would not transgress the Laws of their Countrey for which cause being apprehended they were instantly cast into the Furnace of Fire and protected therein by Gods providence escaped death beyond all mens expectation For the fire touched them not neither could it burn during their abode in the Furnace For God so defended their Bodies that they could not be consumed by fire N which miracle made them in great estimation with the King for that he saw that they were virtuous and beloved of God and for that cause they were highly honoured by him Not long after this the King saw another Vision in his sleep which signified unto him that being cast from his Empire he should converse with Savage Beasts and that having lived in that estate in the Desart for the space of seven years he should recover his Kingdom again Having had this Dream he assembled the Magicians once more demanding their answer and the signification thereof But it was impossible for any one of them either to find out or declarethe meaning of this Dream unto the King Onely Daniel discovered the same and the effect was answerable to his prediction For the King passed the fore-limited time in the Desart Dan. 4. 1. ad 29. so that no man durst intermeddle O with the affairs of Estate during seven years The Dream and exposition hereof But after he had called upon God that it would please him to restore him to his Kingdom he repossessed the same again Let no man in this place accuse me for reporting these particularities according as I have found them written in Holy Books The year of the World 3381. before Christ's Nativity 5â—3 for in the entrance of my History I have A answered those objections so that I have openly protested that I will onely faithfully translate the Hebrew Histories into the Greek tongue and according to my promise relate that which is contained therein without adding any thing of mine own or concealing ought of another mans Nabuchodonosors death After that Nabuchodonosor had reigned fourty three years he dyed he was a man of good Conduct and more happy than any of his Predecessors Berosus maketh mention of his acts in the third Book of the Chaldaique History where he speaketh thus His Father Nabuchodonosor having notice that the Governour whom he had appointed over Egypt and the neighboring parts of Coelosyria and Phoenicia was revolted from him being at that time in himself unable to endure the troubles of War committed apart of his Forces unto his Son Nabuchodonosor who was in the flower of his age B and sent him forth against them Berosus of Nabuchodonosor Hedio Ruffinus chap 13. who encountring the Rebels and fighting with them overcame them and brought the Countrey under his subjection Mean while Nabuchodonosor the Father died of a sickness in Babylon after he had Reigned One and twenty years Nabuchodonosor the Son having notice of his Fathers death gave order to the affairs of Egypt and the rest of the Countrey and committing the care and transportation of the Jews Syrians Egyptians and Phoenicians to his friends to bring them to Babylon with his Army and Carriage he with a few Men made hasty journeys thorow the Desart And when he had taken the administration of the Kingdom upon him which in his absence was in the hands of the Chaldees and by their Chieftain was reserved until his return unto his use he became Lord of all his Fathers Empire When his prisoners were arrived he assigned them convenient C dwelling places in the Countrey of Babylon and with the spoils of War he magnificently repaired and decked the Temple of Bell and other places He enlarged the old City and repaired and beautified it with other buildings by means whereof they that would besiege the same were hindred from cutting off the current of the River to the prejudice of the Inhabitants He invironed it within with a treble Wall and outwardly with as mighty and as many enclosures and made all of burnt Brick The Walls were magnificently builded and the Gates bravely adorned in manner of Temples He caused a Palace to be builded near unto his Fathers antient Palace the magnificence and ornaments whereof I am not able to express onely this thing most memorable I have thought good to note that these great and pompous Buildings were finished in fifteen days In this Palace he had Vaults D raised so high that in outward appearance they seemed to be Mountains on which all sorts of Trees were planted He devised and prepared also a goodly Garden and called it the hanging Garden because his Wife having been brought up in the Countrey of Media desired at Babylon Megasthenes of Nabuchodonosor to see some resemblance of her own Countrey Megasthenes in the fourth Book of his Indian History maketh mention of this Garden in that place where he enforced himself to prove Diocles. that this King surpassed Hercules in valour and execution of worthy actions Philostratus For he said that Nabuchodonosor overcame the chief City of Lybia and a great part of Spain Diocles in the Second Book of the Persian History and Philostratus in his Phoenician and Indian History make mention of this King saying that he overcame the City of Tyre at the end of thirteen years at such time as Ithobal E Reigned over the Tyrians This is the sum of all that which the Historiographers write as touching this King CHAP. XI Nabuchodonosors Successors the destruction of Babylon by Cyrus King of Persia AFter Nabuchodonosors death Evilmerodach releaseth Jechonias from his long imprisonment his Son Evilmerodach obtained the Kingdom who incontinently delivered Jechonias King of Jerusalem out of prison and held him in the number of his most esteemed friends and gave him Presents and committed F the Government of the Palace of Babylon into his hands For his Father had not kept his promise with Jechonias 2 King 25. 27. when he surrendred himself his Wife Children and Friends into his hands Jer. 52. 31. ad finem in the behalf of his Countrey and to the intent that the City of Jerusalem should not be razed by those that besieged it Niglisar as we have heretofore declared Labophordach Evilmerodach died in the eighteenth year of his Reign Balthasar or Naboandel King of Babylon and Niglisar his Son obtained the Kingdom which he possessed fourty years and afterwards died After him the succession of the Kingdom came unto his Son called Labophordach which continued in him but for the space of nine moneths and after his death it came unto Balthasar who by the Babylonian was called Naboandel Against whom Cyrus King of Persia and Darius King of Media made War at such time as he was besieged in Babylon there hapned G a marvellous and prodigious spectacle H Balthasar sate upon a certain Festival day in a Royal Chamber The year of
Ambassadours of the Ammonites Then Jeptha prayed to God that it would please him to grant him victory and he made a vow that if he returned to his house in safety he would Sacrifice the first living creature that he should meet with at his return v. 30 ad 40. After this encountring the Enemy Jeptha maketh a vow he defeated and pursued him killing those that fled continually till he came O to the City of Minnith Then entring the Countrey of the Ammonites he destroyed divers Cities and carried away a great booty and so delivered his Nation from the A servitude which they had endured for the space of eighteen years The year of the World 2624. before Christ's Nativity 1270. But as he returned homeward he fell into such an inconvenience as was no ways answerable to his noble actions For the first person he met as he returned home was his only Daughter a Virgin of eighteen years who came out to meet him Whereupon melting into tears he began to check her He overcometh the Ammonites for that so hastily she had come forth to meet him by reason he had vow'd the first thing he met with to God But this accident was no ways displeasing to the Virgin who with a wounderful constancy answered her Father that a death which had for its cause the victory of her Father and the liberty of her Countrey could not but be very acceptable to her and that the only favour she desired of him was that he would please to grant her two months C. 11. v. 39 before she were sacrificed to the end she might B lament her youth Jeptha Sacrificeth his Daughter with her companions and that after that term her father might acquit himself of the vow which he had made Jeptha granted her the time she had limited which being expired C. 12. 1 2. c. he sacrificed his Daughter for a burnt-offering Which oblation of his The Ephraimites are incensed against Jeptha was neither conformable to the Law nor desired by God But he was resolved to accomplish his vow without considering what judgment men might make of it The Tribe of Ephraim hearing of his victories Judg. 12 declared War against him by reason he had not communicated to them his enterprise against the Ammonites that he might have the prey and the honour of the enterprise to himself He answered that being of his kindred they could not be ignorant that both he and his were assailed by War C and had besides that also been desired to give them their assistance whereunto they had answered very faintly and being requested would not be present Then he told them that that which they undertook was unlawful wicked in that not daring to encounter the Enemy they made no scruple to set upon their Brethren and Friends and he threatned them v. 6. that if they restrained not themselves he would by the assistance of God be revenged on them Almost forty thousand of the Ephraimites slain But these words of his were both neglected and despised so that he was forced to Arm himself against them and with an Host of men sent from Galaad v. 7. he made a great slaughter partly in pursuing those that fled partly also in preventing their passage who fled to Jordan Jeptha dieth the number of the slain amounted to about forty thousand Ibzan was for seven years space the Judge in Israel After Jeptha had governed six years he deceased and was buryed D in Sebei in the place where he was born and the Countrey of Galaad After his death Ibzan took upon him the Government He was of the Tribe of Juda of the City of Bethleem v. 11. and had sixty Children Elon reigned ten years thirty males and thirty females which he left all alive and married he died when he was very old without performing any thing worthy of memory during the space of his seven years Government he was buried in his own Countrey In like manner Elon a Zabulonite his successor did nothing memorable and during the term of ten years wherein he governed Abdon the Son of Elon and of the Tribe of Ephraim of the City of Pharathon was declared Soveraign Judge after Elon and is renowned only for his felicity in his Children the state of the Israelites being in peace v. 13 so that he exploited nothing worthy glory he had forty Sons who E had thirty Grand-children Abdoâ— Judge and rode accompanied with these seventy who were all of them expert Horse-men He left them all alive and died when he was very old and was magnificently buried in Pharathon CHAP. X. Of Samsons valour and how many mischiefs he did to the Philistines AFter his death Judg. 13. 1. the Philistines prevailed over the Israelites and exacted tribute from them for the space of forty years The Israelites are overcome by the Philistines From which misery they were deliver'd F after this manner Manoah an excellent man and chief of the Tribe of Dan without exception had a Wife most famous for her beauty and excelling all others of that time yet had he no Children by her Hedio Ruffinâ—â— chap. 13. al. 10. whereat he was very much grieved and made his continual prayers unto God and especially when they were retired to a Countrey house which they had near the City that it would please him to give him a lawful heir v. 3 4 5. He loved his Wife very passionately The Angel foretelleth Samsons birth and not without some jealousie on a day as the woman was there by her self an Angel of God appeared to her in form of a young man of incomparable beauty and shape and told her that he came from God to inform her that she should be the mother of a child perfectly beautiful and whose strength should be so extraordinary that as soon as he was enter'd into the vigour of youth he should G humble the Philistines but God forbad her to cut his Hair and commanded likewise that he should taste no other drink but water and after he had said thus he departed As soon as her Husband returned home again she told him all that the Angel had said unto her The year of the World 2783. before Christ's Nativity 1181. and so extol'd the beauty and good grace of the young messenger who appeared H unto her that these praises encreased his jealousie which she perceiving and being no less chast than fair prayed to God once more to send his Angel that her Husband might see him and be cur'd of his unjust suspition Her prayer was heard and the Angel presented himself again to the woman being apart from her Husband But she desired him to say till she called her Husband v. 9. ad 13. which when she had obtained The Angel appeareth once more unto Manoah she went and fetched Manoah who notwithstanding
limitted the weight of those vessels that were to be fashioned either of Gold or of Silver M exhorting him to imploy all his care and diligence in performing the same He incouraged likewise the governors and the Tribe of Levi to assist him both because his years were not yet come to maturity as also because by Gods divine providence he was elected King and appointed to build the Temple assuring them that the building would be very easie and no wayes laborious considering that he had prepared a great number of talents of Gold and far more of Silver and Wood besides a great multitude of Carpenters and hewers of Sone a great quantity likewise of Emeraulds and other sort of precious Stones Lastly he told them that now also for the present he would bestow on them to that use other three thousand talents of pure Gold 1 Chron. 29. 5 ad 9. out of his own treasury to adorn the holy place and the chariot of God and the Cherubins that should stand upon the Ark and cover it with their wings N This speech of the Kings was received with great joy by all the Governours The Princes of the people gave a huge summe of Gold Silver Brass and precious Stone towards the building of the Temple Priests aud Levits who shewed a greater readiness and voluntarily proffered to contribute towards the carrying on of this holy work five thousand talents of Gold and ten thousand stateres of Silver an hundred thousand and of Iron many thousand talents and if any one of them had a precious Stone he brought it and delivered it into the Treasurers custody who was called Jalus being one of Moses posterity This thing pleased all the people and David seeing the affection and readiness of the Governours and Priests and in general of all the rest began to bless God with a loud voyce calling him the Creator and Father of this whole World the fashioner both of divine and humane things and the President and Governour of the Hebrews whose Kingdom he had committed O into his hands After this he prayed for all the people that God would be pleased to continue his favors unto them and to inrich the heart of his Son Solomon with all Princly virtues He commanded the people likewise to sing praises unto God which they performed and prostrated themselves upon the earth and afterwards gave thanks A unto David for all those benefits they had received during the time of his Government The next day as a sacrifice to God they offered up a thousand Calves a thousand Rams and a thousand Lambs for a burnt-offering and for peace-offerings they slew many thousand other Beasts 1 Paral. 29. The King celebrated a feast all that day with the whole people and Solomon was anointed with Oyl the second time The sacrifices and festival solemnized upon Solomons Coronation and proclaimed King Sadoc also was established High Priest of all the people and Solomon was conducted into the Kings house and placed in his Fathers Throne and from that day forward they obeyed him CHAP. XII The last instructions of David to Solomon his death and the magnificence of his funeral B NOT long after this Hedio Ruffinus cap. 16. David failing through age and knowing that he should depart out of this world he called for Solomon his Son and spake unto him after this manner 1 King 2. 1. ad 4. My Son I must now depart and sleep with my Fathers and enter the common way which both they that now live Davids last counsel to Solomon and those which come after shall tract from whence we shall not return nor behold and revisit those things that are done in this life For which cause whilest I yet live and draw onward to my death I earnestly exhort thee as heretofore I have counselled thee that thou behave thy self justly towards thy Subjects and piously towards God that hath honoured thee with this kingdom charging thee to keep his precepts and laws which he hath given us by Moses and to take heed lest either surprized by flattery or mis-led by favour or seduced by covetousness or any other sinister affection thou be drawn to neglect C and forsake the same for thou canst by no means continue in Gods favour except thou keep his laws for otherwise he will withdraw his providence from thee But if according to the obligation which lieth on you you shall follow my counsel and diligently perform your duty thou shalt establish the Kingdom in our family and no other house at any time but our own shall obtain the dominion over the Hebrews Remember likewise the iniquity of Joab who through emulation v. 5. slew two good and just Generals Abner the Son of Ner and Amasa the Son of Jethram David willeth Solomon to punish Joab punish him as thou thinkest meet for hitherto he hath escaped punishment because he was stronger and more powerful than my self I commend also unto thee the Sons of Berzillai the Galaadite v. 7. whom for my sake advance to honour and dignity Nor would I have thee esteem the kindness which thou shalt shew them to be any courtesie David commendeth Berzellai's Sons to Solomon but only a recompence and D requital of the obligations which I have received from their Father in the time of my banishment and for which he made us indebted to him As touching Simei the Son of Gera of the Tribe of Benjamin v. 8. who during the time of my flight How Simei should be punished and at such time as I retired my self into my Camp injured and reviled me and afterwards came out to me near unto Jordan and took assurance of me that for that time I should not punish him I leave him to you to be punished according as you shall find an opportunity After he had thus exhorted his Son and had communicated with him all his affairs both touching his friends v. 10 11. and those whom he thought worthy of punishment he gave up the ghost after he had lived seventy years The years of the age and Raign together with the vertues of David and Reigned in Hebron a City of Juda for the space of seven years and an half and thirty three in Jerusalem over the whole Nation E He was a just man adorned with all vertue requisite in a King that should govern so many Nations For he was valiant beyond comparison and in those battels which he fought for his Subjects he was the first that thrust himself into danger and exhorted his Souldiers to behave themselves valiantly not commanding them like their Governour but fighting with them as their fellow-soldier He was very well qualified by his knowledg and experience to make the best use of the present and to manage his future occasions he was moderate and just courteous and favourable to those that were afflicted which are those ornaments which are
your customs ever since the time that Salmanazar King of Assyria removed us out of Chuthea and Media hither To these demands of theirs Zorobabel and Jesus the High-Priest and the Governors of the Tribes answer'd The Samaritans suppose to hinder the building of the Temple That it was impossible for them to admit of their assistance in the building of the Temple because they had received their first commandment from Cyrus to perform it and afterwards from Darius notwithstanding they gave them licence to worship therein offering them O that the Temple should be common to both C. 4. v. 1. ad 6. if they pleased yea and accessible to all other Nations that would repair thither to adore God The Chutheans for so were the Samaritans call'd hearing this were much offended and persuaded the other Nations of Syria to require the Princes who continued their authority since the time of Cyrus The year of the World 3â—44 before Christ's Nativity 520. and afterwards A ruled in Cambyses time to hinder the building of the Temple and to delay the Jews who were so intent and busie in their work Whereupon Sisin Governor in Syria and Phoenicia and Sarabazan accompanied with others came unto Jerusalem and demanded of the Chieftains of the Jews By whose permission they built the Temple which rather seemed to be a Fort than a Temple The Syrian Princes examine the cause why the Jews repair their City and Temple and for what cause they fortified their City with gates and so strong walls Zorobabel and Jesus the High-Priest answer'd That they were the servants of the living God and that their Temple had been built by one of their Kings who was rich and surpassed all other in virtue that afterward it had continued so long time in venerable estimation but by reason their fathers had been guilty of impiety against God Nabuchodonosor King of Babylon and Chaldaea 1 Esdras 5. v. 3. 4 5 6. having taken the City by force destroyed the same B and after he had spoiled the City he burned it and transported the people captive into Babylon But after that Cyrus King of Persia had obtained the Kingdom of Babylon he commanded by his express Letters sealed with his Royal Seal that they should re-edifie the Temple and ordained that all those Treasures which Nabuchodonosor carried from thence and of the consecrated vessels should be deliver'd to Zorobabel and the Treasurer Mithidrates to be conveyed to Jerusalem and placed again in the Temple as soon as it should be built And he commanded also that it should be presently re-edified appointing Abassar to repair to Jerusalem and give order for all that which was requisite who hastening thither as soon as he had received Cyrus's Letters did speedily lay the foundations anew From that time forward until this present it hath been hindered by the subtilty and malice of the neighbouring Nations who have always been C our Enemies so that as yet it remaineth imperfect If therefore it please you and you think good signifie what you hear by your letters to Darius to the end that examining the Registers of the Kings he may find that all things have proceeded after the manner which we have related When Zorobabel and Jesus had answer'd to this effect Sisin and they that accompanied him thought not good to hinder the building until such time as they had certified Darius hereof V. 1 2 3. for which cause they wrote unto him presently Aggeus and Zachary the Prophets Hereupon the Jews were much discomforted and troubled fearing lest the King should change his mind and put a stop to the building of Jerusalem and the Temple But two Prophets Aggeus and Zachary who were amongst them began to persuade them willing them to fear no ill D from the Persians because God had assur'd them that they should receive no harm hereupon the people gave credit to the Prophets and diligently intended their building without intermission When the Samaritans had after this manner written to Darius C. â— a v. 7. ad finem and accused the Jews unto him for fortifying their City and re-edifying their Temple and inform'd him how it seem'd rather to be a Fort The Samaritans endeavouring to hinder the reparation of the Temple and City do further it the more than some sacred place and had further alledg'd that it would be no profit unto him and moreover had produced Cambyses letters by which they were forbidden to build the Temple he understood that the re-establishment of Jerusalem stood not with the security of his state But when he had read Sisins letters and his associates he commanded that the Chronicles of the Kings should be search'd E and there was found in Echatane a City of the Medes in a Tower a certain Book in which these things were written C. 6. 4 5 6. The first year of the Reign of Cyrus Cyrus decree as 〈◊〉 the Temple and the Jews commandment was given to build the Temple of Jerusalem and the Altar therein It was likewise decreed that the heighth of the Temple should be sixty cubits and the breadth as many three stories of hewed stone and one story of the wood of that Countrey and it was ordained that the expence of that building should be deducted out of the Kings Revenues Moreover he commanded that restitution should be made unto the Inhabitants of Jerusalem of those vessels that were taken away by Nabuchodonosor and carried away to Babylon And the commission to effect all these things was given to Abassar Governor of Syria and Phoenicia and his companions to the end that they might depart from F these places and the Jews might be permitted to build therein Furthermore he ordained that the charge of this building should be gathered out of the Tributes of his Countries and that they should furnish the Jews with Bulls Weathers Lambs Goats Flower Oyl and Wine and all other things which the Priests should think meet to offer sacrifice to the intent that they might pray for the preservation of the King of Persia commanding that they that should transgress or oppose this commandment 〈…〉 3. 4. should be laid hold on and hanged on a Gibbet and that their goods should be confiscate to the Kings use Moreover he besought God that if any man went about to hinder the building of the Temple that he would execute his vengeance upon that person and punish him for his wickedness When Darius had found these things written in his Registries he wrote back to Sisin and his companions in this form G H King Darius to Sisin and Sarabazan The year of the World 3450. before Christ's Nativity 514. with their Associates health Having found amongst the Memorials of Cyrus the Copy of his Instructions for the building of the Temple Ver. 7 8. I have sent it you and my pleasure is that the Contents thereof be executed Farewell Darius
Seleucus the Son of Nicanor who builded it In that City dwelt divers Macedonians divers Greeks and a great number of Syrians The Jews afflicted by the Babylonians repair to Seleucia The Jews fled thither and continued there about five years without any molestation But in the sixth year when the Plague encreased in Babylon the Jews that remained there were enforced to seek them some new habitation and that removing of theirs into the City of Seleucia was the cause likewise of their further mischief as I will make manifest The Greeks who dwelt in Seleucia are ordinarily at debate with the Syrians and have always the upper hand but after that the Jews came to inhabit that place in a certain Sedition that arose among them the I Syrians had the upper hand by the means of the Jews who joyned their Forces with theirs who of themselves were valiant and good Soldiers The Greeks being repulsed in this Tumult and having no other means left them to maintain their former honour but to break that League of Friendship which was between the Syrians and the Jews devised in private each one with those Syrians with whom they were acquainted promising to live in peace and amity with them whereunto they condescended willingly For the chiefest of these two Nations concluded the Peace which presently after followed to the end that on both parts they should joyn in hatred against the Jews Fifty thousand Jews slain in Seleucia So that altogether charging them at unawares they killed more than fifty thousand of them they were all put to the Sword K except some few who through the mercy of their Friends and assistance of their Neighbours were suffered to escape The Jews that were saved repair to Ctesiphon These retired themselves to Ctesiphon a City of Greece that was not far from Seleucia where the King resideth every year and keepeth the greatest part of his Moveables hoping in that place through the reverence of the King they might remain in more safety and security All the Nation of the Jews that were in these Quarters stood in great fear For the Babylonians and the Seleucians with all the Assyrians of that Countrey agreed amongst themselves to make a general War against the Jews The Jews retire into Nearda and Nisibis whereby it came to pass that they assembled themselves at Nearda and Nisibis trusting themselves to the strength of these Fortresses which were inhabited also by men who were expert in Arms. See here what the condition of the L Jews was who remained in Babylon A THE NINETEENTH BOOK Of the ANTIQUITIES of the JEWS B Written by FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS The Contents of the Chapters of the Nineteenth Book 1. The Cruelties and Follies of the Emperour Caius Caligula Several Conspiracies against him Chaereas being assisted by several others killeth him Some Germans of his Guard kill some of the Senators afterward The Senate condemns the thoughts of his memory 2. The Soldiers resolve to promote Claudius Caius's Vnkle to the Imperial Dignity Saturninus's Speech in the Senate for Liberty Chaereas sends to kill the Empress Cesonia C Caius's Wife and her Daughter Caius's good and evil Qualities The Soldiers carry Claudius into the Camp to make him Emperour The Senate sends to him to pray him to forbear 3. King Agrippa encourageth Claudius to accept of the Empire The Soldiers who had been for the Senate forsake it whether Chaereas would or not and joyn with those that had sworn to Claudius So Claudius becometh Master and condemns Chaereas to die He suffers with a wonderful Constancy And Sabinus who had been one of the chiefest of the Conspiracy killeth himself 4. Claudius the Emperour confirmeth Agrippa in the Kingdom adding Judaea and Samaria thereunto He giveth the Kingdom of Chalcis to Herod Agrippa's Brother D and maketh Edicts in favour of the Jews 5. King Agrippa goeth to his Kingdom and putteth his Chain being a token of his Imprisonment into the Sacred Treasury of the Temple of Jerusalem He provideth for the Dignity of the High Priesthood He is highly displeased at the Dorites insolence who had caused Caesar's Statue to be erected in the Jews Synagogue 6. Petronius Governour of Syria's Letters to the Dorites concerning the Emperour's Statue which they caused to be erected in the Jews Synagogue King Agrippa bestoweth the High Priesthood on Matthias Marsius is made Governour of Syria 7. Silas General of Agrippa's Forces his great Imprudence obligeth this Prince to put him in Prison Agrippa fortifieth Jerusalem but the Emperour Claudius commands E him to forbear His excellent Qualities his stately Buildings The cause of his falling out with Marsius Governour of Syria He bestoweth the Great Priesthood on Aelioneus dieth after a terrible manner Leaveth for his Successor his Son Agrippa and three Daughters The Inhabitants of Caesarea and Sebastes prove extreme ungrateful to his Memory Claudius the Emperour sends Fadus to be Governour of Judaea because of Agrippa's Minority CHAP. I. The year of the World 4004. after Christ's Nativity 42. The Cruelties and Follies of the Emperour Caius Caligula Several Conspiracies against F him Chaereas being assisted by several others killeth him Some Germans of his Guard kill some of the Senators afterward The Senate condemns the thoughts of his Memory CAius did not only express and manifest his fury towards those Jews that dwelt in Jerusalem Hedio Ruffinus chap 1. and in other neighbouring places Caius's Tyranny towards the Jews but also thorough all the Countreys both by Land and Sea which were subject to the Roman Empire filling the whole World with an infinite number of mischiefs yea such and so odious that the like hitherto have never been heard of Caius's Tyranny towards the Senators and Patricians But Rome especially felt the G force of his fury but especially the Senators Patricians and Noblemen were plagued They also that were called Roman Knights who in Wealth and Dignity were next unto the Senators for that out of their number such men were chosen who were to supply the Senate were most persecuted For with ignominies H they were abused with banishments and confiscations weakned and by slaughters wholly exterminated He likewise usurped the name of God commanding his Subjects to dignifie him with more than humane honours and ascending the Capitol which amongst all the Temples in Rome is most religiously honoured he was so bold as to salute Jupiter Cajus calleth himself Jupiters Brother and to call him Brother Many such impieties were committed by him which shews that his unbridled and extravagant madness did never forsake him Amongst other his mad pranks that he played this is worthy of memory for on a time thinking it to be too much trouble for him to cross the Sea between Puteol a City in Campania and Misenum another Town seated by the Sea-shore in a Gally and otherwise esteeming it a thing correspondent to his greatness who I
were within the City were terrified with the noise hereof and ran up and down as though all the Enemies were already entred into it And Chares Josephs Companion being sick yielded up the Ghost fear encreasing his Disease and helping to shorten his life The Romans remembring the bad success at the last assault did not enter the City till the twenty-third of the Month aforesaid Then Titus animated by resentment of the misfortune of the Romans in his absence Titus with two hundred Horse besides chosen Foot-men entreth Gamala accompanied with 200 Horsemen and some chosen Foot-men entred the City no man resisting him the Watch-men then first perceiving it cryed To Arms. Those within the City fearing that Titus was entred some took their Children some their Wives D and fled into the Castle with pitiful Cries and weeping others met Titus and were all put to the Sword and they that could not get into the Castle not knowing what to do fell among the Roman Guards Then the skies were filled with the cries of men dying and the lower places of the City flowed with blood Vespasian led his whole Army against those that fled into the Castle The top of the Castle of Gamala stony and hard to be climbed which was of a great height and scarcely accessible standing in a stony place full of Ditches and deep Dens and compassed with steep Rocks The Jews drove down the Romans that offered to come up to them partly with Darts partly with Stones which they rowled down upon them and they were so high that the Romans Arrows could not reach them But at last as it were by Gods providence The Romans Victory by Gods Providence who would have it so a Whirlwind arose which carried E the Roman Arrows amongst them in the Castle and the Jews Arrows from the Romans and the Wind was so violent that it was not possible for them to stand upon those high places and so not being able to stand nor to see those that came against them the Romans ascended and took the Castle some resisting for their defence others yielding themselves The Romans now call to mind their fellows that had perished in the first assault and so became more cruel Many despairing of their lives cast their Wives their Children and themselves headlong down those Precipices into the deep Vallies underneath 9000 Jews slain in Gamala and only two Women escape So that the Cruelty the Romans shewed against the people of Gamala was not so great as that which they used against themselves for there were only four thousand that perisht by the Romans Sword and the number of them F who so cast themselves down was found to be five thousand and not one escaped but two Women that were Sisters and Daughters to Philip Son of Joachim a worthy Man and General of Agrippa's Army and these two were saved only because at such time as the City was taken they hid themselves for they spared not Infants but many took them and cast them down from the Castle And thus was Gamala destroyed the 23 day of October having begun to Revolt the 21 day of September G CHAP. IV. The year of the World 4032. after the Nativity of Christ 70. H How Titus took Giscala NOw all the Cities and strong Places of Galilee were taken Giscala only excepted Part of the Inhabitants whereof desired Peace for that they were Husbandmen and their riches consisted in the Fruits of the Earth John a Poysoner and a deceitful man inforceth the Citizens of Giscala to Rebel but there were many factious Free-booters in the City and amongst them many of the natural Inhabitants These people were incited to Revolt by one John a very wicked and deceitful person Son to one I Levias he was of ill manners bold to attempt any thing and making no conscience of any thing he took in hand and he was known to all men for one that desired War to make himself mighty This man was a Ring-leader of the Seditious persons in Giscala and for fear of him the People who perhaps otherwise would have sent Legats to the Romans to request peace were hindred and forced to stay till the Romans came to fight against them Against these People Vespasian sent Titus and with him a thousand Horsemen and the tenth Legion towards Scythopolis Himself with the rest went to Caesarea to refresh them after their great labour at the charge of the Towns adjoyning judging it necessary to fit them to sustain manfully the toyls that were to ensue for he foresaw that he should have much ado to win Jerusalem both for that it was very K strong Vespasian foreseeth his no small trouble in the Siege of Jerusalem and was the Chief City of all the Nation And his care in this point was so much the more for that he perceived many out of all parts fled thither and that it was compassed with almost invincible Walls and besides this the boldness and desperate courage of the Inhabitants who although that they had had no Walls at all yet had been scarcely to be Conquered and therefore he thought it necessary to refresh his Souldiers before this Enterprise as Champions are prepared for the Combate Titus having taken a view of Giscala Titus his compassion toward those of Giscala judg'd that it might easily be taken yet knowing that if it were taken by force all the People would be destroyed by the Romans he being weary of blood-shed and commiserating the innocent People which were otherwise like to perish together with the culpable attempted to take it by surrender L Wherefore the Walls being full of People Titus his merciful Oration to those of Giscala among whom were many of the Seditious he told them that he marvelled what help they expected or by whose advice all other Cities being now taken they alone would resist the Roman Forces especially whenas they had already seen many Towns far stronger than theirs overthrown at the first assault and that contrariwise those who had yielded themselves to the Romans lived in peace and enjoyed all that was theirs Which offer said he I now also make to you and am not yet incensed against you because that which you do is in hope of your liberty but if you still persevere in your rebellious course and refuse this kind offer you shall presently perceive the Roman Sword drawn out for your destruction and incontinently find your Walls but a mockery and no wayes able to resist the Roman M Engines whereas contrariwise if you yield your selves and trust to the fidelity of the Romans you shall be the most happy people of all Galilee None of the Townsmen were admitted to make answer nor to come to the Walls for the Seditious were Masters of them Johns answer to Titus's Exhortation and a Guard was placed at every Gate lest any should go out to submit themselves or any Horsemen
May there was seen a Vision beyond all belief and perhaps that which D I am to recount might seem a Fable if some were not now alive that beheld it and if that Calamity worthy to be so foretold had not ensued Before the Sun-rise were seen in the Air all over the Country Chariots full of armed men in battel aray passing along in the Clouds The fifth armed Chariots men seen in the air and begirting the City And upon the Feast day called Pentecost at night the Priests going into the Inner Temple to offer their wonted Sacrifice at first felt the place to move and tremble and afterward they heard a voice which said Let us depart hence The sixth a voice in the inward Temple And that which was most wonderful of all one Jesus the Son of Ananus an ordinary Pesant four years before the War begun when the City flourished in Peace and Riches The seventh Jesus a Countryman's cry and death coming to the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles in the Temple at Jerusalem suddenly began to cry out thus A Voice from the East a Voice from the West E a Voice from the four Winds a Voice against Jerusalem and the Temple a Voice against Men and Women newly married a Voice against all this People And thus crying night and day he went about all the streets of the City Some of the best quality not able to suffer words of so ill presage caused him to be taken and severely scourged which he endured without speaking the least word to defend himself or to complain of so hard treatment but he continued repeating the same words The Magistrates then thinking as indeed it was that the man spake thus through some divine motion led him to Albinus General of the Romans where being beaten till his bones appeared he never entreated nor wept but as well as he could with a mournful voice he cryed Wo wo to Jerusalem Albinus asked him what he was and whence and wherefore he said so F but he made him no answer Yet he ceased not to bewail the misery of Jerusalem till Albinus thinking him to be out of his wits suffered him to depart After which till the time of War this man was never seen to speak to any one but still without ceasing he cryed Wo wo to Jerusalem Neither did he ever Curse any one though every day some one or other did beat him nor did he ever thank any one that offered him meat All that he spake to any man was this heavy Prophecy He went crying as is said chiefly upon holy-dayes Jesus for seven years and five months cried about the City doing so continually for the space of seven years and five months and his voice never waxed hoarse nor weary till in the time of the Siege beholding what he foretold them he ceased and then once again upon the Walls going about the City A stone from an Engine killeth Jesus with a loud voice he cryed Wo wo to the City Temple and People and lastly G he said Wo also to my self Which words were no sooner uttered but a Stone shot out of an Engine smote him and so he yielded up the Ghost lamenting them all If any one diligently consider all these things he will find that God hath a care of H mankind and doth foreshew betime what is most expedient for them and that they through their own madness voluntarily perish in their wickedness For the Jews when the Castle Antonia was taken made the Temple four-square notwithstanding that it was written in the holy Scripture that the City and Temple should be taken when the Temple was made four-square But that which chiefly incited them to this War was a doubtful Prophecy likewise found in the holy Scriptures That at the same time one in their Dominions should be Monarch of the whole World And many wise men were deceived in their Interpretation The Jews interpreting the signs to their own good liâ—king are their Countries 〈◊〉 and the cause of their own calamity making account that he should be one of their own Nation but indeed thereby was foretold Vespasian's Empire But men cannot prevent Destiny though they foresee it Thus the Jews interpreted some of the Signs I as they pleased and at others they laughed till by the ruine of their Country and their own woful overthrow their error was discovered to them CHAP. XIII How Titus was made Emperour and of the Death of the Priests AFter the Seditious were fled into the City whilst all the Temple and places there K about were still on fire the Romans placing their Engines over against the East-gate of the Temple and there offering sacrifice to God with great shouts they declared Titus Emperor Gold was sold for half price The Romans got much Spoil and Booty so that they sold Gold in Syria for half the value And among those Priests that kept on the Wall a Child being thirsty desired drink of the Roman Watchmen saying that he was thirsty They pitying both his years and his need gave him their hands that he should have no harm and then he came down and drunk and filled a bottle which he brought with him and when he had done he ran up again to his fellows and none of the watchmen were able to overtake him The craft of a Boy and they could only upbraid him with falshood But he answered That he had done nothing but that which he and they intended for they did not give him their L hands to secure him to remain with them but only to come down and take water which he had done The Roman watchmen greatly admired the subtilty of one that was but a Child The fifth day The Priests â—â—ave pardon but Titus commands them to be led to execution the Priests being almost famished came down and the watchmen carried them to Titus whom they besought to grant them their lives But he answered them That the time of pardon was past seeing that was destroyed for the sake of which he might have pardoned them and that it was meet that the Priests should perish with the Temple and so he commanded them to be put to death Then the Tyrants with their followers being on every side beset by the Romans The Seditious summon Titus to a Parley and having no way to flee they being thus beleagured round requested to speak with Titus who out of his natural gentleness yielded to their request his friends also perswading him thereto that at least he might M save the City judging indeed that now the Seditious had already their minds and so he went to the West part of the Inner Temple for there was a Gate built above a Gallery and a Bridge that joyned the Temple and City together which was then between Titus and the Tyrants Many Souldiers on both parts flocked about their Generals the Jews about Simon and John hoping
Timaeus Z. Zophyrion Imprimatur Decem. 7. 1675. Geo. Hooper R mo D no. Arch. Cant. a Sacr. Domest A The Life of FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS The Son of Matthias Written by himself B FOrasmuch as I derive my Original Josephus Lineage by a long series of Ancestors from the Sacerdotal Race I may with some reason value my self upon the Nobleness of my Birth since as every Nation places the Grandeur of a Family in some certain marks of Honour that accompany it so amongst us 't is one of the most signal to have the administration of Holy things But I am not onely descended of the stock of the Priests I am also of the First of the Four and twenty Families of which it consists and whose Dignity is eminent above the rest To which I may add That by my Mothers side I reckon Kings amongst my Ancestors For the Branch of the Asmoneans from whom she descended for a C long time exercised both the High Priesthood and Princely Power among our Nation In this manner stands the order of the last of my Predecessors My great Grandfafathers Grandfather Simon sirnamed Psellus the stutterer lived at such time as Hircanus was High Priest the first of that Name and the Son of Simon the High Priest This Simon Psellus had Nine Sons the one of which was Matthias sirnamed Aphlias This Matthias took to Wife the Daughter of the High Priest Jonathan by whom he had one Son who was Matthias sirnamed Curtus who was born in the first year of Hircanus's Priesthood Matthias begat Joseph in the Ninth year of Alexander's Government and of Joseph came Matthias in the Tenth year of the Reign of Archelaus and Matthias begat me in the First year of the Empire of Caius Caesar Joseph the Son of Matthias was born in the first year of Caius Caesars Empire and the 4001 year of the world and the 39 after Christs birth I likewise have D Three Sons mine eldest is Hircanus who was born in the Fourth my next Justus who was born in the Seventh and Agrippa my last who was born in the Ninth year of Vespasians Empire This Genealogy of mine do I in this manner propose according as I have found it written in the Publick Registers to the end to confound the Calumnies of my Enemies My Father Matthias was considerable for his Extraction but more for his Justice and Authority in Jerusalem which is the Metropolis of our Countrey My bringing up during my tender years was with Matthias who was my Brother by the same Father and Mother with whom I happily profited in all kind of Science having a good Memory Joseph from his infancy very studious and addicted to learning and a quick Apprehension so that being yet a Child of Fourteen years of E Age I was praised by all Men in regard of the good Affection I had to Learning and the Priests and Noblest Citizens vouchsaf'd to ask my Opinion of things that concerned our Laws and Ordinances About the Age of Sixteen years my desire was to have a search and insight into the Sects of our Nation which are Three The first of the Pharisees which is the chiefest The second of the Sadduces And the third of the Esseans And this I did to the end I might choose the better of the Three when I understood them all For which cause with great Austerities and Labours I passed thorow them all and not content with this Experience after I had heard that a certain man called Banus lived in the Desart clothing himself with that which the Trees brought forth and feeding on no other kind of meat but what they freely yielded F and washing himself oftentimes by day and night in cold water to keep himself chaste I began to imitate his course of Life and after I had lived with him for the space of Three years and satisfied my desires I returned to the City at the Age of Nineteen years At this time I began to engage my self in the exercise of a civil Life Joseph a Pharisee following the Sect of the Pharisees which very neerly resembleth that Sect among the Grecians who are called Stoicks After I was Six and twenty years old it was my fortune to repair to Rome upon this occasion Whilst Foelix governed Judea certain Priests my familiars men of much honour and more virtue were upon some slight occasion bound and sent to Rome by his commandment to answer to what should be objected against G them in Caesar's presence Whereupon being desirous to do them service and having special intelligence that the Torments wherewith they were Martyred lessened not their Piety but that they lived contentedly on Figs and Nuts for this cause I departed for Rome and was encountred with many great and grievous hazards by Sea For the H ship Joseph's shipwrack wherein I sailed was wrackt in the midst of the Adriatick Sea and about Six hundred of us were forc't to swim all Night long and at Day-break by God's Providence a Cyrenian ship came in sight and both I and certain others to the number of Fourscore out-swimming the rest were taken up into it and saved After I had in this sort escaped I came to Dicaarchia which the Italians call at this day Puteoli and grew acquainted with Aliturus a Jew born who was a Comedian and in good reputation with Nero by whose means insinuating my self into the Emperess Poppea's knowledge Joseph obtaineth the Priests liberties I determined to beseech her to procure the liberty of those Priests with all expedition which she accordingly did and being gratified likewise by her with many great gifts I returned into my Countrey There I found the Commonwealth I much disquieted with Factions and Troubles The Jews seditious and divers too prone and ready to Rebel and withdraw their Allegiance from the Romans I inforced my self to repress the seditious and exhorted them to change their opinions representing before their eyes the quality of those against whom they enterprized War with whom they could neither compare in experience of War nor in good Fortune For this cause I advised them not to hazard the overthrow of themselves their Children and their Countrey by their rashness and rage Joseph dehorteth the Jews from sedition is suspected by them of treason To this effect I spake to them and instantly intreated them to desist from their unhappy resolution for that I foresaw that the end of this War would prove to our utter Ruine but I prevailed nothing with them The fury of desperate and dissolute men prevailed above reason for which cause fearing lest by K continual inforcing of one thing I should grow into hatred and suspition amongst them as if I favoured their enemies and they should put me to death seeing that the Fort of Antonia was already seized upon by the seditious I retired my self into the Sanctuary From whence after Manahem and the chiefest Revolters
that are called Hesperians in Aethiopia and Sabaeus founded the Sabeans M As for Nimrod the sixth son of Chus Nabrodes or Nâ—mbroth he setled his Colony upon the Confines of Babylon and tyrannized there as is before declared All the eight sons of Misraim occupied all the Countrey from Gaza unto Egypt Palestine so named of Philestine but onely one of the eight named Philistin hath left his name to the Countrey which he possess'd for the Greeks call a part thereof Palestine As touching the rest Lom Enam and Labim Nethem Phetrosim Chestem Chreesene and Chepthom we know neither of their actions nor of their names except Labim who planted a Colony in Lybia and gave his name to it For the Aethiopians whereof hereafter we shall make mention overthrew their Cities Canaan also had eleven sons The Children of Canaan amongst whom Sidonius built and named Sidon a City in N Phoenicia and Amathus built Amath which at this day the Inhabitants call Amatha though the Macedonians call it Epiphania which signifies famous from the name of one of its Princes Arudeus possessed the Isles of Arudus and Ariceus built the City of Arce upon mount Libanus As for the other seven Eveus Cheteus Jebuseus Eucleus Sineus Samarcus and Gorgeseus there is no memory remaining of them in Sacred Scriptures but onely their names For the Hebrews razed their Cities upon the occasions which I am going to relate After the Deluge Hedio Ruffinus cap. 13. when the earth was established in its first estate Noah gave himself to Tillage Gen. 9. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25. and planted Vineyards and when the Fruit thereof was ripe and he had pressed and made Wine thereof he drank and banquetted after he had done sacrifice being thereby made drunk and overpressed with sleep he lay discovered in a most unseemly O and shameful fashion which when Cham his younger son beheld he scornfully discover'd it to his Brothers who being asham'd cover'd their Father's nakedness with A reverence Noah is made drunk lieth naked and is scorned and curseth him that derideth him Which fact of his coming to the knowledge of Noah he wished all felicity to the two other and as touching Cham out of a fatherly tenderness he cursed him not but only his posterity after him who accordingly were punisht for the sin of their Forefather as we shall shew hereafter Sem the third son of Noah had five sons who inhabited the Countrey of Asia beginning at Euphrates Hedio Ruffinus cap. 14. and extending to the Indian Ocean For Elimis the eldest left the Elimeans or Elamites for his Successors whence proceeded the Persians Assur the second built the City of Ninive Gen. 7. 1. and gave his Subjects the name of Assyrians who were rich above all the rest Of the Sons of Sem the third Son of Noah and of theirs and Abraham's Progeny Arphaxad the third named those of his command Arphaxadians who at this day are called Chaldeans Aram the fourth had the Arameans whom the Greeks call Syrians B And from Ludis the fifth came the Ludéans who at this day are called Lydians Of those four sons which Aram had Vses dwelt in the Region of Trachonites and built the City of Damascus scituate between Palestine and that part of Syria which is sirnamed Caeler or hollow Otrus obtained Armenia Gether Bactria Misas was father to the Mezaneans whose Countrey is called at this day the valley of Pasin Sale Arphaxad's son was Heber's father from whose name in times past the Hebrews were denominated Heber begat Jucta and Phaleg The original of the Hebrews who was so called for that he was born at such time as Lands came to be divided for Phaleg in Hebrew signifieth Division They that follow were the sons of Jucta Elmodad Saleph Azermoth Izrais Edoram Vzal Dael Ebal Ebemael Sapham Ophir Evilas and Jobel who occupied some parcel of that Region which was between Cophen a River C in India and the hither Syria Hitherto have we spoken of the Progeny of Sem now we come to speak of the Hebrews Abraham's Genealogy Phaleg the son of Heber begat Ragaus by whom was begot Seruch from whom Nachor descended and from Nachor Thares who was Abraham's father the tenth in account from Noah and born 292 years after the Deluge For Thares being 70 years old begat Abraham Nachor at 120 years of age begat Thares Nachor was born to Seruch when he was about the years of 132 of his life and Ragaus begat Seruch when he was 130 years old and about those years Phaleg begat Ragaus But Heber at 34 years of age begat Phaleg himself begotten by Sela when he was 135 years old which Sela was begotten by Arphaxad when he was 135 years of age And Arphaxad was the son of Sem and Grandson of Noah whom he begat two years after the Deluge Abraham had two D brothers Nachor and Aram of whom Aram left Lot for his son and Sara and Melcha for his daughters and afterwards dyed in the land of Canaan in a City called Vr of the Chaldees where his Sepulchre is to be seen even at this day His daughters were married Melcha to Nachor The year of the World 2950. before Christ's Nativity 2014. and Sara to Abraham But Thares growing weary of Chaldaea after the death of his son Aram he and his Family transported themselves into Charan a City of Mesopotamia in which place they buried Thares when he had lived the space of 250 years For about this time the life of man was abridged and grew more short until the time of Moses The term of man's life about this term 120. when the space of man's life limited by God himself was 120 years to which term Moses attained Nachor had eight children by Melcha his wife Vx Baux Manuel Zacham Azam Phaleg Jadelphus and Bathuel who were the legitimate sons of Nachor E But Tabaeus and Gadan Thavan and Macham were begotten by him on his Concubine Ruma To Bathuel one of the legitimate sons of Nachor was born a daughter named Rebecca and a son called Laban CHAP. VII How Abraham Gen. 12. 1. ad 4. the Author of our Nation departed from the Land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in the Countrey of the Canaanites which is now called Judea ABraham having no Issue adopted Lot the son of Aram's brother and brother to Sara his wife The year of the World 2204 before Chri 〈…〉 Nativity 1940. he departed out of the Countrey of Chaldee when he was 75 years old having had commandment from God to depart thence into Canaan in which Countrey F he remained and left the same to his Posterity after him He was a man accomplished in all things full of understanding and apt to persuade those that gave ear unto him without any default in his foresight and providence Hedio Ruffinus cap. 15. For this cause
he was supposed to surpass all men in virtue The wisdom of Abraham and was he that first undertook to rectifie the received erronious opinions of men touching the Deity He first of all did most manifestly preach and prove Abraham the first Preacher of the Word That there was but one God Governor and Maker of all things and that otherwise if any thing conferred or furthered our Felicity it hapned unto us not by our own workings but by his holy Will And this he observ'd and prov'd by what comes to pass both in the Earth and the Sea as also by those things which he saw daily occur by the influences of the Sun the Moon and other Stars namely that there is a certain G power that disposeth them and decently administreth all things without whose assistance nothing would be profitable unto us whereas nothing hath of it self any virtue but all things are obedient to his Omnipotent Will and for that cause honour and thanksgiving should wholly be ascribed to him For which advices and counsels of his H seeing the Chaldeans and Mesopotamians began to mutiny against him he thought it expedient to forsake that Countrey and follow the Will and Command of God and so went and dwelt at Canaan where being seated he built an Altar and sacrific'd unto God Berosus Berosus amongst other things maketh mention of our Father Abraham although he names him not when he speaketh after this manner After the Deluge and during the tenth Generation there dwelt amongst the Chaldeans a most just excellent and upright man and exercised in the knowledge of the Celestial bodies Hecataeus But Hecataeus makes not a bare mention of him but hath left a Volume which he hath written concerning him And as touching Nicolaus Damascenus Nicolaus Damascenus hear what he saith in the Fourth Book of his Histories Abraham reigned in Damascus where he was a stranger whither he arrived with his Army I from a Countrey scituate above Babylon called Chaldaea and a little while after departing out of that Region he went and dwelt with his People in a Countrey at that time called Canaan and at this day Judaea and his Posterity multiplied therein In another Treatise I will recite that which is reported of him The name of Abraham even at this day is honourable in the Countrey of Damascus Abraham's house and there is a Village to be seen which beareth his name and is called Abraham's house CHAP. VIII Abraham pressed by Famine departed into Egypt where having stay'd awhile at last he returned back again K AFter this when Famine had invaded the land of Canaan Abraham had intelligence that the Egyptians abounded in all plenty The year of the World 2026 before Christ's Nativity 1938. and decreed with himself to retire thither purposing also to confer with their Priests concerning their Notions of God and either to follow their belief if they were better grounded in the same than himself or to rectifie them Hedio Ruffinus cap. 16. if his judgment were better grounded than theirs He led with him his wife Sara and understanding that the Egyptians were much addicted to women to the end the King might not put him to death Gen. 12. 10. in order to enjoy his wife Sara Gen. 12. 13. 15. who was very beautiful he devised this excuse to say That she was his sister charging her that if the matter came in question she should not fail but confirm the same But no sooner L came they into Egypt but the like fortune encountred them as Abraham had before suspected The lust of the Egyptians 16 17. for the beauty of his wife was suddenly published in every place For which cause Pharaoh the King of that Nation desirous to see that with his eyes which he had heard with his ears he sought for sent and lusted after her but God withstood this his unbridled lust by afflicting the King's Subjects with a Plague and his State by Sedition Whereupon taking counsel of the Priests what remedy might be used and means sought to appease the Divine Majesty 18 19. they answer'd him That the cause of their afflictions proceeded from his intending violence to the stranger's wife Whereat being much affrighted the King first questioneth with the woman what she was and who her companion should be and at last resolv'd of the truth he excus'd himself to Abraham saying he suppos'd M her to be his sister not his wife and that his purpose was not to offer injury but seek alliance and giving him a great sum of money he gave him leave to confer with the most excellent and learned Priests among the Egyptians Abraham taught the Egyptians Religion and Arts. By this conference he grew into great estimation in regard of his virtues for whereas that Nation was divided into different Sects and Opinions and through mutual contempt and division were incens'd one against another he declar'd That all their different Opinions in Religion were most vain and void of all truth For these his disputations he was held in great regard among them and esteemed for a most wise and excellent personage not only in well understanding Abraham an â—â—cellent Astronomer but also in expressing and persuading that which he undertook to teach He imparted to them the Sciences of Arithmetick and Astronomy for before Abraham came N into Egypt the Egyptians were altogether ignorant of those Sciences but he first brought them from Chaldaea into Egypt and from thence are they deriv'd to the Greeks As soon as he return'd into Canaan Gen. 13. 1. he divided the Countrey with Lot and for that there grew a contention betwixt their shepherds The division of the fields between Abraham and Lot touching the bounds of the pastures where they fed their Cattel he gave Lot the choice and election of that Countrey which best pleased him retaining unto himself that which was left Thus pitching his Tents towards a mountain near the City Hebron which was by seven years more ancient than Tanis in Egypt he dwelt there But Lot chose the Plain near the River of Jordan not far from Sodom which in those days was a goodly City but at this present by the just judgment of God is utterly destroyed so that no memory remaineth thereof The causes of O which judgment shall be related hereafter A CHAP. IX The overthrow of the Sodomites by the Assyrians Lot is taken Prisoner AT this time the Assyrians were Lords over all Asia and the estate of Sodom flourished in all affluence Hedio Ruffinus chap. 17. riches and multitude of People and the Countrey was governed by five Kings Gen. 14. Ballas Bareas Senabarus Symoborus and Baleâ— each particularly seized of his Province and Kingdom Five Kings of Sodom Against these the Assyrians encamped themselves and having divided their Army into four parts under the conduct of four
King of that Countrey where she then was K To this commandment of God Agar submitted her self with all obedience 9 10. and returning back again to her Mistriss she obtained pardon at her hands and after a while brought forth Ishmael which is as much as to say is Heard by God because God had heard the Mothers prayers 16 17. Ishmael was born to Abraham when he was fourscore and six years old but in the fourscore and nineteenth year of his age God appeared unto him and told him that he should have a Son by Sara charging him to call him Isaac and giving him to understand Isaac promised Gen. 17. 1 2 c. ad finem that great Nations and Kings should issue from his loynes who by force of Arms should conquer all the Countrey of Canaan from Sidon even unto Egypt Commanding him also that his Posterity should be circumcised in their privities and that this circumcision should be made the eighth day after the birth by reason that he L would not have Abraham's Posterity intermixed with other Nations But hereafter I will declare another cause of our circumcision Abraham also asked counsel of God touching Ishmael whether he should live or no and God told him that he should flourish many years and that he should become a Father of many worthy Nations Then gave Abraham thanks unto God and presently circumcised himself and his Son Ishmael with all his Family and Ishmael at that time was thirteen years old but Abraham about fourscore and nineteen years of age CHAP. XI The destruction of Sodom M ABout that time the inhabitants of Sodom became immeasurably proud Gen. 18. by reason of their affluence Hedio Ruffinus chap. 19. prosperity and great riches and committed outrages against men and impieties against God The sins of the Sodomites in such manner as they had forgotten the benefits which they had received at his hands hating strangers and giving up themselves to the Practice of unnatural and abominable Lusts Whereat God being displeased decreed to punish their intolerable Pride to ruine their City from the foundations and in such sort to make desolate their Countrey that from thence forward it should neither nourish plant nor bring forth Fruit. Abraham entertaineth Angels After God had pronounced this sentence against the Sodomites Abraham as he sate under the Oak at Mambres before the door of his Tent beheld N three Angels and supposing them to be Men and Strangers he arose and saluted them and approaching near unto them v. 1 2 3 4. 5. he desired them that they would accept of his entertainment and lodge with him Whereunto when they had condescended he commanded his Servants to bake them bread of the finest flower and having killed and roasted a Calf he set it before them as they sate under the oak which it seemed to him they did eat but they enquired of him where Sarah his Wife was to whom he answered that she was within on the Tent. They told him then that they would return again and that they should find her a Mother But when his Wife smiled thereat and said that it was impossible for her to bear Children The year of the World 2084. before Christs Nativity 1916. especially in that her self was at that time ninety years old and her Husband an hundred they discovered themselves O and declar'd that they were Angels of God and that they were sent one of them to assure him that he should have a Son the other two to destroy Sodom Which A when Abraham heard 9 10. he was sorry for the Sodomites and arising besought God that he would not destroy both the just and the unjust together 12 16. To whom God gave this answer that there was not one just Man among the Sodomites 17. ad 23. and that if he might but find ten The Angel promised Abraham that he shall have a Son and foretells the destruction of Sodem he would spare the City from punishment Whereupon Abraham held his peace and the Angels entered into Sodom where they were no sooner arrived but Lot invited them to take their lodging in his house for he was a Man much given to hospitality which he had learnt from the example of Abraham But the Sodomites perceiving that those young Men which were entered Lots house were of excellent beauty began to offer outrage and villany to their persons Gen. 19. 1. notwithstanding that Lot exhorted them to forbare The Angels enter Lot's house and not to offer villany to his guests but in some sort to have a respect to his B house telling them that rather then they should commit such a crime he would give them his Daughters to use at their pleasure v. 3 4. But he prevailed nothing with them whereupon God was in such wise provoked by their iniquity that he struck them with blindness so that they could not find the gate to enter into Lots house 5 6. and condemned the Sodomites to a general perdition 7 8. In order whereunto he commanded Lot to remove out of the City verse 11. with his Wife The year of the World 2948. before Christs Nativity 1916. and his two Daughters who were as yet unmarried and their betrothed Husbands but these last although forewarn'd by him contemned Lots advice and held him for a dotard Then did God shoot the arrows of his vengeance upon the City burning it and all the Inhabitants therein and desolating by the same fire all the Countries round about 12 13 14 24. in such sort as hath already been declared by me in the History C I writ of the Wars of the Jews The Sodomites are blinded But Lots Wife as they retired thence looking back towards the City Lot and his family are saved and more curiously beholding the destruction thereof contrary to the commandment of God was transformed into a Pillar of Salt which is to be seen even until this day 26. Lot himself and his Daughters fled and dwelt in a little Countrey which the fire had spared Lot fled to Zoar called Zoar which in Hebrew signifieth little In this place which was void of Men 30 ad 35. and scant of Victuals Lot dwelt a long time leading a solitary and poor life and his Daughters supposing that all Mankind was extingushed upon the earth subtilly circumventing their Father lay with him when he least suspected it 36 37 38. By this their approachment they bare him two Sons the elder a Son named Moab which is as much as to say The interpretation of the names of Moab and Ammon of my Father this is he that was the Father of the Moabites D which even at this day are a great Nation the younger Ammon which signifieth the Son of my Race or kind from whom the Ammonites descended and both these two Nations inhabit the
