the Sea three whole months together Petronius receives letters of Caesar's death but others coming after them to bring news of Caius's death had a prosperous wind so Petronius received the Letters of Caius Caesar's death twenty seven days before the other threatning Letters came D CHAP. V. The Roman Army declares Claudius Emperour Of the Reign and Death of Agrippa CAius Caesar being assassinated The year of the World 4005. after Christ's Nativity 43. after he had reigned three years and six months Claudius was made Emperour by the Army which was at Rome The Senate by the instigation of the Consuls Sentius Saturninus and Pomponius Secundus commanded three Legions of Soldiers to keep the City during the Council holden in the E Capitol Ant. lib. 19. cap. 3. and abhorring Caius Caesar's cruelty they determined to fight against Claudius and to reduce the Empire to the ancient Government that as before-time so for ever after Caius reigned three years and six months those should rule that the Senate judged worthy It chanced that at this time Agrippa came to Rome and the Senate sent to him requesting him to come and take place in their Council Claudius also desired him to take part with the Army intending to use his help where need required Agrippa is chosen both betwixt the Senate and Claudius for an arbiter Agrippa perceiving that Claudius was in a manner already Emperour for his power he took part with him who presently sent him as Ambassadour to the Senate to tell them his purpose how that first of all the Soldiers whether he would or no set him in that dignity and it had been in him an undiscreet part to have forsaken such an offer from the Soldiers who F did it for good will that if he had refused it his life had been in danger and it was sufficient danger that he had been elected Emperour Moreover he purposed to rule not as a Tyrant but as a good Prince for he would be contented only with the Title of Emperour and do nothing without the common consent of them all And although he was not naturally inclined to modest and courteous behaviour yet he had a sufficient example to beware that he abused not his authority by Caius Caesar's death The Senates answer to Agrippa Agrippa carried this message to the Senate who answered as though they trusted to their Soldiers and the Justice of their Cause that they would not thrust themselves into voluntary bondage Claudius receiving this answer sent Agrippa again to tell them that nothing could cause him to abandon them by whom he was made Emperour G and that he was forced to make war against them with whom he was very loath to contest and therefore willed them to chuse a place out of the City for the battel to be fought in for it stood with no reason to deface the City with civil wars and Massacres for the obstinacy of some few Agrippa did this message also to the Senate H and one of the Soldiers that were for the Senate drew his Sword and said Fellow Soldiers what should move us to massacre our Friends and Kindred and Parents who follow Claudius especially seeing we have an Emperour with whom we can find no fault unto whom we should rather go forth with Congratulations than with Arms. When he had said this he passed thorough the midst of the Court and all the Soldiers followed him The Senate The Senate follow the Soldiers to Claudius being thus left desolate and abandoned by their Forces began to be in great fear and seeing it was no standing out for them they followed the Soldiers and went to Claudius Before the City Walls there met them some that endeavour-to shew themselves dutiful to Claudius for his Fortunes sake who
upon the Samaritans lest thereby they moved the Romans to destroy Jerusalem but to be merciful to their Countrey the Temple their Wives and Children and not at once hazard D all Conspiracy in Robbery and overthrow their whole Countrey and Nation in revenging the death of one Galilean The Jews hereby were pacified and departed At the same time there were many that made it their Trade to rob and steal as most commonly people by long peace grow insolent so that they robbed in every part of the Countrey and the strongest and most audacious oppressed those that were weaker Hereupon the Samaritans went to Tyre to pray Numidius Quadratus Governour of Syria to revenge them of those that so robbed and spoiled their Countrey The chief men of the Jews went thither also and Jonathas the Son of Ananus who was High Priest defended the Jews against the Samaritans Accusation affirming the Samaritans to have been cause of that tumult by killing the Galilean and that Cumanus was cause of the rest of their E calamities who refused to punish the murtherers Quadratus for that time sent away both Parties promising them that when he came into their Countrey he would diligently enquire of the matter And coming from thence to Caesarea he crucified all those whom Cumanus had made Prisoners Quadratus Governour of Syria heareth the Samaritans and Jews And departing from thence to Lydda he heard the Samaritans complaints and sent for eighteen men whom he understood for certain to have been in that broil and beheaded them and sent the two High-Priests Jonathas and Ananias Quadratus giveth Sentence betwixt the Jews and Samaritans and his Son Ananus with some of the most considerable Jews to Caesar and also the chief of the Samaritans He likewise commanded Cumanus and Celer the Tribune to go to Rome and justifie themselves to Claudius for that which they had done in that Countrey F This done he went from Lydda to Jerusalem and finding there the multitude celebrating the Feast of Unleavened Bread without any tumult or disorder he returned to Antioch Claudius's Sentence against some Samaritans Cumanus and Celer Caesar at Rome hearing the Allegations of Cumanus and the Samaritans Agrippa was also there earnestly defending the Cause of the Jews as also Cumanus was assisted by many Potentates he pronounced sentence against the Samaritans and commanded three of their chief Nobility to be put to death and banished Cumanus and sent Celer the Tribune bound to Jerusalem that the Jews might draw him about the City and then cut off his head This done he sent Faelix Brother to Pallas to govern Judaea Samaria and Galilee And he preferred Agrippa from Chalcis to a greater Kingdom making him King of that Province whereof Philip had been Tetrarch to G wit Claudius dies and Nero succeeds him Trachonitis Batanaea and Gaulanitis adding thereunto the Kingdom of Lysania and the Tetrarchy whereof Varus had been Governour Claudius having reigned thirteen years eight months and thirty days departed this life leaving Nero to succeed him The year of the world 4014. after Christ's Nativity 52. whom by the perswasions of his Wife Agrippina he adopted to the Empire though H he had a lawful Son of his own named Britannicus by his former Wife Messalina and a Daughter called Octavia whom he married to Nero He had also another Daughter by Agrippina named Antonia How Nero abused his Wealth and Felicity and how he slew his Brother Nero killeth his Brother his Mother and Wife Mother and his Wife and afterwards raged against all his Kinddred and how in a mad vein he became a Player on a Stage because it requireth a long Narration I will speak nothing thereof CHAP. XII I Of the Tumult in Judaea under Felix BUt I think my self to relate particularly the Actions of this Emperour towards the Jews The year of the World 4018. after Christ's Nativity 56. He made Aristobulus Herod's Son King of the lesser Armenia and added to Agrippa's Kingdom four Cities and the Territories belonging unto them Two of them Abila and Julias were in the Countrey of Peraea the other Tarichaea and Tiberias Ant lib. 20. cap. 11. were in Galilee And he made Felix Governour over the rest of Judaea This Felix took Eleazar Captain of the Thieves after he had robbed and spoiled the Countrey twenty years Foelix surpriseth Eleazar the Captain of the Thieves and many others and sends them bound to Rome and many more with him and sent them bound to Caesar and he crucified a great number of them who either were Thieves and his Confederates or K else had assisted him The Countrey was no sooner cleansed from these but presently another sort of Thieves arose in Jerusalem called Sicarii from their short Swords who at high Noon in the midst of the City killed many in every place and especially at the celebrating of Holy Feasts they mixed themselves with the multitude having short Swords under their coats and therewith killed those to whom they bare any grudge Another sort of Thieves who at noon days went about the City to murther men and when men fell down dead they amongst the rest cried out of the murther By this deceitful means they were a long time unsuspected and unknown And first of all they killed Jonathan the High Priest and after him every day some were slain and the City was put in no less fear than if it had been in a time of War for each man every moment expected death and cast a diligent eye upon those that came L near him Jonathan the High Priest with many others slain and no man trusted his familiar friends and yet were they murthered whilst they were looking about them to escape danger So cunningly did these Thieves cover and conceal their actions Moreover there arose another sort of mischievous people Ant. lib. 20. cap. 12. who did not so much harm with their hands as the first but with their impious counsel more and did no less trouble the quiet Estate of the City than did the Thieves These people being Vagabonds and Juglers desiring alteration under pretence of Religion made the people frantick for they led them into the Wilderness affirming that there God would shew them tokens of his purpose to set them at liberty Foelix perceiving that these Assemblies tended to Rebellion sent an Army of Horse and Foot against these people and killed many of them M But a certain Egyptian An Egyptian Prophet gathereth well nigh thirty thousand men a false Prophet occasioned a far greater Massacre among the Jews than this for being a Magician he came into the Countrey and calling himself a Prophet he gathered unto him almost thirty thousand Jews who were by his Magick Arts seduced and leading them from the Wilderness to Mount Olivet he determined from thence to go to Jerusalem and to drive thence the Forces of the Romans and there
For two Legions only placed in the City keep all the great Countrey of Egypt and the Nobility of Macedon in awe Now since all the inhabited World is subject to the Romans what Associates will you have from some Countrey not inhabited to aid you against the Romans Except peradventure some of you hope for help from beyond Euphrates and that your Countrey-men of Adiabena K will help you But they will not entangle themselves in these dangerous Wars without reasonable cause and if they would consent to so bad counsel the Parthians will not suffer them For they are careful to maintain their League with the Romans and would think it violated God's favour towards the Romans if any under their Dominions should war against them It remaineth then that you must only trust that God will help you but you see God doth assist the Romans For it is impossible that such an Empire should have been without the help of God Besides consider that although you were to war against far weaker than yrur selves yet you could not promise to your selves favourable success and it may so come to pass that if you Religiously observe the custom of Sabbaths and in them do nothing it will not be hard to conquer you For so your Ancestors found by experience with Pompey who designed all his Enterprizes L for that day wherein his enemies were idle and made no resistance But if in War ye transgress your Countrey laws I know not then for what you should rebel For truly all of you at this time are of that mind that you take Arms to maintain your Countrey Laws And I pray you The last Argument that proveth the Jews destitute of God's and man's help and unapt to make War how will you request help at God's hands if wilfully you break his Laws All that begin War either trust in Humane Riches or Divine Succour and they that war having no probability to hope for any of those wilfully lead themselves into open destruction But if you cannot resist the passion which transports you let every man with his own hands butcher his Wife and Children and consume this goodly Countrey with fire for so you shall gain this not to abide the shame of a Conquest It is good O Friends it is good whilst yet the Ship is in the Haven to fore-see and provide for future Tempests and not M then begin to fear Whilst the Ship is yet in the Port it is good to prevent the future Tempest when you are amidst the Waves and Surges of the Sea They who fall into misery not fore-seen are worthy to receive compassion but they that run into wilful calamity deserve no pity but reproach Vnless perhaps ye think that the Romans will fight with you on certain conditions and that if they overcome you they will not use you hardly nor fire and destroy this Sacred City and all the whole Nation as they have done others If ye be overcome whoso escapeth unkilled can have no place of refuge for all Nations either are already subject to the Romans Agrippa's Prophecy of the Jews future misery or fear that they shall be shortly So that not only you shall be in danger but also all Cities wherein any Jews remain For there is no Nation nor people in the whole World among whom some of your Countrey-men are not who all shall be most cruelly put to death if you rebel And for the wicked counsel of a N few men all Cities shall flow with the blood of the Jews and no man shall be punished for killing Jews because of your offence But if you think the Romans will not execute all this Outrage after your Rebellion then consider how impious a thing it is to rebel against so mild Governours Take compassion if not of your Children and Wives yet at the least of this City which is the Mother-city of all your Nation Have some regard to these Holy Walls and the Sanctuary and your Holy Laws Assure your selves that if the Romans again overcome you Agrippa protesteth that he had omitted no counsel that he thought expedient for the Jews they will not spare these things seeing you were no more grateful unto them for preserving them before I protest before God your Holy Temple and all the Angels of Heaven and our whole Countrey that I have kept back no counsel which I think profitable for you Now if you consider those things which are profitable for you ye shall live with me O in peace But if you follow your private passions I will not be partaker of the miseries and dangers you thrust your selves into King Agrippa thus ended his discourse which his A Sister Bernice standing by him accompanied with her tears And these reasons and testimonies of affection touched the hearts of the people so that their fury being somewhat allayed they cryed out that they meant not to take Arms against the Romans and Caesar but against Florus for the injuries he had done them To this Agrippa answered But your deeds shew that you mean War against the Romans for you have not paid your Tribute to Caesar and you have beat down the Gallery which joyns the Temple to the Castle of Antonia But if you would stop your Rebellion repair with speed the Gallery and pay your Tribute for this Fort belongeth not to Florus nor the Money Herewith the people were content and ascending into the Temple with Agrippa and Bernice they began to re-edifie the Gallery and the Officers went about and gathered B the Tribute in every Village and quickly brought forty Talents for so much money was behind And thus Agrippae stifled the beginning of the War After this he began to perswade the people to obey Florus Agrippa the King is by the people driven out of the City with stones till such time as another were sent to supply his place Herewith the multitude was so moved that they contumeliously reviled the King and threw stones at him and drave him out of the City The King seeing that their Sedition would not be quieted complaining of the injury done to him he sent some persons of the best rank to Florus who was at Caesarea that he might chuse whom he would amongst them to gather the Tribute thorough the whole Countrey And so he departed into his own Kingdom C CHAP. XVII Of the Rebellion which the Jews begun against the Romans AT this time some of the chief Incendiaries assembled together suddenly assaulted a Castle called Massada The Jews refuse Caesar's Sacrifices for the prosperity of the Romans which they took by surprise and killed all the Romans and in their places put a Guard of their own Company In the Temple also Eleazar Son of the High Priest Ananias a bold and desperate young man Captain of the Soldiers perswaded them who offered Sacrifices not to offer any but those that were D given by Jews And this was
the ground and cause of the War that ensued For they rejected those Sacrifices that were wont to be offered in the name of the Emperour And although the High Priests and People of Account requested them not to omit that Custom of sacrificing for their Kings and Governours yet they refused so to do trusting greatly to their Faction All those of the City that desired alteration were of this mind and especially Eleazar who at that time was General as is before said Wherefore all the chief men High Priests and Principal of the Pharisees assembled themselves and perceiving into how great danger those Rebels brought the City they determined to make tryal of the courage of the seditious people Wherefore they assembled them together before the Brazen Gate which was in the inner part of E the Temple towards the East And first of all they greatly complained of their rash and unadvised Rebellion and that they sought to stir up so great a War against their Countrey inveighing against the cause that moved them thereto as being without reason Telling them that their Ancestors for the most part adorned the Temple with the Gifts of Gentiles never refusing the Offerings of Strangers and not only not refused their Offerings for that were an impious fact but also placed in the Temple the Gifts that they sent which were yet to be seen And that it was strange that now only they thought to provoke the Romans to War by making new Laws And besides other danger also to make the City guilty of a great Crime in matter of Religion as though it were such wherein none might offer Sacrifice but F Jews Against those who refuse Forreign Sacrifices nor any but they adore God If we should make such a Law against any private person he had just cause to accuse us of Inhumanity But now the Romans are despised and Caesar himself accounted prophane and it was to be feared that if the Jews disdained to accept of Caesar's Offerings Caesar would hinder them from offering any And the City of Jerusalem would presently be accounted as an enemy to the Empire None of the Seditious gave ear to those that were in Authority unless they presently accepted Caesar's Sacrifice and before such time as they heard these news against whom this outrage was attempted Having thus spoken they brought forth the most learned amongst the Priests to recount from time to time how their Ancestors had always accepted of the Sacrifices of Strangers But none of the Mutineers gave ear to any thing that was said Ambassadors sent to Florus and Agrippa against the Seditious and the Levites came G not to serve at the Altar as now preparing for War When the Nobility saw that they could not appease this Sedition and that they themselves should first feel the Romans power they devised all means to pacifie the Tumult and sent some Deputies to Florus the chief whereof was Simon the Son of Ananias others also were sent to H Agrippa of which the chief were Saul Antipas and Costobarus who were all a kinn to the King requesting them both to come with an Army to the City and suppress the Sedition which was raised before it went further Florus was glad of these tidings and desiring nothing more than War War in Jerusalem between the Seditious and those that favoured Peace gave no answer to the Deputies But Agrippa willing to spare both parts as well the Good as the Rebels and to preserve Judaea to the Romans and the Temple to the Jews thought it not meet for him to busie himself in such affairs but sent three thousand Horse to aid the people against the Rebels Which Horse were of Auranitis Batanaea and Trachonitis and he made Darius their Captain and Philip Son of Joakim General of all the Army These coming into the City the Nobility with the High Priests and the rest of the people that desired Peace I received this succour in good part and quartered them in the higher part of the City for the Rebels kept the lower part and the Temple The War began instantly with Darts and Slings and shooting of Arrows and sometimes they encounter'd one another hand to hand The Seditious were more valiant but the King's Soldiers were more skilful in War and chiefly endeavoured to get the Temple and expel out of it those who thus prophaned it The Rebels with Eleazar endeavoured besides that which they had already to get also into their hands the higher part of the City Wherefore during the space of seven days there continued a great Conflict betwixt them and either part kept what they had When the Celebration of the Feast called Xylophoria was come Xylophoria a Feast wherein every one carrieth Wood to the Temple to keep a K fire continually upon the Altar the Rebels would not suffer their enemies to do their Devotion Now many of the Sicarii or Thieves who carried short Poyniards under their Coats went amongst the weaker multitude and boldly followed their old practice By which The King's Soldiers are overcome those of the King's side were forced to leave the higher part of the City which the Rebels presently entring set the Palaces of Ananias Agrippa and Bernice on fire and forthwith went to the place where all Charters were kept purposing there to burn all Bounds and Obligations of Debtors thereby to defraud the Creditors and so to joyn all the Debtors to their Faction and stir up all the poor people against the rich The Keepers of these publick Writings fleeing the seditious persons set all on L fire And so having destroyed those Records which were in a manner the publick Estate of the City they addressed themselves against such as refused their Proceedings Some of the High Priests and Nobles hid themselves in Vaults others fleeing with the King's Soldiers into the higher Palace locked up the doors after them amongst whom was Ananias the High Priest and Ezechias his Brother and they who as is before spoken were sent Deputies to Agrippa And so the Seditious were satisfied that day with the Victory and firing of the houses aforesaid The next day The Jews take Antonia and burn it which was the fifteenth of August they assaulted the Castle Antonia having besieged it two days they took all that guarded it and killed them and placed in it a Garrison of their own company This done they went to the King's Palace whither M Agrippa's Soldiers were fled and dividing their Company into four parts they began to pull down the Walls none of them that were within durst come out for fear of the multitude but went up to the Turrets of the Palace and killed all those that offered to come up and many of the Thieves under the Walls with things that they cast down This Conflict continued day and night for the Rebels thought that those within could not hold out long for want of Victuals and they within
was so populous yet I think they spared them only for pity sake because they saw they were D quiet and not seditious The Inhabitants also of Gerasa did no harm to the Jews amongst them but when they desired to depart they conducted them safely to the end of their Borders In the Kingdom also of Agrippa much cruelty was shewed against the Jews for he being gone to Cestius Gallus at Antioch left the Rule of his Countrey to one of his Friends named Varus Kinsman to King Sohemus to whom there came seventy of the chief Nobility of the Countrey of Batanaea requesting a Garrison to repress those that should attempt Rebellion amongst them Varus kills seventy Jews in their journey Varus instead of receiving them well sent certain of the King's Soldiers by night and killed them all as they were coming to him He committed this Murther without Agrippa his consent only for Avarice But being emboldened by this Fact he ruined the whole Realm E still continuing such Cruelties and Violences against his Nation till such time as Agrippa understood thereof who for Sohemus's sake durst not put him to death but dispossessed him of his place In the mean while the Revolters took the Castle of Cypros which is situate above Jericho The Romans yield up their Castle in Macheron to the Jews and after they had killed the Garrison they destroyed the Fortress At the same time a multitude of Jews laid Siege before the Castle of Macheron and perswaded the Soldiers left in Garrison to yield the Castle who fearing that if they denyed they should be compelled thereto delivered it to them upon condition that they might quietly depart Which done the Jews place a strong Garrison in it F CHAP. XXI Fifty thousand Jews slain at Alexandria THe Citizens of Alexandria had always a quarrel against the Jews that lived with them since the time that Alexander the Great for their help against the Egyptians permitted them to inhabit Alexandria and to have the same Privileges with the Grecians This Honour and Privilege was also continued to them by the Successors of Alexander who also gave them a certain place in the City to dwell in that they G might live more commodiously and not be mingled with the Gentiles And permitted them also to call themselves Macedonians Afterwards when Egypt was brought under the rule of the Romans neither Caesar nor the following Emperors diminished the Jews Privileges which Alexander had given them But there were daily contests H between them and the Greeks and although the Judges on both parts still punished those that were in fault yet the Sedition more and more encreased and though all Cities else were filled with Troubles yet here the Tumult was most vehement For when the Alexandrians had called together the people Sedition in Alexandria between the Greeks and Jews to determine of an Embassage to Nero certain Jews mingled themselves amongst the Greeks and so went into the Amphitheatre Who being espyed by their Adversaries the Greeks cryed out that the Jews were enemies and came as Spies and so they laid violent hands upon them Some of them fled only three of them were taken by the Greeks whom they drew to a place to burn them alive All the Jews of the City came to succour them and I first they threw stones at them and then taking fire-brands they ran in a rage into the Amphitheatre and threatned to burn all the people there assembled which they had done Tiberius Alexander exhorteth the seditious Jews to keep peace if Tiberius Alexander Governour of the City had not appeased their fury who did not at first use Force of Arms against them but sent some of their chief men to perswade them to cease and not to incite the Roman Army against them But the seditious Jews refused this advice and mocked Tiberius Who seeing that they would not otherwise be appeased sent two Legions of Romans and five thousand other Soldiers who by chance came out of Lybia and gave them charge not only to kill them but also to fire their houses and take their Goods The Soldiers presently went into the place called Delta where the Jews were gathered together and did as they were commanded though not without a bloody Victory For the Jews gathering themselves K together placed those amongst them that were best armed in the Front who held out for a long time But when they began to flee they were massacred like Beasts some of them were killed in the field some were burnt in their houses the Romans first taking what they found and sparing neither Infants nor Old men but killing all Ages and Sexes A cruel victory wherein fifty thousand Jews were slain So that all that place flowed with blood for there were slain fifty thousand Jews and all the rest had been extinguished had not Alexander moved to compassion by their entreaties commanded the Soldiers to leave off who being obedient to him presently departed But the people of Alexandria were hardly withdrawn from the Massacre because of the hatred which they had conceived against the Jews and with much ado they were withheld from tyrannizing over the L dead bodies And this befel the Jews of Alexandria CHAP. XXII Of the Massacre of the Jews by Cestius Gallus CEstius Gallus now thought it time to bestir himself Huge companies of the Romans for as much as the Jews were now hated every where and taking with him the twelfth Legion out of Antioch two thousand chosen Foot and four Companies of Horse out of the other Legions M and with them the King's Forces that came to help him to wit two thousand Horsemen of Antioch three thousand Foot all Bow-men and three thousand Foot sent by Agrippa a thousand Horse and four thousand which Sohemus brought whereof the third part were Horse the rest Foot and for the most part Bow-men he went towards Ptolemais Many joyned themselves to them out of every City who though they were not so skilful in War as the Romans yet their hatred was more than theirs Agrippa himself was there with Cestius Zabulon a strong City of Galilee spoiled and burnt commanding those he brought There Cestius taking a part of the Army went to Zabulon which is the strongest City of Galilee called also Andron and parts the Borders of the Jews from Ptolemais and when he found it desolate of Inhabitants who were fled into the Mountains but full of Riches N giving licence to the Soldiers to sack it he afterwards set it on fire although he admired the beauty thereof for it was not inferior to Tyre or Sidon or Beritum and after spoiled all the Territories about it When he had burnt all the Villages thereabout he returned to Ptolemais The Syrians and especially those of Berith stayed still behind to get Booties The Jews kill two thousand Syrians Which when the Jews understood and that Cestius was departed they took
