expressing their affection therein not onely in outward shew but also with their whole power labouring what they might that surprising him they might deliuer him to the kings hands But their iniust desire had as infortunate successe who being to incurre no perill by concealing him from pursuit promised to betray into the kings hands thorow adulation and auarice a man that was both vertuous and wrongfully persecuted to death by his enemies For Dauid being made priuie to their malice and ascertained of the Kings approch leauing those narrow streights wherin they then incamped escaped to a certaine rocke which is situate in the desarts of Simon Neither desisted Saul to pursue him for knowing by the way that he had ouercome the streights he came to the other side of the rock Dauid had surely both bin taken and circumuented had not the king beene reuoked by fearfull tidings which assured him that the Palestines had forcibly entred and spoiled his kingdome For he thought it more conuenient to reuenge himselfe on those his hostile and sworne enemies and to giue succour to his countrey and people being ready to be spoiled and wasted then vnder desire to lay hands on a priuate enemie to betray both his countrie subiects to their swords and thus was Dauid saued beyond all expectation and retired himselfe to the streights of Engaddi But after that Saul had repulsed the Palestines certaine newes was brought him that Dauid dwelt in the streights of Engaddi whereupon presently taking with him three thousand of the choisest men in all his armie heled them speedily to the forenamed place and being not farre from thence he perceiued neere vnto the high way a deepe hollowe large long and open caue whereas Dauid with his foure hundreth men might be hidden and descended himselfe alone into the caue to disburthen the necessities of nature This was presently discouered by one of Dauids followers who told him that God had presented him a fit oportunitie to reuenge him on his enimie and counselled him to cut off Sauls head and discharge himselfe thereby of much trouble and torment who arising and finding him out onely cut off the lap of the vesture wherewith Saul was attired and presently thereupon repented himself saying that it were a wicked deed in him to kil his lord whom God by election had raised to the estate of Maiestie and Empire For said he although he be vniust toward me yet ought I not to be iniurious towards him But when Saul was issued out of the caue Dauid went out after and cried with a loud voice beseeching Saul that he would giue him audience who turning backe vnto him he cast himselfe prostrate before his feete and humbled him on his face according to the custome and spake after this manner How vnworthie is it for thee O King that opening thy eares to scandalous backbiters and giuing trust and credit to vaine loose men thou suspectest thy most tried friends whom thou rather oughtest to iudge by their sincere and vpright actions for words may be either false or true but the mind may be discouered by none more apparant arguments then by mens actions as at this present thou maist iudge whether thou hast rashly beleeued them that make me guiltie before thy Maiestie of that crime that was neuer yet so much as thought vpon and haue so much exasperated thee against me that day and night thou thinkest on nothing more then my destruction Seest thou not now how vaine thy opinion is whereby they perswade thee that I am an enimie of thy house and earnestly desirous of thy death Or with what eies thinkest thou doth God behold thy crueltie who requirest his death who hauing occasion and opportunitie offered him to be reuenged on thee spareth thy life whose life were it in thy hands were assuredly lost for as easily might I haue cut off thy head as this lap of thy garment and therewithall in confirmation of his words he shewed it him yet did I forbeare this iust reuenge yet contrariwise art not thou afraid to exercise thy vniust tyrannies against me But God shall beare witnesse hereof and shall approue which of vs both are of more peaceable behauiours Saul amased to see how straungely his life had beene preserued and rauished to consider the naturall mildnes and moderation in Dauid began to weepe and Dauid wept also but Saul said that he had greater cause to lament then he For said he by thy meanes haue I receiued many benefits and thou at my hands hast been repaid with infinit iniuries This day hast thou testified that thou retainest the ancient iustice of thy progenitors who commaunded that their enemies should be dismissed with life at such time as they were surprised in the desart now am I thorowly perswaded that God hath reserued the kingdome for thee and that the Empire of all the Hebrewes attendeth thee Assure thou me therefore by an oth that thou wilt not exterminate my race neither remember thee of those iniuries I haue done vnto thee but that sparing my posteritie thou warrantise and keepe them vnder thy protection Dauid sware