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
with Fountain water and the precious Oyntment to the end they might be sanctified to God And for seven days space he consecrated both them and their Vestments The dedication of the Tabernacle and the Priests and the Tabernacle with those things which appertained thereunto with the Oyle abovementioned with the Blood of Bulls and Rams slain every other day after their kind But on the eighth day he proclaimed a Holy day and festival to all F the People Lev. 18. per totum and decreed that every one of them should particularly sacrifice according to his ability and they with emulation striving to exceed one another obeyed him Lev. 9. 24. and offered up their Sacrifices according as it was commanded them Whilst thus the Sacrifices were upon the Altar The sacrifice is consumed of it self suddenly there issued a fire from them which kindled of it self the flame whereof resembled the Light or brightness of Lightning and consumed all that was upon the Altar At that time there hapned an affliction to Aaron the greatest that could befall a Father yet he supported it with a constant and generous mind for he was a Man of much constancy and such an one as knew that nothing could befall him without the prescience and providence of God Of his four Sons the two eldest Nadab and Abihu bringing other sacrifices to the Altar G than those that were appointed by Moses were burnt by the violent flame that issued from the Altar scorching both their Breasts and Faces in such sort that they dyed without possibility of being succoured Moses commanded their Father and Brothers to take their bodies and carry them out of the Camp and bury them decently All H the People wept and were very much amazed at this their death so strange and unexpected But Moses forbad both the Father and his Sons to lament to the end they might make it appear that being honoured with the dignity of Priesthood they were more sensible of Gods honour than of their own misfortune But as touching Moses he refused all honours which were offered him by the People neither applied he himself unto any other thing but to the service of God Naâ—ab and Abihu Arons Sons burned Levit. 10. 1 2 3. 4. He went up to the Mountain of Sinai and entred into the Tabernacle to take counsel of God concerning those things whereof he needed to be informed He demeaned himself like a private Man not onely in his apparel but in all other things continuing a familar and modest course of life and challenging no priviledge above any Man Numb 3. 3 4. but onely in those things which pertained I to the administration of the Common-wealth He reduc'd into writing the Laws and ordinances touching policy in due performance whereof if they liv'd they should be both agreeable to God and live in union and peace amongst themselves And all this he established following those directions which God instructed him in But now will I return and bend my stile to speak of that which I omitted in the ornaments of the High Priest for this apparel of theirs leaveth not any occasion to false Prophets to excecute their wicked impostures and if there be any such as dare intermeddle with that which appertaineth to Gods Majesty this habit maketh them know that God never honoured their sacrifices with his presence but he gave visible signs thereof not onely to the Hebrews A miracle of the Stones in the High Priests vestment but to all those strangers K who by any occurrence might be eye-witnesses of the same For of those Stones which the High Priest bare on his shoulders which were Sardonixes whose nature is so well known to all Men that it were unnecessary to speak of it that which was fastned on his right shoulder shined very clearly at such time as God was present at the sacrifice and cast its rayes afar off that it might be perceived by those that beheld the same contrary to its nature and custome which truly deserveth admiration amongst all Men except those who through contempt of Religion do hunt after an opinion of wisdom But that which I will now speak of is more to be admired at which is that by the twelve Stones which the High Priest bare Enchased in his Rational in the midst of his Breast God was wont to fore-signifie victory to those that were prepared L for Battel For such brightness lightned out of them even before such time as the Army did dislodge or enter skirmish that it was manefestly known to the People that God was present and ready to assist them for which cause the Greeks that have no aversion for our mysteries and are convinced by their own eyes of the truth of this miracle call it Logion i. e. oracle which we term Esseâ— This Rational and the Stone Sardonix gave over to shine two hundred years before I began to write these Antiquities by reason of Gods wrath which he had conceived against us for the breach of his Laws of which at another time I will more fitly treat and at this time continue and prosecute my intended discourse and purpose After the Tabernacle had been thus consecrated and that which appertained to the Priests was set in order the People M transported with joy that God dwelt with them in his Tabernacle began to sacrifice and to sing Hymns of praises The sacrifices and gifts of the Princes of the Tribes as to him that had driven far from them all fear of evil and from whom they expected in time to come far better and more prosperous things and both in general and in particular they offered gifts unto God according to their tribes and the Governors of the tribes assembling themselves together two by two prepared a Chariot and a yoak of Oxen so that there were six Chariots to bear the Tabernacle by the way Furthermore every one of them offered a vial of the weight of 70 Sicles and a Censor containing 10 dariques and a Coffer or Basin weighing 130 Sicles The Censor was filled with odoriferous perfumes and the coffer and vial served to hold the Meal and Oyl which they were wont to use at the Altar at such time as they offred N sacrifice They offered likewise a Calf and a Ram with a Lamb of one year old for a burnt-sacrifice and a Goat for a sin-offering All the other Governors likewise brought every one of them their sacrifice called Salutarie for every day two Oxen and five Rams with a Lamb and a Goat of a year old and sacrificed them during the term of twelve days every one his day But Moses ascended no more to the Mountain of Sinai but entred into the Tabernacle where he was instructed by God of that which he had to do and what Laws he ought to make which are so good and laudable as they ought not to be attributed to humane wisdom Moses asketh counsel of
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