married Chetura by whom he had six Children strong in travel and excellent in wisdom namely Zembranes Jazar Mâ—dar Madian Lusobac and Sus The original of Troglodytes who likewise had Sons Sus had Sabacan and Dadanes Of Dadanes issued Latusimus H Asâ—urus Luures The Children of Madin were Epha Ophres Anochus Ebidas Eldas All these Children and their successors according to Abrahams advice gathered and established the Colonies which possessed the Countrey of the Troglodytes and all the Countrey of Arabia the Happy whose confines extend even unto the Red Sea Some report that this Ophres conducted an Army into Libya and possessed the same and that his successors making their abode in that Countrey called it by the name of Africa Libya called Africa Alexander Polyhistor Which opinion is confirmed by Alexander Polyhistor who writeth after this manner Cleodemus the Prophet who is also called Malchus and writ the History of the Jews after the example of Moses their Lawgiver saith that of Chetura there were divers Children born unto Abraham and he nameth three by their names to wit Apher I Surim and Japher and that of Surim the Syrians took their name of the two others Apher and Japher the City of Afra and the Countrey of Africa take their names That they warred under the conduct of Hercules in Libya against Antaeus and how Hercules having taken Ophra his Daughter to his Wife begot of her Dedor who was Father to Sophon from whom those Barbarians that are called Sophaces have taken their name Now Abraham thinking fit to provide a Wife for Isaac his Son who was almost forty years old Hedio Ruffinus chap. 4. sent the eldest Servant of his Family to demand in Marriage Rebecca the Daughter of Bathuel who was the Son of Nachor his Brother for Isaac and bound him to the performance thereof with an oath by causing him to lay his hand under his thigh Or 24. 1 2 3 4. He sent also rare presents unto them Isaac marrieth Rebecca such as were seldom seen in those parts The Servant K departing The manner of swearing among the anâ—ient Jews 10. was long upon the way because that in Winter-time it is troublesome to travel thorow Mesopotamia by reason of the deep bogs and in Summer for want of Water besides the robberies of the Countrey which Strangers and Travellers can hardly escape except they stand upon their Guard and have convoy At length he arrived at a City called Carras and being in the Suburbs of the same The year of the World 2809. before Christs Nativity 1875. he beheld divers young Maidens that went to fetch Water at which sight he pray'd to God that if the Marriage were pleasing in his sight he might find Rebecca amongst them for whose cause Abraham had sent him thither to require her in Marriage for his Son and that he might know her by this sign 12. 13 14. that asking all the rest for Water they should refuse him and she only satisfie him With these thoughts he approached the Well and L desired those Virgins to give him to drink which they denied saying that they could not get Water but with great labour 15 16 17 18. which they must bear unto their houses and not lavishly bestow on others whereupon one amongst them reproving the rest for that discourtesie which they used towards the stranger saying that they had never been conversant amongst Men that refused to give him Water that requested it she gave him Drink with great kindness This made him conceive a good hope of all his business yet being further desirous to know the event of the matter he praised the courtesie of Rebecca who had not refused to travel in her own person to satisfie his necessity asking her of what Parents she was terming them happy that had such a Daughter praying God that it might please him to grant them the good hap to M marry her to their contentment and match her with a Man of honest reputation by whom she might be fruitful of good and virtuous Children Rebecca made no difficulty to tell him the names of her Parents 22. 23. the better to gratifie him neither concealed she her own The year of the World 2809. before the Nativity of Christ 1875. but answered in this sort I am called said she Rebecca my Father was named Bathuel and is long since dead Laban is my Brother who together with my Mother hath care of all our Family Which when he understood he rejoyced at all that had hapned unto him and was comforted with those things which he heard perceiving manifestly how God had prospered his journey Whereupon drawing out a jewel with certain other ornaments Rebecca grows acquainted with Abrahams Servant such as Virgins take delight to wear he offered them unto the Maid telling her that he gave her these presents in requital of the kindness N she had offered him in satisfying his thirst for that she amongst so many other Virgins had onely shewed her self affable and gracious desiring also that he might be entertained in her Brothers house by reason that Night deprived him of the means of travelling any further and that he was charged with certain jewels of great price which in no place as he said might be in more safety than in their custody whom in effect he had found so courteous and honest assuring her that the vertue which appeared in her gave him sufficient testimony both of the courtesie of her Mother and Brother who would not as he supposed take it in ill part if he were entertained and lastly that he would in no wayes be chargeable unto them but would pay for his lodging and expences O To this Rebecca answered that he had reason to conceive a good opinion of her Parents humanity but yet he did in some sort prejudice them in suspecting their liberality A assuring him that his entertainment should in no sort be Mercenary but voluntary and free The talk which Abrahams Servant had with Rebecca and according to their affection Yet first said she I will certifie my Brother Laban hereof and afterwards conduct you to our house which done she led him into their Tent commanding her Brother Laban's Servants to take care of his Camels and for himself 30 31 32 33. he was entertained at her Brother Laban's Table When Supper was past 34 35 37. he spake both to the Brother and Mother of the Virgin after this manner Abraham the Son of Thares is your cousin For said he addressing to the Mother Nachor the grandfather of your Children was Abraham's Brother by one and the same Father and Mother He now sendeth me unto you desiring you to give this Virgin for Wife to his only Son and Heir of all his substance The year of the World 2124. before Christs Nativity 1840. whom although he might B have matcht with the richest of
34. 1 2 3 4. he desir'd his Father that he might have her to Wife who listening thereunto went himself unto Jacob praying him to give Dina his Daughter in lawful Marriage to his Son Sichem The year of the World 2206 before Christ's Nativity 1758. Jacob not daring to refuse him by reason of his authority and quality and on the other side not thinking it to be either a thing lawful or convenient to match his Daughter with a stranger desired some time for deliberation Hereupon the King departed hoping that Jacob would listen to the Marriage But Jacob having discover'd unto his Sons the ravishment of their sister and the request of Emmor desir'd them to consider amongst themselves what was fit to be done in the matter C Ver. 21. 25. whereupon some held their peace not knowing what to say but Simeon and Levi the Brothers of the same womb with their sister complotted together this practice Simeon and Levi kill the Sichemites It was now a Festival of the Sichemites who intended nothing but pleasure and banquetting and the two Brethren taking this opportunity by night fell upon their first guards and killed them as they slept and from thence entering into the City they killed all the Males and with them the King and his Son but to the Women they offered no violence Gen. 35. 1 2. Which being executed without the knowledge of their Father Jacob digging up Laban's gods goeth and sacrificeth at Bethel they brought their sister back again Jacob was very much astonished at this accident so strangely executed and was greatly displeas'd with his Children but God appeared unto him and comforted him and commanded him to purifie his Tents and offer those Sacrifices which D he had vowed when first he went into Mesopotamia Ver. 16 17 18. and the Vision appeared unto him As he cleansed those which followed him Rachel dieth in Childbed he found the gods of Lâ—ban which Rachel had stoln Hedio Ruffinus cap. 28. and hid in Sichem in the earth under an oak without his knowledge Afterwards departing from thence he sacrificed in Bethel where he had seen the Vision at such time as he first of all took his journey into Mesopotamia and as he travelled in the Land of Ephrata Rachel died in Childbed and was buried there and she alone enjoyed not the honour of being buried in Hebron with those of her Parentage After he had made great lamentation he nam'd the Child which she bare at that time Benjamin by reason of the Pangs which kill'd his Mother These are all the Children of Jacob twelve Males and one Daughter of whom eight were born by his lawful Wives six of E Lea and two of Rachel and of their Maids four two of each of them whose names I have heretofore mention'd From thence went Jacob to Hebron a City of Canaan where his Father Isaac dwelt but he lost him also shortly after CHAP. XIX Isaac dieth and is buried in Hebron Gen. 35. 29. JAcob had not the comfort to find Rebecca his Mother still living The year of the World 2230 before Christ's Nativity 1734. and Isaac died in a little time after the arrival of his Son and was buried with his Wife by his Son Esau and Jacob in Hebron among their Fathers This Isaac was a man beloved of God and F guided by his special providence after the decease of Abraham and after he had passed his life in all virtue for the space of 185 years Isaac dieth 185 years old Gen. 35. he died O The Second Book of the HISTORY of the JEWS H Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Second Book 1. How Esau and Jacob Isaac's Sons divided their habitations and how Idumaea fell to Esau's lot and Canaan to Jacobs 2. How Joseph the youngest of Jacob's Sons by reason of his Dreams which foretold his future Felicity incurred his Brothers envy 3. How Joseph was sold by his Brethren into Egypt and grew in great authority in that I Countrey and how at length he had his Brothers under his power 4. How Jacob with all his Progeny came unto his Son 5. Of the affliction of the Hebrews in Egypt for the space of 400 years 6. How under the conduct of Moses they forsook Egypt 7. How the Red Sea divided itself and gave the Hebrews a passage at such time as they fled out of Egypt CHAP. I. How Esau and Jacob Isaac's Sons divided their inheritance and how Idumaea fell to Esau's lot and Canaan to Jacobs K AFter Isaac's death The year of the World 2238 before Christ's Nativity 1734. his two Sons divided their inheritance among themselves and neither of them remain'd in that same place which they had chosen before to make their abode but Esau leaving the City of Hebron to his Brother went and dwelt in Seir and was Lord of the Countrey of Idumaea which he named by his name calling it Edom for the occasion which followeth Isaac's Sons departed their habitations He being very young returned one day sore wearied with Travel and hungry from Hunting Gen. 36. 6 7. and finding his Brother dressing for himself a mess of Lentil-pottage which were very red in colour and further encreased his appetite Gen. 25. 53. 27. 36. he desir'd them at his hands that he might eat them But he taking the opportunity and occasion of his Brother Esau's hunger constrained him to forsake him Birth-right Esau the first begotten felleth his birth-right and to sell him the same on condition he L should give him them to eat Esau then press'd with Hunger resigned unto him his Birth-right Esau called Edom. and confirm'd it with a solemn Oath Hereupon his equals in age in way of mockery called him Edom by reason of his red meat for Edom in Hebrew signifieth red His Countrey likewise was hence called Edom. Gen. 36. per tot Esau's Sons and Posterity But the Greeks to the end they might make the name more agreeable called it Idumaea He became the Father of five Children of whom he had three by his Wife Alibama whose names were Jaus Jolam and Chore of the other two Aliphates was the Son of Ada and Raguel of Mosametha these Children had Esau Aliphates had five legitimate Children Theman Omar Opher Jotham Cenez for Amelech was illegitimate born by one of his Concubines whose name was Thesma These dwelt in the part of Idumaea which is called Gobolitis M and in that part which by reason of Amelech is called Amalechitis For Idumaea being in times past a Land of great extent continued the name of Idumaea thorow the whole Countrey and the particular Provinces of the same kept the names of those that first inhabited them CHAP. II. Joseph the youngest of Jacob's Children is envied by his Brothers Gen. 37. BUt Jacob attained to that felicity The year of the World
had four sons Elein Gunnes Sares and Hellim Dan had onely one son called Vsis Now if these be added to the abovenamed they make up the number of Fifty four But Gad and Asser were born by Zelpha Leah's handmaid Gad was attended by seven sons Zophonias Vgis Sunis Zabros Erines Erodes and Ariel Asser had one daughter Ver. 30. and six sons Jacob almost deceased for joy whose names were Jomnes Essus Juba Baris Abars Melmiel These D fifteen being added to the foresaid Fifty four make up the number Seventy together with Jacob. Gen. 47. 2. But Joseph understanding that his father was at hand for Juda posted before to give him notice thereof went out to meet him Joseph with his five Brethren and did so near a Town called Heros Jacob was fill'd with such extreme and unexpected joy that he had almost expired and that of Joseph was little less He desir'd his father to march onwards by easie journies and taking with him his five brethren hasted unto the King signifying unto him that his father with all his family were arrived The King no sooner understood it but he joyfully asked Joseph in what employments he took delight who answer'd him that his exercise was in keeping of Cattel and that he had no other Trade This answer he made to the intent they might not be divided one from another but that living E all together they might take care of their father another reason was lest emulation should happen betwixt them and the Egyptians if so be they should be conversant in the same profession Ver. 3 ad 10. whereas this people had little experience in the keeping of Cattel Jacob talketh with Pharaoh and is appointed to inhabit Heliopolis Now when Jacob was brought into the King's presence and had done him reverence and pray'd God for the prosperity both of him and his Realm Pharaoh ask'd him how old he was and he answer'd that he was an hundred and thirty years old at which when the King admir'd he added that his Ancestors had lived far longer Then Pharaoh appointed him and his sons to dwell in Heliopolis where also the King's shepherds had their pastures But the Famine increased in Egypt and the calamity was without remedy The famine in Egypt by reason that Nilus did not overflow the earth after its usual manner and on F the other side God rained not upon the earth Moreover in that the sterility was foreseen it was more grievous especially to the Commonalty who had laid up nothing neither did Joseph give them Corn without ready money Ver. 16 17 20. which when they began to want A great profit redounded to the King by this famine they exchang'd their Cattel and Slaves for Corn and they that had Lands sold a portion thereof unto the King for their provision And when by this means all these possessions came into the King's hands they went to inhabit here and there as they could to the end that the King might be more assured of the possession of their Land the Priests onely were excepted to whom the Lands which they had remained intire Finally this necessity reduced both the minds and bodies of the whole Nation into servitude after such a manner that they esteemed no labour or means unseemly that G might serve them towards their sustenance But when the Famine ceas'd and the earth water'd by the overflow of the River began to recover her former fertility Joseph visiting every City of the Kingdom and assembling the multitude in every one of them restored them the possession of those Lands which they had sold to the King The year of the World 2311. before Christ's Nativity 1653. and exhorted H them to manure the same in no worse manner than they would do their own on condition to pay the fifth part unto the King which was due unto him by his Prerogative and Kingly right The People rejoycing at this unexpected restitution earnestly intended and prosecuted their Tillage Joseph commanded them to pay the fifth part of their profits to the King and by this means not only Joseph's authority but also the Peoples hearts were not a little tyed unto the King and the inheritance of the fifth part of the profits remained with the Kings that succeeded and all their Posterity But Jacob after he had lived 17 years in Egypt ended his life in the arms of his Sons having first prayed God to give them prosperity and abundance and prophesied that every one of their posterities should attain to the possession of a part of the Land of Canaan Hedio Ruffinus cap. 8. as in process of time it came to pass Besides praising his Son Joseph for that forgetting I the injuries done unto him he had bestowed divers benefits on his Brethren yea and such as well beseemed his Benefactors he commanded his Sons that they should admit Joseph's Sons Gen. 49. 33. Ephraim and Manasses Jacob dyed when he was 147 years old into their number at such time as they should divide the Land of Canaan as hereafter it shall be declared Last of all he prayed them to bury him in Hebron He liv'd 150 years wanting three being second to none of his Ancestors in piety Gen. 50. 13. and obtain'd the same blessing Jacob is buried in Hebron in that he was a man adorned with equal virtues Joseph by the King's permission transported his Fathers body to Hebron and there buried it very magnificently But his Brothers fearing to return with him into Egypt in that they suspected lest their Father being dead he should be revenged on them in that they had not any Friend left alive under whose favor they might hope for pardon he K commanded them that laying their suspitions aside they should fear no evil and having brought them back again with him he gave them great possessions neither did he ever cease to entertain them with brotherly kindness Joseph dyeth when he was 110 years old But he likewise dyed when he had lived 110 years a man endowed with admirable virtue prudent in all Affairs and moderate in his Government by which means it came to pass that neither his Foreign Birth nor his Calamities whereof we have spoken did any ways hinder him but that he was exalted and continued in high dignity Gen. 50. 22 ad 26. The rest of his Brothers also having spent their lives in happiness dyed in Egypt whose bodies their Sons and Nephews transported and buried in Hebron Joseph's Bones translated into Canaan but Joseph's bones were afterwards translated by the Hebrews into Canaan at such time as they departed out of Egypt into Canaan for hereunto had he L bound them by an Oath But being oblig'd to declare this and other actions of this Nation I will first of all shew the cause why they departed out of Egypt CHAP. V. Of the affliction which the
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
Law of every seventh year and then also when they should possess the Land of Canaan He gave rest unto the earth every seventh year so that it was neither tilled nor planted in like manner as he had commanded them to rest from their labours on the seventh day of the week and he ordained that the fruits which the earth of it self brought forth should be common to all those that would make use thereof as well to those of the Countrey as Strangers without any forbidding or reservation He likewise decreed that the same should be done after seven times seven years and that the year following which is the fiftieth year The year of Jubile and which the Hebrews call Jubile i. e. Liberty M the debtors should be acquitted by their creditors and the Bond-Men made free meaning those that having offended against some Law had been punished with servitude Levit. 25. â v. 8. ad 14. and not put to death and to those who from the beginning had been possessors of Lands the same were restored in this manner following The Jubile being at hand which word signifieth Liberty both he that sold and he that bought the Land met together and cast up the account of the profits and expences that had been reaped and bestowed on the Land and if it were found that the profits exceeded the expences he that sold the Land repossessed it but if the charges exceeded the value of the profits he payed the surplusage to the buyer and retained the Land to himself And if the profits and expences were equal the restitution was made to him that had the antient inheritance N He ratified likewise the same Law in houses that were bought in Villages or Cities For if he that sold counted down the money he had received before the year were finished he compelled the purchaser to restore him his house but if he stayed till the year were fully finished the possession and free purchase remained unto him that bought it Moses received all these Laws from God upon the Mountain of Sinai and he gave them in writing to the Hebrews that they might observe the same CHAP. XI The Laws and Customs of War Hedio Ruffinus chap. 15. all 12. AFter that these Laws had been after this manner provided Numb 1. 2 3. Moses addressed himself to O the affairs and Laws of war foreseeing those which his People were to undergo Moses numbreth up the People He therefore commanded the Princes of the Tribes the Tribe of Levi onely excepted A to take a precise view and muster of those Men that were able to bear Arms for the Levites were Sacred and exempt from those Functions and the search being made there were found 603650 fighting Men betwixt the years of twenty and fifty But in the place of Levi he put the Tribe of Manasses the son of Joseph and Ephrai◠in the place of his father Joseph according as Jacob had entreated Joseph to give him his sons that he might adopt them as hath been before declared When they pitched the Tabernacle it was planted in the midst of the Camp guarded and defended with the Tribes which were encamped three by three on every side The disposition of the Army There were certain ways or paths likewise laid out between them and a Market-place and Shops for all sorts of Merchandize disposed by order and Workmen and Artizans of all Occupations travelling in their shops B so that to look upon it it resembled a City The Priests first were placed next the Tabernacle and after them the Levites for there was a view also made of them accounting all the Males exceeding the age of 30 days and they were found to be 23880. During all the time that the Cloud before mention'd cover'd the Tabernacle A cloud on the Tabernacle as a token of God's presence the People remain'd always in the same places and if it departed from the same then remov'd they likewise Moses invented also a certain kind of Trumpet made of silver Numb 9. 15. after this manner In length it was almost a Cubit and it was like the narrow whistle of a Fife but a little thicker it had but one hole at which it was to be blown and the end thereof was like a little Bell Numb 10. 2. in form of an ordinary Trumpet They call it in the Hebrew Tongue Asofra There C were two of them Two trumpets made of silver whereof the one serv'd to call the People to Publick Assemblies and the other to summon the Princes of the Tribes when they were to consult about Affairs of State and if both of them were sounded then all in general gather'd together When the Tabernacle was remov'd this manner was observ'd As soon as the first Charge was sounded they that were incamped toward the East dislodged at the second Charge they to the Southward disincamped then was the Tabernacle unpitched and carried in the midst six of the Tribes marching before and six after the Levites were all about the Tabernacle And when they sounded the third time the three Tribes toward the West removed and at the fourth sounding those on the North follow'd them They made use also of all these Trumpets in the Divines Service both on D the Sabbath and other days Then also was the first Passeover celebrated by our Forefathers with solemn offerings after their departure out of Egypt they being in the Desart CHAP. XII Sedition against Moses through the scarcity of Victuals and the punishment of the Rebellious NOT long after this Hedio Ruffinus cap. 16. they remov'd their Camp from the Mountain of Sinai and after certain encampings of which we will speak they came to a place which is call'd Iseremoth Numb 11. 1 2. There the People once more began to murmur and to revive their E Seditions Sedition against Moses and lay the fault of their laborious Pilgrimage upon Moses charging him That by his persuasion they had left a fertile Countrey and now not only were destitute of the plenty thereof but also in stead of hoped felicity forc'd to wander here and there in extreme misery so that they had not so much as water to drink and that if Manna likewise should fail them they must all inevitably perish for want of sustenance Hereunto added they divers Contumelies which were every where cast upon him though a man of so great desert and consequence Mean while there arose one amongst the People who admonishing them of the forepass'd benefits receiv'd by the hands of Moses counsell'd them to be of good courage assuring them that at that time they should not be frustrate either of that hope or help which they expected at God's hands But the F People were the rather incensed by these words and more and more whetted their spleens against the Prophet who seeing them so desperate exhorted them to be of a good courage
Israelites should wander in the Desart 40 years nor taste the sweetness and plenty of its fruits but they should live in the Desart without House or City for the space of forty years Yet hath he promised said he to give the Countrey to your children whom he will make Lords of the Goods and Heirs of those Possessions of which you have render'd your selves unworthy by your murmuring and disobedience B After Moses had discours'd these things in this manner The repentance of the people the People were in great sorrow and calamity and besought Moses that he would appease God's wrath conceiv'd against them beseeching him that forgetting their faults that were past in the Desart he would make good his promises to them Moses answer'd them That God was not incensed against them according to the manner of humane weakness but that he had given a just sentence against them In this place it is not to be suppos'd that Moses who was but a man only did appease so many multitudes of displeased men but that God assisted him Moses a man of great authority and brought to pass that the People were wrought upon by his words having by divers disobediences and by the calamities whereinto they were fall'n known that obedience was both good and profitable But what greater proof can be desir'd of C the eminent virtue of this Lawgiver and of the strange Authority he acquir'd thereby than that not only they who liv'd in his time but even at this day there is not any one amongst the Hebrews but takes himself oblig'd to obey the Ordinances made by him and regards him as present and ready to punish the Transgressors of the same There are besides divers great and evident signs of the more than humane virtue which was in him and amongst the rest this was not the least That of certain strangers that have Travel'd out of the Regions beyond Euphrates a four months journey to their great charges and with no less peril to honour our Temple and offer Sacrifice yet some have not obtain'd licence or permission to offer in that by our Laws it was not lawful for them to do it and some other without sacrificing others the Sacrifice half finish'd the D rest not permitted to enter the Temple have return'd back again to their homes without finishing their purpose choosing rather to submit to Moses's Law than to satisfie their own wills and that without the least repining or complaint So much did the opinion once conceiv'd of this man prevail that he is esteem'd more than a man out of the consideration that he had receiv'd Laws from God and deliver'd them to men Of late also The great scarcity during the Empire of Claudius not long before the Wars of the Jews during the Empire of Claudius when Ismael was High-Priest amongst us so great a Famine oppress'd our Nation that an Assar of Meal was sold for four drams and there was brought to the Feast of Azymes the quantity of seventy Cores which make 30 Sicilian and 40 Athenian Medimni almost two Bushels of ours none of the Priests were so bold as to eat one grain of it E notwithstanding the Countrey was in that extremity fearing the Law and God's displeasure extended always against sins conceal'd For which cause we ought not to wonder at that which hapned at that time considering that the Writings left by Moses are in such force even at this day that they themselves who hate us confess that God instituted our Government by the means and ministry of Moses and his virtue But of these things let every man think as it pleaseth him F G The Fourth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS H Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Fourth Book 1. The Fight of the Hebrews with the Canaanites and their overthrow by them without Moses's knowledge 2. The Sedition raised by Chore against Moses and his brother for the Priesthood 3. How the Authors of the Sedition were slain by God's judgment and the Priesthood confirmed I to Aaron and his sons 4. What chanced to the Hebrews in the Desart for the space of 38 years 5. How Moses overcame Sehon and Og Kings of the Amorites and overthrew their Armies 6. Of the Prophet Balaam 7. The Victory of the Hebrews against the Madianites and how the Countrey of the Amorites was granted by Moses to two and an half of the Tribes 8. Moses's Laws and how he was taken out of the World CHAP. I. K The Fight of the Hebrews with the Canaanites and their overthrow by them without Moses's knowledge WHilst thus the Hebrews passed their Lives in great penury and perplexity in the Desart Numb 14. 4. groaning under the burthen of their grievous Afflictions The Israelites without Gods or Moses command devise how to assail the Enemies there was nothing that more distracted and distemper'd them than this That God had forbidden them to fight with the Canaanites They would now no longer give ear unto Moses who persuaded them to Peace but growing confident in themselves that both without his L conduct and counsels they might easily obtain Victory over their Enemies they accused him as if he sought after no other thing but that they being daily pressed with great wants might be enforc'd continually to depend upon his counsels Whereupon they resolv'd upon a War against the Canaanites presuming with themselves that God would succor them not only in regard of Moses but also for that he had a general care of their Nation ever since the time of their Forefathers whom he had always held under his protection and by reason of whose virtues he had already granted them liberty They said likewise that if they fought valiantly God would give them Victory that they were strong enough to overcome their Enemies though they were left to themselves yea though Moses should endevor to estrange God from them In a word that M it was more for their advantage to govern themselves and that being redeem'd from the servitude of Egypt they ought not to suffer Moses to Tyrannize over them or to conform their Necks under his yoke in a vain belief that God had only discover'd to Moses that which was good for them by reason of the affection which he bare him As if all of them were not deriv'd from the loins of Abraham and that he onely were the Guide of all in foreknowing the things that should happen unto them by particular instruction from God That prudence oblig'd them to condemn his pride and fix their trust onely upon God for conquering the Countrey which he had promis'd them in spite of Moses's contradiction who for this cause hindred them pretending the Authority of God for it That therefore considering their necessity and the Desart which N daily more and more aggravated their misery they should prepare themselves couragiously to march against the
for them These thoughts produc'd in them a repentance of those things which through fury they had committed against him in the Desart so that all the People breaking out into tears would admit no consolation Laws made by Moses But Moses comforted them and desiring them to give over weeping encouraged them to observe faithfully the Laws of God Ruffin chap. 7. and so for this time the assembly dissolved The excuse of the writer of the History why he innovated the order of the Laws But before I proceed I C have thought fit to declare in this place what these Laws were to the end the Reader may know how worthy they are of the virtue of so great a Lawgiver as Moses and see what our customs have been even from the first institution of our Commonwealth For all those things are extant which this Man wrote so that we need not faign or affix any thing by way of ornament we have onely changed the order and those Laws which he scatteringly set down according as he received them from God we have generally digested into their places whereof I thought good to admonish the Reader for fear lest hereafter any of our Tribes coming to the view hereof should rashly accuse me of not having faithfully delivered the Writings and Justitutions of Moses First will I reckon up those Laws particularly which appertain to the publick institution D and policy of our Nation but those that concern private customs and contracts either betwixt our selves or foregin Nations I have deferred to be discoursed of in that commentary wherein by Gods assistance I intend to speak of our manners and of the reasons of those Laws After you have conquered the Land of Canaan Item the Israelites shall live in the Land of Canaan and built your Cities you shall in security reap the fruit of the Victory if by observation of these following Commandments you shall render your selves well pleasing to God Let there be one sacred City in the region of Canaan A sacred City and Temple in Canaan situate in a commodious and fertile place which God shall make choice of in the same let there be one only Temple built and one Altar erected of rough and unpolished stones but chosen with such care that when they shall E be joyn'd together they shall appear decent and agreable to the sight let not the Ascent of the same be made by steps but let the earth be easily and fitly raised But in any other City let there be neither Altar nor Temple For God is one and the Hebrew Nation is one Whosoever shall blaspheme God let him be stoned to death hanged on a Gibbet for a day Blasphemy against God and afterwards ignominiously and obscurely buried Deut. 4. Let all the Hebrews Levit. 16. 1 10 13. from their several Provinces assemble themselves thrice in the year in the sacred City and Temple Thrice in the year the Hebrewes ought to meet that they may give thanks to God for the benefits they have received and by their prayers implore his future assistance and that by their conversation and mutual entertainments they may increase their benevolence and F love one towards another For it is reasonable that they should know one another who are of the same stock and are govern'd by the same Laws For which purpose nothing is so fit as their meetings after this kind of manner which both by the sight and conversation cause deeper impression in the memory as contrariwise they that never see one another pass for strangers one to the other Besides let the tenth part of the fruits besides them that are due to the Priests and Levites which you are accustomed to sell in your Markets being reduced into ready money be spent on Sacrifices and Banquets in the sacred City For it is just to celebrate feasts to Gods honour Tenths of the fruits of the earth which we have received from his hands The hire of a Harlot G Let no Sacrifice be made of the Hire of an Harlot Deut. 23. 18. for neither doth any thing delight God which is gotten by ill wayes Micha 1. 7. or is there greater uncleanness than the shameful and unlawful mixture of our bodies Likewise if any man take reward for covering a bitch whether she be for the H chase or for the flock it is not lawful to make sacrifice unto God thereof Let no man speak ill of those gods which other Countries reverence Let no Man spoil any strange Temple nor take that which is dedicated to any god Let no man wear a Garment woven of Linnen and Woollen for it belongeth onely to the Priests Every seventh year Other gods when the People shall be assembled together in the sacred City to sacrifice at the feast of Tabernacles Deut. 1. the High Priest from a high Pulpit from whence he may be heard by the whole multitude shall read the whole Law publickly Linnen and Woollen so that neither Women nor Children shall be kept from hearing the same not yet slaves and bondmen Deut. 22. 11. For it is good that they retain the perpetual memory thereof alwayes imprinted in their minds Deut. 11. for so shall they sin the less The book of the Law is to be read on the feast of the Tabernacles in that they understand I what is decreed in the Law And the Laws likewise will be of more force in the conscience when they themselves shall hear the punishments which they threaten and with which those that dare to violate them shall be chastis'd so that the will to perform the Law shall never be inwardly extinguished and besides the remembrance will live in them how many plagues they incur by contempt thereof Let children especialy learn these Laws than which discipline there is not any more profitable for them nor more conducible to their felicity For which reason twice a day in the morning and in the evening they shall be minded for what benefits they are bound to God Deut. 11. 19. and how he deliver'd us out of the bondage of Egypt For it is a thing in nature reasonable Children shall learn the Law to give thanks to God as well in acknowledgement of the Goods K which we have before time received Deut. 6. 6 7 as in expectation of his future mercies The chief of these things also are to be written over our doors and worn on our arms and those things which declare his power and benificence are to be born about written on the head and arms The signs of the Law that the remembrance of Gods goodness towards his People may continually be renew'd In every City let there be chosen seven Governours such as are approved in Virtue and able for Justice The seven Presidents Let each one of these Magistrates have two Ministers of the Tribe of Levi. Honour to
the Magistrate Let those that are appointed Judges in the Cities be held in high reputation so that in their presence no man presume either to utter contumelies or injurious speeches for so shall it come to pass that men accustomed to reverence good men shall also exercise themselves in piety and reverence L towards God Whatsoever seemeth good to the Judges to decree let that be held inviolable except it be apparent that they are corrupted with money or that they be manifestly convicted of wrong judgement They ought likewise to judge without respect of interest or dignity The office of Judges and prefer justice before all other things for it is contumelious to God Justice is Gods power to suppose that he is weaker than they for whose sake they wrest the Law contrary to justice which is the power of God He therefore that giveth judgement in favour and partiality to great men maketh them greater than God himself And if the Judges cannot determine of the matter in question as it oftentimes falls out let them refer the cause to the Holy City and there shall the High Priest and the Prophet with the assistance of the Senate determine that M which shall be convenient The testimony of one witness shall not be received Deut. 19. 16 17 18. but of three or at least of two whose testimony shall be made good by the examination of their behaviour and life As for women it is not lawful for them to bear any witness by reason of the levity and temerity of that sex Neither is it lawful for a bond-man to bring in testimony by reason of his degenerate and ignoble mind for it is to be suspected that either for lucre sake or for fear he will depose an untrue testimony And if any false witness shall be convicted of perjury The punishment of a false Witness let him be subject to that penalty which he should have endured that should have been cast by his false accusation If manslaughter be committed in any place and the Offender cannot be found out and it N appear not likely Of Homicide committed that the man was slain out of malice let there be a diligent and careful inquisition made with rewards propos'd to the discoverer but if no probabilities or conjectures can be gathered then let the Magistrates of the Cities adjoining to the place where the slaughter is committed and the Elders of the same assemble together and measure from the place where the dead body lieth and let the township that is found to be nearest and the inhabitants thereof buy a Heifer which they shall bring into a place unlaboured and unplanted where the Priests and the Levites having cut the nerves of the Neck shall wash their hands and lay them upon the head of the said Heifer and protest with a loud voyce that they and the Magistrates with them are not defiled with that homicide that they did it not nor were they present when it O was perpetrated and they shall call and pray to God to avert his anger and not to permit that any such misfortune ever fall out in that Countrey A Aristocracy is without doubt a very good kind of Government because it puts the authority into the hands of more honest and good men take therefore heed that you desire no other form of policy but retain and continue the same having no other superiours but the Laws which God gives you For it sufficeth you that God is pleas'd to be your Governour Yet notwithstanding Aristocracy the best kind of Government if you shall chance to desire to have a King see that ye elect one of your own Nation who in all things may be studious to procure justice and all other virtues Deut. 17 15. attributing more to God and the Laws than to his own wisdom and conduct Let him not undertake any thing without the advice of the High Priest and the Elders Of the election of a King Let him not have divers Wives neither let him delight to get great B Treasures or multitude of Horses lest thereby he become so insolent as to raise his power and will above the Laws and if you see him affected to these things beware lest he grow more puissant than is expedient for you Deut. 19. 14. It is not lawful for any man to remove the Land-marks either of his own Land The bounds of Lands are not to be removed or any other mans whatsoever for by them is peace preserved But they ought to remain for ever firm and immovable as if God himself had placed them since such an alteration may give occasion to great contests and those whose avarice cannot suffer that bounds be set to their greediness are easily led to contemn and violate the Laws If a man plant a piece of Ground Levit. 25 3. and the Trees fructifie before the fourth year C the first fruits thereof shall not be offered to God The plants that are not of four years growth are prohibited neither shall any man eat thereof by reason that they are abortive fruits and that which is contrary to nature is neither fit to be offer'd to God nor convenient for the use of man But all that fruit that shall grow in the fourth year for then is the time that the Trees should bear shall be gathered and brought into the holy City together with the tenth of all other fruits and they shall be eaten during the Feast which the owner thereof maketh to his Friends and with Orphans and Widows but in the fifth year it shall be lawful for him to gather the fruit for himself Sow not a Field that is planted with Vines for it sufficeth that it nourisheth one sort of plants Vines to be planted so that it needeth not to be laboured and manured with the Plough D The Land is to be Ploughed with Oxen and no other sort of Beasts yoked with them The Law of the Plough but the tillage must always be performed by Beasts of the same kind The seeds also ought to be clean and without any mixture Deut. 22. 10. so that two or three sorts ought not to be sowed together for nature alloweth not a commixion of things that are different It is not lawful also to cover the female with the male of another kind lest this example should draw men to abominable mixtures and to a contempt of that sex which is appropriate to them for it often falls out that from small beginnings effects proceed of great and dangerous consequence Levit. 19. 10. For which reason nothing ought to be admitted Deut. 24. 21 22. by the imitation whereof there may chance to grow a corrupting of good E manners whence it is that the Laws regulate even the lightest things to the end to retain every one within his duty Some Gleanings are to be left for the Poor in the
against the Gibeonites and contrariwise hoped for help from those Hebrews with whom they had contracted amity notwithstanding that they arrived in that Countrey to destroy the whole Nation of the Canaanites Joshua therefore hasting onward with his whole Army to give them assistance and marching both day and night early in the morning charged the Enemy at such time as he intended his assault and having put them to flight vers 9 10 11 he pursued them by a steep tract Joshua driveth them of Jerusalem to flight which place is called Bethora where he saw manifestly that God fought for him by the Thunder Lightning and Hail that fell at that time far bigger than was accustomed The day also the like whereof was never heard before was lengthned vers 1. 3. lest by the speedy approach of the night the Enemy C should escape from the Victor The Sun stood still and Joshua took all those five Kings in a certain Cave near Makkedah where they were hidden and condemned them all to death And that this day was longer than ordinary Five Kings slain it is registred in the sacred Volumes which are reserved in the Temple After this wonderful success Joshua led his Army to the Mountains of Canaan Joshua 11 12. per totum where having made a great slaughter of Men and taken rich booty he brought back his Army to Gilgal Now when the renown of the Hebrews valiant acts and their giving no quarter to any one person of their Enemies was bruited abroad amongst the neighbour Nations they were possessed with great fear so that the Kings of the Canaanites Joshua 11. 1. ad 5. that bordered upon Libanus and they also of the Plain of Canaan The Kings of the Canaanites move War against the Hebrews joyned themselves Confederates with the Philistines and all of them encamped D near Berotha a City of the higher Galilee not far from Cedes which is also scituate in the Land of Canaan The whole Army consisted of three hundred thousand Footmen ten thousand Horsmen The huge Army of the Canaanites and twenty thousand Chariots This great multitude of the Enemy astonished Joshua and the Israelites so that they conceived little hope of obtaining the Victory but God reproached and upbraided them for their timidity and for that they suspected themselves to be unsecure under his protection he promised them likewise that he would overcome their Enemies and make their Horse unprofitable and consume their Chariots by fire Joshua emboldened by these promises from God marched out against his Enemies and came upon them the fifth day The encounter was strong and the slaughter so great that they who heard the same would scarcely believe it Many E were slain in the pursuit so that a few only excepted the whole Army was put to the Sword The Kings also were all slain Joshua also commanded that their Horses should be slain v. 7. ad finem and he burnt their Chariots and Victoriously marched thorow the whole Countrey All the Kings of the Canaanites slain so that no man durst come out or make head against him He besieged likewise their strong places and killed all those that fell into his hands Now when the fifth year was ended Joshua spoyleth the whole Land of Canaan and none of the Canaanites were left alive except such as were fled into their Cities and Fortresses Joshua once more retired his Camp towards the Mountains and placed the sacred Tabernacles in the City of Siloe which seemed to be a very convenient place by reason of the beauty of the same where the Ark might remain till such time as their affairs permitted them to build a Temple From thence he departed F with all the people to Sichem and there built an Altar according as Moses had formerly commanded and having divided his Army he planted half of them on the Mountain of Garizim and the other half on the Mountain of Gebal on which also he built an Altar with the Levites and the Priests and after they had sacrificed and pronounced the curses formerly mentioned and ingraven them on the Altar they returned to Siloe Now inasmuch as Joshua was well stricken in years and very well perceived that the Cities of the Canaanites were hardly to be assaulted both in respect of the places wherein they were scituate and of the munitions wherewith besides other advantages of nature their Walls were strengthned and fortified for the Canaanites having intelligence of the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt and how G they hastned thither with intent utterly to extinguish and overthrow that Nation spent all that time in fencing and fortifying their Cities he assembled all the people in Siloe where he represented to them the happy success which till that time God had favoured them with The year of the World 2499. before Christ's Nativity 1465. because they had observed his Laws That the 31 Kings which had H been so hardy as to encounter them had by them been overcome that all the Armies that had opposed them in battel were wholly discomfited and most of their Cities taken so that there remained not any memory of them But for that some of the Cities which remained were so fortifi'd that they required long Sieges to get them v. 23. he thought good that the Tribes which had been drawn from out the Countrey beyond Jordan Joshua divideth his Army into parts to be Associates in this common cause of Conquest and by reason of affinity had made themselves companions in their perils Hedio Ruffinus chap 3. Joshua 13. a v. 1. ad 12. should be sent back into their own Countrey with thanks And that some of each Tribe of approved uprightness and loyalty should be chosen who surveying the Countrey might faithfully give a report of the extent thereof Joshua commandeth the dividing of the Countrey and counselleth that the two Tribes and an half should be dismissed This sentence was approved by the whole multitude and thereupon divers men I were sent accompanied with such as were skilfull in Geometry to measure out the Land and to estimate its goodness For the nature of the Land of Canaan is such that though there are great Plains very fertile yet the Land being compared with other places of the same Countrey cannot be esteemed excellent compared with the other Countries of Jericho and the Land about Jerusalem it may seem to be nothing worth although generally the whole Countrey be small and for the great part mountainous yet in respect of the abundance Joshua sendeth certain men to measure and divide the Land and beauty of the fruits thereof it is second to no other whatsoever For this cause he thought good that the portions should rather be estimated according to their value than their measure by reason that oftentimes one Plow-land was worth one thousand other Those which were sent were
City and the Elders and Magistrates and as many of the People as might commodiously be present and spake unto them First he called unto their remembrance the many benefits which God had bestowed upon them by means whereof from a poor and afflicted condition they had attained great riches and glory Then he exhorted them to observe his Commandments most Religiously to the end God might continue his merciful hand over them since they knew that his favour could be kept to them N by no other means but by their obedience He further told them that he thought himself oblig'd before he departed out of this life to admonish them of their duty Last of all Josh 24. 39. he desired them to accept well of that his good admonition and to be perpetually mindful of the same Joshuah's death As he ended these words he gave up the Ghost and dyed in the 110 year of his age whereof he spent 40 as Minister under Moses their chief Magistrate and after his death governed the Commonwealth 25 years A Man of incomparable prudence and eloquence wise and diligent in matters of Government and equally capable of the most important affairs of Peace and War in a word the most excellent Captain Governor of his time Ver. 33. He was buried in a City called Thamna belonging to the Tribe of Ephraim Eleazar's death About the same time likewise dyed Eleazar the High O Priest leaving the Priesthood to Phinees's Son his Sepulchre is seen at this day in the City Gabatha After their deaths Phinees being demanded by the People what God's A pleasure was The year of the World 2525. before Christ's Nativity 1439. and to whose charge the Wars against the Canaanites should be committed answered them that God commanded to give the Government to the Tribe of Judah which choosing that of Simeon for their Associates undertook the War with this condition that when they had utterly rooted out the remnant of the Canaanites out of their own Tribe Judg. 1. they should likewise employ themselves to extinguish all the Reliques of that Race amongst the other Tribes CHAP. II. How the Israelites after the death of their Emperor forgetting the Religion of their Forefathers fell into extreme Calamities and how through a Civil War raised amongst B them there were only 600 of the Tribe of Benjamin left alive BUt the Canaanites whose estate at that time was very potent expected them with a great Host about the City of Bezec Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. al. 2. having their Army conducted by the King of that place Judg. 1. 1 2 ad 5. called Adoni-Bezec which name signifieth Lord of the Bezecenities for Adoni in the Hebrew Tongue is Lord and these Men promised themselves the Victory by reason that Joshua was deceased Ten thousand Canaanites slain and Adoni-Bezec taken ver 6 7. Against these the two Tribes of Judah and Simâ—on fought very valiantly and slaying 10000 of them in the pursuit they took Adoni-Bezec Captive who having his hands and feet cut off acknowledged the divine justice for he confessed that he had used 72 Kings before times after the same manner In this condition C they conducted him near Jerusalem where departing out of this life they buried him Then they over-run the Countrey sacking and taking the Cities and after they had divers of them in their possession they besieged Jerusalem and entring the lower City they put all the Inhabitants to the Sword But the higher Town was very hard to be assaulted by reason of the Fortresses and strength of the Walls and the naturally strong situation of the place which was the cause that they rais'd their Camp to go and besiege Hebron which they took and slew all that were therein Amongst whom there were some of the Race of the Gyants whose stature was so prodigious their aspect so terrible and their voice so dreadful that it can scarce be believ'd their Bones are still to be seen at this day This City being very considerable was given to the Levites with 2000 D Cubits of Land round about the rest of the Countrey was freely given to Caleb according as Moses had commanded he having been one of those Spies which Moses sent to view the Land of Canaan Jethro's posterity who was the Father of Moses possessed of Lands They gave lands and possessions likewise to the posterity of Jethro the Madianite who was Father-in-law to Moses for that they had forsaken their own Territories and join'd themselves to the Israelites and been with them in the Desart The Tribes of Judah and Simeon took those Cities of the mountainous Countrey of Canaan and also those that were in the Plain near the Sea-coast namely Ascalon and Azoth But they could not take Gaza and Accaron for those Cities being in the Plain and defended with a great number of Chariots repelled those that assaulted the same to their disadvantage So these two Tribes having had good success in Wars retired E to their Cities to enjoy in peace the spoils which they had taken As for the Benjamites Ver. 16. to whom Jerusalem appertained The Israelites overcame not the Canaanites at one time they received the Inhabitants thereof as their Tributaries so that all being in peace and the one ceasing from slaughter and the other assured from danger they employed themselves in manuring the Countrey The rest of the Tribes did the like conforming themselves according to the example of the Benjamites Av. 22. ad 26. and contenting themselves to receive their Tributes they suffered the Canaanites to live in peace The Ephraimites recover Bethel by a stratagem The Tribe of Ephraim having long besieged the City of Bethel could not see such an end of their design as the length of time and the Travels they had taken in the Siege required and although they were very much toyled and wearied with the same yet they continued the Siege At last one of the Inhabitants F who was carrying Provisions thither fell into their hands whom they promis'd that if he would let them into the City they would save him and grant life and liberty likewise to all his Family He was persuaded and by his means they became Masters of the place he and his were spared but all the rest of the Inhabitants were put to the Sword From that time forwards the Israelites ceas'd to make War and employed themselves in Tillage of their Lands and husbanding their Fruits and being grown rich they followed the delights and pleasures of the World in such sort as they became dissolute and had no regard either of their ancient Discipline or the Laws of their Forefathers Whereupon God was highly incensed against them Hedio Ruffinus cap. 6. â—l 3. and he gave them to understand that contrary to his Command they had spared the Canaanites and that those Canaanites in G time to come Judg. 2. 1 ad
of these as they can 〈◊〉 let the Benjamites lay hold of without reproof neither being inhibited nor encouraged by us and if their Fathers shall be displeased therewith and shall require revenge we will say that they are in the fault who have negligently kept their Daughters and that we ought not too much to whet our wrath against the Benjamites for that we had too much already used the same toward them Ver. 20. ad fin This advice was approved by all and it was decreed The Benjamites are permitted to ravish them Wives That it was lawful for the Benjamites to seize and violently take to themselves Wives amongst them Now when the Feast was at hand the 200 Benjamites of K whom we have spoken came two by two and three by three and lay in ambush near the City amongst the Vines and other Thickets and close places in which they might hide themselves to surprize the Damsels who suspecting nothing securely and pleasantly wantoned on their way but the young men breaking from the ambush laid hold of them being scattered and divided here and there and after they had married them they departed home to labour their Land and began to study anew how to recover their former prosperity Thus the Tribe of Benjamin which was well nigh utterly exterminated was preserved by the wisdom of the Israelites and it flourished and increased in a little time as well in number of men as in all other things The like accident hapned to the Tribe of Dan Hedio Ruffin cap. 7. al. 4. which fell into the like mischief for this L cause which ensueth The Israelites about this time having forgotten the exercise of Arms Judg. 18. 2 c. and being onely occupied in Tilling their Land The Tribe of Dan oppressed by the Canaanites the Canaanites in contempt of them raised Forces not for that they were afraid for their own Estates but to the intent that defeating the Hebrews with some memorable overthrow they might more securely inhabit their Cities for the future They brought into the Field a great number of Footmen and Chariots and they drew Aschalon and Acharon two Cities within the lot of Judah into thier Confederacy and divers other Cities of the Champion Countrey so that the Tribe of Dan was driven into the Mountains having no place in the Champion where they might peaceably inhabit and for that they were neither able to recover their Lands from M the enemy nor had sufficient habitation for their number of Men they sent five Men of their Tribe into the Champion Countrey to see if they could find any place that were fit and convenient for them to establish and fix their Colonies These Men Travelled a days journey not far from the Mountain of Libranus and lower than the sources of Jordan bordering upon the great Plain of the City of Sidon In which place having observed that the Land was good and fertile in all sorts of fruits they made their report to their People who Travelling thither with their Army built a City in that place called Dan by the name of the son of Jacob so called and of their own Tribe Many adversities befell the Israelites from that time forwards They of Dan seek out a place to inhabit both by reason they were unexercised in Travel and for that they contemned Piety For having once forsaken the N observation of the Ordinances they abandon'd themselves to Pleasures living according to their own appetites so that they polluted themselves with those Vices which were most usual amongst the Canaanites O A CHAP. III The year of the World 2586. before Christ's Nativity 1438. How the people of Israel by reason of their wickedness were by God delivered to the servitude of the Assyrians FOr this cause the wrath of God was kindled against them Judg. 31. 2 3 4. in such sort that he abandon'd them and through their luxury they soon lost the felicity which they had gotten by infinite pains The Israelites oppressed by Schisart For Schisart King of the Assyrians levied and an Army against them killed a great number of their men in fight and either by force or composition took divers of their Cities and brought them under his subjection Many also willingly submitted B themselves to him through fear and payed great tribute enduring all kind of outrage for the space of eight years after which they were delivered by these means following CHAP. IV. Their liberty restored by Cenez A Certain man of the Tribe of Juda called Cenez a man of understanding and courage was advertised by a voice from Heaven Ibidem c. 3. v. 9 10 11. that he should not permit the Israelites to be reduced into so extreme necessity without taking care for them but adventure himself to set them at liberty Cenizus or as the holo Scripture speaks his Son Athaniel rigned eight years Upon which calling to him some few whom he knew C generous enough to fear no danger when a yoke so insupportable was to be shaken of They began with outting the throats of the Assyrian Garison which Schisart had placed over them This first success caus'd the number of his followers to increase a little more and more so that in a little time they seemed sufficient to equal the enemy in open field whereupon encountring him in one battel they overcame him and recovered their liberty and the rest of the scattered and confused Army retired toward Euphrates After Cenez had by this action given proof of his valour he received the government at the peoples hands and exercised the office of Judge forty years and died CHAP. V. D How the people were made subject to the Moabites and how by Jodes they were exempt from servitude AFter his death the government being void the affairs of the Israelites began again to fall to ruine Hedio Ruffinus chap. 8. and the rather for that they neither yielded due honour to God Judg. 3. 12 ad 15. or obedience to the Laws whence it came to pass that Eglon King of the Moabites seeing the disorder of their policy made war against them Eglon King of the Moabites conquereth the Israelites and defeated them many times And for that he was a Prince of greater puissance than any of his Predecessors he weakened their Forces so that he constrained them to pay tribute This man removing his Court to Jericho and proud of his Victories omitted no E means whereby he might vex and molest the people so that they lived for the space of 18. years in great misery But God being moved with compassion of their calamities delivered them from their intolerable thraldom after this manner Jodes the Son of Gera of the Tribe of Benjamin a young man endow'd with Valour of mind and strength of body to attempt any worthy action dwelt at Jericho Jodes or Ehud insinuated himself into Eglons
when Baracs Soldiers came to her she shewed them his dead body Thus a Woman according as Debora had foretold was the Author of this Victory But Barac A leading his Army to Asor Barac governeth the Israelites 40 years defeated and slew Jabin who came out against him with an Army razed his City to the ground govern'd the Israelites for the space of Forty years CHAP. VII How the Amalekites overcoming the Israelites destroyed their Countrey for the space of seven years B AFter the death of Barac and Debora The year of the World 2654. before Christ's Nativity 1310. which hapned almost about the same time the Midianites accompanied with the Amalekites and Arabians armed themselves against the Israelites and encountring them in open field overcame them in a great Battel and destroying their Fruits and Harvest carried away great Booty They continued these their incursions for the space of seven years and compelled the Israelites to forsake the Champain Hedio Ruffinus cap. 10. and flie to the Mountains where digging themselves Caves and Houses under the earth Judg. 6. 1 2 3. they kept secretly hidden all which they had reserved from the fury of the Enemy The Midianites confederate with the Amalekites overcome the Israelites in a great Battel For the Midianites having taken their Harvest in the Summer time permitted them to Till their Lands in the Winter to the intent they might gather the fruits of their labour afterwards Thus lived they in perpetual famine and want neither was there any other hope or succor left them but onely by prayers and supplications C unto God CHAP. VIII How Gideon delivered the Israelites ABout that time as Gideon the Son of Joas God commandeth Gideon to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites one of the chiefest of the Tribe of Manasses was grinding some sheafs of Corn which he had secretly conveyed into his Press for he durst not do it openly for fear of the Enemy An Angel appeared to him in the form of a young man and told him That he was happy and beloved of God D 'T is a fair sign Judg. 6. 11 12 13. answer'd Gideon when I am forc't to use a Press instead of a Grange The Angel exhorted him to be of good courage and to endeavor to recover his Countries liberty Gideon answer'd That it was impossible by reason that the Tribe whereof he was descended had very few Men in it and that he was too young and incapable of affairs of that consequence God will supply all these defects said the Angel and under thy conduct will give the Israelites victory These things Gideon communicated to certain young men Judg. 7. 2 3 4. who willingly believing the Oracle answer'd That for the present they had Ten thousand Soldiers in readiness God commandeth Gideon to choose a few men to attempt any thing for their liberty But God appeared to Gideon in a dream and told him That Men being so vain that they are willing to owe nothing but to themselves and attribute their Victories to their own strength instead of attributing E them to his assistance The Victory is to be attributed to God he would make them know that 't was to him alone that they were indebted for them To which end he commanded him That about the mid-time of the day at such time as the heat was most vehement he should conduct his Army to the River and there diligently observe those that bowed themselves to drink which he might esteem for Men of Valor but all those that drank hastily and with noise should be marked as Men timerous and afraid of the Enemy Gideon did as God commanded and there were found but Three hundred Men that lifted water to their mouths with their hands without fear and trouble God commanded him to assail the Enemy with those Three hundred promising to give him the Victory At this time were they encamped upon the Bank of Jordan ready to pass the Ford the next Morning But Gideon F was troubled by reason that God had bid him assail the Enemy by night But God willing to deliver him of his fear commanded him to take one of his Soldiers with him and go to the Camp of the Midianites to see what pass'd there He obeyed and for his better assurance took with him one of his servants Now as he drew nigh a certain Tent Ver. 13 14. he perceived that they that were within the same were awake and heard one of them with a loud voice tell his Companion the dream which that Night he had had Gideon repaireth to the Enemies tents and by them is confirmed by a dream which was thus He thought he saw a Barley Cake which lookt as if not worth the taking up it rowled thorow all the Camp and first overthrew the Kings Tent and afterwards the Tents of all his Soldiers This dream answer'd his Companion signifi'd the loss of our whole Army The reason is that of all sorts of Corn Barley is G most contemptible and amongst all the Nations of Asia there are not at this day any People more contemned than the Israelites and in this respect they resemble Barley Now you know that they have gather'd Troops and form'd some design under the conduct of Gideon And whereas this Cake turned to overthrow our Tents I fear lest it H be a sign that God hath given the Victory to Gideon Gideon having overheard this Discourse conceived good hope and presently commanded his Followers to arm themselves after he had told to them the Dream of their Enemy Whereupon they speedily prepared themselves at his Command being encourag'd by so happy a presage to attempt any thing Ver 16 17 22. About the latter Watch of the Night Gideon led forth his Army and divided it into three Bands Gideon with 300 attempteth the fight and in every Band he put an Hundred Men all of these bare in their hands empty Pots in which were hidden burning Torches in such sort that the Enemy could not discover them when they sallied out Moreover they bare Rams Horns in their right hands which they used in stead of Trumpets The Enemies Camp took up much ground by reason they had a great number of Camels and though distributed I by Nations were all of them comprehended in one inclosure The Hebrews having had instructions from their Captain what to do at such time as they approached near their Enemies and the sign of the Battel being given they sounded their Horns and broke their Pots and with their flaming Lights fell into the Enemies Camp crying Victory Victory by the assistance of God and the strength of Gideon Trouble and Fear surprized the sleeping Enemy for this action was in the Night-time and God disposed all things to this issue that few of them fell by the Hebrews Sword but they themselves slew one another in great numbers by reason that they