vnto him according as he had required and suffered him to returne into his Realme and both he and his companies retired themselues to the streights of Maspha About the same time died Samuel the Prophet a man who by his merit was in great estimation amongst the Hebrewes the famous testimonie of whose vertue and the peoples obseruation towards him was expressed in this in that they celebrated his funerall and set out his sepulcher with great pompe and when they had performed his rites they buried him in Ramath his countrey and lamented him many daies not after the manner of a common or forraine misery but as if each one of them had in particular a preiudice and losse to lament for For he was a man that was naturally framed to all iustice and goodnes and for these his vertues most acceptable vnto God He gouerned the people after the death of Eli the high Priest first in his owne person for the space of twelue yeares and afterwards during the raigne of Saul eighteene yeares whose death hapned as I said about this time But in those places where Dauid at that time remained there was a certaine Ziphian in a towne called Emma a man verie rich and Lord of much cattell For he had a troupe of three thousand sheepe and a heard of a thousand Goats On these did Dauid commaund his people to commit no waste neither thorow desire nor necessitie nor hope of concealement they should doe him any hurt Charging them moreouer that they should offer no wrong vnto any man because that to violate and take another mans goods was both vnlawfull and wicked and contrarie to Gods commandement Hee instructed them in this sort imagining with himselfe that he should gratifie a good man and such a one as deserued to be in like sort fauoured but
times I haue receiued at his hands For whilest I fed my fathers flocks I redeemed a lambe that was rauished out of my fold out of the lions iawes and catching the wild beast by the taile that with open mouth assaulted and sought to deuouâ—… me I bet him to the ground and slue him Neither with lesse successe inuaded I a beare that set vpon my flocke and as light doe I set by this monster also who vomiting out his slaunderous raylings both against God and men shall neither escape the diuine arme of iustice which he so wickedly prouoketh neither flie from my hands who am prepared to â—…counter him So much preuailed this forward readinesse in the yoong man that the king beseeching Gods assistance to second his courage furnished him with a royall armour a sword and a helmet and sent him forth to the battell But Dauid feeling the waight of his armour and seeming rather to be loaded then defenced with the same said vnto him Let these armes O king serue to inclose and defence thy body who art able to beare them and suffer me I beseech thee who am thy seruant to fight according to mine owne fantasie He therefore laid-by his armour tooke a staffe in his hand and fiue stones which he gathered on the bankes of the torrent which he put in his scrip his sling he bore in his right hand and being thus armed he marched forward to encounter his enemy Now when the Barbarian saw him thus furnished he so much contemned him that in way of scorne he asked him whether he thought him to be a dogge that he thus came foorth to fight with him with weapons fit to scarre dogges Nay said Dauid I esteeme thee worser then a dogge which so much peruerted Goliahs patience that he cursed the name of his God thundring out threats that he would cast out his carkasse to be deuoured by the beasts of the field and the birds of the ayre But Dauid answered Thou commest against me with thy sword thy iauelin and curets but contrariwise I march out against thee vnder the warrantise and protection of God who shall destroy thee by my hand and with thee thy whole army for this day will I take thy head from thy shoulders and cast the rest of thy body to the dogs whom thou resemblest and all men shall know that God is the Prince of the Hebrewes and that our armes and forces are the cares that it pleaseth him to haue of vs and that all other furniture of warre is vnprofitable except it be assisted by God The waight of the Philistines armes hindred him from marching readily so that he marched foote by foote towards Dauid contemning him and trusting that he should kill him easily both for that he was disarmed as also because he was yoong and tender in yeates CHAP. XI The single combate betwixt Dauid and Goliah and the slaughter of the Palestines that followed after DAuid set forward to make head against his enemy being assisted by a companion whom he saw not which was God drawing therefore one of the stones which he had gathered on the bankes of the torrent out of his scrip and hauing fitted it in his sling he forced it against Goliah and gaue him such a stroke on the forehead that he pierced him to the verie braine so that Goliah fell downe sodainly dead and he running vpon him as he lay sprawling on the earth cut off his head with his owne sword for he himselfe â—…ad