worthy of a great Prince and in this great authority wherein he was placed he stept not any ways awry but in the case of Vria's Wife He left as much or rather more riches behind him than any other King of the Hebrews or other Nations had F done His Son Solomon buried him most Royally in Jerusalem with all those ceremonies which were accustomed in Royal obsequies and amongst other things he buried a great quantity of riches with him the incredible estimate whereof may be conjectured by that which followeth The sumptuous Sepulchre of David For one thousand three hundred years after the High Priest Hircanus being besieged by Antiochus surnamed the Religious who was Demetrius's Son and willing to gratifie him with some summe of money to the intent he might raise the siege Hircanus â—aketh a huge sum of money out of Davids Tomb. and remove his Army and unable to levy money by any other means he opened the Sepulchre of David from whence he took three thousand talents which he delivered to Antiochus and by this means delivered the City from the siege as we have declared in another place Herod spoileth Davids Sepulchre And again a long time after this Herod also opened it and took from G thence a great summe Nevertheless no man violated that part of the monument where the body of the King was laid for it was so artificially hidden under ground that it would be very difficult to discover it A The Eighth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Eighth Book 1. How Solomon obtaining the Kingdom expelled his enemies 2. Of the riches prudence and wisdom of Solomon and how first of all he builded the Temple in Jerusalem B 3. How Solomon being dead the people revolted from Rehoboam his son and made Jeroboam King of the ten Tribes 4. How Susac King of Egypt sacking Jerusalem carried away the riches of that City into Egypt 5. The War of Jeroboam against Abias Rehobohams son and the slaughter of his Army and how Basanes extirpated Jeroboams posterity and possess'd the Kingdom 6. The Invasion of the Ethiopians under Asa and the overthrow of their Army 7. The Race of Basanes being rooted out Zamri ruled in Israel with his son Ahab 8. Adad King of Damascus and Syria is twice overthrown by Ahab 9. Of Jehoshaphat King of Jerusalem C 10. Ahab being provoked to War by the Syrians is overcome and slain in battel CHAP. I. How Solomon obtaining the Kingdom expelled his enemies WE have declared in the former Book what David was how great his virtue hath been 1 Kings 2. what profits and benefits those of his Nation received by him Solomon King of Israel after Davids death what Wars he undertook what Victories he obtained and how happily at last through extremity of age he departed D out of this life But after that Solomon his son being at that time very young had obtained the Kingdom and was placed in his fathers Throne according as David had determined and the divine power had decreed the whole people according to the common course in the election of new Princes with many acclamations wished him a long and prosperous Reign But Adonias who during his fathers life-time thought to possess and seize himself of the Royal estate came unto the Kings mother and with all humility and reverence saluted her To whom Bethsabe said That if there were any thing wherein she might serve him he should let her know it and that she would willingly apply her self unto it Whereupon he began to say That it was a thing very well known that the Kingdom appertained unto him both in regard of his age as also in respect of E the favor and good liking of the people Ver. 17 ad 24. but since that it had been transferred unto Solomon her son Adonias requireth Abisag to wife by the Will of God he was content therewith and would be his servant being very glad of the fortunate success of his Affairs He therefore besought her that she would sollicite Solomon in his behalf and persuade him to give him Abisag to Wife â—ho had slept with David for that he had not any carnal company with her by reason of his age and that as yet she was fully possessed of her virginity Bethsabe promised him to further his suit to the uttermost of her power and willingly to employ herself toward the accomplishment of the Marriage since she knew the King was willing to gratifie her in whatsoever she should desire as also for that she would instantly intreat him so that he departed from her with assured hope of good success in F his designed Marriage Hereupon Bethsabe presently addressed herself to the King intending to certifie him both what Adonias had requested and what she had granted When Solomon heard that his Mother came to visit him he went out to meet her and embraced her and afterwards conducting her into his Presence-chamber he sate him down and commanded his servants to place a seat on his right hand for his Mother who being seated by him spake unto him after this manner My son vouchsafe me one favor that I shall request at thy hands and send me not hence discontented and dissatisfied through thy refusal Solomon answered her That she should command him by reason that duty tyed him to the satisfaction and favor of his Mothers suits reproving her for that insinuation she had used by reason that thereby she evidently expressed that she was not G thorowly assured to obtain her demand but that she feared a refusal and repulse she therefore required him to give the Damsel Abisag for Wife to Adonias his Brother The King displeased at this her suit dismissed his Mother alledging that Adonias had ill designs and that he wondered that in requiring Abisag to Wife he had not requested Solomon H likewise to give him place in the Kingdom for Adonias was elder than he and had more mighty friends than he had namely the General Joab and the High Priest Abiathar For which cause he forthwith sent Benaia Captain of his Guard to kill Adonias his Brother Ver. 25. Then calling unto him the High Priest Abiathar The pains said he that thou hast endured by accompanying my father David Adonias is slain and attending and bearing the Ark with him make thee escape from death yet notwithstanding for that thou hast been assistant to Adonias Ver. 26. 27. and followed his faction Abiathar iâ— dispossessed of the Priesthood I banish thee from my presence charging thee not to see my face any more but to retire thy self to thine own house and there to live in thy Countrey until thou hast ended thy dayes since you have made your self unworthy of that charge wherewith you are entrusted For this cause was the House of Ithamar deprived of the Priestly I
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
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-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-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-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
far Strabo This great felicity and prosperity of Hircanus Hircanus groweth in discontent with the Pharisees moved the Jews to conceive a hatred against him and especially the Pharisees opposed themselves against him These Pharisees were one of the Sects of the Jews whereof we have heretofore treated which Sect was so great in credit with the common people that when they disposed any thing were it against the King or the Priest they were presently believed Hircanus had been one of their disciples and therefore was easily believed He invited them to a feast and entertain'd them with all humanity and seeing them in a merry vein he began to tell them D That they knew his mind how that he desired nothing more than to be just and to square all his actions according to Gods will and direction according as they themselves taught He therefore requir'd them that if they perceiv'd that he mistook himself in any thing or that he wandred from the right way they would by admonition redress the same Whereupon all of them gave testimony of his perfect virtue wherewith he was highly contented But one of the company called Eleazar a man of a malicious nature and such an one as delighted in mutiny Eleaâ—â—r the Pharâ—â—ee upbraideth Hircanus that his mother was a slave said unto him Since you desire to hear the truth if so be you affect the estimation of a good man give over the place of Priesthood and content your self with the government of the people Hircanus demanded of him the cause wherefore he should forsake the