courage and came and set upon them and killed of them two thousand Cestius departing from Ptolemais went to Caesarea and sent part of his Army before to Joppa The Romans take Joppa and burn it and kill eight thousand four hundred Jews commanding them to keep the Town if they could get it and if the Townsmen made any resistance that then they should stay till he came with the rest of the Army Some of them attacked it by Sea some by Land by which O means they easily took it The people thereof had neither time to flee nor to prepare themselves to fight but they were all killed with their Families After the sacking A of the Town they set it on fire The slain were 8400. In like manner he sent part of his horsemen to Narbatena in the Toparchy near Samaria who spoiled the Country killed a great number of the inhabitants rob'd and burnt the villages and carried away much booty with them CHAP. XXIII Of Cestius his Battel against Jerusalem B HE sent also Cesennius Gallus Sephoris and other Cities of Galilee do friendly entertain the Romans General of the twelfth Legion into Galilee and gave him as many other Troops as he thought sufficient to conquer that nation The strongest City of Galilee called Sephoris open'd the gates to them and other Cities followed their example They that were seditious and gave themselves to robbing retir'd to the Mountain of Azamon which is situate in the midst of Galilee over against Sephoris These Gallus went to attacque with his Army and so long as they kept the higher part of the Mountain they easily repelled the Romans and killed above 200 of them but when they saw the Romans had gain'd a higher place than that wherein they kept they resisted no longer for not being armed they could not stand out and if they should have fled they could not have escaped the Horsemen so that C only a few who hid themselves in difficult places escaped Two thousand seditious slain in Galilee by the Romans and above 2000 of them were slain Gallus finding he had no more to do in Galilee returned with his troops to Caesarea and Cestius with his whole Army went to Antipatris were understanding that a great company of Jews were gathered together in the Tower called Aphec Antipatris spoiled and burned he sent some before to attacque them but the Jews would not abide battel and the Romans burnt their Tents and the Villages adjoyning Cestius going from thence to Lydda found the City desolate Lydda burnt for all the people were gone to Jerusalem because of the Feast of Tabernacles Câ—stius planteth his Army fifty furlongs from Jerusalem and when he had killed fifty persons whom he found there he fired the Town and went by Bethoron to Gabaon which is but fifty furlongs distant from Jerusalem When the Jews saw the War draw near their D capital City they left their solemnity and run to their arms and having got together a great multitude The assault and victory of the Jews against the Romans they went to fight with the Romans observing no order nor regarding the Sabbath which formerly they held in so great estimation and the same fury that made them leave their devotion made them also victorious in the battel for they assaulted the Romans with such courage that they brake their body and killing all that resisted pressed into the midst thereof and if a fresh supply both of Horse and Foot had not come in in time all Cestius's Army had been in danger There were slain five hundred and fifteen Romans whereof four hundred were Foot and the rest Horse but of the Jews only two and twenty The most valiant in this combat were Monobazus and Cenelaeus Kinsmen to Monobazus King E of Adiabena and next to them Paraides Niger and Silas a Babylonian who had fled to the Jews from King Agrippa whom he had lately served But at length the Jews being repulsed The courage of the Jews against the Romans returned to Jerusalem and Simon the Son of Gioras attacqued the Romans as they were returning towards Bethoron and slew many of the Rereward and took many Carts and much Baggage which he brought into the City Cestius staied three days in the Field and the Jews kept the high places observing which way he would go with a purpose to set upon the Romans if they stirr'd F CHAP. XXIV Of the Siege of Jerusalem by Cestius and of the Massacre AGrippa perceiving the Romans to be in great danger because all the Mountains were covered with infinite numbers of Jews he purposed to try if with gentle words he could perswade them to desist from war or if some refused to receive those that were willing Wherefore he sent unto them Borcaeus and Phoebus two of his Captains whom they well knew with charge to promise them pardon in the name of Cestius The Rebels kill one of the Kings Ambassadors another of them escaped being wounded and of the Romans for all that they had already done if they would lay down their Arms and return to their duty But the Revolters fearing that all G the multitude in hope of safety would joyn with Agrippa determined to kill these Deputies and they slew Phoebus before he spake a word Borcaeus being wounded escaped But the people were angry hereat and with stones and clubs drave them into the Town that were the authors of this fact Cestius perceiving them divided H among themselves thought that he had now a fit opportunity to assault them and so came upon them with his whole Army and putting them to flight he pursued them to Jerusalem And when he had pitched his Tents in the place called Scopus Cestius draweth forth his whole Army against the Jews seven furlongs from the City he did nothing against it for three days space perhaps hoping that they within would relent and in the mean time he sent a great many Soldiers into the Vilages adjoyning to fetch Corn. The fourth day which was the thirteenth of October he came against the City with his Army in battel array The Jews were so surpriz'd and terrified to behold the Roman Discipline that they forsook the outmost parts of the City and retir'd into the Temple Cestius passing Betheza burnt Scenopolis and the place called the new Market and coming I to the higher part of the City he took up his quarters near the King's Palace and if at any time he had violently given the assault he had taken the City and ended the War But Tyrannus Priscus General of the Foot and many other Rulers and Captains of the Horse being corrupted with money by Florus hindred that his purpose whereby the War was prolonged and a thousand Calamities befel the Jews In the mean time many of the chiefest among the Jews Divers Jews call for Cestius as if they 〈…〉 to open 〈…〉 and Ananus the
guard his own person And the hirelings only excepted the rest of the Soldiers were provided for by the Cities for every N City before mentioned sent one half of their men for Soldiers and the other half they kept to provide Victuals for them that one part being employed in War the other might do such business as the City required O A CHAP. XXVI Of Joseph's danger and escape and of the malice of John of Giscala WHilst Joseph thus ordered the Estate of Galilee John a notable dissembler and a thirsty murtherer under hope of gain there arose a Traytor born in Giscala John the Son of Levias a most subtil and deceitful man who by vile means was now become the richest person in that Countrey having before been very poor and unable to put his Villanies in practice He could lie at his pleasure and thought deceit a Virtue which he used even towards his dearest friends he was also a B great Counterfeiter of Humanity and yet for the hope of gain became a cruel Murtherer He always aimed at high matters with an aspiring mind and at first nourished his hope with small Villanies For first he was a Thief alone and lived in Woods and solitary places at last he got to him a company of audacious people like himself at first small but afterwards he greatly encreased it He also had a great care to chuse no weak persons but such as were strong of body valiant of mind and skilful in Martial Affairs Of these he gathered four hundred most of them out of Tyre and the Villages thereabout and with them he wasted all Galilee and killed many of those whom the fear of War had driven thither This man long time before had desired to be General of a formed Army and aspired to greater matters only the want C of money hindred him And perceiving that Joseph considered him as a serviceable man he perswaded him to suffer him to build the Walls of that place where he was born and which was now desolate and to accomplish this he gathered great summs of money of the richer sort After which having perswaded Joseph to give order to all the Jews that were dispersed over all Syria that they should send no Oyl to the neighbouring places save only that which was made by their own Nation he caused great quantities of Oyl to be brought to the Confines of Galilee and buying four Barrels for a piece of Tyrian money which amounted to four Attick Groats he sold them again to the Syrian Jews the half of one Barrel for as much as all four cost him And for that Galilee abounded with Oyls and especially at that time he conveyed it to D such places where there was great want John employeth the money he got against him by whose means he gained it and none was brought but by himself By this means he gathered an infinite mass of Money which presently he turned to the prejudice of him who had given him licence to get it And thinking that if he could depose Joseph he might come to be Ruler over Galilee he commanded his followers to rob and spoil more than they did before and so to trouble the Countrey that he might either kill the Governour treacherously if he sought to redress it or if he neglected it to accuse him of slothfulness and so make him odious to the people Moreover he had already given out speeches that Joseph went about to betray Galilee to the Romans and he devised many things to this effect to work Joseph's Overthrow It happened that at that time Agrippa's President robbed some of the Village of Dabarita who watched in the E field set upon Ptolomey who was Steward to King Agrippa and his Sister Bernice and plundered all his Carriages wherein was much costly Apparel and many Silver Vessels and six hundred pieces of Gold And for that they could not carry this secretly they brought all the whole Booty to Joseph at Tarichea who reproving them for offering violence to the King's Servants commanded the things to be kept at the house of Aeneas who was one of the richest men in the Town and should restore them to the owner when time served wherein thinking to do himself great good he brought himself into much danger For the Thieves being offended that they received no part thereof and seeing that Joseph would restore to Agrippa and his Sister Bernice that which they had laboured for they went round about the Villages in the F night Ten thousand Armed men come out against Joseph and spred this false report in every place that Joseph was a Traytor to his Countrey and with the same rumour also they filled the Cities thereabout So that early in the next morning ten thousand men armed assembled themselves together in the Theatre at Tarichea the greatest part of them cryed out in their fury that the Traytor Joseph ought to be stoned others that he ought to be burned and John himself with one Jesus the Son of Sapphias All Joseph's Friends and Guard save four flee from him who at that time was a Magistrate in Tiberias omitted nothing to animate the people yet more against him All the Friends of Joseph and his Guards being terrified with such a multitude fled four only excepted Joseph in the mean while was asleep and had he slept a little longer they had set his house on fire The Tumult awakened him and the four that remained with him G counselled him to flee But he not dismayed for that he was left alone nor that so great a multitude came against him went boldly towards them with his Garment all torn and Ashes upon his head holding his hands behind him and his Sword upon his neck At this sight they that bare him good will especially the people of Tarichea H were moved to compassion but the Countrey people who thought he overlaid them with Taxes and Tributes cursed him and bad him bring forth the publick Treasure and confess his Treason for seeing him in this plight they thought he would not deny any thing whereof he was accused and that he came so only to move them to compassion in order to obtain pardon for his offence This his humility stood him in good stead for hereby those that before were enraged against him now began one to fall out with another in his behalf when he promised to confess the whole matter Joseph's Oration in the Seditious And having obtained licence to speak he said I was never minded to send back that money to Agrippa nor to keep it to my private use For God forbid that I should ever hold him for my friend who is your open Enemy or that I should so seek my I own profit as thereby to damnifie you all But O ye men of Tarichea for as much as I perceived that your City especially had great need to be fortified and that you were not able to
build the Walls and for that I feared the people of Tiberias and others adjoyning who still gaped after this Prey and Wealth that was taken from Agrippa I determined to get those Spoils for you to re-edifie your Walls If ye mislike this I will bring out the Treasure and give it to be divided amongst you But if you like thereof then you are obliged to defend me This Speech of his well pleased the people of Tarichea who gave him great Praises and displeased them of Tiberias so that they breathed out threatnings against him Thus they both left Joseph and contested one against another Joseph now having many K partakers for the people of Tarichea were almost forty thousand spake more boldly to the multitude and rebuked their temerity telling them that it was necessary to strengthen Tarichea with that present money and that he would also provide to strengthen other Cities and that they should not want money if they would agree and conspire together against those from whom they might get it and not offer violence to him who could procure it for them The multitude being thus deceived though they were angry yet departed Yet two thousand of those that were animated against him offered to set upon him but he being already retired into his house they there besieged him Another stratagem of Joseph against the Jews Wherefore Joseph used another device likewise to repress these and getting to the top of the house he beckned unto them with his hand to L keep silence and then said that he was ignorant what they requested at his hands for he could not hear one for another because their voices were confounded with their number but if they would send some into the house to talk friendly with him he would do whatsoever they requested The Nobles and Magistrates hearing this presently entred into the house whom when he had led into the innermost part of the house and shut the doors he caused to be beaten so long till that their ribs appeared The doors in the mean time being fast the people stayed before the house thinking that the cause of their long tarrying was to debate reasons to and fro But presently Joseph opening the doors put them forth amongst the people all bloody as they were whereat they were so daunted that leaving their Weapons behind them M they ran away John's Envy and Treason against Joseph Hereat John took occasion to encrease his hatred and jealousie against Joseph and having ill success in this policy he still attempted other plots to bring Joseph in danger First he counterfeited himself sick and requested Joseph to permit him to go to Tiberias and use the hot Baths in order to recover his health Joseph not having yet perceived his Treason writ Letters in his behalf to the Governour of the Town to provide John with good accommodation and to let him want nothing that he needed John perswadeth the Tiberians to revolt from Joseph Two days after his arrival there he went about the business which he designed and enticed some with money others with flatteries to revolt from Joseph Silas whom Joseph had made Governour of the City understanding this presently by Letters gave notice thereof to Joseph who receiving the same in the night went to N Tiberias very early in the morning All the people except those that John had corrupted went out to meet him but John notwithstanding he judged that he came against him still counterfeited himself sick in bed and sent a man of his acquaintance to excuse his absence for not coming to meet Joseph John sendeth certain Armed men to kill Joseph Then Joseph assembled the Tiberians together in a place to speak to them concerning that which was written to him And John sent armed men thither with Commandment to kill Joseph The people perceiving them to draw their Swords cryed out and Joseph at their cry looking about him and perceiving their Swords even almost at his throat he leaped down a little Hill upon the Shore which was six cubits high upon which he stood to speak to the people Joseph flees in a little Boat by the Lake And going into a boat with two of his Guard which he found there he went O into the midst of the Lake and presently his Guard taking their Weapons assaulted the Traytors Joseph fearing that a great conflict would ensue and so the whole City A for a few men's fault be destroyed sent to his Soldiers charging them only to take care for their own safety and no more and to kill none nor reprove any for that wicked fact and they forthwith obeying his Command ceased from fight But those that inhabited about the City and heard of the Treason and by whom it was attempted John fleeth in to his Countrey Giscala armed themselves and came against John but he before their coming fled to Giscala where he was born In the mean while all Galilee came and joyned with Joseph The Galileans flock to Joseph against John and there were many thousands of Armed men gathered together affirming that they came against John and to fire that City which had received him Joseph thanked them for their good will saying that he had rather conquer his enemies by moderation than by fire and Sword and therefore requested them to B be content He also published an Edict wherein he declared that all those that had rebelled with John and did not forsake him within five days next following should lose all their Estates and their houses should be sacked and set on fire Hereupon three thousand presently forsook John and came and laid down their weapons at Joseph's feet John's Treason against Joseph prostrating themselves before him so that there remained with John but two thousand fugitive Syrians By whom being assisted he again went secretly to work having had so ill success by open dealing and so he privily sent messengers to Jerusalem to accuse Joseph that he had gathered a great Army and that except he were quickly prevented he would come and usurp Dominion over the mother-Mother-city But the people understanding before of John's hatred did not regard it yet divers C rich men and Magistrates who envied Joseph secretly sent money to John to hire Forreign Soldiers that he might make War against Joseph whom they determined amongst themselves to displace And thinking that their order was not sufficient to effect it they sent moreover two thousand five hundred men and four of their Principal Nobility with them to wit Joazar the Lawyer and Ananias the Saducee and Simon and Judas the Sons of Jonathas all very eloquent men and learned in our Laws to withdraw the people's minds from Joseph giving them charge that if he of his own accord came to them then they should permit him to speak for himself but if he refused so to do then they should hold him as an enemy Joseph's Friends at Jerusalem gave him intelligence
that an Army was coming against him but for what cause D they knew not because it was kept secret And hereupon before he could prevent it four Cities revolted from him Four Cities of Galilee submit themselves to Joseph's Enemies to wit Sephoris Gamala Giscala and Tiberias which nevertheless he soon after easily recovered without Force of Arms And having taken the four Captains and Counsellors of his enemies he sent them to Jerusalem against whom the people being incensed would have killed them and those that sent them had they not fled in good time CHAP. XXVII E The Cities of Tiberias and Sephoris are recovered by Joseph NOw John Tiberias is recovered by Joseph and saved by a Stratagem for fear of Joseph kept himself within the Walls of Giscala and a few days after Tiberias revolting again from Joseph the Inhabitants called in Agrippa who came not at the day appointed only a few Roman Horse shewed themselves Joseph understanding this at Tarichea and having sent his Soldiers to fetch Corn he thought not good to go alone against the Rebels nor yet did he think it best to delay the time any longer fearing that whilst he delayed King Agrippa would come and possess the Town besides that the next day being the Sabbath he could do nothing F At length he resolved to overcome the Rebels by policy and so he commanded the Gates of Tarichea to be kept shut that his intent might not be revealed to them of Tiberias Then taking all the Boats that were in the Lake in number two hundred and thirty and in every one of them four Sailers he speedily sailed to Tiberias And when he came near the City yet so far off that the Inhabitants thereof could not easily descry him he commanded all the Boats to stop and the rowers to beat the water still as if they were rowing Joseph with seven Soldiers cometh to Tiberias and terrifieth his Enemies and taking only seven of his Guard with him unarmed he went near enough the City that they might see him When the Rebels perceived him and thought that the Boats were full of Armed men they threw down their Weapons and held up their hands to him beseeching him to spare the City Joseph with many threatning and bitter Speeches reproached them first that having undertaken G War against the Romans they with Civil Dissentions consumed their own Forces Secondly that they had sought his life from whom they ought to expect their safety and that they were not ashamed to shut the Gates against him who had built the Walls yet if any would come and talk with him and give him assurance of H their fidelity he would not refuse them So ten of the chiefest among them came to him whom he carried away in a Fisher-boat far from the City and he demanded fifty Senatours as though he required their promise also And devising new Causes he still under pretence of agreement sent first for one Joseph by a subtil policy touleth out the chiefest of Tiberias and carrieth them away in Boats to Tarichea and then for another as he thought good till he had loaded all the Boats which done he commnded all the Boatmen with all speed possible to go to Tarichea and put them in Prison so he carried away all the Council which were in number six hundred and 2000 more all whom he brought to Tarichea But they which remained in the City cried with one voice that one Clitus was cause of the revolt and therefore besought Joseph to punish him for all Clitus the Author of the sedition drawing his Sword with his right hand cut of his left Joseph told them that he would put none of them to death but commanded I one of his Guard called Levias to come and cut off Clitus his hands but he fearing to trust himself amongst so many enemies refused to do execution Clitus perceiving that Joseph was angry and ready to come out of his Boat to do it himself besought him to grant him one of his hands which Joseph did upon condition that he should cut off the other himself So Clitus drawing out his Sword with his right hand cut off his left After this manner Joseph brought Tiberias again under his subjection And within a few days after he took Giscala and Sephoris which had revolted having given the spoils thereof to his Soldiers yet afterward he restored most that was taken away to the people and the like he did to the inhabitants of Tiberias by which means he got the good will of them all K CHAP. XXVIII How the people of Jerusalem prepared themselves for War and of the Robberies of Simon Son of Gioras AFter that these broils The troubled Estate of Jerusalem which hitherto hapned only in Galilee were ceased they prepared themselves against the Romans And the chief men of Jerusalem and L Ananus the high Priest with all speed renewed and repaired the Walls and made all sorts of Instruments for war Arrows and other weapons so that all the City was busied herein and trained their men in warlike discipline All places were filled with agitation and tumult but the graver sort were very pensive and many as it were foreseeing the calamity that after ensued could not refrain from tears they that desired peace received no comfort in any thing all things were done at their beck who were cause of all this War And the Estate of the City even then before the Romans came was like a City to be destroyed But Ananus neglected that which was necessary for War and laboured to reconcile the seditious faction of those that were called Zelous Simon the Son of Gioras committeth great rapines and murthers in Acrabatena and Idumea but how he was overcome and what his end was we M will declare hereafter In the mean time one Simon the Son of Gioras in the Toparchy of Acrabatena having gathered together a multitude of seditious people robbed and spoled every where and he not only broke into rich mens houses but also beat them grievously openly exercising his Tyranny But when Ananus and the rest sent an army against him he fled to his fellow-thieves of Massada and there staid till Ananus and the rest of his Enemies were slain and then he wasted Idumea with the rest so that the Governours of that place were fain to put a Garrison in every Village so great was the number of them that were slain by these Thieves And thus stood the affairs of the Jews A THE THIRD BOOK Of the WARS of the JEVVS Written by Flavius Josephus B The Contents of the Chapters of the Third Book 1. OF the coming of Vespasian General of the Romans into Judea and of two Massacres of the Jews and how the Sephorites yielded themselves to Vespasian 2. The Description of Galilee Samaria and Judea 3. Of the Aid sent to them of Sephoris and of the military discipline amongst the