none As soone as he was stroken downe discomfiture and flight seazed all the army of the Philistines for seeing the most esteemed warriour amongst them ouerthrowne and slaine they began to suspect the generall issue of their warre and resolued to retire from thence so tooke they their flight in disorder and confusion supposing by that meanes to deliuer themselues out of dangers But Saul and the whole army of the Hebrewes sallied out against them with great shoutes and cries and in the pursuit made a great slaughter of them and droue them to the borders of Geth and the gates of Ascalon In this battell there died on the Philistines side aboue thirtie thousand and the rest that were hurt and wounded were twise as many Saul returning backe into his campe pillaged and burnt their tents but Dauid bore Goliahs head into his pauillion and hung his sword in the tabernacle and consecrated the same vnto God But Saul afterward conceiued a priuie hatred against Dauid vpon this occasion which ensueth For whereas he returned triumphant like a conquerour with the army and the women and maidens singing and dauncing to their cymbals and timbrels in way of honour came out to meete him The women sung that Saul had slaine diuers thousands of the Philistines and the virgins answered that Dauid had slain diuers ten thousands Which when Saul vnderstood and saw that the lesser testimony of thousands was referred to him and that the ten thousands were attributed to Dauid he supposed that after so glorious a renowm there wanted nothing for Dauid except to be king For which cause he began to feare and suspect him so that by reason of the feare he had of him he thought that he was too neere his owne person and therefore from being one of the chiefest in authoritie about him which was to bee one of his chiefest commaunders and guard he made him captaine ouer a thousand rather respecting his owne securitie then the others honor to the intent that being often charged by incursions of the enemy hee might by some desaster be depriued of his life But Dauid hauing in all places the assistance of almightie God returned alwaies with good successe and happy issue so that for the excellencie of his valour the people intirely loued him And Sauls daughter also that was about that time mariageable began to be enamoured with him and so great and apparant was her affection towards Dauid as the certaine notice thereof came vnto her fathers eares who was sore displeased therewith yet hoping by that meanes the sooner to entrap him hee gaue eare thereto with some shew of allowance and told them who discouered their loues vnto him that he would willingly giue him his daughter to wife vnder pretence that the enioying of her might be the meanes of his vtter ouerthrow For said he I am content to giue him my daughter in mariage vnder that condition that hee bring me six hundreth enemies heads and he desirous to gette so high and famous a reward and in like sort to obtaine honour by an act both so dangerous and admirable will vndertake the execution thereof and shall be slaine by the hands of the Philistines and that intention which I haue conceiued against him shall succeede according to mine owne hearts desire for I shall be deliuered of him in sending him out of the world not by my meanes but other mens hands Further he charged his
Courtiers to sound and seeke out Dauids resolution and how he was affectioned towardes marriage who began to deuize with him telling him that the king bare him a most intire fauour and that the people admired him and how they would procure him the mariage of the kings daughter Whereunto Dauid replied Thinke you it to be a small matter to be son in law vnto the king for my selfe I esteeme otherwise considering in especial mine own base condition who haue neither reputation nor any honorable qualitie When Sauls seruants had related vnto him what answere Dauid had made them Tell him said he that I neither want goods nor presents for that were to expose my daughter to sale and not to match her with a husband I seeke for a sonne in law that hath valour and that is adorned with all vertue such as is manifest and apparant in thee and my desire is that for the dower of my daughter thou giue me neither gold nor siluer nor any other valuable wealth out of thy fathers house but the punishment of the Philistines and six hundreth of their heads which shall be the most desired and accepted dower thou canst present me with My daughter also requesteth aboue all the dowers that may accrew vnto her by order of law to be married to such a man that is so enobled and famous by the ouerthrow of his enemies When these words were reported vnto Dauid he was verie ioyfull thinking that Saul spake sincerely of this affinitie and without delay or taking counsaile or deliberation whether the thing were easie or impossible for him to execute hee incontinently departed with his company to go and finde out the enemy and execute the condition vnder which the marriage was