Armed men coming towards him cried out to Zebul That he had discovered the 〈◊〉 Zebul replied that it was nothing but the shadow of Rocks But Gaal drawing nearer them and seeing apparently who they were answered F Zebul That they were no shadows but ambushes of 〈◊〉 Zebul replyed Dost thou not object cowardize to Abimelech Why therefore 〈◊〉 thou not thy great valour in fighting with him Gaal confusedly amazed bore the first charge of the Soldiers of Abimelech in which conflict some of his Followers were slain and he himself fled into the City giving example to the rest to follow him v. 39 40 41. Hereupon Zebul laboured that Gaal might be expelled out of the City Gaal put to flight by Abimelech is banished out of Shechem accusing him of cowardize in his encounter with the Soldiers of Abimelech Now when Abimelech had afterwards gotten certain intelligence that the Shechemites would go out again to gather their Vintage he laid an ambush near to the City And no sooner were they come forth but a third part of his Troops surprized the Gates to cut off their return v. 45. the rest ran after those that were scattered here and G there so that there was a great slaughter on every side Shechem taken and sacked and razed to the ground and the City was ruined to the very foundations and they sowed Salt upon the ruines thereof But they that escaped thorow the Countrey and had avoided the danger assembled to fortifie themselves upon a strong Rock The year of the World 2493. before Christ's Nativity 1470. whereon they incamped But as soon as Abimelech had notice of H their intention he hasted thither with his forces and environed the place with faggots of dry wood carrying them thither in his own person and encouraging thereby those of his Army to do the like so that the Rock was incontinently compassed with wood whereunto he set fire round about v. 46. 47 48 49. and in an instant it flamed and burnt vehemently so that none of them were saved but all perished with their Wives and Children to the number of fifteen hundred men The Shechemites flying are burned upon a Rock besides many of the weaker sort This calamity hapned to the Shechemites who were worthy of compassion if they had not deserv'd this punishment for their ingratitude towards so upright a Judge and so gracious a Benefactor Abimelech cool'd the courage of the Israelites by this treatment of the Shechemites and gave sufficient testimony that he aspired higher and would never terminate I his ambition till he had totally subdu'd them He therefore led forth his Army against the Thebans and their City which he took in the Town there was a great Tower whither all the people had retired themselves and as he prepared to besiege the same and approached near the Gates Abimelech taketh Tebez a certain woman cast a piece of a Milstone at him which hit him on the head and made him fall to the ground Abimelech feeling that he was wounded to death v. 52 53 54 55 commanded his Armor-bearer to dispatch him that it might not be reported that he died by the hand of a woman A woman woundeth Abimelech and his Squire killeth him The man did as he was commanded and so Abimelech suffer'd the punishment of the cruelty he had committed against his Brethren and the tyranny executed upon the Shechemites according as Jotham had foretold As soon as Abimelech was slain all the Army dispersed and returned to their K dwellings Hedio Ruffinus chap. 12. al. 19. and Jair the Galeadite of the Tribe of Manasses took upon him the Government Amongst other felicities of this man these were of greatest note that he was rich Judg. 10. and had thirty Valiant Sons all prudent men and of chief rank in the Country of Galaad After he had governed the people twenty years he died when he was very old and was honourably intombed in Chamon a City of Galaad From this time forward the policy and estate of the Hebrews grew more and more disordered and the Laws began to be neglected Thola reigned 23. years Whence it came to pass that the Ammonites and Philistines destroyed all their Countrey with a great Army and made themselves masters of the Land on this side Jordan After him Jair 22. years and so much were they heartned that they pressed further to possess the other side of the River Judg. 102 34. and conquer the same Whereupon the Hebrews being brought to L more moderation by these their adversities had recourse unto God by prayers and sacrifices desiring that it would please him to moderate his wrath if he would not wholly appease it stay his heavy hand over them This submission of theirs prevailed with God who promis'd to assist them Whilst therefore the Ammonites led their Army into Galaad they of the Countrey arose to meet and fight with them being destitute of a Governour to conduct them Now their was a certain man called Jeptha of great estimation as well for the virtue of his ancestors as his own valour for he had a considerable body of men in his own service To him they sent a messenger desiring him to assist them v. 5 6 7 8. and promising him The Israelites oppressed by the Ammonites and Philistineâ— that he should continue in the Government during the term of his life But he was nothing moved with this request but reproachfully M objected against them that they had abandoned him when his Brothers did him open wrong by driving him out of their Family by reason he was not their Brother by the same Mother but begotten on a woman which their Father had entertained for his Paramour and it was to revenge this injury that he had lived in Galaad receiving all â—â—ose into wages which came unto him of what place soever But after they had presthdhm and sworn to him he joyned his Troops with them and became their General and speedily providing whatsoever was necessary he encamped near Maspha and sent Ambassadors to the Ammonites accusing them for invading a Countrey that belonged not to them They on the contrary blamed the Israelites for that they coming out of Egypt had usurpt that Countrey from his Ancestors who were lawful Lords of N it Judg. 11 v. 5 6 9 10 11. Jeptha answered that they had no reason to accuse their Ancestors in respect of Amorrhaea Jeptha is created the Judge of Israel but rather they were beholden to them for that they had permitted them to enjoy the Countrey of Ammon it being in Moses power to have conquered the same In a word they were resolved not to forsake the Countrey which God had given them and they had held in their possession for the space of three hundred years and would defend against them by dint of Sword With these words dismissed he the
favourable to you it behoveth you not only to be touched with a desire of recovering your liberty but also to endeavor to recover the same in effect Hedio Ruffin cap. 2. Beware therefore lest through the corruption of your own manners you make your selves unworthy thereof and let each one of you endeavor to follow justice and expelling all sin out of your minds The punishment of the Israelites 1 Sam. 7. 3 ad 6. convert your selves in all purity to God and persevere constantly in his service For in doing these things you shall shortly obtain all felicity and especially a new liberty and an assured victory against your Enemies which neither by valor or by the strength of your bodies or by the multitude of your Armies Samuels oration to the people you were able to obtain for God hath not proposed Rewards for these things but for virtue and justice and trust me he will not deceive your I expectation Samuels exhortation to the people as touching their repentance nor fail in the execution of his promises When he had spoken after this manner all the People testified their consent by acclamations shewing the pleasure they conceived by this discourse and promising to do that which should be well-pleasing to God Whereupon Samuel assembled them the second time in the City of Maspha which word signifieth conspicuous there they erected an Altar and sacrificed unto God and after they had fasted for a days space they made publick Prayers to God The Philistines being advertis'd of this Assembly came suddenly with a great Army and many Forces intending to surprize the Hebrews who neither expected nor were prepared for them This sudden approach of theirs much dismayed the Hebrews so that running to Samuel they told him that their hearts failed them through fear The prayers supplications and fasts of the Israelites in Maspha and their minds were troubled K with the remembrance of their former losses for which cause they ought to hold themselves in quiet for fear lest the Enemy should employ his power against them Thou hast led us hither to pray sacrifice and offer up our vows to God and behold the Philistines are encamped near us v. 8. 9 and ready to surprize us naked and disarmed we have no other hope therefore of security What things in warfare are to be opposed against the-Enemy but what proceedeth from thee and unless God moved by thy prayers give us means to escape their hands Samuel in way of answer wished them to be of good cheer assuring them that God would give them some testimony of his assistance whereupon sacrificing a sucking Lamb in the name of the People he pray'd God that it would please him to stretch forth his right hand for them in the Battel against the Philistines Samuel comforted the people v. 10. and that he would not permit them to fall this second L time into the Enemies hands To these prayers of his God gave ear and accepted their humble hearts and dutiful observance v. 11 12 c. being well-pleas'd with their offering and promising them victory Samuels sacrifice and prayer Before the Sacrifice was wholly consumed with the flame and the Ceremonies performed the Enemies ranged their Battels in the Israelites sight supposing the day already theirs The sacrifice devoured by celestial flame a token of Gods assistance in that they had surprized the Jews unprepared for fight as being assembled in that place to no such end But the matter fell out contrary to what they expected and had they been foretold the same they would have scarcely believed it For first by an effect of Gods Omnipotence the Earth trembled under their feet so that they could scarce stand v. 10 and some were suddenly swallowed up by the Earthquake A horrible earth-quake among the Enemies and a great Thunder was accompanied with such scorching Lightnings that their eyes being M dazled and their hands blasted therewith they could not wield or manage their Weapons Samuels victory over the Enemy and so were constrained to repose all their hope and confidence in flight But Samuel seeing them thus dismayed suddenly set upon them and killing many of them ceased not to pursue the rest as far as a place called Corre where he erected a stone for a Trophee or mark both of his own Victory and the Enemies flight and called the same the strong Rock to testifie that the People had received from God all the strength which they had us'd in this famous Battel The Philistines after they had received this overthrow sallied not out any more against the Israelites but remembring their fear and the strange accidents that befel them they remained in peace offering no further invasion for the confidence which the Philistines had before that time conceived against the Hebrews was N removed into the hearts of the Hebrews ever after this Victory Samuel continu'd the War against them v. 14. and slew a great number of them and for ever abased their pride taking from them that Countrey which formerly by Conquest they had cut off from the inheritance of the Jews Samuel recovereth those Lands which the Israelites had lost which Countrey extendeth from the Frontier of Geth to the City of Accaron and the rest of the Canaanites at that time had peace with the Israelites O A CHAP. III. The year of the World 2871. before Christ's Nativity 1093. Samuel unable by reason of his old age any longer to Govern the State committeth it to the administration of his Sons NOw when the Prophet Samuel had reduced the people to a good form of Government Samuel prescribeth laws and disposeth the judgment-seat in several Cities he assigned them a City whither they might appeal and decide those differences that fell out amongst them and he travelled twice every year from City to City Hedio Ruffinus chap. 3. to administer justice unto them and continued this policy for a long time But when he found himself overburdened with years and unapt to execute his ordinary B offices 1 Sam. 8. 1 2. surrendred the Government and Superintendency of the people to his Sons the elder of whom was called Joel Samuel committeth the Government and care of the common-wealth to his two Sons and the younger Abiha and he commanded that one of them should make his seat of justice in Bethel and the other reside at Bersheba dividing the people and attributing each part to its particular Judge Now it became manifest by experience that Children are not alwayes like their Fathers but sometimes of evil Parents there are good Children bred Joel and Abia. as contrariwise at this time of a good Father there were evil Sons For forsaking the instructions of their Father they followed a quite contrary course and perverted justice with corruptions and rewards and surfeited in delights and pleasures in contempt of
Women and Children beating their Breasts and lamenting for the King and his sons and tasting neither meat nor drink Ver. 11 12 13. This was the end of Saul according as Samuel had foretold him because he disobeyed God in his War against the Amalekites The Citizens of Jabes rescue the bodies of Saul and his sons and both bury and lament them and because he had slain Abimelech and all the Sacerdotal Race and destroyed the City of the Priests He Reigned during the life of Samuel the space of 18 years and 22 years after his death K L M N O A The Seventh Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Seventh Book 1. David is created King of one Tribe in Hebron over the rest Saul's Son obtaineth the Sovereignty 2. Ishboseth is slain by the treachery of his Servants and the whole Kingdom cometh unto B David 3. David having surprized the City and Citadel of Jerusalem driveth the Canaanites from thence and causeth the Jews to inhabit it 4. David assailed by the Philistines obtaineth a famous victory against them near unto Jerusalem 5. David overcometh the neighbouring Nations and imposeth tribute on them 6. They of Damascus are overcome by David 7. David overcomes the Mesopotamians 8. How through the intestine Wars of his family David was driven out of his Kingdom by his Son C 9. Absolon marching out with his Army against his Father is overthrown 10. The happy estate of David restored again unto his Kingdom 11. David in his life-time anointeth his Son Solomon King 12. The death of David and what he left his Son towards the building of the Temple CHAP. I. David is created King of one Tribe in Hebron over the rest Saul's Son obtaineth the Sovereignty D THis Battel was fought on the same day that David returned Conqueror to Siceleg after he had subdued the Amalekites But about three days after his return he that slew Saul and had escaped from the Battel having his garment rent and ashes upon his head came and cast himself prostrate before David and being asked from whence he came he answered from the Battel of the Israelites and certified David of the unhappy event 2 Sam. 1. v. 1 ad 12. telling him that many thousands of the Hebrews were slain and that Saul himself and his Sons were fallen in the conflict He likewise related how he himself retreated amongst the Hebrews An Amalechite certifieth David of Sauls death and in testimony thereof presenteth his bracelets and Crown when the King fled confessing that he had slain him that he might not fall alive into the hands of his enemy For said he Saul E having cast himself upon the point of his sword was so weak by reason of the agony of his wounds that he could not dispatch himself Thereupon he produced the bracelets and the Royal Crown which he took from him David perceiving no cause whereby he should doubt of his death whereof he had most evident and infallible testimonies rent his garments v. 12 and spent the day in weeping and lamenting with his companions but he was the more grieved for the loss of his dear friend Jonathan David lamenteth Saul and Jonathans death whom he acknowledged to be the preserver of his life And so affectionate shewed he himself towards Saul that although he had oftentimes been in danger to have been slain by him yet was he much troubled at his death v. 13 14 15. and not only so David commandeth the Amalâ—chite to be slain that killed Saul but he likewise put to death him that slew him telling him that he himself had accused himself for slaying the King and shown himself F by that parricide to be a true Amalekite He composed likewise Lamentations and Epitaphs in the praise of Saul and Jonathan which are yet extant After that he had thus honoured the King and performed his Lamentations and Obsequies he asked counsel of God by the Prophet 2 Sâ—m 2. 1 ad 7. What City of the Tribe of Juda he would give him to inhabit in David by Gods commandment cometh and dwelleth in Hebron and is declared King of the Tribe of Juda. who answered him That he would give him Hebron For which cause he forsook Siceleg and came and dwelt in Hebron and brought thither his Wives and his Army All the people of the Tribe resorted thither unto him and proclaimed him King where understanding how the Jabesins had buried Saul and his Sons he sent Ambassadors unto them both to praise and approve their actions assuring them that he allowed their act and would recompense that kindness which they had shewed to the dead giving them likewise G to understand David praiseth the Jebafines for burying Saul and his Sons that the Tribe of Juda had chosen him for their King But Abner the Son of Ner General of Sauls Army a man of great courage and a noble disposition understanding that Saul and Jonathan and his two other Brothers were dead came into the Camp The year of the World 2891. before Christ's Nativity 1873. and bringing with him the only Son of Saul that was left whose name was H Isboseth he passed to the other side of Jordan and proclaimed him King He appointed likewise for his Royal seat and place of residence a certain Countrey called in Hebrew Machare that is to say the Camp From thence he went with a select band of soldiers with a resolution to encounter those of the Tribe of Juda because they had chosen David for their Kings Against him marched out Joab the Son of Suri and of Sarvia Davids Sister General of his Army to encounter him accompanied with his Brothers Abisai and Azael v. 8 ad 12. and all Davids soldiers and arriving near a Fountain in Gabaa he drew up his Army in that place Abner the Son of Ner crowned Jeshboseth Sauls Son Abner proposing that before they joyned Battel they should try some of the soldiers of each party it was agreed between them that twelve of either side should be chosen out to decide the quarell Abner leadeth out his Army against the Tribe of Juda. These men marched out into a I certain place betwixt both Armyes and having darted their Javelins the one against the other came at last to their Swords and one taking his enemy by the hair they all of them slew one another v. 13. upon the place Hereupon the Armyes met and after a cruel Battel Abner with his followers were discomfited Joab with all Davids Army issueth out to meet him and flyng in great haste were pursued by Joab who incouraged his soldiers to follow them close without suffering any of them to escape But amongst the rest Joabs Brothers were hot upon the Chase and the youngest of them called Azael v. 15. gave special testimony of his
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
v. 14 15 16 17. and although he were made drunk through the abundance of Wine he received David writeth unto Joab to punish Urias which the King had purposely caused to be given him L yet he slept at the Kings gate without any desire to go home unto his Wife Herewith the King being much troubled wrote unto Joab Joab setteth Urias in a dangerous place to encounter with the Enemy commanding him to punish Vrias because he had offended him enjoyning him to place him in the greatest danger and in face of the Enemy to the intent that he might be abandoned and left alone whilest they that fought next unto him retired when they saw him charged When he had thus written and sealed up the Letter with his own seal he delivered it to Vrias to carry to Joab who receiving the same and conceiving the Kings pleasure placed Vrias in that quarter where he knew the Enemies would fight most desperatly appointing him some of his best Soldiers to second him he assured him that if he could make any breach in the wall he would come up to him with all his power that he might through that place force M his way into the City Vrias who was a good Soldier Urias is set with some associates to attempt the siege the Ammonites sallying out his company forsake him and a man of much honour and reputation among those of his Tribe and refused no danger valiantly accepted the charge But Joab privately appointed those that were ranked next him that when they should see the Enemy sally out with the greatest fury they should abandon Vrias When therefore the Hebrews drew naer unto the City the Ammonites fearing lest the Enemy should speedily Scale and enter the City on that side where Vrias was placed they chose out a squadron of the most resolute men amongst them v. 18 19 20. and setting open their gates they furiously assaulted their Enemies Urias with some others is slain and the King is certified thereof They that were near Vrias seeing them draw near retired back again according as Joab had before-hand commanded them but Vrias being ashamed N to flie or forsake his rank expected the Enemy and valiantly encountring him he slew divers of them but at last being inclosed and shut in the midst of them he was slain with some others of his companions This done Joab sent messengers unto the King to let him know that not enduring the delay of the siege but attempting to carry the Town by Storm he was compelled to return back into his Camp with the loss of some of his men but he commanded the messengers that if they perceived the King to be displeased with the news they should let him know that Vrias was dead also The King hearing this seemed displeased saying that it was a fault in him that he had so nerly approached the wall v. 20 21. alledging that he might have done far better to have taken the town by Mine David is displeased with the news of his overthrow or by battering it with his Engines in the case of Abimelech instancing O Gideons son who intending to surprize by force a tower that was within the City of Tebez was strucken with a stone that was cast at him by a woman whereof he died In remembrance A of whose disaster The year of the World 2910 before Christ's Nativity 1054. they ought to have been more wary and not to have approached the Wall of the Enemy so nearly For it is the part of a Soldier to retain in his memory both fatal and fortunate successes to the end that when he shall be in the like danger he may follow the one and fly the other Whilst he thus rebuked them the messenger certified him of Vrias death which did somewhat appease him v. 25. So that he commanded them to tell Joab that it was but an humane accident David is appeased hearing of Urias death and that such was the nature of War that sometime the one had the better and sometime the other To conclude that he should provide for the siege and take care lest hereafter they should receive any further loss counselling him by Trenches and Engines to ruinate the wall and commanding that all those that were in the Town should be put to the Sword The messenger thus dismissed reported all these B things unto Joab v. 26 27. according to the kings commandement But Vrias Wife having notice of the death of her Husband David marrieth Bethsabe who beareth him a Son wept and mourned for him divers dayes and when her mourning for the dead was ended the King espoused her and she bare him a man-child Yet God beheld not this Marriage with a favourable eye but was wroth with David and appearing to the Prophet Nathan in a dream he commanded him to reprove David Now Nathan who was a wise and experienced man knew well that when Kings are displeased they suffer themselves rather to be guided by passion than by reason wherefore he thought fit to conceal the threatnings of God for that time 2 Sam. 12 v 1 2 ad 6. and to begin his discourse with something that should be less harsh to the King wherefore he addressed himself after this manner Two men said he dwelt in the same City the one of them C was rich having much great and small cattell the other was poor and had but one only sheep v. 7 ad 13. which he fed and loved like his children It hapned that this rich man had a stranger came to his house Nathan prophesieth of Davids punishment and sharply rebuketh him he is condemned by his own mouth and repenteth himself for whose entertainment he would not suffer any one of his own Beasts to be slain but sent a messenger who took away by force the poor mans sheep and caused it to be dressed to entertain his guest This report of Nathans much displeased the King inso much that he swore unto him that he that had committed such an act was a wicked man and that he should restore him fourfold and that afterward he should be put to death Whereunto Nathan replied saying That it was he that deserved this punishment who had given sentence against himself in that he had presumed to commit so grievous a sin Moreover he certified him of Gods displeasure who notwithstanding he had made him D King over all the Hebrews and Lord over all the Nations round about which were many and great and had protected him from the hands of Saul and had given him Wives whom he had espoused lawfully was so dishonoured by him that he had taken another mans Wife and caused her Husband to be slain For which sins he pronounced that he should be punished by God and his Wives should be violated by one of his own Sons who should likewise lay a snare for him so that he should
the field For he is well exercised in leading Armies to prevent any stratagems I whereby the enemy may injure him and about the evening he hath perhaps left a party of his men in some straights or placed them in ambush behind some Rock and if our men shall assail him his Soldiers will by little and little retire and afterward recovering courage by reason that the King shall be near unto them they will charge us afresh and during the encounter your father will suddenly break out of his ambush and encourage his own men and discomfort yours wisely therefore examine mine advice and if you find that it be good neglect that which Achitophel hath given you Therefore in my opinion without following the advice of Achitophel your Majesty ought to gather together all your Forces and to take the command of them your self without committing them to the conduct of any other and by this means you may assuredly expect to have an easie victory over him if you assail him in the open field because he is accompanied with a very few men and your self are attended by many thousands who K will be very forward to express their affection towards you at the beginning of your Reign whereby you may easily rid you of your enemy Ver. 14. And if so be your father shut himself up in any City Chusai's counsel accepted Achitophels rejected we may easily take the same by Mines and Engines This advice of his seemed to be better than that of Achitophels so that Absalon accepted it For it was God that put this into his heart to neglect Achitophels and respect Chusai 's counsel Now when Chusai had thus prevailed he presently went to the High Priests Sadoc and Abiathar acquainting them with Achitophels designs and how he had contradicted him finally how his opinion had taken place giving them in charge to send private intelligence unto David thereof and to inform him of his sons resolution wishing him with all speed to pass over the River of Jordan lest Absalon being informed of his abode L in that place should make haste and pursue him and overtake him before he might recover a place of security The High Priests before-hand Ver. 15 16. had provided that their sons should lie hid without the City Sadoc and Abiathars sons sent unto David on purpose that they might be sent unto David to inform him how affairs went They therefore sent a trusty servant unto their sons who brought them news of Absalons intentions with express commandment to inform the King thereof with all speed who presently upon this intelligence like good and faithful ministers posted away to report their fathers message unto the King But scarcely had they travelled two furlongs Ver. 17 18 ad 22. when certain Horsemen discover'd them M and brought news thereof unto Absalon who presently sent out Scouts to apprehend them The High Priests sons being pursued are hidden by a Woman in a Pit which when the children of the High Priest perceived they forsook the High-way and retired into a certain Village near unto Jerusalem which is called Bocchura where they besought a certain Woman to hide them and shut them in some place of security who let them down into a Well and covered the mouth thereof with bundles of Wooll She being demanded by those that pursued them Whether she saw them denied the same saying That as soon as she had given them drink they departed from her presently assuring them that if they presently pursued them they might easily apprehend them But after they had a long time followed Ver. 22. and could not find them David informed of Absalons deliberation passeth himself and his whole Army over Jordan by night they returned from whence they came The Woman perceiving that they were departed and that there was no cause of fear lest the young men should be surprized she drew them out of the Pit and N set them on their way who with as great speed as was possible repaired unto David and declared unto him Absalons designs Hereupon David passed the River Jordan with all his men and although it were night he was not discouraged by the darkness But Achitophel seeing that his counsel was rejected Ver. 23. took his Horse and went unto his Country of Gelmone Achitophel perceiving his counsel was despised hung himself there calling together his houshold servants he related unto them what advice he had given Absalon which since he had not accepted he told them that they should shortly find that he was a lost man and that David would be victorious and return into his Kingdom It is better therefore said he for me as it becometh a valiant man to depart out of this life than to submit my self to Davids punishment for having joined my self unto Absalon and giving him counsel This said he went into the most private O part of his House and hung himself being both his own Judge and Executioner after which his kinsmen cut him down and buried him But David having past Jordan came A and encamped in a strong City The year of the World 2940. before Christ's Nativity 7300. the best fortified in that Countrey there was he kindly entertained by all the Noblemen of that Countrey partly moved thereunto by the mans present necessity partly through the reverence of his former felicity The chief of these were Berzillai the Galaadite and Siphar the Governor of the Province of the Ammonites Ver. 24. ad fin and Machir the chief of the Countrey of Galaad who supplied David and his Army with whatsoever they wanted David câ—meth to Mahanaim where he is royally entertained by the Peers so that they lacked neither beds nor bread nor flesh but were plentifully stored with all things They that were sick and wearied also wanted nothing that either might serve for their repose or refection In this state remained he But Absalon assembled a great multitude of people to make War upon his father Hedio Ruffinus cap. 10. and after he had passed Jordan he pitched his Tents near unto his fathers within B the Countrey of Galaad and made Amasa General of his Army opposing him against Joab his cousin Ver. 24. for Amasa was the son of Jothar and Abigal the sister of Sarvia the mother of Joab Absalon passeth over Jordan both of them sisters unto David When David had mustered and numbered his Forces and found that he had 40000 fighting men it was thought sit to put it forthwith to a battel and not to expect till Absalon should attack him He therefore appointed Colonels over thousands and divided them into three squadrons 2 Sam. 18. 1 2. the one of which he gave to Joab the second to Abisai his brother and the third to Ethei his familiar friend who was of the City of Geth The division of Davids Army In this battle his friends would not
stones to make the foundation of the Temple which after they had hewed and prepared in the Mountain he commanded should be drawn and brought into the City which was observed not only by his Countreymen buâ— by those Workmen also that were sent him by Hiram H I K L After that King Solomon had in seven years finished these so fair and magnificent buildings 1 Reg. 8. 5. and all the other necessaries which he had bestowed upon the Temple and declared thereby his great riches and shewed his power that that which at the first sight might require a mans whole life to finish Solomons Temple was consecrated in the month of October he accomplished in few years He wrote unto the Governours and Elders of the Hebrews commanding them to assemble all the N people in Jerusalem to behold the Temple and to bring in the Ark of God and although this assembly was publickly proclaimed yet scarcely did the people make their appearance in Jerusalem before the seventh moneth which we call Thâ—ri v. 1 ad 4. and the Macedonians Hyperberete The Ark is carried into the Temple About this time fell the feast of Tabernacles which the Hebrews most religiously observe and honour with great festivals They therefore took the Ark and the Tabernacle that Moses had made with all those necessaries which appertained to the Divine service and bare them into the Temple The King and all the people with the Levites marched before having their cattel ready to sacrifice and filling the way with offerings and the blood of divers slaughtered beasts burning an infinite quantity of perfumes wherewith the air was filld round about the scent whereof dispersed O it self far and near to make it known that God would be present in that new builded and consecrated place if we may so speak of divine things after a humane manner These ceased not to sing and dance until they came unto the Temple and after this sort A conducted they the Ark. The year of the World 2941. before Christ's Nativity 1023. But when it was to be carried into the Holy of Holies the rest of the multitude departed and the Priest only placed it under the two Cherubins who imbraced it with their wings as if it had been covered with a pavilion or some canopy for they had been fashioned after that manner by the workmen The Ark contained nought else but the two tables of Stone v. 4. in which were kept in writing the Ten commandments pronounced by God on mount Sinai The Priests place the Ark of God in the Sanctuary and in it the Tables of Stone wherein the ten commandments were written For as touching the Candlestick and the Table and Altar of Gold he placed them in the Temple before the most Holy of Holies in places correspondent to those where they stood when they were in the Tabernacle Then offered they the ordinary sacrifices and placed the brasen Altar before B the Temple near unto the gate so that when it was opened the other stood in sight and a man might see the service and magnificence that was used in the sacrifices And as touching the other utensils he gathered them all together and placed them in the Temple But after the Priests having given order for all things about the Ark were departed from thence The Candlestick Table and Altar of Gold suddenly there fell amidst the sanctuary a thick Cloud not pitchy nor such as resembleth winter Clouds loaden with rain but diffused and tenuous which darkned the sight of the Priests so that they saw not one another The Brazen Altar But thereby every mans mind was easily induced A cloud in the Tabernacle to believe and his opinion confirmed that God was descended into the Temple which was dedicated to his Name to testifie how acceptable it was to his divine Majesty v. 22 aâ— 54. In effect all men had no other opinion But King Solomon arising from his throne whereon he was seated Solomons prayer unto God addressed his prayers unto God in such words C as he thought to be agreeable to the divine nature and convenient for him to use O Lord said he thou hast an eternal house God immeasurable neither are we ignorant that thou hast framed this whole mass of the Vniverse for thy self The causes why the Temple was builded which consisteth of heaven earth air and seas which thou altogether fillest yet art thou not contained by them But therefore have we adorned and erected this Temple to thy Name to the end that we might offer up our prayers in the same and send them up to heaven as a sweet sacrifice to obtain thy favour God is true in his promises assuring our selves that thou art here present also and wilt never be absent from this place For whereas thou seest all things hearest all things yet forsakest thou not us at all neither doest thou abandon the place where thou dost inhabit but rather thou art alwayes near unto all men but in especial present with those that both do humbly desire to approach unto thee day and night These words spak he looking D upwards towards God and afterwards addressing himself unto the people he spake unto them touching his power and providence how he had foretold his father David of all that which should happen the greater part whereof was already accomplished and the rest was shortly to succeed Furthermore he declared how God himself had given him his name before he was born and that it was known how he should be called and how at such time as he should be King after the decease of his Father he should build him a Temple which things they saw brought to pass according as they were foretold for which they ought to give God thanks and not to lose any hope of any of those things that had been promised them for their future happiness v 55 56 c. having sufficient incouragement to believe by the accomplishment of those things which were already come to pass When the King had spoken after this manner unto the people Solomonâ— prayer wherein he thanks God for his benefits and beseecheth his future protection he turned again and E beheld the Temple and lifting up his hands towards the people he began thus It is impossible said he for men to return thanks unto God according to the greatness of those benefits which they have received for he is by his infinite greatness placed so far above us that our oblations are altogether unprofitable unto him But O Lord it behoveth us that since of thy grace thou hast made us more excellent than other living creatures we should bless and give thanks unto thy Majesty and in especial it concerneth us to honour thee for the benefits thou hast bestowed on our Family and all the Hebrew Nation But by what other means can we appease thee when
roofs for Temples For having pulled down some ancient Temples he builded that of Hercules and that of Astarte and made his first building of Hercules in the month of Peritien which is February and made War against the Eyceens who refused to pay their tributes and after he had brought them under his subjection H he returned to his own Palace In his time lived a young man called Abdemon who alwayes resolved those questions which Solomon King of Jerusalem proposed Dion also maketh mention of him in these terms After the decease of Abibale his son Hiram reigned he it was that fortified the quarter of the City to the Eastward and enlarged the same Dion maketh mention of Hiram and joined the Temple of Olympian Jupiter to the City which before that time was in another place and filled all the place between them with earth and adorned it with pendants of gold and afterwards going up to Libanus he hewed down timber to build Temples withall He said also that Solomon reigning at that time in Jerusalem sent unto Hiram certain subtile questions demanding the exposition thereof under this condition that if he explained them not Dion of Solomon by way of penalty he should pay a great Sum of money and afterwards that a certain I Tyrian called Abdemon expounded that which had been proposed and in lieu thereof proposed certain others which Solomon could not expound and for that occasion he paid a great Sum of money unto Hiram This is that which Dion writeth The King seeing that the City of Jerusalem wanted both Bulwarks and Towers to secure the same Solomon repaireth the walls of Jerusalem and erecteth towers and that the strength of it was no way answerable to the dignity thereof he repaired the walls and erected great Towers on the same Moreover he built certain Cities Hedio Ruffinus cap. 6. which deserve to be commemorated amongst the most Renowned namely Ascor and Magedon and the City of Gaza in the Countrey of the Philistines against which Pharaoh King of Egypt led out his Army Solomon buildeth certain Cities Azor Mageâ—on Gaga Betachor Baleth and took it by force and after he had put all the Inhabitants thereof to the Sword he destroyed the same and he gave it in K dower unto his daughter which was married to Solomon For which cause the King fortified it seeing it to be already sufficiently fenced by nature and that it stood very commodiously for the War and to hinder the incursions of the enemy Not far from thence he fortified two other Cities whereof one was called Betachor and the other Baleth Besides these he built others which were Cities of recreation and pleasure by reason of the good temperature of the Air and the pleasantness of the fruits and in especially the sweet Rivers wherewith they were watered Afterwards entering into the Desart that is above Syria and conquering the same he built another great City two dayes journey distant from the higher Syria a dayes journey from Euphrates and six from the great Babylon The cause why this City was inhabited far from peopled quarters of Syria was L because in no place of the lower Countrey there was water to be found and in this City onely there were fountains and springs Thadamor or Palmira He therefore built this City and begirt it with strong walls and called it Thadamor which is the name which the Syrians term it by even at this day and amongst the Greeks it is called Palmyra And these were Solomons works in that time But since divers are inquisitive to know the reason why the Kings of Egypt that have been since Mineus the founder of Memphis Why the Egyptian Kings were called Pharaohs who reigned divers years before our great Ancestor Abraham till Solomons time for the space of more than Thirteen hundred years have been called Pharaohs deriving that name from one that reigned in the midtime between both I have thought fit to give some account of it The name of Pharaoh amongst the Egyptians signifieth as much as King But I suppose M that from their childhood they had other distinct names and that afterward when they are created Kings they take upon them that name which in their Mother-tongue signifieth no less than Authority For the Kings of Alexandria having been heretofore called by other names The Egyptian Kings called Pharaohs at such time as they take upon them the Kingdom they are called Ptolomies by the name of their first King The Roman Emperors likewise notwithstanding they have other names at the time of their birth Ptolomei yet are they called Caesars Caesars because the sovereignty and honour whereunto they are raised Herodotus writeth not the names of the Egyptian Kings imposeth that title on them and the name that was given them by their Fathers is no more retained For this cause it is that although Herodotus of Halicarnasseus saith that since Mineus the Founder of Memphis there have been Three hundred and thirty Kings of Egypt yet declareth he N not their names Nicaule Queen of Egypt and Ethiope cometh to Solomon because they were called Pharaohs For when after these a Woman had obtained the Kingdom he called her by her own proper name Nicaule whence it appeareth that the men who have been Kings were usually called by this name and that it had not been communicated unto this Woman for which cause it was necessary to declare her own first name For mine own part I have found in the Books of our Nation that since Pharaoh who was Father-in-law to Solomon none of the Kings of Egypt have been called by that name and that some little while after the forementioned Woman came unto Solomon who reigned in Egypt and Ethiopia of whom we shall speak hereafter But at this present I have made mention of it that it might appear that our Records and the Chronicles of the Egyptians agree in many things O But King Solomon conquered the Canaanites which till that time were not under his subjection and those that inhabited the mountain Libanus as far as the City of Amath A and made them Tributaries The year of the World 2953. before Christ's Nativity 1011. and chose out from amongst them every year such as he might employ in servile works and domestick affairs and tillage of the land For no Hebrew was a slave neither was it convenient that since God had subjected divers Nations under them whom they might make slaves of that they should tye those of their own Nation to that bondage 1 Kings 9. 16. ad 21. who were all of them employed in Arms and rather took delight to ride in Chariots and on Horses than to submit to any mean or servile employment Solomon compelleth the remainer of the Canaanites to pay Tribute Over the Canaanites whom he employed in his service he appointed Five hundred and fifty Commissaries who had their
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
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
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
of Gods Oracles containeth an Italian bushel and an half But the Captain of the third part of the Army The punishment of Incredulity was he onely that enjoyed no part of this benefit for being appointed by the King to have the keeping of the gate and to restrain the multitude from headlong pressing out for fear lest thrusting one another some of them should be trodden under foot and slain he himself was trodden upon and slain according E as the Prophet had foretold for that he onely amongst the rest would not give credit to that which he had said touching the great abundance of victuals that they should enjoy When Adad King of the Syrians was safely returned to Damascus and knew that God had suffered such a confusion and fear to fall both on him and his Army 2 Kiâ—gs 8. 7. and that it had not hapned by reason that the Enemy sallied out upon him he was much discouraged to see that God was so displeased with him and through anguish and agony of mind fell sick and for that at that very time Elizeus was come unto Damascus Adad being informed thereof sent Azael who was one of his most trusty servants unto him to present him and consult with him concerning his sickness whether he should recover or F no Hereupon Azael loaded 40 Camels with the fairest and most honourable Presents Ver. 8 9. that either Damascus Elizâ—us is sent unto by Adad to enquire counsel of him aâ— touching his sickness or the Princes Royal Court afforded and repairing to Elizeus saluted him very courteously telling him That he was sent unto him by King Adad to present him and to ask counsel of him touching his malady Whether he should recover The Prophet told him That he should certainly dye but advised him not to carry the King any tydings thereof Azael hearing thereof was much grieved and Elizeus himself began to weep so that the tears fell from his eyes abundantly Ver. 11 12 13. in that he foresaw how many evils the People should suffer after the decease of Adad The Prophesie of Adads death and Azaels government And when Azael demanded him the cause wherefore he was so discomforted I weep said he for the compassion that I have of the People of Israel by reason of those calamities which they shall endure by thy means For thou G shalt kill the better sort of them Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. and shalt burn their strongest Cities thou shalt murther their Infants and dash them against the stones and shalt open the Womens wombs that are with child H Azael answered The year of the World 3207. before Christ's Nativity 757. What force is there in me to execute these things Elizeus said unto him That God had certified him that he should be King of Syria When Azael was returned back unto Adad he signified nothing unto him but glad tydings touching his sickness but the next day he cast a wet cloth upon him and strangled him and seized the kingdom into his own hands This Prince was a man fit for government and well-beloved among the Syrians Ver. 18. and common People of Damascus who even until this day honour Adad and Azael his Successor as gods Joram's impiety by reason of their benefits and those Temples which were built by them which adorn the City of Damascus For every day do they celebrate feasts in memory of these Kings and honour of them by reason of their antiquity not knowing that they were modern and such as reigned not past 1100 years since But Joram I King of Israel hearing of the death of Adad began to give over his fear and cast off that suspition which he had conceived of him rejoycing that yet at last he might have liberty to live in peace The other Joram King of Jerusalem for he likewise was so called as we have heretofore declared by murthering of his brethren and his fathers friends who were Governors obtained the Kingdom and became so wicked and impious as he differed in nothing from the Kings of Israel who transgressed the first laws and ordinances of the Hebrews and perverted the service of God For Athalia Achabs daughter his Wife taught him to execute divers mischiefs and amongst the rest to adore strange gods This notwithstanding God would not altogether abolish his race by reason of his promise made unto David yet he omitted not daily to introduce new K impieties The Idumaeâ—ans revolt and corrupt the ancient laws of his forefathers Mean-while it came to pass that the Idumaeans revolted Ver. 22 and slew their King who had been before-time subject unto Jehoshaphat Jorams father and in his place established another to their own liking For which cause Joram invaded Idumaea by Night with his Horses and Chariots and spoiled the Countrey round about his Kingdom without passing any further yet profited he nothing in so doing for all of them revolted from him and amongst the rest the Inhabitants of the Countrey of Labia But so great was the fury of this Man that he constrained the People to ascend the high mountains 2 Chroâ— 21. 12. and adore strange gods Yet whil'st he behav'd himself in this manner Joram's wickedness reproved by Elias'â— Letters and utterly rooted out of his thoughts the laws of his forefathers there was a Letter brought unto him from the Prophet Elias which certified L him that God would do justice upon him because he had forsaken the wayes of his forefathers and followed the impieties of the Kings of Israel constraining the Tribe of Juda and the Inhabitants of Jerusalem to forsake the service of their God to serve Idols as Achab had constrained the Israelites to do Furthermore because he had murthered his brethren and slain upright and virtuous men The Prophet likewise certifi'd him by Letters what punishment he should suffer namely the ruine of his People the death of his Wives and Children and lastly his own death which should happen unto him by a sickness in his belly wherewith he should be so tormented that his intrails strangly rotting within him should drop out and that he himself should see his misery which should be such as neither might be recover'd by medicine or should ever leave him until M he had finished his days These things did Elias denounce unto him by his Letters CHAP. III. Joram's Army is discomfited all his sons are slain except one and himself finally dyeth a miserable death NOT long after The expedition of the Arabians against Joram the Arabians that dwell towards Ethiopia confederating themselves with other Barbarians invaded Joram's Countrey and spoiled the same and ran-sacked the Kings House and slew his Sons and Daughters and left him but one onely Son called Ochozias 2 Chron. 21. 16 17 18. who escaped from his Enemies hands After this adversity he himself was strucken with a long sickness according
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
state CHAP. VII Athalia reigned five years in Jerusalem and after she was slain by the C High Priest Joas is proclaimed King AThalia Hedio Rufâ—â—â—us cap. 7. Achabs daughter hearing news of the death of her Brother Joram and her Son Ochozias together with he utter ruine of all the Royal posterity bethought her self to extinguish Davids memory 2 King 12. 1 2 3. and in such sort to root it out that no one of that line should remain alive to enjoy the Kingdom hereafter Athalia rooteth out all the royal blood only Joas Ochozias Son is saved which when she had concluded in her heart she began to put in execution Yet notwithstanding one of Ochozias Sons escaped her bloody hands by this means Ochozias had a sister by his fathers side whose name was Josabetha who was married to Joiada the High Priest who entring into the Kings Palace and finding Joas at that time but one year of age hidden with his D nurse among the dead she took both him and his nurse and locked them up in a closet within the Temple where Joiada her husband and she did secretly preserve them for the space of five years during which time Athalia reigned in Jerusalem over the two Tribes About the seventh year v. 4 ad 12. Joiada conferred with five Centurions and perswaded them to oppose themselves with mutual consent against Athalias proceedings Joas by Joiada's means who was the High Priest is created King and to secure the Kingdom for little Joas Whereupon giving and receiving promises of secrecy the one unto the other they confidently addressed themselves to execute their intended purposes after this manner They whom the High Priest had chosen to execute this fact went thorow all the Countrey and gathered the Priests and Levites together with all the Governours of the Tribes and afterwards returned and brought them to Jerusalem E to the High Priest who made them take an oath that they would keep secret that which he should inform them of as a thing that required secrecy and men of courage and resolution to perform the same As soon as he had assured them by oath he brought forth the little child whom he had till that time preserved and said unto them Behold your King who is of that race which as you know was chosen by God to reign over you for ever I therefore think it fit that the third part of your Guard shall keep him within the Temple and that the fourth make their watch round about the same Another company shall have the guard of the great gate that leadeth to the Palace as for the rest of the people let them remain disarmed within the Temple and suffer no armed men to enter thereinto except the Priest only He appointed also another company F of Priests and Levites to be about the King with Javelins and drawn swords charging them that whosoever durst be so bold to enter the Temple armed they should presently put him to the sword and laying all fear aside to attend the safety and guard of the Kings person They being obedient to that which the High Priest had commanded them in effect expressed their readiness whereupon Joiada opening the Arsenal which in times past was prepared by David distributed amongst the Centurions Levites and Priests all the javelins quivers and all other sort of Arms that were therein and disposed all them that were armed round about the people joyned hand in hand to hinder any one from entering in amongst them that were not of that faction Afterwards bringing out the infant Joas into the midst of the company they set the Royal Crown on his G head and Joiada after he had anointed him with oyl proclaimed him King whereupon all the people rejoyced and clapping their hands cried out God save the King H Athalia hearing this noise and applause The year of the World 3067. before Christ's Nativity 897. beyond all hope was greatly troubled and with those soldiers which she had about her she hastily issued out of the Palace and coming to the Temple the Priests admitted her as for the rest of the men of War that followed her they that by the High Priests ordinance begirt the Temple would not suffer them to enter with her v. 13. ad finem Now when Athalia saw the child standing before the Tabernacle with the Royal Crown on his head Athalias punishment she rent her garments and storming through despite she cried out and commanded that the Traitor should be slain that had thus betrayed her and sought to dispossess her of her Kingdom But Joiada called the Centurions and commanded them to carry Athalia out to the brook Cedron and there to kill her because he would not permit that the Temple should be defiled with her cursed I blood Moreover he charged them that if any one should attempt to rescue her they should kill them likewise v. 17. Hereupon they that were appointed to execute this his command took her The King and the people joyned by oath to serve God and led her without the gates of the Kings Mules and there slew her After that Athalia was in this manner executed Joiada assembled the people and the men of War in the Temple binding them all by an Oath to yield the King their faithful service and to procure the prosperity of the Kingdom Secondly he made the King swear in like manner that he would maintain the service of God and in no manner disanul Moses Laws That done they ran unto Baals Temple which Athalia and her husband Joram had built to the dishonour of God and their fore-fathers and for the honour of Achab and levelled it with the ground and put to death their High K Priest called Mathan The charge and guard of the Temple Joiada committed to the Priests and Levites v. 18. according to the other establisht by David with commandment twice a day to offer their ordinary burnt offerings The restoring of Gods service and to make perfumes according to the Law He appointed also certain of the Levites to be porters to guard the Temple to the intent that no unclean thing should enter the same unespied and after he had ordained these things with the Centurions and Governors and with all the people he took Joas and led him out of the Temple and attended him to the Palace and having placed him on the Royal Throne all the people cried God save the King and banquetted and feasted for divers dayes Thus after the death of Athalia the City was at quiet 2. King 12. 1â— ad 16. Joas was seven years old at such time as he was made King his mother was L called Sabia Joas piety during Joiâ—das time and was of the Town Bersabe He carefully observed the Laws and highly affected the service of God all his life time and when he grew to mans estate he
which hapned to the Israelites according to the prophecy of Elizeus which he foretold unto Azael at such time as he prophecied unto him that he should reign over the Syrians and them of Damascus after that he had murthered his master Ioachas being in this extremity had his recourse to God in prayer and supplication beseeching him that it might please him to deliver him from the hands of Azael and not suffer him to be under subjection and thraldom unto him God that regardeth the penitent as if they had been innocent and that gently chastiseth those whom he might utterly exterminate if he so pleased gave him assurance against the War and danger so that the Countrey having obtained peace recovered her former state and prosperity When Ioachas was dead his Son succeeded him in the G government and began to reign over the Israelites in Samaria in the 37 year of Joas King of Juda. For this King of Israel was called Joas as well as he that reigned in H Jerusalem The year of the World 3089 before Christ's Nativity 875. he governed the Kingdom sixteen years He was a good man and was not like unto Ioachas his Father About this time Elizeus the Prophet was very old and fell sick the King of Israel came to visit him and finding him in the extremity and past hope of recovery he began to weep and lament calling him his Father and his armour because that during his life he had never occasion to use the sword against the Enemy Joas King of Israel and Samaria but that by means of his predictions he had alwayes the upper hand of them without fighting that now he departed this life and left him disarmed to the mercy of the Syrians and other his enemies so that he was not secure of liberty nor life but that he rather wished to die with him than live in those dangers Elizeus being moved with these complaints Elizeus foretelleth that Joas should overcome the Syrians thrice comforted the King that lamented in this I sort and commanding him to draw his Bow that he brought with him for the King had bent the same Elizeus said unto him 2 King 13. 20 21. Draw and he shot three Arrowes and gave over at the fourth Oh said Elizeus if thou hadst shot more Arrows thou hadst utterly ruined the Kingdom of the Syrians Elizeus death and the raising of a dead man to life that was cast into his Tombe and since thou hast contented thy self with shooting thrice only thou shalt overthrow the Syrians in three battels which thou shalt fight against them and shalt recover the Countrey they have taken from thy Father After the King understood these things he departed and not long after the Prophet died who was renowned for his justice and beloved of God who shewed miraculous and incredible works by his prophecies and such as the Hebrews ought to keep in perpetual remembrance and was buried magnificently according as it behoved a man who was so highly favoured K by God It chanced about that time 2 Chron. 25. 18 ad 25. that certain thieves having cast the body of a man that was murthered by them Joas trâ—bble victory upon the body of the Prophet where he lay buried the dead body returned to life Which made it appear that God had given him a power of working miracles not only in his life time but also after his death After the death of Azael King of Syria Adad his Son obtained the Kingdom against whom Joas King of Israel made War and having overcome him three times he recovered all that Countrey and those Cities and Towns that Azael his Father had conquered before him All which came to pass according as Elizeus had prophecied After that Joas was dead the Kingdom fell to Jeroboam his Son L CHAP. X. Amasias making War against Joas King of Israel is overcome THe tenth year of the reign of Joas King of Israel Hedio Ruffiâ—â—s chap. 9. Amasias reigned over the Tribe of Juda in Jerusalem his mother was called Judah and was a Citizen of Jerusalem Amasias King of Jerusalem He was very careful to maintaine justice notwithstanding he was very young 2 King 14 1 2. And having taken upon him the Government of the Kingdom he resolved with himself that he ought first of all to revenge the death of his father Joas who was traiterously slain by his friends he therefore laid hands on them and put them M all to the sword yet extended he not his displeasure to their children but conformed his actions according to the Laws of Moses 2 King 14. which faith that it is not lawful to punish their children for their Fathers offences Deut. 24. 16. He afterwards levied an Army of the Tribes of Juda and Benjamin and chose such as were in the flower of their years and about twenty years of age the number of which amounted to three hundred thousand men whom he divided into Centuries He sent also to the King of Israel and hired an hundred thousand of his armed men for an hundred talents of Silver because he intended to make War upon the Amalechites Idumaeans and Gabelites Now whilest he made this preparation and was in a readiness to undertake this exploit a certain Prophet counseled him to dismiss the Israelites that he had with him because they were wicked men N signifying unto him from God that if he were followed by them in that War he should be overcome and on the other side that he should have the upper hand over his Enemies if he fought with a few men according to Gods direction Hereupon the King was moved because he had already paid the Israelites their wages but the Prophet ceased not to exhort him to do that which was pleasing in Gods sight The dismission of the Isâ—aelites who would give him silver in abundance Hereupon he dismissed them telling them that he freely gave them their pay and he with the forces of his owne Kingdom marched out against those Nations 2 Chron. 25. 11 12 13. and fought with them and overcame them and slew ten thousand of them and took no less number of Prisoners whom he afterwards caused to be led to a high Rock that bounded upon Arabia Amasias vâ—ctory over the â—malechites and from thence cast them down headlong and O from all these Nations he recovered a great booty and brought home much riches Whilest Amasias stood upon these terms the Israelites that had taken wages of him and were cashiered by him conceived a displeasure against him supposing themselves to be injured by him The year of the World 3106. before Christ's Nativity 858. as if he had dismissed them for want of courage For which A cause they invaded his Country and spoiled it as far as Bethsemer and carried away a great quantity of Cattel and slew three thousand men But the victory
and success made Amasias proud so that he began to forget God who was the Author thereof and gave honour to those gods which he brought from the Countrey of the Amalechites v. 15 16 Whereupon a Prophet came unto him and said Amasias is reprehended by a Prophet for his Idolatry that he wondred that he should esteem them for gods who had so little availed them who honoured them and had delivered them into his hands so that divers of them were put to death and divers led away Prisoners which they themselves had brought unto Jerusalem according to the custom of War These words moved the King unto displeasure so that he commanded B the Prophet to keep silence threatning him to punish him if he entermedled with his affairs any more Who answered him that he would no farther urge him yet withall he fore-prophecied unto him that God would not suffer this his innovation to rest unpunished Anon after Amasias not able to keep a moderation amidst his affluence and prosperity but waxing more insolent against almighty God by whom he possessed the blessings he enjoyed in the height of his pride wrote to Joas King of Israel commanding him to yield him homage according as in times past the Israelites were subject to David and Solomon threatning him that if he refused to do him service he would enforce him to decide the controversy by Arms to whom the Israelite replied thus King Joas to King Amasias There was in the mountain of Libanus a Cypres Tree of great height to whom a little thistle wrote demanding of him his Daughter in marriage for his Son But C during this treaty there came a certain wild beast that trod down the thistle Let this example admonish and diswade thee from attempting of too mighty matters neither grow proud of thy last victory against the Amalechites lest through thy presumption thou expose both thy Wife and fortune to the uncertain hazard of War When Amasias had perused this answer of his he was more inraged God also as it seemed pricked him forward to the intent to chastise those iniquities that were committed by him Amasias expedition against Joas King of Isrâ—el When therefore he had drawn his Army into the field and both the Armies were upon the point to joyn Battel a sudden fear and discouragement seized him such as God in his displeasure is accustomed to inflict which made Amasias Army turn their backs v. 17 18. so that by the apprehension they had conceived they were scattered before they came to handy strokes and D Amasias being left alone was taken prisoner Joas threatned that except he persuaded the inhabitants of Jerusalem to open their gates and to receive both him and his Army into the City he would put him to death For which cause Amasias constrained by necessity and fear of death wrought so far that his enemies were received into Jerusalem v. 23. who made a breach of three hundred Cubits in their wall thorow which Amasias was led captive into Jerusalem Amsias taken prisoner by the King of Israel In this manner Joas was made master of the City who afterwards carried away the Treasures of the Temple and took away the Gold and Silver that Amasias had in his Palace Jerusalem ruinated and having in this sort ransomed him from captivity The Temple spoiled he returned back again into Samaria This hapned in the fourteenth year of the reign of Amasias who afterwards fled into the City of Lachis to avoid the conspiracy E of his domestick friends v. 24. by whom notwithstanding he was surprised and slain his body was royally intombed in Jerusalem Amâ—sias slain Thus died Amasias for introducing innovations in contempt of God v. 27 28. he lived fifty four years and reigned twenty and nine and his Son Ozias succeeded him in the Kingdom CHAP. XI How Ozias overcame the neighbouring Nations BUt in the fifteenth year of the reign of Amasias 2 King 14. 21. Jeroboam Joas Son began to reign over the Israelites in Samaria 2 Chron. 24 1. 2. 3 and enjoyed the Kingdom for the space of F fourty years This King dishonoured God and offended him grievously by worshiping of Idols and divers absurd and strange actions by which he heaped many miseries on the Israelites heads To him there came a certain Prophet called Ionas who prophecied unto him that he should make War against the Syrians and that he should overcome them and enlarge his Kingdom to the Northward as far as the City of Amatha and to the Southward as far as the Lake Asphaltites for these in times past were the limits of the Countrey of Canaan Hedio Rufâ—â—â—us cap. 11. according as Joshua had set the bounds thereof Jeroboam encouraged by his prophecy led forth his Army against the Syrians The enlargement of the kingdom of 〈◊〉 and spoiled all their Countrey according to the prophecy of Ionas And since I have promised to give an exact History in writing of all those things that hapned in our Nation G methinks it will not be amiss to declare that which I have found written of this Prophet in our Hebrew Chronicles This man being commanded by God to repair unto the Kingdom H of Ninus The year of the World 31â—â— before Christ's Nativity 944. and proclaimed that which should happen to the City of Ninivie namely that the government thereof should be abolished through fear which he conceived repaired not thither but fled from Gods presence into a City called Joppa where finding a Ship he entred the same and sailed towards Tharâ—s in Cilreicia But their arose so vehement a tempest upon the Sea that the vessel was ready to be drowned 2 King 14 25. and both the Mariners Jonâ—s 1. per 〈◊〉 Master and Owners of the ship made their vow of thanksgiving unto God if they might escape from this tempest Jonas sent unto Niniviâ— flieth the presence of God and ascending a Ship is cast in a storm into the Sea but Jonas hid himself and covered his face taking no notice of the rest When therefore the turbulent waves raised by violent winds increased more and more the Mariners and passengers began to imagine amongst themselves that some one of them in the Bark had caused that tempest Whereupon I they agreed amongst themselves to cast lots to know which of them was the occasion of their danger Which done the lot fell upon Jonas who being demanded whence he was and for what business he travelled answered them that he was an Hebrew by Nation and a Prophet of the most High God and counselled them that if they would be secured from that danger they should cast him into the Sea because it was he only that was the cause of that tempest Notwithstanding this confession of his they durst not perform that which he desired supposing that it would be an act of great