Priesthood Because saith he that we have heard say by our Ancestors that your mother was a E Captive during the Reign of Antiochus the famous which notwithstanding was a false report Hircanus hearing this was sore moved against him and also all other of the Pharisees who were present Amongst the rest there was a certain man called Jonathan of the order of the Sadduces who maintain a contrary opinion against the Pharisees who was an intimate and dear friend to Hircanus with whom he communicated the injurious speeches that Eleazar had spoken by him The Sadduce Jonathan incenseth Hircanus against the Pharisees who told him That as he thought Eleazar had spoken these words by the publick consent of the Pharisees and that he might discover the same most manifestly if he enquired of them what punishment Eleazar had deserved for speaking after this sort Hircanus therefore talked with the Pharisees concerning his punishment telling them That he should very well perceive that this injury had not been pronounced F by the common consent of them all if they condemned the Offender to suffer a punishment proportionable to his offence Whereupon they decreed That he ought to be punished by imprisonment and scourging for said they an injury done in word required no capital punishment And to speak uprightly they in their thinking censured severely enough of this fault for that the Pharisees are naturally inclin'd to mercy in matter of punishment But Hircanus was sore offended with this their answer and imagined that this Eleazar had spoken after this manner by the common instigation of the rest This displeasure and conceived dislike of his Hircanus forsaketh the Pharisees and followeth the Sadduces Jonathan aggravated to the uttermost and handled the matter in such sort that he drew Hircanus to forsake the Pharisees and to subscribe to the opinions of the Sadduces abolishing their ordinances and causing them to be sharply punisht that G observe the same These practices of Hircanus incensed the people against him and his sons but we will treat of this in another place At present I will declare how the A Pharisees have made many ordinances among the People according to the Tradition of their fathers whereof there is nothing written in the Laws of Moses for which cause the Sect of the Sadduces rejecteth them affirming That they ought to keep the written ordinances and not to observe those that are grounded upon the Tradition of the fathers And great dispute and dissentions have been raised among them upon this occasion The constitutions of the Pharisees because the richer sort only and not the baser sort of People adhered to the Sadduces but the Pharisees had the Commonalty on their sides But of these two sorts and of the Esseans I have more exactly Treated in my second Book of the Wars of the Jews But Hircanus finally appeased this mutiny and lived afterwards in much peace and happiness and after he had most discreetly govern'd his Princedom for the space of 31 years Hircanus's death he died leaving B five sons behind him This man was honored by God with three great gifts the gift of Government the gift of Priesthood and the gift of Prophecy For God spake unto him divers times by Oracles and Revelations and gave him the knowledge of things to come Hircanus's Prophecy of his sons which he in such sort foretold That he declared that his two eldest sons should not possess the principality any long time whose end it shall not be amiss to set down in what manner it was to the intent that the Prophecy of their father may be the better known CHAP. XIX Aristobulus eldest son of Hircanus Prince of the Jews makes himself be crown'd King C maketh his brother Antigonus his associate of the Crown he imprisoneth the rest and his mother also whom he caused to die for hunger He becometh jealous of Antigonus he maketh him be killed and he himself afterwards dieth for grief ARistobulus Hircanus's eldest son resolved after his fathers death to exchange the Principality into an absolute Kingdom Hedio Ruffinus cap. 18. and the better to attain thereunto he first of all set the Crown upon his head Aristobulus Hircanus son was the first after the captivity of Babylon that set the Diadâ—m on his head 481 years and three months after the People of the Jews were deliver'd from the bondage of Babylon and led again unto their Countrey And for that Aristobulus amongst all his other brethren loved Antigonus best of all who was the nearest unto him in age he accepted him as a companion in the government of the D kingdom but as for the rest he shut them up in Prison He locked up his mother likewise who had contended with him concerning the Government for that Hircanus had committed all things to her disposition and so far extended his cruelty Aristobulus admitteth his brother Antgonus to be his Copartner in the kingdom and imprisoneth the rest of his brethren and famisheth his mother that he famish'd her to death in Prison After he had thus used his mother he slew his brother Antigonus also whom he pretended to love above all the rest and whom as he made shew he had made partner of his Kingdom From whom he estranged himself by reason of some slanders and false accusations raised up against him
their opinions and receive Herod yet this opinion of his was not answerable to equity For notwithstanding whatsoever violence he did devise yet could they not be induced to call him King in so high esteem and account held they their former King But Antony supposed that that infamy would obscure his renown and lessen the general hatred they bare to Herod See here what Strabo writeth As soon as the High-Priest Hircanus who was Prisoner among the Parthians heard that Herod had taken possession of the Kingdom Hedio Ruffinus câ—ap 2. he returned back unto him Hircanus hearing tydings that Herod had obtained the Kingdom returneth unto him being deliver'd after this manner following Barzapharnes and Pacorus Princes of the Parthians had taken Hircanus who was first High-Priest and afterwards King and with him Phasaelus Herods brother and led them away Prisoners with them into their own Countrey Phasaelus I not able to endure the dishonour of imprisonment and preferring an honourable death before a reproachful and ignominious life murther'd himself as I have heretofore declar'd CHAP. II. Phraates King of the Parthians letteth his Prisoner Hircanus return into Judea Herod to make sure of him contributeth hereunto and giveth the high-High-Priesthood to a man of no account Alexandra Herod's Mother-in-law and Aristobulus's Mother addresseth her self to Cleopatra to obtain this function for her son through Antonius's means Herod K discovereth it gives that employment to Aristobulus and feigneth to be reconciled to Alexandra PHraates Hircanus heighly honoure in Babylon by the Jews King of Parthia understanding how nobly Hircanus was descended who was brought Prisoner unto him entertain'd him graciously and for this cause drew him out of Prison permitting him to converse in Babylon in which place there were a great number of Jews who honour'd Hircanus very much and no less than their High-Priest and King The like also did all they of that Nation inhabiting as far as Euphrates which did not a little content Hircanus But after that he was advertised that Herod was possessed of the Kingdom Hircanus leaving his Countrey expecteth favor at Herods hands he transferred his hopes another way being of his own nature tenderly L affected towards his friends expecting that one day Herod would