promised him For it was God that made all things easie and possible to Dauid for after he had slaine diuers of them and cut off six hundreth of their heads he returned and presented them to the king and in consideration thereof required the performance of his marriage CHAP. XII Saul admiring Dauids fortitude giueth him his daughter to wife BVt Saul that could not flie from his promise for feare least it should be a great dishonour for him to be found a lier or to haue promised Dauid his daughter vnder colour either to murther him or to draw him to the execution of things that were impossible deliuered his daughter Michol vnto him But his intention was not to continue long in that mind For perceiuing that Dauid was gracious in Gods sight and in good reputation amongst the people he was affraid of him and being vnable to conceale his feare he had conceiued to be depriued of two things of such consequence as were his kingdome and life he resolued to kill Dauid giuing commission to his sonne Ionathan and diuers other of his seruants to execute the same But Ionathan amased to see this change in his father in steed of the singular good liking he had of Dauid in times past sought to hurt Dauid not in any slight sort but by indangering his life and on the other side being singularly affected towards him and respecting of his vertue he communicated the secret and deliberation of his father with him counselling him to haue care of himselfe and to flie vpon the next morrow and that in the meane time he would go and salute his father and as soone as the occasion presented it selfe hee would speake and conferre with him to know the cause of his conceiued displeasure against him to the intent he might pacifie the same supposing it to bee a matter vnreasonable that he should be depriued of life to whom the people were so much indebted and who in particular was his esteemed and vowed friend yea in respect of his former merits although he were found guiltie of many hainous offences yet ought he to obtaine a deserued pardon I will tell thee afterward said he what my fathers resolution is Dauid gaue credit to his holesome counsaile and retired himselfe from the presence of the king CHAP. XIII How the King practised to murther Dauid THe next day after Ionathan came vnto Saul and finding him merrie and well disposed he began to speake vnto him to this effect as concerning Dauid In what fault O Father either great or small haue you found Dauid guiltie that you haue ordained commanded him to be done to death who is such a man as for the conseruation of your own person hath been very profitable and besides that hath preiudiced the estate of the Philistines and inhaunced the honour of the people of the Hebrewes and hath deliuered them from that disgrace and mockerie wherewith they haue been curbed for the space of fortie yeares so that he onely hath dared and opposed himselfe against the proud defies of the enemy and since that time hath brought so many of the Philistines heads as was commanded him in recompence whereof he hath had my sister to wife so that his death should be a great displeasure vnto vs not onely by reason of the vertue wherwith he is endowed but also thorow occasion of his alliance with vs in bloud and consanguinitie For by his death your daughter shall partake part of the iniurie by reason that she shall suffer the incommoditie of widowhood before she hath tasted the fruites and commodities of marriage Way these things and pacifie your displeasure and do no wrong vnto such a man who first of all hath beene the author of your so good and great fortunes as is the conseruation of your person at such time as you were possessed and tormented with euil spirits and hath brought to passe that your furies are alayed and secondly hath reuenged you of your enemies For it is a thing vnworthy either your maiestie or the name of a man to forget good deserts With these words was Saul pacified so that he swore vnto his sonne that he would not iniure Dauid for his iust perswasions and arguments were more stronger then the choler and feare of the king Ionathan sent to seeke out Dauid and told him these good and happy tidings from his father and brought him vnto him where he liued and remained in sort as he did before time CHAP. XIIII How hardly Dauid escaped the ambushes that were often layd for him by the king yet hauing him twice at aduantage and in his power would not murther him ABout the same time whilest the Philistines led forth their army anew against the Hebrewes Saul sent out Dauid against them accompanied with his forces who encountring them slew a great number of them returned vnto the king with a great victorie But Saul entertained him not both as he deserued and the happy exploit atchieued by him did merit but despited and enuied his good actions honorable deserts as if Dauids happy successe had bin Sauls disaduantage and preiudice But at such time as the euill spirit returned anew and both seased and vexed him he lodged