impiety in that sort to thrust a stranger into that manifest perdition whose life had been committed to their trust But since the storm more and more increased and grew so vehement that they wanted very little of being shipwrackt and being besides that incited by K Jonas himself and likewise by the fear they conceived to lose their lives they cast him into the Sea Jonah 2. per totum whereupon suddenly the storm ceased It was likewise said that being swallowed up by a great fish for the space of three days and three nights Jonâ—s cast into the Sea is devoured by a Wâ—ale and cast upon the coaâ—t of Ninivie foretelleth them of the loss of their Empire he was at the last vomited out and cast by the same fish on shore of the Euxine Sea alive and without any maim in any of his members There besought he God that he would pardon him the sin which he had committed and afterwards he went to the City of Ninivie where going up to a place from whence he might be heard he published with a loud voice unto them that they should lose the Empire of Asia which after he had pronounced he returned back again This recital have I made according as I have found it registred in writing L King Jeroboam having passed all his life time in prosperity and reigned for the space of forty years departed his life and was intombed in Samaria and Zachary his Son succeeded him in this Kingdom At the same time Ozias the Son of Amasias reigned in Jerusalem over the two Tribes 2 Reg. 14. 23. after that Jeroboam had already reigned fourteen years his Mother was called Achia Jeroboams death and was of the City of Jerusalem He was a man of good nature Ozias King of Juda. and such an one as loved justice of a noble courage and very laborious in providing for all occasions he made War against the Philistines and after that he had overcome them in battel he took Ita and Amnia two of their strong Forts and razed them This exploit being past he set upon the Arabians that bordered upon Egypt and after that having built a City upon the Red Sea he planted a Garison M therein He afterwards discomfited the Ammonites constraining them to pay him tribute and subdued all as far as the marshes of Egypt Ozias expedition and the repairing of the City After that he began to provide for the City of Jerusalem for he built it anew and repaired the walls thereof that had been beaten down or decayed either by continuance of time or by negligence of those Kings who were his predecessors 2 Chron. 26. 1 2 3 4 5. he repaired those also which the King of Israel had beaten down at such time as having taken Amasias prisoner he rode in triumph into the City Besides this he erected a number of Towers each of them one hundred and fifty Cubits high These inclosed he with walls to set Garisons therein and in divers barren places he caused divers fountain-heads to be made Ozias riches and Army for he had an infinite multitude of beasts of carriage and other cattel v. 8 9 10. in that the Countrey was fit for pasture N He took pleasure also in tillage for which cause he was often busied about his Land in sowing and planting the same He had about him a chosen Army to the number of three hundred and seventy thousand fighting men whose Generals Conductors and Captains were valiant and invincible men and were in number two thousand He taughâ— his soldiers to march in square battel in manner of the Macedonian Phalanx arming each of them with Swords Targets and Corselets of Brass with Arrows and Darts He made also great preparation of divers Engins to batter Cities and to shoot Stones and Darts besides divers hookes and other such like instruments But whil'st he was intent on these studies and preparations he grew insolent and proud and being puffed up with arrogance v. 6. he contemned that which endureth for ever that is O piety towards God and the observation of his commandments For which cause he was overthrown by his prosperity and fell into his fathers sins through the happiness and greatness of his estate wherein he could not moderately contain himself So that upon a certain solemn Feast-day The year of the World 3120. before Christ's Nativity 944. wherein all the People were assembled together he A attired himself in the High-Priests vestments and entered into the Temple to offer sacrifice unto God upon the golden Altar notwithstanding the High-Priest Azarias accompanied with fourscore Priests forbade him telling him That it was not lawful for him to sacrifice in that it was onely allowed in those that were of the posterity of the High-Priest Aaron Whil'st after this manner Azarias expostulated with him commanding him to go out of the Temple Ver. 17 18 19. and not to contradict the ordinances of God the King waxed wroth and threatned to take his life from him except he kept himself quiet Whereupon there fell a great trembling and earthquake and the Temple cleft in twain and a great light B of the Sun entered thereinto Ver. 20 21. and reflected on the Kings face in such manner that all his body was instantly covered with a leprosie Ozias transgresseth his vocation and is punished with a leprosie and compelled to depart out of the City and before the City in a place called Eroge the half of a Mountain that stood to the Eastward brake and fell and removed for the space of four stadia towards the Oriental Mountain where it rested so that the publick wayes were shut up and choaked and the Kings gardens of pleasure were wholly ruinated and disfigured When the Priests beheld the Kings face covered with a leprosie they told him what inconvenience had hapned unto him and enjoined him to depart out of the Town according to the custom of Men that were polluted Whereupon he wholly confused at so grievous an accident and having no more courage to speak obeyed the commandment that was given him enduring a lamentable punishment for his pride and for that he committed such impiety against God He therefore C remained without the City for a certain time and led a private life and his son Jotham succeeded him in the kingdom Finally he dyed through grief and discontent after he had accomplished 68 years whereof he reigned 52 and was buried in his Garden Zachary Jeroboams son having reigned six Months over the Israelites was slain by Treason complotted against him by a familiar friend of his called Sellum 2 Kings 25. 7 8 9. the son of Jabes who possessing the kingdom after him Zacharias slâ—ughter enjoyed not the same above 30 dayes For the General Manahem being at that time in the City of Tharsa and understanding of that which had hapned to Zachary departed thence with all
his Force and came to Samaria and in a battel which he fought he slew Sellum And afterwards obtaining the Crown D he went from thence towards the City of Tapsa 2 King 15. 14. the Inhabitants whereof locked and barred their gates against him Manahem King of Israel and would not receive him in revenge whereof he spoiled all the Countrey round about and took the City by force and being highly incensed against the Tapsians for their insolence he put them all to the Sword not sparing their little children which was an incredible and barbarous cruelty Manahem reigned in the manner for the space of ten years The Tapsians slaughter continuing a most cruel and unbridled tyranny over this people Afterwards being assailed by Phul King of the Syrians he went not out against him neither practised to resist him but procured his peace for the sum of 1000 talents of silver which by way of composition he paid unto him The people furnished Manahem with this sum Peace bought with money by way of contribution paying fifty drachms apiece After his death he was buried in Samaria leaving behind him a Son to succeed him in E the kingdom whose name was Phaceias who imitating his Fathers cruelty enjoy'd the Soveraignty but two years for he was slain at a feast in the midst of his friends by a Treason practised against him by Phaceias the son of Romelias Phaceias who enjoyed the kingdom for the space of 20 years The translation of the Israâ—lites addicting himself to all impiety and wickedness But Teglaphalasser King of Assyria led forth his Army against the Israelites and spoiled all the Countrey of Galaad and that beyond Jordan and Galilee Cidida and Asor also and made all the Inhabitants thereof Prisoners and translated the kingdom to himself This is that which we have thought good to write touching the King of Assyria Jotham the son of Ozias reigned in Jerusalem over the Tribe of Juda he was the son of a daughter of Jerusalem called Jeresa There was no virtue wanting in this King for F he was devout towards God Jothams piety just towards Men and careful to repair the City for he willingly employed himself in restoring that which had need of reparation and ornament Ver. 34. He built Galleries and Porches about the Temple and repaired the walls that were fallen down he erected huge and impregnable Towers in a word he restored all that which was deficient in his kingdom He made War upon the Ammonites and overcoming them in battel he made all their Nation tributary and constrained them to pay him yearly 100 Talents Hedio Ruffinus cap. 7. and 10000 Cores of Wheat and as many of Barley and his kingdom in such sort encreased The prophecy of the destruction of Ninivie as he was redoubted abroad and happy at home Now about the same time there lived a certain Prophet called Naum who prophesied the overthrow of the Assyrians and of the City of Ninivie and spake to this effect All the people G thereof shall be troubled Naum 2. 8 9 10. ad finem and put to flight and shall say the one unto the other Stay and abide take gold and silver and there shall be none that will receive it For they shall have more H care to save their bodies The year of the World 3204. before Christ's Nativity 760. than their goods for there shall be a great debate amongst them with lamentation their members shall lose their vigor and their faces shall be pale through fear whither shall the Lyons retreat or where shall the mother of the Lyons whelp rest her self Ninivie God saith unto thee I will destroy thee neither shall the Lyons that issue from thee govern the world any more To this effect did he prophesie and spake many other things to this intent which it is not material to repeat For I have omitted it purposely because I would not be troublesom to the Readers But all those things which he foretold touching Ninivie came to pass 115 years after I CHAP. XII Rasin King of Damascus maketh War against Jerusalem Achaz sendeth for the King of Assyria to assist him AFter that Jothan had lived One and forty years Hedio Ruffinus cap. 13. and reigned sixteen he dyed and was buried in the Sepulchre of the Kings Achaz impiety after him the Kingdom fell to Achaz his Son who was a contemner of God and a Transgressor of the Ordinances of his Forefathers 2 King 15. 38. and conformed himself to the Customs of the Kings of Israel The sacrifice of his son for he erected Altars in the City of Jerusalem and sacrificed unto Idols offering up his own Son unto them after the manner of the Canaanites and committed divers such like offences 2 Kings 16. 1 2 3 4. During these impious Idolatries of his Rasin King of Syria and Damascus and Phaceias K King of Israel made War against him for these two were Confederates leading therefore both their Armies against Jerusalem they besieged it a long time yet without any success The punishment of impiety by reason the Walls were very strong But the King of Syria having seized the City of Elath near unto the Red Sea and slain all the Inhabitants thereof planted Syrians therein Esay 7. 11. putting all the Garison likewise to the Sword and all the Jews round about and carried away with him a great booty unto Damascus and afterwards returned home with his Army The King of Jerusalem understanding that the Syrians were retired 2 Chron. 28. 18 19. and supposing himself to be sufficient to fight against the King of Israel led forth his Forces against him The slaughter of the Army of Juda. and was overcome in battel because that God was incensed against him for his impieties which were without number For in that battel the Israelites slew L about Sixscore thousand Men amongst whom was Zacharias the son of Achiaz whom the General of the Army of the Israelites called Amias slew with Ericam the Governor of the whole Realm and took Elcan the General of the Tribe of Juda prisoner also They led away likewise a great number of Women and Children with a great booty and afterwards returned to Samaria At that time there was a certain Prophet living in Samaria whose name was Obel who coming out to meet the Army cryed with a loud voice unto the people That the victory which they had obtained was not through their own valor but by reason of the wrath of God conceived against Achaz King of Juda. He further reproved them for that not contenting themselves with the good success of that victory they had so far presumed as to make them of Juda and Benjamin Prisoners who M were of their own alliance he therefore counselled them to send them back unto their houses without any injury offered unto them
them that they mocked them and esteemed them to be mad and spit upon those Prophets that exhorted them to piety and foretold them the evils they should suffer if they served not the true God and finally they laid hold on them and put them to the sword And not contenting themselves with this presumption they attempted yet far worser things and never gave over until that God for a punishment of their impiety subjected them to their enemies 2 Chron. 29. as shall appear hereafter But divers of the Tribes of Manasses Zabulon and Issachar The Word of God is never without fruit respecting the good counsels of the Prophets submitted themselves to the service of God and repaired all together to Jerusalem to King Ezechias to honour G God As soon as they were arrived there Ezechias went up into the Temple accompanied with the Governors and all the People and offered there seven Bulls seven Rams H and as many Goats The year of the World 3618. before Christ's Nativity 746. and after that he and all the Governors had laid their hands upon the heads of the Sacrifice they deliver'd them to the Priest according as it appertained to them and they sacrificed and made burnt-offerings of them The Levites also assisting round about with Instruments of Musick sung Hymns and Songs unto God according as they had been taught by the ordinance of David Ezechias's sacrifice The other Priests had Trumpets which they used in consort to the tune of their Hymns Which done the King and all the People cast themselves prostrate upon the ground 2 Chron. 29. â—â— 20 21. and adored God and afterwards sacrificed seven Oxen an 100 Sheep and 200 Lambs The King likewise bestowed 600 Oxen and 3000 sheep upon the People to feast withall And when the Priests had joyfully perform'd all things according to the custom contain'd in the Law I the King sate down and eat with the People and gave thanks unto God And when the feast of unleavened bread was come they eat the Passeover and during the seven other dayes Ver. 30 31. they offer'd up their other Sacrifices The King gave in way of gratuity unto the People besides that which had been offer'd 2000 Oxen Reformation of Gods service and 7000 Sheep The Governors did the like and gave the People a 1000 Bulls and 1400 Sheep and thus was the feast solemnized which had not been so magnificently and devoutly celebrated since Solomon's time When the solemnity of this feast was past they journeyed and went thorow the Countrey and purifi'd it They purged the City likewise of all Idols and the King ordained that the daily Sacrifices should be made according to the Law upon his charge He enacted also That the People should pay the Tenths to the Priests and Levites K with the first-fruits to the intent they might wholly intend piety and never estrange themselves from the service of God By which means it came to pass that the People brought all kind of fruit to the Priests and Levites The King overcometh the Philistines which the King put up in certain store-houses which he had built to be distributed to every one of them their Wives and Children and by this means they returned again to their former purity in Religion After the King had disposed all things in this sort 2 Kings 19. he made War upon the Philistines Ezechias forsaketh the service of the King of Assyria and overcame them and seized all their Cities between Gaza and Geth About this time the King of Assyria sent unto him and threatned him That if he would not pay those Tributes which his father before him had paid unto him he would destroy all his Countrey Nevertheless Ezechias set light by his threats assuring himself in that piety and zeal he bore L towards God and in the Prophet Esay by whom he was exactly instructed touching all those things that were to succeed CHAP. XIV Salmanasar slayeth the King of Israel and leadeth the Israelites captive into the Countrey of Media WHen tydings was brought to Salmanasar King of Assyria that the King of Israel had privily sent unto Soan Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. King of Egypt to request his assistance against the M Assyrians he was sore displeased and drew forth his Army against Samaria in the seventh year of the Reign of Oseas But the King of Israel withstood his entrance into the City by which means he was besieged therein for three years space and finally Samaria was taken by force 2 Kings 17 24. in the ninth year of Oseas and the seventh of Ezechias's Reign At which time all the Kingdom of Israel was destroy'd and all the People transported into the Countries of Media and Persia and amongst the rest King Oseas was taken Prisoner The King of Assyria caused certain Nations of a Countrey called Chut so stiled from a River of that name to remove their habitation and to dwell in Samaria and inhabit the Countrey of Israel As for the ten Tribes of Israel they were transported out of their Countrey 947 years The Israelites removed from their possessions are translated into the Region of the Chuthites since their Predecessors departing out of Egypt possessed N the Countrey of Canaan 800 years after the government of Joshua and 240 years seven months and seven dayes since they revolted from Roboam Davids Nephew to give the Kingdom to Jeroboam This was the end of the Israelites who transgressed the Laws and disobeyed the Prophets who foretold them of that calamity which should happen unto them except they repented them of their impieties The sedition that they rais'd against Roboam in taking his servant for their King was the original of their mischiefs For Jeroboam committing impiety against God and they imitating his wickedness caused God to be displeas'd with them so that he punish'd them according as they deserved But the King of Assyria ravaged and spoiled all Syria and Phoenicia with his Army and his name is found written in the Chronicles of the Tyrians for he made War against the Tyrians O at such time as Eulaleus reigned in Tyre whereof Menander maketh mention who wrote the History of Tyre which hath been Translated into the Greek Tongue The King Eluleus saith he reigned 36 years The year of the World 3224. before Christ's Nativity 740. and pursued the Chutheans that were revolted from A him by Sea and made them subject Against whom the King of Assyria sent forth his Army and invaded all Phoenicia and afterwards having made a Peace with them he returned back again into the Cities of Sydon Arce and old Tyre and divers other Cities revolted from the Tyrians and submitted themselves to the King of Assyria For this cause The Tyrians Chronicles touching the Wars of Salmanaâ—ar against the Tyrians written by Menander and for that they of Tyre did not obey him he drew his Army
depart out of this life and leave a lawful heir behind him When the Prophet according as he was commanded had brought these tydings to the King he doubted both the unexpected messenger and the mightiness of his disease for which cause he required some prodigious sign at Esaias's hands to the intent that he might certainly believe that he was sent as a messenger from God unto him for the truth of those things which either exceed our hope or reason are wont to be confirmed by these means Whereupon Esay asked him what sign he required and it should be given him He answered that he desired to see the shadow of the Sun go back ten degrees upon his Quadrant On this occasion the Prophet besought God that it would please him to confirm the King by this miracle Ver. 14 15. who seeing that which he desired was L suddenly delivered from his sickness The Assyrian Monarchy destroyed and went up into the Temple to worship and praise God At that time it hapned that the Monarchy of the Assyrians was destroyed by the Medes The Embassage of the King of Babylon to Ezechias whereof I will speak in another place Not long after Balad King of Babylon sent an Ambassador to Ezekias with Presents calling him his ally and friend who receiving his messengers he feasted them and shewed them his treasures his arsenal and all other magnificence that he had of gold and precious stones and after he had given them Presents for Balad he dismissed them Whereupon the Prophet Esay came unto him asking him from whence those Ambassadors came To whom Ezechias answered That they were of Babylon and came unto him from their King telling the Prophet how he had shewed them all that which he had to the end that having seen and observed his M riches and power Ver. 16 17 18. they might afterwards certifie the King thereof The captivity of Babylon foreprophesied by Esay Whereunto the Prophet replied saying Know thou that within a little time thy riches shall be transported into Babylon and thy children shall be made Eunuchs and being no more men shall be slaves unto the King of Babylon All which God gave him to understand before it hapned Ezechias was troubled to hear these tydings saying That he desired that his people might not fall into those miseries but since it was impossible to change the Decree of God he required that he might have peace during his life-time Hedio Ruffinus cap. 4. Of this Balad King of Babylon Berosus maketh mention This Prophet truly divine and admirable for the verity of his Prophesies is accounted to have spoken nothing that was untrue but to have left in writing all that which he prophesied the truth whereof hath afterwards in effect appeared to posterity N Neither did he alone perform thus much Ver. â—â— but besides him twelve others have done the like 2 Chr. 32. 33. and all that which is hapned unto us Ezekias death either good or evil hath fallen out truly according to their Prophecies But hereafter we will speak of every one of them Now when Ezechias had lived his prefixed time according as we have before related and governed his kingdom in peace he died when he was 54 years old and in the 29 year of his Reign CHAP. III. The Kings of Chaldaea and Babylon war against Manasses and take him Prisoner O HIS son Manasses the son of Achiba a Woman born in Jerusalem succeeded him in the Kingdom This Man forsook his fathers wayes and abandoned himself to all manner of viciousness and debauchery but addicting himself to all the iniquities of the Israelites The year of the World 3147. before Christ's Nativity 717. who were destroyed because of their heinous sins committed against A God He was so impudent as he spared not to pollute the very Temple of God the City and the whole Countrey and being no longer to be restrain'd by any fear of the just vengeance of God he barbarously put to death many good and virtuous Men and spared not the very Prophets so that Jerusalem was overflown with blood For which cause God being provoked unto wrath by his heinous offences 2 Kings 21. 1 c. sent divers Prophets 2 Chron. 33. 1. ad 10. the one after the other both to the King and the people by whom he threatned to inflict the same calamities upon them Manasses impiety and cruelty which for contempt of Religion the Israelites their Brethren had a little before suffered But they not giving heed to their Predictions whose admonitions had they resepcted they might have prevented their imminent evils at length experimented the truth thereof Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. alias cap. 4. For whereas they persevered in their B accustomed and dissolute manners God stirred up the King of Chaldaea and Babylon against them who sending their Armies into Judaea and spoiling the whole Region at length surprized and led away Manasses Prisoner and made him liable to what punishment it should please them to inflict 2 Chron. 33. Then this miserable Prince taught by his own experience acknowledged his sin A v. 1. ad 13. and humbly besought God to have compassion on him His prayer was heard Manasses surprized and led Prisoner into Babylon and after his repentance restored to his kingdom and after some space of time the Babylonian sending him home restored him to his former government As soon as he was returned back to Jerusalem he made it appear by the change of his life that his repentance was sincere and endeavoured nothing more than to abolish the memory of his former actions and employed his whole care to establish the service of God He purged the Temple also and cleansed C the City Ver. 14 15 16. and from that time forward he addicted himself wholly to think how he might give God thanks Manasses purifieth the City and consecrateth the Temple again for that he had thus delivered him from ruine and how he might pass all the remnant of his life in his favour He taught the People likewise to do the like telling them what miseries they had endured within a few years because they had demeaned themselves impiously He repaired the Altar also and according to Moses Prescript Manasses death offered thereon solemn Sacrifices and after that he had provided those things that concerned the service of God 2 King 21. 18. he took care likewise for the security of the City of Jerusalem 2 Chr. 33. 2â— and repaired the old and ruined walls Amos King of Juda a wicked Prince and built some anew for the enlarging of the City he erected high Towers likewise furnishing the same with munition and victual sufficient for a City of defence And so much was he changed during D the rest of his life 2 Kings 22. 1. ad 8. that he was held most
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
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
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
the World 3421. before Christ's Nativity 543. where he was served with great store of Vessels fit for his Majesty and with him at the Banquet there sate his Concubines and most intimate friends At which time to shew his Magnificence he caused those Vessels to be brought out of the Temple of his God which Nabuchodonosor his predecessor fearing to employ to his own use had stored up in his Idols Temple Dan. 5. 5 6 7 ad 30. But Balthasar was so puffed with pride Baâ—thasar seeth a hand thrust out of a Wall and writing certain Syâ—lables that he drank out of them and employed them to his own use Now came it to pass that whilest he quaffed and blasphemed the Name of God he saw a hand issuing from a Wall which wrote on the same certain words by which Vision being somewhat terrified he assembled his Magicians and Chaldees and all that sort of people who amongst those barbarous Nations made profession to interpret I Prodigies and Dreams to the intent they might signify unto him the meaning and signification of that Writing Now when these Magicians had told them that they could not give an interpretation of it the King was sore vexed and troubled at this unexpected Vision whereupon he caused it to be proclaimed thorow his Countrey that whosoever should read that Writing and declare the meaning thereof he would give him a Golden Chain and a Purple Robe such as the King of the Chaldees wore and besides all this the third part of his Empire After this Proclamation the Magicians assembled tegether with a great concourse and were far more diligent and inquisitive to find out the signification of the Writing but they advanced nothing more than at the first Mean while the Kings Grandmother seeing him wholly dejected in mind began to comfort K him and to tell him that there was a certain man amongst the prisoners of Juda led thither at such time as Nabuchodonosor destroyed Jerusalem whose name was Daniel a man wise and expert in searching out of things that were onely known unto God who evidently expounded that which Nabuchodonosor required at such time as no other man could satisfy his demand Whereupon the King called him unto his Presence and telling him what proofs he had heard of his Wisdom and of that Divine Spirit that was in him and how he onely was fit to interpret those things which were concealed from other mens knowledge he prayed him to inform him what that hand-writing signified promising him in reward thereof a Purple Garment a Golden Chain and the third part of his Empire to the end that being honoured with these rewards for his wisdom L he might grow famous amongst all men who demanding the reason should know the intent why he was honoured But Daniel refusing all these Presents of his in that the wisdom that is given from above is not corrupted thereby but is freely imparted to those that have need thereof told him that that Writing did foretell the end of his life because he had not learned to fear God neither to lift up his thoughts higher than humane nature notwithstanding he had seen the chastisement wherewith his predecessor had been punished for the outrages he committed against God For that Nabuchodonosor having been driven to lead his life amongst Beasts by reason of his Impieties after divers requests and supplications had obtained mercy and was returned unto humane conversation and into his own Kingdom for which cause all the time of M his life he praised Almighty God the Governour of all things whereas he had omitted to do the like and had blasphemed the name of God and had debauched himself with his Concubines in the Vessels dedicated to God For this cause God was displeased with him and certified him by his Writing what end he should expect Whereupon he expounded the Writings after this manner Mane which is as much to say as number sheweth that God hath numbred the days of thy Life and Reign which shall endure but a little while Thekel signifieth a balance God therefore said he weighing the government sheweth that it shall be overthrown Phares this word signifieth a fragment God shall break thy Kingdom and divide it among the Medes and Persians When the King had heard this interpretation he was very sorrowful according N as the nature of things so disasterous and so apparent required Notwithstanding he delayed not to bestow those Presents which he had promised the Prophet although as he well perceived the words boaded him ill yet he gave him all that which he promised him v. 2. ad 29. considering with himself Daniel interpreteth the Writing to the King that it was his own destiny that he ought to accuse and not Daniel who like an honest man had declared the Truth notwithstanding it were very unwelcome to his ear Not long after this Balthasar and the City were overthrown and taken by Cyrus King of Persia and his Army The King performed his promises to Daniel For this was that Balthasar under whom and in the seventeenth year of whose Reign the surprisal of Babylon hapened This as far as I could gather was the end of King Nebuchodonosors posterity v. 31. O Darius Babylon surprized by Cyrus King of Persia who with his ally Cyrus had destroyed the state of the Babylonians was threescore and two years old at such a time as he took Babylon He was Astyages Son and is otherways called by the Greeks He took the Prophet Daniel and led him with him into Media The year of the World 3425. before Christ's Nativity 539. and kept him near unto him doing him much honour for he was of the number A of three Governours whom he constituted over three hundred and threescore Provinces for so had Darius commanded it Now Daniel being thus honoured and beloved by Darius and trusted by him in all things for that God was with him was much hated as they usually are The force of envy who have the greatest interest in Princes favours Whereas therefore they that were jealous of the good esteem which he had with Darius soughâ— occasion to calumniate and backbite him Daniels honour and uprightness he warily cut off all opportunity thereof for he would neither be bribed with Silver nor corrupted with Presents supposing it to be an act of much dishonesty to receive gifts after a man had done any courtesies Hedio and Ruffinus chap. 14. He therefore gave his maligners no manner of ground to detract from his reputation But they still persisted in their malice Dan. 6. Ã v. 4. ad 15. and all other attempts failing they thought upon one at last by B which they imagined they might destroy him For they perceiving that Daniel did thrice every day make his Pray'rs unto God they supposed that they had found a just pretext to work his ruine Whereupon they came unto Darius certifying him
the four Winds of the World He hath written also that from them there shall arise another little one also which as God L who presented the Vision to him told him being grown to perfection should war against the whole Nation of the Jews and take the City by force and confound the Estate of the Temple and hinder the Sacrifices for one thousand two hundred ninety and six days Daniel writeth that he saw these things in the field of Susa and hath declared that God himself told him what that Vision signified which was that the Ram signified the Kingdoms of the Persians and the Medes His Horns signified the Kings that were to Reign in those Kingdoms and that the last Horn signified the last King who should surpass all the rest in Riches and Glory That the Goat signified that there should come a certain King among the Greeks who should fight at two several times with the Persian M and should overcome him in War and afterwards possess the whole Government And that by the great Horn that grew in the forehead of the Goat the first King was represented and how that after he was taken away four other should spring out of it And whereas every one of these turned themselves towards the four corners of the World it was a signe that after the death of the first he should have four successors that should part the Kingdom between them who neither should be his Allies or Children yet such notwithstanding as should command the world for many years That from them there should arise a certain King that should oppose himself against the Hebrew Nation and their Laws and should overthrow their policy spoil their Temple and be a lett that for three years space the Sacrifices should not be solemnized Now so hath it N happened that our Nation hath been so handled under Antiochus the famous as Daniel had foreseen and hath written divers years before all that which should happen At the same time Daniel wrote concerning the Empire of the Romans Daniels Predictions of the Roman Empire how it should destroy our Nation and hath left all these things in writing according as God declared them unto him so that they who read and consider those things that have happened Dan. 9. per totum admire Daniel for the Honour God dignified him with and find thereby that the Epicureans are mistaken who exclude all Divine Providence from intermedling with the concerns of humane life and affirm that God Governeth not the affairs of the World or that the World is ruled by a happy and incorruptible Essence which causeth all things to continue in their Being but say that the world is managed by O it self by casualty without any Conductor or such a one that hath care thereof For if it were so The Epicures error convicted and that it were destitute of a Soveraign Governor as we see Ships destitute of their Pilots to be drowned by the Winds and Chariots that have no Drivers to conduct them The year of the World 3416. before Christ's Nativity 538. to beat one against another even so should it perish and ruinate A it self by such an irregular motion By these things therefore that Daniel hath foretold I judge that they are far estranged from the Truth that affirm that God hath no care of humane affairs for if we see that all things happen casual then happen they not according to his Prophecy The Epicures error convicted But I have written hereof according as I have found and read and if any one will think otherwise let him continue his opinion as long as he pleaseth The Eleventh Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS B The Contents of the Chapters of the Eleventh Book 1. Cyrus King of Persia dismisseth the Jews from Babylon and permitteth them to return into their Countrey and contributeth towards the reparation of the Temple 2. The Kings Governours hinder the building of the Temple C 3. Cambyses commandeth the Jews that they should not build the Temple 4. Darius Hystaspis Son buildeth a Temple for the Jews 5. The bounty of Xerxes Darius Son toward the Hebrew Nation 6. How during Artaxerxes Reign the whole Nation of the Jews were almost extinguished through Amans treachery 7. Bagoses General of Artaxerxes the younger's Army doth much injury to the Jews 8. How bountiful Alexander of Macedon was unto the Jews CHAP. I. D Cyrus King of Persia dismisseth the Jews from Babylon and permitteth them to return into their Countrey and contributeth towards the building of the Temple THE first year of the Reign of Cyrus which was the 70 after that our Nation was translated from Judea to Babylon God had compassion on the captivity and calamity of his afflicted People The end of the Babylonian captivity after 70 years and accomplish'd that which he had foretold by the Prophet Jeremy Ezra 1. per totum before the destruction of the City The Edict of Cyrus King of Persia viz. That after they had served Nabuchodonosor and his posterity E for 70 years he would again restore them to their native Countrey where they should build a Temple and enjoy their former felicity For he awakened the Spirit of Cyrus and put it into his heart to write Letters throughout all Asia to this effect Thus saith King Cyrus since Almighty God hath made me King of the whole world I am perswaded that it is he whom the Jewish Nation do adore for he hath declared my name by his Prophets before I was born and hath said that I should build his Temple in Jerusalem which is in the Countrey of Judea Now Cyrus knew these things by Reading of a Book of Prophecies Esay Chap. 44. Ver. 5. ad 10. written by Esay two hundred and ten years before his time For he saith that God did secretly reveal these things unto F him Chap. 45. Ver. 1. ad 8. speaking to this effect I will that Cyrus whom I have declared King over many Nations shall send my people back into their Countrey of Judea and shall build my Temple Prophecy of Cyrus These things did Esay foretell one hundred and forty years before the ruine of the Temple Cyrus in reading these things being ravished in admiration of the Majesty of God was carried on with a great affection and zeal to finish that which was written He therefore called for all the Men of greatest account among the Jews that were in Babylon and told them that he gave them Licence to return into their Countrey Ver. 3. and to repair the City of Jerusalem Cyrus permitteth the Jews to return into their Countrey to build their Temple and City and to rebuild the Temple of God promising them that he himself would assist them And to that effect he wrote unto his Governnours and Princes of those Countreys that confined upon Judea charging them to
G contribute both Gold and Silver towards the building of the Temple and to furnish them with Cattel for the Sacrifices After that Cyrus had certified the Israelites of this his intent the Princes of the two Tribes of Juda and Benjamin with all the Levites and H Priests departed thence and repaired to Jerusalem Nevertheless divers of the Jews remained in Babylon because they were loth to abandon those Possessions they had gotten Those unto whom Cyrus had directed his Letters afforded them their assistance and furnished them with all things necessary to build the Temple some of them with Gold V. 7. 8. others with Silver and the rest with a certain number of Oxen and Horses Thus payed they their Vows unto God The Vessels belonging to the Temple sent back from Babylon to Jerusalem and offered Sacrifices according to the antient custom as if they had but now first begun to build the City and this were the third time of practising those Ceremonies which our Fathers had observed Cyrus sent them back also those Vessels which were consecrated to God which King Nabuchodonosor had sent unto Babylon after he had spoiled the Temple and delivered them I to Mithridates his Treasurer commanding him to commit them to Abassars hands who should have the custody thereof until the Temple were built to the end that a such time as it should be compleat he might deliver them to the Priests and Princes of the people to be restored again to the service of the Temple He sent Letters also to the Governors of Syria to this effect V. 9. 10. Cyrus the King to Sisine and Sarabasme health I have permitted those Jews that inhabit my Countrey Cyrus's Mandate to the Princes of Syria to return into their native Countrey and to reedify their City and erect the Temple of God in Jerusalem in the same place where it stood before I have also sent my Treasurer Mithridates and Zerobabel the Prince of the Jews with express charge and authority to lay the foundation of the same and to build it sixty Cubit sin heighth and as many in breadth making three Isles of hewen stone and another of such Timber as the K Countrey affordeth the Altar likewise whereupon they may offer Sacrifice unto God And my pleasure is that the charge of all these things be defrayed out of my Coffers I have also sent back those Vessels which Nabuchodonosor took out of the Temple and have delivered them to the Treasurer Mithridates and to Zerobabel the Prince of the Jews to be conveighed to Jerusâ—lem and restored to the Temple of God the number whereof I have hereunder subscribed Fifty Lavers of Gold and four hundred of Silver Fifty pots of Gold and four hundred of Silver Fifty golden Sieves and five hundred of Silver Thirty Ewers of Gold and three hundred of Silver Thirty great Viols of Gold and two thousand four hundred of Silver and besides all these One thousand other great Vessels We grant also unto the Jews the same Revenues which their Predecessors have enjoyed and we do allow them 205200 Darchmes for the purchasing L of Cattel C. 2. v. 1 2. aâ— finem Wine and Oil and we give them 2500 measures of Wheat to make fine Flower which we appoint to be taken out of the Countrey of Samaria and the Priests shall offer up these Sacrifices in Jerusalem The number of the Iews that returned from the captivity of Babylon to Jerusalem according to the ordinance of Moses and during their Sacrifice they shall make Prayers unto God for the preservation of the King and his House to the end that the Empire of the Persians may be still permanent And my Will is that they that disobey and oppose these Commands shall be hanged on a Gibbet and that their Goods shall be confiscate These were the Contents of his Letters Now the number of those that returned from the captivity into Jerusalem was Forty two thousand four hundred sixty two M CHAP. II. The Jews begin to build the Temple at Jerusalem but after the death of Cyrus the Samaritans and other neighbouring Nations writ to King Cambyses his Son to cause him to put a stop to the Work WHilest according to the King's Order Hedio Ruffinus chap. 2. the Jews laid the foundation of the Temple and were very busy about the building thereof Esd 4. 2. ad 11. the Nations that bordered upon them and especially the Chutheans whom Salmanazar King of Assyria sent from Persia and Media The Samaritans inhibit the Iews from building the Temple to inhabit in Samaria at such time as he carried away the N people of the ten Tribes incited the Princes and Governors to hinder the Jews from repairing their City and re-edifying the Temple These Men corrupted with Silver sold their negligence and delay to the Chutheans Alias C. 3. v. 11. ad 17. which they used in those Buildings For Cyrus intending his other Wars was ignorant hereof and having conducted his Army against the Massagetes The Letters of the Samaritans and others written to Cambyses as touching the re-edifying of the City and Temple of â—â—rusalem he ended his days in that expedition When as therefore Combyses his Son had obtained the Kingdom they of Syria and Phoenicia the Ammonites Moabites and Samaritans wrote their Letters to Cambyses in these terms O King thy Servants Rathymus the Chancelor Semelius the Scribe and those Men that are Counsellors in Syria and Phoenicia have thought themselves obliged to advertise thee that those Jews that were led Captive into Babilon are returned back into this Countrey and are O about building their City which was destroyed by reason of their rebellion and that they do repair the Walls of the same and re-edify their Temple likewise Know therefore that if these things be permitted to be finished that they will no more endure to be thy Subjects and Tributaries The year of the World 3435. before Christ's Nativity 529. but will oppose themselves against their Kings holding it more fit to command A than to obey We have therefore thought good before the Work be too far advanced to give your Majesty notice that you may search the Records of your forefathers wherein you shall always find that the Jews have been Rebels and enemies to their Kings and that the City hath been for this cause laid desolate unto this present We have thought good to signify thus much to your Majesty which perhaps is unknown unto you because that if this City be once more re-inhabited and inclosed with a Wall they will thereby obstruct your passage into Coelosyria and Phoenicia CHAP. III. B Cambyses forbiddeth the Jews to proceed in re-building the Temple WHen Cambyses had read this Letter being by nature V. 17. ad 22. wicked and malicious he grew jealous and displeased at the Contents thereof Cambyses answer wherein he inhibiteth the Iews
from building the City or Temple and wrote back again after this manner The King Cambyses to Rathymus the Chancellour and to Belsen and Semelius Scribes and to all his other Counsellors and Inhabitants of Samaria and Phoenicia Health Having read your Letters I have commanded the Records of mine Ancestors to be examined and I find that the City of Jerusalem hath been always an enemy to their Kings and that the inhabitants thereof have always raised Sedition and Wars I have likewise found that their Kings have been mighty and that they have exacted from Syria and Phoenicia continual C Tributes Hedio Ruffinus cap. 9. alias cap. 4. For this cause I have ordained that the Jews shall not be permitted to re-edify their City for fear lest the boldness of that people being thereby encouraged they should according to their former custom Darius the Son of Hystaspis made Emperour of the Persians practice a new Rebellion After the receipt of these Letters Rathymus and the Scribe Semâ—lius and those of their faction took horse and rode speedily to Jerusalem leading with them a great number of People and prohibiting the Jews from the building their City or Temple Thus was this work interrupted until the second year of the Reign of Darius Ezra 5. v. 6. ad finem King of Persia for the space of nine years For Cambyses reigned six years during which time he subdued Egypt and upon his re-return from thence he dyed in Damascus And after the death of Cambyses the Magi that held the Empire of the Persians for the space of one year being taken away the D chief of the seven principal Families of Persia made Darius the Son of Hystaspis King CHAP. IV. Darius gives leave to Zerobabel a Prince of the Jews to re-build the Temple a great number return to Jerusalem under his conduct and apply themselves to the work The Samaritans and others write to Darius to forbid them but he acts contrary to their desires E DArius Darius voweth to send the sacred Vessels to Ierusalem during the time that he lived a private life made a vow unto God that if he obtained the Kingdom he would send back unto the Temple of Jerusalem all those Vessels which were as yet remaining in Babylon It fell out that about the same time that he was made King Zerobabel Zerobabel who was appointed Governor over the Captive Jews came unto him from Jerusalem And being the Kings antient friend he with two others had three of the Principal Offices of the King's House conferred upon them and were placed the nearest about his person The first year of the Reign of Darius he entertained all his Courtiers with great pomp and magnificence both those of his Houshold and those also that were his Governors and Princes of Media and Persia and the Commanders in India confining upon Ethiopia with all the Chieftains F of his Army in one hundred twenty and seven Provinces Now after they had Feasted and were full of Wine they departed each of them unto their Lodgings to betake themselves to rest Darius propoundeth three questions to three of his Guard but King Darius being laid in his Bed reposed very little all the night long but passed the time without sleep Whereupon seeing he could not compose himself to rest he began to discourse with these three great Officers promising unto him that should most truly and aptly answer those questions that he should demand to grant him licence by way of reward to wear a Purple Garment and to drink in a Golden Cup to lye on a Golden Bed and to ride in a Chariot whose Horses should be harnassed with Gold and to wear the Tiara or linnen Wreath and a Golden Chain about his neck and sit in the next place to the King and should likewise G be called his Kinsman in regard of his Wisdom After he had made these large promises he demanded of the first whether Wine were the strongest of the second H Whether the King were stronger The year of the World 3443 before Christ's Nativity 521. of the third Whether Women or Truth were the strongest of the three As soon as he had deliver'd them these questions to deliberate upon he laid him down to rest Upon the morrow he sent for the Princes Chieftains and Governors of Persia and Media and afterwards sitting aloft in that Throne from whence he was accustomed to determine controversies between his subjects he commanded those three young men in the presence of that Princely Assembly publickly to resolve those questions which he had proposed Whereupon the first of them began after this manner to express the force of Wine The first expresseth the power of wine Noble Princes when I consider the force of Wine I find nothing that can surpass it for Wine disturbeth the judgment and maketh the Princes understanding like to that of a Child who hath I need of one that should always direct him It giveth the slave that freedom in discourse which his thraldom had deprived him of It equalleth the poor man to the rich It changeth and transformeth the soul assuageth the miserable mans grief and maketh the Prisoners forget their bonds and think themselves very rich so that they think not on mean things but talk of Talents and such things as appertain unto the most wealthy It causeth them to lose all apprehension both of Princes and Kings and taketh from them the remembrance of their friends and familiars It armeth them against their greatest friends and maketh them suppose their nearest relations to be strangers and when the Wine concocted by night and sleep hath forsaken them they rise and know not what they have committed in their drunkenness When the first of them had spoken thus in favor of Wine The second extolleth the Kings power he that had undertaken to K shew that nothing was equal to the power of Kings began after this manner Kings saith he have dominion over men Esdr 3 4. who govern the earth and at their pleasure can command the Sea to serve them Kings have power and dominion over those men who master and command the most untamed and mightiest creatures it therefore appeareth that their force and puissance exceedeth that of all these If they command their subjects to wage War and to expose themselves to danger they are obedient and if they send them out against their enemies they willingly obey them by reason of their force By their command they level Mountains beat down Walls and raze Towers And if they command their subjects to kill or be killed they resist not for fear lest they should seem to transgress the Kings commandment When they have obtained the victory all the glory and profit of the War redoundeth unto the King They likewise L that bear no Arms but intend the tillage of the earth after they have born all the toil they reap and
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
which he intended As soon as he came to Babylon he took divers of his Countreymen with him who willingly follow'd him and went with him unto Jerusalem in the 25 year of the Reign of Xerxes and after G he had deliver'd his Letters to Sadeas and the other Governors he assembled the people of Jerusalem and standing up in the midst of them he spake unto the whole Congregation H to this effect The year of the World 3519. before Christ's Nativity 445. You men of Jury there is none of you but know what care God Almighty hath been pleased to take of our Forefathers Abraham Isaac and Jacob in regard of their piety and love to justice and he doth still make it evident that he will not abandon us in that I have obeained favour of the King and permission by his assistance to rebuild the Walls of our City and finish the rest of the Temple I therefore pray you who are assuredly persuaded of the envy and hatred the neighbouring Nations bear unto you Nehemias having gotten licence and authority to build the walls of Jerusalem inciteth the people thereunto who hearing that we are intent upon our building will overpress us and labour by all means possible to hinder us first to relie upon Gods Providence who will oppose himself against the hatred which they bear us and afterwards to intermit neither day nor night in prosecution of the building but with all care continue the work in that the opportunity doth require our diligence After he had spoken I to this effect he gave order that the Governors should take the measure of the Wall and distribute the task among the people Nehem. 2. v. 1. ad 11. according to the Burroughs and Towns and to every mans ability and after he had promised to employ both himself and all his family therein he dismissed the Assembly Hereupon the Jews incited by his authority addressed themselves to the work and then it was that they first began to give the name of Jews to those of our Nation who returned from the Captivity and to the Countrey the name of Judea because it had been heretofore inhabited by those of the Tribe of Juda. The Ammonites Moabites Samaritans and all the Inhabitants of Coelosyria understanding that the walls were raised with such haste and diligence Nehem. 4. 1. ad 15. were much troubled and resolved K with themselves to lie in ambush and to hinder them in the prosecution of their work so that they slew divers Jews and sought the means likewise to murther Nehemias himself and having hired certain strangers with money to commit the fact they â—ay in wait for him V. 16. ad fin They endeavour'd also to terrifie the Jews with vain reports The ardent care in building the walls of Jerusalem and by spreading certain rumors that divers Nations intended to make War against them by which reports being much troubled they desisted for a time from the prosecution of their building Yet none of these things could weaken Nehemia's diligence or resolution but that keeping a guard round about him he diligently prosecuted his design setting light by all occurrents so great was his affection to accomplish the work And therefore he carefully stood upon his guard not that he fear'd death but because he was persuaded L that his Fellow-Citizens would abate of their courage and resolution if he continued not with them to animate them to the prosecution of so holy an enterprize He commanded likewise that the Workmen while they wrought should have their Arms near them so that both Masons and Labourers carried their Swords Moreover he gave order that they should have their Targets by them and he placed certain Trumpetters some 500 foot distant the one from the other charging them that as soon as they discover'd the Enemy from any part they should incontinently sound the alarum and give notice unto the people to arm themselves and prepare for the fight for fear they should be surprized and found unprovided He himself also walked the round about the City by night The walls of Jerusalem finished with an indefatigable courage and without either eating or M sleeping but only for necessity sake and this labour endured he for the space of two years and three months for the Wall of Jerusalem was built again in that time in the 28 year of the Reign of Xerxes and in the ninth month After the City was fortified Nehemias and the people offered Sacrifices unto God Provision for the Priests and spent eight dayes in feasting When the rumor was spread abroad that this building was finished the Inhabitants of Syria were sore displeased But Nehemias perceiving that the City was weakly manned besought the Priests and Levites to forsake their dwellings without the City and to come and dwell within and to that intent he built them houses upon his own charge He ordained likewise that they that intended their Husbandry should bring the Tenths of their fruits unto Jerusalem to the intent that the Priests and Levites by enjoying their continual N maintenance 1 Esdras 10. might omit no time in the service of God The death of Nehemias wherein he was readily obey'd By this means the City of Jerusalem was very well peopled After that Nehemias had honourably accomplish'd divers other worthy actions deserving praise he died in a good old age He was a man so good so just and highly affectionate towards his Countrey and one to whom they are so much obliged for the benefits which they have receiv'd that his memory will remain for ever among the Jews O CHAP. VI. The year of the World 3543. before Christ's Nativity 421. A Artaxerxes succeeds his father Xerxes in the Kingdom of Persia he repudiates Queen Vashti his Wife and espouseth Esther the Neece of Mardocheus A man persuades Artaxerxes to banish all the Jews and to apprehend Mardocheus but he is hanged and Mardocheus established in his place AFter the death of Xerxes Hedio Ruffinus cap. 6. the Kingdom fell to Cyrus his son who by the Grecians was call'd Artaxerxes Under his government all the race of the Jews both Men Women and Children were in danger to be utterly exterminated the cause whereof I B will hereafter declare But first of all I must speak somewhat of the King and declare how it came to pass Esther 1 2. that he married an Hebrew Woman of the Blood Royal by whose means as it is said our Nation was preserv'd After that Artaxerxes had taken the Kingdom upon him and establish'd Governors over 127 Provinces from India as far as Aethiopia in the third year of his Reign he entertain'd and feasted all his Friends with great magnificence the Nations of Persia likewise with their Governors for 180 days He feasted after this for the space of seven days the Ambassadors of all Nations in the City of Susa after this manner
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
divers places and planting them again in the same And in especial to the end that the service of God may be renewed we have set down a certain sum of money to be imployed in sacrifices and in buying Beasts for their offerings Wine Oyl and incense that is to say twenty thousand sicles of Silver and for sine Floure according to the law of the place one thousand four hundred and sixty measures of Wheat and three hundred seventy and five measures of salt And my will is that all these things that are above-named be delivered unto them according to the form of our ordinance We likewise command that the work of the Temple be finished with the galleries and other necessary buildings and that all the Timber be brought out of Judea and other places and especially out of Libanus without any tax or tallage which exemption also shall D take effect in all other necessaryes that are requisite towards the reparation of so famous a Temple My pleasure likewise is that all they of the same Nation govern their State according to their own laws Let the antient Priests and Scribes of the Temple also and the singing men be freed from all taxations that are payed by the powl and the tributes of the Crown and all other whatsoever And to the end that the City may be the sooner built I grant unto all them that inhabit the same as this present or that hereafter transport themselves thither within the month of October to inhabit the same with exemption from all charges for three years space We forgive them moreover the third part of their tributes to the intent they may recover their losses We will also that those Citizens that have been forcibly led from thence into servitude be set at liberty both they themselves and also those that are of their E alliance commanding their goods to be restored unto them Farewell These are the contents of this Letter The Edict of Antiochus the great in honor of the Temple And to yeild the more honour unto the Temple he sent an edict thorow all his Kingdom to this effect That it should not be lawfull for any stranger to enter within the inclosure of the Temple without the Jews permission except those that should be purified according to the law and custom of the place That no man should bring into the city any flesh of Horses Mules wild or tame Asses Leopards Foxes or Hares or Generally of any Cattel prohibited to be eaten by the laws of the Jews That it should not be lawful likewise for any man to bring their Skins into the City or to nourish any such beasts in the same but that it might be only lawfull to use these beasts which might be sacrificed unto God according to the law of their ancestors That F whosoever should not observe these laws he should pay three thousand drachmes of silver unto the Priests Furthermore to express his piety and fidelity towards us at such time as he heard of the troubles that happned in Phrygia and Lydia he wrought also unto Zeuxis Governour of one of the higher Provinces and his intire friend commanding him to send certain of our Nation from Babylon to Phrygia writing unto him unto this effect G H King Antiochus to Zeuxis his Father The year of the World 3790. before Christ's Nativity 204. Health Vnderstanding that those of Lydia and Phrygia are newly fallen into Rebellion I have thought good according to my duty to prevent the same and whilest I consulted with my friends what was to be done Antiochus's Epistle to Zeuxis in which he maketh honourable mention of the Jews it hath been thought fit that two thousand Families of the Jews should be sent thither all which should be drawn out of Mesopotamia and Babylon to plant them in Garisons and places of security For I am persuaded of their good affection and zeal towards us both in respect of their devotion towards God as also from the testimony which our Predecessors have given them namely that they are faithful and ready to execute that wherein I they are employed Moreover it is our pleasure that notwithstanding all difficulties you cause them to pass thither and permit them to live according to their own Laws Now when they shall arrive in that place thou shalt bestow on every one of them ground to build them houses on with sufficient Lands both for Tillage and to plant their Vineyards in for which they shall pay no Tribute for ten years space and during such time as they may gather of their own for their sustenance they shall be allowed their provision of Corn for themselves and their servants Our will is also that they who shall be employed on necessary affairs be sufficiently provided of that they need to the intent that being so bountifully dealt withall by us they may shew themselves the more affectionate in that which concerneth us Thou shalt give order also to the uttermost of thy power that this Nation be no wayes oppressed or injured by any man Farewell K Hitherto we have sufficiently declared what friendship Antiochus the Great bare unto the Jews Antiochus's friendship and confederacy with Ptolomy After this Antiochus contracted an alliance and friendship with Ptolomy who gave him his daughter Cleopatra in marriage and assigned him for her dowry Coelosyria The Samaritans molest the Jews Samaria Judea and Phoenicia and because these two Kings divided the Tributes between them the chiefest in authority in every Province collected from their Countrey and paid the Sum agreed upon to the Kings Treasury At that time the Samaritans puffed up with their prosperity vexed the Jews spoiling their Countrey Hedio Ruffinus cap. 4. and leading them away Prisoners by force This hapned under the High-Priest Onias Onias the High-Priest provoketh the King of Egypt for non-payment of his Tribute For after the decease of Eleazar Manasses his Uncle obtained the Priesthood L and after the death of Manasses Onias the son of Simon sirnamed the Just enjoyed this dignity Simon was brother to Eleazar as I have heretofore related This Onias was of no great capacity and withall was very covetous by which means he failed to pay the twenty Talents of silver which his Predecessors were wont to pay to the Kings of Egypt of the Tribute which the People paid unto him Whereupon Ptolomy Evergetes the father of Philopater was grievously incensed against him so as he sent an Ambassador to Jerusalem to accuse him because he failed to pay his accustomed Tribute threatning him that if henceforth he received it not he would divide the Countrey amongst his Soldiers and send them to inhabit it When the Jews heard this they were much troubled but Onias was no whit moved thereby because he was wholly given over to covetousness M N O CHAP. IV. The year of the World 3774. before Christ's Nativity 194. A
he came to Alexandria with an intent to besiege the City and to lay hold of the King who was therein But he was driven not only from Alexandria but also out of all Egypt by the summons that were sent him by the Romans The History of Antiochus Epiphanes who commanded him to depart and withdraw his Army out of that Countrey as we have heretofore declared in another place Now will I more largely and particularly discourse the acts of this King who overcame Judea and spoiled the Temple for having only made a brief mention of him in my former works I think it necessary in this place to make a more exact recital of his History CHAP. VII M King Antiochus being received into Jerusalem utterly ruines it pillageth the Temple and builds a Cittadel that commands the Town He abolisheth the worship of God many Jews forsake their Religion The Samaritans disown their relation to the Jews and consecrate the Temple at Samaria to Jupiter AFter that King Antiochus was returned out of Egypt and for the fear of the Romans had forsaken that Countrey Antiochus entering Jerusalem spoileth the Temple he led his Army against Jerusalem and encamped before the City and took it by surrender the Gates of the City being set open unto him by those of his Faction which hapned in the 143 year since the beginning of N the Reign of Seleucus When he saw himself Lord and Master of Jerusalem he slew divers of the contrary Faction and after he had gather'd together many great and rich spoils he return'd back to Antioch Two years after in the 145 year of the Reign of that Family on the 25 day of that month which we call Chasleu and the Macedons Apellaeus the Romans December in the 153 Olympiade he returned again to Jerusalem at which time he spared not them who gave him peaceable entrance and opened the Gates But his insatiable avarice transported him so far that he feared not to violate the Temple and to spoil it of all those riches which he knew to be there laid up being no less insolent towards his friend than to the offender he spared neither For having seen what quantity of Gold was in the Temple and how great a number of Presents O and precious Ornaments were there laid up he was so covetous that he brake and violated all covenants and conditions After therefore he had spoiled the Temple and carried away the vessels dedicated unto God the golden Candlestick the golden Altar the Table of the Shew-bread The year of the World 3789. before Christ's Nativity 164. the Censers and pulled down the Curtains made of fine linen A and scarlet After he had emptied the treasures that were hidden and left nothing behind him of any value to compleat the miseries of the Jews he forbade them to offer their usual and daily sacrifice unto God according to the order of the Law and after he had spoiled the whole City he slew a great part of the Inhabitants and carried away the rest of them into captivity with their wives and children to the number of 10000. Furthermore he burnt the fairest buildings of the City and razed the walls and raised a Fortress in the lower City For the Temple was as it were a high Cittadel commanding the rest For this cause having inclosed it with high walls and towers he placed a Garison of Macedonians therein with whom remained the rabble and scum of the wicked Apostate Jews who were given over to all impieties and who also afflicted their Fellow-Citizens B with many injuries The King also commanded that an Altar should be erected in the Temple Antiochus abrogating Gods Law through extreme tyranny enforceth the Jews to Idolatry and fortifieth the Temple on which he caused Swine to be slaughtered offering Sacrifice contrary to the Religion and Ordinances of the Jews He constrained them likewise to forsake the worship of the true God and to adore those Idols whom he reverenced for gods building in every City and Borough both Temples and Altars on which he ordinarily caused Swine to be offered He forbade them likewise to circumcise their children threatning to punish him whosoever he were that was found to do the contrary Moreover he chose certain overseers that should compel them to observe his commands Hedio Ruffinus cap. 7. so that a great number of Jews some of their own accord others for fear of punishment conformed to the Kings commands But those men who were of upright hearts and valiant C minds little regarded these menaces For having more respect to their laws and customs than to the torments wherewith they were threatned if they observed not the Edict they were beaten and exposed to most cruel punishments for many dayes amidst which many times they yielded up the ghost For after they were whipt and maim'd in their bodies they were crucifi'd and tortur'd alive they strangled the Women also with their circumcised children whom according to the Kings command they hung about the necks of their Parents who were crucified And if in any place they found any part of the sacred Scripture they defac'd and burnt it and they with whom it was found were put to a most cruel death The Samaritans seeing this affliction of the Jews The Devil seeketh to abolish the Bible pretended no further alliance to D them and called their Temple of Garazim no more the Temple of God but as we have heretofore declared they shewed their own corrupt and unconstant natures The variable wits of the Samaritans which made them so odious in the sight of the Jews and derived their descent from the Medes and Persians as in effect they were wherefore they sent Ambassadors to Antiochus with Letters to this effect To King Antiochus the visible God the request of the Sidonians that dwell in Sichem Our Ancestors enforced by the continual Pestilence that reigned in their Countrey and induced by a certain ancient Superstition have been accustomed to observe that day as a festival which the Jews call their Sabbath and having built on the Mount of Garazim a Temple and E dedicated it unto a God who hath no name they have offered up in the same divers solemn Sacrifices But since that you have inflicted punishment on the Jews according as their wickedness deserveth the Commissaries of the King supposing that we were tied to their customs by reason of some Alliance between us join us with them and charge us with the same Accusations whereas we are born Sidonians as appeareth by our publick Records We therefore beseech you who are our Benefactor and Saviour to command your Governor Apollonius and your Steward Nicanor not to molest us any more by charging us with those Accusations which are peculiar to the Jews who neither are tied to us by Alliance nor agree with us in Customs but that our Temple which hath not hitherto born the name or title of any god