requite him for that he had deliver'd him from death whereunto he was condemned and in danger likewise of the penalty and punishment He began therefore to consult with the Jews about his journey who in way of duty and love came to visit him and who prayed him and importuned him to continue with them offering him all service and honour assuring him that he should in no less manner be respected among them than their High-Priest and King yea in far higher regard than he might any wayes be in his own Countrey by reason of the maim he had in his body through Antigonus's tyranny alledging that Kings do not ordinarily call to their remembrance those pleasures that they have received in their mean condition because that with their estates they change both their manners M and inclinations But notwithstanding all these or such like Allegations yet could not Hircanus be withdrawn from the desire he had to repair homeward Herod also wrote unto him That he should require Phraates and the Jews that inhabited his Kingdom in no sort to envy his felicity in that he should partake with him both in dignity and royalty alledging that the time was now come wherein he might acknowledge the kindness he had received by being heretofore nourished and preserved by him Samaralla Herods Ambassador to Phraates With these Letters he sent Samaralla likewise in quality of an Ambassador to Phraates furnish'd with great and rich Presents endeavouring by that means to win him that he in no wayes should hinder his good intent towards one that had so highly deserved it at his hands yet his protestations were not answerable to his pretence For insomuch as he governed not with that uprightness N which became a just King he feared lest some alteration might befall him according to his demerits for which cause he sought to get Hircanus under his power or at least wise to dispatch him out of his life which he afterwards performed When therefore Herod had persuaded the Parthian to dismiss Hircanus Herod highly honoureth Hircanus and the Jews to furnish him with money sufficient to bear his expence in his journey he received him with all honour In common Assemblies he gave him alwayes the highest place and in the time of Festivals he made him alwayes sit down before him and the more closely to deceive him he called him brother Herod giveth the High-Priesthood to Anâ—nel endeavouring by all means wholly to take away all colour and suspition of treachery neither omitted he any other stratagems whereby he might any ways further or promote his cause and yet by these means occasioned no small sedition in his O own family For fearing lest any one among the Nobility should be established High-Priest he sent to Babylon for a certain man of a base extraction called Ananel and gave him the Priesthood For which cause Alexandra grew suddenly displeased not being able to endure that afront The year of the World 3934. before Christ's Nativity 34. This woman was Hircanus daughter and Alexanders wife A who was King Aristobulus son who had two children by her husband the one very beautiful who was called Aristobulus the other was Mariamne who was likewise fair and married to Herod She was highly displeased to see her son so much undervalued that during his life another was called to the honor of High-priesthood for which cause she wrote unto Cleopatra by the means of a certain Musician beseeching her to beg the High-Priesthood at Antonius hands for her son Alexandra solliciteth Antonius by Cleopatras mediation for the High Priesthood for her son Which Cleopatra did most willingly but Antonius made little reckoning of those suits A certain friend of his called Gellius who was come into Jewry about certain of his affairs and who had seen Aristobulus fell in love with him by reason of his beauty and admiring likewise his tall stature and allured by Mariamnes admirable beauty he openly protested that he accounted Alexandra B a happy Mother in her children and discoursing to this effect with her he perswaded her to send the pictures of her two children to Antonius for that if he should but behold them he would refuse him nothing wherein he should request his friendship Alexandra perswaded by these words â—ent their pictures unto Antonius Gellius also made the matter more wonderful telling him that the children seemed rather to be ingendred of no mortal strain Antonius requireth Aristâ—bulus at Herods hands but by some divine power endeavoring as much as in him lay that Antonius might be allured to affection them Who supposing it to be a matter ill beseeming him to send for Mariamne who was married
Sidon Alias cap. 17 by a certain Roman Free man intruded himself into Herod's Kindred The false Alexander for all those that beheld him reported that he resembled Alexander Herod's Son who was killed by him and by this means he began to aspire to the Kingdom Whereupon calling to him a Companion who was his own I Countrey-man and a long experienced Courtier his Arts-master and fit to make disturbances he by his instructions feigned himself to be that Alexander Herod's Son who was delivered from death by the means of a certain friend who had the charge to see him executed who executing others in their steads delivered both him and his Brother Aristobulus and that they were both escaped in this manner Being puffed up by these Toys he failed not to deceive other men and as soon as he came to Creet as many Jews as he fell in conference with he perswaded them no less and getting much money from them he sailed into the Isle of Melos where he gathered a great Summ of Money under pretext that he was of the Kings Blood And now hoping that he should recover his Father's Kingdom and that he should reward those that K were beneficial to him he hasted towards Rome accompanied with his Friends in great pomp And being arrived at Puteol he was entertained there with no less favour by those Jews whom he deceived by his colourable Title and divers others who had been Herod's Friends and Familiars came unto him and entertained him as their King The cause hereof was the natural disposition of men who take pleasure in false reports together with the report of his resemblance For they that had frequented very familiarly with Alexander held it for a matter most assured that he was the man and none other and affirmed unto others upon their Oaths that it was he so that this rumour at last came to Rome And all the Jews that dwelt there came forth to meet him The false Alexander cometh to Rome saying That it was God's handy-work that he was after that manner L preserved beyond all men's expectation And they greatly rejoyced in his Mother Mariamne's behalf from whom he was descended he was carried in a Litter through the Streets with all the Apparel of a King the charge whereof was defrayed by those who were his Friends He was attended by a great multitude of men and honoured with great applause as it ordinarily falleth out at such time as beyond all expectation any one is found to have been miraculously preserved When this News was brought to Caesar's ears he gave small credit thereunto perswading himself that it was a hard matter to deceive Herod in a matter of so great importance Notwithstanding conforming himself in some sort to the opinions of men he sent a certain Free-man of his called Celadus who had very familiarly conversed with Alexander M and Aristobulus during their Infancy giving him charge to bring Alexander unto him to the end he might see him which he did and was never the wiser