him in his owne chamber where he lay and hauing at that time a iauelin in his hand he commanded him to play on his harp to sing hymnes Now whilest Dauid executed that his commandement Saul stretching out his arme threw his dart at him but Dauid foreseeing it auoided the stroke and fled into his owne house where he soiourned all the day long Now when the night was come the king sent out certaine of his seruants to watch his house for feare least he should escape to the end that the next day being drawen and appearing in iudgement he might be condemned and put to death But Michol Dauids wife and Sauls daughter hauing intelligence of her fathers intention ran vnto her husband telling him in how great peril both he and she were who without his presence neither could nor would liue any longer Beware said she least the sunne finde thee in this place for he shall no more behold thee here hereafter Flie therefore whilest the present night offereth thee opportunitie which God doth lengthen for thy safetie-sake for be assured that if thou beest surprised in this place my father will make thee die a miserable death This said she let him downe by a window and so saued him and incontinently after she prepared his bed and trimmed it as if he laye sicke therein and vnder the couering thereof she laid the liuer of a new slanghtered Kid and when her father had sent the next morning to apprehend Dauid she answered that he had beene sicke all the night long then discouering the bed that was couered she gaue them to vnderstand that Dauid was laid therein making them touch the couerlet vnder which the liuer stirred and made them beleeue that the liuer that lay there was Dauid who panted breathed verie hardly Which being signified vnto Saul he commaunded that he should be brought vnto him in that estate wherein he was because he was resolued to put him to death But when Sauls messengers were arriued and returned thither and had discouered the bed they perceiued Michols subtiltie and went and certified the king thereof who reproued her verie grieuously for that she had saued his aduersarie and deceiued her father But she defended her selfe with words full of good apparance saying that Dauid had threatned to kill hir and how for that cause and by the impulsion of feare she was drawen and induced to aide and saue him For which cause she ought to be pardoned since by constraint and not of set purpose she had furthered his escape For said she I thinke that you seeke not so greedily after the death of your enemie as you preferre the same before the safetie and securitie of your daughter On these perswasions Saul pardoned his daughter Dauid deliuered from this perill came vnto the Prophet Samuel to Ramatha and told him what ambushes the king had laid for him how hardly he had escaped death by the stroke of his Iauelin whereas in all things that concerned Saul he had alwaies shewed himselfe obedient againe how he had neuer ceased to warre vpon his enemies and had by Gods assistance beene fortunate in all things which was the cause that Saul was so displeased with him The Prophet informed of Sauls iniustice forsooke the Citie of Ramath and led Dauid to a certaine place called Galbaath where he remained with him But as soone as Saul was informed that Dauid was retired and accompanied with the Prophet he sent out certaine soldiers to lay hands on him and bring him vnto him who repairing to Samuel and finding the congregation of the Prophets were seased with the spirit of God and began to prophecie Which when Saul vnderstood he sent out others who had the like incounter with the first For which cause he sent out others and seeing the third companie prophecie likewise he was in the end so much despited that he came thither in his owne person And when he drew neere the place before that Samuel saw him he made him prophecie so that Saul comming towards him was seased by aboundance of the spirit so that he was rauished out of himselfe and hauing despoyled himselfe of his raiment he lay prostrate all the day and the night long in the presence both of Samuel and Dauid Dauid departed from thence and went vnto Ionathan to whom he complained of those ambushes which his father had laid to intrap him in telling him that notwithstanding he had neuer committed either iniurie or fault against his father yet did he earnestly pursue him to put him to death Ionathan perswaded him that he should neither rashly suspect these things nor be ouer-credulous in those reports which perhaps might be brought vnto him but that he should trust him onely who was assured that his father intended no euill against him For if he had he would haue told him who is neuer wont to act any thing without his counsell But Dauid sware vnto him that it was so and besought him that he would beleeue his vnfained assertiōs wherby he might the more easily procure his securitie least contemning his words and supposing them to be fained and friuolous he should by his death be ascertained of the sight and truth