and for that the Enemies pursued them they fled into the Tower of a Town called Bezedel Antonius knowing it to be in vain to stay about the Tower that was invincible and yet loth to let the General of the Enemies escape set fire on the N Walls and so departed triumphing with the thought that Niger had been burnt But he leapt into a deep Vault in the Castle and so escaped and three dayes after he shewed himself unto his Souldiers who sought for him weeping that they might have his body for they thought him dead whom against all expectation seeing alive they were very glad as though by Gods providence he had escaped to be still their Leader Vespasian being arrived with his Army at Antioch 〈…〉 which is the mother-City of Syria for greatness and other advantages doubtless the third in the whole World and finding that King Agrippa there expected his coming he hasted with all his Forces from thence to Ptolemais 〈…〉 the Romans At this place there came to him the Citizens of Sephoris a City of Galilee who had no thought at all of Rebellion these both provident for their own O safety and well-knowing the Forces of the Romans before Vespasian came submitted A themselves to Cestius Gallus and received from him a Garrison of Souldiers and now also courteously entertaining Vespasian offered their help against their Country-men Vespasian at their request gave them a Guard of Horse and Foot so great as he thought was able to resist the force of their Enemies if the Jews should attempt any thing against them For he thought it would be a great help to him in the future War to have Sephoris on his side the greatest City of Galilee scituate in a strong place and which otherwise might be a safeguard to the whole Country CHAP. II. B The Description of Galilee Samaria and Judaea THere are two places named Galilee The Description and Scituation of the higher Galilee one called high Galilaea and the other low Galilee and they are both compassed with Phoenicia and Syria On the West Ptolemais with the limits of its Territory borders them as also does Mount Carmel which in time past belonged to Galilee but now to the Tyrians Unto which adjoyneth Gabaa which signifieth the Horsmens City so called because King Herods Horsmen were sent thither to inhabit The length and breadth of the lower Galilee On the South part it joyneth to the Samaritanes and Scythopolitanes as far as Jordan On the East part it bordereth upon Hippene Gadaris and Gaulanitis which are the Borders of King Agrippa's Country On the North it C bordereth upon Tyria The length of lower Galilee reacheth from Tiberias to Zabulon near which is Ptolemais by the Sea-Coast In breadth it reacheth from the Village Xaloth scituate in a great Plain to Bersabe where also begins the breadth of high Galilee and reacheth to the Village called Baca bordering upon the Tyrians and the length thereof is from a Village near Jordan named Thella to Meroth And though of such bigness and environed with so many Nations yet they alwayes resisted Forreign Forces For the Galileans are from their Child-hood Warlike and never daunted by fear or penury For their Country is most fruitful and abounding with all manner of Trees notwithstanding the Inhabitants take small pains in tilling the ground and there is no waste ground D The Cities are many and in every place there are Villages populous and rich so that the least Village there hath in it above 15000 inhabitants And although Galilee be less in compass than the Region beyond the River The Description of the Country beyond the Flood yet it is more populous fertile and rich than that For it is all tilled and all beareth fruit But that beyond the water though it be bigger yet it is not all inhabited for there are many Desarts and barren Places unfit to bear fruits for the nourishment of Men. Peraea hath a good soil and large plain beset with divers trees especially Olives Vines and Palm-trees and it is abundantly water'd with Brooks running from the Mountains and Springs that continually stream forth during the greatest heats of Summer The Length of this place is from Macheran to Pella The Description of the Region of Samaria the Breadth from Philadelphia E to Jordan This Town Pella lieth on the North part and Jordan on the West and the Countrey of the Moabites bordereth on the South and on the East Arabia Silbonitis Philadelphia and Gerasis Samaria is seated between Judaea and Galilee beginning at a Town called Ginea and endeth in the Toparchy of Acrabatena nothing differing in nature from Judea For both of them are full of Mountains and have rich plains and good for Tillage The Description of Jury whose middle part is Jerusalem full of Trees abounding with wild Apples and others Though they are of their nature dry yet they have rain enough and have many sweet waters and abundance of goods grass and great store of milch-Beasts and which is a great argument of wealth both places are very populous On the confines of these Countries stand Anauth a Village otherwise called Borceos which lieth on the North part of F Judaea The South part of Judaea if you measure the length extends to the Village of the Arabians called Jordan the breadth reacheth from Jordan to Joppe in the midst thereof is situate Jerusalem so that some call that City the navel of the Countrey Judaea also bordereth on the Sea-Coast The division of Judaea even unto Ptolemais It is divided into eleven portions the first is Jerusalem Head and chief of all and above all the rest as the Head is above the Body and the rest are Toparchies Gophua is the second after that Acrabatena then Thamna afterward Lydda also Emmaus Pella Idumea Engadda Herodium and Jericho besides these Jamnia and Joppa command the places adjoyning Moreover there is Gamala Gaulanitis Batanea and Trachonitis which are portions belonging to King Agrippa's Kingdom This Country beginneth at Mount Libanus G and the Fountains of Jordan and reacheth in breadth to the Lake near Tiberias And in length it reacheth from Julias to Arphas and the Inhabitants are partly Jews and partly Syrians H CHAP. III. How Aid was sent to the people of Sephoris and of the military Discipline of the Romans I Have spoken of Judaea as briefly as might be Vespasian sendeth help to the Sephorites but filleth Galilee with sword and fire and with what Countries it is environed Now Vespasian sent help to the Inhabitants of Sephoris to wit one thousand Horse and six thousand foot Placidus the Tribune being their Leader The Horsemen divided themselves into two Companies and lodged in a great Plain and the Footmen were in Garrison in the City to defend it as the Horsemen did without These I Horsemen made excursions one every side and greatly molested Joseph although he
he thought fit by the sight of his Army to terrifie his enemies and give them time to repent if any one would alter his mind before the War began Yet in the mean time he prepared all things necessary for a siege The only Rumor of his coming made many Rebels faint-hearted For Josephs Souldiers who had pitched his Tents a little from Sephoris when they knew that the enemy approch'd and that they were presently to fight with the Romans they fled not only before they fought but also before they saw them Joseph being left with a very few and knowing that he was not able to abide his enemies and that the Jews were dismayed and that if he put any trust in them 〈…〉 they would for the most part revolt to the enemies for that time abstained O from battel and thought to get himself out of Danger and so accompanied with those that remained with him he went to Tiberias A CHAP. VI. How Gadara was besieged and taken VEspatian went first to Gadara and took it easily at the first assault for all the able men and fit for War were fled out of the City The Romans entring the place put all to death without mercy partly for the hatred they had conceived against the Jews and partly in revenge of that which had befaln Cestius And they burnt the B City and all Towns and Villages adjoining some of which were already desolate and the inhabitants of the rest were made slaves Joseph's presence in the City which he had made choice of for his safeguard filled it with fear For the People of Tiberias thought he would never have fled if there had been any hope of withstanding the Romans wherein they judged not amiss for he foresaw what event the War would have and that their safety consisted only in changing their rebellious minds He himself though he hoped to obtain pardon of the Romans yet had much rather have died then lived pleasantly with them against whom he was sent and so become a Traytor to the Country comitted to his charge Wherefore he determined faithfully to write a true state of the Country to the Nobility at Jerusalem Joseph is afraid of the Romans and writeth to Jerusalem and not to extol the enemies forces too much lest they should say he was a Coward nor yet put them in any comfort lest C perhaps now penitent for what they had done they should by his Letters be incited to go foreward in their rebellious course He desir'd them presently to write an answer whether they thought good to enter into League with the Romans or if they would make War then they should send a sufficient Army against them And having written to this effect he presently sent men away to Jerusalem to carry the Letters CHAP. VII D Of the Seige of Jotapata VEspatian was very desirous to take Jotapata because he knew many of his enemies were fled thither and this was the strongest Refuge they had So he sent before some Foot and Horse with Pioneers to plain the ways which were full of ragged stones so that it was hard for Footmen to pass and altogether unpossible for Horsemen Within four dayes they effected that which they were commanded and made a large way for the Army to pass On the fifth day which was the one and twentieth of March Joseph comes to Jotapata from Tiberias Joseph before they came entred into the City coming thither from Tiberias to encourage the Jews who were dismayed A certain run-away told Vespatian E that Joseph was come thither and advised him to hasten thither for if he could take Joseph he might easily take all Judea Hereat Vespatian was very glad and took it as a good fortune that the most prudent and potent of his enemies should God so disposing put himself as it were in hold And so presently he sent Placidus before with a thousand Horsemen and with him Ebutius a man both valiant and prudent and commanded them to invest the City on all sides lest Joseph should privily escape from thence The day after he himself followed with the whole Army and about noon came to Jotapata Jotapata besieged and leading his Army to the North side of the Town he pitched his Tents upon a Hill seven stades distant from the City purposely placing himself within the view of his Enemies that the very sight of his Army might terrifie them F as it also did for presently all were in such a fear that none durst go out of the City The Romans being wearied that day would not assault the City but they beset the Gates with two Squadrons of Horse and a third that consisted of Foot was placed without to intercept all passages that none of the Jews could pass any-whither Hereupon the Jews now in desperation took heart for in War nothing is more forcible then necessity Nothing is more effectual in War or more desperate than necessity The next day began the Battery and the Jews kept themselves in order and resisted the Romans before their Walls But when Vespasian sent all the Bowmen and Slingers and other Engineers to beat them off from the Walls and he himself with Foot assaulted the Wall in another place where it might easily be entred then Joseph accompanied with all his Forces issued out the Town and assaulted the G Romans fiercely and drove them from the Walls with great courage though they themselves suffered as much harm as they did to their Enemies For as the Jews were animated by desperation so were the Romans with shame these latter had Military A knowledge and strength and the Jews had despair and rage to encourage them The fight continued all day even till night wherein many Romans were wounded and only thirteen slain and of the Jews there were six hundred wounded and seventeen slain A fight between the Romans and the Jews continued a whole day and broken off by night The next day also they encountred the Romans and resisted them more stoutly than before taking courage that they the day before had resisted them contrary to their expectation The Romans also fought more valiantly ashamed as it were of themselves in suffering the Jews to resist them thinking withal that they themselves were overcome if they did not quickly suppress their Enemies Wherefore the Romans for five dayes together ceased not to assult the Town and the Jews strongly repelled them and neither the Jews feared their Enemies nor the Romans were dismayed B with the difficulty of taking the Town The situation of Jotapata Jotapata is almost all situate upon a Rock and compassed about with deep Valleys which descend strait down like a Wall so that one can scarcely see the bottom without dazling There is only one access to it on the North where it is seated upon a declining Mountain which Joseph enclosed with a Wall to the end it might be no passage for the Enemies all
the rest of the City is environed with high Mountains so that it cannot be discerned by any before they be hard by it such was the strength of Jotapata Vespatian determined both to combate the nature of the place Vespatian intends to begin a sharp Siege and the hardiness of the Jews and therefore called all his Captains together and consulted with them to begin a hot siege at last they resolved to rear a Mount in that place where the City was C easiest to be entred He sent his whole Army to provide wood to do it who cut much on the Mountains near the Town and great store of wood and stone being brought and having set hurdles before them to bear off the Darts and Arrows he began to raise a Mount so that they received little or no harm by Darts cast from off the Walls whilst others brought earth from places thereabouts and no man was idle The Jews cast continually great stones and all kind of Darts upon that which defended them which though they pierced not thorow yet they made a great noise and terrified the Workmen Which Vespatian seeing caused all Engines that cast stones and darts which were in number an hundred and threescore to be placed against the Walls to beat the Jews from thence And so they cast Stones Darts Fire and Arrows in great D abundance so that they not only beat the Jews from off the Walls but also out of the reach of their shot for the Arabian Archers and those that used Slings and Darts The Jews break out and beat down the Bulwark and all the Engines continually played upon them For all this the Jews rested not but running out in Companies they pull'd down the Sheds which defended the Workmen and then assaulted them having no defence and when they had beaten them away destroyed and fired all that the Romans had wrought for their own defence and safeguard At last Vespatian perceived that these damages hapned for that there was some space left between all these works whereby the Enemies had access to do them such harms Wherefore he united them together and so hindred the excursions of the Jews Joseph 〈◊〉 stakes in the ground and fasteneth unto them raw Oxe Hides to raise the Wall and beat off the Shot When the Mount was almost made and the Towers upon it finished E Joseph shun'd to do nothing for the safeguard of the Town called all workmen necessary together and commanded them to build a Wall there higher than the Romans Work but they said it was impossible for them to work for the number of Darts in that place Then Joseph made this device to defend them he fixed stakes in the ground and fastened to them hides of Kine and Oxen new slain by which they were defended from shot and fire so that labouring night and day they raised the Wall twenty cubits high erecting also upon it many Towers and by this means they made it a strong defence The Romans who before thought themselves sure of the Town were now greatly dismayed both by this device of Joseph and also by the hardiness of the Jews F CHAP. VIII Of the Siege of Jotapata by Vespatian and the diligence that Joseph used and how the Jews made Sallies against the Romans THis Stratagem and the Courage of the Jews greatly moved Vespatian for now they receiving courage from that defence made assaults upon the Romans of their own accord and every day skirmished running out in Companies and like Thieves G taking away whatsoever they lighted upon and what they could not carry away they A set on fire At last Vespasian would not permit his Souldiers to fight any longer but determined to take it by Famine and either to make them come and yield themselves for lack of Food or if they held out to famish them conceiving that it would be more easie to take it by force if ceasing a while from assaulting it he afterwards set upon it when their Case was more desperate Vespasian restraineth his Souldiers from fight and besiegeth the City Wherefore he commanded all passages to be kept that none could go out of the City but they had great store of Corn and of all other things else except Salt and Water whereof they stood in great want for there is never a Fountain in the City and they have little rain in Summer so that the Inhabitants were in great distress Joseph delivereth his Souldiers water by measure for there was hardly any Water left in the City Joseph perceiving there was abundance of all things else and that the Citizens were valiant B as also the Siege like to continue long he gave to every one water in measure with which they were not contented thinking it as good to want altogether as to have it in that manner and now they began to faint and refuse to labour The Romans perceiving this being upon a high hill over against the place whither all the Jews came together to receive Water they with their shot killed many that came thither insomuch that Vespasian hoped that within short time their Water would be spent and they constrained to yield Josephs Stratagem But Joseph to frustrate this hope commanded a great many Garments to be laid in water and hanged upon the Walls so that the Water might run down on every side When the Romans saw this they were much surprised imagining that they would not waste so much Water in mockery if they wanted Water to C drink wherefore Vespasian no longer hoping to win the City by Famine purposed to assault it again by force The Jews were very glad of this and being in manifest danger Another Policy of Joseph rather wish't to be slain than perish through hunger or thirst Joseph devised also another way to get Water out of the Country There was a little Valley out of the way and therefore not regarded by the Romans by this way Joseph sent men into the Country to his Friends for such things as the City wanted commanding them when they came near the Watchmen to hide and cover themselves with hairy Skins that the Watchmen might think them to be Dogs and this he used a good while till at last the Watchmen perceived it and so set a guard there to stop the passage When Joseph perceived the City could not hold out long and fearing his own Life if D he still continued there The people beseech Joseph that he would not forsake them he consulted with the chief of his Officers how he might flie But the People discovering his intent flocked about him and besought him to take pity upon them and not forsake them who had no hope but in him affirming that for his sake they were all couragious and bold to fight and if they were taken yet he would be a comfort to them and that it did not become him to flie from his Enemies nor forsake his
murder and slaughter of one of his Friends Joseph being thus delivered from extream danger both from the D Romans Joseph resorteth to Vespasian with Nicanor and from those of his own Nation went with Nicanor to Vespasian All the Romans came about him to see him and pressing about their General they made a great noise some rejoycing that he was taken others crying out to punish him others striving to come near to behold him better and they who were afar off cryed out to kill that Enemy of the Romans Fame But those who were near and beheld him remembring his great Actions An example of Titus grace and mercy towards Joseph were astonished at his change of Fortune No Captain or Ruler but although before they were all moved against him yet now beholding him they begin to pity him especially Titus who being of a gentle disposition admired Josephs valour his constancy in adversity and considered his Age and thereby was moved to take compassion upon him remembring what a manner of man he had been during E the Wars and what he now was being fallen into his Enemies hands calling also to mind the power and force of Fortune and how uncertain the chance of War is and that humane affairs have no stedfastness His Example drew many minds to pity him so that Titus was the chief author of Josephs life Yet Vespasian caused him to be carefully kept as though he meant to send him to Caesar Which Joseph hearing requested that he might speak a word or two with him alone Whereupon all but his Son Titus departing Joseph hath private conference with Vespasian and two of his Friends Joseph spoke to him in these terms You think only that you have Joseph for your Captive but I am a Messenger to you of greater matters from God Joseph foretelleth Vespasian of his future honours Otherwise I knew my Country Laws and how it behoved the Generals of our Nation to die and not to be taken alive by their Enemies You will send me F to Nero Wherefore since Nero and those that are to succeed him before you have so little time to live you O Vespasian shall be Caesar and Emperor of Rome and Titus your Son after you keep me therefore in bonds with you for you are not only my Lord but Lord of all the World Sea and Land and all Man-kind And if I now fain these things in this state of mine own mind against God let me be reserved to greater punishment After he had thus spoken Vespasian gave small credit to his words thinking that Joseph fained these things of himself to save his Life yet by little and little he began to give credit to him because God put it in his mind to hope for the Empire and fore-told him of his Reign by many signs and tokens and he also found Joseph to tell the truth in other matters For one of Vespasians friends saying that it was strange that he knowing this G could not prophesie of the event of the War against Jotapata Josephs truth in all things and what was like to befal himself that so he might avoid those evils Joseph answered that he had foretold the Citizens of Jotapata that after seven and fourty dayes they should be destroyed and that the Romans should keep him alive in hold Vespasian secretly enquired of these H matters and finding by the relation of the Captives that it was true he began to give more credit to that which Joseph had told him concerning himself So he commanded Joseph to be kept Prisoner yet he gave him apparel and divers other things in most courteous manner Joseph is kept bound yet rewarded by Vespasian and Titus greatly honoured him The fourth day of July Vespasian returned to Ptolemais and from thence he came to the Sea-coast to Caesarea which is the greatest City of Judaea whose Inhabitants are for the most part Greeks The Inhabitants received the Army and the General with all friendship possible Caâ—sarea a great City by the Sea-side inhabited for the most part by Greeks both for that they loved the Romans and especially also for that they hated the Jews so that many intreated Vespasian to put Joseph to death But Vespasian judging this a rash Petition would make no answer to it and he left two Legions to Winter at Caesarea I because he saw it was a fit place and he sent the tenth and fifth to Scythopolis because he would not over-charge Cesarea with the whole Army Scythopolis This place is warm in Winter and exceeding hot in Summer by reason it is situate on a Plain by the Sea-coast CHAP. XV. How Joppa was taken by the Romans K IN the mean time a great multitude being gathered together Joppa the retreat of the Seditious and Thieves who either were seditious persons or thieves or such as had escaped out of the taken-Cities re-edified Joppa for their refuge which Cestius formerly had destroyed and seeing they could not find provision in the Countrey which was already wasted and left desolate by the War they purposed to become Pirates and so building Ships for that purpose they robbed the Phoenicians Syrians and Aegyptians not suffering any to pass those Seas without danger Vespasian understanding their practices sent Horse and Foot against Joppa who finding the City not guarded got into it in the night which the Inhabitants perceiving were so terrifi'd that they durst not make any resistance to expel L the Romans but they all fled to their Ships and there stayed all night a flight-shot from the shore Joppa is naturally no road for Ships for it is situated upon a turbulent Shore and on every side hath very high and eminent Rocks which trouble the Seas and make huge Waves In this place if we may believe the fable one may see the signs of Andromeda's Chains Of Andromeda read lib. 4. Ovid Metamorph When the North Wind blows it striketh the Waves against the Rocks and so causeth a dangerous Sea that it were far more safe to be in the midst of the Seas than at that Shore when the said Wind bloweth The Inhabitants of Joppa rode there all night A huge tempest drowneth those of Joppa in the Sea and by break of day the North Wind began to blow fiercely and drove some of the Ships one against another and others against the Rocks and many striving against Wind and Weather and seeking to get into the midst of the Sea for fear of the Rocky Shore and their Enemies there were drowned M They that escaped neither had any place of refuge nor hope of safety for the tempest drove them from the Sea and the Romans from the City so that the air was filled with cities of the people expecting to be drowned and with the noise and sound of the Ships beating one against another By this means some of the Inhabitants of Joppa were swallowed up by the
Waves others suffered shipwrack some killed themselves rather than to be drowned many with the Waves were stricken against the Rocks so that the Sea was bloody and all the shore covered with dead Bodies and whosoever escaped the Sea and got to shore the Roman Souldiers there standing ready killed them Four thousand and two hundred bodies cast out Four thousand and two hundred dead Bodies were cast upon the shore So the N Romans having without any fight taken the City destroyed it and thus was Joppa taken and twice destroyed by the Romans in a short time Vespasian built there a Castle Vespasian taketh Joppa and encampeth in the Castle and placed in it some few Horsemen and Footmen to the end that none of the Jews might come thither again to play the Pirates and that the Footmen might keep the Castle and in the mean time the Horsemen might go forth and spoil all the Towns and Villages and Territories belonging to Joppa which also they did When the news of the destruction of Jotapata was brought to Jerusalem many gave small credit to it partly for the greatness of the Calamity partly for that no man could say he had seen the destruction of the City for none escaped the Massacre to carry the news â—ame it self declareth the destruction of Jotapata but only report thereof was spread abroad But at the last it was confirmed to O be true by those that dwelt near the place and then they believed it Many things also which were false were reported as true For it was bruited that Joseph was slain A in the destruction of the City All Jerusalem was so afflicted his for death that whereas others were lamented only by their Kindred all the City bewailed his supposed Death They mourned for him thirty days and hired Musicians to sing Funeral Songs for him At last truth discovered it self and the true news of the destruction of Jotapata with the accidents there Joseph is said to be slain in Jerusalem also how Joseph was not slain but was living in the hands of the Romans and that the Romans honoured him more than a Captive could expect The hatred malice and wrath in Jerusalem against Joseph Then the Jews began as much to hate him now living as before they had mourned for him when they supposed him dead Some said he was a Coward others that he was a Traitour to his Country and the whole City vented reproachful speeches against him These heavy tydings encreased their rage and their adversity which to wise B men had been a warning to provide lest the like should befal themselves made them more outragious so that always the end of one mischief was the beginning of another To be short now they were more incensed against the Romans than before in the thought that by revenging themselves of them they might also be revenged of Joseph And this was the Estate of the Citizens of Jerusalem CHAP. XVI C How Tiberias was yielded VEspasian was desirous to see the Kingdom of Agrippa for the King had intreated him to go thither Vespasian cometh unto Agrippas Kingdom and recreateth himself there and feasteth twenty days partly to the intent to feast him and his whole Army partly that he might repress some troubles arising in his Kingdom in the time of his absence And so he departed from Cesarea upon the Sea-coast and went to Caesarea Philippi where he stayed and refreshed his Souldiers twenty dayes and himself also feasted giving God thanks for his prosperous success in the War This done he had Intelligence that Tiberias and Tarichea were revolted both which Cities belonged to Agrippa's Kingdom whereupon determining utterly to destroy the Jews which inhabited thereabouts D he thought good to lead his Army against these two places especially that he might reward Agrippa for his good entertainment by surrendring these Cities to him In order whereunto he sent his Son Titus to Caesarea to bring the Souldiers there to Scythopolis which was the greatest City of all Decapolis and was near Tiberias whither himself being come he expected his Son's coming and departing from thence with three Legions he pitched his tent in a place called Enabris where the seditious people of Tiberias might behold his Army this place was thirty Furlongs from Tiberias From thence he sent Valerianus a Captain to exhort them to peace Valerianus peaceably speaks to the Townsmen and he sent fifty Horsmen to accompany him for he understood that the people desired peace and against their will were forced to War by some of the Seditious amongst E them Valerianus coming near the City Walls lighted from his Horse and commanded all his Company to do the like that they of Tiberias might not think that they came to fight The seditious sally out and put the Romans to flight but in peaceable manner before he spoke a word the boldest of the seditious persons issued out against him having one Jesus the Son of Tobias who had been a Captain of Thieves for their Leader Valerianus not presuming to fight without Authority from his General although he had been certain of the Victory and considering that it was great danger for so few to fight against a whole multitude and withal terrified with the boldness of the Jews contrary to his expectation he fled away on Foot accompanied only with five other leaving his Horse and the rest behind him whom Jesus and his followers took and brought into the City rejoycing F as though they had taken them in fight and not by treachery But the Senators and chief of the City The Citizens of Tiberias prostratet themselves before Vespasian and obtain pardon fearing what might ensue upon this fact went to King Agrippa who presented them to Vespasian they prostrated themselves at his feet beseeching him to have compassion on them and not to think the whole City partakers with those few wicked persons that so had merited his displeasure but to spare the people who always had honoured the Romans and only punish the Authors of that revolt and misdemeanour who also had with-held the whole City till now from yielding it self to the Romans Vespasian moved by their entreaties pardoned the City though he was exasperated against them all for taking of Valerianus Horse and because he perceived Agrippa was Solicitous for fear that the City should be destroyed and G so Vespasian promised the Citizens pardon Then Jesus and his associates thinking it not safe for them to abide there fled to Tarichea The next day Vespasian sent be-before before him Trajanus with certain Horsemen into the Castle to see if all the people desired H peace and finding them to be peaceably despos'd he with his whole Army came to the City The Inhabitants opening the Gates of the City went to meet him with great joy all crying out that he was the Author of their welfare and Benefactor and wishing him all