in discovering him The false Alexander cannot deceive Caesar Notwithstanding Caesar was not fully deceived For although he resembled him somewhat yet he was not so exactly like him that he could deceive those who narrowly observed him For this counterfeit Alexander had hard hands in that he had been accustomed to labour which the true Alexander could not have in regard of his tender and delicate education and likewise this man was of a rough skin and hard flesh Caesar therefore discovering the treachery both of the counterfeit Scholar and lying Master and how they agreed in their confident Justifications he enquired of them what was become of Aristobulus who was secretly hidden with him N and for what cause he presented not himself to enjoy the honour that appertained to those who were so Nobly descended It was answered him that he remained in the Isle of Cyprus for fear of dangers to which they are exposed who sail by Sea to the end that if any mis-fortune should befal him all Mariamne's Race should not be extinguished but that at least Aristobulus might be left alive Whilst he owned these things and the Author of the Fable justified no less Caesar drawing the young man aside said unto him My friend if thou wilt not deceive me thou shalt have this recompence that thou shalt not be punished Tell me therefore what thou art and who hath emboldned thee to practice this fraud for this malice is so great that it surpasseth thine age The false Alexander is condemned to â—ug at an Oar. Whereupon being unable to conceal the truth he discovered the treachery O to Caesar how and by whom it was contrived At that time Caesar being loath to falsifie his promise that he had past to this false Alexander and seeing that in times past he had A laboured with his hands he caused him to be enrolled among the number of his Galley-slaves and caused the other that induced him to this cheat to be put to death contenting himself that the Inhabitants of Melos had lost their charges which they had employed upon this false Alexander who had a shameful end as it hath been heretofore declared CHAP. XV. B Archelaus marrieth Glaphyra his Brother Alexander's Widow Augustus hâ—ving heard several of the Jews complaints of him confineth him to Vienna in France and uniteth his possessions to Syria Glaphyra's death AFter that Archelaus had taken possession of that Sovereignty that was allotted him Hedio Ruffinus chap. 19. al. 18. he came into Judea where he deposed Joazar the Son of Boethus from the High Priesthood The Priesthood is taken from Joazar and delivered to Eleazar and from him to Joshuah the Son of Sias accusing him to have favoured the Seditious and established Eleazar his Brother in his place After this he re-edified the Palace in Jericho and sumptuously adorned it drawing away the half of those Waters which served the Borough of Neara and conveying them thorough a field which he had planted with Palm Trees he C builded a Borough in that place which he named Archelais and contrary to the Laws of his Countrey he married Glaphyra Archelaus's Daughter who had been his Brother Alexander's Wife Archelau builded by whom he also had divers Children notwithstanding the Law of the Jews forbiddeth a man to marry his Brother's Wife Neither did Eleazar enjoy the Priesthood any long time but during his life time Jesus the Son of Sias was substituted in his place The tenth year of Archelaus's Government the chiefest Governours among the Jews and Samaritans unable any longer to endure his cruelty and Tyranny accused him before Caesar and especially after they had understood that he had transgressed Caesar's Command who had charged him to behave himself graciously towards them Which D when Caesar understood he was sore displeased and caused Archelaus's Agent to be called before him who was then at Rome and
acts and gests of Monobazus during his reign But during Fadus Government in Judaea Theudas perswadeth the people that with a word he will cause Jordan to divide it self yield them passage he with his followers are slain a certain Magician called Theudas perswaded a great number of the people to take all their goods and substance and to follow him to the River of Jordan for he said he was a Prophet and told them that the River should divide it self into two parts upon his commandment and yield them free passage By these words of his he deceived divers of them But Fadus sent some troops of Horse who charged them on the sudden and killed a great number of them and took divers of them Prisoners alive amongst whom was Theudas O whose head was stricken off and was afterwards carried to Jerusalem This is that which befel the Jews under Fadus's Government A CHAP. III. The year of the World 4010. after Christ's Nativity 48. Tiberius Alexander succeeds Fadus in the Government of Judaea and Cumanus succeeds Alexander Herod King of Chalcis's death his Children Claudius the Emperour giveth his Dominions to Agrippa AFter Fadus Hedio Ruffinus chap. 5. alias chap. 8. succeeded Tiberius Alexander the Son of that Alexander who had been Governour of Alexandria a man of as great Riches as any one of his time and place Tiberius Alexander Governour of Judaea who surpassed likewise his Son Alexander in piety who forsook the Religion B of his Forefathers At that time there hapned a great Famine in Jewry during which Queen Helena sent huge summs of money into Egypt and bought Corn and distributed the same to those that were in want James and Simon the Sons of Judas of Galilee crucified according as I have said before At the same time James and Simon the Sons of Judas of Galilee who had busied themselves to incite the people to resist the Government of the Romans were put to death at such time as Cyrenius valued each man's Goods as we have heretofore declared These did Alexander command to be crucified The year of the World 4011. after Christ's Nativity 49. Herod King of Chalcis took away the Sovereign Priesthood from Joseph the Son of Camydas and transferred it to Ananias the Son of Nebedaeus After Tiberius Alexander succeeded Cumanus The died Herod who was Brother to King Agrippa the Great in the eighth year of Claudius Caesar He left behind C him three Sons Aristobulus whom he had by his first Wife Bernicianus and Hircanus by Bernice his Brother's Daughter Claudius Caesar gave this Kingdom to Agrippa the younger During the time that Cumanus governed there happened a Sedition in Judaea whereby divers Jews miscarried The cause of all which accidents I will rip up from the Original CHAP. IV. The horrid Insolence of a Roman Soldier causeth the death of twenty thousand Jews D Another Soldier 's Insolence AT the time of the Feast of Pascha during which time the Jews are accustomed to feed on unleavened bread a great number of people assembled themselves from all parts Hedio Ruffinus chap. 9. to the City of Jerusalem Alias 10. Whereupon Cumanus fearing lest by this occasion there should arise some Commotion he gave order that a Company of his Souldiers should be armed and should keep their Guard in the Porches of the Temple to the end if any trouble should happen they might repress it Those Governours who had been his Predecessors had done the like in such manner of Assemblies It came to pass In the Feast of Pascha a certain Soldier shewing his Privy Members moveth a Sedition among the people whereby twenty thousand Jews lost their lives on the fourth day of the Feast that a certain Soldier discovering those Privities E which were undecent to be seen shewed them before