thereof For he assured him that his father for that cause did not communicate his counsailes with him because he was assured of the loue and friendship that was betweene them Ionathan sore aggrieued that Dauid was so perswaded and Sauls intention was such asked him what he desired at his hands or wherein he might shew him friendship Dauid said vnto him I know that thou wilt further me in what thou maist and refuse me in nothing Now to morrow is the first day of the moneth in which I was accustomed to dine at the kings table and if thou thinkest good I will depart out of the Citie into the field where I will lie hidden if he aske for me thou shalt say I am gone into the countrey of Bethleem where my tribe solemnizeth a feast thou shalt certifie him also that thou hast giuen me leaue And if he say God speed him which is an ordinary wish that friends vse to such as go a iorney know that he hath no hiddē rancor nor secret malice conceiued against me but if he answer otherwise it shall be an assured testimonie that he complotteth some mischiefe against me and this shalt thou ascertaine me of as both becommeth my present calamitie and our mutual friendship which by vowed oth thou being my Lord hast plighted with me who am thy seruant And if thou thinke me vnworthie of this fauour and iniurious towards thy father without expecting the sentence of his iustice kill me now at this present with thine owne sword These his last words so grieuously stroke Ionathan to the heart that he promised him to accomplish his request assuring him to certifie him if he any waies could perceiue that his father was ill affected towards him
thing for him to slay him who was Gods elected for that it was Gods right to take reuenge on him who had giuen the kingdome and thus restrained he the others vnbridled furie Yet to the intent he might certifie the king that hauing the opportunitie to slay him he had spared his life he bare away with him his Iauelin and the pitcher of water that stood by Saul whilst he slept without the witting or knowledge of any of the campe so much were they deuoured and ouerhaled with sleepe He therefore departed thence in all assurance hauing executed all that which either the time or his courage would permit him to doe But after he had passed the riuer and had attained the top of a mountaine from whence he might be easily heard he cried out to Sauls soldiers and their generall Abner so strongly that he awaked them from their sleepe and calling vpon Abner as well as the common sort of souldiers the generall asked who it was that called him to whom Dauid answered It is I the sonne of Iesse your fugitiue but said he how commeth it to passe that thou who art so great and in chiefest authoritie about the king hast so small respect and gard of his person Thy sleep is more pleasant vnto thee then thy watch for his conseruation Assuredly this act of thine deserueth a capitall punishment because thou neither hast discouered me nor any others before we entred the campe or approched the â—…ing Seeke for the kings Iauelin and his pitcher of water and thou shalt perceiue in what great danger he hath been euen in the midst of you without any notice or discouerie of yours Saul perceiuing that it was Dauids voice and conceiued how that being in his hands whom he had surprised in the depth of sleep thorow the negligence of his guard he had not slaine him but pardoned him his life although it iustly lay in his power to take his head from him he said that he gaue him thankes and acknowledged his life from him exhorting him to be assured and without suspect of any euill to returne home vnto his house because he was perswaded that he loued not himselfe so much as he was intirely affected by Dauid notwithstanding that he had pursued him and for a long time past had chased him like a fugitiue constraining him also by diuers afflictions and great torments of spirit to be abandoned from his neerest parents and friends yea from Dauid himselfe who might haue preserued him and who had giuen him diuers demonstrations of his good will towards him and by whom he had been often times preserued whom notwithstanding he ceased not to pursue vnto the death who contrariwise desired nothing more then his life Hereupon Dauid willed him to send some one of his seruants to bring backe his Iauelin and pitcher of water protesting that God should be iudge of both their natures manners actions who knew that that day also he had spared his enemy whom if he had so thought good he might haue extinguished Saul hauing this second time escaped from Dauids hands returned to his royall house But Dauid fearing least if he soiourned in that place he should bee intrapped by Saul thought good to retire himselfe into the countrey of the Philistines and soiourne there So that accompanied with six hundreth men which he had with him he transported himselfe to Achis king of Geth one of their fiue Cities who receiued him with all his people and gaue him a place to dwell in so that he aboad