prosperity and felicity The Tiberians entertain Vespasian with acclamations The Gates of the City were narrow so that the Army could not quickly enter in wherefore Vespasian commanded a part of the Wall on the Southside to be pull'd down and so entred forbidding to spoil the Citizens or ruine the Walls for Agrippa's sake who promised that from thenceforth the Citizens should be quiet And indeed this King spared no pains to repair the mischiefs which Division had caus'd amongst them I CHAP. XVII How Tarichea was besieged VEspasian departed from Tiberias Vespasian besieged Tarichea and encamped near Tarichea and fortifi'd his Camp foreseeing that the Siege of this place would cost much time for all Rebels that had desired War were got thither trusting both to the strength of the City and the Lake adjoyning to it called Genesareth For this City was built like Tiberias upon a Mountain and Joseph had inclosed it with a Wall where it was not compassed by the Lake But the Wall though strong yet was not so strong as that of Tiberias K for Joseph built that in the beginning of the Revolt having men and money at will but that of Tarichea was built only by the remainder of his liberality The Taricheans had great store of Ships in the Lake adjoyning to the end that if they were overcome by Land they might flie by Water to which end they had prepared their Ships for Battel by Water if need should be Whilst the Romans entrenched themselves Jesus and his followers not dismayed either with the multitude or Military Discipline of his Enemies issued out of the City and slew the Workmen and destroyed part of the Work The Romans drive the Jews to their Ships till perceiving the Romans assembled together against him he fled again to his Company without any loss or harm received But the Romans pursued them so fast that they forced them to take their Ships and so being gone so far from the L shore as that yet they might easily reach them with the shot of an Arrow they cast Anchor and disposed their Ships in Warlike manner and fought against the Romans who were on Shore Vespasian understanding at the same time that a great multitude of them were gathered together in a place neer the City sent his Son Titus against them with 600 Horse who finding the number of his Enemies too great to encounter he certified his Father that he needed more Forces Yet perceiving many of those Horsemen of good courage before any more aid came though some of them were afraid of the Jews he got upon a high place where all might hear him Titus Oration to his terrified Souldiers and said O ye Romans I will first put you in mind who you are and of what Nation that so considering what your selves are you may also consider who they are with whom we are to fight As for you was there ever any M Enemy in any part of the World that could escape our hands Jews are not to be feared And as for he Jews though they endure and manfully bear out their misery yet they look upon themselves as vanquisht If therefore they constantly endure misery and fight valiantly being in adversity what should we do who are in prosperity I rejoyce to see you shew good Countenance yet I fear lest so great a multitude of our Enemies may discourage some of you Let every one therefore once again consider who himself is and with whom he is to fight and that although the Jews be bold and valiant enough yet they observe no warlike order and are unarmed and so are rather to be termed a multitude than an Army I need not speak of your knowledg and skill in War since for this only cause we are trained up in Warlike discipline in time of Peace to the end that our courage should answer the number of our enemies when we are to joyn Battel for what N fruit shall we shew of this our perpetual warlike order and discipline if we dare only fight with a rude multitude that are no more in number than our selves consider that you being armed are to fight with men unarmed and being Horsmen are to fight with Footmen and being guided by good Officers with those who have no Head or Ruler All which things supply in us the want of more men and the contrary in our Enemies doth much deminish their number Victory doth not depend on the multitude of men be they never so warlike but in a few if they be valiant 〈…〉 for as they are few so are they easiâ—y kept in order and may easily come to help one another not being pestered whereas great multitudes do more hinder one another than do good and oftentimes do themselves more â—arm than their Enemies The Jews indeed are led with Desperation Rage and Fury which when good fortune seconds them are of some force but the O least ill fortune quickly extinguishes that order But we are led by Vertue and Obedience A and fortitude which are of force in prosperity and also are good in adversity Moreover we have greater reason to fight than the Jews have for they fight only for their Country and Liberty but we fight for Renown and Empire that since we have already gained the Empire of the whole World it might not be thought that our Enemies the Jews are Adversaries able to match us Consider moreover that ye need not fear any great danger for we have many to help us and that hard by let us therefore atchieve the Victory before any more succour come to us so shall our honour and our Victory be greater Now there will be a trial made of me my Father and you whether he deserves the reputation he enjoys whether I am worthy to be his Son and whether I may esteem my self happy in commanding you For he is wont to be victorious and shall I return to him being conquered and are you not asham'd to be dismayed B seeing that I your Captain offer my self It becometh Souldiers to obey their Captain and will undergo the greatest perils my self will bear the brunt of the Enemies and first encounter with them and let none of you depart from me perswade your selves that God will assist me in this fight and boldly presume that we can do much more being in the midst of our Enemies then if we should only fight with them at distance Titus having thus spoken as it were by Gods providence all his Souldiers took heart and courage so that now they were sorry to see Trajan come with 400 Horsmen more before the fight began as though their Victory would be less renowned because he came to help them Vespasian also sent Antonius and Silo with 2000 Archers to take the Mountain that was just opposite to the Town Vespasian sendeth new supplies to Titus and to beat them that defended the City off from the Walls and they
did as they were commanded Then Titus with all force possible C charg'd with his Horse upon the Enemies and all followed him with an huge cry spreading themselves in such order that they occupied as much ground as the Jews and so appeared more than indeed they were The Jews though terrified by their fierceness yet stood the first assault but in the end dismaied and put out of order with their Lances The Jews flie into the City and trampled on by the Horsmen every one fled as fast as he could into the City The Romans killed some as they fled others as they overtook them many for haste tumbling one upon another A bitter dissention and sedition in the City and they prevented all that fled to the Walls and drove them back again into the field so that of this great multitude a very few were sav'd who got into the City Now at their return into the City there fell a great dissention for the Inhabitants considering their own Estate and the event of all former Wars and especially D of this last fight misliked the War and desired peace but the strangers that had fled from other places thither and were in great number would needs continue it and so one part began a contest against the other which proceeded so far that by their outcries they seem'd ready to take Arms. Titus being not far from the Wall heard these tumults within the City Titus Oration to the Roman Souldiers and cried out to the Romans This is the hour follow Souldiers wherein God hath given the Jews into our hands why do we defer the time any longer why do we not take the Victory offered do you not hear the cryes within they who escaped our hands are at variance amongst themselves the City is ours if we make haste and take courage Nothing worthy renown can be atchieved without danger Let us not only prevent our enemies concord which necessity will soon effect but also our own Forces before any fresh aid come to us E that besides the Victory being so few over so huge a multitude we may also divide the spoil of the City among us Jesus with his followers flyeth into the fields No sooner had he thus spoken but presently he mounted upon his Horse and rode into the Lake and so passed into the City and all the Souldiers followed him They that defended the Walls were so amazed at his boldness that none made resistance against him as he came but Jesus with his followers leaving the quarter which was his to defend fled into the fields others flying towards the Lake fell into their Enemies hands who came that way against them and so were slaughter'd as they were getting into their Ships others were slain as they were swimming to overtake the Ships that were new lanch'd froâ— the Shore and there was a great slaughter of men all over the City For the strangers that fled not made some resistance but the Townsmen did F not offer to defend themselvs for they abstained from fight hoping for pardon because they had not approved the War At last Titus having slain the factious took compassion upon the Citizens and saved their lives Titus certifies his Father of his exploits and Victory and caused the Slaughter to cease They who escaped to the Lake seeing the City taken remov'd as far as they could from their Enemies Titus sent Horsemen to let his Father understand what he had done Vespasian was very glad of his Sons glorious success whereby a great part of the War was ended He commanded the City to be Guarded round about to the intent that none might scape away alive And the next day he came down to the Lake and commanded Ships to be built to pursue those that had escaped by it and having many workmen and great store of matter to build them withal his command soon effected G A CHAP. XVIII The Description of the Lake of Genezareth and the Fountain of Jordan THE Lake of Genezareth taketh its name from the Country adjoyning to it the breadth thereof is fourty furlongs the length a hundred The Water of this Lake is sweet and good to drink and more subtil than ordinarily the Waters of other places are and it is very clear near the shoar and more cool to drink than either that of the River or Fountain yea it is always more cold than one would judge such a Lake B to be of that largeness for the Water being set in the Sun doth not lose its coldness when the Inhabitants expose it to the Sun in Summer to allay the natural coldness thereof The Fountain of Jordan There are in it many sorts of Fishes nothing like the Fishes of other places either in shape or taste The River Jordan passeth through the midst of it It is thought that Panium is the head and Fountain of it but in truth it hath its Original from Phiala from whence it passeth under ground a hundred and thirty Furlongs from Caesarea towards that way which leads unto Trachonitis on the right-hand This Source is called Phiala by reason of its roundness for it is as round as a Wheel and the Water still keepeth within the brink of Phiala never encreasing nor diminishing No man knew that this was the head of Jordan till Philip the Tetrarch of Traconitis found C it to be so for he casting straws into Phiala found them afterward carried to Panium which before that time was thought to be the Fountain of Jordan Panium though it be naturally beautified yet by Agrippa's cost and charges it was much more adorned Jordan beginneth with a deep River out of this Den The Description of Genezareth and passeth along the Marish places and dirty Lake of Semechonitis and from thence 120 Furlongs to the City Julias and in the way divideth the Lake Genezareth The fertility of Genezareth and passing a great way further into the Wilderness at last it falleth into the Lake called Asphaltites Upon the Lake Genezareth there bordereth a Country of the same Name naturally beautiful and admirable for there is no kind of Plant which will not grow there and the Inhabitants have replenished it with Plants and Trees of all sorts and the temperature of the Air well agreeth D with all sort of Fruit-Trees for there are an infinite Company of Nut-trees which of all Trees especially require a cold soil there are also abundance of Palms which desire great heat likewise great store of Figs and Olives which require a temperate Air so that one may justly say that through the bounty of Nature so different and opposite qualities are here together united and at one time as it were all difference of seasons of the year conjoyn for good purpose And it doth not only nourish these Fruits but also conserveth for ten whole Moneths Figs Grapes and all other Fruits all the year long The length and breadth of
Gamala trusting to its scituation would not enter into the Treaty It is far stronger than Jotapata It stands on a hill which riseth up in the midst of an exceeding high Mountain so that it representeth the figure of a Camel which the Hebrews call Damel and thereof it took the name which the Inhabitants have corrupted into Damal Before it and on either side are deep Vallies into which a man can hardly descend only it may be assaulted on that side where it joyneth to the Mountain which also the Inhabitants have made inaccessible by cutting there a deep Ditch In that place the City was very well inhabited on the descent of the Hill The City of Gamala inexpugnable and strong and towards the South part it stood on so steep a Hill that it seemed as if it would have fallen every hour N and there another Hill served the Inhabitants instead of a Castle being unwalled for it was exceeding high and reached down to the bottom of the Valley In the Town within the Walls thereof there was also a Fountain Although this City were of its own nature invincible yet Joseph compassing it with a Wall and with Ditches and Mines made it stronger Wherefore the Inhabitants of this place put far more confidence in their Walls than they of Jotapata did yet they were fewer in number and not so Warlike people but on account of the scitutation of the City they esteemed themselves above their Enemies for the City was full of men that fled thither by reason of the strength of the place so that for seven Months they resisted the forces that were sent by Agrippa to besiege them Vespasian besiegâ—â—h Gamalâ— Vespasian having decamped from Ammaus pitched his O Tents before Tiberians and so went to Gamala Ammaus signifies Hot-Water for there is a Fountain of Hot-Water there which cureth many Diseases The City was so A scituate The year of the World 4031. after the Nativity of Christ 69. that he could not besiege it round about wherefore he placed men to keep watch in such places as were passable and possessed the highest Mountain where his Souldiers pitching their Tents entrenched themselves On the East part of the City in the most eminent place there was a Castle where the fifteenth and fifth Legions lay against the Town and the tenth Legion filled up the Ditches and Vallies King Agrippa went to the Walls One with a sling woundeth Agrippa and spake to those that defended them willing them to yield to the Romans but one of them with a Sling struck him on the right Arm and hurt him which much troubled his familiar Frâ—ends And the Romans for anger that the King was hurt and for fear of such mischances to themselves now became earnest to assault the Town perswading themselves that they would use strangers and their Enemies hardly B if it lay in their power seeing they had so ill entreated a Prince of their own Nation for perswading them to what was profitable for them The Romans having quickly intrenched themselves by reason of the multitude that laboured in business who were accustomed to such work began to place their Engines against the Town-Walls Chares and Joseph who were two of the most potent men in the Town animated and armed their Citizens and led them to the Walls to defend them but they had not much courage to the business And although they well perceived that the City could not long hold out seeing they wanted Water and many other things necessary to stand a Siege yet notwithstanding they exhorted the Townsmen to be valiant The Romans besiege Gamala and assault it where a while they resisted notwithstanding the shot but at last C they were therewith so terrified that leaving the Walls they fled into the City Then the Romans battered the Walls with Rams in three several places and where the Wall fell there they issued in with Trumpets and a great shout and fought with the Townsmen who in the first conflict so valiantly resisted them that they permitted them not to enter further into the Town But at last being overcome both in strength and number they all fled into the highest part of the City and from thence they turned again upon the Romans who pursued them and drave them down into the Vallies and killed many and divers in that strait passage were trodden to death by their fellows Whereupon seeing that they neither could flie nor resist their Enemies above their heads they fled into the houses which adjoyned unto the Plain and so filled them that being D over-charged The Romans fall down with the ruines of the Jews houses they fell down upon other houses beneath them and beat them down also and they likewise others scituated beneath them Many of the Romans this way perished for being amazed and not knowing what to do they got into their houses notwithstanding they saw them shake and totter and many seeking to escape were maimed by some part of the Ruines that fell upon their Bodies and many were choaked in the dust Many Romans slain and spoiled The Citizens of Gamala rejoyced thereat thinking that this aid was sent from God and not regarding their private losses they ceased not to force the Romans into their houses and if any were in the narrow streets them they slew with Darts from the high places The ruines afforded them Stones enough and their slain Enemies Swords and Armour which they took from them being half dead and used E against themselves many died who cast themselves headlong from off the houses being ready to fall and those that sought to flie could not easily escape for being ignorant of the wayes and there being such a dust that one could not see another they kill'd one another till with much ado finding passage they got out of the City Vespasian Vespaâ—sian's fortitude and warlike valour who was alwaies in the midst of these encounters was greatly moved to see the Buildings fall so upon his Souldiers and forgetting his own safety he retired himself with only a few to the higher part of the City where he was left in great danger having very few about him for Titus his Son was not there being before this time sent to Mâ—tianus in Syria and now he could not flie safely nor yet had it been for his honour if he could Vespasian's fight with the Jews Wherefore remembring all his great Actions from his Child-hood and his F own Virtue he encouraged his men and with them joyned Arms and covered themselves with their Shields and so as it were assisted with some divine Aid defended themselves from all Darts Arrows and Stones which were cast from above upon them and so they remained there not terrified either with the number or might of their Enemies till at last wondring at his Valour and Courage they abated their fury And now perceiving his Enemies to assault him but faintly he retired
upheld by many noble-men who were imployed in these affairs John sweareth to be faithful to the people Wherefore they thought good to request of him an oath of friendship which he denied not but added moreover that he would be true to the people and neither disclose any deed or secret Counsel of theirs to the Enemies but with heart and hand would truly endeavour to suppress the Rebels So Ananus did no more mistrust him because of his oath and admitted him afterward to all their Counsels F nothing suspecting him Nay they now trusted him so far that they sent him as Agent to the Zealots to perswade them to peace for they were very careful lest the Temple through their deeds should be defiled and prophaned or that any of the Jews should there be slain But he as though he had sworn to the Zealots and not to the Citizens entred boldly amongst them and standing in the midst of them he recounted to them that he had often for their sakes undergone great danger John contrary to his Oath revealeth their secrets to the Zealots by suffering none of the Townsmens secrets to be concealed from them but declared unto them all that ever Ananus and his Confederates determined against them and that even now he was like together with them to fall into extream Danger except it pleased God as it were miraculously to assist them For said he now Ananus without delay will G send to Vespasian who will come with his Army in all haste and take the City and that he had appointed the day following for Purification to purifie the people that so under pretence of piety he might let them into the City or else they might enter in by H force and that he could not see how either they were able to endure a long siege or encounter with so huge an Army adding moreover that it was Gods providence that he should be sent to them to make a peace when Ananus purposed so soon as they were unarmed to set upon them John stirreth up the Zealots against the Citizens Wherefore if they had any care of themselves they should either entreat the Watchmen that besieged them to be favourable to them or else get some succour from some place without the Temple For said he he that amongst you hopeth for pardon if you be overcome doth not remember what hath past and what he hath done but let them perswade themselves as they please they that have been injured will not forget and forgive so soon as he that injured them is sorry for his fact Nay many times the repentance of malefactors maketh them I more hated than before and the wrath of men that are injured is increased by Authority and licence to do what they please And they might be sure that the friends and kindred of them that were slain would always lay wait to requite the injuries and that all the people were incensed against them for breaking the Laws so that although some few would take pity upon them yet the greater number would prevail With these and such like speeches John terrified the Zealots yet durst he not openly tell them what he meant by forreign help notwithstanding he meant the Idumeans And that he might more enflame the Thieves he went to the chiefest of them and secretly told them that Ananus was cruelly bent against them and breathed out many threatnings against some in particular K CHAP. VI. How the Idumeans came to Jerusalem and what they did there AMongst the Zealots there were two principal Eleazer one of the Zealots causeth the Idumeans to be sent for Eleazer the Son of Simon who above all the rest was thought most fit both to give counsel and to execute that which was consulted upon and Zacharias the Son of Amphicalus who both L were descended from the Line of the Priests These two understanding that beside the general threatnings their death was especially resolved and that the faction of Ananus to get him into Authority had sent to call the Romans for this John had fained deliberated with themselves what to do having so short time to provide For they supposed that presently the people would assault them and they bethought themselves that now it was too late to seek forreign help for they might endure all calamity before they could give notice hereof unto any that would help them Yet at last they determined to call the Idumaeans to aid them The Zealots require help from the Idumeans and so they write a short Epistle to them letting them understand how Ananus having seduced the people meant to betray the Mother-City of their Nation to the Romans and that they fighting for M their liberty were by him besieged in the Temple that the time wherein they expected safety was very short and that if they were not presently succour'd they were like to fall into Ananus and their enemies hands and the City to be brought in subjection to the Romans they also order'd many things to be spoken by word of mouth to the Rulers of Idumea For which purpose were chosen two principal men eloquent and apt to perswade The nature and manners of the Idumeans and that which was in this case required swift of foot It was certain that the Idumeans would presently aid them being a bruitish rude Nation and prone to sedition and alteration much rejoycing therein and by flattery easily entreated to War and would make as much haste to them as if they went to some festival solemnity so that there only was requisite two speedy messengers Which two were N ready and quick men for such an exploit and were both called by the name of Ananias These presently went to the Governours of Idumea who reading the Epistle and hearing that which the messengers were to say to them like Mad-Men assembled all the people together in great haste and proclaim'd War so the people in an instant gathered themselves together and were all armed to fight for the liberty of their Mother-City and twenty thousand being assembled together under the Government of four Captains Twenty thousand Idumeans come to Jerusalem came with all speed to Jerusalem the names of them were John and James the Sons of Sosa and Simon the Son of Cathlas and Phineas the Son of Closoth Ananus and his Watch knew not of the going of those two Messengers nor of the Watches in the City but they understood of the Idumeans coming and so shut O the Gates and placed watchmen upon the Walls yet they thought not good to go out A and fight with them but first with peaceable words to perswade them to concord and peace Wherefore Jesus the eldest of the Priests next after Ananus stood in a Tower opposite against them and spake in this manner Though many and divers tumults and troubles have molested this City yet I never so much wondred at any of them