the people wherewith they that beheld the same were much displeased and provoked saying that the dishonour was not done to them but to God And some of the boldest of them uttered certain speeches against Cumanus saying that the Soldier was set on by him which when Cumanus understood he was in like manner grievously offended in regard of those injuries yet exhorted those whom he saw too forward to keep the Peace for fear lest a Sedition should arise during the time of the Feast And seeing they would no ways obey him but contrariwise they ceased not to injure and revile him he commanded that all the Forces he had should be in Arms and retire themselves into the Fort of Antonia that was near unto the Temple as we have heretofore declared F The people seeing the armed Soldiers were afraid and began to fly and because the places thorough which they issued were but narrow they imagined that they were pursued by their enemies so that they thrust on one another in their flight and divers of them were thronged to death Stephen Caesar's Servant robbed in his Journey for which cause Cumanus spoileth the Villages near to the place where the Robbery was done In this mutiny there died twenty thousand men and after this instead of a Feast there was nothing but mourning and without bethinking themselves of their Prayers and Sacrifices all of them began to weep and lament So great a mischief sprung from the insolence of one Soldier This first lamentation was scarcely finished before a second succeeded the same For some of those who had a part in this Mutiny being about a hundred stades from the City robbed one Stephen that was Caesar's Servant in the High way and took from him all that G which he had Which when Cumanus understood he presently sent some of his Soldiers to spoil those Villages which were nearest to the place where the Fact was committed and to bring the chiefest Inhabitants thereof in Bonds unto him In this pillage a certain Soldier found a Book of the Law of Moses in one of those Villages which he H took and brought and before them all tore it in pieces with horrid Blasphemies and vile speeches against the Law and whole Nation The Jews understanding hereof suddenly assembled themselves in great numbers and ran to Caesarea where Cumanus kept for that present A certain Soldier teareth the Books of Moses's Law and therefore is beheaded by Cumanus's commandment requiring him that he would revenge not their cause but God's whose Law was on that sort dishonoured signifying unto him that it was impossible for them to live so long as their Law was thus contemned Cumanus fearing lest a second mutiny and uproar should be raised among the people by counsel of his Friends cut off the Soldier 's head who had committed that Crime against the Law and by this means appeased the Sedition that was ready to take head I CHAP. V. A great Quarrel between the Jews of Galilee and the Samaritans who bribe Cumanus Governour of Judaea Quadratus Governour of Syria
The strife between the High Priests and the Priests to seize the Tenths that were due unto the Priests whereby it came to pass that some poor Priests died for want so much did the violence of the Seditious at that time prevail ahove all right CHAP. VII I Festus succeeds Foelix in the Government of Judaea The Inhabitants of Caesarea obtain of Nero to have the Jews Freedom recalled King Agrippa causeth an Apartment to be built from whence all that was done about the Temple might be seen the people of Jerusalem cause a high Wall to be built to hinder it by the Emperour's Authority AFter that Portius Festus had been sent by Nero to succeed Foelix in the Government K of Judaea Alias 19. the chiefest of those Jews that inhabited Caesarea Foelix accused repaired to Rome to accuse Foelix and without all doubt he had been punished for the injuries he had committed against the Jews if Nero had not pardoned him upon his Brother Palas's submission and entreaty who importuned him and was at that time in great reputation with him Hedio Rufffinus cap. 14. Furthermore two of the chiefest amongst the Syrians wrought Berillus who had sometimes been Nero's Master and at that time was Secretary of Estate in the Greek Tongue by mighty Bribes to beg of Nero the revocation of the Right and Title which the Jews enjoyed in the Government and Administration of the Commonweal For which cause Berillus solicited the Emperour and obtained a Letter from him which was the cause of those mischiefs that afterwards happened in our Nation for the Jews of Caesarea understanding what Commission the Syrians had gotten L were so much the more encouraged to make War Therefore The Cut-throats among the Jews as soon as Festus was arrived in Judaea he found the Countrey grievously afflicted with Robberies and the whole Countrey was ruined with Fire and Sword The Thieves likewise at that time encreased mightily they used short Swords after the manner of a Persian Cymetre and crooked like the Roman Faulchion with which they killed divers For thrusting themselves into the press of the people that came in great multitudes on the Festival days to celebrate God's service they killed those very easily whom they pleased and oftentimes repairing to their enemies Villages Festus discomfiteth a great deceiver with all his followers they spoiled and burnt them But Festus sent divers Forces M both of Horse and Foot against certain Jews that were seduced by an Enchanter who had promised them to free them from all their troubles if they would follow him into the Desart they killed both the deceiver and the deceived that followed him At that time King Agrippa erected a stately Building within the Palace at Jerusalem Hedio Ruffinus chap. 15. near unto the Porch alias chap. 10. This Palace in times past appertained to the Asmoneans and was scituate in a high place with a fine Prospect from whence they might with pleasure behold the City of Jerusalem wherein the King took great delight and beheld from thence that which was done in the Temple The chiefest men of Jerusalem stop up the Prospect of Agrippa's house The chiefest men of Jerusalem seeing this Building were very much displeased for neither doth our Custom or Law permit that any one should look on that which is done in the Temple and especially N forbiddeth that any man should behold the Sacrifices and Oblations They therefore builded a high Wall upon the Gallery which was within the Temple on the West side which did not only hinder the sight of the Royal Chamber but also that of the Gallery without the Temple on the West side where the Romans kept Guard near unto the Temple on the Festival days Herewith was King Agrippa highly displeased and the Governour Festus far more than he who commanded them to pull down the Wall But they besought him that he would give them Licence to send their Ambassadours to Nero to this intent alledging that it was impossible for them to live if any part of their Temple should be beaten down Which being granted them they sent ten of their chiefest Nobility and with them Ismael the High O Priest and Chelcias the Treasurer of the Temple unto Nero who no sooner heard their suit but he pardoned them not only for that they had done but he commanded A that the building should remain as it was All which he did in favour of his Wife Poppea who was entreated by the Jews she being a devout Princess to sue for them She therefore commanded the ten Ambassadours to return and kept Chelcias and Ismael for Pledges with her The King understanding how all