in Geth hauing with him his two wiues Achimaas and Abigal Which when Saul vnderstood he made no more account to send or sallie out against him because that two seuerall times he had been in danger of his life at such time as he pursued him to intrap him Dauid held it not conuenient to remaine in the Citie of Geth and therfore requested the king of the Philistines that since he had courteously entertained him it might please him likewise to do him the fauour to assigne him a certaine place in his countrey where he might make his habitation because he feared to be chargeable to him if so be he remained in the Citie Achis assigned him a village called Siceleg which Dauid after he obtained the kingdome loued and honoured holding that for his owne demaine as his owne children and heires did after him But hereof will we speake in an other place The time that Dauid liued amongst the Philistines and in the towne of Siceleg were foure moneths and twentie daies during which time by seuerall and secret excursions against the bordering Sarrites and Amalechites he spoyled their countrey and returned backe againe with a great bootie of oxen and camels yet brought he thence no bondmen least Achis by their meanes should haue intelligence of his enterprise He sent likewise a part of the pray vnto the king and when he demaunded from whom he had taken the same he answered that he had taken it from the Iewes that dwelt Southward and in the plaine perswading him that he had done no losse so that Achis conceiued an opinion that since Dauid warred against his owne nation all the time of his aboad with him hee would be a faithfull seruant vnto him About the same time the Philistines hauing determined to lead forth their army against the Israelites sent out to their allies requiring them to assist them in that warre and to make their Rendeuous at Renga to the intent that being there assembled they might dislodge and assaile the Israelites Amongst their other auxiliarie companies Achis had requested Dauid to assist him with his six hundreth souldiers which he promised him willingly to performe telling him that the opportunitie was now come wherein he might requite his curtesie and the hospitalitie he had shewed him Achis promised him that after the victory when as all things had succeeded according as he desired he would preferre Dauid to the guard of his person thinking by the promise of this honour and trust he might augment Dauids forwardnes and affection towards him CHAP. XV. The Philistines renew their warre against the Hebrewes and obtaine the victorie and Saul with his sonnes are slaine in the battell BVt Saul about this time had banished all diuiners and inchanters and in generall all such as were tellers of fortunes reseruing none within his countrey but the Prophets When as therefore hee vnderstood that the Palestines were alreadie vp in armes and strongly encamped neere to the city of Sonna sciruate in the plain he marched forward made head against them with all his forces And as soone as he drew neere to the mountain of Gelboa he encamped right ouer against the enemy Now when his army discouered their great forces they were much discomforted no sooner beheld it but were amased Being therfore sore troubled herewith he sought counsel at Gods hands as touching the euent of the battell seeing he returned him no
of them perished being loaden with sleep gorged with wine They likewise that were compleatly armed intending to make resistance were as easily slaine as they that lay naked vpon the earth Thus Dauids men abode with him from the first hower of the morning till the euening doing nought else but kill murther that that only foure hundreth of the Amalechites escaped who likewise fled being mounted on their Dromodaries So recouered he all that which the enemie had ransackt and amongst other things he released both his own wiues those of his companions Wherupon they returned to the place where they had left the other two hundreth which might not follow them because they were appointed to guard the baggage To these the abouesaid foure hundreth would not grant a part of the booty and profit because they had not as they said followed the enimie with them but shewed themselues slacke in the pursuit alledging that they ought to content themselues with the recouerie of their wiues But Dauid said that the sentence which was pronounced by them was both euill and vniust for since God had granted them the grace to defeat their enemies all of them merited to haue part in the profit which ought equally to be deuided amongst them both amongst those that had fought and amongst those likewise that staied behiâ—…d to guard the baggage And from that day forward this ordinance hath beene held firmely amongst them that they that keepe the baggage should haue equall part and portion of the pray with those that should goe out to the battell But when Dauid was returned to Siceleg he sent vnto all his familiars and friends of the tribe of Iuda a seuerall part