Jesus Oration and exhortation to the Idumeans as that you are come with such fury and readiness to help these wicked people against all expectation for said he you are come against us to help most vile persons and so rashly as it behoved not you to have done if your Metropolitan City had requested your help against barbarous people If I judged your manners like theirs that have requested your help I should then think you had some reason to come for nothing causeth firmer friendship than agreement or sympathy in manners But they if their actions be considered B have every one deserved a thousand deaths For they are the outcast and basest of all the Country people who having spent their patrimonies riotously and played the thieves in all places and Cities about them now at last have got into this holy City most religious of all Cities and have profaned the holy-Place by their impiety they tremble not to be drunk even in the holy Temple and there they consume in banqueting the spoils they had gotten from them whom they massacred And you come to help these men with as great an Army and Provision as though that this your Mother-City had by publick consent requested your help against forreign Enemies Is not this a great injustice of Fortune that your whole Nation hath conspired and bent all their forces against us to help these miscreants Till now I knew not what moved you so quickly and so suddenly to arm your selves to assist Thieves against C your native Countrymen What Have you been informed of the Romans coming and of the betraying of the City For even now I heard some of you mutter that you came to deliver your Mother-City The disproof of the Zealots faction who intended the overthrow of the City and betraying-thereof Is it not a wonder to see this device and invention of these malefactors But they could devise no other way to incite others against us who even naturally desire liberty and are ready for the same to spend our dearest blood in conflict with the enemy but to fain us to be enemies of Liberty But it behoves you to consider who are these Calumniators and against whom these Calumnies are devised and then to gather the verity of the matter not from forged tales fained at mens pleasures but from the thing it self What should move us now to yield to the Romans having endured us yet nothing to constrain us thereunto when if we had liked to live under their obedience we needed not at D first to have revolted and beside that if we had repented our selves 〈◊〉 might have again submitted our selves and obtained their favour before this time that all the Country round about us is destroyed Nay if we now would yield it is not easie for us for the spoils of Galilee which they have already conquered hath made them proud and by humbling our selves to them being now near us should we not incur an infamy worse than death it self True it is Peace is better than War I think peace better than War yet being once provoked to War and the War once begun I had rather die a glorious death than live in Captivity Do they inform you that we have secretly sent the chief of our City to the Romans or that by common consent of all the people we have done it If they say we did it secretly let them then tell what Friends of ours were sent or what Servants of ours were Ministers to effect this Treason E Did they take any Messenger of ours and find Letters about him How can that be hid from all our Citizens with whom we do every hour converse And is it possible that a few shut up in the Temple who could not come into the City should know our secrets and all the whole City know nothing or do they now first know it when they are like to be punished for their impiety never suspecting any of us to be Traytors so long as they were in no fear If they say that it was done by common consent of all the people then all men were there when the speech was made to the people to exhort them thereunto and request their consent and so the news thereof would quickly have come to your ears But what need had we to send Ambassadors if we had been now already certain to come to composition with the Romans Let them tell you who was appointed for that Embassage These are but devices and contrivances F of them who fear to have a death according to their desert and seek shifts to escape punishment If Fate had so decreed that our City should be betrayed to the Enemy Jesus exhorteth the Idumeans that since they are come they should oppose themselves against the Zealots assure your selves they who thus accuse us would have betrayed it themselves having commited already all sort of impieties Treason only excepted It is your part seeing you are come hither in Arms first as Reason and Justice requireth to assist your Mother-City against them who tyranniâ—e over us and violate our Laws make all that Justice which they can effect with their Sword First of all they took Noble-men and cast them into prison having drawn them from amidst the publick assembly and never being accused nor condemned nothing respecting their entreaties they put them to death If it please you to come in peaceably and not in hostile manner into our City your selves shall plainly behold evident tokens of this that I G say to you to wit Houses ruinated and made desolate by their Robberies the Wives and Families of them that are slain in mourning apparrel and weeping in every part of the City for there is none amongst us that hath tasted the persecution of these wretched men who are H gone so far that not content to make this City their refuge which is the chief and a Spectacle to all others for Sanctity and to have robbed and spoiled all the Country and Villages and Cities hereabout now lastly they have made the sacred Temple a refuge and place to carry all their spoils unto which they have impiously gotten it this City This Temple they make their Fortress to issue out and to retire unto from thence they make incursions upon the Citizens and this is the place where they practise their villanies against us This sacred Place which all the World even the most barbarous and savage people reverence is now defiled by the horrible Robberies which those born amongst us have committed And now being in desperation they rejoyce to see Nation against Nation and City against City and People against People and our own Countrymen to turn themselves against their own I bowels when contrariwise as I have aleady said it had been your parts and duties to joyn with us and help us to exterminate these malefactors and be revenged of them for this lie by which they presumed to call you to help
no part of Judea that did not suffer together with Jerusalem their Mother-City Those that fled to the Romans certified Vespasian hereof for although the seditious persons kept and observ'd all passages and kill'd them that offered to fly yet many secretly stole away from them The Fugitives beseech Vespasian to assist the City and preserve the rest of the people and besought Vespasian both to help the oppressed City and D to take compassion upon the reliques of their Nation affirming that many had been butchered for wishing well to the Romans and many being yet alive were yet in great danger Vespasian moved to compassionate their calamities came with his Army nearer Jerusalem as though he would have besieged it but indeed his intent was to deliver it from the oppression of these wicked persons who in a manner kept it continually besieg'd hoping in the mean time to conquer that part of the Country that was yet untoucht and so to leave nothing to hinder him when he should begin the siege Wherefore coming to Gadara the strongest of all the Cities beyond the River he entred into it the fourth day of March for the Chiefest of the City unknown to the seditious people had sent Embassadors to him to desire Peace and to save E their goods and lives they promised him to yield the Town into his hands for there were many rich men dwelling in Gadara but their Enemies knew not of their Embassage till they saw Vespasian at the City Gates And so despairing that they were able to keep the City by reason they had in the Town many Enemies more in number and stronger than themselves and moreover seeing Vespasian even now almost at the City and thinking shame to flie and not to be revenged of their Enemies they took Dolesus a Noble-man and chief of the City The Gadarensians entertain Vespasian with joy and acclamation and also the Author of that Embassage and killed him and for anger beating him after he was dead they fled out of the City Now the Romans Army approaching near the City the people of Gadara went forth and received Vespasian joyfully who also confirmed a League betwixt F them and him and left them a Company of Horse and Foot to defend them against the incursions of the Fugitives their Enemies for they themselves before the Romans requested it destroyed the City Walls that so they might shew their desire of Peace because having destroyed their Walls if after they desired to rebel they could not Vespasian then sent Placidus with five hundred Horsemen Placidus conflict with the Fugitives and three thousand Footmen to pursue those that were fled out of Gadara and he with the rest of his Army returned to Caesarea But the Fugitives perceiving themselves to be pursued by Placidus before he could overtake them got into a Town called Bethenabris and finding there many young men partly for that they were willing partly by force they compelled them to arm themselves and so rashly they came against Placidus G Placidus and his Army seemed a little to give back to the intent to draw them further from the Wall and then having compassed them about in a fit place they wounded them afar off with Darts and Arrows The Jews seeking to flie were H prevented by the Horsemen and they who offered to fight were by the Romans Footmen all put to the Sword never shewing any sign of valour For the Jews assaulted the Romans who were all covered with their Shields as with a Wall and not being able to break into their battle they were slain by the Romans Darts but their Darts could do the Romans no harm and so like fierce and Savage Beasts they wilfully ran upon their Enemies Swords and all were either slain or dispers'd by the Horsemen Placidus taketh and burneth Bethenabris For Placidus was careful to intercept their passage to the Town and to hinder their recourse unto it and forc'd those back again that fled towards it using his Darts and killing those that were next him till at last the strongest amongst them broke away and got to the Town Walls Those that were within the City knew I not what to do for they would not shut the Fugitives of Gadara out of the City because they desired to let their own Citizens in and again they perceived that if they let these in the other thereby would work the overthrow of the City as it fell out indeed they did For the Gates being set open for them to come in the Roman Horsemen almost broke into the Town with them yet the Gates were shut before they could get in Then Placidus with all his Souldiers assaulted the Town and after a sore fight which continued till the Evening at last he got the Walls and the Town and slew the weaker sort for the stronger fled so the Souldiers first sacked the Houses and then fired the Town They who escaped thence incited the whole Country to fly with them reporting their Calamities with the most and K affirming that all the Roman Army was at hand and so they put all the Inhabitants there in great fear and having assembled a great multitude they fled to Jericho in which place they put their confidence for that it was strong and populous Placidus having Horsemen and incouraged with his former Victory pursued them to Jordan and whomsoever he overtook he slew and at the River he fought with all the multitude there gathered together because that the River being grown deeper by abundance of Rain that had lately faln they could not pass over it Wherefore necessity forced them to fight because they could not flie and placing themselves along the Banks of the River Placidus Victory over the Fugitives they there received the Horsemen and warded their Darts Many for fear fell into the River and the Romans slew L there 13000 and the rest not able to resist cast themselves into the River which were an infinite number also the Romans took 2200 men alive and a great booty of Sheep Asses Camels and Oxen. This Slaughter though it was no greater than the former yet it seemed to the Jews far greater because that many all over the Country flying were killed and Jordan was so filled with dead Carkasses that none could pass over it and also the Lake Asphaltites was full of dead bodies brought thither out of divers Rivers Placidus maketh use of his good fortune against the Jews Placidus having so good success went to the Towns and Villages adjoyned and took Abila Julias Besemoth and all the Towns even to the Lake Asphaltites and placed in them Garisons of the Jews that had fled to him and afterward preparing Ships and furnishing them with Souldiers he pursued M them that were fled by Water and overcome them So all the Country beyond Jordan as far as Machaeron was reduc'd under the Power of the Romans CHAP. IV How certain Towns were taken
they be watered with Water drawn before Sun-rise The cause why the ground about Jericho is fruitful by the blowing of a mild and temperate wind it is refreshed and it receives a contrary nature In Winter-time it is almost luke-warm and temperate to them that go into it The Air here is so temperate The Air temperate and Warm that when it snoweth in other parts of Judea and is extreme cold the Inhabitants in this place only wear a linen Garment This Country is distant from I Jerusalem a hundred and fifty Furlongs and threescore from Jordan and all the ground betwixt it and Jerusalem is desart and stony and so likewise between it and Jordan and Asphaltites though it be lower ground than the other Thus we have sufficiently declared the fertility of Jericho CHAP. V. The Description of the Lake Asphaltites IT is worth the labour to describe the Lake Asphaltites An admirable property of the Asphaltite Lake which is Salt and uncapable K of feeding Fish yet what ever is cast into it how weighty soever it be it swimmeth above the Water so that one though he would on purpose cannot sink to the bottom Vespasian coming thither to see it took men who could not swim and caus'd their hands to be bound behind them and cast them into the midst thereof and all of them came up to the Top of the Water as if some Wind had forc'd them from the bottom Moreover it is admirable how this Lake thrice in every day changeth colour and shineth diversly according as the beams of the Sun sundry ways fall upon it And in many places it casteth up pieces of black Bitumen in greatness and shape like a Bull without a head and these float above the Water They that get L their living upon this Water by gathering this Bitumen draw it to their Boats and it is so tough and clammy that having filled their Boats herewith it is not easie for them to get them away but their Boat is as it were fastened and hangeth upon the rest of that mass of bituminous matter till it be separated from it by the terms or urine of a Woman This bitumenous matter is good to close the rifts of Ships and also to cure many diseases The Land of Sodom is near unto the Lake Asphaltites This Lake is five hundred and eighty Furlongs long extending to Zoar which is in Arabia and it is a hundred and fifty Furlongs broad Near this Lake is the Land of Sodom and Gomorrah sometime both fertil and rich now all burnt having been for the impiety of the Inhabitants consumed with lightning and thunder To be short one may here behold as it were the reliques of that M fire that by Gods appointment destroyed the place for one may yet see some remainders of those five Cities and Trees and Fruits springing up in the ashes which fruit to the Eye seemeth like other fruits but if you handle them they fall into ashes and smoak Teâ—tul Apolog c. 39. And so the History of the destruction of Sodom is verifi'd to the Eye of them that behold it CHAP. VI. How Gerasa was destroyed of Nero's Death and of Galba and Otho N VEspasian desirous to besiege Jerusalem on every side built Castles at Jericho and Adida and left there Garisons of the Souldiers that came to assist him and also Romans with them L. Annius taketh Gerasa And he sent L. Annius to Gerasa with a Body of Foot and Horse who at the first assault took the City and slew a thousand young men who had not time to flie and made whole Families Slaves giving the Souldiers the spoil of their goods and so firing their Houses he went to other places adjoyning They who were able fled and the weaker sort who could not flie were slain and whatsoever came in their way they consumed with fire Thus all places both Mountains and Plains O being wasted and ruined with War the Inhabitants of Jerusalem had no whither to go A when they desired to flie from the Zelots by whom they were kept in The year of the World 4033. after the Nativity of Christ 71. And they themselves who were against the Romans were also kept in the City being on every side enclosed and encompassed with the Roman Army After Vespasian was returned to Cesarea and with all his Army purposed to go to Jerusalem Vespasian hath tydings of Nerâ—es death news was brought him that Nero was slain having reigned thirteen years and eight dayes Touching whom I will not recount how he dishonour'd the Empire committing the whole sway of all the Common-wealth to two most wicked men to wit Nimphidius and Tigillinus who were of least worth amongst all his Freed-men and how being betrayed by these two men he was forsaken of all his Guards and so fled only with four trusty Freed-men into the Suburbs and there kill'd himself And how that B sometime after they that deposed him were punished for that offence And how the Wars ended in Gallia Galba and that Galba being created Emperour returned to Rome out Spain and how he was accused of Cowardize by the Souldiers and by them killed in the Market-place Otho as one of base condition Vitellius and how Otho was declared Emperour and led his Souldiers against Vitellius also Vitellius his troubles and his fight before the Capitol and how Antonius Primus and Mutianus slew Vitellius and so appeased the German Troops and the Civil War Of all these I have forborn to speak because I presume both the Greeks and Romans have written these things at large yet I have briefly recapitulated this to continue my History After Vespasian heard this news Vespasian deferreth his siege at Jerusalem he deferred the Siege of Jerusalem expecting who C should be created Emperour after Nero. And when he was certified that Galba reigned he determined to do nothing but lie quiet till such time as he should write to him his mind whether he would have him proceed in the War against the Jews And he sent to him his Son Titus both to salute him and also to know his pleasure concerning the Jews Likewise King Agrippa went with Titus for the same cause to Galba But as they were passing by Achaia with long Ships in Winter time as the Custome is news was brought that Galba was slain having reigned seven Months and seven dayes After whom succeeded Otho who governed the Empire three Months Agrippa not dismayed with this alteration still kept on his Journey to Rome But Titus as God would have it returned from Achaia to Syria Galba is slain and Otho governeth and so to Caesarea to his Father They D both were in suspence what would ensue and who should be be Emperour the Empire being so full of trouble and so they neglected the War against the Jews fearing for their own Country and therefore thinking it an unfit
was slain by the Tyrant without and there was no way to flie to the Romans Furthermore The discord between the Zealots and the Idumeans the Army of John began to be divided for all the Idumeans separated themselves from the other People and there rose a mutiny against the Tyrant partly L through envy of his Power partly through hatred of his Cruelty And so assaulting him they slew many of the Zealots and compelled the rest to fly into the Kings house built by Grapta The flight of the Zealots with the Idumeans into the Temple Father of Izat King of Adiabena The Idumeans also broke in thither with them and drave them from thence into the Temple and seized upon Johns Treasure for John lived in the Palace and had carried thither all his Spoils Then those Zealots that were dispersed in the City came to those that were in the Temple and John purposed to send them against the Townsmen and the Idumeans But they feared not so much their Forces although they knew them to be the better Warriors as they did lest now being desperate they should steal out of the Temple in the night and so slay them and fire the City Wherefore assembling themselves they deliberated with M the Priests how to avoid their assaults but it pleased God to turn their own Counsel to their destruction and that they should provide a Remedy of safety far worse than Death it self For to depose John they devised to introduce Simon and as it were to intreat another to Tyrannize over them This counsel was thought best and Matthias the Priest was sent to Simon of whom before they stood in great fear to request him to come into the City With him also came such as had fled from Jerusalem for fear of the Zealots intreating him in like manner because they desired to return to their Wives and Families So he entred into the City proudly promising them to be their Deliverer Simon enters the City with a great Army and all the People made Acclamations as he entered into the City that he was their Preserver Simon being now within the City presently deliberated N with those about him to establish his Dominion thinking as well those that called him into the City as those against whom he was called his Enemies John and the Zealots with him finding no way to come out of the Temple and having lost all that he had in the City for Simon and his Followers at their entrance took all that belonged to him began now to despair of his safety And Simon being assisted by the Citizens assaulted the Temple Simon assaults the Temple wherein the Zealots kept and the Zealots placing themselves upon the Porches and in Towers of Defence made resistance and hurt many of Simons followers For the Zealots were upon the higher ground on the right hand and so had the advantage against Simon And although by reason of the place wherein they were they prevailed against Simon yet they raised four high Towers that from hence they might shoot O Darts and Arrows against Simons Men. One of these Towers they built upon the East A side of the Temple another on the North the third upon a place opposite to the lower part of the Town and a fourth Tower they built on the top of the place called Pastophorium where one of the Priests used to stand before Sun-set to signifie to the People with the sound of the Trumpet the beginning of the Sabbath and to declare to them the other holy dayes The Office of the Priests to signifie the beginning of the seventh day by the sound of a Trumpet and in what dayes they might go about their business In these Towers they placed all kind of Engines to cast Stones and Men with Slings Then Simon perceiving many of his Souldiers languish was more remiss in his business yet when his number increased he came nearer for a-far off many of his men were slain with the Shot of those Engines B CHAP. X. How Vespasian was Elected Emperor AT this time Rome also suffered the Evils of Civil War Vitellius Encamps his Army in Rome for Vitellius was now arrived out of Germany with his Army bringing besides them an infinite multitude with him so that his Army was so great that the places appointed for quartering his Souldiers could not contain it insomuch that his Army occupied all the whole City C and every House was filled with Souldiers And they beholding the Romans wealth greater than ever they saw any and admiring their abundance of Gold and Silver not able to contain themselves began to rob and kill every one that sought to hinder them And this was the estate of the affairs in Italy Vespasian having wasted all about Jerâ—salem returned to Caesarea where he understood the troubles at Rome and how Vitellius was Emperour Vespasian knew both how to govern and how to obey Hereat though he knew as well to obey as to be obeyed yet he was moved with indignation and disdained to call him Lord who had invaded the Empire being destitute of a Ruler And much grieved hereat he could not conceal his grief nor follow the Wars against Strangers whilst his own Country was so endangered But the distance between him and Rome did as much repress him as anger incited him to D seek revenge for he considered that Fortune might cause many alterations before he could get to Rome The Captains consult with the Souldiers openly of a change especially it being Winter and so he sought to bridle his wrath which yet daily increased But his Officers and Souldiers began openly to consult of a Change and with Indignation exclaimed against the Souldiers at Rome who lived in pleasure and never heard so much as the report of War and notwithstanding took upon them to create whom they pleased Emperour and in hope of gain disposed of the Common-wealth at their own pleasure whereas they on the contrary after so many labours and dangers still continued in Arms till they became old and gray-headed and suffered the Authority due to themselves to be enjoyed by others when notwithstanding they had amongst them one who deserved the Empire more than any other and E what recompence could they ever after make him Or what occasion could they find hereafter to shew themselves grateful to him for the benefits from him received if they now omitted this occasion Vespasian's shamefastness and modesty And they thought that Vespasian was so much more worthy of the Empire than Vitellius by how much they who created Vitellius Emperor were in very many respects much inferiour to themselves For said they we have endured no less toyl than those that came out of Germany neither are we less Valiant than â—â—ey who bring a Tyrant with them out of Germany And that no body would resist Vespasian For the Senate and the People of Rome would not rather endure
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
it what he could upon intelligence that their rapine and plunder in the Town being not sufficient to supply their necessities the Jews were forc'd to seek out into the Valleys for food he disposed certain parties of Horse and other select men in Ambush to intercept them for though their exigences were very great yet being for the most part poor people with Families in the City they durst not run over to the Romans lest their Wives and Children should be murdered in their absence wherefore they were forc'd to make private excursions in the night to conceal themselves from the Enemy and having fallen unexpectedly into this Ambuscade they fought it couragiously as knowing it too late to expect mercy after such untractable obstinacy but they were defeated N many of them taken and tortur'd and afterwards crucified before the Walls of the City Titus crucifieth many Jews before the Walls Titus looked upon their condition as very deplorable for scarce a day past in which there were not 500 Jews taken and served in that manner by those partys of Horse yet he thought it inexpedient to remove them because they were a great security to the rest of his Army But his great design was by the cruelty of that spectacle to terrifie the City and hasten its surrender Wherefore the Souldiers in hatred to our Nation crucified all they took one after one fashion and another after another in derision And the multitude of the Captives was become so great there was left no space for the crosses nor indeed crosses for their bodies to be crucified upon But the seditious Jews within the City were so far from relenting by this massacre that rather their hearts were more hardned so that herewith they terrified the rest of the multitude O for they * The Jews carried the kindred of those that were fled out of the City to the Romans and shewed them the tortures they suffered carried the relations of those who were taken by the Romans to the Walls A that they might see how those were used that fled to the Romans the same sight they also shewed unto them that desired peace affirming that they whom the Romans had so used were those that fled unto them for succour and not captives by them taken This deterred many who would otherwise have fled to the Romans till such time as the truth hereof was known Yet some there were that ventured to the Enemy as preferring Death and Torment at their hands before the Miseries and Famine which they endured at home Hereupon Titus cut off many of the Captives hands and sent them into the City to Simon and John that their Calamity might testifie them to be Captives and not such as had fled voluntarily to the Romans willing them to admonish their Friends to yield B and not compel him to destroy the City and to assure them that in so doing they might still save their lives their Country and Temple which had not the like in the whole World and he continually went about the Rampires hastning the workmen in their business as though he presently meant to effect that in deeds which in words he had spoken The Jews both curse Caesar and is Father The Jews that stood upon the Walls reviled both him and his Father affirming that they contemned Death and would chuse rather to die than become slaves That whilest they lived they would to their power defend themselves against the Romans without any care either of themselves or their Country which Caesar sent them word were both in imminent danger Moreover they said that the whole World was a Temple dedicated to God far more excellent than theirs C which notwithstanding should be conserved by him that dwelt in it whose help they hoped to enjoy and did therefore deride all his threatnings as things that could never come to pass without his divine permission Thus did they opprobriously abuse the clemency of the Romans At this time arrived also Antiochus Epiphanes and with him a considerable supply of Men among which there was a company called the Macedonians of equal years and little older than young men all trained up in Martial Discipline and armed after the Macedonian manner from whence they took their name yet for the most part they did not answer the expectation that men had of the Macedonians For the King of Comagne was the most fortunate and happy of all Kings that were subject to the Roman Empire D till such time as he felt the frown of Fortune who in his old age proved that none ought to be accounted happy before his death whilest Comagne was in prosperity his Son said he marvelled that the Romans did delay to assault the City and enter the battered Walls for this young Man was a great Warriour and of exceeding strength to the which he trusting too much did many things rashly Titus smiled and answered The insolence of Antiochus and the Souldiers that that was a work too great for the Romans Upon which young Antiochus accompanied with his Macedonians assaulted the Wall and himself with his strength and dexterity avoided the darts of the Jews and cast his darts at them but his whole Party a few excepted were there slain for obliged by their extravagant boasting they continued longer in â—ight than it was expedient for them at last many E being wounded retired perceiving that the Macedonians to win a Victory had need of Alexanders fortune The Romans iu seventeen days build four huge bulwarks The Romans the twelfth day of May began to build their Rampires and labouring seventeen whole days with much ado they ended them the nine and twentieth of the said Month. For they builded four vast Rampires one of them over against Antonia which was built by the fifth Legion opposit to the midst of the Struthian Waters another was built by the twelfth Legion twenty Cubits distant from the other But the tenth Legion which was of more account than the two former erected a Mount opposit to the Pond called Amygdalon on the North-side and the fifteenth Legion made the fourth thirty Cubits distant from the other over against the Monument of the High Priest John F The Mounts being thus finished John undermined that which was over against Antonia and underpropped it with posts of Wood and filling the Mine with Wood Bitumen and Pitch he fired it so the posts that held it up being burnt the Mine fell and the Mount also with a hideous noise fell into it and first of all there arose a great smoak and dust for the Mines covered the flame at last the fire having consumed the matter that covered it the flame appeared The Romans at this sudden and unexpected exploit were much amazed and disordered so that thereby those who before made account of the victory as certain began now to dispair Two days after Simon and his associates set upon the other Rampires for thereon were planted