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
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
from thence unto Tyre where he was taken and after he had suffer'd many miseries by the hands of his Enemies he finally died Alexander having by this means obtained the Kingdom Alexander slain in the conflict betwixt him and Antiochus Gryphus made a league of amity with I Hircanus And whereas it fell out that Antiochus sirnamed Gryphus the son of Demetrius made War against him he was overcome and slain in the battel When Antiochus had taken possession of the Kingdom of Syria he forbare to make War against the Jews for that he had intelligence that his brother by the mothers side who was in like sort named Antiochus assembled an Army against him at Cyzicus Remaining therefore in his Countrey he resolved to make preparation against his brothers coming who was called Cyzicenus because he was brought up in that City and was the son of Antiochus called the Conserver who died in the Countrey of the Parthians and who was brother to Demetrius the father of Gryphus and it fell out that both these brothers were married to one and the same Cleopatra as we have heretofore express'd When Antiochus the Cyzicenian K was arrived in Syria he made War against his brother which continued many years during all which time Hircanus lived in peace for presently after Antiochus's death he revolted from the subjection of the Macedonians and from that time forward gave them no succors Hircanus whilest the brothers weaken themselves by civil wars liveth in peace neither as Subject or Friend but his fortunes both augmented and flourished greatly during the time of Alexander Zebina and principally during the Reign of these two brothers For the War wherein they consum'd one another gave Hircanus an opportunity to levy all the Revenues of Judea without any contradiction so that by the same means he gather'd infinite sums of money For whil'st the Cyzicenian destroy'd his brothers Countrey Hircanus also made known his inclination and disposition and seeing likewise that Antiochus was destitute of those succors he expected out of Egypt and L that both himself and his brother also through their natural discords weakned one anothers estates he despised them both CHAP. XVIII Hircanus taketh Samaria and ruines it totally How much this High-Priest was in God Almighties favor He leaveth the Pharisees and betakes him to the Sadduces His happy death HIrcanus seeing himself so powerful resolv'd to besiege Samaria which was a strong M City and is at this day called Sebasta because it was re-edifi'd by Herod as we will make manifest in time and place convenient He therefore began to besiege and batter the same with all diligence Hircanus besiegeth Samaria animated thereunto because of the extreme hatred he bare the Samaritans who on purpose to please the King of Syria had offer'd many grievous affronts to the Marissens who were descended from and allied with the Jews He therefore made a Trench round about the City with a double Wall of 80 furlongs and committed the general command of this siege to his sons Antigonus and Aristobulus who so diligently and valiantly behaved themselves Antiochus seeking to relieve the Samaritans is overcome and put to flight by Aristobulus that the Samaritans being overpressed with extreme famine were constrained to eat such things as were unusual and unaccustomed amongst men and to call Antiochus the Cyzicenian to their aid who readily repaired N thither but was repulsed by Aristobulus's Soldiers and being pursu'd by the two brethren as far as Scythopolis he hardly escaped and they returning to their siege freshly assaulted and besieged the Samaritans within their own Walls so that once more they were constrained to send Ambassadors to Antioch for aid who was their Ally who sent unto Ptolomey Lathyrus for about some 6000 men who furnish'd him with them contrary to his mothers mind who therefore had almost thrust him out of his dominion As soon as he had receiv'd them he made a road into Hircanus's Countrey and spoilt and forag'd the same as far as Egypt For he durst not give him battel hand to hand because he had not competent Forces but thought that in spoiling the Countrey he might cause them to raise the siege and forsake Samaria but after he had lost a great number of his O men by divers snares of his Enemies he went unto Tripoly committing the general charge of that War to Callimander and Epicrates two of his Captains Callimander more rashly than wisely attempting to set upon the Enemy was himself slain and his Soldiers routed The year of the World 3854. before Christ's Nativity 110. And Epicrates given over to covetousness did openly yield up Scythopolis and A other Cities into the hands of the Jews so that it was impossible for either of them to raise the siege At last after that Hircanus had continued his siege before the City for the space of one whole year he became master of it and not contenting himself with the taking hereof Epicrates corrupted with money selleth Scythopolis and other places to the Jews he utterly destroy'd it enforcing the Rivers through the midst thereof yea he ruined the same in such sort that the mud and soil both of the water and earth took away all the appearance of the City so that it seemed as if it had never been Of this Hircanus there is a certain incredible matter committed to memory namely how during his High-Priesthood God had conference with him For it is reported That the very same day wherein his sons fought against Antiochus the Cyzicenian whil'st being B himself alone Hircanus taketh Samaria he offer'd incense in the Temple he heard a voice saying That his two sons had at that present overcome Antiochus Hircanus is foretold by a voice in the Temple of his sons victory all which he incontinently signifi'd unto the people at the gate of the Temple and according as he had said so it came to pass See here what occurrences hapned in Hircanus's time About this very instant likewise the affairs of the Jews prospered not only in Jerusalem and Judea but also amongst the Inhabitants of Alexandria and finally in Egypt and Cyprus For Queen Cleopatra rebelling against her son Ptolomey Lathyrus appointed Chelcias and Ananias Chelcias and Ananias Captains of Cleopatras Army the sons of that Onias who had built the Temple in Heliopolis according to the pattern of that in Jerusalem her Generals And having committed her Army unto their hands she acted nothing without their advice according as Strabo the Cappadocian witnesseth Strabo of Cappadocia his report of the loyalty of the Jews speaking after this manner Divers of those who came with us and C of those who had been sent into Cyprus from Cleopatra suddenly revolted to Ptolomey only the Jews that were of Onias 's faction remained constant in their duty because the Queen made great account and reckoning of Chelcias and Ananias their Countreymen Thus
Gazeans had the upper hand because that they made their Enemies believe that Ptolomey was come to their rescue but as soon K as the day appeared and this opinion was found false as soon as the Jews were assured of the truth they turned back upon them and charging the Gazeans they slew about 1000 of them Notwithstanding all this the besieged stood out still being neither daunted with loss of Men nor lack of Provision whatsoever resolving rather to endure any misery than yield to their Enemies Aretas King of Arabia flattereth the Gazeans with hope of rescue and that which made them more confident was the hope of help which they expected from Aretas King of Arabia who had promised no less But it came to pass that Apollodotus was slain before his arrival and the City taken For Lysimachus his brother conceived a jealousie against him by reason of the good opinion which the Inhabitants had of him Lysimachus killeth his brother Apollodotus and betrayed Gaza to Alexander and having slain him and gather'd those fighting Men that he L might he yielded up the City unto Alexander who at the first made a peaceable entry but afterwards dispersed his Soldiers and gave them licence to execute all hostility against the Citizens so that they acted their cruelty in every place and slew many of the Gazeans Neither died these Citizens unrevenged but so manfully behaved themselves that they butchered no less number of Jews than they murthered Citizens among them Some of them likewise perceiving themselves to be alone set their Houses on fire taking away first that which was therein that the Enemy might not be 〈◊〉 with their spoils Others killed their Wives and Children with their own hands to deliver them from the Enemies cruelty But the Senators to the number of 500 fled into the Temple of Apollo for to save themselves but that did not secure them for when the Enemy M entred the Town they were by chance assembled in counsel Alexander 〈◊〉 them all to the sword and instantly razed and levelled that City with the ground which done he returned to Jerusalem after he had spent one whole year at the siege before Gaza About this time Antiochus Antiochus Gryphus slain sirnamed Gryphus died by the Treason of Heracleon in the 45 year of his age and in the â—9 of his Reign His son Seleucus had the Kingdom after him Seleucus Gryphus son maketh War with Antiochus the Cyzicenian who made War against his Uncle Antiochus sirnamed 〈◊〉 and having overcome him he slew him Not long after Antiochus the son of Cyzicenus and Antoninus sirnamed the Deâ—out came to Arade and crowned them and made War against Seleucus whom they overcame in one conflict and drove him out of all 〈◊〉 who flying into Cilicia and arriving again in the City of the Mopseates he exacted a sum of money from the Citizens N But the people were so incensed that they set his Palace on fire whereby it came to pass Antiochus Eusebes putteth Seleucus to flight that both he and his friends were burnt to dust During the time that Antiochus the son of Cyzicenuâ— reigned in â—yria another Antiochus Seleucus's brother made War against him but he was not only overcome but both he and his Army were put to the sword Antiochus Seleucus's brother fighteth against Antiochus the son of the Cyzicenian After him â—hilip his son took the Crown and governed in certain places of Syria Mean while Ptolomey Lathyrus sent to 〈◊〉 for his fourth brother Demetrius Eucaerus and made him King of Damascus Against these two brothers Antiochus made a manly and valiant resistance but died very shortly after For repairing to Laodicea to succor the Queen of the Galadenians Demetrius Eucâ—rus made King of Damascus by Ptolomey Laâ—â—â—rus who made VVar against the â—arthians he was killed fighting valiantly and his two brothers Demetrius and Philip possessed Syria as hereafter O shall be declared As for Alexander his own Subjects rebelled against him for the people arose and mutined at such time as he assisted at the Altar to solemnize the feast of Tabernacles and during the time that he intended the Sacrifice they cast Citrons at him The year of the World 3884. before Christ's Nativity 80. for as we have declared elsewhere the Jews have this custom that on the feast A of the Tabernacles each one bringeth a branch of Palm and of Citrons They upbraided him also with many injurious speeches reproaching him that he had been Prisoner in War and that he was also unworthy of the honour of the Priesthood Whereupon Citrons cast at Alexander he being moved by these disgraces put to death about 6000 Men and having made an inclosure of Wood about the Temple and the Altar as far as the place whereinto it was lawful for none to enter but the Priest he kept there to the intent the people might not apprehend him he entertained also certain foreign Soldiers Pisidians and Cilicians For being at odds with the Syrians he made no use of them After this having overcome the Arabians he constrained the Moabites and Galaadites to pay him Tribute and destroyed the City of Amath whilest Theodore for fear gave B over to resist him Amath destroyed But encountering with Obeda the King of Arabia and being surprized and betrayed by an ambuscado in certain miry places Obeda King of Arabia he was thrust by the crowd of Camels into a deep Trench near unto Gadara a Village of Galaad from whence he almost despaired to escape notwithstanding having overcome that danger he came to Jerusalem And besides this the people hated him against whom he made VVar for the space of six years and slew at the least 50000 of them and the more he entreated them to be quiet they grew worse against him for what they had suffered so that when he demanded of them What they would have him do to please them They all of them with one voice cried out That he should kill himself And thereupon they presently sent messengers to Demetrius 〈◊〉 requesting him of his favor and assistance C CHAP. XXII Demetrius Eucerus King of Syria comes to assist the Jews against their King Alexander whom he defeats in a battel and retireth The Jews prosecute the War alone against him he overcomes them in several battels and proves extreme cruel to them Demetrius besiegeth his brother Philip in Bâ—roa Mithridates Synaces King of the Parthians sends an Army against him taketh him Prisoner he dyeth shortly after DEmetrius coming onward with his Army Hedio Ruffinus cap. 20. and taking with him those who had incited D him to the enterprize Demetrius Eucâ—rus marcheth out against Alexander came and encamped near unto the City of Sicheâ— But Alexander gathering together some 20000 Jews whom he knew to be well-affected towards him with 6200 mercenary soldiers and strangers marched forward against Demetrius
and hated Ptolomey the son of Mennaeus Aretas led his Army into Jewry N and got a victory against Alexander near to Addida which done he retired out of Judea Aretas King of Câ—oelosyria upon a composition made between them Moreover once more Alexander marched towards the City of Dion and took it And afterwards he led his Army against Essa where Zeno had hoarded up his chiefest riches Certain Cities taken by Alexander and before he assailed the Fortress he invironed the place with three huge Walls which he built round about it and having taken it by force he marched to Gaulana and Seleucia which having overcome he made himself Master of a valley called the valley of Antiochus with the Fortress of Gamala And objecting many crimes against Demetrius the Lord of those places he dispossessed him of his government Then after he had made War for the space of three whole years he returned into his Countrey where the Jews entertained him willingly O by reason of the happy exploits which he had atchieved About the same time the Jews were already possessed of the Cities of Syria Idumaea and Phoenicia of the Tower of Straton Apollonia Joppa Jamnia Azor Gaza Anthedon Raphia Rhinocura all which were near unto the Sea and in the firm land on the one A side of Idumaea as Adora Marissa and all Samaria the Mounts Carmel and Itabyr and herewith Scythopolis Gadara Gaulanitis Seleucia Gabala and of Moab Essebon Medaba Lemba Orona Telithon and Zara Antonia of Cilicia and Pella This last City was destroy'd by them The Jews are Lords of the Cities of the Syrians Idumaeans and Phaenicians because the Inhabitants would not promise to be converted to the Religion of the Jews with divers others of the principal Cities of Syria also which were conquer'd by them After this King Alexander fell sick by the means of a surfeit and drunkenness and for the space of three years he was sick of a Quartane Ague Nevertheless he continued alwayes in the Camp Pella destroyed and razed until such time that being wearied with toyle he died on the B borders of the Countrey of the Gerasens Alexander's sickness as he besieged Regaba which is a Castle situate on the other side of Jordan The Queen perceiving that he was at deaths door and that there remained neither hope of life nor recovery she began to weep and lament and to beat her breasts because both she and her children were likely now to be left desolate and in these words she bemoaned her self unto him To whom wilt thou leave both me and thy children in the state wherein we are Or why should we survive or live one after another considering that thou assuredly knowest that the hearts of thy people are averse from us Hereupon the King comforted her and gave her this counsel That if she would assure the Kingdom both unto her self and her children she should behave her self according to his direction Alexander instructeth his wife how she should reign securely which was first to conceal his death and not to suffer his Soldiers to have notice thereof until she had taken this Castle Which done he advised her to repair to Jerusalem C in pomp and triumph and that being there she should bestow some authority upon the Pharisees The authority of the Pharisees among the people who would sound her praise and obtain her the peoples favor For said he these kind of men are in great esteem and credit with the people and can do much hurt unto those they hate and benefit them very mightily towards whom they are well affected For the people easily believeth them when they find fault with any man notwithstanding it be of envy and that himself also had incur'd the displeasure of the people for their sakes in that he had offended them When as therefore said he thou shalt arrive in Jerusalem send thou for the chiefest amongst them and pray them to come unto thee and after you have shewed them my dead body use the most plausible speech that you can and give them permission to dispose of my body as they D please whether it be their pleasure to interdict and deny me funeral in that they have received many indignities by me or whether to be revenged they will offer any ignominy to my body and promise you them that you will do nothing in the administration or government of the Kingdom but by thier advice If in this sort you frame both your manners and discourse towards them it will come to pass that I shall be buried by them with great magnificence which otherwise I could not be by any other means because they will offer no outrage to my body no although you should permit them and besides that you shall neigâ— in more assurance and quiet Having given his Wife these advertisements Alexander's death he gave up the ghost after he had reigned 27 years and lived 49. CHAP. XXIV E King Alexander leaveth two sons Hircanus who was High-Priest and Aristobulus their mother Queen Alexandra gaineth the favor of the People through the Pharisees means having given them great authority she consents through their persuasion to put the most faithful of the King her husbands servants to death and to please the rest of them she giveth them the Government of the most considerable places Tygranes King of Armenias invasion into Syria Aristobulus endeavoureth to make himself King The death of Queen Alexandra AFter that Alexander had taken the Castle of Ragaba she conferreth with the Pharisees F Alexander's funeral according to her Husbands counsel and committed unto their discretion not only that which concerned her Husbands funerals but also the government of the kingdom whereby she not only appeased the displeasure which formerly they had conceived against Alexander but also obtained their good will and friendship They came and declaimed amongst the people making an oration of the actions and deeds of Alexander lamenting everywhere that they had lost a good King Hedio Ruffinus cap. 22. and by praising him they incited the people to great grief and lamentation Hircanus and Aristobulus Alexander's sons so that they buried him with more magnificence than any King that reigned before him This Alexander left two sons behind him the one called Hircanus the other Aristobulus and by his Testament committed the government G of the kingdom to Alexandra his Wife For Hircanus was uncapable to manage affairs and rather delighted in peace and quiet and Aristobulus who was the younger H was both active and fit for government The year of the World 3890. before Christ's Nativity 74. The people were well affected towards Alexandra because she had manifestly expressed how greatly she misliked her Husbands misgovernment She appointed Hircanus High-Priest both in regard of his age as also for that by nature he was addicted to peace and quiet and committed all things to the
lost but 50. Mithridates wrote hereof unto Caesar and shew'd him that Antipater was the cause of the victory and of their preservation so that Caesar ever afterward highly commended him and in all his War made use of Antipater in his most dangerous attempts so that Antipater was grievously wounded in divers fights and behav'd himself bravely Now after that the War was finished Caesar came by Sea into Syria and bestowed great C honours as well on Hircanus to whom he confirmed the High-Priesthood as on Antipater Caesar confirmeth Hircanus in the Priesthood and maketh Antipater a Citizen of Rome whom he made a free Citizen of Rome and granted him all other priviledges belonging thereunto Divers report that Hircanus himself was in this War and that he came into Egypt which Strabo the Cappadocian affirmeth speaking after this manner by the authority of Asinius after that Mithridates had entred Egypt with Hircanus the High-Priest of the Jews The same Strabo in another place speaketh thus by the authority of Hypsicrates Strabo That Mithridates went alone and that Antipater was sent for into Ascalon where he prepared 3000 Soldiers Asinius because he was Governor of Judea and encouraged the rest of the Governors Hypsicrates and Hircanus the High-Priest also had a part in this War Thus far Strabo At that time came Antigonus Aristobulus's son to Caesar lamenting his father who had been D poysoned in his service and how his brother had his head struck off by Scipio beseeching him to have compassion of him Antigonus Aristobulus 's son accuseth Hircanus and Antipater before Caesar being thrust out of his Kingdom He accused Hircanus and Antipater also for their tyrannical and violent government over their Nation and injuries offered to himself Antipater being at that time present answered for himself to those points wherein he was accused declaring That Antigonus and his friends were factious and seditious men Antipater's answer to his objection as for himself how much he had done and how many exploits he had executed in the late War whereof Caesar himself was a witness Moreover he avowed that Aristobulus had been justly led twice into captivity to Rome Antipater made Governor over Judea for that he had been alwayes an Enemy and no wayes well affectioned towards the Romans And as for his brother who was beheaded by Scipio he averred that he was justly punished by him for his Roberies and not injuriously E and outragiously as he pretended After that Antipater had spoken to this effect Caesar declared Hircanus High-Priest and gave Antipater any government whatsoever he liked best who according to his choice was appointed Governor of Judea CHAP. XVI Caesar giveth leave to Hircanus to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem Honours conferred on Hircanus by the Republick of Athens Antipater causeth the rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem F MOreover Hedio Ruffinus cap. 17. al. 18. Caesar permitted Hircanus to repair the Walls of Jerusalem according to his humble suit For after that Pompey had beaten them down they lay levelled with the earth Hircâ—nus by Caesar's permission repaireth the walls of Jerusalem and he commanded the Consuls at Rome that his Decree should be Registred in the Capitol in these words following Valerius the son of Lucius the Pretor hath related to the Senate assembled in the Temple of Concord the 13 day of December in the presence of L. Caponius the son of Lucius and Caius Papyrius Quirinus The Senates Decree as touching their league with the Jews the requests made by Alexander the son of Jason Numenius the son of Antiochus and Alexander the son of Dorotheus Ambassadors in the behalf of the Jews Men of good Repute and our Allies and proposed by them for renewing the ancient favors they have received from the Romans and in testimony of the alliance have brought us a vial and G buckler of gold of 50000 Crowns price requiring our Letters might be given them addressed to the free Cities and the Kings our Confederates to grant them passage through the Countries H and Ports with all security The year of the World 3919. before Christ's Nativity 45. and without any offence And we have thought good to make friendship and alliance with them and to grant them all that which they require in accepting the buckler brought by them This hapned in the time that Hircanus was High-Priest and Prince and in the ninth year of his Princedom in the month of July Hircanus was in like sort honour'd by the people of Athens for many favors that they received at his hands They sent him also a Decree which they ratified in his behalf the tenor whereof ensueth The year wherein Dionysius the son of Asclepiades was Governor Hircanus honoured by the Athenians and Priest in the month of July and on the 20 day this Arrest or Decree of the Athenians was deliver'd to the Governors by the Pretor Agathocles Eucles the son of Menander the Alimusian hath written I in the 11 of March in the general Assembly and placed it in the Theatre and the suffrages were gathered by Dorotheus the High-Priest with the chief assistants of the people Dionysius the son of Dionysius published the same Since that Hircanus the son of Alexander the High-Priest and Prince of the Jews continued his good affection towards all the people and in especial towards every Citizen of Athens and hath shewed them many friendships receiving with all humanity those Athenians that come unto him whether they resort thither as Ambassadors or for any other particular occasion whatsoever and sendeth them back after they have provided them of safe conduct whereof we have heretofore had testimony by the report of Theodosius the son of Theodorus Simeus who hath made recital unto the people of his worthiness and of the will he hath to do us all the good that is possible We have thought good to honour K him by sending him a crown of told in testimony of his courtesies according to our custom and law and by erecting a brazen statue unto him in the Temple of Demus and the Graces Our will is also that this be proclaimed by a Herald in the Theatre during the Bacchanals when the new Tragedies are play'd Likewise in the solemnities Panathean and Eleusynian and at the publick Exercises We will also that the Governors provide that all that which we have advised for the honour favour affection and good will towards this man as he hath well deserved be diligently performed to the end that thereby it may appear how our Nation rewards and entertains such men that are virtuous and to the intent that the honour we impart unto him may encourage others to be the better affected toward us It is likewise decreed that amongst all the Athenians there be certain Ambassadors chosen who shall bear this Decree unto him and exhort L him to do whatsoever is profitable for our common
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
of the Senate and of Julius Caesar made in the favor of Hircanus and our Nation Caius Julius Caesar Emperor High-Priest Dictator the second Time To the Governors Senate and People of the Sidonians Health If you are well we are in health both our selves and our Army I have sent you the copy of an inscription registred in favor of Hircanus Alexanders son High-Priest and Prince of the Jews to the end it may be placed among publick B monuments and my will is that it be engraven in a table of brass both in Greek and Latine letters the Tenour whereof is this that followeth Because Hircanus Alexanders son the Jew both at this present as also heretofore as well in Peace as in War hath expressed his fidelity towards us and our estate as divers Commanders of our Armies yield testimony of him and for that in our last Alexandrine War he seconded us in the battel with Fifteen hundred Men and having been sent by us to Mithridates hath surmounted all those of his Company in valor For these causes my will is That Hircanus Alexanders son and his successors be Princes of the Jews and further that they continue always in the High-Priesthood according to the ordinance and custom of their Countrey and that both he and his children be our associates and be inrolled likewise as our chiefest friends and all C that which appertaineth to the Priesthood according to the ordinances of the Jews be attributed to him and his and if there happen any difference touching the discipline of the Jews our pleasure is that it be determined by him And as for the munitions of War and the money to be levied for the entertainment of Souldiers we think it not fit that they should be charged The Decrees made and granted by Caius Caesar being Consul are these That the sons of Hircanus be Princes over the Nation of the Jews and enjoy the places granted unto them That the High-Priest and Prince of the Jews give favor and aid unto those that are offended That Ambassadors be sent to Hircanus the son of Alexander High-Priest of the Jews to treat of amity and association with us That a brazen table be erected in the Capitol and likewise at Sidon at Tyre and at Ascalon in the Temples wherein D shall be engraven the Contents hereof in Roman and Greek letters to the end that all the Treasurers that are in the Cities and all other Magistrates may by this our Decree understand that they are our friends and that their Ambassadors be entertained with kindness and presents and that these Edicts be sent into all places Caius Caesar Emperor Dictator Consul for the good of the Senate and people of Rome hath granted to the honour vertue and humanity of Hircanus the son of Alexander that both he and his children shall be High-Priests in Jerusalem and of the whole Nation according to the Rites and Customs whereby their ancestors have enjoyed the Priesthood Caius Caesar Consul the fifth time hath ordained that they shall inhabit Jerusalem and build again the Walls of the City and that Hircanus Alexanders son the High-Priest and E Prince of the Jews shall govern as he thinks fit and that every second year of their tribute there be a part deducted out of the rent they owe and that they be exempt from all other impositions and tributes Caius Caesar twice Emperor hath ordained that the Jews shall contribute every year for their Cities except Joppa he acquitteth them also every seventh year which they call the year of the rest because that therein they neither reap nor sow neither gather the fruit of Trees His further pleasure is That every second year they bring their Tributes unto Sidon which shall be the fourth part of that which shall be sown and besides this that they pay the tenths to Hircanus and his sons which they have paid unto their Predecessors unto this day Commanding that no man whether he be Governor Captain or Embassador or F any other whatsoever he be levy Souldiers within the Countrey of Judaea or draw any therehence neither exact any money whether it be for Garisons in Winter or for any other cause but that the Jews be exempt from all troubles in all places and enjoy all that which they have had bought and possessed It is our pleasure also that the City of Joppe be under their government which they have ever enjoyed since the beginning of their league with the Romans We further grant that Hircanus Alexanders son and his children receive the tribute of that City as well by them that till the land as by the gates entries and customs of merchandizes that are transportod unto Sidon Twenty thousand six hundred seventy and five bushels every year exempting the seventh year which is called the year of rest wherein they neither labour nor gather any fruit of the Trees It is the Senates pleasure also that Hircanus and the Jews have those Villages which are in the great champain G which he and his predecessors have possessed and that with the like interests that they held them before this and that the same customs continue therein whereby they held and governed H them The year of the World 3922. before Christ's Nativity 42. Their will is likewise That the same Laws which have from the beginning been respectively observed between the Jews and their High-Priests be continued and whatsoever benefits were granted them by consent of the Senate and People of Rome Moreover it shall be lawful for those of Lâ—dda to use the same Rites and Priviledges also And as touching the demains places and habitations that have appertained to the Kings of Syria and Phoenicia by the gift made unto them at such time as they were allied to the Romans the Senate I say ordaineth That Hircanus the High-Priest and Prince of the Jews possess the same It is lawful also for Hircanus and his sons and their Ambassadors sent by them to behold the tiltings and gladiators and to sit among the Senators and that at all times wherein they shall require to be brought into the Senate by the Dictator or by the Master of the Horse they I may have free entrance and that within ten dayes at the most they receive their answer if there be any Decree ratified by the Senate Caius Caesar Emperor the fourth time Consul and the fifth time Dictator for the term of life hath ratified these things as touching Hircanus the son of Alexander the High-Priest and Prince of the Jews Because that the Generals my Predecessors have witnessed as well in the Provinces as before the Senate and People of Rome both of the good deserts of Hircanus High-Priest and Prince of the Jews and that Nation also toardsw us and our State and whereas both the Senate and People of Rome have gratified them for the same we think it convenient also to have the same recorded and to give order that Hircanus K
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
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
instantly to preserve it to the utmost asking him Herod sore troubled in pacifying the strangers If the Romans would leave him King of a Desart after they had voided the City of men and goods alledging furthermore That he esteemed the government of the whole World of no value The spoil of the City hindred in regard of the life of one of his Citizens Sosius answer'd That it was reason that the pillage should be given to the Soldiers who had born the hazard of the siege whereunto Herod answer'd That he would satisfie every man out of his own Treasury and by this means he ransom'd the rest of the City by fulfilling those promises for he gave many mighty gifts unto every one of the Soldiers and by proportion unto the Captains but above K all he royally rewarded Sosius so that every one of them departed very well satisfied These calamities hapned in the City of Jerusalem in the year wherein Marcus Agrippa and Canidius Gallus were Consuls When Jerusalem was taken which was in the 185 Olympiade in the third month on the dayes wherein the solemn Fast was celebrated as if this affliction had jumpt together in one instant with that of Pompeys which had hapned that very day 27 years Sosius offered a Crown of gold unto God and afterwards departed from Jerusalem leading Antigonus Prisoner with him unto Antonius But Herod fearing lest if Antigonus should be kept by Antonius and sent to Rome he should debate his Title with him before the Senate by protest Herod bribeth Antonius with mony to make away Antigonus that he was descended of the Royal Line whereas Herod was but a Plebeian and common person and that although he had offended the Romans and L thereby might not deserve to be King yet at least his Children who were of the Princely Line The end of the Asmonean family and the extinction of their Priesthood were not to be denied their Title Herod I say fearing these things prevailed so much by force of his money with Antonius that he caused him to put Antigonus to death so that at that time Herod was truly deliver'd from all his fear Thus ended the estate of the Asmoneans after 126 years This family was famous both for their Nobility and also by reason of their Sacerdotal dignity and for the noble actions and exploits which their Ancestors had atchieved for our Nation but they lost their authority through their mutual factions which sovereignty was derived to Herod Antipater's son who was ignoble by birth and of mean friends who were subjects and vassals to Kings See here what we have received from our Ancestors as touching the end of M the race of the Asmoneans N O The Fifteenth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS The year of the World 3930. before Christ's Nativity 34. A Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Fifteenth Book 1. Jerusalem being overcome by Sosius and Herod Antigonus is beheaded by Antony's commandment Herod maketh away the chief friends of Antigonus 2. How Hircanus being dismissed by the Parthians returneth to Herod 3. Herod after he had made Aristobulus his wife Mariamnes brother High-Priest B practiseth and worketh his death 4. Cleopatra thirsting after the Kingdoms of Jewry and Arabia laboureth to beg a part of them at Antony's hands 5. The arrival of Queen Cleopatra in Judea 6. Herod maketh War against Aretas at such time as Antony was overthrown by Caesar in the Actiac War 7. Of the earthquake in Jewry 8. Herod's Oration to his Army 9. Herod intending to repair unto Caesar doth of necessity kill Hircanus C 10. How Herod obtained the continuance of his Kingdom of Judea at Caesar's hands 11. Herod maketh away Mariamne through false calumniations of her Enemies 12. Of the famine that afflicted the land of Jewry 13. The building of Caesarea 14. Herod buildeth a new Temple in Jerusalem CHAP. I. Antony causeth Antigonus King of the Jews to be beheaded D IN the former Book I have declared how Sosius and Herod took the City of Jerusalem by force Herod preferreth his Favorites and killeth his enemies and with it Antigonus Prisoner Now we will also declare that which hath subsequently followed for after that Herod had obtained the absolute government over the whole land of Judea he advanced all those among the common people The Pharisees honoured by him who favoured his proceedings as for those who were opposed against him there passed not a day wherein some one or other of them suffered not punishment Pollio fore-prophesied Herods Tyranny But amongst the rest Pollio the Pharisee and Sameas his Disciple were highly honoured by him For during the time of the siege of Jerusalem they counselled the Inhabitants to receive and entertain Herod for which cause he respected them accordingly E Some are of opinion that Sameas made this Prediction This Pollio heretofore when Herod was found guilty of death foretold to Hircanus and the rest of the Judges That being absolved by them he should one day inflict punishment on them all Which Prediction God in process of time approv'd by the event no sooner therefore became he Master of Jerusalem The slaughter of them that were of Antigonus's faction but he gather'd together all the rich Houshold goods that was in the Palace and furthermore having robb'd the rich men of their goods and by this means raised a great sum of gold and silver he sent great Presents to Antony and his friends Moreover he condemn'd 45 of Antigonus's principal and noblest Favourites to death setting a Watch about their doors that none of them might be carried out under colour of being dead The dead bodies likewise were trodden under foot and all the gold F silver or jewels that was to be found amongst them was carried to the King and converted to his use so that there was no end of these miseries For the covetousness of the Conqueror whose greedy and thirsty desire could hardly be quenched laid hold on whatsoever was theirs And because it was the seventh year it necessarily came to pass that the Land was left uncultivated for we are forbidden to sowe in this year Antony having taken Antigonus Prisoner Antigonus beheaded resolv'd to keep him in Prison until the time of his triumph Strabo of Anâ—igonus But after that he had heard the Jews were ready to rebel and continu'd their good affection towards Antigonus in regard of the hatred they conceiv'd against Herod he concluded with himself to take his head from him at Antioch for the Jews could scarcely contain themselves Strabo of Cappadocia testifieth no less in these words G Antony having brought Antigonus the Jew to Antioch caused his head to be cut off and was the first among the Romans that hath caused a King to be beheaded in this manner supposing H that the Jews might never otherwise be induced to change
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
from angle to angle On the inside and near unto the top there was another wall of stone extended along the Eastern side having a double porch of equal greatness with that of the wall and placed in the midst of the Temple and openeth right upon the gates thereof which the Kings formerly had adorned Round about the L Temple were planted those spoils which were taken from the Barbarians which King Herod had placed there with all those spoils which he had taken from the Arabians In a corner on the North side there stood a very strong Fortress builded by the Asmonians who were Herods predecessours and had been both Kings and High Priests and had imposed a name on that Tower which was Baris in which they kept the Priestly Vesture wherewith the High Priest was wont to be adorned at that time only when he was to offer sacrifice King Herod kept the same in that place and there remained it after his death until the time of Tiberius Caesar under whom Vitellius Governor of Syria came unto Jerusalem where he was entertained by all the people with as great magnificence as was possible and being desirous to acknowledge the favour that he had received M at their hands being requested by them that they might have the keeping of the High Priests Ornaments he wrote unto Tiberius Caesar to grant them that favour and till the death of King Agrippa the Jews had the same in their possession But after that Agrippa was dead Cassius Longinus that governed Syria and Cuspius Fadus Lieutenant of Judaea commanded the Jews to return the same into the Fortress Antonia saying That the Romans ought to be Lords thereof as they had been in times past For which cause the Jews sent Embassadors to Claudius Caesar to request his favour therein who arriving at Rome found the young King Agrippa there who besought the Emperor that it might be lawful for him to have the keeping of the habit who commanded Vitellius the Governour of Syria to deliver it into his hands It was formerly kept under the N seal of the High Priest and the custody of the Treasurers and on the Eve of a certain solemn Feast the Treasurers went up to the Captain who kept the Fortress for the Romans and after they had opened their seal they took the habit and after the Feast was past they returned it back again unto the same place and shut it up under the same seal in the presence of the Captain After that Herod had in this manner builded this strong Tower for the security and guard of the Temple The Tower of Antonia he called it Antonia for the love of Antonius his friend and one of the chiefest men in Rome In the Western part of this porch there were four gates whereof the one opened upon the Kings Palace to which there was a direct way thorow the midst of the valley the two others led unto the suburbs and the fourth O opened upon the rest of the City and gave open passage unto the same by the means of a number of stairs by which men might descend to the foot of the valley and from thence there was an ascent by other stairs to ascend upwards For the City was scituate opposite to the Temple after the manner of a Theater which ended at this valley on the South side The year of the World 3955. before Christs Nativity 9. where on the very front of this square there was also another A gate in the middle equally distant from both corners and a stately Tripple Gallery the length whereof extended from the oriental valley as far as the Western It was impossible to extend it any further for it took up all the space This work was one of the most famous pieces that was ever seen under the Sun For the depth of the valley was so great that it was impossible for a man to see the bottom if he looked downward from the higher part and notwithstanding on the same he erected this porch of so great a height The porch builded aloft above the valley that but to look from the top thereof and to consider the depth as well of the Valley as the height of the Porch it would make a man giddy and his eye could not pierce unto the bottom of the same Those Galleries B were supported by four ranks of Pillars equally distant and a strong stone wall filled up the spaces that were between the pillars of the fourth rank the thickness of the pillars was such that one was as much as three men could fathom holding one another by the hand for each of them was twenty and seven foot about with a double base at the bottom The whole number of them was one hundred sixty and two they were engraven and damaskt with Corinthian work so that it moved admiration in those that beheld it Betwixt these four ranks of pillars there were three Porches containing in breadth each of them thirty foot and in length a stade or furlong and more than fifty foot in height That in the midst was in breadth once and half as much as these two and in height twice as much The floor was made of rare planks C engraven with divers figures and the roof thereof was far higher than any of the rest in which were certain huge beams morteised on which there were certain pillars builded united and joyned so together that it is incredible to those that have not seen it The inward court into which and no further the Jews might enter and admirable to him that beholdeth it for all the work seemed to be but one stone Such was the fashion of the circuit of the first Porch In the midst and not far off from the other stood the second whereunto there was an ascent made with few steps It was inclosed with a separation of stone with an Inscription forbidding any stranger to enter the same upon pain of death This inward porch both to the Southward and the Northward had three gates in rank equidistant the one from the other and toward the eastward had one great gate by which those D men entred who were cleansed with their wives For beyond that place it was not lawful for the women to have access But the third inward space was onely accessible by the Priests In it was the Temple and within it the Altar on which they were wont to offer up sacrifices unto God But Herod durst not enter into the interiour Sanctuary because he was not a Priest he committed that Fabrick to the Priests care which they accomplished in a year and a halfs time Herod had been eight years about the rest The dedication of the Temple The people were replenished with the fulness of joy and every one gave thanks unto God for that the whole Work was finished so speedily and wished all happiness to the King for his cost and diligence in the execution and
Greeks or Barbarians that make account of virtue which they have practised from all Antiquity which is that they possess their goods in common neither doth the richest among them make more use of his possessions than he that hath least of all They are at least four thousand in number who have neither Wives nor Slaves supposing that Women are the occasion of injustice and Slaves do cause insurrections E and living apart by themselves they serve one another and chuse out certain upright men among the Priests to gather the Fruits and Revenues of the Lands to the end they may be maintained and nourished thereby Plisti among the Danes In a word they follow the same course of life that they do Judas â—alilaeus the Author of the fourth Sect. who are called Plisti among the Danes The fourth Sect was founded by Judas of Galilee which accordeth altogether and in all things with the Pharisees but they are extremely zealous of their liberty acknowledging but one only God Lord and Master of all things and had rather both themselves with their dearest Children and Kindred should endure the most grievous and bitter torments that may be imagined than call any mortal man their Lord. Of which constancy of theirs I forbear to discourse any further at this time for it is sufficiently known unto divers who have been F eye-witnesses thereof neither do I fear lest any one should suppose those things to be incredible which I have said of them but rather that I have spoken less than they themselves make evident in contemning their grievous tortures and punishments which courage and magnanimity of theirs encreased very mightily amongst our Nation being kindled by the most grievous injuries which were offered us by Gessius Florus our Governour Gessius Florus 's injuries by which means at length it came to pass that they revolted and rebelled against the people of Rome Thus much concerning the Sects among the Jews CHAP. III. H Salome's death the Sister of Herod the Great Augustus's death whom Tyberius succeeds Herod the Tetrarch caused the Town of Tyberias to be built in honour of Tyberius The Troubles among the Parthians and in Armenia Other Disturbances in the Kingdom of the Comagenes Germanicus is sent from Rome to the East to establish the Authority of the Empire He is poysoned by Piso AFter that Cyrenius had confiscated Archelaus's Goods Hedio Ruffinus chap. 3. and finished the valuation of I every man's Estate which happened thirty seven years after Antonies overthrow by Caesar in the Actian Battel he deposed Joazar from the Priestly Dignity Ananus the Son of Seth made High Priest in Joazar's place by reason of that Sedition which the people stirred up against him and established Ananus the Son of Seth in his place But Herod and Philip took each of them the possession of their Tetrarchy Alias cap. 6. and disposed of the Affairs thereof Herod inclosed Sephoris with a strong Wall Sephoris chief City of Galilee and made it the chiefest City and Ornament of Galilee He fortified also another City called Bataramphtha and named it Julias in honour of Julia the Emperour Caesar's Wife Betaramphtha called Julias Paneas Bethsaida Philip repaired Paneada situated near unto the head of Jordan and called it Caesarâ—a he repaired also the Borough of Bethsaida near unto the Lake of Genezareth and gave it the dignity of a City both for the number of the Inhabitants as for K other pre-eminencies Men's bones scattered in the Temple and called it Julia by Caesars Wives name As for Coponius the Governour in Judaea who as we have said was sent with Cyrenius in his time there hapned that which followeth At the Feast of Unlevened Bread which we call Pascha the custom was that the Priests opened the Temple Gates about midnight The year of the World 3974. after Christ's Nativity 12. at which time certain Samaritans who secretly entred into Jerusalem as soon as the Gates were open spred men's bones amidst the Porches and over all the Temple whereby it came to pass that the Priests began to keep a more diligent watch than they had done before Some little while after Hedio Ruffinus chap 4. Coponius returned to Rome and Marcus Ambivius succeeded him in the Government In his time Salome King Herod's Sister departing out of this life bequeathed unto Julia the City of Jamnia and all the Lands and Countrey round L about The year of the World 3975. after Christ's Nativity 13. she gave her also Phasaelis situate on the Plain and Archelais where there are divers Date Trees bearing most excellent fruit After Ambivius Annius Rufus had the Command in whose time died Augustus Caesar the second Roman Emperour after he had reigned fifty seven years six months and two days and had Antonius his Co-partner in the Monarchy for the space of fourteen years The year of the World 3977. after Christ's Nativity 15. He lived in the whole seventy seven years After Caesar succeeded Tiberius Nero the Son of Julia his Wife who was the third Roman Emperour He it was that sent the fifth Governour into Judaea whose name was Valerius Gratus who succeeded Annius Rufus This Gratus deposed Ananus and appointed Ismael the Son of Fabius High Priest The year of the World 3978. after Christ's Nativity 16. and after his decease for he lived but a M little while after Eleazar the Son of Ananus was made High Priest A year after this Eleazar was also deposed and the Priesthood was given to Simon the Son of Camithus who continuing in this dignity for a year's space and no longer Joseph called Caiphas succeeded him The year of the World 3979. after Christ's Nativity 17. After Gratus had behaved himself thus he returned to Rome after he had remained in Judaea for the space of eleven years After him came Pontius Pilate and succâ—eded him in the Government But Herod the Tetrarch being entertained into Tiberius's Friendship builded a City in honour of his name and called it Tiberias He planted it in the fruitfullest part of Galilee hard by the Lake Genezareth and near unto the natural Baths in the Borough called Emmans The year of the World 3980. after Christ's Nativity 18. This City was peopled by strangers who resorted thither from all parts and by divers of the Countreys N of Galilee some of which were constrained to inhabit the same Some of those likewise who were in authority repaired thither and from all Countreys many flocked thither who were not all assuredly held to be Free-men all which he made free and gave them great gifts on that condition that they should not abandon the City To some of them he gave houses already builded to others Lands very apt to be tilled knowing that the inhabiting of such a place was contrary to the Laws and Customs of his Countrey Tyberias builded and the
you that it will please you to give order that that Statue which you have charged Petronius to erect in the Temple of the Jews may never be put there This was Agrippa's request to the Emprour knowing very well how dangerous a matter it was and as much as concerned his life to demand any such thing at Caius's hands that was not answerable to his humour Caius on the one side moved O with the service Agrippa had done him and on the other side seeing how great an indignity it should be for him if before such an Assembly of Witnesses he should deny A that which he had so instantly pressed Agrippa to request as if suddenly he had repented himself and admiring Agrippa's virtue who having an opportunity in a moment to augment his particular Estate either by Revenues or other Commodities had preferred the Common Cause the Laws of his Countrey and Piety before all these he granted him his Supplication and wrote to Petronius praising him for that he had used such diligence in assembling his Army as also for all that whereof he had given him notice adding these words If said he you have already erected the Statue which I commanded you let it remain in the place but if it be not done be thou no more troublesome to the Jews but dismiss thine Army and repair thou in person to that place whither I have sent thee For I urge no more the erection of the Statue for the desire that I have to B gratifie Agrippa whom I entirely honour and in such sort as it is impossible for me to contradict any thing whatsoever that either he hath need of or shall require These were the Contents of those Letters which Caius wrote to Petronius before he understood that the Jews were like to revolt for they made it known that rather than they would endure the Statue they would hazard a War against the Romans Which when Caius understood he was extreamly troubled and being a man addicted to all villany and averse to all honesty and who gave place to no good counsel after he had conceived a displeasure against any man and who likewise thought it a great happiness for him to accomplish all that whatsoever he pleased he wrote again to Petronius Caius writeth to Petronius charging him to murther himself for neglecting his Command to this effect Since the Presents which the Jews have given thee have more prevailed C with thee than my Commands have done so that to please them thou hast despised that which I have enjoyned thee I make thy self the Judge how much thou hast deserved to incurr my displeasure to the end that thou mayest serve for an example to all those who shall come after thee that an Emperour's Commands ought not in any sort to be neglected Although this Epistle was both written and sent yet Petronius received it not during Caius's life time for they that carried it were stayed with cross Winds so that Petronius received those Letters that assured him of Caius's death before he received the other For God would not forget Petronius who exposed himself to great dangers for the love of the Jews and the honour of God And Caius being taken out of the world by God's wrath being kindled against him by reason that he affected Divine D honour received his reward and Petronius obtained favour both at Rome and through all the whole Government and especially among the principal Senators against whom Caius was accustomed to vomit up his cholerick Revenges He died a little after he had written the Letter to Petronius by which he threatned and denounced him death Hereafter I will declare the cause why he was taken out of this world and the manner how Treason was plotted against him Petronius receives Letters of Caius death before those whereby he was commanded to kill himself The Letter that brought the tidings of Caius's death was delivered to Petronius first and presently after he received that wherein he enjoyned him to kill himself He highly rejoyced at this his good luck and Caius's death and admired God's Providence who speedily and happily had rewarded him both for the honour that he bare unto his Temple and also for having E assisted the Jews Behold how Petronius escaped from death by an unexpected Providence CHAP. XII Two Jews called Asinaeus and Anilaeus both Brothers and of a mean extraction become so powerful near Babylon that they give enough to do to the Parthians Their Actions their Death The Grecians and Syrians who lived in Seleucia F unite against the Jews and kill fity thousand of them unawares IN those days there happened a grievous Commotion amongst those Jews that inhabited Mesopotamia and Babylon Hedio Ruffinus chap. 16. alias cap. 20. and such Slaughters and Calamities as never the like hath been declared in our former Narrations A grievous Commotion among the Jews in Mesopotamia and Babylon which in regard I intend to report both particularly and seriously I will rip up the whole cause thereof from its first Original There was a City called Nearda belonging to Babylon stored with Inhabitants and enriched with many fruitful Possessions sufficient to sustain so great a multitude Moreover it was such as might be hardly invaded by the Enemy both for that the River Euphrates surrounded it and also for that it was fortified with G very strong Walls Upon the same River also there stood another City called Nisibis in which the Jews in respect of the strength of the place kept their Dragma which they were accustomed to offer unto God and the rest of their Votive money These two Cities therefore served them for two Store-houses The year of the world 4003. after Christs Nativity 41. and from thence according H as time required they sent the money they had gathered to Jerusalem and committed the Convoy thereof to divers thousands of men for fear it should be taken away by the Parthians who at that time had the Soveraignty in Babylon Among these Jews lived Asinaeus and Anilaeus two Brothers born in Nearda whose Father being dead Asinaeus and Anilaeus born in Nâ—arda retire into a certain place and great Companies flock unto them their Mother bound them to the Weavers trade for amongst those Nations it was accounted no indignity to follow that trade for both men and women exercise themselves therein It happened that their Master with whom they learn'd their occupation beat them one day for that they came somewhat late unto their work They taking this chastisement of his as if a great injury had been done unto them betook themselves to their weapons whereof there were great store in that I house and retired themselves into a place where the River divideth it self into two parts which naturally aboundeth with excellent pastures and such fruits as were reserved for the winter To these men there flocked a number of needy persons whom they armed
Jews that live under the Roman Empire to use the same Laws and Privileges which they have used heretofore as we have granted to the Jews that dwell in Alexandria I Which Suit of theirs we have willingly granted not only in favour of those that require the same but also for that I think them worthy of such a favour for whom I have been entreated in regard of the fidelity and friendship they have always expressed towards the Romans My pleasure therefore is that no City either Grecian or otherwise shall deny any privilege from whence they shall be excluded for that since the Emperour Augustus they have never been exempted from them It standeth with reason therefore that henceforth the Jews that live under our Empire of what place soever they be may observe their ancient Customs without any contradiction Giving them to understand that hereafter they use our Clemency so much the more moderately without neglecting the Religion of other Nations in retaining their own And our will is that this present Ordinance K be published by the Magistrates of Cities Colonies and Countreys of Italy and be sent unto Kings and Foreign Princes by sit Ambassadours within thirty days at the least to the end that they should be in such sort set up that they may be seen and read by all those that pass by CHAP. V. King Agrippa goeth to his Kingdom and putteth his Chain being a token of his Imprisonment into the Sacred Treasury of the Temple of Jerusalem He provideth for L the Dignity of the High Priesthood He is highly displeased at the Dorites insolence who had caused Caesar's Statue to be erected in the Jews Synagogue BY these Edicts of Claudius Caesar Claudius sendeth Agrippa into his Kingdom which he sent both to Alexandria and other parts of the World it plainly appeareth how well affected he was towards the Nation of the Jews And presently after this after he had dignified Agrippa with all kinds of Honour he sent him back into his Kingdom to govern the same commanding all his Presidents and Lieutenants in his Provinces thorough which he was to pass to give him a friendly and honourable Convoy But he having wisely and happily dispatched his Affairs returned in all haste As soon as he came to Jerusalem he offered M his Sacrifices of Thanksgiving which he had vowed without omitting any thing that was commanded by the Law He caused also divers Nazarites to cut off their hair Agrippa hangeth up his Golden Chain over the Treasury Chamber in the Temple and offered in Gift that Chain of Gold that Caius had given him which was of the same weight the Iron Chain was of wherewith his Royal hands were manacled in memory of the Adversity he had past and the Testimony of the exchange thereof into better Fortune commanding that it should be hanged up in the Temple and over the Chamber of the Treasury to testifie unto those that should behold it that the highest Estates are subject to alterations and that God can raise men again from Obscurity to happy Fortune For this Chain that hanged in the Temple being consecrated to God manifestly expressed unto all men that King Agrippa was upon a very N small occasion deprived of his former Dignity and made Prisoner and then a little while after that he being delivered from his Bonds was raised and exalted to a famous Kingdom to signifie thereby that Humane Affairs are of that nature that that which is the greatest may be easily overthrown and that which is declining may recover again its ancient Honour and Dignity When therefore Agrippa had duely and devoutly acknowledged God's mercies Simon the Son of Boethus placed in Theophilus's room he deposed the High Priest Theophilus the Son of Ananus and bestowed that Honour on Simon surnamed Canthara the Son of Boethus This Simon had two Brothers and Boethus was their Father whose Daughter had been married to King Herod Hedio Ruffinus chap 6. as heretofore it hath been mentioned Simon held the Priesthood with his Brethren and his Father as the three Sons of Simon O High Priest Son of Onias had done during the Empire of the Macedonians as we have declared in our former Books After the King had given order for the Priesthood A he thought good to recompence the good affection that they of Jerusalem had born unto him for which cause he acquitted them of those Tributes that every Family paid knowing that it became him to shew kindness unto them who had been faithful and well affected towards him He created Silas who had been his Companion in many dangers Agrippa releaseth the Tributes to those of Jerusalem General of all his Army Not long after certain young men that were Dorites under the colour of constancy in case of Religion who also had daily expressed the same in their actions and unbridled rashness brought the Image of Caesar into the Temple of the Jews and erected it in that place which insolence of theirs highly offended Agrippa Silas who construed it as an Act that tended to the abolition of the Religion of their Countrey The Dorites place Caesar's Statue in the Synagogue of the Jews and thereby vehemently offend both Agrippa and Petronius For which cause with all expedition he repaired to Petronius who was Governour B of Syria and complained against those Dorites who was no less displeased with the action than he himself For he supposed that such breach of Religion was the means to further Impiety and for that cause he wrote to those which had attempted this Innovation somewhat sharply to this effect following CHAP. VI. Petronius Governour of Syria's Letter to the Dorites concerning the Emperour's C Statue which they caused to be erected in the Jews Synagogue King Agrippa bestoweth the High Priesthood on Matthias Marsius is made Governour of Syria PUblius Petronius Alias cap. 5. Lieutenant to Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus P. Petronius writeth to the Dorites to send them to him who have broken Caesar's Edict to the Magistrates of the Countrey of Doria health Whereas Caesar hath published an Edict by which he permitteth the Jews to live according to their Laws and Customs some one amongst you have been so presumptuous as to contradict the same in effect although in words you protest that you obey him and do all that which you can to hinder the Jews from enjoying their Synagogue in so much as in the same you have set up Caesar's Image not only thereby opposing your selves against the Jews but also against the Emperour himself whose D Image might have been better placed in his own Temple than in a Foreign Temple And you have placed it in their Synagogue whereas by right every one ought to be master of his place according to Caesar's Judgment For it should be very ridiculous in me to alledge mine own judgment after that of Caesar's who hath granted the
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
should commit no such like offence For that his first action was not allowable Some of them also went to meet Albinus being on his way to Alexandria Ananus accused before Albinus to inform him that it was unlawful for Ananus to assemble the Council without his Licence Albinus perswaded by these words wrote a cholerick Letter to Ananus Jesus the Son of Damnaeus possesseth Ananus's place wherein he threatned to punish him And for the same cause King Agrippa dispossessed him of the Priesthood after he had held the same for the space of three months and in his stead he established Jesus the Son of Damnaeus After that Albinus was arrived in Jerusalem he employed all his care and study to pacifie the E Countrey by executing divers of the Thieves But the High Priest Ananias daily encreased in honour and credit and purchased the good will of the Citizens Some forcibly gather the Tenths of the Priests by his liberality and great gifts But he had some mischievous Servants about him who conversed with those that were most intemperate and audâ—cious who repaired from Barn to Barn and took up many Tithes that belonged to the Priests and beat those that refused to render them The Priests used no less violence than their servants having no man that might restrain them whereby it came to pass that the Priests who were formerly maintained by the tenth died at that time for want of Victuals And the Thieves renewing their entrance into the City by night during the Feast that was celebrated at that time The Thieves apprehend Ananias's Kindred and Servants took the Secretary of Captain Eleazar F alive who was Ananias's Son who was the High Priest And having bound him led him out of the City sending Ananias word that they would deliver his Secretary if he would prevail so much with Albinus as to deliver them their ten Companions then Prisoners who were taken by him To the performance whereof Ananias perswaded Albinus by manifest reasons Caesarea Philippi new builded by Agrippa and called Neronias And by obtaining his demand encreased and begat a number of miseries For the Thieves used all the cunning means they could devise in apprehending some one of Ananias's house and when they had taken any one of them alive they would not deliver him except before they might have one of their own delivered So that encreasing both in courage and number they became more and more insolent to afflict the Countrey G At that time King Agrippa enlarged the City of Caesarea The Berithians receive much kindness at Agrippa's hands surnamed Philippi and in honour of Nero called it Neronias He builded also to his great charge a Theatre in favour of the Berytians He distributed Oyl and Corn for every one of the people and adorned all the City with most antick and fine Portraitures upon the Porches The year of the world 4026. after Christs Nativity 64. In H short he transported into that City almost all the Ornaments of the rest of the Kingdom For which cause his Subjects began to hate him seeing he deprived them of their rare Ornaments to adorn one strange City Jesus the Son of Gamaliel succeeded in the Priesthood which the King had given him and taken away from Jesus the Son of Damnaeus who resigned him his place against his will Whereupon there arose a discord between them Ananias Costobarus and Saul prepared to spoil the weaker for having assembled their resolutest followers they came from bitter words to blows and stones But amongst all the rest Ananias was the richest in wealth and by his bounty reconciled the more unto him Costobarus also and Saul gathered each of them a Band of Rascals and desperate men These two were of the Blood-Royal and by reason of their affinity and alliance with Agrippa they were well beloved I For which cause they were insolent and violent oppressing always the weaker sort From this time forward the estate of our City grew desperate encreasing daily more and more in wickedness When Albinus understood that Gessius Florus came to succeed him Hedio Ruffinus chap. 17. alias cap. 22. desiring that they of Jerusalem should acknowledge some of his good deeds he called before him all those Prisoners that were notoriously guilty of Murther Albinus executeth the hainous Malefactors and caused them to be executed As for those that were imprisoned upon any small or slight cause upon payment of their Fines he delivered them and in so doing the Prison was cleansed of Malefactors and from that time the Countrey remained full of Thieves and Robbers The Levites Agrippa giveth them of the Tribe of Levi leave to wear the Linnen Garments who were ordained to sing Hymns to God solicited the King to assemble K the Council and thereby to permit them to wear the Linnen Robe which the Priests were accustomed to use telling him that such an Ordinance would dignifie his Estate very much in that he would be always famous in memory of this new Establishment Agrippa permitteth the Ministers of the Temple to sing the Sacred Hymns This Suit of theirs was easily granted for the King after he had consulted with those who were his Assistants suffered the Levites that sung the Hymns to lay aside their ordinary Robe and to apparel themselves in Linnen as best liked them He permitted also that another part of the Levites who intended the service of the Temple should learn to sing the Hymns and Psalms as they had required All which he did contrary to the Ordinances of the Countrey which being broken there was nothing else to be expected but Punishment L At that time the building of the Temple was finished The people of the Jews beseech the King that it may be lawful for them to repair the Porch And the people perceiving that more than eighteen thousand Work-men should be idle and deprived of Wages whereupon they were accustomed to live by the building of the Temple on the other side being loath to reserve their money through the fear they had of the Romans to provide for those Workmen in the entertainment of whom they resolved to employ their Treasure for if any one of them wrought but one hour of the day he was suddenly paid his wages they requested the King that it would please him to repair the Eastern Gate on the outward part of the Temple scituate in a Descent the Walls whereof were in height four hundred Cubits made of square Stones of white Marble from the top to the bottom and every stone twenty foot long and six M foot thick This Work was first builded by King Solomon who was the first that builded our Temple But Agrippa to whom Claudius Caesar had given the Commission of building of the Temple thinking with himself that it was very easie to break it down but very hard to build it up and that to re-edifie the Porch