things had past gave the High Priesthood to Joseph Joseph Cabi the Son of Simon made High Priest surnamed Cabi which was the Son of Simon who in times past had been High Priest CHAP. VIII B Albinus succeeds Festus in the Government of Judaea and King Agrippa giveth and taketh away often the High Priesthood Ananus the High Priest causeth Saint James to be put to death Agrippa enlargeth the City of Caesarea and calleth it Neronias The Favours he granted to the Levites The List of the High Priests since Aaron CAesar being advertised of Festus's death Albinus Governour of Judaea sent Albinus to govern Judaea But King Agrippa commanded Joseph to lead a private life and advanced in his stead a certain man called Ananus Ananus the Son of Ananus High Priest the Son of Ananus who was reported to have been most happy for he had five Sons all which supplied the place of the High Priest after himself C had long time before them enjoyed it the like whereof hath never happened to any of our Priests Hedio Ruffinus chap 16. The younger Ananus who as we said was advanced to this place was a rash and head-strong man that followed the Sect of the Saducees who as we have already declared were amongst all other the Jews Alias 21. the most severe in executing Justice Ananus had five Sons that succeeded him in the Priesthood Whereas therefore Ananus was of this disposition he thought that he had a fit occasion offered him to do what he pleased after Festus's death and whilst Albinus was as yet upon his way He therefore ascended and sat down in the Tribunal assisted by the Judges and caused James the Brother of JESUS who was called CHRIST The year of the World 4025. after Christ's Nativity 63. to appear before him with certain others and accused them for transgressing the Law and Blasphemy against God and caused him to be stoned to death They D that were men of upright Conscience within the City and diligent observers of the Law were very much displeased with this Act and sent secretly to the King beseeching him to prohibit Ananus James the Brother of our Lord stoned that hereafter he
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
a. fleeth to Raguel and why 66 k. marrieth his daughter ib. sent to deliver the Israelites 67 d. confirmed in his calling ibid. a b perswadeth Pharaoh to dismiss the Israelites 68 i. worketh miracles ibid. k l m. instituteth the Passover 70 i k. conducteth the Israelites 71 b c. exhorteth them ib. f. prayeth to God 72 i. leadeth them thorow the red sea ib. k. praises God ib. n. sacrificed to God in Sinai ib. o beseecheth God to sweeten the waters 73 g. putteth the people in mind of God's benefits â—4 m. imploreth God's help ibid. o. striketh the Rock bringeth out water 75 f. encourageth the Israelites 76 l. lifting up his hands c. 77 a. ascendeth Sinai 78 m. how long remaineth there 80 h. fasted ib. asketh counsel of God c. 90 o. numbreth the people 94 o. sendeth spies to search the land 96 i. retires the people into the desart 99 a. sendeth forces against the Madianites 108 m. appointeth to Joshuah his successor 109 b. exhorteth the people to obedience 110 l. sweareth them to keep the law 119 b. exhorteth Josuah ibid. d. dieth 119 f g. Mother eateth her child 239 i. 748 o. Mother of the seven brethren 824 n. 825 b. 826 h i c. Mourning of Ruben for Joseph 52 l. of the Romans 637 b. of them in Jerusalem 711 a. Mourning for thirty days 115 e. Mourning for Moses's death 119 g. for Saul and his sons 174 f. for Abner's 177 g. for Herod's 462 n o. Mountain of Sinai 66 n. 77 e. Mounts builded lost 734 h. Mounts raised near the Temple 746 k. Multiplication of Jacob's posterity 63 d. Multitude of business 77 g. of dead carcasses 740 h. Mundus deâ—ileth Paulina 481 d c. banished ibid. Murmure of the Israelites 74 i. 96 m. Murther of Simeon and Levi 49 c. Murther of Azael 176 k. of Abner 177 e. of Joram's brethren 241 l. of infants foretold 240 g. Murther of Saul punished 175 e. of Isboseth 178 l. Musick by whom invented 29 g. Mutability of fortune 682 h i. Mutiny in Chore and his complices 99 d e c. Mutiny about the golden Eagle 460 h. Mutiny against Archelaus 463 f g c. N. Nahas King of the Ammonites 152 i. his outrages offered the Israelites ib. 1. proposed hard conditions of peace 151 i k granteth to the Inhabitants of Jabes a truce ib. k. is slain 152 o. Nabal's flock spared 168 m. his currish answer to David's men ibid. n. died for grief 169 â— Nabathaea the countrey of Ismael's posterity 40 l. Nabathaeans spoiled 3â—0 b. Naboth falsly accused 228 f. stoned to death ibid g. Nabuchadonosor King of Babylon 260 g. vanquisheth Nechao ib. 261 h. exacteth tribute and slayeth Joachim 261 h. establisheth Joachin King ib. n. besiegeth and destroyeth Jerusalem 264 d. 265 h. dreameth a dream 268 d. erecteth an Idol 269 m. conversed with beasts ib. o. conquereth the rebels 78â— e. builded a palace 788 i. besiegeth Tyre ibid. n. his death 270 a. Nadab Aaron's son burned and why 90 i. Nadab Jeroboam's son 224 h. his impiety and death ibid. i. Name of Saul famous 152 o. Naming of the creatures 28 h. Names of Regions and Nations 33 f. Naomi her sorrow 142 n. returneth into her countrey 143 n. her counsel to Ruth 143 b. Norbanus for the Jews 432 l. Narration of the Arabian wars 443 a. Nathan the Prophet 18â— b. forbiddeth David to build the Temple ibid. c. reproved David 185 â— Nativity of Jacob and Esau 43 i. two Nations proceed of them ibid. â— Nation of the Jews mixed with all people 747 b. Nations whence descended 33 g c. Nature forbids a man to kill himself 672 l. Nature of the Idumaeans 690 m. Navy of Solomon 215 b. Naum the Prophet 250 g. foretelleth the overthrow of the Assyrians ibid. g. Nazarites 103 e. Nechao his exploits 260 c. is overcome ibid. g. 261 h. 262 f. Necessity a sharp weapon 663 f. Neglect of God's service cause of all evil 219 n. Negligence of Saul's guard 169 f g. Nehemiah his sadness and why 284 e. inciteth the people to build the walls 285 i. his ardent care in building them 285 k. his death ibid n. Nemrod 33 a b. son of Chus 34 m. Nephanes and Sabach David's Captains 196 b c. Nephews of Jacob 61 b. of Herod 594 m. Nephthalim the son of Jacob 46 n. his sons 61 b. Nero proclaimed Emperour 536 k. his murthers ibid. l. 620 h. amazed at the acts of the Jews 657 â— sendeth Vespasian to govern Syria 657 f. Nicanor laboureth to surprise Judas 324 â— slain 325 i. Nicanor known to Joseph 671 m. Nicanor wounded 723 c. Nicaule Queen of Aethiopia 215 c. resorteth to Solomon ibid. d. wondereth and praiseth Solomon's wisdom 215 d e. giveth him presents ibid. f. Nicholaus's Oration 424 i. Nicholaus the Historiographer reproved 433 c Nicholaus accuseth Syllaeus excuseth Herod 442 n. prosecuteth the King's accusation 456 m. excuseth Archelaus 466 k. 607 b. defendeth Herod and Archelaus 459 b. 607 b. Nicon the Romans great Ram 725 c. Nigar slain c. â—97 b. Nilâ—s 28 k. maketh Egypt fertile 61 f. how far navigable 694 k. Nineveh admonished 249 k. her destruction prophesied 250 f. effected 251 h. Nisan a month with the Hebrews 70 i. Noah the son of Lamech 30 o. admonisheth the wicked ibid. l. buildeth the Ark n. saved with all his houshold ibid. o. sendeth out a Crow and a Dove 31 e. the tenth from Adam 30 o. sacrificeth to God 31 e. prayeth to God 32 i. is heard ib. k. God's covenant with him ib. k. his age 31 l. his three sons 32 o. his kind of life 34 o. was drunken and derided 34 o. Nob a City of the Priests burnt 169 c d Nobility slain by the thieves 686 m. 12000 slain 695 f. Nobility of the Jews fly to the Romans 744 n. Nobles repair to David 178 o. Nobles shut up by Herod 460 n. 602 n. released 462 m. 603 b. Nothing attempted by the Romans rashly 661 d 682 k. Number of the children of Israel 70 l. from twenty to fifty years of age 89 b. of David's souldiers 179 a. of workmen 207 d e. of Jews that returned from captivity 275 f l. of high Priests 540 n. of the captives and slain in Jerusalem 759 b c. Nuptial feast 46 l. O Obed-Edom's felicity 180 n. Obed begat Jesse 143 eâ— Obed a King of Arabia 354 b. discomfits Alexander ibid. Obediah hideth the Prophets 227 i. Obedience of Abraham 40 o. Obedience to Magistrates 110 l m. Obedience of the Roman soldier 661 a b. Obimes Jeroboams son 222 d. falleth sick and dyeth ibid. g. Obodas King of Arabia 435 b. given to idleness ibid. â— 438 o. Obsequies of Herod 462 n Observers of God's Laws rewarded 26 i. Occasion of the Jews war 623 a. Occasion of victory what 661 f. Occasion of violences 687 e f. Occurrences of Kingdoms and Commonweals 25 f. and 106 m. Occurrences of Jeremy 260 d