suffering him to clear himself And he put to death likewise his three Sons with him for the fourth was before this time fled to Titus Matthias requested Simon that he might be put to death before his Sons but Simon in regard that by his means he had gotten the City caused him to be executed last of all And so he was killed upon the murthered bodies of his Sons in a place where the Romans might behold him for so Simon commanded Ananus his Executioner who was the Son of Bamadus This man was the most cruel of all Simon 's followers Ananus one of the cruellest Souldiers about Simon who even when he was to kill Matthias derided him asking whether they could now help him to whom he sought to fly and he permitted not their bodies N to be buried After them Ananias a Priest the Son of Masbalus a Nobleman and chief Secretary to the Council Ananius the Priest with fifteen of the noblest people slain a valiant strong man born at Emaus and with him fifteen of the chiefest men in the City were put to death They took also Joseph's Father and kept him in prison and with the publick voice of a Crier proclaimed that no man should talk with him Josephs Father taken nor visit him pretending fear of Treason and whosoever bewailed his estate Jâ—das consultation with his companions he was put to death without any Tryal It happened that a certain man called Judas the Son of Judas who was one of Simon 's Captains and Governour of one of the Towers of the City being moved with compassion towards these that perished without desert and more with fear of his own life assembled together ten of his most trusty Souldiers and said to them How long shall we endure O these Calamities or what hope have we of life in being obedient to the most impious of all A Famine consumes our City the Romans are almost within our Walls and Simon is cruel and faithless even towards these that have well deserved at his hands and we are in daily fear of his cruelty On the contrary the Romans keep their Faith inviolably Wherefore let us deliver this Tower to them and so save our selves and our City And what punishmnt c an Simon suffer which he ha's not deserved The ten men to whom in this manner he brake his mind agreed hereunto and so he in the morning sent the rest of his Souldiers under his command into divers places that they might not perceive his intent and at the third hour of the day standing upon the Tower he called the Romans and told them his design But some of the Romans proudly contemned the offer others scarcely believed them and the rest made no speed to come In the mean B time while Titus with certain armed men came unto the Wall Simon had notice of the matter Joseph wounded in the head with a stone the Rumour is spread through he City and speedily got to the Tower and slew those that were within in the sight of the Romans and cast down their bodies over the Wall Joseph going about the Wall and coming thither for he never ceased requesting the Jews to remember their desperate estate was struck on the head with a stone and so amazed with the blow that he fell down whereupon presently the Jews made a Salley out of the City and had carried him away prisoner into the City had not Titus sent men to defend him and whilst they fought Joseph was carried away scarcely knowing what was done The Seditious with loud cries rejoyced as having slain him whose death they chiefly desired and so they reported within the City Hereupon the people C were most sorrowfull verily believing him to be slain by whose intercession they had confidence of favour from the Romans When Josephs Mother who was in prison heard this she said to those of Jotapata that were her Keepers that she had no hope ever to see her Son again and with many tears lamenting to her Maidens Is this the benefit said she of my having born a Son Joseph recovereth of his wound that I shall not bury him by whom I hoped to have been buried my self But this false report did not long grieve her nor comfort the Thieves for Joseph was quickly healed of his wound and recovered and shewing himself he cryed out to them That ere long they should find he would be revenged on them for his wound And he ceased not to exhort the people to remain faithful to the Romans But the D Seditious seeing him alive were astonished Many that fled from Famine at home met with more speedy death among the Romans and the people conceived good hope Many present necessity urging them leapt over the Wall and fled to the Romans divers with stones going forth under pretence to fight with the Romans yielded themselves but they had worse Fortune there than within the City being now more harmed by plenty of Victuals which they found amongst the Romans than with the Famine they suffered in the City for being become by Famine all swollen as though they had the Dropsie upon the sudden filling of their empty Bodies they burst and so all died save only those who being wary did by little and little accustom their bodies to food which they had long wanted Yet they who thus escaped fell into another grievous misfortune for one of the Jews that fled to the Romans was found E amongst the Syrians gathering Gold out of his own dung which he had swallowed as is before said for that the Seditious did search all and take that they could find from them and there was very great store of Gold in the City so that that was sold for twelve Atticks which before was worth twenty five This device being discovered in one presently a report was spread all over the whole Camp that the Jews that fled from the City came full of Gold Whereupon the Arabians and Syrians ript up the Bellies of their poor suppliants to see if they could find any Gold or Silver within them And I am perswaded that there was no greater calamity befell the Jews than this Two thousand Jews imbowelled in one night Titus displeased at this cursed act for in one night the Bellies of two thousand Jews were ript up Titus hearing of this cruelty resolved to cause the Authors hereof to be compassed round with Horsemen F and slain with Darts and he had done it had not the multitude of offenders much exceeded that of the Jews that were so murthered Wherefore he called together the Leaders of these Auxiliary Troops and the Roman Captains for some of the Romans also had committed this fault and said to them in anger Is it possible that any amongst your Souldiers are so barbarous to commit such horrid Acts for uncertain gain and are not ashamed to enrich themselves after so execrable a manner what shall the
on condition that they might safely depart away and Eleazar might likewise be restored to them Which offer of theirs the Romans accepted and the Jews in the lower part of the City having intelligence of this agreement resolved likewise to fly away in the night but so soon as they had opened their Gates those that had agreed with Bassus B gave him intelligence thereof either envying that their Country men should escape or else fearing that Bassus would punish them for their flight yet for all this the most valiant of those that fled who got out before the rest escaped the rest were slain to the number of one thousand seven hundred men 1700 Jews slain by the Romans the Women and Children were made bondslaves And Bassus thinking it meet to keep his promise to them of the Castle permitted them safely to depart and restored Eleazar to them C CHAP. XXVI Of the Jews that Bassus slew and how the Emperor caused the Lands of Judea to be sold THis done Bassus prepared to carry his Army into the Forrest called Jardes Jardes a wood invironed by the Romans where he had notice that many Jews were assembled together having escaped from Jerusalem and Machera during the Siege So coming to the place and finding it to be as it was reported to him he first of all invironed it with Horsemen that if any of the Jews sought to escape the Horsemen might dispatch them and he commanded the D Footmen to cut down the Wood into which they had fled to hide themselves So through necessity the Jews were constrained to fight in hope by a couragious Charge to make a passage for themselves Wherefore with a great Cry they violently assaulted those by whom they were invironed and the Romans valiantly received them and by their valour and the Jews desperation the fight endured a long time yet the event of the Battle was favourable to the Romans of whom only twelve were slain and very few wounded 3000 Jews slain but all the Jews were slain in the fight being in number three thousand and also their Captain Judas the Son of Jairus of whom we have already made mention and who during the siege of Jerusalem was Commander of a Company there and hid himself in a certain Cave and secretly escaped from thence At that time Caesar E writ to Liberius Maximus his Governour A tribute imposed by Caesar on all the Jews and to Bassus to fell all the Lands of Judea for he would not build any more Cities but appropriated it to himself leaving there only eight hundred Souldiers and giving them a place to dwell in called Emaus thirty furlongs distant from Jerusalem and he imposed a Tribute upon all Jews wheresoever they lived commanding every one of them every year to pay two Drachms to the Capitol according as in former times they were wont to pay to the Temple of Jerusalem and this was the miserable estate of the Jews at that time F G CHAP. XXVII H Of the Death of King Antiochus and how the Alans invaded Armenia IN the fourth year of Vespasian's Reign it hapned that Antiochus King of Comagenaâ— with all his family fell into great misfortune upon this occasion Cesennius Petus President of Syria accuseth Antiochus before Caesar Cesennius Petus Governour of Syria either for envy or for that indeed it was so for it is not well known sent Letters to Caesar declaring to him that Antiochus was determined to revolt from the Romans together with his Son Epiphanes that he had made a League with I the King of the Parthians and that therefore it was necessary to prevent them in time lest if they first began to revolt openly they might trouble all the Roman Empire with War Caesar did not neglect this news for that the nearness of both the Kings Countries one to another seemed to require that they should be quickly prevented for Samosata the greatest City of Comagena is situate upon Euphrates and so might both easily receive the Parthians and be a strong Hold for them and also there they might easily pass over the River Wherefore Vespasian sent word to Petus That he permitted him to do what he thought expedient and he forthwith Antiochus thinking nothing suddenly entred into Comagena with the sixth Legion and certain other Companies of Foot and K some Troops of Horse accompanied with Aristobulus King of Chalcis and Sohemus King of Emesa who came to assist him They entred the Country without any fight for none of the inhabitants offered to resist Antiochus is suddenly invaded by Cesennius Antiochus though surprised with this unexpected news yet did not so much as think of any War against the Romans but determined to leave the whole Kingdom in that estate that then it was in and with his Wife and Children to depart from thence hoping hereby to clear himself to the Romans from that which they suspected of him and going almost a hundred and thirty furlongs from the City into a Plain there he encamped Petus sent men to Samosata to take it as they easily did and were left to keep the City whilst he with the rest of the Souldiers purpose to go against Antiochus But the King though by necessity urged thereto yet would L not fight against the Romans but bewailing his misfortune endured patienrly all whatsoever But his two Sons being lusty strong young men and skilfull in martial affairs could not easily abstain from fight in this their distress Wherefore they had recourse to their forces and in a great fight that endured a whole day they shewed their Valour and came off with little loss Antiochus chuseth rather to depart out of his Country with his Wife and Children than to fight with the Romans Yet Antiochus after this fight would not any longer abide in his Country but taking his Wife and Daughters he fled into Cilicia and thereby discouraged his Souldiers who dispairing to keep the Kingdom for him revolted to the Romans But Epiphanes and the rest were forced to seek to save themselves before such time as they were left destitute and so accompanied with ten Horsemen they passed the River Euphrates And so being out of danger they went to Vologesus by whom they were received Antiochus flieth with his wife into Câ—licia not as Fugitives but with great honour and according to their degree M as though they yet possessed their ancient dignity Petus coming to Tarsus of Cilicia sent a Centurion to arrest and carry Antiochus bound to Rome Epiphanes flieth to Velogeâ—us the King of Parthia But Vespasian permitted not the King to be so ill treated considering more the old Friendship between them than the offence which he believed had given occasion to this War Wherefore he commanded that in the way as he came he should be unbound and stay a while at Lacedemon and forbear his journey towards Rome allowing him money sufficient to
named it Carthage so that from the time of King Hyramus unto the building of Carthage is by this computation a hundred fifty five years and two Months and for as much as the Temple of Jerusalem was built in the twelfth year of Hyramus his reign the computation of the time since that year until the building of Cartbage is a hundred forty three years and eight Months What need we more beside this testimony of the Phoenicians The truth is now sufficiently made manifest for our Ancestors must needs have come into this Country we inhabit before such time as they D built a Temple in it as I have also prov'd in my Books of Antiquity collected out of our Holy Scripture I will now speak of that which the Chaldees writ of us in their Histories Berosus the Historiographer a Chaldean which do much agree in all other Matters with those of our Nation And first let Berosus be my witness who was a Chaldean born a man famous and known unto all that love learning for he in the Greek tongue writ Astronomy and the Philosophy of the Chaldeans Berosus imitating the most ancient Histories writeth of the Deluge how mankind was therein extinguished and he in all things imitateth Moses He also speaketh of the Ark wherein our forefather was preserved and affirmeth that it was carried into the tops of the Mountains in Armenia after this he prosecuteth the Genealogy of all that reigned E from Noe Nabulassarus Father to Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon and Chaldea until Nabulassarus King of the Babylonians and Chaldeans He likewise setteth down how long every one reigned and in prosecuting the deeds of this King he recounteh how he sent his Son Nabuchodonosor into Egypt our Country with great power who finding them in rebellion subdued them and burnt the Temple at Jerusalem Nabuchodonosor conquered the rebels and so departed carrying with him all our Nation into Babylon whereupon our City was desolate seventy years until the reign of Cyrus King of the Persians Moreover he affirmeth that this Babylonian kept in subjection Egypt Syria Phoenicia and Arabia exacting more of them than ever any King of Babylon or Chaldea had done before his time And the words of Berosus must needs be to this effect Nabulassarus his Father hearing that his Substitute in Egypt Coelosyria and Phoenicia had rebelled he himself F not being able to take such pains committed his Affairs unto his his Son Nabuchodonosor gave him a part of his Army for that he was in the flower of his age and sent him against him Nabuchodonosor fighting with the said Substitute overthrew him and subdued the Country which of old belonged unto them and at the same time his Father Nabulassarus fell sick in Babylon Nabuchodonosor succeedeth in his Fathers Kingdom and died having Reigned twenty nine years But Nabuchodonosor long after understanding his Fathers death disposed of Egypt and other Provinces as he thought good and taking the Captives of Judea Phoenicia and the Syrians that lived in Egypt he committed them to certain of his friends to be brought after with his Carriages and Army to Babylon and so he himself accompanied with a very few took his jorney to Babylon through the Desart being G arriv'd he found the Chaldees ruled all and that their Nobility reserved the Kingdom for him he was made King and commanded Houses to be built for the Captives that H were coming in the most convenient places of Babylon and with the spoil he beautified the Temple of Belus and other places most richly and built a new City without the Wall of the old and providing lest hereafter the Enemies might turn the River and so have access unto the City he invironed the inner City with three several Walls and the outmost City likewise the Walls whereof were made of Brick but the Walls of the inner City were of Brick and Bitumen this done he builded most sumptuous Gates which might have become Temples 〈…〉 and moreover neer unto his Fathers Palace he builded another far greater and more costly than they the beauty and costliness whereof were hard and perhaps tedious to express Yet this we will say and it is considerable that this rich and incredibly beautiful Palace was builded in fifteen days in I it he erected Rocks of Stone like Mountains beset with all sorts of Trees he made a famous Mount and supported it with Pillars for his Wife having been brought up in the Country of the Medes desired to have a prospect into the fields and Mountains according to their way 〈…〉 This he relateth of the forementioned King and many things more in his Book of the affairs of the Chaldeans wherein he reproveth the Greek Writers who falsly affirme that Sâ—miramis the Assyrian Queen built Babylon and that they falsly report those wonderful works about Babylon to have been by her made and finished We must needs think that the Chaldean History is true seeing it agreeth with that of the Phoenicians which Berosus writ of the King of Babylon who subverted both Phaenicia and K all Syria with them also accordeth Philostratus in his History of the siege of Tyria and Megasthenes also in his fourth Book of the affairs of India The King of Babylon excelled Hercules in strength and 〈…〉 where he laboureth to prove that the said King excelled Hercules in strength and valour affirming that he subdued the greatest part of Africk and Spain and that the Temple of Jerusalem was burnt by the Babylonians and again re-edified by Cyrus and we may prove it out of Berosus who in his third book saith as followeth Nabuchodonosor having begun the third Wall fell sick and died when he had reigned forty three years and his Son Evelmeradochus succeed him who for his iniquity and licenciousness was treacherously slain by his Sisters Husband named Niriglissoroor after he had reigned two years He being dead the Traytor Niriglissoroor usurped the Kingdom and reigned four years L whose Son then a child was mace King called by name Laborosardochus and he reigned nine months The Walls of Babylon built of brick and bitumen who for corruptness of his manners was slain by his own Friends after whose death they who slew him consulting together made one Nabonidus a Babylonian King At this time the Walls of Brick and Bitumen about the River of Babylon were built In the eighth year of this Kings reign Cyrus coming with an Army out of Persia conquered all Asia and came with his Forces against Babylon but the King of Babylon having notice of his coming levied an Army advanc'd against him and gaue him Battel but being overcome he with a very few of his men was forced to flye into Borsippa Cyrus now besieged Babylon and purposed to destroy the outward Walls thereof but finding them too strong and impenetrable he returned to Bersippa to besiege Nabonidus the King of Babylon Cyrus
drawn together what forces they had pleased to defend them And is it not as improbable when he says that that Prince made not only a great slaughter among them but pursued them with his whole army cross the Desart to the very frontiers of Syria whereas it is notoriously known that Desart is so dry that there being no Water to be found in the whole tract it is almost impossible for an entire Army to march through it though there was no Enemy to give them C impediment To conclude therefore our Nation neither came of the Egyptians as Manethon confesseth The Epilogue that the Jews came not of the Egyptians neither was mingled with the diseased of that Country for it is probable that many of those sick people perished in the Stone-works many in the great fight and battel and the rest of them in the flight It now remaineth that I refute that which he speaks of Moses The Egyptians do all agree that this man was a divine person An answer to Manethons slanders touching Moses and one to be admired and they commit great impiety in labouring to challenge him for their Country-man saying that he was a Priest of Heliopolis banished with the rest for leprosie For he is recorded to have lived five hundred and eighteen years before this time and to have guided our Ancestors out of Egypt Moses was not a Leper into that Country wherein we now inhabit D and his own words testifiy his body to have been clean from that Disease of Leprosie for he commandeth all Lepers to be expelled out of the Towns and Villages and to live apart by themselves To be cloathed in different Garments and declared that whosoever touched them or came under the same roof with them should be accounted unclean And if a Leper happened to be cured of that disease he appointed certain purifications cleansings and baths of fortunate waters and all his hair should be shaved off and that then after many and sundry Sacrifices he should be admitted into the holy City Certainly had he been visited with that infection and calamity himself he would surely have been more gentle and merciful to such as should have been E afflicted with that Disease He did not only make these severe Laws against Lepers but he also interdicted all that wanted any joynt or parcel of the body from being Priests or exercising any office at the Alter Moses took his name of Moy which in the Egyptian tongue signifieth Water yea he also appointed that if any Priest should have any of these defects betide him after he was a Priest that then he should be deprived of the dignity How can it then be probable that to his own prejudice and discredit he would have enacted such Laws And as to what he says about changing his name Osarsiph into Moses it is as incredible as the rest there being no analogy between them the name of Moses importing preservation from the Water for Moy among the Egyptians signifies Water Against Cheremon the Historiographer and now I suppose I have made it apparent that Manethon whilst he kept himself F to the writings of the ancients did not err much but when he left them he forsook the truth and fell upon ridiculous stories which he either invented himself or beleived out of prejudice to our nation I now think it not amiss to examine a little the words of Chaeremon who professing himself to write the Egyptian History maketh mention of the same King Amenophis his Son Rhamses as Manethon doth and reporteth that the Goddess Isis appeared to Amenophis in his sleep checking him for that her Temple was destroyed and that Phiritiphantes a holy Scribe told the King that if he would expel all polluted and unclean persons out of Egypt that then he should not be any more terrified with these night-visions Moreover that hereupon making search for all sick and diseased persons he banished them out of his Land to the number of 250000. And that their Captains were called Moses and Joseph holy Scribes G also that these Egyptians names were so that Moses was named â—isithes and Joseph Petesephus and that they came to Pelusium where they found 380000 left there by Amenohpis whom he would not permit to come into Egypt also they all entring into H a league together suddenly invaded Egypt and Amenophis not abiding the brunt fled into Aethiopia leaving his wife great with child who hiding her self in caves and dens did bring forth a child whom they called Messenes Messenes Son of Amenophis who afterward drove the Jews into Syria being in number 200000 and this done he recalled his Father Amenophis out of Aethiopia And thus Chaeremon saith But I imagine that which I have already said to be sufficient to declare the vanity of both these Writers For if that which they report were true it were impossible that they should so much differ but they labour to devise lyes and write nothing agreeable to other mens writings Manethon's Chaeremon's history compared together For Manethon feigneth that the cause of the banishment of the Lepers was the â—ings desire to see the Gods and Chaeremon saith that it was for I that Isis after appeared unto him in his sleep Manetâ—on also saith that Amenophis gave the King that counsel so to cleanse the Country and Chaeremon saith that he that counselled the King was called Phiritipâ—antes Nor do they agree better in their numbers Manethon reports them 80000 the other 250000. Manethon says these Lepers were sent directly to the Quarries to work there in the squaring of Stone and that afterwards Avaris was given them for a Quarter where having begun their War they sent Embassadors to Jerusalem to get that City into Confederacy Chaeremon tells us on the other side that when they were forced out of Egypt they found at Pelusium 380000 men whom Amenophis had repulsed that joyning with them they returned againe into Egypt and compelled Amenophis to fly into Aethiopia But that which is most observable K is that an Author that was so exact in the Story of the apparition of Isis should forget to let us know from whence this great Army of 380000 did come whether they were Egyptians or Strangers and for what reason Amenophis refused to admit them Moreover The difference between Manethon's and Chaeremâ—n's History Chaeremon feigneth a dream of the Lepers and Isis and reporteth that Joseph together with Moses was expelled whereas Joseph lived four ages before Moses every age containing at least a hundred and seventy years Ramesses also Amenophis Son according to Manethons History being a young man fled into Aethiopia and was banished with his Father and afterwards assisted him in the Wars whereas Chaeremon reporteth that he was born in a Cave after his Fathers departure and that he getting the victory did drive the Jews into Syria who were in number two hundred thousand L