it would cost much time and expence he denied their request permitting them nevertheless to pave their City with broad Stone Matthias the Son of Theophilus High Priest He took the Priesthood from Jesus the Son of Gamaliel and gave it to Matthias the Son of Theophilus in whose time the Wars betwixt the Romans and the Jews began But I think it not amiss Hedio Ruffinus chap. 18. but very answerable to the course of this present History N to speak of the High Priests The Succession and number of the High Priests among the Jews and to shew how they had their beginning and to whom this honour may be lawfully communicated and how many they were in number until the end of the War The first of them was Aaron Moses's Brother after whose death his Children succeeded him and from that time forward the honour hath continued with their Successors For it is a Law observed by our Ancestors that no man should be admitted to the Priesthood There were eighty three High Priests in all except he be of Aaron's Posterity for albeit he were a King if so be that he were of another Line it was impossible for him to obtain the Priesthood All the Priests after Aaron who as we have said was the first until Phanasus whom the Seditious created Priest in the time of the War have been in number eighty three whereof thirteen have executed the Office from the time that O Moses erected God's Tabernacle in the Desart until such time as arriving in Judaea King Solomon builded a Temple to God For in the beginning the High Priesthood continued A with the Possessors for term of life but afterwards although the Priests were yet alive yet were there other Successors put in their rooms These thirteen were of Aaron's Posterity and obtained this degree in succession the one after the other Their first Government was Aristocracy which is the Government of the Nobility afterwards a Monarchy and at last a Royal Government The number of years wherein these thirteen flourished were six hundred and twelve years from the day that our Fathers departed out of Egypt under the conduct of Moses until the building of the Temple in Jerusalem by King Solomon After these thirteen High Priests there were eighteen others who after Solomon's time succeeded one after another until the time that Nabuchodonozor King of Babylon B having encamped before the City took it and burned the Temple and transported our Nation into Babylon and led away the High Priest Josedech Prisoner The time of the Priesthood and continuance of these eighteen was four hundred sixty years six months and ten days so long as the Jews have had the Royal Government After the surprizal of Jerusalem by the Babylonians until such time as Cyrus King of Persia dismissed the Jews and gave them leave to return from Babylon into their own Countrey with permission to re-edifie their Temple there are seventy two years and at that time the Captives being returned Jesus the Son of Josedech took upon him the High Priesthood who with those of his Posterity to the number of fifteen have governed in a Democracy or Popular Government until the time of Antiochus surnamed C Eupator for the space of four hundred and fourteen years This Antiochus was the first who with his General Lysias displaced Onias surnamed Menelaus of his Priesthood commanding him to be killed at Berith and after he had driven his Son out of the Succession he established Jacim High Priest who notwithstanding was of Aaron's Race but not of his Family For this cause Onias the Son of Onias and Nephew to the deceased Onias retired himself into Egypt Where growing familiar with Ptolomey Philometor and Cleopatra his Wife he perswaded them to build a Temple in the Confines of Heliopolis not unlike to that of Jerusalem and to create a High Priest in the same of which Temple in Egypt we have made very oftentimes mention After that Jacim had held the Priestood for the space of three years he died without D Successor so the City remained seven years without a High Priest Again the Asmoneans recovered the Government of their Nation and after they had made War against the Macedonians they established Jonathan High Priest who exercised the Office seven years but afterwards he was killed in an Ambush and Treason conspired against him by Tryphon as we have declared elsewhere After him Simon his Brother undertook the Priesthood who was not long after killed treacherously by his Son-in-Law at a Banquet After him succeeded his Son Hircanus who enjoying this Dignity for the space of thirty one years died when he was very old leaving behind him Judas surnamed Aristobulus who dying left his Brother Alexander his Heir both of the Kingdom and High Priesthood After that Aristobulus had obtained the E Royal Government he enjoyed both Dignities one whole year For this Judas surnamed Aristobulus was the first that set the Diadem on his head causing himself to be called a King the which Alexander did continue for he also joyned the Kingdom with the High Priesthood and reigned twenty seven years And feeling himself draw near to his death he left in Alexandras his Wife's hands to dispose of the Priesthood as she pleased She therefore bestowed it on Hircanus and as for the Kingdom she kept it in her own hands nine years and afterwards died Her Son Hircanus was High Priest for so long time For after Alexandra's death his Brother Aristobulus made War against him and having overcome him he took the Kingdom from him and not only seized on the Crown but the Priesthood After he had reigned three F years and as many months Pompey repaired to Jerusalem and took it perforce and laying hold of Aristobulus sent him bound unto Rome with his Children After which he restored the Priesthood once more to Hircanus committing the Government of the Nation unto his hands forbidding him in the mean space to wear the Diadem Besides the first nine years Hircanus governed twenty and four But Barzapharnes and Pacorus Princes of the Parthians passed Euphrates and made war against Hircanus and took him alive Prisoner and made Antigonus Aristobulus's Son King But after he had governed three years and three months Sosius and Herod took him alive perforce and Antonius sent him to Antioch where he was beheaded After that Herod was created King by the Romans there was never any High Priest created of G the Posterity of the Asmoneans for he gave the High Priesthood to certain men of obscure and base extraction who were of the Order of Priests Aristobulus only excepted This Aristobulus was Hircanus's Nephew who was a Prisoner among the Parthians and having given him the Priesthood he married Mariamne his Sister to the intent H to continue himself in the good liking of the people in remembrance of Hircanus But afterwards fearing lest all of them should turn to Aristobulus's
side he caused him to be killed by finding out a means to cause him to be stifled at such time as he bathed himself in a Fish-pond near to Jericho Aristobulus slain by Herod as we have declared before this After him he bestowed the Priesthood no more on any of the Line of the Asmoneans Archelaus his Son supra l 15. c. 3. followed his Father's steps in respect of the Priesthood and from that time forward the Romans have enjoyed the Sovereignty over Jewry All they then that have exercised the Priesthood from Herod's time until the day that Titus took the City and the Temple have been in all twenty and eight All the continuance of their Government was one hundred and seven years Some of these governed during Herod's I life and in the days of Archelaus his Son But after these two were dead the Government was Aristocratical or of the Nobility wherein the Priests had the Government over the whole Nation Thus much have we thought fit to speak at this time concerning the High Priests CHAP. IX How Florus Albinus's Successor offered many injuries to the Jews which constrained them to take Arms against the Romans K GEssius Florus being sent by Nero to succeed Albinus filled all Judaea with many mischiefs and miseries The year of the World 4028. after Christ's Nativity 66. He was a Clazomenian born and was married to a certain Woman called Cleopatra no less mischievous than himself who being beloved by Poppea Nero's Wife obtained this Dignity for him He behaved himself so insolently and violently in all his Government Gessius Florus Governour of Judaea that through the great injustice he committed the Jews praised Albinus as if he had been their Benefactor For he concealed his mischief taking care lest it should be discovered But Gessius Florus behaved himself so Gessius Florus worse than Albinus as if he had been sent to make open shew and sale of his Villanies published his injustice in the ears of our Nation without omitting any injustice in executing L and inflicting punishment on the innocent For he was pitiless and covetous and made no difference between Noble and Ignoble and was not ashamed to be partaker with Thieves of whom there were divers who made it their profession to steal without any fear in that they were assured of their safety because he was partaker with them The year of the World 4030. after Christs Nativity 68. And in a word there was no moderation in him so that the poor Jews being unable to endure such insolence were constrained to abandon their own houses and to fly their Countrey and remain in some more commodious place of security yea though it were among strangers What need I speak any more he that constrained us to draw our Swords against the Romans Florus the original cause of the Wars of the Jews was Florus we made this account that it was better for us to die all at once than to perish by little and little M In short the War began the second year of Florus's Government in that Province which was the twelfth year of Nero's Empire The beginning of the Wars but they that desire to know exactly all that which we have been constrained both to do and suffer may persue may Books of the Wars of the Jews For which cause in this place I will end this ancient History This ancient History containeth all that which hath been reported to be done since the first Creation of man The Epilogue of the Antiquities of the Jews until the twelfth year of Nero's Empire omitting nothing that hath befallen the Jews as well in Egypt as in Syria and Palestine All that likewise which we have been enforced to suffer under the Assyrians and Babylonians as also our Estate under the Persians and Macedonians and finally under the Romans N All this as I suppose I have compiled and gathered together with careful diligence and I have enforced my self to recite the number of those who have been High Priests for the space of two thousand years I have also collected the Succession of Kings their Actions and Government with the power of their Monarchies according as it is amply described in Holy Scriptures as also I have promised in the beginning of my History Moreover I dare boldly say that whatsoever I set down is so true that there is no man either Jew or of what Nation soever yea although he should have employed the uttermost of his power could more exactly communicate the same unto the Greeks than I have done For in their Confessions and Opinions who are of our Nation Joseph expert in the Greek and Hebrew Tongue I have such knowledge in that which concerneth our O Doctrine as I surpass them all And as for the Grecian Disciplines I have studied and learned the Tongue although I cannot boast of the familiar and fit Pronunciation A of the same for that I have lived in the Countrey For amongst us we make but slender reckoning of those who are exercised in divers Tongues for that this Study is accounted Prophane by us and common not only to free persons but also unto slaves and they only are esteemed to have profited in Wisdom who fully know the Contents of the Law and who can expound the Holy Scriptures For this cause although divers have busied themselves in this exercise of writing Histories yet there are scarcely two or three of them that have written successfully and have received the Fruits of their Labours And it may be that it will not be thought amiss if I freely speak somewhat of my Progeny and Life considering that there are men at this day living who can approve or reprove me in that I set down This Volume was written And in this place I will make an end of B my Antient History which I have reduced into twenty Books containing sixty thousand Verses The year of the World 4057. after Christ's Nativity 95. And if God grant me life I will shortly treat of our Wars and the events of the same that have happened hitherto which is the thirteenth year of Domitianus Caesar's Empire and the fifty sixth year of my Age. Moreover I am resolved to discover in four Books the divers Opinions of the Sects of the Jews as touching God and his Essence and our Laws according to which certain things are permitted us and others are forbidden The End of the Antiquities of the Jews THE Lamentable Tragical HISTORY OF THE WARS AND UTTER RUINE OF THE JEWS Comprised in Seven BOOKS BY FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS The Son of MATTHIAS Formerly Translated into English By Tho. Lodge D. M. P. And now Revised the Translation refined according to the late French Copy of it Published by Monsieur Arnauld D' Andilly LONDON Printed for Abel Roper Nathanael Ranew Jonathan Robinson and Obadiah Tomlins 1675. A THE B PREFACE C In which the Author taxeth divers
do in the design they had in writing For such as in times past published any worthy History endeavoured to write that which they themselves had seen and they were Eye-witnesses of those Affairs they committed to writing they more effectually performed all that they promised because they accounted it an act of dishonesty to report and publish Lyes in stead of History And truly in my opinion that man is worthy commendation who striveth by his studious endeavours to Register not only the Occurrences of times past but also those memorable events that have happened in N his own days And he only and truly is to be accounted industrious not that altereth and pruneth at his pleasure another man's Works but he that of himself compileth an History whereof no man hath before written For my own part being a stranger I have spared no labour and expence to declare the truth of these events in the ears of the Greeks and Romans For as touching their own learned men their mouths are always open where their own interest publick or private is concerned but if they come to a History Who may rightly be called a Historiographer wherein they should both tell truth and with great labour enquire of those things that are past here the travel is too tedious the bit is in their teeth so that they leave the matter to their performance who are uncapable and unapt both in stile and study to register the Actions of Princes and great O Captains whereby it appears that the Grecians make as little account of the truth of History as we esteem and seek it A Now to discover unto you the Original of the Jews what their Estate hath been in times past and after what manner they departed out of Egypt to shew what Countreys they conquered and what Colonies they planted were in my judgment both impertinent and to little purpose considering that divers of mine own Nation have before my time written an exact History of the actions of our Ancestors yea many Greeks also have translated these men's Writings into their own Tongue without much deviating from the truth I will therefore begin my History in that time where these Writers and our own Prophets have ended theirs and set down at large all those Wars that happened in my time As for those things that precede B my particular knowledge I will only touch them briefly and in a word or two First I will relate how Antiochus Antiochus Epiphanes the first Author and Fountain of the Wars of the Jews surnamed Epiphanes took the City of Jerusalem and possessed the same for the space of three years and six months and how he was driven out of that Countrey at last by the Asmoneans After this I will set down the Dissentions that happened amongst Antiochus's Successors for the Kingdom and how by this means they drew Pompey and the Romans into their Affairs The Epitome of the Wars of the Jews How Herod likewise the Son of Antipater being assisted by Sosius put an end to the Rule of the Asmonean Princes And how in Augustus Caesar's time after the death of Herod and during the Government of Quintilius Varus a Sedition was raised among the people And how in the twelfth year of Nero's Reign the War began What C likewise happened in Cestius's time and what Warlike Exploits the Jews performed in their first Attempts and Revolts how they strengthened the Cities and Forts about them and how Nero hearing of the great Overthrow which his Army received under Cestius their General and fearing lest he should lose all made Titus Vespasian General of his Army who being attended by his eldest Son came into Judaea accompanied with as great a number of Romans as he could possibly gather how a great number of his Allies were defeated in Galilee what Cities they took in that Province either by Assault or by Composition Besides all these things I will express what Order and Discipline the Romans observe in their Wars and how they are accustomed to exercise their Soldiers I will describe also the places and nature D of the Countrey of Galilee and Judaea together with the Mountains Lakes and Fountains thereof with all the Properties of the same not forgetting those miseries which the Captive Cities suffered and how they were surprized All which together with all those evils and miseries which during those troubles befell my self I will discourse with all truth and diligence the rather because I publish them to many who are no ways ignorant of them After this The signs and changes after Nero's death I will set down how upon the declining and downfall of the Jews Nero died and how at such time as Vespasian had undertaken the Expedition to Jerusalem he was recalled from it to receive the Imperial Dignity and how when E he returned into Egypt to establish that Province the Jews began to mutiny among themselves how many Tyrants arose among them who hatched much civil discord and debate in their Government Moreover how Titus departing out of Egypt came the second time into Judaea and ranged over the Countrey and how and where he levied and encamped his Armies How and how often the City was vexed by Seditions especially at such time as he himself was present What Onsets he gave Titus besiegeth Jerusalem and how many Mounts he raised in begirting the City with a triple Wall The strength and Provision of the City The manners and Sacrifices of the Jews The Scituation and Plat-form of the Temple and the Altars therein The Rites and Ceremonies used on Festival days The seven Purifications and the Offices of the Priests The Garments also of the High F Priest and the Holy Sanctuary of the Temple All which I will recount without any dissimulation or swerving from the truth of History After this I will relate what cruelty the Tyrants used towards their own Countrey-men The Humanity of the Romans towards the Jews what Humanity the Romans shewed to strangers and how often Titus who desired to save both the City and Temple exhorted the Seditious to mutual Amity Furthermore I will report how the people of the Jews after the many and grievous Calamities which they suffered in the Siege by War Sedition and Hunger were at length reduced into servitude after the taking of that great and potent City Neither will I omit the slaughter of such as deserted their Nation neither the punishment inflicted on those that were Captive The burning of the Temple and the overthrow of the City I will set down how the Temple was burnt against Caesar's Will and G what an infinite Mass of Sacred Treasure was consumed by the Fire and what signs and wonders happened before the same The Captivity also of the Tyrants themselves and the number of those that were led away into Captivity and what miseries they H endured How the Romans continuing their Wars utterly ruined the
Fortresses of their Captives The Romans triumph over the Jews Finally how Titus travelling thorough the whole Countrey established a Form of Government and afterward returning into Italy triumphed with much honour All these things I have comprehended in seven Books endeavouring as much as in me lieth The cause why he wrote this History to avoid all occasion of reproof from those men who know these Affairs and were Actors in the War Which I have done for their sakes who love truth And according to that Order and Form I promised I will begin my History A THE FIRST BOOK Of the B WARS of the JEWS Written by FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS The Contents of the Chapters of the First Book 1. The Destruction of Jerusalem by Antiochus King of Syria The overthrow of the Syrians by Matthias Maccabaeus and his Sons C 2. The Succession of Princes from Jonathan to Aristobulus 3. Of Aristobulus Antigonus Judas Essaeus Alexander Theodore and Demetrius 4. Of the War of Alexander King of the Jews with Antiochus and Aretas and of Aristobulus and Hircanus 5. Of the War between Hircanus and the Arabians and of the taking of Jerusalem 6. Of the War of Alexander with Hircanus and also of Aristobulus 7. Of the death of Aristobulus and the War undertaken by Antipater and Mithridates 8. How Antipater was accused before Caesar of the Priesthood of Hircanus and how Herod made War 9. Caesar's death Cassius comes into Syria Herod ingratiates with him Malichus poysons D Antipater who had sav'd his life For which Herod causes him to be slain 10. How Herod was accused and set free 11. Of the War of the Parthians against the Jews and of Herod's Flight and Fortune 12. Of Herod's War for the recovering of Jerusalem after his return from Rome and how he warred against the Thieves 13. Of the death of Joseph How Herod besieged Jerusalem and how Antigonus was slain 14. Of the treacherous practices of Cleopatra against Herod Herod's War against the Arabians and of a very great Earth-quake 15. How Herod was confirmed in the peaceable Possession of the Kingdom of Judaea by Augustus E Caesar 16. Of the Cities and Monuments repaired and builded by Herod and of his felicity and liberality towards strangers 17. Of the disagreement between Herod and his Sons Alexander and Aristobulus 18. Of Antipater's Conspiracy against his Father Herod 19. How Herod should have been poysoned and how the Treason was discovered 20. How Antipater's malicious practices against Herod were discovered and punished 21. Of the Golden Eagle and of Antipater's and Herod's death F CHAP. I. The Destruction of Jerusalem by Antiochus King of Syria The Overthrow of the Syrians by Matthias Maccabaeus and his Sons AT such time as Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes made War against Ptolomey the Sixth King of Egypt The year of the World 3800. before Christ's Nativity 162. for the whole Dominion of Syria those of the chiefest Authority and Nobility among the Jews were divided into two Parties And that of Onias the High Priest being become the G strongest expelled the Sons of Tobias out of the City who fleeing to Antiochus for refuge besought him in all humility that he would lead his Forces into Judaea offering themselves to be his Guides in the Expedition Antiochus who had long desired such an occasion easily condescended to their request H and levying a great Army he entred their Countrey took Jerusalem and slew most part of them who favoured Ptolomey He gave his Soldiers liberty to sack the City spoiled the Temple of the great Riches which were in it and for the space of three years and six months forbad the Sacrifices Ant. l. 12. c. 6. which before time were accustomed to be offered every day to God in that place Antiochus being stirred up by Tubias's Sons invadeth Judaea and surpriseth Jerusalem Whereupon Onias the High Priest fled to Ptolomey of whom having obtained the grant of a piece of Land within the Liberties and Precincts of Heliopolis he built a Town and Temple there resembling the City and Sanctuary of Jerusalem of which we shall speak in due place But Antiochus not satisfied with the unexpected surprize of the City nor with the pillage and slaughter of the Citizens Ant. l. 15. c. 4. was so far transported by his passions and incenssed I with the remembrance of those toyls which he had sustained during this War The High-Priest Onias flieth to Ptolomey that he compelled the Jews to renounce their Religion to forbear the Circumcision of their Children and to immolate Swine upon the Altar The abhorrence which the chiefest and honestest amongst them Ant. l. 12. c. 7. could not refrain to declare against these Abominations Antiochus altereth the Customs of the Jews cost them their lives For Bacchides who was Governour of all the Garisons of Judaea by the appointment of Antiochus being naturally very cruel omitted no occasion to execute his wicked Orders insomuch that he particularly tormented such as were of Noble Birth and Quality Bacchides's cruelty towards the Jews and every day represented to them the fresh face and memory of the desolation of their City But at length a Tyranny so insupportable animated those that suffered it to attempt the means of freeing themselves K from it Ant. l. 1. c. 8. and of executing revenge upon the Authors Matthias or Mathathias Maccabaeus the Son of Asmoneus Matthias confederated with others maketh War against Antiochus one of the Priests who dwelt in a Village called Modin accompanied with his five Sons and his own houshold armed with Swords slew Bacchides and fearing the power and multitude of the enemy's Garrisons presently retired himself into the Mountains Thither resorted divers of the people unto him by which conflux growing more confident and couragious he descended from the Mountains and overcoming the Captains of Antiochus drave them out of the Borders of Judaea By many instances of such happy success he became so renown'd that he was by common consent of the people whom he had delivered from the subjection of strangers made their Ruler And when he died he left his eldest Son who was called L Judas to succeed him in the Government This brave Son of so brave a Father could not doubt of the endeavours which Antiochus would use to revenge the losses he had received and therefore he gathered together an Army of his own Countrey-men and was the first among the Jews that made a League with the Romans Antiochus failed not as he had foreseen to enter into Judaea with a powerful Army and this great Captain repell'd him with a great Overthrow And whilst the remembrance of this Victory was yet fresh in men's minds he assaulted the Garrison of Jerusalem which as yet was entire in which Conflict he forced them to forsake the high Town which is called Holy and betake themselves to the lower part And having recovered the
Temple he purified it and compassed it with a Wall and made new Vessels for the M Service of God and placed them there because those that had been formerly consecrated there were prophaned He built likewise another Altar and began to renew the accustomed Sacrifice and observe the Rites of Religion Scarce was the City brought to its former Estate Antiochus dieth and leaveth the Kingdom to his Son Antiochus who gathereth a huge power and invadeth Jewry but Antiochus died leaving behind him Antiochus Eupator his Son and Heir not only of his Kingdom but also of his hatred against the Jews Who having gathered together fifty thousand Foot and almost five thousand Horse and fourscore Elephants entred by the Mountains into Judaea and took a Town called Bethsara near which Judas met him in a place called Bethzacary where the passage was something strait And before they joyned Battel Eleazar Judas's Brother seeing one Elephant higher than the rest bearing a N great Tower on his Back Ant. lib. 12. c. 14 15. and adorned with Golden Furniture thought Antiochus had been there â—leazar dieth being slain by an Elephant and ran from his Company breaking the Ranks of the Enemies till he came to the Elephant but he could not reach him whom he deemed to be the King he was so highly mounted all he could do was to wound the Elephant in the belly with his Sword till the Beast fell upon him and pressed him to death which act of his had no other success but this that by attempting so great a matter he gave testimony that he preferred Glory before his life Eleazar preferreth honour before life For he that rid on this Elephant was but a private person and although Antiochus had been there Eleazar had atchieved nothing more in this valiant attempt but yet he adventured his life in hope to perform some great exploit This act of his was a presage unto his Brother Judas of the event O of that days Battel for the Jews fought stoutly and a long time but yet Antiochus's Army being both more in number and more fortunate obtained the Victory and A Judas after the loss of many of his company fled to the Gophonites with those of his side who escaped Antiochus advanced afterwards to Jerusalem from whence after some stay he departed for want of Provisions leaving a sufficient Garrison there as for the rest of his Army he led them for their Winter-quarters into Syria But notwithstanding the King's departure Antiochus departing from Jerusalem leaveth a sufficient Garrison there Judas rested not but encouraged by many of his Nation who daily came to him and gathering also together those who escaped out of the former Battel he fought with the Forces of Antiochus at a village named Adasa where after many proofs of his valour in assaulting and slaughtering a great number of his enemies he himself at length was slain and within a few days after his Brother John also was betrayed Ant. l. 12. c 18 and slain by their treacheries who favoured B Antiochus Judas sighteth with Antiochus Captains and is slain Ant. l 13 c. 1. CHAP. II. The Succession of Princes from Jonathan to Aristobulus AFter Judas succeeded his Brother Jonathan in the dignity of Prince of the Jews The year of the World 3805. before Christ's Nativity 157. He carefully studied the peace and security of his people and fortified himself by the friendship of the Romans and was reconciled to Antiochus his Son yet did C not all these things procure his safety For Tryphon who was tutor to the young Antiochus laying wait for him Jonathan taken by Tryphon's subtilty is slain and seeking to spoil him of his friends took Jonathan at such a time as he came with a small company to Antiochus who was at Ptolemais and binding him led an Army against Judaea from whence being repulsed by Simon Jonathan's Ant. l. 15. c. â— Brother in displeasure and revenge thereof he slew Jonathan But Simon valiantly bestirring himself in the Conduct of the affairs of the Common-wealth The year of the World 3813. before Christ's Nativity 149. took Zara Joppe and Jamnia which were bordering Towns and overcoming the Garrison of Accaron he destroyed the City and assisted Antiochus against Tryphon who besieged Dora before that expedition which he made against the Medes Simon encountreth with Cendebeus and overcometh him Yet would not the greedy mind of the King be satisfied notwithstanding D Simon had thus faithfully served and assisted him to the ruine and death of Tryphon but in a short time after he sent Cendebeus the General of the Army to harass and spoil Judea and to take Simon Prisoner But Simon though very aged acted both youthfully and valiantly Ant. l 13 c. 14. and sent his Sons before with the most resolute men he had against Antiochus Simon by the tâ—eachery of his Son-in-law Ptolâ—maeus is taken and slain and himself with the residue of his Army assaulted another quarter of the enemies Camp and having laid many ambushes in the mountains he obtained a great victory After which he was made High Priest and delivered the Jews from the subjection of the Macedonians under which they had been two hundred and seventy years John otherwise called Hircanus the Son of Simon Finally by the treachery of Ptolemy his Son-in-law he was murthered at a Banquet who imprisoning his Wife and two Sons sent certain men E to kill his third Son John otherwise called Hircanus But the young man understanding the design fled to Jerusalem accompanied with a great multitude for he greatly hoped that the people would remember his Father's prowess especially because Ptolemy's iniquity was hated of all men Ptolemy also hasted to enter the City at another gate but he was speedily repulsed by the people who had already received Hircanus For which cause he presently retired himself into a Castle named Dagon situate beyond Jericho After that Hircanus had obtained the office of High Priest The year of the World 3831. before Christ's Nativity 131. which was left him by his Father and had offered Sacrifices to God he led forth his forces with all speed to besiege Ptolemy hoping to deliver his mother and brethren that were detained F Prisoners there by him His tenderness of nature was the only obstacle that hinder'd him from forcing the Castle Hircanus obtaineth the honour of the High-Priestâ—ood which his father had 〈…〉 cruelty agâ—â—â—t Hircanus's Mother For when Ptolemy perceived himself to be in danger he brought Hircanus's Mother and Brethren upon the walls and beat them where he might behold them in their torments threatning to cast them down from the wall except Hircanus would presently depart How great soever the indignation of Hircanus was it was forc'd to give place to the affection he had for persons so dear to him and to his compassion of seeing them suffer
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
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
received the Romans into the City and delivered to them the King's Palace Pompey sent a Captain called Piso with Soldiers to seize the same who leaving a Garrison in the Town seeing he could perswade none of them that were in the Temple to peace prepared all things necessary to batter it Aristobulus his friends fly to the Temple All which time Hircanus and his friends shewed themselves ready to help them to their power and to do whatsoever they were commanded Pompey at the North side filled the Ditch and Valley with earth which I his Soldiers carried though by reason of the great depth and for that the Jews made resistance it was a hard thing to be done and it had been left undone had not Pompey observing the seventh day wherein the Jews Religion obliged them to abstain from all labour caused it to be filled up those days forbidding the Soldiers to fight at that time to the intent he might fill the Ditch more conveniently for it was lawful for the Jews only to do what was necessary to sustain and defend their lives upon the Sabbath At last when the Ditch was filled and the Towers were built upon the Rampire he batter'd the Walls with those Engines that he brought from Tyre but they were beaten back by those who resisted from the top of the Walls who rouled stones at them Against the violent power whereof the Towers that were built in K that Quarter being of a great and goodly building resisted extreamly well But the Romans found hard work in this place and Pompey admired the valour of the Jews that being amongst the thickest of their enemies Darts they omitted no Ceremony of their Religion but as though they had had firm Peace they every day observed their Ceremonies offered Sacrifices and most diligently performed the Divine Service yea though every day they were killed at the Altar they ceased not from the Lawful Rites of their Religion At last in the third Month of the Siege during which scarcely one Tower was beaten down they brake into the Temple and the first that attempted to climb over the Wall was Cornelius Faustus Sylla's Son and after him two Centurions Furius and Fabius with their Regiments who compassing the Temple L about while some sought to hide themselves and others resisted they slew them all There were many Priests also among the rest who although they saw the enemies with naked Swords rushing upon them yet being nothing at all dismayed thereat continued still their Sacrifices and were slain even whilst they offered and incensed in the Temple preferring the duty they ow'd to their Religion even before their own safety Many also were slain by their own Countrey-men that favoured the adverse part and many cast themselves down headlong upon the Rocks others in their fury having desperately fired all things upon the Walls burnt themselves for company So that twelve thousand Jews were slain Twelve thousand Jews slain in the Temple but very few Romans though many hurt And amongst all that Massacre there was nothing so grievous to the Jews as that the Holy M Sanctuary which never any one saw before that time was revealed to strangers For Pompey Pompey and his followers enter the Sanctuary with his followers came into the Temple where it is lawful for none but the High Priest to come and saw the Candlesticks Lamps Table Censers and all the Golden Vessels and whatsoever was within the Temple Moreover he beheld the great quantity of Odoriferous Drugs Pompey's Continency which were kept in store in that place and two thousand Talents of Holy Money yet did he not take away these things nor any thing else belonging to the Temple But the day after it was taken he commanded the Sacristans to purge and make clean the Temple and to offer the usual Sacrifice He likewise confirmed Hircanus High Priest who had in all things shewed himself very forward Hircanus made High Priest and especially at the time of the Siege and also hindred a multitude of people N from joyning themselves with Aristobulus and thus like a good Captain he got the good will of the people more by love than by fear Amongst others that were Captives there was Aristobulus's Father-in-law who was also his Uncle Pompey causeth the chiefest Conspirators to be beheaded as for those that had been the chief cause of these Wars Pompey caused them to be beheaded He rewarded Faustus likewise and those who had fought valiantly with him with very rich Gifts and imposed a Tribute upon Jerusalem and took from that Nation the Cities which they had gotten in Coelosyria and appointed them to be governed by him who then was President for the Romans Pompey delivereth many goodly Cities from the subjection of the Jews making them keep within the bounds of their own Countrey And in favour of Demetrius of Gadara a freed-man of his he re-edified Gadara which the Jews had destroyed He O delivered the Mediterranean Cities from their Government for they had not as yet destroyed them because they were suddenly prevented namely Hippion Scythopolis A Pella The year of the World 3903. before Christ's Nativity 59. Samaria Marissa Azotus Jamnia and Arethusa The Towns also upon the Sea-coasts Gaza Joppa and Dora which was called Straton's Tower and afterward by Herod built sumptuously and called Caesarea All these Cities he restored to the Inhabitants and joyn'd them to Syria Of which and of Judaea and of all places from the Borders of Egypt to Euphrates he made Scaurus Governour leaving him two Legions of Soldiers Aristobulus and his Family carried to Rome Which done he took his journey to Rome by Cilicia leading Aristobulus and his Family Captives with his two Daughters and two Sons the elder whereof called Alexander escaped in the way the younger whose name was Antigonus was with his Father and Sisters carried to Rome B CHAP. VI. Of the War of Alexander with Hircanus and also of Aristobulus SCaurus advanced with his Army into Arabia Ant. lib. 14. cap. 9. but being by the difficulty of the place hindred The Arabian is reconciled to Scaurus that he could not come to Petra he wasted all the Countrey adjoyning to Pella although whilst he stayed to do this he endured much evil for there arose a great Famine in his Army notwithstanding that Hircanus by Antipater's C means Ant. lib. 14. cap. 10. sent them Victuals Scaurus also sent the same Antipater as his familiar Friend to Aretas to perswade him that by disbursing some money he should work his Peace To which motion Aretas condescended and gave him three hundred Talents and so Scaurus with his Army departed out of Arabia In the mean time Alexander the Son of Aristobulus who Alexander Aristobulus's Son gathers a great power against Hircanus in the way to Rome escaped from Pompey gathered together a great Army and straitly beset Hircanus wasting all
Judaea and hoped quickly to take Jerusalem because the Wall which was destroyed by Pompey had not been built up again But Gabinius a great Captain who was sent into Syria to succeed Scaurus march'd with an Army against him Whereupon The year of the World 3904. before Christ's Nativity 58. fearing the worst he assembled all the Forces he could to make resistance D so that he had ten thousand Foot and a thousand and five hundred Horse He fortified also the commodious places of the Countrey to wit Alâ—â—candrium Hircania and Machaeron which are near the Mountains of Arabia Gabinius sent Marcus Antonius before him with part of the Army Alexander gathereth ten thousand Foot and fifteen hundred Horse and followed after with the rest and certain chosen men out of Antipater's Company and other Companies of the Jews whereof Malichus and Pitholaus were made chief joyned themselves with Marcus Antonius and presently after them followed Gabinius with all his Company to meet Alexander Alexander perceiving himself unable to encounter all those united Forces Antipater with his Forces goeth out to meet Alexander fled but drawing near Jerusalem he was constrained to hazard the fight where losing to the E number of six thousand whereof three thousand were taken alive and other three thousand slain he escaped with the rest Alexander fighteth with his Enemies and loseth six thousand men Gabiâ—ius pursued him and as soon as he came to the Castle called Alexandrium understanding that many Jews had forsaken their Colours he by promising them Pardon sought to unite them to his Party again but when he perceived that they hammered on no abject resolution he slew the most of them Marcus Antonius a Captain and for the rest he drove them into the Castle In this Battel Marcus Antonius did many things worthy of renown and although he had always shewed himself valiant yet there especially his courage appeared Gabinius leaving some to besiege the Castle went to the Cities of the Province and strengthned those that were not yet assaulted and re-edified those that were destroyed and by his Commandment F Scythopolis What Cities the Jews received to inhabit Samaria Anthedon Apollonia Jamnia Raphia Marissa Dora Gadara and Azotus and many more began to be inhabited so that their Inhabitants joyfully returned and dwelt therein Which when he had done he returned to Alexandrium Ant. lib. 14. cap. 11. and began a more close Siege whereat Alexander being terrified and made desperate Alexander's Mother striveth to pacifie Gabinius with rewards sent Ambassadours to him beseeching him to pardon him promising to render unto him the Castles of Machaeron and Hircania which were in his power besides Alexandrium All which Gabinius by counsel of Alexander's Mother destroyed lest they might be occasion of new Wars For the apprehension which this Princess had for her Husband The change of the Government of the Jews and for her other Children Prisoners at Rome made her omit nothing to endeavour to gain the affection of Gabinius After this Gabinius carried G Hircanus to Jerusalem and committing the Temple to his charge he committed to others of the Nobility the care of the Commonwealth Ant. lib. 14. cap. 1â— and divided the whole Nation of the Jews into five parts and Governments whereof one was established at Jerusalem another at Doris the third at Amathon the fourth at Jericho and the fifth at Sephoris H a City of Galilee And the Jews being delivered from the Government of one man only willingly suffered themselves to be ruled by an Aristocratical Government But shortly after Aristobulus escaping from Rome raised new troubles and gathering a great Army Aristobulus escaping from Rome raiseth new troubles partly of those that desired a change and partly of such as loved him before took Alexandrium and began to compass it again with a Wall But hearing that Gabinius had sent Sisenna Antonius and Servilius against him with an Army he went to Machaeron Aristobulus fighteth with the Romans and dismissing those that were not fit for War he took with him only eight thousand armed men amongst whom was Pitholaus Governour of them that were revolted who with one thousand men fled out of Jerusalem But the Romans pursued them and joyning Battel with them Aristobulus with his men fought I valiantly till being by force overcome the Romans slew five thousand of them and almost two thousand men fled into a Mountain and the other thousand breaking the Ranks of the Romans with Aristobulus retreated to Machaeron where the King hiding himself the first night amongst the Ruines hoped that having respit he might gather another Army The Romans obtain the Victory and carry away Aristobulus and his Son to Rome and fortifie the Castle But having for two days sustained the Forces of the Romans with extraordinary courage at last he was taken and with his Son Antigonus who had been imprisoned with him at Rome he was carried to Gabinius and from thence to Rome where the Senate put him in Prison but his Sons they sent into Judaea because Gabinius writ that he had so promised Aristobulus's Wife upon condition the Castles might be yielded K Whilst Gabinius prepared to war against the Parthians Ptolomey hindred him being returned from Euphrates into Egypt Antipater and Hircanus assisted him with all things belonging to the War as Money Weapons Corn and Men and Antipater perswaded the Jews who kept the ways that lead to Pelusium to suffer Gabinius to pass Now Alexander Aristobulus's Son once more provoketh the Jews to Rebellion in the other part of Syria at the departure of Gabinius there began a Commotion and Alexander Aristobulus's Son once more incited the Jews to Rebellion and having gathered a mighty power purposed to destroy all the Romans that were in that Countrey Which Gabinius fearing who was returned out of Egypt at the beginning of these tumults he sent Antipater before who perswaded some of the Rebels to be quiet yet thirty thousand remained with Alexander For which cause he was L very forward to fight The Jews overcome by the Romans and went out to Battel near Itabyrium they fought the Romans prevailed and ten thousand were slain and the rest were put to flight and Gabinius returned to Jerusalem by the counsel of Antipater Gabinius overcometh the Nabathaeans in Battel where having established all things he marched thence and overcame the Nabathaeans in Battel he likewise permitted Mithridates and Orsanes two Parthian Noblemen who were fled to him from the Parthians Ant. lib. 14. cap. 13. secretly to depart saying that they had escaped from the Soldiers In the mean time Crassus who was appointed to be his Successor had Syria delivered him Marcus Crassus taketh away the rest of the Gold of the Temple and towards the maintenance of the Parthian Wars he took all the Gold that was in the Temple of Jerusalem besides the two
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
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
defeat Machaera Herod on the other side went about the enemies Countrey and took five Towns and destroyed two thousand of the Inhabitants and firing the houses returned to his Army near a Village called Cana. Every day there came flocking to him a very great number of Jews both from Jericho and other parts of the Countrey some out of hatred to Antigonus and others out of love of change and an esteem of Herod Whilst thus he hasted to fight Pappus with his men neither fearing the multitude nor strength of their enemies came fiercely upon them and offered Battel Which being begun those that were not engaged against Herod resisted a while but Herod remembring his Brother's death ventured more than the rest to the end to be revenged upon them that were the Authors thereof M and so he easily overcame the enemies and still assaulting the fresh men put them all to flight There was a mighty slaughter for many being forced to flee into the Village from whence they came he pursued them and slew an infinite number though all the houses and house-tops were full of armed men to defend it After he had slain those that were abroad he overthrew the houses and so forced them that were within to come forth Others he killed in Companies with the ruines of the houses wherein they were and if any one chanced to escape the Soldiers without killed them So that the heaps of dead bodies were so great The number of the Carcases hinder the Soldiers passage that they who had the Victory could not pass thorough the streets for them Those of the Countrey were so dismayed with this overthrow that the whole multitude of them fled away and Herod by the benefit of N his good fortune had even then come to Jerusalem had not a great storm hindred him which was the only cause that at that time he got not a full Conquest and Antigonus was not utterly overthrown who through fear and desperation was preparing to leave the City But Herod towards night having given his friends leave to depart to refresh themselves being himself heated with his Armour after the manner of Soldiers entred into a Bath accompanied only with one Page And as he was there three of his enemies that had escaped out of the Battel and came to the Bath to hide themselves seeing the King there were so terrified with the King's Presence although at that time he was naked and weaponless that they thought of nothing but flight and being no body was present there to surprize them they escaped and Herod was very O well contented that he had no harm by them Herod beheadeth Pappus Antigonus 's Captain The next day he beheaded Pappus who was the General of Antigonus his Army and sent his head to his Brother Pheroras to comfort him for their common loss for Pappus was he that slew Joseph A The Winter being past The year of the World 3928. before Christ's Nativity 34. he with his Army came to Jerusalem and besieged it pitching his Tents before the Temple where it was easiest to take the City and where formerly Pompey had entred it It was now the third year after Herod had been declared King at Rome Now when he had quartered his Army as he thought best for his purpose Aâ—t lib. 14. cap. 12. and divided the Suburbs he caused three Rampiers to be raised for Towers to be built upon them and leaving there his trusty friends that would not slack their business Jerusalem besieged he went to Samaria to visit Mariamne the Daughter of Alexander who was Son to Aristobulus formerly as we before made mention espoused to him And he wedded her even in the time of the Siege to shew how he contemned his enemies After his Marriage-rites were performed he returned to Jerusalem with a far greater B Army Sosius also seconded him with a great Army of Foot and Horse whom he sent before him through the midst of the Countrey and he himself came after by Phoenicia Now when all his whole Army was joyned together The year of the world 3929. before Christ's Nativity 33. to the number of about eleven Legions of Foot and six thousand Horse besides the Syrians that came to help him which were no small number he laid his Assault and Battery to the Northermost Wall He grounded his Right upon the Decree of the Senate whereby he was declared to be King The Jews valiantly defend themselves Sosius also was warranted by Antonius's Letters whereby he commanded him to help Herod with all the Forces under his Command Mean-while the Jews that were within the City were diversly troubled for the weaker sort gathering themselves together about the Temple deplored their unhappiness and envied C the felicity of those that died before they were reduced to these miseries But those who were hardiest among them joyning themselves together robbed and took away what they could especially Victuals from those places that were next the City so that they neither left meat for Horses nor Men And the valiantest of them all being set to defend the Walls against those that besieged them hindred the Adversaries from erecting their Batteries by some new device Neither did they any ways prevail so much as by their Mines The King sought to repress the Excursions of the Plunderers by placing an Ambush of men to intercept them and relieved the want and scarcity of Victuals by fetching Provision from places far distant But notwithstanding they in fight failed not to express incredible valour yet did the military experience of the D Romans surpass them A wall no sooner began to totter but they wrought with so great diligence to make another that this was finished before that was fallen In a word they neither spared hands nor Engines but were all of them determined to fight it out to the last And although they were besieged by two so potent Armies yet they defended the Town five months Herod's Soldiers after five months Siege enter the City But at last certain of Herod's bravest men by a breach entered the City and the Romans the like on another side Those places nearest the Temple were the first that they seized upon afterwards the whole Army entring the City it was lamentable to see how in every corner the people were massacred Slaughter in Jerusalem for the Romans being displeased that the Siege continued so long time became more cruel and Herod's Army endeavoured to let none of the adverse part escape E So that many were slain both in the streets and in their own houses yea even then also when they fled into the Temple without respect of Age or Sex For although the King commanded the Soldiers to spare the people yet for all that they never restrained their cruel hands but like mad men raged against all men women and children Sosius taketh Antigonus Antigonus not considering his former condition came and
revenge and so abated the pride of the Arabians that they took him for their Protector K CHAP. XV. How Herod was confirmed in the peaceable Possession of the Kingdom of Judaea by Augustus Caesar THe joy of this prosperous success 〈…〉 was soon abated by the news of the Victory of Augustus over Antonius at Actium and his love for the latter made him apprehend the worst that could be imagined from the former Yet was he more afraid than L hurt by this his suspicion for Caesar counted not Antonius fully conquered so long as Herod kept to his Party Wherefore the King timely foreseeing those dangers that might ensue went to Rhodes where at that time Caesar resided and in the habit of a private man without a Crown but with a Kingly Majesty he presented himself before him Herod 's Oration to Augustus Caesar and with great constancy spake to him in this manner I was O Caesar made King of Judaea by Antonius his means and I cannot deny but that had not the Arabians hindred me I had with all the Power I could have made seconded and assisted Antonius against thee Yea although personally I could not go yet did I what I could to help him Herod speaks freely before Caesar and sent him many thousand Measures of Corn. Nay though he had the Overthrow at Actium yet did not I forsake him who had deserved well at my hands and although I M was not able to assist him with force of Arms yet I gave him the best counsel I could inculcating oftentimes unto him that the only way to redress his affairs was to put Cleopatra to death which if he would do I promised him to assist him with money Strong holds and an Army yea and with mine own person against thee But the love of Cleopatra and God who had already designed the Empire of the World to thee stopped his ears By this means O Caesar I find my self conquered with Antonius and have forsaken my Crown and Dignity with his Fortunes and I am come unto thee without grounding the hope of my safety upon any thing but my own Vertue and the experience which thou mayest make of my fidelity to my Friends Caesar's Answer to Herod Herod having spoken in this manner Caesar answered Live in safety and reign now with greater security than before for thou deservest to rule others N who with such constancy didst defend and maintain thy friendship Hence forward endeavour to continue faithful towards them that are more fortunate than Antonius for for my part I have conceived a great hope and expectation of thy Valour and Prowess I cannot blame Antonius in that he rather hearkened to Cleopatra than to thee since by his imprudence I have obtained thy friendship That thou hast begun to do well it hereby appeareth because Ventidius hath signified unto me that thou hast sent him succours against his enemies For which cause by this my present Decree be thou established in thy Kingdom and I will shortly give thee such proofs of my Amity that thou shalt have no cause to bewail the loss of Antonius After this speech Augustus put the Crown upon Herod 's head and made a Decree and sealed it testifying how he had remitted all things O done by Herod and confirmed him in his Kingdom and rehearsing many things greatly tending to Herod 's praise After that Herod had made great Presents to Caesar he A requested him to pardon Alexander one of Antonius his friends who earnestly and in humble manner desired the same But Caesar being much incensed against him answered that he for whom he entreated had greatly and many times offended and so he repelled Herod with this answer When Caesar travelled into Egypt through Syria Herod's gratulation toward Caesar he was entertained by Herod with all Royal Pomp possible And that was the first time that he shewed himself to take part with Caesar when near Ptolemais he took a view of the Soldiers with Caesar and made a Banquet for him and all his friends and feasted the whole Army And in as much as he travelled to Pelusium thorough a dry Countrey when they returned again he provided water for them and furnished the Army with all necessaries so that both Caesar B and the Soldiers thought the Kingdom a small recompence for his deserts Caesar encreaseth Herod's Dominion For which cause after he came into Egypt and that Antonius and Cleopatra were now dead he did not only encrease his honour but also restored to him that portion of his Countrey which was taken away by Antonius and given to Cleopatra And besides that Gadara and Hippon and Samaria and other Cities about the Sea-coast to wit Gaza and Anthedon and Joppa and Straton's Tower and moreover gave him four hundred Galatians which before were Cleopatra's Guard Nor did Caesar's Liberality stop here but to shew how far his esteem of this Prince's merit proceeded he added to his Dominion Trachonitis and Batanaea and Auranitis upon this occasion Zenodorus who for money had hired the Lands of Lysanias continually sent people out of Trachonitis to C rob the people of Damascus who in humble manner went to Varus who was at that time Governour of Syria entreating him to inform Caesar of their calamity Caesar understanding the same writ back again commanding him to exterminate those Thieves Whereupon Varus with an Army Herod made Governour of Syria went to those places which were most infested and rid the Countrey of the Thieves and confiscated the Territory from Zenodorus which Caesar lest it should again be a refuge for Thieves to spoil Damascus gave to Herod and made him Ruler over all Syria Ten years after Caesar returning to this Countrey commanded the Governours to do nothing without Herod's counsel And after Zenodorus's death he gave him all the Countrey between Trachonitis and Galilee But that which Herod esteemed above all the rest was that Caesar loved him best of all next to D Agrippa and that Agrippa loved him most of all men next to Caesar When he was arrived to this pitch of Felicity he shewed the greatness of his Soul by the greatest and most holy enterprize that can be imagined CHAP. XVI Of the Cities and Monuments repaired and builded by Herod and of his felicity and liberality towards strangers E IN the fifteenth year of his Reign he repaired the Temple The year of the world 3947. before Christ's Nativity 15. and enclosed twice as much ground as was before about the Temple with a strong Wall whereon he bestowed great costs and charges to beautifie it as the great Porches will testifie which he built about the Temple and the Castle on the North part thereunto adjoyning which he built even from the foundation The Castle was so rich and sumptuous that it was equal to the King's Palace Ant. lib. 15. c. 10. 12 13 14. and in honour of Antonius he named it
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
to the days of Herod That being by enduring such misery now accustomed to the Yoke they had willingly subjected themselves to his Son Archelaus after that Herod his Father was dead Herod's Tyranny and cruelty notwithstanding he was the Son of such a Tyrant and had publickly mourned for the death of Herod L and offered Sacrifice for the prosperity of his Successor But he to shew himself Herod 's true Son began his Reign with the slaughter of three thousand Citizens and because he had so well deserved the Kingdom he offered so many men to God for Sacrifice and on a Festival Day The Jews beseech the Romans to have compassion on the remainder of the Jews filled the Temple with so many dead bodies Wherefore 't is not strange that they who escaped that Massacre consider their own calamity and as in Battel turn their faces against those who wounded them and beseech the Romans that they would think the remnant of the Jews worthy of compassion and not abandon and expose the residue of their Nation as a Prey to them by whom they are like to be most cruelly butchered but that it may please them to adjoyn their Countrey to Syria and to let them be ruled by the Romans that so they may find that the Jews though now counted seditious and rebellious M are under peaceable and quiet Governours a peaceable Nation With this Petition the Jews ended their Accusation Nicolaus defends Archelaus before Caesar and the rest After this Nicolaus stood up against them and first of all acquitted the King 's of the Crimes laid to their charge and then reproved his Countrey-men as people not to be easily Governed and of their own nature averse except forced to obey their King And by the way he also blamed the Kindred of Archelaus who joyned with his Accusers Caesar having heard what both parts could say dismissed the Assembly Caesar maketh Archelaus Ethnarch of Jewry And within few days after he gave Archelaus half the Kingdom with the Title of Ethnarch promising moreover to make him King if he behaved himself well the other half he divided into two Tetrarchies and gave the same to the rest of Herod's Sons The distribution of the Kingdom to Herod's Children one to Philip the other to Antipas who contended with Archelaus N for the Crown Antipas his Part lay from Galilee beyond the River Jordan the Revenues whereof amounted to two hundred Talents a year Philip had Batanaea and Trachonitis and Auranitis and part of what belonged to Zenodorus near Jamnia the Revenues whereof amounted to one hundred Talents a year Archelaus had in his Ethnarchy Idumaea and all Judaea and Samaria which was freed from the fourth part of the Tribute Those Cities that were under Archelaus's subjection because they had not rebelled with the rest These Cities also were given him Straton's Tower Sebaste Joppa and Jerusalem But Gaza and Gadara and Hippon Caesar took from the Kingdom and joyned them to Syria Archelaus's yearly Revenues amounted to four hundred Talents a year Caesar also besides that which Herod had left Salome Salome Princess of Jamnia Azotus and Phasaelis as Jamnia Azotus and Phasaelis gave her the Palace O at Ascalon all which amounted to threescore Talents a year But Caesar obliged her to live in the Countrey subject to Archelaus And having confirmed the rest A of Herod's Kindred the Legacies which in his Testament he had left them he gave his two Daughters that were Virgins over and above a hundred and fifty thousand Drachmes of Silver and married them to Pheroras's two Sons Lastly he divided that which Herod had bequeathed unto himself amounting unto a thousand Talents amongst his Sons leaving himself only some Jewels of small value which he reserved in honour and remembrance of the dead CHAP. V. B Of the Impostor Alexander Herod's pretended Son and how he was taken AT the same time Ant. lib. 17. cap. 18. a certain young man a Jew born brought up by a Freed-man of Rome in the Town of Sidon A certain young man feigning himself to be that Alexander whom Herod slew deceiveth many being very like Alexander whom Herod had put to death went to Rome having one of his Countrey-men for his companion who knew very well the Estate of the Kingdom and by whose instructions he affirmed that they who should have put him and Aristobulus to death being moved to compassion let them go and put two others in their room like them With this tale he deceived many Jews living in Creet where he was honourably received From thence he sailed to Melos where he was entertained with greater pomp and enriching C himself he used such means that he got his Hosts which gave him entertainment to accompany him to Rome At his landing at Puteoli he received great Presents from the Jews who dwelt there especially those that were well affected to his Father honoured him as a King For he was so like Alexander that they that had seen Alexander and knew him well would have sworn he had been the same Wherefore when he arrived at Rome all the Jews desired to see him and an infinite multitude followed him whithersoever he went in the streets and they so doted upon him that they carried him in a Horse-litter and at their own proper cost and charges prepared for him a Royal Train But Augustus well remembred Alexander's visage for Herod had accused him before D him and although Caesar desireth to see the young man before he saw him he judged that he was some Impostor yet he made as though he believed all and sent one Celadus who knew Alexander well to bring this young man to him Celadus no sooner beheld him but forthwith he perceived the difference betwixt them and especially when he took notice of his hard flesh and servile shape he presently understood the whole matter But he could not but be greatly surprized at his bold speeches for when they demanded of him what was become of Aristobulus he answered that he was alive but on purpose tarried behind and lived in Cyprus because being asunder they could not both so easily be entrapped Celadus taking him apart from the rest of the Company told him that Caesar would save his life if he would truly confess by whose counsel he E feigned himself to be Alexander He accepting this proffer followed him to Caesar and declared to him the Jew who for lucre sake had made use of his likeness to Alexander confessing that he had received as great Gifts of the Cities by which he passed Caesar maketh the counterfeit Alexander a Galley-slave and executeth his Counsellor as they would have given Alexander if he had been alive Caesar laught at the Cheat and condemned this false Alexander to the Galleys but put the other Jew to death who had induced him to this Imposture And as for the Jews at Milo he thought