l. marrieth a wife ib. m. propoundeth a riddle ib. m. his acts against the Philistines 141 d e f. prayeth and why 141 d. betrayed by Dalila 142 h. the slaughter of the Philistines and of himself ibid. k. Samuel his parents 144 i. consecrated to God ibid. i God called him thrice ibid. k. fore-shewed the death of Eli and his sons 144 l. offereth sacrifice 148 l. comforteth the people ibid. his victory and recovery of lands 148 n. committeth the Common weal to his sons 149 b. troubled and why 149 e. bidden to create a King ib. f. sheweth the people's estate under a King ibid. anointeth Saul King 150 o. justifieth himself and why 153 b. striveth to reconcile Saul to God 157 c. killeth Agag 158 i. telleth Saul of God's displeasure 157 f. anointeth David King 158 n. his death burial and praise 168 l. Sanballat Governour of the Samaritans 293 k. followeth Alexander 294 b. buildeth a Temple ibid. f. Sanctuary 93 b. 209 h. 211 i. Sanctuaries or places of refuge for whom 109 â— Sand like glass 616 m. Sara daughter of Aram 35 o. Abraham's wife ibid. d. her beauty 36 l. King of Egypt enamoured on her ibid b. bringeth Agar to Abraham 38 i her age when she conceived Isaac 38 o preserved from Abimelech and how 39 e. brought forth Isaac ib. caused Ismael to be expelled c. 40 k l. affecteth Isaac ib. m. her death 41 f. Saraeus high Priest took Prisoner 265 l. Saturninus President of Syria 438 o. 4â—9 a. permitteth Herod to enter Arabia ib. b. his indifferent sentence 444 m Saul seeketh the lost Asses 150 k anointed King by God's commandment ib. o. confirmed therein 15 b. hideth himself ibid. f. saluted by the people for their King ib. f. promiseth the Jabesites assistance 152 l. killeth King Naas ib. n. sacrificeth and is reproved 154 l. overcometh the Philistines 155 e. would have slain Jonathan 156 h. always a conqueror ib. k. taketh and spareth Agag 157 b. slayeth the Amalekites and razeth their Cities 156 o. offendeth God 157 b. loseth his Kingdom and why ib. f. denied pardon renteth Samuel's garment ib. g. slew the Philistines 160 m. resolveth to kill David 162 i. darteth his Javelin at David 163 b. prophesieth 163 f. questioneth about David's absence c. 164 n. maketh an Oration to his Captains 165 f. pursueth David 167 e. condemneth himself and justifieth David 168 k. pursueth David again and his life saved 169 f. banisheth diviners 171 a. by a sorceress is foretold the event of the battel ib. c d. praised 172 k. is slain 173 f g. Scarcity fore-signified 55 e. how to be prevented 55 f. among the Israelites 95 e. very great in Claudius his time 97 d e. in Samaria 238 g h. Scarcity of corn 413 i k. Scaurus maketh peace with Aristobulus 362 b. Presidenâ— of Coelosyria 363 n. his war against Aretas 364 h. 5â—5 a. bribed ibid. Science of the celestial bodies 30 k. Schisar King of the Assyrians 133 b. oppressed the Israelites ibid. b. Scopas General of Ptolomy's Army 306 a. discomfited ib. overcometh the Jews 306 a b. Scythopolitans kill 3000 Jews 634 l. Sea of Pamphilia divided it self 72 n. Red Sea divided at the stroke of Moses's rod 72 k. returning to his course drowneth the Egyptians ibid. l. Brazen Sea 209 l. Sebas 196 e. Sebaste a haven 455 a. Secretary or Priest fore-telleth Moses's greatness 62 n. willeth him to be killed 64 n. Security promised to Rahab and hers 122 i. Sects of the Jews 339 m. 477 a. 612 l. Secrets of Syllaeus disclosed 599 d. Sedechias a false Prophet 231 e. contradicteth Micheas ib. e f. Sedechias King of Juda 262 d. revolteth ib. seduced ib. 263 h c. neglecteth the Prophet's counsel ib. o. surprised 264 f his eyes put out 265 h. his death ib. n. Sedition against Moses 95 e. 99 b. and 100 i. of Chore for the Priesthood 99 d. Sedition against Roboam 219 h. of the Samaritans against the Jews 298 b. among the people 312 k. of the Jews 494 h. betwixt Senate and people 516 h. Sedition at the Passover 464 l. between the Jews and Samaritans 534 l. for the golden Eagle 605 d. in Jerusalem 607 e. 621 d. between Greeks and Jews 634 h. threefold sedition 711 f. took the City 723 b. Seditious more impious than the Sodomites 724 h. Seditious 620 k l. beaten 615 f. bribe Albinus 621 d. fly to the Temple and why 624 n. gave not ear to those in authority 629 f put the Romans to flight 675 e. agree among themselves 712 o. 724 i. challenge the sodden child 749 a. summon Titus to parley 754 m. take away the King's Treasure 756 i. their utmost hope 756 m. kept in Acra and in Vaults 757 f. Seed of the Woman 28 n. shall bruise the Serpent's head ib Seeds at first grew out of the earth 27 f. Seeds not to be mixed together 113 d. Sehon King of the Amorites denieth passage to the Hebrews 104 m. overthrown by them ib. o. is slain ib. Seir what it signifies 43 e. Seir Esau's dwelling place 49 a. Seleucus Nicanor privilegeth the Jews 305 b. Seleucus Soâ—er reigneth in Asia 31â— f. Sem Noah's third son 32 o. covereth his father's shame 35 a. his progeny ib. b Semochonitis a lake 680 m. Semiramis built not Babylon 788 k. Senaar a plain 32 o. Senabarus one of the five Kings of Assyria 37 a. Senacherib surpriseth the Cities of Judah 255 l besiegeth Jerusalem ib. m. his Army stricken with the Pestilence 256 f. himself slain ib Senate perswadeth Claudius to resign 516 i. Senate's decree c. 378 f. Senate's answer to Agrippa 617 f. their repair to Claudius ddd 618 i. Senselesness of Achaz 252 b. Sentence against Herod's sons 593 e. Sephora Moses's wife 66 n. Sephoris walled 478 i. spoiled 22 h. entertaineth the Romans 635 b. Sepâ—lchre of David 202 o. of Memnon 618 l. Serpents tempting of Eve 28 l. his subtilty ib. l. his punishment ib. o. enemy to man ib. o. wherein his strength lyeth and how easily killed 29 a. Serpents very hurtful destroyed 65 d e. Servant of Elizeus 238 c. Servants of Solomon happy and why 215 e. Servant of Abraham taketh his oath 42 k. his prayer and care in discharge of his message ib. k. and 43 a b. Service of God neglected 252 b. Service of forreign gods 216 o. 248 b. 252 b. Service of Antipater 574 m. Services of the Gabeonites 125 a. Servitude of the Egyptians great 61 o. of the Hebrews insupportable 62 n. 67 a. and 68 i. Servitude of the Israelites 133 b. and why ibid. 134 k. 729 e. c. Seth son of Adam 30 i. a virtuous man ib. i. left a godly issue ib. k. his age and death 31 b. Sethosis King of Egypt 786 h. Seven men of Saul's kindred punished 195 n. Seventy Jews with John and Simon sent into Italy 765 f Seventy Interpreters 302 o. 801 a. Severity of Herod 416 e Sextus