of the Roman Horsemen 661. D. Fury of Florus Soldier 623. F. G. GAbaens lust and villany 130. L. would not deliver the authors thereof 131. B. destroyed and their City burned 331. F. Gibeonites send Embassadours to Joshuah 124. M. perswade Joshuah to make a league with them ibid. M. appointed to publick Ministeries 125. A. Gabinus overcometh Alexander 266. D. 569. D. repaireth Cities in Jury ibid. takes Aristobulus 367. K. overcomes the Nabathaeans 568. L. Gad the son of Jacob 46. O. what it signifies ibid. O. his children 61. B. Gadara besieged and taken 353. H. 663. B. Gadareans accuse Herod 416. B. entertain Vespasian 699. G. Gaal assisted the Sichemites to gather their fruits 137. D. E. banished out of Sichem ibid. F. Galaad a pillar 48. I. Galaadites besieged by Naas 152. N. and succoured by Saul ibid. M. Galba foretold to the Emperour 491. C. slain 703. B. A Galilean slain 619. C. his death cause of a tumult ibid. E. Galileans murthered 534. L. revenge themselves ibid. their faith and love toward Joseph 6. H. desire to invade Tiberias 6. N. intreat Joseph to stay 12. O. their testimony of Joseph 15. E. flock to Joseph 641. A. Galilee described 659. B. the length and breadth thereof ibid. C. Galley built by Herod 577. C. Gamala faithful to Rome 623. G. how scituated 680. M. inexpugnable ibid. N. taken 683. E. Games Circensian 505. I. Ganges called also Phison 28. K. Gardens c. about Jericho 701. F. Garden of pleasure 28. I. Adam placed there ibid. I. Garment of Joseph 53. E. Garment of linnen and woollen 112. H. Garment of the Priest 210. C. Garment of the High Priests 721. F. Garrison of the Philistines won 154. I. Garrison placed in Syria 182. I. in Idumaea ibid. L. Gedeon called and encouraged 435. D. his men and means ibid. E. obtains the victory and how 136. H. kills Oreb and Zeb and pacifies Ephraim ibid. L. M. Gehon a River of Paradise 28. K. called also Nilus ibid. K. Germans Caesars Guard 410. O. resort to the Theatre 512. K. their fury pacified ibid. Germanicus poisoned 479. F. Genealogy of Noe 30. O. of Abraham 35. C. of Ely 145. C. of Shadoc 204. I. of Alexander and Aristobulus 618. M. Generals of Armies 121. E. 164. M. 176. H. 204. L. 255. M. 265. I. 283. F. 293. H. Genezar the lake described 678. C. the length and breadth thereof ibid. D. E. Gerson Moses son 67. G. Ghost of Samuel 171. C. certifies Saul of his end ibid. E. Giants engendred 30. M. horrible to look on 129. C. Giants extinguished 37. B. Gifts of the Princes of the Tribes 90. M. of the Kings to Solomon 216. K. L. Gifts of Herod 585. B. 591. F. of Antipater 574. I. 598. L. Gimon a Prophet 224. O. foretels the miseries of Basa and his race ibid. O. Giscala burned 3. F. Gladness of Anna 144. I. Glaphira wife of Alexander 422. O. Archelaus daughter ibid. encreaseth suspicion 589. B. examined 441. I. sent back to her father 449. B. 594. E. her dream 473. G. Gleanings to be left for the poor 113. E. Gluttony of Vitellius 710. K. God created the world 27. F. resteth the seventh day ibid. G. speaks to Adam 28. M. punisheth him Evah and the Serpent 28. N. O. sends the Deluge 30. O. willeth the Earth to be inhabited 32. O. appears to Jacob 60. A. his Providence in saving Moses 64. H. and 64. N. appeareth to Moses 66. O. feeds the Israelites c. 75. B. C. comforteth Samuel 149. E. certifieth him whom to create King 150. M. sends him to Bethlem 158. K. appears twice to Salomon 205. B. 212. E. speaketh to Elias 228. D. Gods favour to the Romans 628. K. 728. O. knows when to revenge 730. M. Godliness of Ancestors remembred 63. B. Gods of Laban digged up 49. D. Gods of other Countries 112. H. Godoliâ—s Captain of the fugitives 265. O. slain 266. E. Gold in great quantity 77. C. 108. O. 123. B. 124. K. L. sold for half the price 754. K. Golden Statue erected 269. M. Golden Eagle 459. F. Golden Chain 520. M. Goliah the Philistine 159. C. challengeth a single combat ibid. C. encountred and slain 160. M. Gomar Japhers son 33. G. his Progeny ibid G. Gonorrhoea a Running of the Reins 93. C. Good deserts not to be forgotten 162. L. Goodliness of personage not respected 158. N. Goods that are found 115. M. Goods of Archeâ—aus confiscate 611. G. common 614. G. of Aman 291. I. Gorions death c. 697. A. Government of the Romans how far c. 661. G. Government of the Tribe of Juda 129. A. Of Governments the best kind 113. A. Governments of the Hebrews distinct 153. B. Government of the Jews changed 567. G. What Governour to be chosen 78. I. 112. L. The Governour Moses commended 120. K. Governours of Salomon 206. H. I. Governour of both Galilees who 638. I. Grapes not to be forbidden the gatherers 113. G. Grashoppers one of the plagues of Egypt 69. F. Gratuity of Solomon 213. F. Gratulation of the Jews scorned 623. A. Gratulation of the Bethsamites 147. E. of Herod 586. I. of the people 463. A. B. Gratus conflict 463. M. See Fight Graves of concupiscence 95. G. Grief causeth or hindreth passion 816. H. Ground about Jericho fruitful 702. I. H. HAbit or form of Elias 236. B. Habitations of Isaacs sons 50. K. L. Hail one of the plagues of Egypt 69. E. Haman honoured by all but the Jews 287. L. his petition for the Jews ruine ibid. his hatred against Mardoche 289. M. his treachery discovered 291. H. judged to the Gallows ibid. his goods bestowed on Mardoche ibid. I. Hand of Moses 67. C. Hand of Jeroboam withered 220. B. restored ibid. B. Handmaids of Jacobs wives 46. M. N. Harbours 415. I. Ill Harvest of the Egyptians destroyed 69. F. Hatred of Josephs brethren 50. O. of the Egyptians to the Hebrews 62. M. of Saul against David 160. N. of Absalon against Amnon 180. M. of the Souldiers against Demetrius 336. G. of sons to the father 435. F. Haven of Caius 516. L. Haven described 517. D. Heaven created 28. E. and how placed ibid. Hebrew Slave when to be freed 116. M. Hebrews Original 35. B. of whom so called ibid. C. their insupportable servitude 62. N. O. and ibid. G. chiefest of them meet Moses 68. H. perswaded to obey ibid. H. celebrated their Passover 70. I. departed out of Egypt ibid. K. and go thorow the Red Sea 71. K. sing songs of praise 72. N. fight with the Canaanites 98. N. overthrow the Amorites 104. N. possess their land 105. B. revolt from the Laws of their Fathers 187. E. overcome the Midianites 108. O. bound by oath to keep the Law 119. B. overthrow the Canaanites 125. E. bring the Ark into battel 144. M. feed on bloudy flesh 155. E. Hebron a place of burial 41. F. 43. D. 49. F. 62. K. Hebron the City taken 120. C. Davids royal seat 179. E. Hecataeus
Caesar Governour of Syria 372 c. writeth in Herod's behalf ib. f. selleth the President 's place 373 l. slain 376 b. Sheep-shearing of Nabal 168 n. of Absolon 180 o. Shews at Caesarea 761 e. Ships of Solomon 216 k. of Josâ—phat c. 235 m. Shipwrack of Josephus 2 h. Siba manureth Mephiboseth's lands 183 b. accuseth him and getteth his goods 189 b. Siba son of Bochri incenseth the people to Rebellion 194 l. by Joab 195 k. his punishment ib. l. Sybils Prophesie of Babel 33 d. Sicarians 771 c. besieged 772 a. authors of new calamity 777 i. taken ibid. k. Sichima Josuah's habitation 128 m. Sichem defloureth Dina 49 b. desireth to marry her ib. m. is slain ib. Sichemites slain 49 c. Sichemites constitute Abimeleck their ruler 137 b. banish him ib. d. are slain and their City sackt ib. g h. Sickness of Jeroboam's son 222 d. Sickness of Ochozias 235 n. Sickness of Joram 241 l m. Sickness of Adad 240 f. Sickness of Ezechias 257 i. Sickness of Herod 409 k l. Sicle 89 a. Siege of Jerusalem 179 c. 255 m. deferred 703 c. Signs of the law 112 k. Sign of Ezechias's recovery 257 k l. Signs before the destruction of Jerusalem 753 b c d e. Sign of a true history 782 h i. Signification of the golden-head 269 k. Silas Captain of the King's guard 522 a. Silas groweth into hatred 522 k. Silon corrupted with money 386 a. Silva besiegeth Massada 772 a. Simei pardoned 193 c. punished 204 m. Simeon the son of Jacob 46 n. why so called ib. m. he and Levi slew the Sichemites 49 c. left as a pledge with Joseph 57 c. his sons 61 b. Similitude 137 b. 672 l. Simon succoureth the Galileans 319 n. taketh Bethsura 338 e. declared high Priest 342 d. animateth the people against Tryphon ibid. e. his authority 342 e. razeth the Castle of Jerusalem 3â—2 f. maketh war against Antiochus 343 f. trayterously slain 344 b. 559 d. Simon degraded 454 i. Simon affecteth the Crown 468 m. 608 m. Simon 's counsel against Joseph 640 n o c. Simon killeth many of his countrey-men 632 o. his parents and wife c 633 a b. Simon the son of Giora committeth rapines and murders 642 m. Simon of Garasa 703 e. assembleth the thieves ibid. spoileth Idumaea 705 a b. assaulteth the Temple 70â— o. his camp 722 o. apprehended 759 e. 761 f. kept for the triumph ibid. drawn thorough Rome with an halter 767 b. Singing look song Single Combat 159 d. Sin escapes not unpunished 169 d. Sins of the Jews against the law 730 l. Sin cannot escape God's justice 169 e. 761 g. Sisara Captain of Jabin's host 134 k. put to flight and slain ibid. n. Scituation of the land of the Amorites 105 b. Scituation of the higher Galilee 659 b. Scituation of Jotapata 6â—4 b. Scituation of Gamala 680 m. Scituation of Massada 772 b. Six thousand Jews consumed with fire 752 m. Skirmish of the Romans with the Jews 608 i. Skirmish between the Galileans and the Romans 669 f. Skirmish of Simon and John 712 i. Slaughter one of another 136 i. 155 b. 235 l. Slaughter on the Sabbath day 632 h. Slavery of the Hebrews see servitude Slaughter of Achimelech and his Family 166 k. Slaughter of Ochozias's servants 243 m. Slaughter of Baal's Priests 244 a. Slaughter of Azarias 420 g. Slaughter of the Tapsians 250 e. of the Army of Juda 251 l. Slaughter of the Moabites 181 e. of Antigonus's faction 382. of the Jews 624 m. in the Temple 712 k. 751 c. in the vaults 756 n. Slanders touching the Jewish nation answered 791 f g c Sleep of Abner and his souldiers reproved 169 g. Sodom once a goodly City 36 o. her destruction foretold 38 o. burnt 39 b. Sodomites overcome by the Syrians 33 a b. taken and rescued ibid. d. their sins 39 a b. stricken with blindness ib. c. destroyed ib. b. Sohemus discovereth the King's secrets 406 f. advanced 407 m. put to death 408 l. Soil of Peraea 659 d. Souldiers ought to obey their Captains 677 b. Souldiers take meat out of the Citizens mouths 730 f. Souldiers rewarded 460 n. 761 b. Souldier sheweth his privy members 533 e. Souldiers require a Monarch 517 f. repair to Claudius 518 k. Souldiers dismissed and why 247 n. Souldiers of the Romans obey their Captains 661 a b. Souldiers that came unto David numbred 179 a b. Souldiers with their Captains consumed 236 b c. A Souldier's filthy fact 618 n. A Souldier burneth the book of the Scripture 534 h. is punished 619 a. Solemnity of the Passover 70 k. 92 k. Solemnity of the new Moon 164 m. Solemnity of transporting the Ark 180 m n o. Solyma the place where Melchisedech was King 37 e. after called Jerusalem ib. and 179 e. Song of praise and thanksgiving of the Israelites 72 n. Song of Moses 72 n. Song of the women and maidens of Israel 160 n. Son of Vision 46 n. Sons of Noah 32 o. Sons of Abraham 40 h i. and 43 d. Sons of Isaac 50 k. Sons of Esau 50 l. Sons of Jesse 158 m. Sons of Saul slain 173 f. Sons of David 179 g. Sons of Jacob hate their brother Joseph 50 o. go inâ—â— Aegypt for to buy corn 56 k l. 57 f. imprisoned and accused of theft 56 o. and 58 k l. carry Presents with them 57 f. depart into Aegypt with their Father 61 b. Sorceress of Eâ—dor 171 c. raised Samuel's ghost ib. c. Three Sorts of sedition 711 f. Sosius hath charge of the Army 388 c. leadeth an Army against Jerusalem 390 b. taketh Antigonus 579 e. Soveraignty to be given 158 m. Soul immortal 672 m. 784 m. tyed to a mortal body ibid. n. Spear of Goliah the Philistine 159 c. Spectacle of compassion 731 e. Spies sent into Canaan 96 i. sent to Jericho 121 d. survey the City ib. f. promised Rahab to save her and all that was hers 122 h. Spirit of God forsaketh Saul 258 o. and an evil spirit troubleth him ib. o. Spirit of God entred into David 158 o. Spoils gotten in war 77 c. Spoils dedicated to God 123 d. 225 m. Spoil of the Temple 246 d. Spoils committed in the day 686 l. Spoils c. carried in triumph 772 e f. Sports of Olympus 431 b. Stars made 27 e. their end courses and motions ib. State of Jerusalem troubled 642 l m. Statue of gold erected 269 m. commanded to be worshipped ibid. m. Statue of Caius 494 l. Statue of divers metals 269 m. beaten to powder ib. Statues of Caesar 480 i k. Jews refuse to admit them ib. Stature of Og 105 b. Stature of Saul 151 f. Stature of Goliah 159 c. Sterility fore-shewed 55 e f. Stock of Basa destroyed 225 m. Stone taken out of the mountain 269 i. Store of the Priest where kept 419 l. Store of provision 772 f. Store of all sorts of moveables 124 l. Store of Corn gotten 240 d e. Store of victuals 576 h i. Store of engines
their hands to stone him they should oppose themselves against God and his Commands Thus pacifi'd he them and assuag'd the fury they had conceiv'd to endanger his life and so much prevail'd he that they repented of that Enterprize whereby they sought to destroy him Moses imploâ—eth God's help And for that he knew that they had some reason to be thus mov'd he address'd O himself to prayer and supplication and ascending a certain Rock he desir'd God's help to relieve their infirmities wants and affliction in whose hands only the salvation A of the people consisted beseeching him in mercy to forgive the people being exasperated with extreme miseries and by reason thereof distracted and withdrawn from their duty Whereupon God promis'd him to have care of the people promising him to send them a speedy and present deliverance Which when Moses understood he came down to the multitude who perceiving joy in his countenance by reason of those promises which he had receiv'd from God exchang'd their dolesom lamentations into gladness He therefore standing up in the midst of them told them that he brought unto them a most speedy remedy for their necessity Cap. 16. 13. And not long after a number of Quails which about the gulf of Arabia multiply and encrease more than any sort of Birds flew cross the Sea God sendeth Quails into the Hebrews Army and being wearied in their flight came and fell amidst the Camp of the Hebrews B who caught them as a provision prepar'd for them by God and sent to relieve their Famine Whereupon Moses once more addressed himself to call upon God yielding him thanks for the present and future good he had promis'd him The people being after this manner fed and refreshed God feedeth the Israelites with Manna were soon after supplied with a new kind of food For as Moses stretched out his hands and pray'd to God a dew descended from Heaven which thickned betwixt his hands and for that he suppos'd it to be another kind of sustenance sent them by God Ver. 14. he tasted the same and found it very pleasant Then addressing to the people who knew not what it was but thought it to be Snow which fell in that place according to the season of the year he told them that it was no ordinary dew falling from Heaven as they suppos'd but that God had sent it them for C the preservation and nouriture of their bodies and having eaten thereof before them he gave them of it to the end he might strengthen their belief who tasting the same in like manner as he had done were greatly refresh'd with the sustenance for in sweetness and pleasure it equal'd Honey in odor Bdellium and in form and greatness the grain of Coriander Ver. 16. whereupon every one gather'd of it And Moses commanded that every one of them should particularly gather every day but the measure of an Assaron A Commandment how much Manna should be gathered which is the tenth part of an Epha which was done lest the weaker should want whil'st the stronger through avarice gather'd more than suffic'd them And if any one contrary to the command gather'd more than was permitted although he toiled and travelled more than any of them yet was his portion no ways encreas'd by that means D For whatsoever beside the appointed measure of the Assaron remained till the next morning was of no value but became bitter and full of Worms So divine and admirable was this kind of food and of that nature that who so had sufficient thereof needed no sort of sustenance Moreover even in these our days there falls in that Countrey a dew like that Manna what it signifieth which God in favor of Moses sent for the peoples sustenance The Hebrews call it Manna for in our Tongue Man is an Interrogation signifying What is that Exod. 17. 1. Thus liv'd they joyfully being sustain'd by this kind of meat sent them from Heaven The Israelites fed 40 years space on Manna and us'd the same for the space of 40 years during the time they were in the Desart But afterwards when they were dislodg'd from that place and encamped near to Raphidim they were extremely troubled with thirst The Israelites arrive at Raphidim and are troubled with thirst for upon their first arrival they found E some few Springs but afterward they found the land wholly distitute of water They therefore once more were incens'd against Moses But he withdrawing himself apart from the fury of the people betook himself to God in prayer beseeching him that as he had given them food in their necessity 3. he would now also give them drink since they were ready to perish with thirst and praying him to provide them drink also otherwise their meat was unprofitable to them God presently granted his prayer promising Moses that he would give him a Fountain and abundance of Water from that place from whence he least expected it To which end he commanded him to strike with his Rod the Rock which was there hand by and promis'd to make the water come forth immediately so that the people should have sufficient without taking pains to F seek for it Which command when Moses had receiv'd he return'd to the people who expected him and had their eyes fix'd upon him with great impatience as he descended from the Rock where he had made his prayer No sooner was he arriv'd but he told them that God would deliver them from the necessity wherein they were and would graciously grant them an unexpected relief Moses striketh the Rock with his Rod and there issueth water by causing a stream suddenly to break from that Rock But they being amaz'd at that which they heard and doubting lest tyred with thirst and spent with journeys they should be enforc'd to hew and cleave the Rock Moses struck the same in such sort with his Rod that it divided asunder and there issu'd out most clear and pure water in great abundance The people were greatly astonish'd at this so strange accident and no less rejoyced They fell to drink of the Water and G and found it very sweet and pleasant as being a miraculous Water and a Present of the goodness divine bounty and power of God For this cause they highly esteem'd Moses seeing that God had honour'd him in this sort and they acknowledged God's providence offering Sacrifices and humbly thanking him for the care he had over them The H Holy Scripture which is kept in the Temple testifies that God foretold Moses that Water should in this sort issue from the Rock CHAP. II. How the Amalekites and their Associates were overcome and how great a Prey the Israelites obtained thereby BUt when the Renown of the Hebrews was become great and spread abroad in all parts it came to pass that the Neighbouring Nations were in very great fear of them whereupon sending
Ambassages the one unto the other they mutually conspir'd I to expel and if possible utterly extirpate the whole people Amongst the rest Hedio Ruffinus cap. 2. those of the Countrey of Cobol and the City Petra who are call'd Amalekites a Nation very warlike and more active than the rest were the chief Agents in this Expedition Exod. 17. 8 9. whose Kings both encourag'd one another and stir'd up the Neighbour Nations to the Israelites destruction The Amalekites war against the Israelites telling them that a Foreign Army flying from the thraldom of the Egyptians had invaded their Countrey whose multitudes were not a little to be suspected counselling them before they had gather'd head and recover'd more means and a Countrey to dwell in and grew more confident by their forbearance to charge them first rather than to expect their increase and so to oppress them esteeming it a better point of wisdom to repress their insolency and forwardness K in the Desart than to expect whil'st they were possess'd of strong and rich Cities For this said they is the part of wise men to resist the beginnings of power of their Adversaries and not to expect till by daily Exploits they more and more increase and rather to provide to prevent than deliver themselves from peril After these Ambassages it was decreed by general Council That they should endevor to invade and assault the Hebrews These determinations and designs of theirs troubled Moses very much for that he expected no Hostility When therefore he perceiv'd that the people were affrighted and amaz'd to see themselves being wholly unprovided to be charg'd by so strong and well-furnish'd an Army he re-comforted them and will'd them to bethink themselves of God's promises who by his power had set them at liberty L assuring them that they should overcome all those that made head against them to destroy them wishing them to think that though they were inferior to their Enemies in Weapons Ver. 9 10. Wealth Moses encourageth the people to expect nothing but victory and Munition and the like yet since they had God to friend and ready to fight for them against their Enemy they ought to be of good courage as being furnish'd with more than humane supplies Alledging further that they were not ignorant how great an Assister God was having had so often tryal of his goodness in their greatest dangers as an Enemy to their enemies and favorable to their proceedings which favor of his he most manifestly express'd by his miraculous deliverance of them from hunger and thirst by procuring them free escape when they were shut in by the Sea and Mountains And that which should most animate them to the Fight and Victory M was That if they came off victorious they should want nothing that appertain'd to a more commodious and peaceable life Moses thus having encourag'd the people by his words call'd unto him the chiefest of the Tribes and every one of them that had the charge of them both in private and publick Assembly commanding the younger to obey the elder and the elders to be obedient to their General Hereupon the people contemn'd their danger and were desirous of Fight hoping that this Conflict would prove the end of their calamities For which cause they earnestly desir'd Moses to lead them forth against the Enemy and not to dull the alacrity of the Soldiers by any untimely delay Ver. 9. Whereupon choosing out among the whole multitude such as were most fit for War he appointed the son of Naveus the Ephramite Josuah made Captain over the Israelites to lead them a man N valiant in Arms and prudent in counsel and of great piety as having been train'd up therein by Moses his Master He also in such sort disposed certain Bands that he might not be cut off from water he left so many as might guard the Camp and weaker company Thus stood they all Night long in Arms expecting only the Signal of their General and the Order of their Captains to attack their Enemies On the other side Moses slept not but instructed Josuah how he should conduct the Army And as soon as the day appear'd he encourag'd Josuah to shew himself such an one in that Battel as both the place wherewith he was honour'd and the Cause for which they fought requir'd wishing him by his prowess and good conduct to give life and courage to his Soldiers that follow'd him He likewise exhorted the chiefest of the Hebrews in particular and in O general heartned and emboldned all others that entred the Battel A After he had thus dispos'd the Army and given all necessary orders he committing the Army to God's protection and Josuah's conduct retir'd upon a Mountain Then encountred the Armies on both sides and every one fought most valiantly neither wanted there encouragement on either side And as long as Moses lifted up his hands the Hebrews had the better against the Amalekites But for that he was unable continually to support the same and because he observ'd that as often as he held down his hands so long the Enemies drove the Israelites to retreat he willed his brother Aaron and Vron his sister Maries husband to stand on each side of him and sustain his hands Which when they had perform'd the Hebrews by main force overcame the Amalekites so that all of them had been slain if the Chase had continu'd and had not been cut off B by the approach of the night Thus our Ancestors obtain'd a most happy and advantagious Victory For besides the glory they got in having overcome so potent Enemies and cast a terror into the hearts of the Nations round about to whom they have ever since been formidable they became Masters of the Enemies Camp and both in general and in particular got Riches whereas before that time they had not necessary means to maintain themselves And this Victory of theirs was the cause of their very great good fortune not only for the present but also for the time to come For not only had they their Enemies bodies under their subjection but also their spirits so as they were fear'd by all the Nations round about And they multiplied both in strength and riches Ver. 13. for there was a great quantity of gold and silver taken in the Camp Divers C Vessels likewise The Israelites recover a great prey in the Camp of the Amalekites and Tables of Brass were found therein likewise great quantity of Tissue-work and excellent Furniture for War Moreover they had all their Baggage Tents Harness and Horses and generally the whole provision of an Army became their prey The distribution of the spoils and prey Thus ended this Battel The success whereof so exalted the courage of the Israelites that they thought henceforward nothing would be unpossible to them The next day Moses caused the Enemies that were slain to be rifled and the scatter'd
of his Guard and perceiving likewise that the Porter was asleep they entred into the lodging where Ishboseth was asleep and slew him and having cut off his head they travelled all the night and day as if they fled from those whom they had offended and sought for rescue And when they came to Hebron they presented David with Ishboseths head v. 6. ad 12. offering themselves to do him service letting him know that they M had delivered him of an enemy Ishboseths head is brought to David and made away his adversary But David allowed not their act but thus received them O cursed men on whom I intend presently to execute justice have you not heard how I punished him that murthered Saul David sharp invective against the murtherers of Ishboseth and their punishment and brought his Royal Crown unto me Yea although he slew him at his own request and to the intent the enemy should not surprise him alive Did ye think that I was changed and that I am not the same that I was but that I take delight to be partaker with you in your wickedness or that I will countenance it as if these acts of yours who are murtherers of your Master were to be commended Vngrateful Villains have you no remorse for having murthered on his Couch a Prince that never did an injury to any and had shewed so much kindness unto you but I will certainly punish you with the loss of your lives because ye have thought that Ishboseths death N would work my content for you could not in any thing dishonour me more than by conceiving such an opinion of me Which said he adjudged them to die by the most cruel torments that might be imagined and with a great deal of solemnity he caused Ishboseths head to be interred in Abners Tomb. These murtherers being thus put to death the cheif of the people repaired to David unto Hebron both they that commanded over thousands 2 Sam. 5. 1 2 3 c. and such also as were governors and submitted themselves unto him The Nobles of the Hebrews repair to David to Hebron and declare him King they recounted the good offices they had done him both during Sauls life-time as also the honour which they had always shown him since the first time that he was a Commander in that Army especially that he had been chosen by God through the mediation of the Prophet Samuel to be their King and O his children after him declaring unto him that God had given him the Country of the Hebrews to defend the same and discomfit the Philistines David accepted their rea-readiness A and affection exhorting them to persist assuring them that they should never repent themselves of their obedience and after he had entertained them he sent them to assemble the people Of the Tribe of Juda there came together about six thousand and eight hundred men of War David entertained the Nobles kindly bearing for their Arms a Buckler and a Javelin who before that time had followed Sauls Sons and were not of those that had adhered unto David Of the Tribe of Simeon The Armed Soldiers that came to David seven thousand and one hundred or somewhat more Of that of Levi 4700 whose Captain was Jodam with whom was Sadoc the High Priest accompanied with twenty and two of the same lineage Of the Tribe of Benjamin four thousand men of War for this Tribe were as yet of that opinion that some of the Heirs B of Saul should raign Of that of Ephraim 20800 strong and valiant men Of that of Manasses eight thousand Of that of Issachar two hundred who were skilful in divination and 20000 men of War Of that of Zabulon 20000 chosen fighting men for only this intire Tribe was wholly at Davids command who were armed in like manner as they of Gad were Of the Tribe of Nepthaly there were a thousand Captains famous for their valour and armed with shield and Javelin attended by an infinite number of their Tribe Of the Tribe of Dan there were 27000 chosen men Of that of Aser 40000. Of the two Tribes on the other side of Jordan and of the half Tribe of Manasses sixscore thousand armed men with Buckler Javelin Helmet and Sword The rest of the other Tribes also wore Swords All this multitude was assembled together in Hebron C before David with great provision of victuals and wine sufficient to sustain them all who all of them with one consent Hedio Ruffinus cap. 3. appointed David to be their King Now when the people had mustered and feasted for three dayes space in Hebron David dislodged from thence with his whole Host and repaired to Jerusalem But the Jebusites who at that time inhabited the City and were of the Race of the Canaanites shutting up their Gates against his coming v. 6 7 8 9 10. and placing on their walls as many as were blind and lame The Siege of Jerusalem undertaken by David or maimed in any other sort in contempt of him scoffingly jested and said That these were sufficient to keep out the Enemy so much trusted they to their fortifications Wherewith David being incensed David surpriseth the lower Town he prepared to besiege Jerusalem with all the vigor imaginable that he might by making himself Master of that place strike a terror into all the rest that should D dare to make any opposition David geteth the upper Town He took the lower Town and because the higher Town as yet held out the King resolved to encourage his men of War to shew themselves valiant The valour of Davids Soldiers and in espeacil of Joab promising them honours and rewards and that he would make him General over all the people that should first of all Scale the Wall Whilst they thus put themselves forward to mount without refusing any danger through the desire they had to obtain the Government that was promised Joab the Son of Servia was the forwardest and having got upon the Wall called from thence to the King to acquit himself of his promise CHAP. III. E David having taken Jerusalem by force turneth out all the Canaanites and delivereth the City to be inhabited by the Jews AFter therefore he had cast out the Jebusites from the higher City David expelleth the Jebusites out of the Town and City of Jerusalem and repaired Jerusalem he called it the City of David and resided there all his Raign so that the whole time that he ruled in Hebron over the Tribe of Juda was seven years and six months But after he had taken Jerusalem for his Royal City his fortunes daily more and more increased The league of friendship between Hiram and David because God was with him Hiram also King of Tyre sent unto him and made a league with him he presented him likewise with Presents of Cedar and the Workmen and Masons to build him a Royal