of the World 3979. after Christ's Nativity 17. or to eat meats forbidden They could not be forced to any of these neither would they entreat the Torturers nor shew any sorrow amidst their torments Yea in the midst of their pains they scoffed at their Tormentors and joyfully yielded up their souls as though they hoped to pass to a better life For it is an Opinion amongst them The Esseans esteem the soul immortal but they believe not the Resurrection of the dead that the body is mortal and corruptible but the souls remain ever immortal and being of a most Pure and Etherial Substance wrap themselves in bodies as in prisons being drawn thereunto by some natural inclination But when they are delivered out of these Carnal Bonds then presently as freed from a long Bondage they joyfully mount into the Air. And of the good souls they say as did the Grecians The Grecians opinion of the soul of man that they live beyond the Ocean in a place of Pleasure where they are L never molested with rain nor snow nor heat but have always a sweet and pleasant Air. But the wicked souls as they say go into a place very tempestuous where there is always Winter weather always lamentations of those who for ever are to be punished For I judge that the Greeks are of this opinion when they say there is an Isle for the vertuous whom they call Heroes and half-gods and that the souls of the wicked go to a place in Hell where it is feigned that some are tormented as Sysiphus Tantalus Ixion and Titius These Esseans also believe that they are created immortal that they may be induced to Virtue and averted from Vice that the good are rendred better in this life by the hope of being happy after death and that the wicked who imagine they can hide their evil actions in this world are punished for them in the other with M eternal torments This is the Esseans Opinion touching the excellency of the soul from which we see very few of those depart The Esseans prophesie who have once embraced it There are also some among them who promise to foretel things to come which faculty is obtained as well by the studying of Holy Books and Ancient Prophecies as by the care they take of sanctifying themselves And their predictions seldom fail There is another sort of Esseans There is a Colledge of the Esseans that differeth from the former in the point of Marriage agreeing with the former both in apparel diet and kind of life and observance of the same Laws and Ordinances only they differ in the matter of Marriage Affirming that to abstain from Marriage tends to abolish mankind For say they if all men should follow this opinion presently all mankind would perish Notwithstanding these people use such moderation that for three N years space they observe the women they intend to marry and then if they appear sound enough to bear Children they marry them None of them lie with their Wives when they are with child to shew that they do not marry to satisfie Lust but to have Children When their Wives wash themselves they are covered with a Garment as the men are and this is the manner and custom of this Sect. Of the two former Sects The second Sect of the Pharisees the Pharisees are said to be most skilful in Interpreting the Laws The chief Article of their belief is that all things are to be attributed to God and Fate yet so that every man may in many things of his own power do good or ill though destiny may help much therein And that the souls of men are all incorruptible but only the souls of good men go into other bodies and the souls of wicked men are sent O into everlasting pain The third of the Sadducees But the Sadduces deny Fate and affirm that as God is the Author of no evil so he takes no heed to what men do that a man hath power to do A well or ill and every man may chuse whether he will be good or bad and they generally deny both pains and rewards for souls after this life The Pharisees are as sociable and loving one to another as the Sadduces are at discord among themselves living like savage beasts and as uncourteous to their own Sect as to strangers This is all which I have to speak concerning the Philosophers among the Jews Now I will return to my purpose CHAP. VIII B Of the Cities which Philip and Herod built and of Pilates Government ARchelaus his Ethnarchy being now made a Province Ant. l. 18. c. 7. the rest of his Brethren to wit The year of the World 3997. after Christ's Nativity 35. Philip and Herod who was surnamed Antipas continued to govern their Tetrarchies And Salome dying left Julia by her Testament the Toparchy which she ruled as also Jamnia and a ground set with Palm-trees in Phasaelis When Tiberius the Son of Livia upon the death of Augustus after he had reigned seven and fifty years six months and two days was made Emperour of Rome Philip built a City near the head of Jordan in the Country of Paneade and called it Caesarea and another he built in the lower part of Gaulanitis and named it Tiberias and another in C Paerea on this side Jordan which he named Julias Pilate being sent by Tiberius to be Governour over the Jews caused in the night some Ensign on which was the Image of Caesar to be brought into Jerusalem which thing within three days after caused a great tumult among the Jews for they who beheld this action were astonished and consider'd it as a violation of the Law of their Country which forbids expresly any Picture or Image of men or other creatures to be brought into the City At their lamentation who were in the City The people would not condescend to Pilate to alter their Country-laws there was gathered together a great multitude out of the villages adjoyning and they went presently to Pilate then at Caesarea beseeching him earnestly that the Images might be taken away out of Jerusalem and that the Laws of their Countrey might remain inviolated When Pilate denied their suit D they prostrated themselves before his house and there remained lying upon their faces for five days and nights without moving On the sixth day Pilate sitting in his Tribunal-seat call'd all the Jews together before him as though there he would have given them an answer but on the sudden a company of armed Soldiers for so it was provided compassed the Jews about on all sides The Jews were hereat amazed Pilate admiring the constancy of the Jews in their Religion sent the Statues from Jerusalem seeing that which they expected not Then Pilate told them that except they would receive the Images of Caesar he would kill them all and to that end made a sign unto the Soldiers to draw
their swords The Jews as if they had agreed together fell all down at once and offered their naked necks to the stroke of the sword crying out that they would rather lose their lives than suffer their Religion to be prophaned E Then Pilate admiring the constancy of the people in their Religion presently commanded the said Ensigns to be taken out of the City of Jerusalem After this he caused another tumult among them for they have a sacred Treasure called Corban The year of the World 3998. after Christ's Nativity 39. which Pilate resolv'd to make use of to bring water into the City four hundred furlongs off for this cause the people murmured so that when Pilate came to Jerusalem they flocked about his Tribunal to make their complaint Pilate foreseeing a tumult caused Soldiers secretly armed to mingle themselves among the people in private apparrel Pilate beateth the seditious with clubs and commanded them not to use their swords but to beat those with clubs whom they saw make such clamours And when he had thus plotted F the matter sitting in his Tribunal he gave a sign unto the Soldiers and presently the Jews were beaten and many of them partly with blows and partly trodden upon by the multitude The year of the World 4001. after Christ's Nativity 36. died miserably The multitude amazed at the calamity of those that were slain held their tongues For this cause Agrippa Son of Aristobulus whom Herod the King his Father put to death Agrippa Aristobulus's Son hateth Tiberius and insinuateth himself into Caius Caligula's friendship went to Rome and accused him to Caesar Tiberius not admitting his accusation he remained still at Rome and sought the favour of other great men there and especially he courted Caius the Son of Germanicus he being yet a private person and upon a certain day having invited him to a banquet he stretched forth his hands and openly pray'd Almighty God in stead of Tiberius Caesar he might see him Lord of all the world Tiberius having notice hereof by one of his familiar friends caused Agrippa to be imprisoned where G he endured hard and strait imprisonment till the death of Tiberius which was six months after Tiberius reigned 22 years six months and 3 days After he was dead having reigned two and twenty years six months and three days Caius Caesar who succeeded him in the Empire freed him from prison The year of the World 4001. after Christ's Nativity 39. and gave him the Tetrarchy of Philip who was newly deceased and the title H of King When Agrippa came into his Kingdom Herod the Tetrarch began to envy his estate and Herodias his wife still urged him forward in hope that he should be made a King also for said she thou wantest that dignity only through slothfulness because thou wouldest not go to Caesar Caius Caesar giveth the Tetrarchy to Agrippa 〈◊〉 's Son and maketh him a King for if Agrippa be made a King being before but a private man how canst thou doubt to be made a King who art already a Tetrarch Herod herewith perswaded went to Caius Caesar who greatly reproached his ambition insomuch as he fled into Spain for Agrippa had followed him to Rome to accuse him before Caesar and Caius gave him Herod's Tetrarchy And so Herod remained in Spain with his wife till his death Ant. l. 18. 〈◊〉 Herod and his wife remain in Spain I CHAP. IX The Emperour Caius orders Petronius Governour of Syria to constrain the Jews by arms to receive his Statue into the Temple The year of the World 4002. after Christ's Nativity 40. Petronius forbears to do it The death of Caius saves him from punishment CAius Caesar so abused his Authority Ant. lib. 18. c 15. that he would be thought to be a god and so called Caius Caesar calleth and reputeth himself a God Also he put many Noble men of his Country to death by his cruelty which he likewise extended even to Judaea for he sent Petronius with an K army to Jerusalem commanding him to set his Statues in the Temple and if the Jews refused to receive them The fear the Jews had of Petronius's Army that those who withstood him should be put to the sword and the rest led away captive Almighty God did otherwise dispose this proud commandment But Petronius accompanied with three Legions and many assistants out of Syria came with all speed from Antioch to Judaea many of the Jews would not believe any war towards notwithstanding that they heard a general report thereof and they that believed it could not bethink themselves of any means to resist Suddenly all were in a great fear for the Army was now come to Ptolemais The description of Ptolemais which City is situate by the Sea-shoar in Galilee in a fair Field and on the East-side it is compassed with Mountains distant from it threescore furlongs L which belong to Galilee on the South-side it is invested with Mount Carmel which is distant an hundred and twenty furlongs on the North-side it is environed with an exceeding high Mountain which the Inhabitants call the Tyrians Ladder this Mountain is an hundred paces distant from the City Two miles from this City there is a River running by called Pelus a very little one near which is the admirable Sepulchre of Memnon Sand like Glass near Memnon's Sepulchre which is a hundred cubits high and of a concave form In this place is seen a sort of Sand as transparent as Glass which many ships carry away for Balast but though they empty the place of it yet that place is presently after covered with the like sand again For there are winds which as it were on purpose carry this sand from the higher places round about it thither and this M sand being put into the furnace is presently changed into Chrystal or Glass And that which in my opinion is more to be wondred at is that the sand being so turned into Glass if afterward any part thereof be cast upon the brink of this place it is again turned into ordinary sand And this is the nature of that place Now the Jews with their wives and children gathered themselves together in the field where the City Ptolemais is situate and humbly besought Petronius not to violate their Country-laws but to have compassion on them Petronius seeing the multitude that humbly sued to him and how earnestly they sought his favour left Caesar's statues at Ptolemais and himself went from thence to Galilee and at Tiberias called all the Jews and Nobility together Petronius certifieth the Jews of the Romans power and Caesar's threats he represents to them the power of the N Romans and how dreadful Caesar's threatnings ought to be to them adding moreover that the Jews supplication was indeed a contumely seeing all Nations under the dominion of the Romans the Jews only excepted had
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
to fix the seat of his Dominion over the people He chose for his Guard a good number of his followers Foelix overthroweth the Egyptian Foelix foreseeing his intent met him with his Legions of Romans and a great number of other Jews and fighting against him the Egyptian being defeated fled and many that were with him were taken and committed to Prison and the rest of the multitude dispersed themselves into their Countrey These N being thus repressed The Thieves and Magicians work much mischief to many men another part as it happeneth in a sick body began to rise For some Magicians and Thieves being gathered together exhorted the people to shake off the Roman Yoke and threatned present death to those that continued to suffer so shameful a Servitude so that they forced them who were contented with their subjection to the Romans The year of the World 4020. after Christ's Nativity 58. to disobey them These people being dispersed all over the Countrey robbed and sacked rich men's houses killed them and fired the Villages so that all Judaea was in extream fear of them and every day their cruelty encreased At this time arose another tumult at Caesarea Ant lib. 10. cap. 13. between the Jews that dwelt there and the Syrians The Jews challenged the City to be theirs because it was founded by O Herod who was a Jew But the Syrians denying not that the builder of the City was a Jew yet affirmed that it ought to pass for a Greek City for said they the A Founder would not have placed in it Shrines and Statues if he had meant that it should have belonged to the Jews Hereupon there arose a great controversie among the Jews and Syrians so that the matter came to blows and every day those that were the hardiest of both parts fought together For the wiser sort of the Jews could not restrain those of their Nation from being seditious A Fight between the Jews and Syrians about Caesarea and the Greeks scorned to give place to the Jews The Jews surpassed them in Riches and strength of body and the Grecians trusted to the help of the Roman Soldiers for a great many of the Roman Army being levied in Syria were ready to assist the Syrians because of Kindred and Consanguinity Sedition and Slaughter among the Jews The Officers that commanded them endeavoured to appease the Tumult and took those that were most seditious and beat them and cast them into Prison B But the punishment of those that were apprehended terrified not the rest on the contrary they were hereby more tumultuous Foelix finding them at blows as he passed into the great Market-place commanded the Jews who had the advantage to retire and because they obeyed not he sent for Soldiers who slew them and plundered their Goods The Sedition being still on foot he sent some of the Nobility on either Part The year of the World 4024. after Christ's Nativity 62. to Nero to plead their Cause before him Festus succeeded Foelix who vigorously persecuted them that troubled the Countrey and destroyed many Thieves C CHAP. XIII Of Albinus and Florus Presidents of Judaea ALbinus Ant. lib. 20. cap 15. who succeeded Festus followed not his steps for there was no mischief so great Albinus President of Judaea full of all wickedness which he was not guilty of For he not only took away by force men's Goods from them under colour of Justice and at his own pleasure exacted a greater Tribute but also freed and let loose any one whom either the Magistrates of the City took or his Predecessors had left in Prison so that their Friends would give a piece of money and they only who were not able to give money were imprisoned D as most hainous Offenders The Seditious bribe Albinus to wink at their Robberies At this time they in Jerusalem that desired alteration began to take courage and those that were rich among them feed Albinus with money to have his Protection and the common people that loved not to be in quiet were much pleased with Albinus's Government and each of the most wicked had a Troop of Thieves after him But Albinus himself was over them all as chief of the Thieves whom he used as his Guard to rob the meaner sort They whose houses were sacked and spoiled were glad to hold their peace and they who yet had esscaped were glad to be very officious towards those who deserved death for fear they should suffer it In general no men could trust one another Every one trembled under the Rule of so many Tyrants And all these mischiefs were the Seeds of the Servitude E which after befel this miserable City Notwithstanding that Albinus was of such behaviour The year of the World 4028. after Christ's Nativity 66. yet Gessius Florus who succeeded him so behaved himself that in comparison of him Albinus might have been thought a good Governour For Albinus did all things secretly and craftily but Gessius committed any iniquity how great soever so openly as though he gloried in mischief Ant. lib 20. cap. 16. and behaved himself not as a Ruler of the Countrey but as a hangman sent to execute Malefactors omitting no manner of Theft nor any means whereby he might afflict the people Gessius Florus succeeded Albinus and proved worse than Albinus Where he ought to have shewed pity there he was a Tyrant and where he ought to have been ashamed there he shewed himself shameless No man ever could invent more means to betray the truth and devise more subtil ways to do F harm than he for it sufficed him not for his own gain to abuse men one by one at his pleasure The Covetousness of Florus spoileth whole Cities but he wasted and spoiled whole Cities at once and destroyed the people in great multitudes He was not ashamed by the publick voice of a Cryer to proclaim it thorough the whole Countrey lawful for any one that would to rob and steal so that they would bring him a part of their Booty In brief his Avarice was such that the Countrey was almost left desolate people forsaking their own native home and fleeing into strange Lands And all the time that Cestius Gallus was Governour of Syria no man durst go to him to make any complaint against Florus But when at the Feast of Unleavened Bread Gallus came to Jerusalem there met him a multitude of the Jews above three hundred thousand all beseeching him to help and succour their G afflicted Countrey and banish Florus who was the very Pest of their Nation Yet Florus was so impudent that being with Gallus and hearing these Out-cries against him he was no whit moved but laughed at it Cestius for that time appeased the people promising that hereafter he would make Florus more gentle unto them and H so returned to Antioch Florus conducted him to Caesarea and justified
the whole world beside What hope can you have to encourage you against the Romans But some of you will say that bondage is a grievous thing But how much more should the Greeks think so that were thought to be the noblest Nation under heaven and had such large dominions yet now obey the Roman Governours as also the Macedonians do who have greater cause than you to seek their liberty 500 Cities of Asia obey the Romans What shall I say of the five hundred Cities of Asia do they B not all obey one ruler and the authority of one Consul without any garrison What shall I speak of the Enochians Colchians the people of Taurus the inhabitants of Hellespont and Pontus and about Maeotis who in times past had no masters no not of their own Nation yet now three thousand Soldiers keep them in awe and forty long Gallies keep peaceably those seas that were never sailed on before What think you the Bythinians Cappadocians and those of Pamphilia Lydia and Cilicia could say for their liberty who notwithstanding peaceably pay tribute to the Romans What of the Thracians whose country is five days journey in breadth and seven in length far more inaccessible and stronger than yours by reason of the mountains of Snow and Ice yet do they obey two thousand Romans who are in garrison Beside them the Illyrians whose country C reacheth to Dalmatia and Ister are kept in obedience only by two Legions with help of whom they also resist the Dacians The Dalmatians themselves who have so often attempted their own liberty and still as their wealth increased rebelled are now in peace under one Legion of the Romans The defence of France Nay if any have reason to rebel 't is the Gauls whose country is by nature strong being on the East-side compassed with the Alpes on the North with the River of Rhene on the South with the Pyrenaean mountains on the West with the Ocean Notwithstanding having amongst them three hundred and five Nations and as it were the very fountain of plenty of all sort of goods and commodities wherewith they inrich the whole World yet do they pay tribute to the Romans and account that their happiness depends upon that of the Romans and that neither for want of D courage in them or their ancestors who fourscore years long fought for their liberty They could not see without astonishment that the valour of the Romans was attended with such success that they gained more by fortune than they did by courage in all their wars Yet now they obey a thousand and two hundred Soldiers having almost against every Soldier a City Neither could the Spaniards The Spaniards subject to the Romans though Gold grew in their Countrey keep themselves from being subject to the Romans Nor the Portugals and the Warlike Cantabrians for all the distance of Sea and Land between them and Rome The Ocean whose waves beating against the shoar terrifie the Inhabitants adjoyning could not stay them but they passed it and carried an Army beyond the Pillars of Hercules and passed the tops of the Pyrenaean E Mountains which reach to the Clouds and so made all those people subject to them And for all that they were so Warlike a Nation and so far from Rome the Romans have left only one Legion for Garrison amongst them The Germans multitude vertue and huge stature Which of you hath not heard of the multitude of the Germans whose Vertue and mighty bodies I think you have often seen for in every Country the Romans have them for Captives Yet they whose Countrey is so large having hearts far bigger than their bodies and souls that contemn death and are more cruel than brute beasts yet are they now limited by the River Rhine and kept in subjection by eight Legions of Romans and those that were taken were made slaves and the rest chose rather to save themselves by flight than fight Moreover you who have such confidence in the Walls of Jerusalem consider the Walls of Britain The Britains subject to the Romans which Countrey though compassed F with the Ocean and almost as great as our whole World the Romans sailing to it have conquered The Parthians and four Legions keep that so populous an Island What shall I say more when the Parthians a most Warlike people who lately reigned over so many Nations and abound in so much Wealth are now compelled to send Hostages to Rome Nay you may see all the Nobility of the East at Rome where with the Pretext of Peace they shadow their Captivity The Carthaginians made subject by Scipio's hands Almost all the Nations under the Sun tremble and dread the Roman Puissance and will you only War against them Do you not consider what befell the Carthaginians who boasted themselves of that great Hannibal and were sprung from the Noble Race of the Phenicians yet at last were destroyed by Scipio Neither the Syrenaeans who descended from the Lacedemonians The Romans govern the Moors nor all the Race of the Marmaridans extending as far as G the Desarts which are very scarce of Waters nor the Syrtes nor the Nazomonians nor the Moors nor the innumerable multitude of the Numidians have been able to resist the power of the Romans who by force of Arms have conquered that third part of the World the Nations whereof can hardly be numbred which from the Sea Atlantick and Hercules's H Pillars unto the Red Sea containeth all Ethiopia and innumerable Cities Who besides that they pay so much Fruits and Corn to the Romans as for eight months in every year will keep and sustain all the people of Rome do also pay Tribute and moreover assist them any way they can and never murmur at it as you do And there is only one Legion left to keep them in obedience But what should I need to tell you of Forreign Examples to convince you of the Power of the Romans seeing you may well understand it by what they have done in Egypt your neighbour Countrey which reaching to Aethiopia and Arabia the Happy and bordering upon India and having in it an infinite number of people besides the Inhabitants of Alexandria which is easie to be counted Alexandria acknowledgeth the power of the Romans by the Tribute paid of every person by the Poll yet they disdain not to live under the Dominion of the Romans I Alexandria is both populous and very rich in length thirty Furlongs in breadth ten and pays more Tribute in a month than you do in a whole year and besides their money finds all Rome with Corn four months in the year And is on every side compassed about either with a vast Wilderness by which none can pass or the fierce Sea which is boundless or with great and strong Rivers or muddy and durty Quagmires and Marish-grounds Yet all this little avails them to withstand the force of the Romans
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
at Caesarea and in all Syria AT the same hour on the self-same day it happened as it were by God's Providence that the Inhabitants of Caesarea massacred the Jews that dwelt among I them so that at one time above twenty thousand were slain and not one Jew left alive in all Caesarea For those that escaped Florus took and brought them forth bound to the people The Jews spoil the Villages and burn the Cities of Syria After this Massacre done at Caesarea the whole Nation of the Jews was enraged And dividing themselves into Companies they wasted and destroyed in short time all the borders of Syria and the Cities thereabout to wit Philadelphia and Gebonitis Gerasa Pella and Scythopolis Also they took by force Gadara Hippon and Gaulanitis pulling down some places and firing others From thence they marched towards Cedasa a City of the Tyrians and Ptolemais Gaza and Caesarea and neither Sebaste nor Ascalon could resist them but they also were consumed with fire Likewise they destroyed Anthedon with Gaza And most places belonging to K these Cities were sacked to wit the Fields and Villages and a mighty slaughter was made of them that were taken in these Towns The Syrians made as great a Massacre of the Jews as this among them for all the Jews inhabiting among them were murthered not only for an old grudge but also to render their own danger less by diminishing the number of their enemies By this means all Syria was in a most deplorable condition and every City was exposed to the disorders and violences of two several Armies each of which placed their safety in making a great Effusion of Blood The days were spent in blood-shed and the nights in fear worse than death it self For though they only pretended to destroy the Jews yet were they drawn to suspect other Nations that followed the Jews Religion and because they were as it were L Neuters the Syrians thought it not good to destroy them but on the other side for their agreeing in Religion with the Jews they were constrained to hold them as enemies Many of the contrary part who before seemed modest were now through Avarice incited to meddle in this Murther so that every one took the Goods of them that were slain All Syria full of miserable calamities and carried them to other places as Conquerors He was most renowned that had stolen most or killed most There might you see in several Cities the dead bodies of all Ages unburied old men and children and women lying in most shameful manner their secret parts being uncovered Briefly all the Countrey was filled with exceeding great calamity and the fear of yet greater misery to come was unspeakable M These were the Conflicts between the Jews and Strangers Jews against Jews But afterwards making incursions upon the Borders of Scythopolis the Jews there dwelling became their enemies For they conspiring with the Citizens of Sythopolis and preferring their own Commodity and Security before Kindred and Consanguinity joyned with the Gentiles against the Jews and yet for all that they were suspected for their forwardness For the Scythopolitans fearing that they would assault the City by night and excuse their revolting by their great misery commanded all the Jews that if they would shew themselves trusty to the Gentiles they with all their Children should go into a Wood hard by The Jews forthwith did as they were required suspecting nothing and the Scythopolitans were quiet for two days after and did nothing But the third N night they sent forth Scouts to see what they were doing The Scythopolitans kill thirteen thousand Jews who finding most of them asleep they surprized them in a moment and killed them all who were in number thirteen thousand and afterwards took their Goods Here I think it not amiss to speak of the death of Simon who was the Son of Saul whose Race was very Noble He was a man of great courage and strength of body both which he used to the great hurt of his own Nation Simon daily killeth many of his Countrey-men in Scythopolis for he daily killed many Jews who dwelt near Scythopolis and often scattered divers Companies and put whole Armies to flight but at length he had an end worthy of his deeds and the murther of his Countrey-men For when the Scythopolitans had compassed the Wood about so that none could escape their hands they killed the Jews in every part thereof Simon not drawing his Sword made O no resistance to any of his enemies for he saw that it was bootless to strive against such a multitude But pitifully crying out I receive O Scythopolitans a worthy reward for A that which I have done who to shew my fidelity towards you have killed so many of mine own Countrey-men And it is a just Plague that a strange Nation should be false to us who impiously forsook our own Brethren I am not worthy to receive death from the hands of my enemies and therefore I will kill my self with my own and this death will be a sufficient Punishment for my Offences and a full Argument of my magnanimity that none of my enemies may boast of my death nor insult over me When he had thus said he beheld all his Family with compassion and rage mixt together as his Wife and Children and aged Parents Simon kills his Parents his Wife and Children and at last himself And first taking his Father by the hair of the head he stood upon him and thrust him thorough after him he killed his Mother who was willing to die after them his Wife and Children every one of them as it were offering their bodies to the B Sword and desirous to prevent the enemies When he had slain all his Kindred himself remaining alive he stretched forth his arm that they might see what he would do and thrust his Sword into his own body up to the Hilts. A young man who for his magnanimity and strength of body was worthy to be pitied yet he had a just and deserved end for uniting himself to Strangers against his own Countrey CHAP. XX. Cruelties exercised against the Jews in divers other Cities and particularly by Varus C AFter this so great A Massacre of the Jews at Scythopolis Another Slaughter of the Jews other Cities also where they inhabited rose against them and two thousand five hundred were slain at Ascalon The Cities in Arms against the Jews and two thousand at Ptolemais and the Tyrians killed divers and put more in Prison Likewise they of Gadara and Hippon slew the most valiant and those of least courage they cast into Prison Also all other Cities who either feared or hated the Jews rose up against them Only they of Antioch Sidon and Apamea spared those that dwelt with them and neither killed nor imprisoned any of them perhaps they stood in no fear of them if they should have risen because their City
Evening yielded The fight of the Jews with the Romans in the Tower and offered themselves to be slain The Romans might have boasted that this Victory had been without blood-shed on their part had not Antonius a Centurion been slain treacherously Antonius slain by a Jew treacherously For one of them who fled into the Caves as many did requested Antonius to give him his hand in token that he might come out safe and without danger which he doing unadvisedly the Jew with I a spear struck him in the flank whereof he presently died The Romans that day slew all the people that they found and the days following they searcht all the secret places and drew those out of the Caves and Dens that had fled thither and slew all but Women and Infants 40000 Jews perish during the Siege and in the former battel so that they took away a thousand and two hundred Captives and the number of them who were slain during the siege and at such time as the City was taken amounted to fourty thousand Vespasian commanded the City to be destroyed and the Castles to be burnt Thus Jotapata was taken the thirteenth year of Nero's Reign on the first of July K CHAP. XIV How Joseph was taken and how he redeem'd his Life with Deeds and Words BUT especially above all others the Romans made diligent search for Joseph both for the animosity they had against him and also because Vespasian greatly desired to get him into his hands conceiving he being taken the greatest part of the War would then be ended so they sought him among the dead and amongst those that were L hid Joseph leaps into a deep trench and lieth hidden in a Cave but he fortune favouring him when the City was taken escaped from the midst of his Enemies and leapt into a deep Well which had a large Cave on the one side which they above could not perceive where he found fourty of the bravest of his men who had provision there for many days There in the day-time he lay hid and in the night he went forth to see if he could escape but perceiving that all places about were diligently watcht for to take him he returned again into the Cave and lay there two days Vespasian by Tribunes send Joseph assurance the third day a certain woman that had been with them in the Cave discovered him Then Vespasian sent two Tribunes to him to promise him safety and bring him before him the Tribunes names were Paulinus and Gallicanethus But Joseph would not accept the offer fearing that because he had been the Author of all M the Evils that the Romans had endured Nicanor the Tribune known to Joseph they sought him out to punish him till Vespasian sent Joseph Nicanor the third Tribune one of Josephs acquaintance Nicanor recounted to him how mild the Romans were towards them whom they had conquered and that the Roman Generals rather admired him for his Virtue than hated him Moreover that his General intended not to punish him which if he pleased he might do whether he yielded himself or no but to save him being so valiant a man adding also that if Vespasian meant ill he would never have imployed his Friend in such a message to use friendship so noble a Virtue to so evil a purpose as to work Treason and that he though Vespasian had been so minded would never have consented to have betrayed his friend Joseph For all Nicanors words he still hesitated as unresolved N what to do Whereat the Roman Souldiers being angry began to cast fire into the Cave but Vespasian hindred them being desirous to take Joseph alive Nicanor ceased not to intreat him and he perceiving how his Enemies began to be enraged and calling to mind the dreams he had had Josephs dream of the slaughter of the Jews wherein God had fore-shew'd him all the Jews calamities and what happy success should befal the Romans for he could interpret dreams and whatsoever God obscurely shewed being instructed in the Holy Books of the Prophets and himself a Priest as his Parents were being as it were now filled with the Spirit of God and the Dreams and Visions coming into his mind he prayed secretly to God after this manner Joseph filled with the Spirit of God secretly prayeth O great Creator of the Universe Seeing it pleaseth thee to ruin the Nation of the Jews and to send all good Fortune to the Romans and O that thou hast chosen me to foretell future events I submit to thy will and render my self to the Romans to save my life protesting that I mean not to go them to play the Traitor to my Country but as thy Minister And having thus spoken he yeilded himself to Nicanor H But they who were in the Cave with Joseph perceiving that he yeelded himself to the Romans flocked about him and cryed out What is become of all our love for our Laws Where are those generous Souls and true Jews to whom God when he created them inspired so great a contempt of Death Joseph consents to Nicanor Art thou O Joseph so desirous to live as to become a vile Bond-slave How soon hast thou forgotten thy self How many hast thou perswaded to embrace death for the sake of their liberty The Jews violence and expostulation against Joseph Truly thou hast but a shadow of valour and prudence in thee if thou dost hope that they will save thy life against whom thou hast so behav'd thy self or if they would save thee to desire life at their hands But seeing the Romans offer hath made thee forget thy self yet we to preserve the honour and credit of our Country will lend thee our Arms and Swords and so if thou be willing to die die like the General of the I Jews which if thou refuse to do thou shalt whether thou wilt or no die like a Traitor to thy Country When they had thus said they all threatned to kill him with their Swords if he yeilded to the Romans Joseph fearing their violence and being perswaded that if he died before he had revealed to his Nation the things which God had declared to him 〈◊〉 should fail in his duty to God he had recourse to the reasons which he thought most likely to prevail and spoke to this effect Wherefore Josephs Oration to his Countrymen O my Friends said he are you become murtherers of your selves Wherefore are ye so eager to divide things so united as the Soul and the Body are If any man imagine that my mind is changed the Romans know whether that be true or no. I confess K it is a thing most honourable to dye in War not any way but according to the Law of Arms to wit by the Conquerours hand If I entreat the Romans to spare my life then I am worthy to perish with mine own sword and hand But if they think good to spare
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
men to Sedition but all the wiser sort foresaw what was like to ensue and already mourned for the loss of the City In this case were they of Jerusalem Intestine discord in Jewry yet before this Sedition in the City the Country People began to be at discord among themselves For Titus departed from Giscala to Casarea and Vespasian went from Caesarea to Jamnia and Azotus and took them both and leaving there Garrisons he returned to Caesarea bringing with him a great multitude I of those that had yielded to him The Jews tâ—rn their weapons against themselves All the Cities had Civil discords among themselves so that when the Romans did not set upon them one part of the Jews in every City fought against another and there was a great dissention between those that desired peace and the Seditious People At fiirst this Discord began only in private houses but in the end those of one mind united and began in Companies to Rebel openly Thus every place was troubled with civil discord and every where rash young men who desired War prevailed against grave and wise old men who foreseeing the calamity like to ensue desired Peace At first the Inhabitants one by one robb'd and spoil'd what they could The Thieves trooping together in Jerusalem spoil the Country but at last in whole Troops they joyned together and robb'd openly and wasted all the Country about and in their Robberies they K shewed such cruelty that the harm and injury they did to their own Country-men was equal to the miseries which befel them by the Romans and they who by these miscreants were spoiled wish'd rather to have fallen into the Romans hands But the Garisons in these Cities either because they were loth to trouble themselves or else for that they cared not for their Country-men did nothing or very little succour them that fell into these Thieves hands At last the Thieves assembled themselves together from all places and joyning Companies brake into Jerusalem This City had no Governour and according to the ancient Custom of their Ancestors was open to all that came thither that were their Country-men and so much more willingly at that time because they thought they that came thither came of good will to help them which L was afterward the only cause that the City was destroyed and of the more civil dissention For a great multitude of people unapt to fight being there consumed the Victuals that would have sufficed for the fighting men and besides the War they brought upon it Famine and Civil dissention Then other Thieves came out of the fields thereabout and joyning themselves with those that were within the City omitted no kind of Villany Rapins and spoils committed by day for not content to rob and spoil they also attempted to commit Murders not only privily or in the night upon mean men but even in the day time they publickly set upon those of the chiefest quality For first of all they took Antipas who was of the blood Royal The Nobility of the City are taken and slain by the Thieves a man so eminent amongst them that the publick Treasure was committed to his charge and put him in Prison and after him they took Sepha a M worthy man Son to Raguel and Levias both of them of the Kings Houshold and after them all that seemed to bear any sway or Authority amongst the People Great fear fell upon the Inhabitants and every one provided to save himself as though the City were already surprized by the Enemies But these people were not content thus to have imprisoned these great men they thought it not safe for themselves any longer to keep them alive for many went daily to visit them who were able to revenge their injuries and moreover they feared that the People would make head against them being moved with their Insolencies Wherefore they determined to kill them and to effect their purpose they sent one John a cruel Murderer who was the Son of Dorâ—as he accompanied with ten more all having swords went to the Prison and slew as many N as they found there To excuse this cruel fact of theirs they alledged That all they who were slain in Prison had conference with the Romans concerning the betraying of the City into their hands and that for this Cause they had slain them as Traytors to their Country They also boasted that this Fact of theirs had preserved the City The Thieves at their pleasure make a high Priest and that therefore they had deserved well by it The People were brought to such slavery and terrour that the choosing the High Priest was in their hands to elect whom they pleased so much was their Insolence increased Thus they not respecting the Families A high Priest chosen by them contrary to the ancient Custom out of which it was only lawful to choose the high Priest they elected Strangers and base persons to that sacred Dignity and such as would be partakers of their Villanies and Impieties for they who not deserving it attained to such dignity O were bâ—und in all things to the Will of those by whom they were so exalted They A also devised many lies to set those that were in Authority at variance one with another thereby as it were to hold them occupied who were able to resist their Enterprizes till from shedding the blood of the Citizens they proceeded to commit impiety against God himself and with profane and impure feet to enter into the Sanctuary Then the People were incited against them by the perswasion of Ananus who was one of the Priests and the most ancient and wisest of them all who perhaps had saved the City had he escaped the hands of these Miscreants But they used the Temple as a Castle and defence for themselves against the People and made the Sanctuary a place for them to exercise Tyranny in And that which increased the sorrow of the Citizens was that amidst these Calamities their Religion was also contumeliously abused for these B Thieves to try of what strength and courage the People were and their own Forces elected by Lot a high Priest contrary to their Law which as we have already said requireth that the Office of high Priest be by Succession This deed of theirs they coloured with an ancient Custom alledging that in time past the high Priest was chosen by Lot but indeed this their fact was a violation of the most firm Custom that was amongst the People and was only a device to get all Government into their hands by establishing Magistrates at their pleasure Then calling one of the holy Tribes Phanes a Country Clown made a high Priest named Eniachin they cast Lots and the Lot fell upon one whereby their iniquity was discovered This man whose Lot it was to C be high Priest was named Phanias who was the Son of Samuel a man not only unworthy of
them whom they had just reason to fear at revengers of their impieties Wherefore if you make any account of these mens prayers vouchsafe laying your Weapons aside to come into our City like Friends and be your selves Judges between us and them whom you come to help .. Jesus requireth the Idumeans to judge the discrences between the Zealots and them And consider what favour we shew them who permit them to plead their own causes before you they being guilty of so hainous crimes and having put to death persons of such account never accused nor permitted to speak for themselves yet this favour we will grant them for your sake But if you continue your indignation against us and refuse this offer to be our Judges then let us entreat you that L leaving both parts you would neither imbrue your hands in our blood nor lend your aid to those miscreants against your Mother-City And if you suspect any of us to be Confederates with the Romans you may keep all the passages and then seek to defend your Metropolis when you have proof of any such matter as is alledged against us and punish the Authors of that Treason when you have convicted them The enemies cannot prevent you because you are already planted so near the City The end of Jesus Oration to the Idumeans If you like none of these marvel not that we shut our gates against you coming in an armed and hostile manner But the Idumeans being angry were not moved hereby and so much the more for that entrance into the City was denied them and their Generals were exceedingly displeased thinking it shameful to lay down their Arms at the command of others who had no Authority over them K Then one of the Captains named Simon Simons answer to Jesus the Son of Cathla having with much ado gotten his Souldiers to be silent stood up in a place where the High Priests might hear him and said That he now did not wonder that those who maintained Liberty were besieged in the Temple since they of the City now shut their Gates against them the City being common and free for all the Nation and that perhaps they were ready to open the City Gates to receive the Romans That they spake to the Idumeans from a Tower and commanded them to cast down their Arms The Idumaeans are displeased because the City gates were lockt against them which they had taken only for the Liberty of the City when they durst not trust their own Nation to keep the same and yet would have them Judges of the discord and that accusing others for killing some not convicted they themselves would condemn M all our whole Nation by the ignominy they did to their Country-men against whom they had now shut the City gates which were open to all strangers to enter into for Religion-sake Did we make haste saith he towards you to fight against our own Nation when we came only to preserve your Liberty The reproaches the Idumaeans object against the high Priest and Citizens But this is as true as that they whom you thus besiege have wronged you and as the accusation you forge against them But your keeping in hold those that are the defenders of the Common-wealth shutting the City gates against Men of your own Blood you impose upon us contumelious commands Who can any longer endure this your mockery that perceiveth how contradictory your allegations are For who can justly accuse those that ye keep shut up in the Temple because they presumed to punish Traytors whom you grace with the title of Noble and Innocent because they were your Confederates Only in N this they are blame-blame-worthy that they did not begin with you first but left alive such members of that Conspiracy Except also you will say that the Idâ—means shut you out of your City you your selves not permitting us to come and offer Sacrifice But though they were too merciful yet we the Idumeans will preserve the House of God and will fight for the common good of our Country and will be revenged both of the Enemies that are without the City and the Traytors within And here will we remain before the City till either the Romans come and deliver you or till you change your minds and bethink your selves what advantage it is to have Liberty O A CHAP. VII Of the Massacre of the Jews by the Idumeans ALL the Idumeans assented with a loud cry to these speeches of Simon And Jesus departed sorrowful seeing that the Idumeans would agree to no reason and that thereby their City should suffer a double War For the Idumeans were no less disquieted who took the matter in great disdain that they were not permitted to enter into B the City and also because they thought the Zealots so strong as they had believed and they themselves were ashamed that they could not help them so that many repented that they were come thither The Idumeans pitch their Tabernacles near the Walls Yet would they not for shame return nothing being done by them and so rashly placing their Tabernacles near the City walls they determined to stay there But that night there arose a most furious Tempest for there was a great stormy Wind A huge Storm and an exceeding great Rain mixt with fearful Thunder and horrible Lightning and an Earthquake with strange Noises so that all men thought this motion of the Earth would overturn the whole order of Nature or at least portend some great Calamity The Idumeans and Townsmen were both of one mind For they thought that God was angry with them for bearing Arms against their Metropolis C and perswaded themselves that they could not escape death if they continued in their purpose Ananus and his followers perswaded themselves that they had now overcome them without War and that God had fought for them against the Idumeans But they were false Prophets and what they judged would befall their Enemies fell upon themselves In the mean while the Idumeans lay as close together as they could and covered their heads with their Shields by which means the Rain did them not so much harm The Zealots consult to break open the Gates to assail the Watch and let in the Idumeans The Zealots were concern'd for the Idumeans more than for themselves and devised which way they might succour them The boldest amongst them advised the rest by force to set upon the Guard and so to get into the City and open the Gates to the Idumeans that were come to help them for it was easie to surprize the Watch by D reason that many of them were unarmed and unfit for War and the Citizens could not easily be assembled together seeing every man because of the Tempest kept his house And though there were danger in the attempt yet were it better to endure all mischiefs that might ensue than to permit such an Army shamefully to perish
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
time to invade Strangers CHAP. VII Of Simon of Gerasa Author of a new Conspiracy E IN the mean time a new War broke out at Jerusalem among the Jews For there was one Simon the Son of Giora born in Gerasa young in years and inferiour to John in subtilty Simon of Gerasa resorteth to the Thieves who now already had gotten the dominion over the City yet in Vigor and Boldness exceeded John This Simon having been for this cause also driven out of the Country of Acrabatena where he was Governour by the means of Ananus the high Priest Simon assembleth all robbers in the mountanous places came to the Thieves that seized upon Massada At his first coming he was so suspected by the Thieves that they only permitted him and the Women that came with him to dwell in the lower part of the Castle and they themselves kept the higher part yet afterwards his manners and behaviour was such that they put confidence in him and he became their Captain always when they went to spoil and rob any part of F of the Country about Massada After which he did all that he could to persweade them to attempt greater matters for being desirous of rule after he heard that Ananus was dead he departed into the high Places of the Country and with the voice as of a Crier proclaimed that all Bond-slaves that would follow him should have their Liberty and all others should be richly rewarded by which means he gathered together all the wicked and desperate People in the Country And having now a considerable Army he robbed and spoiled all the Towns and Villages thereabout and his number daily encreasing he also presumed to come into the plain Countries so that now Cities stood in awe of him and many considerable persons fearing him for his strength and prosperous success joyned with him So that his Army did not only consist of Thieves and G Slaves but many People of the Country came to him reverencing him as their Prince and King and they made Excursions into the Toparchy of Acrabatena and into the greater Idumea For he had fortified a Town called Nain wall'd about which he used H for his Retreat And in the Valley called Pharan he made many Caves and found many already made and in these Caves he kept his Treasure and the Booties he got also all Fruits of the Earth that he robbed and stole there he laid up in store as also Ammunition for many Companies The Fight between Simon and the Zealots And now no man doubted but that being thus furnished with Men and Ammunition he would go to Jerusalem The Zealots fearing this and desirous to prevent him who they saw every day encreased his number and grew more potent against them they armed many of their Company and went out to meet him Simon was not daunted at this but boldly encountred them and gave them so sharp a Battle that he slew many of them in fight and forced the rest to retire themselves into the Town yet not having men sufficient he would not besiege the I Town but first of all he purposed to subdue Idumea and so accompanied with 20000 armed men he hasted towards the borders thereof The Princes of Idumea understanding this presently assembled five and twenty thousand armed men and leaving at home sufficient Garisons to defend their Country against the Sicarii who held the Fortress of Massada they accompanied with these Forces went out and expected Simons coming into the borders of their Country where having met him they joyned battle and fought a whole day yet it appeared not which part got the Victory Then Simon returned to Nain and the Idumeans home Not long after Simon with a greater Army than before assaulted the borders of their Country and pitching his Tents in a Village called Thecue he sent one of his Companions L named Eleazar to them that kept the Castle Herodium not far from that place to sollicite them to yield it to him The Garison there presently received him into the Castle not knowing the cause of his coming But so soon as he began to perswade them to Treason they drew their Swords to kill him and he not having any place to flie to cast himself from off the Castle Wall into the Valley underneath and so died The Idumeans something fearing Simons Forces Eleazar Simon 's fellow casteth himself headlong into the trench and presently dieth James of Idumea the Betrayer of his Country before they would offer him Battle thought best to espie what number of men he had to effect which business one Jacob a Captain among them offered himself meaning indeed to betray his Country to Simon So departing from Olurus where the Idumean Forces were assembled he went to Simon and promised him to betray his Country to him receiving of him an Oath that for reward K of this deed he should be alwayes next in dignity to Simon himself and so he presently promised to help subdue all Idumea For this cause he was welcome to Simon and feasted liberally and had great Promises if he performed that which he offered and then returned to the Idumeans and fained that Simons Army was far greater than indeed it was And so terrifying the Governours of his Country and the People he by little and little perswaded them to receive Simon and without any more fight to yield to him the Sovereign Authority over them Jacob studying to bring this his purpose to pass privily sent Messengers to Simon willing him to come with his Forces and promising him to dissipate the Idumeans for M him which he also did For when Simons Army drew near he first of all got upon his Horse and together with his Associates that were partakers of his Treason fled to the Enemy Then fear fell on the Idumeans and every one without any more ado fled home Thus Simon against his own expectation entred Idumea without blood-shed Simon beyond all expectation enters Idumea without blood-shed and first of all assaulting a little Village called Chebron he took it and in it an exceeding great Booty a great quantity of Corn and many Fruits all which he carried away The Inhabitants report that this Chebron is not only more ancient than all Cities of that Land Hebron an ancient City where Abrahams house was but also than Memphis in Aegypt for they affirm it to have been built two thousand three hundred years since They also say that this was the place where Abraham N the Father of the Jews dwelt after he forsook Mesopotamia and that his Posterity departed from hence to Aegypt Indeed there are yet seen Monuments in the City richly wrought in fine Marble Six Furlongs from the Town there is an exceeding great Turpentine Tree A Turpentine Tree that hath continued ever since the Creation of the World which they affirm to have endured ever since the Creation of the World until this day
were slain as they offered sacrifice and imbrued the Altar with their blood which all the Greeks and barbarous People did reverence The strangers and Priests were forced to remain promiscuously among the dead Bodies and the place about the Altar was full of Blood O miserable City What didst thou suffer at the Romans hands to be compared to this although they set thee on fire to purge thee from Iniquity Now thou wert separate from the service of God and couldst not subsist long being made a Sepulchre of thine own Inhabitants and thy Temple by thy Civil Wars become a Grave of dead Bodies Nevertheless It is not impossible but thou mayst be restored to thy former Estate if first thou appease Gods wrath that hath made thee desolate But I must not give place unto sorrow L and write a Lamentation of my miserable Country seeing I have undertaken to write a History of all things that past there Wherefore I will recount the rest of the Impieties of these Seditious The seditious People being divided into three Companies John assaulted on both sides Eleazar and his followers who had the keeping of the holy first-fruits and all the sacred Oblations came against John when they were drunk And they who followed John spoiling the People assaulted Simon who was succoured by the City Wherefore when John was assaulted on both sides he turned some of his Souldiers against Simon and the rest against Eleazar against Simon he used Darts to cast from the Porches of the Temple and against Eleazar he used Engines for shot And alwayes so often as they above his head ceased as M often they did They of Jerusalem had wel-nigh burnt all their Corn. being either weary or drunken he fiercely assaulted Simon and his men Also as far as he drave them into the City so far did he fire all and burnt Houses full of Corn and other Necessaries and that which he left unburned Simon at his return when John was gone into the Temple set on fire as if on purpose to give the Romans an advantage they had consumed all their Provisions for the Siege To be short all was consumed with fire about the Temple and the City was levelled and made plain ground to fight in and the Corn burnt that might have sufficed for many years A wretched calamity in Jerusalem by which means they were reduced by a Famine of their own making which could not have been brought upon them had they not caused it themselves The Citizens were in every place a prey to those that were Seditious on one side and to them N that besieged them on the other and like a great Body torn in pieces betwen these two The old Men and Women astonished with these Calamities prayed for the good success of the Romans and desired their forreign Enemy might deliver them from their Civil Dissentions This was the occasion of great fear and terrour among them all and the more because it was no time now to consult and no hope left of accommodation or flight to them that desired it For all places were kept and the Rebels within kill'd whoever they perceived well-wishers to the Romans or did endeavour to fly to them as common Enemies However these wicked persons agreed in this to put the just Men to death who best deserved to live Day and night nothing could be heard but the noise of them O that fought one against another yet the condition of them that lived in perpetual A fear was far more â—â—â—able who every day had new causes and occasions of sorrow given them yet durst they not publickly lament for fear and so not daring to shew their grief they secretly sorrowed no man observed any reverence to them that were alive amongst them nor took any care to bury the dead The cause of both which was Lamentation and mourning in Jerusalem that every man despaired of himself For whosoever were not joyned with the Seditious grew to be careless of all things as making account presently to die a thousand deaths But the Seditious gathering the dead bodies upon heaps continued their fighting and trod upon them and as it were encouraging themselves by the dead under their feet The cruelty of the Seditious in Jerusalem they became more cruel still devising new stratagems one against another and immediately executing whatsoever they devised without any B commiseration omitting no kind of Murther and leaving no cruelty unpractised so that John prophan'd the holy things of the Temple and made them Engins of War For formerly the Priests and People had determined to underprop the Temple and build it twenty Cubits higher and King Agrippa with great labour and expence had sent them in Timber for that purpose from Mount Libanus Which being put off by the Wars John made use of the Wood that was kept for holy uses to make Engines of John took the Timber and made use of it for that design he erected a Tower to fight against those that assaulted him from off the Temple and this Tower he built along the Wall over against the Chapter-house that standeth on the West side of the Temple for he could build it in no other place so conveniently And having thus impiously furnished himself with Engines he hoped hereby to have destroyd C his Enemies But God made his labour in vain and before he could prevail against them brought the Romans against the City For after that Titus had gathered together part of his Army The order of Titus Army and ordered the rest to meet him at Jerusalem he departed from Caesarea having three Legions that lately under the conduct of his Father Vespasian had wasted all Judea and the twelfth Legion that sometime under Cestius were overcome and put to flight by the Jews who being valiant enough of themselves were impatient to be imploy'd again against the Jews to revenge themselves of their former disgrace Titus commanded the fifth Legion to meet him at Jerusalem and to march by Emmaus and the tenth Legion by Jericho the rest he took with himself accompanied with the Kings forces that came D to help him having been reinforced with considerable Supplys out of Syria Titus also brought forces with him to supply the number that was wanting which forces were sent by Vespasian under Mutianus into Italy for he brought two thousand select men from the Legions at Alexandria and three thousand followed him from Euphrates together with Tiberius Alexander his cheifest friend and one next him in Authority who before was Governour of Egypt and thought a fit man to be Governour of the Army for that he was the first that entertain'd the Emperour being new elected and joyn'd faithfully with him before he knew what success he should have he was present with him in all his affairs as his chiefest Counsellor and was renowned both for his Wisdom and Experience E CHAP. II. How Titus went to
him And you that I I may omit your iniquity done within the City which though I would I could not sufficiently decipher do revile and attempt to kill me for giving you wholsom Counsel for your good only for that I put you in mind of your sins which you have not patience to hear The same happened also when Antiochus sirnamed Epiphanes besieged the City God was highly displeased at our Ancestors permited them to be slain the Town spoiled and this Holy-place for three years and six months to be made desolate What should I shew unto you any more examples Who first incited the Romans against the Jews Was it not the impiety of our own Countrey-Men that did it Whence was our bondage at that time Did it not proceed from the Sedition of our Ancestors Josephs bitter invective against them when the fury of Aristobulus and Hircanus brought Pompey into our City and God subdued them by the Romans being grown unworthy of K liberty and at length after a three months siege though they were not so great offenders as you are and better able to abide the siege yet they yielded themselves Are we ignorant of the end of Antigonus the Son of Aristobulus who invaded the Kingdom and brought our Nation again into subjection God laying this bondage upon them being provoked by the iniquity of our Nation Herod the Son of Antipater brought Sosius and the Roman Army and besieged the City six months and at last for the greatness of our iniquity it was taken and punished and sacked by the Enemies Thus you evidently see that our Nation never prevail'd by force of Arms. And assure your selves that even now the City will be taken It is meet therefore that you who keep this Holy-place commit your selves wholly to God and then you need not fear the forces of your Enemies when your piety assures L you of Gods help and succour The Jews sins against the Laws But what one Article of Gods Law have you observed Nay what have you not done that he forbad How far greater is your impiety than theirs and yet they suddenly perished for their sins For making small account of secret sins as Stealing Deceit and Adulteries you violently take away mens Goods by force you murder whom you please devise new ways to sin have made the Holy Temple the place of your impieties and what the Romans themselves did adore is by your own Nation polluted and defiled whilst you derogate from the honour of our Religion by the impiety of your actions and yet hope for his help whom you have so heinously offended you are very just people and obedient The Romans use the same manner of overthrow against the Jews as the Assyrians did and it is with pure hands you beg assistance of God Did our King pray so unto God when he obteined that in one night so many of the Assyrians should be destroyed Or M do the Romans commit such impiety as the Assyrians did that you may hope of the like revenge upon them The Assyrian received a sum of Money to save the City and yet not regarding his Oath indeavoured to destroy it The Romans do only request the same Tribute that was paid by our Ancestors and if they may have it will never destroy the City nor touch our Holy things They will also permit you to enjoy freely your Familes and Possessions God knoweth when to revenge and suffer your Laws to remain inviolate It is madness for you to hope that God will punish just men as he did sinners and impious persons seeing he can punish as he pleases To be short he destroyed the Assyrians the first night they encamped before the City And if he had purposed to deliver you and punish the Romans he would have done it when Pompey and Sosius came against the City or when Vespasian wasted Galilee or now N when Titus made his assault The Fountains that before-time were dry now slow to Titus But neither Pompey nor Sosius suffered any harm and both of them took the City Vespasian prospered so well in his Wars against you that he hath got the whole Empire And the Fountains which yielded you no Water before do give it to Titus in abundance For you know that before his coming the Fountains without the City and Siloa were so dry that Water was sold by measure yet now they flow plentifully and do not only serve his Army but water all the Gardens about What this wonder foretelleth you have already experienced when the King of Babylon came with his Army and destroyed the City took it and fired it and the Temple notwithstanding that as I am perswaded the Jews at that time were not so wicked as now I think therefore that God hath forsaken this Holy place and is gone over to your Enemies Will not a good man fly a wicked house O and abhor the impiety of the Inhabitants And do you think that God will abide your impiety A who beholdeth all secrets and knoweth all things that are hid But what is secret amongst you Or what do you seek to find Nay what do you that your Enemies do not know All your iniquities are apparent and your contention with one another is who shall be most impious and with as much labour endeavour to be Vitious as others do to be Vertuous Yet for all this it is not too late to amend God is wont to shew mercy to those who confess and be peditent God's wrath will be appeased if ye acknowledg your sins and be penitent for your offences Throw away your Arms then and pity your Country now ruined by your own means Turn your Eyes and behold the beauty of the Place whose ruine you seek How brave a City how magnificent a Temple how rich with the Gifts of all Nations Who would fire these who would desire the ruin of these Or what is there B in the World that better deserveth to be preserved O hard-hearted people more blockish and insensible than Stones Or if you do not pity your Temple let your Families move you look upon your Children your Wives and your Parents all ready to be consumed either with Sword or Famine I am sensible my Wife my Children and Family must perish with you and there was a time when they would have been considered and it may be thought it is to save their lives I give this advice but kill them and sacrifice me for your welfare I am prepared to die if my death may be a means to preserve you in being Whilst Joseph made this speech unto them the Tears trickled down his Cheeks but the Seditious being nothing moved Joseph love and constancy towards his Country replyed that it was not safe for them to yeild The C people however were perswaded to fly and selling their possessions and what they had at small rates they swallow'd down the Gold which they received lest