house in Jerusalem Now when F the King had taken the City he joyned the Cittadel unto it and having walled them abouâ— How Jerusalem was called Solyma and what mention Homer made thereof the gave the government thereof to Joab This King was the first that drove the Jebusites out of Jerusalem and called the same by his name For from the time of Abraham our forefather it was called Solyma neither want there some that infer that Homer under that name intendeth Jerusalem For in the Hebrew tongue Solyma is as much as to say The years since Joshuas conquest to this time 515. Orphant a Jebusite friend to David Security All the time since the war made by Joshuah against the Canaanites and since the division of the Countrey during all which time the Israelites could not drive the Canaanites out of Jerusalem until David took the same by force were five hundred and fifteen years But I must not forget one Orphan a rich man amongst the Jebusites who because he was well affected towards the Hebrews was not put to death G at the taking of Jerusalem 2 Kings 24. but was much honoured by the King David espoused other Wives besides those which he had Davids Sons born in Jerusalem and took many Concubines by them he had eleven Sons whose names are these which follow Amnael Seba Nathan Soloman Jaber Eliel Phalna Ennapha Jenaah Eliphal and a Daughter called Thamar Nine of these were H begotten of his Wives and the two last were the Sons of Concubines But Thamar was Absalons Sister by the same Father and Mother CHAP. IV. David assailed by the Philistines obtaineth a great victory aaginst them near Jerusalem NOw when the Philistines knew that the Hebrews had created David King they led forth their Army against him towards Jerusalem 2 Sam. 5. 18. ad finem where encamping themselves in I the valley of the Giants which is a place not far from the City they in that place expected the encounter Hedio Ruffinus cap. 4. But the King of the Hebrews who was wont to do nothing inconsiderately commanded the High Priest to ask counsel of God what success the War should have who after he had informed him that God favored their designes he presently drew out his Army against the Enemy and giving the battel he suddenly assailed the Enemies The Philistines moving War against David are partly slain or put to flight slaying many of them he put the rest to flight But let no man suspect that the Army of the Philistines was either small in number or weak in courage which at that time assailed the Hebrews because they were easily overcome without their performing any memorable action For all Syria Phenicia and the other Warlike Nations beyond them were confederates with them The Philistines invaded the Hebrews with a mighty army gathered out of sundry nations in this War which was the cause that notwithstanding they were so many times overcome and lost many thousands of men that they desisted K not to assail the Hebrews with greater force having been defeated in the battel beforementioned yet they reinforced their Army and encamped in the same place Whereupon David again required of God what the issue of this battel should be and the High Priest told him that he should encamp in the Forrest called Tears because it was not far off from the Enemies Camp and that he should not depart from thence neither make any attempt upon them before the trees should shake without any agitation of the wind Whereupon as soon as the trees shook and the time which God had appointed was come without any delay he marched out with an assurance of returning victorious For the squadrons of the Enemy were disordered The Philistines flight and incontinently betook themselves L to flight being pursued unto the City of Gerar which is a frontire-town of their Countrey their Camp was plundred and in it were found great riches and amongst other things their gods which broken to pieces by the Israelites The battel being ended it seemed good unto David by the counsel of the Elders and Colonels over thousands that all the flower of their youth should be assembled from all the parts of the Countrey 2 Sam. 6. 1 ad 5. every one according to his Tribe Davids commands as touching the transportation of the Ark. And that the Priests and Levites should rapair to Cariathiarim and bring from the Ark of God and convey it to Jerusalem to the end that when it should be there the service of God might for the future be celebrated in that place and other sacrifices and honours agreeable to the divine Majesty be performed Which if Saul had religiously observed M he had not fallen into those misfortunes which at the same time deprived him of his Crown and his life Now when all the people were assembled according as it was appointed the King himself also assisted at the removal of the Ark which being carried by the Priests out of Aminidabs house they laid it upon a new Wain drawn by Oxen and commited the conduct of it to their Brethren and their Children The King marched foremost and after him all his people praising God and singing Psalms and Hymns to the sound of the Trumpets and Cymbals v. 6 7 8 9. and several sorts of Instruments Oza stretching out his hand to stay the Ark is suddenly strucken dead and in this manner conducted they the Ark into Jerusalem But when they were come to the threshing floor of Childon Oza died thorow the wrath of God for the Oxen stumbling that drew the Chariot and the Ark tottering he stretched out his hand to hold it up but being no Priest God struck him dead because he presumed to touch N the Ark. The King and the people were much troubled at the death of Oza and the place where he died is called to this day v. 10 11. Oza's Striking David fearing lest if he should carry the Ark with him into the City David placeth the ark in Obed-Edoms house who prospereth there-through in all felicity the like misfortune might attend him that had befallen Oza who died because he only stretched out his hand he carried it not with him into the City but commanded that it should be left in the possession of one called Obed by descent a Levite a good and vertuous man where it remained for three months space during which time his house was blessed with all worldly happiness The King being informed of the success of Obed v. 12. who of a poor man was suddenly become very rich so that all men had their eyes upon him The Ark transported into Davids house and placed in a Tabernacle and some envied him he assured himself that no inconvenience would befall him if he should take the Ark to Jerusalem It was carried O by the Priests and seven quires of
that City Yet Herod did not continue long time in that mind although by the A means he had given him he had not satisfied his Kinsman's necessities For being in the City of Tyre in a certain company where he drank immoderately Agrippa esteemed it for an extream injury that Herod had upbraided him with his poverty and hit him in the teeth that he maintained him at his charge For which cause he withdrew himself to Flaccus Herod taunteth Agrippa with his Poverty who had been sometimes Consul at Rome and for the present was President of Syria with whom he had been very familiar at Rome Flaccus received him very kindly and had also done the like a good while before to Aristobulus Agrippa's Brother who were both at variance between themselves yet Agrippa retireth himself to Flaccus notwithstanding this Dissention between them Flaccus entertained them both with equal favour But Aristobulus remitted nothing of his hatred he bare his Brother and never rested till he had B drawn Flaccus into dislike with his Brother Aristobulus draweth Agrippa into Flaccus's disfavour upon this occasion The Inhabitants of Damasco contending with the Sidonians about their limits and being to debate their cause before Flaccus knowing what interest Agrippa had in him they besought him that he would further their Cause promising him a great Summ of money whereupon he addressed himself in what he could to further those of Damasco But Aristobulus who had an inkling of this conclusion and promise accused his Brother to Flaccus and after enquiry was made and he found guilty of the Fact Agrippa grew out of the Presidents favour and falling again into extream poverty he came to Ptolemais and having no way to subsist he resolved to go into Italy And seeing he wanted Money he commanded Marsyas his Free-man that by all means whatsoever he should seek to C take up Money upon Interest He spake unto Protus who was Agrippa's Mother's Freeman who by the Testament of his deceased Mistress was left unto Antonius's protection that upon his Master's Bill and Promise he would lend him some Money But he alledging that Agrippa before that time owed him money Agrippa by Marsyas's means borroweth money of Protus extorted from Marsyas a Bill of his hand for twenty thousand Attick Drachmes deducting out of that Summ two thousand and five hundred which Marsyas took for himself which he might the more easily do for that Agrippa could not otherwise chuse Having therefore received this money he went to Anthedon where getting Shipping he prepared himself for the journey But when Herennius Capito who was Treasurer of Jamnia understood of his being D there Agrippa whilst Herennius Capito extorteth money at his hands flieth to Alexandria by night he sent his Souldiers to him to exact three hundred thousand silver Drachmes at his hands for which he stood indebted to Caesar's Treasurer during his being at Rome by which means he was enforced to stay Whereupon he made a shew that he would obey their demand but as soon as it was night he caused the Cables of the Ship to be cut and cast off and sailed to Alexandria there he requested Alexander Alabarcha to lend him two hundred thousand Drachmes in Silver he protested that he would trust him with nothing Agrippa borroweth money at Alexandria But admiring Cypros his Wife 's constant love toward her Husband and her many other Virtues he upon her promise condescended to do him a kindness Whereupon in present money he payed him five Talents in Alexandria and promised to deliver him the rest of the money at Puteol fearing Agrippa's unthriftiness E Thus Cypros having furnished her Husband for his Journey into Italy returned her self and her Children into Judaea by Land Agrippa arriveth at Puteol and is admitted to Caesar's presence But Agrippa as soon as he arrived at Puteol wrote unto Tiberius Caesar who lived in Capreas signifying unto him that he came to do his duty beseeching him that he would grant him free and favourable access Tiberius with all expedition returned him a very kind answer assuring him that he would be very glad to see him safely arrived in Capreas In a word as soon as he was arrived Caesar expressed and made it known that his affection was answerable to his Letters and both embraced him and lodged him The next day Caesar received Letters from Herennius Capito who advertised him that Agrippa owed three hundred thousand Drachmes of Silver which he borrowed and payed not at the time prefixed F and that when the appointed time of payment was come he was fled out of the Countrey and by this occasion he had deprived him of the means to constrain him to make satisfaction When Caesar had read these Letters he was highly displeased and commanded those of his â—â—mber that they should not admit Agrippa to his presence until such time as he had liâ—â—â—arged that debt Agrippa borroweth three hundred thousand drachmes of Antonia Germanicus's Claudius's Mother But he nothing daunted at Caesar's displeasure required Antonia Germanicus and Claudius's Mother who was afterwards Emperour to lend him the summ of three hundred thousand Drachmes to the end he might not lose Caesar's friendship Who remembring her Bernice Agrippa's Mother and with what familiarity they had conversed together and how Agrippa likewise had been brought up with Claudius her Son lent G him that money Caius commended to Agrippa's charge Whereupon he paying the debt without any contradiction enjoyed the Princes favour and was so reconciled to Caesar that he committed his Nephew to Agrippa's charge commanding him to attend him always whithersoever he went Being by this benefit bound and tied to Antonia he began to reverence her Nephew H Caius who was gracious in all mens eyes and honoured in memory of his Parents At that time by chance there was one Allius a Samaritan Caesar's Free-man of whom he borrowed ten hundred thousand Drachmes of Silver and payed Antonia her due and kept the rest Allius Caesars Free-man lendeth Agrippa money the more honourably to attend and wait on Caius By whom being entertained with most inward familiarity it happened one day that riding in the same Coach with him Agrippa wisht for they two were alone that Tiberius might shortly surrender the Kingdom and Empire unto Caius who was each way more worthy than he These words of his were overheard by the Coachman called Eutychus who was Agrippa's Free-man who for the time spoke not a word thereof But being afterwards accused for stealing Agrippa's garment as he indeed had done and brought I back again after he had fled away to Piso who was the Governour of the City he asked him why he fled Hedio Ruffinus chap. 13. who answered that he had certain secrets which he desired to reveal unto Caesar Eutychus Agrippa's Free-man bethinks him to accuse Agrippa to the Emperour that appertained to his
Captains about Josephs liberty who was yet in hold But calling Mutianus and the rest of his friends C together first of all he told them how Valiant Joseph had been and what difficulty he had to win Jotapata only because of his Valour and then his Prophecies which at that time he esteemed only Fables fained for fear but now time and event had proved them true Wherefore it seemed an unreasonable thing that he who had been the foreteller of his Exaltation and a Messenger to him from God should still continue in bonds like a Captive and be left in adversity So calling for Joseph he commanded him to be set at liberty This fact of his made the Captains under him hope for great reward at his hands seeing he had been so kind to a stranger Titus being there present said It is meet O Father that as you acquit Joseph from Captivity so you also take away the shame of that which he hath already endured For if we D not only unty his Chains but also break them in sunder he shall be as though he had never been in bondage for this is the manner used for redress when any one being guiltless is commited to bonds Vespasian hereto agreed and so one came with an Axe and hewed his Chains in pieces Thus was Joseph rewarded for his Prophecy and thenceforward he was esteemed worthy to be believed CHAP. XIII Of Vetellius his Death and Manners E WHen Vespasian had answered the Embassadors and disposed of all the Commands of his Army according to every ones merit he went to Antioch and there deliberated whither to go first Vespasian bethinks himself to return to Rome and it seemed best to him to go to Rome rather than to Alexandria for he knew that Alexandria was quiet firm but Rome was held by Vitellius Wherefore he sent Mutianus into Italy with many Troops of Foot and Horse who fearing to go by Sea went thorow Cappadocia and Phrygia for it was Winter-time Antonius Primus who was Governour of Moesia brought from thence the third Legion remaining there and march'd against Vitellius Vitellius sent Caecinna to meet him with a great Army who departing from Rome met with Antonius at Cremona a Town of Lombardy F situate upon the confines of Italy but beholding the discipline order of his Forces he durst not fight with them and thinking it very dangerous to flie design'd to revolt and so calling to him the Centurions and Tribunes of his Army he perswaded them to go and joyn with Antonius after he had extenuated Vitellius his Power and extolled that of Vespasian Cecinna perswades the Souldiers to forsake Vitellius and honour Vespasian affirming the first to have only the bare name of the Emperour and the last to have also all Vertues meet for an Emperour Moreover that it would be better for them to do that of their own accord which otherwise they should be compelled to and seeing themselves already surpassed in number it was Prudence to prevent all danger For Vespasian was able without their assistance to subdue all the rest but Vitellius was not able with their help to keep that he had And speaking to this effect he perswaded G them to all that he would have done And so with his whole Army joyn'd with Antonius The same night the Souldiers repenting themselves of what they had done and also lest fearing Vitellius should get the upper hand who sent them against Antonius drew H their Swords and would have slain Cecinna And they had done it had not the Tribunes come and entreated them to the contrary wherefore they did not kill him but kept him bound meaning to send him to Vitellius as a Traitor Primus Antonius hearing this went with his Army and assaulted them who revolted from him Caecinna is apprel ended for Treason and they a while resisted yet at last forced to retire they fled to Cremona and Primus accompanied with Horsemen prevented their escape and so slew most of them before they got into the City and afterward setting upon it he gave his Souldiers the spoil of it Many Merchants of other Countries many Townsmen were slain all Vitellius Army consisting of 30200 men Antonius lost in this battel 4500 of those whom he brought out of Moesia And delivering Cecinna from Prison Vespasian honours Caecinna with unexpected honours and is acquitted of Treason he sent him to carry the news hereof to Vespasian who praised I him for his fact and honoured him above his expectation in reward of his Treason Sabinus who was at Rome hearing that Antonius was at hand greatly rejoyced and took courage and gathering together the Companies of the City-watch in the night-time he seiz'd on the Capitol Sabinus takes the Capitol and leaves Vitellius and in the morning many of the Nobles joyned with him amongst others Domitian his Brothers Son who was a great cause and help to obtain the Victory Vitellius little esteeming Primus turned his anger against Sabinus and those that had revolted with him as it were naturally thirsting after the blood of the Nobility he sent all the Army he brought out of Germany with him to assault the Capitol where many valiant deeds were shewed on both parts and at last the Germans being most in number got the Capitol Hill Domitian with many brave Noblemen as it K were by Gods providence escaped safe the rest of the multitude were there slain Sabinus was carried to Vitellius and by his commandment instantly put to death and the Souldiers taking away all the gifts and treasure in the Temple set it one fire The day after Antonius arrived Vitellius slain and Vitellius his Souldiers met him there was fighting in three several places of the City the forces of Vitellius were all defeated whereupon Vitellius came out of his Palace drunk and full gorged with delicate meat he was imediately seiz'd upon and drawn thorow the midst of the streets and after many contumelies slain having reigned Eight months and five days if he had lived longer the whole Empire had scarce been sufficient to have maintained his Gluttony There were slain above 50000 of other people And this was done the third day of October The day after L Mutianus with his Army entred Rome and repressed the Souldiers of Antonius who still sought about in every place for Vitellius's Souldiers The people of Rome proclaim Vespasian Emperour and many of his favourites and slew whom they thought good not examining any matter by reason of their fury and bringing out Domitian he declared to the people that he was to govern the City till his Father came The people being delivered from fear proclaimed Vespasian Emperour and made Feasts and Triumphs both under one for his establishing in the Empire and for joy that Vitellius was deposed CHAP. XIV M How Titus was sent by his Father against the Jews WHen Vespasian came to Alexandria
be fortified as a Principal defence F against the Neighbouring Arabians For it was aptly situate upon a Mountain whence one might behold their borders Wherefore making a large Wall he built a City there in the place that enters into the Castle he also compassed the very top thereof with another Wall and in the corner he placed Towers that were 60 Cubits high and in the very midst of all he built a Palace for largeness and beauty admirable and he made many Cisterns to receive Water in convenient places Wonderful store of Arrows and other Engines in this Tower which served the people abundantly striving as it were with nature that the places which she had made Strong he by Art might make yet inexpugnable He also laid up there in store Arms and warlike Engines and also all provisions wherewith the Inhabitans might be able to hold out a long siege G In the Kings Palace Rue of admirable greatness grew the Herb called Rue which was very admirable for the greatness for no Figtree was taller or broader then it and it was reported that it had continued ever since Herods time The year of the World 4037. after the Nativity of Christ 75. and had endured longer had not the Jews ruined it when H they took the place In the Valley that lieth on the North side of the City there is a place called Baaras where also groweth a Root of the same name the colour whereof resembleth flame and it shineth at night like the Sun-beams and is not easie to be pulled up till one cast upon it the Urine of a Woman or her flowers whosoever toucheth it is sure to dy except he carry the Root hanging on his hand It is also gathered another way without danger How Baaras is to be gathered after this manner They dig all round about it so that they leave a very little of the Root covered with Earth and then they tie a Dog to it Another fashion how to dig the Roots who striving to follow his Master who makes as though he would go away easily pulleth up the Root and the Dog presently dieth as it were in his stead that seeketh to get it but afterward none that handleth it or taketh I it need to stand in fear thereof This Herb notwithstanding all this danger is diligently sought out for the vertue it hath For it driveth away Devils which are the Souls of wicked men out of mens bodies if it be applyed unto them whereas otherwise if they had no help these Devils possessing their bodies would kill them Hot Baths out of that place also do spring certain hot Waters very different in taste one from another for some are bitter some sweet there are also sources of cold Waters one near another in a Plain but which is most admirable there is a Cave hard by not very deep environed with an eminent Rock above from which there stands out as it were two Duggs or Paps hard by one another and out of one of them floweth very cold Water out of the other very hot which mingled together K make a pleasant bath and serve to cure many Diseases and especially all pains of the sinews In the same place also are mines of Sulpher and Alum Bassus having viewed this place on every side resolved to besiege it and he endeavoured to fill up the Valley that was on the East side and so make away to it which he began to do hastning to raise a very high Mount in order to batter the Castle The Jews that were forreigners dwelt in the lower City Those that were inhabitants constrained the Jews that were strangers to go into the lower City judging them an unprofitable multitude and so they caused them to endure the first brunt of the Enemies and they themselves kept the Castle both for that it was strong and easie to defend and that they L hop'd that by yielding the place to the Romans The conflict of the Jews with the Romans they might obtain pardon of them Yet first they purposed to make Trial if they could avoid the siege and therfore very couragiously every day they made excursions Eleazar a Jew strong in hand and fierce in bold attempts and fought with those they met and many were slain on both parts Fortune and opportunity sometime caused one side to be victors sometime another for the Jews got the best when they could assault the Romans unawares and the Romans overcame when they were aware of the Jews coming and armed themselves But the siege was not ended by these Skirmishes at length a chance befel which obliged the Jews to yield the Castle Amongst those that were besieged was one Eleazar a young man very hardy and bold in any enterprize and who oftentimes made excursions and sought to M hinder the Romans work whom always in every fight he greatly endammaged and by his valour and adventurous courage gave those that were his fellows opportunity to assault the Romans and to fly again and retire in safety himself being always the last that so retired It hapned one day that the fight being ended and both parts separated he as it were contemning all men and thinking that none of his Enemies durst undertake to Combate with him stayed without the Gate speaking to those that were upon the Wall and giving great attention to them Then one Rufus an Aegyptian one of the Roman Army spying this opportunity ran upon him so suddenly that he unawares took him all unarmed as he was and they upon the Walls stood amazed whilst Rufus led him into the Roman Camp N Then the General of the Romans caused him to be led into a place where they in the City might see him and there to have all his Cloaths taken off and to be whipp'd the misfortune of this young man greatly discouraged the Jews so that all the City was melted into Tears for the calamity of this one man Bassus seeing this contriv'd this device against them in order to move them to compassion so that for to save him they should yeild their Castle Eleazar's calamity moveth the Jews to submit themselves which fell out as he desired He presently commanded a Cross to be erected as though he would presently have crucified Eleazar which sight greatly moved them in the Castle to sorrow whereupon with loud cries they lamented saying that this calamity was insupportable O Eleazar besought them not to neglect him who was now to die a most miserable A death and moreover to provide for their own safety in yielding the Castle unto the Roman Forces and success They moved with his words and many also within the City intreating for him for he came of great Parentage and had many Kindred though contrary to their natures compassion took place in them and so sending some of their company speedily they desired to parley declaring that they would yield the Castle