fortune and victory by which he had gained them though inexpugnable The Souldiers now being weary with killing the miserable Jews and yet a great multitude remaining alive Titus commanded that only the armed Jews The old and weak Jews are 〈◊〉 and the strong and lusty râ—s erved and those that resisted should be slain but the rest N left alive But the Souldiers also killed old and weak persons all the able and lusty men they carried into the Temple and shut them there in the place appointed for the women Caesar left one Fronto a Libertine and his friend to keep them giving him also charge to make enquiry who had deserved punishment Fronto slew all the Thieves and Seditious who accused one another and reserved certain men of large stature and beautiful for the Triumph And all the rest that were above seventeen years old he sent bound into Aegypt to be imployed in certain works there as digging delving manuring the fields and other publick businesses Titus also sent many of them into divers Provinces Titus 〈◊〉 the Jews to serve in the Theaters for the fights with Beasts or Sword-players and those that were under seventeen years of age O were sold And during the time that Fronto kept them ten thousand died for hunger A partly for that their Keepers hating them would not give them meat partly for that some refused meat when it was offered them For there was now great scarcity of Corn by reason of the great multitude of People CHAP. XVII B Of the number of the Captives and those that were slain THE number of all the Captives that were taken during the whole time of the War The number of the Captives and such as died during the siege of the City was 97000 and the number of all that died and were slain during the Siege was 110000 most of them Jews by Nation but not natives of Judaea For being assembled together from all parts to the Feast of unleavened bread on a sudden they were involved in the War and first of all a Plague fell among them by reason of the straitness of the place and immediately after Famine worse than it That the City was capable of so many men it is evident for Cestius desirous to signifie the flourishing C estate and strength of Jerusalem to Nero who contemned our Nation requested the High-Priests that if possible they could they should number all the People in their City and upon the Feast of Easter when they killed Offerings from the ninth Hour of the day until the eleventh and to eat a Lamb not fewer than ten persons were assembled for it is not lawful to feast alone yea many times twenty are in a Company they numbred two hundred fifty six thousand five hundred Oblations or Lambs to be killed so that if we reckon to every Lamb ten men the number amounts to two Millions seven hundred thousand men all purified whole and sound for it was not lawful for any that were Lepers or had a flux of seed nor for Women that had the monthly D Terms to eat of that Sacrifice nor yet for any Stranger that came thither for Religion's sake So this great multitude was assembled together from other places and was there by the providence of God shut up as it were in a Prison And the City being filled with men of War was besieged so that the number of those that were slain surpassed all that ever perished either by any Plague sent from God or by the means of men they were partly openly slain The Romans searching the Graves and Vaults find much treasure partly taken by the Romans who searching the Vaults and opening the Sepulchres spared none they met with There also were found more than two thousand whereof some slew themselves with their own hands others were kill'd by others the rest perished by Famine The stink of dead bodies was so great that E many minding to search the foresaid places and being entred into them were forced to retire yet others for lucre sake treading on the dead Carcases searched the dead Bodies if they could find any thing for great Riches were hid in the Vaults and covetousness omitted no way to gain Moreover John and Simon apprehended in the Vaults many were taken out from thence whom the Tyrants who even in their extremity ceased not to tyrannize kept Prisoners yet God plagued them both according to their deserts for John being almost famished with his Brethren in a Vault besought the Romans to save his Life And Simon having long striven with necessity as we shall hereafter relate at last yielded himself and was kept for the Triumph but John was condemned to perpetual prison The Romans beat down the Walls and F fired the remaining parts of the City G CHAP. XVIII H A brief History of the City of Jerusalem THus was Jerusalem taken in the second year of Vespasian's Reign on the eighth day of September Jerusalem being five times spoiled was at that time once more sackt It had been formerly five times taken and was now finally destroyed First Asocheus King of Aegypt after him Antiochus then Pompey and after them Herod with Sosius took the City and yet destroyed it not But before them Nabuchodonosor King of Babylon destroyed it when he had enjoyed the same a thousand I three hundred and threescore years eight moneths and six dayes after it was first built He that first built it was one of the Princes of the Canaaanites surnamed the Just by reason of his Piety He first consecrated this City to God by building a Temple to him and changed the Name Solyma into that of Jerusalem But David the King of the Jews having driven out the Canaanites gave it to his own People to be inhabited and after four hundred threescore and four years and three moneths it was destroyed by the Babylonians From King David who was the first Jew that reigned there till the time that Titus destroyed it were a thousand one hundred seventy and nine years and from the time that it was first erected until it was by him destroyed were two thousand one hundred and seventy seven years yet neither the Antiquity nor Riches K nor the Fame thereof now spread all over the World nor the Glory of Religion did any thing profit or hinder it from being destroyed Such was the end of the Siege of Jerusalem When there was none left to kill nor any thing remaining for the Souldiers to get to exercise their outrage against for they would have spared nothing that they could spoile Caesar commanded them to destroy the City and Temple The Romans wholly ruinate both the City and the Temple leaving only standing certain Towers that were more beautiful and strong than the rest to wit Phaselus Hippicos and Mariamme and the Wall that was on the West side meaning there to keep a Garrison and that they should be Monuments
their force Sin cannot shun Gods justice but yielding himself unto them having cruelly butchered many G under pretence of false Criminations to wit for having revolted to the Romans But impiety cannot escape Gods vengeance neither is the Divine justice of so weak force but that it can at one time or other punish those that violate it and it many H times inflicteth grievous punishment upon men when they think they have escaped all are not presently punished which also Simon felt after he fell into the Romans hands his comming out of the earth caus'd a great many more of the Seditious at that time to be taken in the Caves A great multitude of the Seditious taken in Vaults When Caesar was returned to Caesarea by the Sea-Coast Simon was presented bound to him and he commanded that he should be reserved for his Triumph which he purposed to make at Rome After making some abode in that place he celebrated his brother Domitian's birth-day with great solemnity In a shew in Caesarea two thousand five hundred Jews dies in this solemnity he brought forth divers Jews whose punishment he had of purpose deferred till this time the number of all that perished there with fighting against Beasts and amongst themselves Titus celebrateth Vespasians Birth-day and by fire amounted to more than 2500 men Yet the Romans thought all I these punishments too light and easie for them After this Titus went to Beritus which is a City in Phoenicia and a Colony of the Romans and here also he made some long abode and celebrated the birth of the Emperour his Father with far greater Solemnity then the former as well in giving divers Shews to the people as in great expence and Sumptuousness and causing many Captives to perish as before CHAP. XXI K Of the Calamity of the Jews at Antioch AT the same time the Jews who liv'd at Antioch were in great misery for the whole City was incited against them both for some new crimes laid to their charge and for certain offences before committed which necessarily I must recount before I proceed The Nation of the Jews was mixed amongst almost all Nations of the World The Nation of the Jews intermixed among the people of the World and especially amongst the Syrians by reason of their vicinity and many of them were at Antiochia because it was a great City and the Kings that succeeded Antiochus permitted them freely to inhabit there and to injoy all the liberties of the City For Antiochus sirnamed Epiphanes destroyed Jerusalem and sacked the Temple but L his Successors restored all the Brass vessels that were taken from the Temple to the Jews to be used in their Synagogue at Antioch A number of Jews in Antioch and permitted them to have the same liberties in the City that the Greeks enjoyed and the other Kings also of latter times used them after the like sort so that their number greatly encreased and they enlarged their Temple and enriched it with sundry offerings and oftentimes gain'd some Pagans to be of their Religion and so rendred them also a part of their Nation Now about the time that the War broke out and Vespasian arrived in Syria the Jews begun to be generally hated of all men A Jew called Antiochus is the cause of their mighty misery in Antioch and one of them named Antiochus of considerable parentage whose Father was chief of all the Jews in Antioch at such time as the people of Antioch were assembled in the Theater came in amongst them and accused M his own Father and the rest of the Jews to have conspired together to burn the City in the night time and he nam'd some other Stranger-Jews to them as Conspirators with the rest The people hearing this could not repress their rage but presently caused those that were accused to be burnt in the Theater and made great speed to set upon all the Jews hoping that by speedy dispatch they might preserve their Country which otherwise was like to perish Antiochus perfidious to his Citizens Antiochus to enrage them the more offer'd to sacrifice according to the custom of the Pagans thereby as it were assuring the Antiochians Antiochus forbiddeth to Sanctifie the seventh day that he hated the Jews and their customs moving them also to compel all the rest of the Jews to do the like and whosoever refused so to do were to be judged Traitors The Antiochians followed his counsel but few Jews would N obey and they that denied to sacrifice were slain Then Antiochus receiving a party of Souldiers from the Roman Governours became most cruel against his Country-men and would not permit them to keep holy the Seventh day but in it obliged them to do all labour and business that they were acustomed to do upon any other day and he so urged them hereto that within short time the seventh day was not only violated among them of Antioch but also in other places and Cities round about The Jews at Antioch having endured this persecution Another calamity at Antioch fell into another as great calamity whereof I intend to speak It hapned that the foursquare Market and the publick Places where all Writings and Registers were kept as also the Kings House were burnt and the fire so encreased that with much ado it was hindred O from firing the whole City Of this fact Antiochus accused the Jews thereby inciting A the Antiochians against them The year of the World 4035. after the Nativity of Christ 73. and it was not hard for him to believe his calumniatious although they had not hated them before by reason of that which lately past so that now they almost perswaded themselves that they had seen the Jews put fire to the houses and so in a great rage all of them set upon those that were accused Wherefore Collega the Lievtenant-Governour had much ado to pacifie the people notwithstanding that he reqeusted them to permit him to inform Caesar of all that was past For Vespasian had already sent Cesennius Portus to be Governour of Syria but he was not as yet arrived there Then Collega making diligent enquiry of the matter found out the truth A sort of wicked men by means they were indebted burn the Market-place and and the publick Records and not one of the Jews accused by Antiochus was prov'd guilty for certain impious people had done all this mischief being indebted thinking that if they burnt B the market-place and the publick writings then their debts could not be required at their hands Nevertheless the Jews lived in great fear and expected the event of these forged accusations CHAP. XXII How Vespasian at his return was received by the Romans C AFter Titus had received Letters from his Father The City of Rome entertaineth Vespasian with all willingness and pomp that he was arrived in Italy and that all the Cities
where he came welcomed him very joyfully and that especially Rome had entertained him with great pomp and triumph he was eased of the care he had before and very joyful for his Fathers welfare and good fortune For all the people of Italy reverenc'd Vespasian though absent as though he had been present with them desiring to see his arrival whose coming they so heartily wished for The Senate remembring what calamities had befaln the City in the change of Princes desired to receive their Emperour honorable for his old age and martial renown whose presence alone would be to his subjects advantage and safety And the vulgar sort also troubled before with civil Wars long expected his arrival assuring themselves thereby D to have an end of their calamity and to recover again their wonted affluence Especially he was expected by the Souldiers who knowing his skill in martial affairs by that which himself had already done and finding their other Emperours ignorant and unskilful much wished his coming in hope thereby to be delivered from the disgrace wherein they lived and to be both honoured and preserved from danger The Nobility seeing him so beloved of all men The Romans issue out to meet with Vespasian could no longer wait his coming but went and met him at some distance from the City and accompanied him and no man stayed his coming but in whole multitudes they went to meet him they were so desirous to see him so that more went to meet him then stayed at home When news was brought that he approached near the City and how friendly and E courteously he had entertained all men the people with their Wives and Children stayed in the way he came to salute him and wheresoever he came with joyful applauses and acclamations they shouted calling him their Conserver and Benefactor and he who alone was worthy to be the Roman Emperour and the whole City was as it had been a Temple all hung with Garlands and full of sweet odours and perfumes and the multitude of the people being such that he could scarcely get into the Palace Vespasian celebrateth grâ—â—latory Sacrifice for his safe 〈◊〉 he offered Sacrifice to his houshold gods for his safe return and all the people were feasted by their Tribes Kindred and Neighbours and made vows to their Gods that Vespasian might long continue their Emperour and his Son aâ—ter him and that the Empire might never depart from his lineage The City of Rome having F thus received Vespasian it was soon after blessed with all happiness and prosperity G CHAP. XIII H The exploits of Domitian against the Germans and French SOme time before Vespasian went to Alexandria and whilst Titus besieged the City of Jerusalem a great part of Germany was revolted with whom the French that bordered upon them The causes of the revolt of the Germans and French from the Romans were confederated renouncing their allegiance in hope to free themselves from the Yoke and Government of the Romans The first motive that caused the Germans to revolt and to war against the Romans was their temerity I and rash nature prone to fight having but very little hope of success together with the hatred of the Romans who they knew alone could by force bring them into subjection and they were chiefly thereunto encouraged by the present opportunity For seeing the Empire greatly afflicted with civil Wars by reason of the often changing of Emperours and knowing that all the World under their dominion was now in suspence they thought that by reason of their troubles and Civil Wars fit opportunity was offered them to recover their freedom and they were hereunto perswaded by Cassius and Civilis two of the most potent amongst them who long before desired alteration and now finding opportunity shewed what minds they bare Whereupon taking courage they made tryal what the common people thought of this point and the greatest part of K them manifestly condescended hereunto and perhaps the rest were not unwilling At this time as it were by Gods providence Vespasian sent Letters to Petilius Cerialis who before had been Governour of Germany and declared him Consul Cerealis compelleth the Germans to subjection commanding him to go into Britain and take the Rule of the Country He forthwith obeyed Vespasians command and hearing that the Germans had revolted he went against them they having now levied an Army and gave them a great overthrow killing many of them and forcing them to return to their obedience to the Romans Notwithstanding if he had not come thither not long after they had assuredly been punished for their offence For so soon as news of their Rebellion was brought to Rome Caesar Domitianus Domitianus Titus Brother Vespasian's Son who although very young understood matters of L War beyond his age hearing of it and being led by the courage which was hereditary to him undertook the Expedition to go and conquer them The Barbarians terrified with the report of his coming submitted to him thereby gaining this that without bloodshed they were brought under subjection as before And all things in Gallia being well disposed of so that it was not easie for them although they would to rebel any more Domitian returned again to Rome having gain'd great Credit to his Age and Country The Sythians Rebellion against the Romans At the same time also the Scythians rebelled and assembling in great multitudes passed over the River Ister and with great violence and cruelty coming unexpected slew many Roman Garisons whom they found in strong holds and Fonteius Agrippa M Lieutenant-General who had been Consul meeting them gave them Battel and was slain which done they went all over the Countries adjoyning wasting robbing and spoiling them When Vespasian heard thereof and how Mâ—esia was all wasted he sent Rubrius Gallus to chastise them he having slain many of them in fight forced the rest to retire into their own Country This General having thus ended that War provided to prevent them if hereafter they attempted the like for he built far stronger Forts than were before so that the Enemy could no way pass out of their own Country by which means the Wars in Mâ—esia were quickly ended N O A CHAP. XXIV The year of the World 4036. after the Nativity of Christ 74. Of the River Sabbaticus and the Famous triumph of Vespasian and Titus TItus having some while remained at Berytus as is before said returned from thence Titus celebrateth many sumptuous pastimes in all the Cities of Syria and shewed many spectacles in all the Cities of Syria where he came reserving for that purpose the Jews that were Captives to let all men understand their B overthrow in his Journey he beheld a River worth the mentioning it runneth in the midst between Arcas and Raphaneas two Cities of the Kingdom of Agrippa and hath a miraculous nature for when it floweth it is very full
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
deny For all the Egyptians in general are our Enemies and among the Phoenicians they especially of Tyre which I cannot justly say of the Chaldees who having been Princes over our Nation and because of their affinity and alliance with our Countrymen have in their Chronicles made mention of the Jews When I have proved what I now aver and refeld the slanderous reports against us I will then also N shew who amongst the Greeks have spoken of us that so the Greeks may also be deprived of this shift and refuge to excuse their malicious lies falsly forged against our Nation And first of all I will begin with the Writings of the Egyptians Manethon an Egyptian Writer who as they well know do nothing at all favour us Manethon an Egyptian born skilful in the Greek tongue as by his Works appears for he writ in Greek compiling a History of the Customs and Religion of his fore-Fathers collected as himself reporteth out of the Egyptian holy Writings often reprehendeth Herodotus of falshood through ignorance in the affairs of the Egyptians This Manethon in his second Book of the Egyptian Customs saith thus I will set down his own Words because I use them as a witness We have a King saith he named Timaeus in whose Reign God being angry with us contrary to all O expectation an obscure People took courage came from the East and pitching their Tents A in our Country over-ran it and no man resisted them and committing our Princes to bonds they burnt our Cities and destroyed the Temples of our gods and behaved themselves most cruelly against the Inhabitans killing many of them and making Slaves of the rest with their Wives and Children Finally they chose a King of their own and gave him the Government of our Country his Name was Saltis who coming to Memphis made the higher and lower Provinces Tributaries Saltis 〈◊〉 the Egyptians leaving Garrisons in the strong holds and fortifying certain places in the East And weighing with himself that the Assyrians were more potent than he and would in probability invade his Country he found out in this Province an ancient City called Saite fit for his purpose as being scituate on the East side of the River Bubastis which by an ancient Divine was called Avaris he repaired this City compassed it B with vast Walls and put a Garison in it of two hundred thousand armed men Saltis made this incursion in harvest time to the intent that he might both pay his Souldiers and be a terrour unto other people and after he had reigued nineteen years he died After him succeeded anothe King called Baeon who reigned four and forty years next to him Aphinas who reighned thirty six years and seven months then Aphosis who reigned threescore and one years and then Iandas who reigned fifty years and one month after them also reigned Alsis nine and forty years and two months and these six were the first Kings amongst them Kings Shepherds ever destroying and warring upon the Egyptians and labouring to extinguish their race This Nation was called Hicsos which signifieth Kings shepherds For Hic in the sacred Tongue signifieth a King and Sos C a Shepherd or shepherds according to the common speech and Hicsos is a compound word Some say these People were Arabians but in other Copies I find that Hicsos is not interpreted Kings shepherds but shepherds that were Captives For Hic and Hac also when it is pronounced doth in the Egyptian tongue signify a Captive and this latter exposition seemeth to me to be the truest for it is more agreeable with the History Wherefore Manethon reporteth these foresaid Kings and Shepherds to have ruled Egypt five hundred and eleven years and after these the King of Thebes and the King of the Residue of Egypt uniting their forces invaded the said Shepherds had great and long Wars with them and that the said Shepherds were overcome by the King Alisfragumthosis that then they lost all Egypt which had been in their power that they D were shut up in a place called Avarus containing ten thousand acres of ground which as Manethon reporteth these Shepherds environed round about with a huge Wall to the end that their whole Provision might be within their Fortifications and the prey which they got in a condition to be defended That Themosis Son of the said Alisfragumthosis endeavoured by force to subdue them and for this cause besieged them with four hundred and 80000 men That at last despairing to take them by force he capitulated with them that they should safely depart out of Egypt whither they would and that they upon these Conditions together with all their Families and Goods and Cattel departed out of Egypt into the Wilderness and so into Syria being in number two hundred and forty thousand and that fearing the puissance of the Assyrians E who at that time reigned in Asia they builded a City in the Country now called Judaea which they made so large that it might receive them all and this City they called Jerusalem Further the said Manethon in another Book of the Egyptian Affairs saith That in the holy Writings he findeth the feresaid Shepherds called Captives wherein he saith true For our Ancestors were wont to feed cattel and so leading a pastoral life were called Shepherds neither are they unjustly called Captives For our fore-Father Joseph told the King of Egypt that he was a Captive and long time after called his Brethren into Egypt by the Kings Command but we will hereafter examin this point more straitly I will now cite the Testimony of the Egyptians concerning this point and relate the words of Manethon touching the time when this befel who saith F as followeth After that the Nation of Shepherds were departed out of Egypt unto Jerusalem King Themosis who drave them out of the Land reigned twenty five years and four months and then died And his Son Chebron succeeded him who reigned thirteen years and after him Amenophis twenty years and seven months next his Sister Amesses one and twenty years and nine months then reigned Mephios twelve years and nine months and Mephamuthosis twenty five years and ten months Themosis nine years and eight months Amenophis thirty years and ten months Orus thirty six years and five months after him his Daughter Achemcheres twelve years and one months and the Brother of Rathotis nine years Achencheres twelve years and five months another Achencheres G twelve years and three months Armais four years and one month Armesis one year and four months Armesesmiamus threescore and six years and two months Amenophis nineteen years and six months Sethosis King of Egypt made his Brother Armais Governour of his Country Moreover that Sethosis having prepar'd a huge Army H both of foot and horse and a Navy at Sea left the Government of Egypt unto his Brother Armais investing him with soveraign Authority only he forbad him
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
cavilling fictions this Egyptian Appion useth concerning Moses and our departure out of Egypt wherein he counterfeiteth and coineth absurdities unthought of by any others Shall we then wonder if he belie our forefathers Appion denies his Country and Origin who maketh no bones to belie himself H for being born at Oasis a Town in Egypt he forsweareth his Country and Nation and counterfeiting himself to be an Alexandrian ratifieth his Nations wickedness No marvel then though he tearm them Egyptians whom he hated and railed against for if he had not been perswaded that the Egyptians were wicked base people he would never have denied himself to be their Country-man for such as proudly boast of their famous Country esteem it a credit to bear the denomination thereof and reprehend such as without just cause make themselves of their Nation Wherefore the Egyptians are one of these two ways affected towards us Jews either they claim us to be their Country-men as glorying in us and their Country or else they and their Country being infamous they desire that we should be partakers of their ignominy But indeed I this worthy Appion seemeth so to inveigh against us as thereby rewarding the Alexandrians for bestowing their Cities upon him Appion raileth against the Jâ—ws as thereby rewarding the Alexandrians and knowing them to be at variance with the Jews at Alexandria he as it were casteth a bone between them raileth not only on the Jews of that City but on all wheresoever and belieth both of them most impudently But let us examine those heinous and enormous matters and as he saith such as are not to be suffered The Sea-coast of Alexandria of which he accuseth the Alexandrian Jews Coming quoth he out â—f Syria they seated themselves near the Sea coast in a place where though the Sea came up there was no Harbour Now if this place which they inhabited were ignominious yet it followeth not that the Jews own Country was so also yea herein Appion raileth against Alexandria which K he maketh his own Country For the Sea-coast is part of Alexandria and as all men judge the best place to dwell in Now if the Jews by force of Arms so vanquished this place that they could never since be driven out of it it is no discredit to them but rather an argument of their valour But Alexander gave them that place to inhabit and the Macedonians did allot them as great Priviledges as the Alexandrians had I know not what Appion would have said if the Jews had dwelt about Necropolis their Tribes being even at this time called Macedonians The Liberties and priviledges granted unto the Jews If therefore Appion have read the Epistles of King Alexander and Ptolomeus Lagus or others their Successors Kings of Egypt or seen the Pillars that are erected in Alexandria containing the priviledges that Caesar the Great granted unto the Jews if I say he knew of these and yet did presume L to write the contrary then he was partial and not to be believed and if he was ignorant hereof he was then unlearned and as incredible on the other side The like ignorance also discovereth he where he wondereth that the Jews in Alexandria were called Alexandrians For an entire Colony though of different Nations do all bear the name of their founder and that I may shun prolixity the Jews of Antioch are called Antiochians Seluceus the Founder having made them also Citizens the like may be said of the Jews of Ephesus and of the other of Ionia who by the Kings Gifts enjoy the same priviledges with the rest of the Citizens The Romans also of their Clemency have granted the name of their Nation which is no small gift not only to private persons but to great Nations in general M To be short the ancient Spaniards the Tyrrhenes and Sabines are called Romans or if Appion will take away this denomination of the City wherein men inhabit let him cease to call himself an Alexandrian for he being born in the heart of Egypt can in no wise be an Alexandrian if the priviledge of the City be taken away from him as he would have it from us And the Lords of the whole World the Romans have amongst all other Nations only prohibited the Egyptians from having the priviledges of any City and so this Gentleman being himself incapable of dignity endeavoureth likewise to hinder them from it who have true right unto it For Alexander labouring with all diligence to build that City Alexander did not make choice N of us for want of People to furnish the same withal but for that he bestowed the liberty thereof upon us as a reward and testimony of our virtue and fidelity endeavouring indeed to honour and credit our Nation thereby For Hecateus reporteth that Alexander for the Jews good service and fidelity bestowed upon them the Country of Samaria and freed them from paying tribute for it The same good affection towards the Jews of Alexandria 1 Ptolomeus Lagus Ptolomeus Lagus continued after him for he delivered into their hands the strong holds of Egypt judging that their valour and fidelity would keep them and intending to make himself Lord of Cyrene and other places in Lybia he sent certain Jews to inhabit the same After him Ptolomeus Philadelphus did not only release and set free all Captives of our O Nation in his Country 2 Ptolomeus Philadelphus but also did many times remit their payments of money and A which was the principal point of all he desired to be instructed in our Laws and holy Scriptures The seventy Interpreters and for this cause sent unto us requesting that we would send him some learned men to interpret them unto him and that this might be performed with more diligence he committed the care hereof to Demetrius Phalereus Andreas and Aristeus Demetreus being the only mirrour of learning in his Age and the other two Esquires of his own Body neither would he ever have desired to have been instructed in our Laws and Customes if he had despised us and not rather admired us But Appion knew that almost all the Macedonian Kings his Successors in order did peculiarly affect our Nation For Ptolomeus the third 3 Ptolomeus Euergetes which was also called Euergetes conquering Syria by force B did no sacrifice unto the gods of Egypt for his Victory but came to Jerusalem and there after our manner sacrificed unto our God and to him dedicated gifts worthy of such a Victory Ptolomeus also 4 Ptolomeus Philometor sirnamed Philometor and his Wife Cleopatra committed the Rule of his whole Kingdom unto the Jews and Onias and Dositheus both Jews were Generals of his Army from whose credit Appion detracts whereas he rather ought to have admired them and have thanked them for delivering Alexandria whereof he maketh himself a Citizen For when there was a Rebellion in Cleopatra's Kingdom and all was in
thousand men are no one of them all met him Did he in the time of War find the Towns and Villages by which he past without any Watch-men Well to pass the rest The B gates of our Temple were threesore Cubits high The gates of the Temple twenty Cubits broad all covered with Gold yea almost all of clean Gold and these Gates every day were shut by two hundred men and it was too impious a thing to leave them open Is it then credible that this Candle-bearer could easily open them who alone was judged to have the Asses head So that now it remaineth doubtful whether Zabidus did bring back again the Asses head or else Appion took it of him and brought it again to our Temple that there Antiochus might find it and so Appion might have another occasion of lying Appions lye concerning the oath is confuted He also belieth us concerning the oath which he saith we Jews do take swearing by the God of Heaven and Earth and Sea never to favour any stranger and especially the Greeks This lyar might better have said not to favour any stranger and C especially the Egyptians and so his former lyes and these should have better corresponded if our Ancestors had been expelled by their Predecessors out of Egypt not for their wickedness but for their calamity But we are so far from the Greeks that we scarcely ever think of them so that no man can say that there is any emnity between us and the Greeks But contrariwise many of them have embraced our Religion and some of them therein persevered others again have forsaken it yet none of them will say that he heard this oath spoken of among us but it should seem that only Appion heard of it in that he himself forged it Truly his wisdom and great providence is worthy to be admired as shall hereafter appear for he to prove these his lyes to be true saith that it is a certain testimony that the Laws we observe D are most unjust and that we worship not God as we ought to do in that we are subject to divers Nations Appion upbraideth the Jews with captivity and our City endured many calamities Whereas touching themselves they are of a City that flourisheth in absolute Authority accustomed to govern from the foundation thereof and not to serve the Romans In effect who can resist their valour Truely no man but Appion would ever have flouted us herewith seeing that few Cities so flourish and reign over other that they again at no one time have been brought into subjection for many Nations are subject to others only the Egyptians are freed from the Captivity of such as rule Europe and Asia for that as they say the gods fleeing into their Country were saved by entring into the bodies of Beasts Yet have they not indeed had one days liberty since the beginning of E the World neither under the Government of their own Princes nor under strangers I will not stand to reckon how often the Persians have wasted their City destroyed their Temples and slain their supposed Gods For it is not decent that I should imitate herein Appions foolishness neither am I calling to memory what befel the Athenians and Lacedemonians the last of which are recorded to have been most valiant and the first to have been most devout and Religious neither will I reckon up those most godly Kings amongst whom Crâ—esus was one who notwithstanding fell into great calamities Moreover I will not recount how the Castle of Athens was set on fire and the Temples of Ephesus and Delphos likewise and many others There is now F one Appion a new accuser of the Jews who upbraideth them with their calamities forgetting the misery that hath befallen his Country-men the Egyptians but he was blinded with the fable of Sesostris whom he saith to have been King of Egypt David's and Solomon's power We could report and boast of our Kings David and Solomon who subdued many Nations unto them but it is not fit here to speak of them But Appion was ignorant of that which all the World knoweth to wit that the Egyptians have served first the Persians and afterwards the Macedonians and that as bond-slaves whereas we remaining in free liberty reigned over all the Cities about us 120 years even unto the time of Pompey the Great and when all the other Kings were subdued by the Romans only our Kings for their fidelity and friendship towards them were dear unto them O but G this sticketh upon Appions Stomach that we have not had any famous men of our Nation who have invented Arts and Sciences and been excellent in wisdom such as Socrates Zeno Appion praiseth himself Cleanthes and others whom he setteth down and which is most to be H admired Appion puts himself into the number of these famous men and saith that Alexandria is blessed and happy that hath deserved to have such a Citizen as he is and great reason that he should testifie that of himself which all men else perceive in him to wit that he is an impudent deceitful fellow both of corrupt life and manners So that the Alexandrians had just cause to be sorry that they ever had any better opinion of him But that our Nation had men equal at least unto those whom he mentioneth all men know that please to read the Book of our Antiquity The rest that his accusation containeth it is not amiss to let pass without answer for that it rather impeacheth the Egyptians his own Country-men than us for he doth complain of us for Sacrificing ordinary Beasts and abstaining from Swines flesh and laughed I at our Circumcision Why the Jews do Sacrifice common beasts and do not eat Swines flesh Touching the Sacrificing of Beasts we do as all Nations else do and Appion inveighing against our sacrificing sheweth himself to be an Egyptian for were he either a Grecian or a Macedonian he would not be herewith offended for both Greeks and Macedonians do vow to Sacrifice Hecatombs to their gods and use Priests in their banquets and yet for all this the World is not desolate of living creatures as Appion â—eareth But were all men so mad as the Egyptians it would indeed be desolate of men and filled with cruel Beasts which they supposing them to be gods do diligently nourish If any man shall ask of Appion whom of all the Egyptians he judged to be a wise man and most religious towards their gods The Egyptian Priests circumcised and eat no Swines flesh no doubt he would answer the Priests For K they say that their first Kings in the beginning gave them these two commandements in charge first to seek wisdom and next to worship the gods they also are all of them circumcised and abstain from Swines flesh and no other Egyptian Sacrificeth with them unto their gods Appion therefore was surely blind when instead of detracting
and fortunate City yet in nothing more happy than for that it alone doth in her bosom shrine so many so sacred and excellent Pledges of Piety yet should it be more happy if it could express their Virtues whose sacred Reliques it so Religiously keepeth and imitate their Manners whose Bodies it possesseth to wit if in sincerity of Religion it imitated the Piety of three Kings and the sacred purity of the eleven Virgins if it resembled the most Valiant young Men the Maccabees and the invincible Courage of that Woman whose valorous Constancy no misery could conquer And this best portion and part of her felicity this worthy City might bestow upon her self yea and double the same Do thou go forward in that which thou hast in hand to wit in spreading the praise of those Martyrs making that M virtuous example more commendable and your City more famous Farewel N O A FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS OF THE B RULE of REASON A most Eloquent Book corrected by DESIDERIUS ERASMUS Most lively setting down the Martyrdom of the C MACCABEES I Am at the instant request of Polibius of Megalopolis to put in writing the constant Sufferings of the Maccabees worthy all admiration not in a Rhetorical and pleasing stile but rather after our own country fashion thereby to exhort our Nation to patience in their Calamities Reason hath dominion over our passions But first of all it is necessary to speak something of Reason and assign unto it the power and virtue to deliberate For he who hath once fully determined to suffer all misery for D Gods sake is in my opinion already a Martyr It is therefore great merit to have so determined and therefore as above-said Reason governeth our inferiour passions and though destiny deny us opportunity to suffer yet have we suffered all in purposing to suffer all Whoso therefore will renounce the World and aspire only to Coelestial things must exercise Sobriety banish Gluttony Lasciviousness and all other such Vices as may possess and captivate the mind He must likewise mount up to the top of Virtues Tower that from thence he may resist and impugn the Vices of his Body Grief and Fear E There are many examples of the Valiant Souldiers of God which I could produce but the brave persons descended from one single Woman not at one but several births may suffice And first I will speak of Eleazar and seven Brethren The death of the seven brethren and their mother and relate what Tortures and Torments their Mother endured yet cannot man but only God determine who amongst them was first and who last in this noble agony They therefore being all of one opinion resembling one another more in mind than in body duely considered the frailty of this Life and neither delighted in the flatteries of the World nor the alluring enchantments thereof They valued not torments fetters nor any other sort of tortures imposed upon them To return they resolved upon patience and to endure whatsoever F the Judges cruelty could devise I will therefore praise the fortitude of these Brethren or rather with all truth rehearse the noble conflicts of these holy men and setting all adulation apart prosecute with a bare Historical narration the manner of their Martyrdome But before I begin to declare the death of these brave men I will a little treat of Reason The description of Reason and Wisdom which as I have affirmed is no small motive to Martyrdom Reason it is that maketh us observe Fasts and Abstinence Reason makes us despise Money by it we are taught not to account of Dignities and Honours which all men generally aim at yea Reasons gift it is that we do resist the heat of lustful desires Hence cometh it that having once overcome such things as the flesh delights in we find our selves a little able to resist we also learn to despise pains and torments and by degrees resolve to suffer G all things that shall be imposed upon us Which that it may more plainly appear let us search out the cause of this order and wee shall find wisdom to be the cause hereof For no man can determine and distinguish H good from evil that is not endued with wisdom this wisdom is always accompanied with justice and justice is still joyned with vertue and vertue and temperance cannot be seperated so that this wisdom consisteth upon four parts Besides these Grief and pain cause or hinder passion there are two things that either do cause or hinder passion to wit pain and pleasure one of which we do always refuse and the other we do always desire yet where pleasure ariseth and is presently by reasons rule put away the mind is there strengthened and pain compared with glory is through hope of a greater reward contemned before it come and being come our mind is ashamed not to suffer that which before it was resolved to do Reason therefore is the guide of all our actions Reason resembleth a skilful Gardiner and by it we despise torments and I detest vice like a skilful Husbandman it pruneth and cutteth away superfluous branches and killeth the heat of all corrupt and hurtful humours only leaving that which may some way be profitable to us Thus reason corrects our passion encourages us to suffer and supports us in our sufferings Who is not desirous to eat the flesh of wild Beasts and Fishes And who lusteth not to eat of feathered Fouls nay do not the dainty dishes either from Sea or Land invite us to eat them What then causeth us to abstain from them what makes us all desire them and yet none of us eat them even reason by which the mind is taught to overcome it self in delightful objects and pleasure that when occasion of Martyrdom is offered setting aside all vanities we will not for a little pleasure K forget our accustomed virtue By reason it was that Joseph to his great praise master'd his concupiscence An instance of Joseph's chastity and suffered not himself to be overcome by his lust which was but too incident to his age Reason so worketh with sound advice and mature counsel that it again recovereth lost friendship gaineth new and suffereth no cruelty to be committed Of this we have also the example of Moses who had he not had just occasion to be angry against Dathan and Abiram reason no doubt would have caused him to have smothered his passion Did not our father Jacob with great vehemency reprove his Sons Simeon and Levi who without reason had used such cruelty saying Cursed be your anger Which anger had it been bridled with reason neither had they been cursed nor the other L had perished For this cause God the maker of mankind when he fashioned us and our manners having finished the lineaments of our body he placed the mind in it to rule it with certain concomitant precepts to wit temperance pursuance of
Villages he was very much displeased and the rather for that without any occasion or proffer of injury Anilaeus had assailed him in contempt of his Estate who was a chief Peer of the Countrey For which cause N he immediately assembled the greatest power of Horse and Foot he could gather to set upon Anilaeus and his Associates Anilaeus draweth his Forces into Mithridates's Countrey and spoileth his Villages and taketh him Prisoner Leading his Forces therefore against one of the Villages he kept himself in covert to the end he might fight the next day which was the Sabbath day on which the Jews attempted not any thing Whereof when Anilaeus was advertised by a certain Syrian who dwelt in another Village who had exactly told him all Mithridates's intent and the place where he intended to banquet with his Souldiers after he had made his Soldiers take their refreshment marched out by night to the end he might charge the Parthians before they might be advertised of his coming He therefore rushed in upon them about the fourth Watch of the night and slew those whom he found asleep and the rest being astonished thereat O were forced to save themselves by flight He also took Mithridates Prisoner and caused him to be carried away naked on an Ass which is one of the greatest disgraces A which the Parthians imagine may be offered them Having after this disgraceful manner carried him into a Forrest some of his familiars perswaded him to kill him but Anilaeus told them that they ought to deal with him far otherwise for that it behoved them not to kill a man who was one of the chief among the Nobility of the Parthians and one that was most honoured in regard of that affinity and alliance he had with the King that although all that which heretofore had been offered to Mithridates were insupportable yet if they should be instrumental to save his life he would pardon the injuries and reward them for their Mercy in saving his life whereas if they should deal severely with him the King would seek his revenge and make a horrible slaughter of those Jews that inhabited Babylon whom they ought to have compassion B of both for that they were of their blood and for that if any mischief should befal them they knew not whither to retire themselves Anilaeus dismisseth Mithridates whereas they might be assisted with the flower and select men of their nation Having thus discussed and debated the matter to his Soldiers his opinion was approved and they were perswaded and so Mithridates was sent back again But he no sooner returned home unto his house but his wife hit him in the teeth that he lived but by the mercy of his enemies notwithstanding he were the Kings Son-in-law that he had made no reckoning to punish those who had so much injured him that he likewise contented himself to have his life saved after he had been prisoner to the Jews For which cause said she recover thou thy former virtue and honour C which thou hast heretofore lost or I swear by the Gods of the King my Father that the bond of Marriage which is betwixt me and thee shall be dissolved Mithridates unable to endure these usual reproaches and on the other side apprehending his wives haughty courage from whom he feared to be separated he assembled the greatest power of men that he could possible notwithstanding it were against his will and led them forth supposing himself to be unworthy of life if he who by Nation was a Parthian should be put to the worst by the Jews When Anilaeus understood that Mithridates came forth against him with a great force he thought that it would redound greatly to his indignity if he should lie lurking amidst his Marshes and hoping that he should have no worse fortune against his enemies than he had at first and D building much upon his Soldiers who were ever wont to get the upper hand in their encounters he likewise drew forth his Army to them also others adjoyned themselves who sought nothing else but pillage and hoped that with their only presence they might discourage their enemy But after they had marched about ninety stades and passed thorow a County that was scant of water and were about the heat of the mid day burned up with thirst Mithridates Army came in sight and charged them even at that time when they fainted for want of drink and through the extremity of heat so as they could scarcely handle their weapons At that time Anilaeus's Soldiers encountring with Mithridates's fresh men were shamefully put to flight whereby it came to pass that a great number E of them were killed But Anilaeus himself and all those of his Company retired themselves in great haste into a Forrest leaving Mithridates Lord and Master of the Field whereof he was very joyful A great number of dissolute persons flock to Anilaeus with whom he spoileth certain Burroughs of the Babylonians Notwithstanding this disaster an infinite number of lawless men resorted to Anilaeus who set little by their lives provided there might no limit be proposed to their unbridled licentiousness so that he gathered a greater number of men than those he had lost yet they were far different in valour from the former for they were wholly ignorant of warlike discipline Notwithstanding he being accompanied with these men went and set upon divers Burroughs of the Babylonians which were totally destroyed by his rapine and violence For which cause the Babylonians and his other enemies sent unto Nearda to the Jews that were there F requiring that Anilaeus might be delivered into their hands The Babylonians require Anilaeus that they may punish him they assail and slay him whereunto condescending not for although they had a will to perform their request yet it lay not in their power to deliver him they required that they might live in peace And to treat of the conditions of peace the Babylonians sent certain men to confer with Anilaeus They having surveyed the place wherein Anilaeus kept assailed both himself and his followers by night and slew all those they encountred with without resistance and amongst the rest Anilaeus When the Babylonians saw that they were delivered from the oppression of Anilaeus who till that time had been as it were a bridle unto them to restrain and curb the hatred they conceived against the Jews with whom they had oftentimes been at odds by reason of the contrariety of their Religions G whereby it happened that they oftentimes fell at debate upon every opportunity when they met Now when Anilaeus's men were defeated the Babylonians set upon the Jews on all sides who seeing themselves in danger by reason of the insolence of the Babylonians against H whom they were too weak to make resistance and on the other side unable to live amongst them they went and dwelt at Seleucia a City famous in regard of
Crowns of Gold some in other works that it appear'd that without reason we judged them to be rare and scarce Moreover the Pictures of their Gods were carried with them which were admirable both for greatness workmanship and all of precious matter Moreover divers sorts of living creatures were there to be seen all adorned with some attire agreeing and alluding unto their nature There was also an infinite multitude of men in Purple Garments wrought L with Gold who carried all these things and all those that were designed to serve for this pomp were attired in such Garments than which nothing could be more Glorious Even the Captives were not without gorgeous attire The building of the Pageants but the variety and beauty of the Garments made the Sadness of their countenances less remarkable The Pageants that were born in the Triumph were of admirable bigness so that the people that beheld them wondred how it was possible that men should carry them for many were built with three or four lofts one above another surpassing all that can be imagined for work and cost some of them being hang'd about with Tapestry of Gold and all things annexed unto them whereon they were carried were made of wrought Gold or Ivory Wherein was curiously represented the manner of War and all Stratagems and Arts of M fighting that could be devised some in one part of the Pageant some in another There might one have beheld most most fertil and fortunate Countries destroyed whole Troops of Enemies slain some flying others taken Prisoners strong and huge Walls battered down with Rams Castles and Fortreses destroyed great and populous Cities assaulted and a whole Army entring the Breach all places filled with massacred men and how those that were not able to fight yielding themselves asked mercy the Temples set one fire and after all else was wasted the houses thrown down upon their owners heads and a River not flowing as it was wont into tilled places and to serve for the use of Man and Cattel to drink but carrying Streames of blood to quench part of the flames A Table of Gold of the weight of a great talent which consum'd the City to ashes all which the Jews in their War N endured These things were so artificially represented to the view of those that had not seen them as though they were now a doing Upon every Pageant stood the Governour of the City representing the manner how it was taken After all these followed many Ships and in every place were carried the spoils taken in War amongst which those that were taken in the Temple of Jerusalem were most remarkable The last of the spoils was the Law of the Jews for there was a Golden Table weighing many Talents and likewise a Golden Candelstick the use whereof was now not such as we were wont to put it to for in the midst of the stem thereof was fixed a Base and out of it proceeded many small branches framed like a three-forked spear every one being at the top made like a Lamp which were 7 in number shewing the honour of the seventh day which is called the Sabbath amongst O the Jews After all this was carried the Jews Law which was the last of all the spoils Then followed some that carried several Images of Victory all made of Gold A and Ivory Afterwards came Vespasian followed by Titus and Domitian accompanied them gallantly adorned and Mounted on an excellent Horse and so they went all to the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus and there was the end of all this pomp Here they made some stay For it was an ancient Custom of their Country to repose themselves there till some came and brought news to them of the death of him who was General of their Enemies This at this time was Simon Giora Simon the Son of Giora is drawn with a Halter about his neck thorow the market place who was also carried in the Triumph and having a Rope fastned about his neck was drawn all along the Market-place where they that drew him kil'd him For it is the custom of the Romans there to put malefactors to death that are condemned After word was brought that he he was dead all the B people made joyful exclamations and so they fell to Sacrifice which done according to the custom they returned to the Palace where they made a great Feast as others also did for themselves at their own Houses For this day was sacred amongst the Romans in joy of the Victory over their Enemies and an end of civil Calamity and the beginning of good Fortune and hope which they had in their new Princes When the Triumphs were ended Vespasian buildeth and dedicateth a Temple to Peace and all the Roman Empire quieted Vespasian built a Temple and dedicated it to Peace which he did in so short a space that it was admirable and having bestowed great cost upon it he also beautified it with divers Pictures and carved works And he placed in that Temple all things C that men of former Ages had gathered together from the uttermost parts of the Earth And he placed there all the Golden Vessels and other things that the Jews used in their Temple doing them great reverence But their Law and the Tapestry or Purple Veils of the Sanctuary he commanded to be kept in the Palace CHAP. XXV D How Herodium and Machaeron were taken by Bassus CAesar sent Lucius Bassus into Judea to be Lieutenant General there who receiving the Army of Cerealis Vetilianus took the Castle and Garrison of Herodium by composition After this gathering together all his Troops which were dispersed in divers places of the Country with the tenth Legion he purposed to War against Machaeron for he thought it necessary to destroy that Castle left its strength might move many to rebel for by reason of the situation of the place they that werein it had great assurance of safety and those that sought to assault it were in great danger For it was built upon a Rock that was exceeding high and which made E it almost inexpugnable and nature had so devised that it was hard to come to it being environed round about with Valleys of incredible depth and very difficult to pass over for that which is on the West part is threescore Furlongs large and endeth at the Lake Asphaltites on which side Machaeron hath a very high Prospect and it is environed on the North and South with Valleys of the like depth whereby it is impossible to win the Castle but that Valley which is on the East side is at least a hundred Cubits deep and endeth upon a Mountain near Macheron Alexander King of the Jews seeing the Nature of the place there built a Castle which afterward Gabinius in the War against Aristobulas destroyed But Herod when he was King Herod environeth Machaâ—ron with a great Wall and Tower judged this place worthy to
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
to wear the Crown and to oppress the Queen who was Mother to his Children commanding him also to abstain from his Concubines After which Sethosis himself went to Cyprus and Phoenicia against the Assyrians and Medes and subdued them partly by the sword partly by the fear of his power and greatness and being transported with his success he advanced against the Eastern Country and destroyed with fire and sword the Cities and Provinces of that place and spending much time in these Wars his brother Armais whom he left in Egypt did without fear commit all that he forbad him to do for he oppressed the Queen violently and daily lay with the rest of the Kings Concubines and I being counselled by his friends he put a Crown upon his head and rebelled against his Brother of which he who was then Chief of the Egyptians holy Customs sent Letters unto Sethosis containing all that had happened and how Armais had rebelled against him That Sethosis returning to Pelusia Whereupon Egypt took his Name recovered his own Kingdom and by his name it was called Egypt for Manethon writeth that this Sethosis was named Egyptus and his brother Armais Danaus Thus far Manethon from whom it is evident by computation of the foresaid times that our Nation was delivered out of Egypt three hundred ninety and three years before Danaus and inhabited this Country of Judea so long before Danaus came unto Argos notwithstanding the Inhabitants of Argos boast their City is most ancient K Wherefore Manethon recounteth two things for us out of the Egyptian letters Manethon sheweth the Jews coming into Egypt and their departure first That we came from another place to them afterwards went out of their Country again and that so long ago as it was almost a thousand years before the Trojan Wars Touching those things which Manethon professeth himself to have gathered elsewhere than out of the Writings of the Egyptians who wrote down whatever was reported I will shew with how little reason they are alleadged For I will once again leave these and refer to the testimony of the Phenicians concerning our Nation The Tyrians therefore have Chronicles of very great Antiquity which they have kept with all dilligence concerning that which hath been done among them and indeed they are worthy of memory L Amongst these Records it is written Solomon built a Temple in Jerusalem 143 years and eight months before the Tyrians built Carthage That King Solomon built a Temple at Jerusalem a hundred fourty three years and eight moneths before the Tyrians erected Carthage So they have registred the building of our Temple for Hircanus King of the Tyrians was our King Solomons friend obliged to him for his fathers sake who for this cause also of of his own liberality gave Solomon a hundred and twenty talents of gold towards the building of the Temple The friendship of the Tyrians King and King Solomon cut down the noble Wood called Libanus and bestowed upon him to make the roof of the Temple for which bounty Solomon returned him many great Presents and among the rest a Country of Galilee named Zabulon But Solomons Wisdom was the chief cause of this Kings Friendship towards him Problems of Hircanus and Solomon For they sent Problems one to the other to be answered and Solomon in his Answers appeared most witty M as also he did in many things else and even until this day many of the Epistles sent one to another are kept among the Tyrians But not depending wholly upon the Authority of the Tyrians I will prove by the Testimony of Dius a man who by common consent hath faithfully written the Phenician History who writeth as followeth After the death of Abibalus Hircanus his son reigned in his stead who encreased the number of his Eastern Cities and inlarged Jerusalem he also joyned the Temple of Jupiter Olympius scituate in an Island unto it filling up the water with Earth and adorned it with gold After this ascending into Libanus he cut down the Wood to build Temples and the N King of Jerusalem named Solomon sent unto him certain Riddles to be expounded and he again the like unto him covenanting together that he who could not tell the meaning of one anothers Riddles should pay unto the other a sum of money and that Hircanus confessing he could not expound Solomons Riddles did pay unto him much money Lastly that one Abdemonus a Tyrian did expound the said Riddles and writ more unto Solomon which if Solomon could not interpret he should pay unto Hircanus a sum of money and this testimony Dius beareth us concerning the foresaid matter But I will now recount the words of Menander an Ephesian The testimony of Menander the Ephesian who registred the Acts of all Kings both at home and abroad endeavouring to make a true History out of the O Writings of every Country This man writing of the Tyrian Kings and coming to A Hyramus The Genealogy of King Hyramus saith thus of him Abibalus dying there succeeded in the Kingdom his Son Hyramus who lived 34 years and this King with a Rampire conjoyned Eurichorus and erected there a Pillar of Gold in Jupiter's Temple and went into the Woods and cut down the Cedars of Libanus to make coverings for the Temples with which pulling down the old he erected new and dedicated Temples to Hercules and Astartus But that to Hercules in the Month of Peritius and the other to Astartus when he with an Army went against the Tyrians who pai'd him no tribute and when he had subdued them he returned again At this time lived Abdemonus a servant unto the King whose business it was to expound the parables which King Solomon of Jerusalem sent unto King Hyramus and B how long it was from this Kings time till the building of Carthage we may thus calculate After the death of Hyramus his Son Beleastartus succeeded him lived forty and three years and reigned seven after him his Son Abdastartus who lived twenty years and reigned nine but this King was treacherously slain by the four Sons of his Nurse the eldest of which reigned twelve years Next succeeded Astartus the Son of Beleastartus who lived fifty and four years and reigned twelve after him his Brother Astarimus who lived fifty and four years and Governed nine then he was slain of his brother Phelletes who reigned eight mouths and lived fifty years and was slain by a Priest of Astarta named Ithobalus who lived threescore and eight and reigned thirty two years he was succeeded by his Son Badezorus who lived forty five C years and reigned six years to him succeeded his Son Mettinus who lived thirty two years and reigned nine After him Pigmalion who lived fifty six years and reigned forty Carthge built in Africk by Dido Pigmlion's Sister in the seventh year of whose reign his Sister Dido builded a City in Africa and
The Jews Laws are of great Antiquity But seeing the Antiquity of Laws is the greatest Argument to prove their goodness I will set down of what Antiquity our Laws are together with our Law-makers opinion of the Deity if therefore any one compare our Laws with the Laws of all Nations he shall find that ours are of more Antiquity than theirs by many Ages The Laws of the Gentiles For our Laws established amongst us have been imitated of all other Nations For though the first Greeks did pretendedly observe their own Laws yet all their Philosophers did imitate ours and our Opinions of God and taught others L the same manners and conversation yea the common people did long since imitate our Piety Neither is there any Nation either Greek or Barbarian who have not after some manner observed a Sabbath as we do and fasting days and Lamps all which they learned of us yea many do also observe our Customs concerning their meats and our unity and concord wherein we excel all other Nations our community also and industry in Arts and Labours and sufferance for our Laws And which is most to be admired our Law The Epilogue of this Book not having any to force us to observe it hath so obliged our hearts that as God is of all the world honoured without compulsion so are our Laws amongst us without any violence or force And whosoever doth diligently consider his own Nation and Family shall find that which I have reported to be true I will now generally M reprehend the voluntary malice of all men for either they mean that we having these good Laws do yet little esteem them and follow worse or if they do not so mean let them hold their malicious tongue from any further Calumniation For I do not take upon me the defence of this cause for that I bear any hatred to any man but for that I and all the Jews do honour and reverence our Law-maker The cause why â—â—seph writ these Books against Appion and believe that whatsoever he prophesied proceeded from God yea although our selves did not know the goodness of our Laws yet the multitude of them that imitate them were a sufficient motive to induce us thereunto A brief rehearsal of all that is abovesaid But I have at large and with all sincerity discoursed of our Laws and Common-wealth in my Books of our Antiquity And now again I have made mention of them neither in contumely of other Nations nor in praise of our own but N only to reprove such as have most malitiously and impudently belied us contrary to the known truth And I think I have already fully performed that which I have promised For I have shewed our Nation contrary to their affirmations to be most ancient The intention of the Jews Laws which I have proved by the testimony of many ancient Writers who in their Works have mentioned us Our Adversaries affirm us to have come of Egyptians I have shewed that our fore-fathers came into Egypt out of some other place They alledge that we were expelled Egypt for that we were infected with diseases I have proved that our Predecessors came from thence to their own Country by means of their own prowess and force of their own accord Others labour to defame our Law-maker as a wicked O person whose virtue many of ancient times and so long time as hath been since him do witness A It is not needful to speak more largely of our Laws for they by themselves appear pious and good and such as do not invite or incite us to the hatred of other Nations but rather to communion and friendship being both enemies to Iniquity and commanders of Justice banishers of Luxuriousness and teachers of Frugality and Labour forbidding all Wars enterprized for Avarice and preparing the people to shew Fortitude in them and for them inflicting inevitable punishment upon their transgressors not easily to be deceived by glozing speeches and executing in action all that they in word command yet amongst us the execution of them and observation is more ready than the words of them I therefore confidently affirm The Origine of the Jews Laws that we do teach more pious and virtuous manners than B other Nations do For what can be better than inviolate Piety What more just than to obey the Law What more profitable and commodious than to be at Unity and Peace amongst our selves and neither to forsake one another in calamity nor injure one another in prosperity to contemn and despise death in time of War and in Peace to labour and till our Grounds and to use other Arts and Works and always to think and believe that God beholdeth all our actions and ruleth and disposeth all things If this be either written or observed by any one before this time we are then to thank them as being their Scholars but if they were never extant before then we are known to be the first Authors Inventers of it Let therefore Appion and Molon perish and all others that with them are convicted of lying and slandering us This Book is written to thee C Epaphroditus who lovest the truth and to others who by thee will or are desirous to know the same D E F G DESIDERIUS ERASMUS H ROTERODAMUS To the most Virtuous and Learned Father HELIAS MARCEUS The Maccabetian Ruler of the Renowned Colledge of the I MACCABEES I Have not grudged vertuous Father to Dedicate unto thee a days labour wherein I have perused and what in me lieth amended the Book which Joseph writ of the seven Maccabees brethren and would it had lien in my power more abundantly to have answered your expectation I have now for that I counted the Greek Coppy by the Latine conjectured the Greek and altered some things yet but very few Joseph doth not falsly K boast himself to have attained to the excellency of the Greek tongue and this Book will sufficiently witness the same wherein he shewed great variety and emphasis insomuch as he esteemeth to have handled that famous work with eloquent stile and the Ornament of discourse Saint Jerome for this cause entituleth this Book Great Eloquence Suidas 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out of them both we amend the corrupted Stile and call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is The Rule of Reason For the scope of this Book tendeth all to prove that Reason is of no force in man except it bear Soverignty over all inordinate appetites This is most evidently proved by the Books of the Maccabees in the Scripture which Books the Jews did not receive as Canonical yet do they account it among their sacred Writ I cannot but congratulate this worthy Colledg which though famous for many other things yet is more happy L for that it is so blessed as to enjoy so worthy and unspeakable a Treasure Or rather all Colonia Agrippina that happy