of the spoyle In this manner was Siceleg sacked and burned and thus were the Amalechites discomfited But the Philistines assailed and fought a bloudie battell with Saul and his followers wherein the Philistines had the vpper hand and slew a great number of their enemies Saul king of Israell with his sonnes fought therin verie valiantly and with stout hearts seeing that all their honour consisted in that onely point to die nobly and to hazard themselues against all camisadoes of their enemies For since the Philistines bent all their forces against them they saw no meanes of recouerie so that encompassed by them they died in the middest of them and yet before their death slewe a great number of the Philistines There were there present Sauls three sonnes Ionathan Aminadab and Melchi who being defeated all the Hebrewe armie turned their backes so that being instantly pursued by the enemie there fell a great disorder confusion and slaughter amongst them Saul fled also although he had about him a strong squadron of men And although the Philistines marshalled foorth against him a multitude of archers that shot many dartes and arrowes at him yet were they all but a verie fewe repulsed and although he had fought verie brauely hauing receiued on him diuers wounds yet being vnable to support the paine and griefe of his woundes and trauailed with shortnesse of breath he commanded his esquier to drawe his sword and to thrust it thorow his body before he should be surprised aliue by his enemies which his esquire refused to doe not daring to lay hands vpon his master For which cause Saul drew his owne sword and setled the point to his breast and cast himselfe thereon but vnable to force it home enough nor make it by goaring himselfe thereon to pierce quite thorow him he looked backe and perceiued a yoong man hard beside him of whom he demaunded what he was and hearing that hee was an Amalechite he requested him that since himselfe was vnable to pierce himselfe with his owne hands that he would leaue vpon him and make the sword passe thorow him and bring him to that death which he so earnestly desired which he did and hauing taken from him the gold which he had about his armes and the royall crowne likewise he fled away The Esquire seeing Saul dead sodainly slew himselfe Not one of all the kings guard escaped but all of them were slaine neere vnto the mountaine Gelboa When they that inhabited the valley on the other side of Iordan and in the plaine had intelligence that Saul and his sonnes were dead and with them a great number of their nation was slaine they abandoned their Cities and fled to others that were more defenced The Philistines finding these Cities destitute of inhabitants encamped therein The next day whilest the Philistines spoyled the dead they found the bodies of Saul and his sons which they spoyled beheaded sending their heads round about the countrey to make it knowne that their enemies were defeated They offered vp their armes also in the temple of Astaroth and as for their bodies they hung them on the wals of the Citie of Bethsan at this day called Scythopolis When they of Iabes a Citie of Galaad vnderstood how the Philistines had thus cut off the heads of Saul and his sonnes they were sore moued and thought it became them not to be so carelesse of them but that they should be rescued For which cause the most valiant and hardie amongst them for that Citie bringeth vp men both valiant in heart and strong in body departed and marched all night long so as they attained Bethsan and approching neere the wals tooke downe the body of Saul and his sonnes and carried them vnto Iabes without any resistance of the enemy in that they durst not attempt the rescue These Iabesians lamented ouer their dead bodies and made publike lamentations and buried them in the fairest place of their countrey which place is called Arar They mourned after this manner weeping both men and women and children and beating their breasts and lamenting the king and his sonnes and tasting neither meat nor drinke This was the end of Saul according as Samuel had foretold him because he had disobeyed God in his war against the Amalechites and for that he had slaine the race of Achimelech and Achimelech himselfe also and destroyed the Citie of the Priests He raigned during the life of Samuel for the space of eighteene yeares and twentie two yeares after his death Thus finished Saul his life THE SEVENTH BOOKE OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE IEWES WRITTEN BY FLAVIVS IOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the 7. booke 1 Dauid is created king of one tribe in Hebron ouer the rest Sauls sonne obtaineth the soueraignty 2 Isboseth is slaine by the treacherie of his domesticall seruants and the whole kingdome commeth vnto Dauid 3 Dauid hauing surprised the Citie and cittadell of Ierusalem driueth the Chananites from thence and causeth the Iewes to inhabit the same 4 Dauid assayled by the Philistines obtaineth a famous victorie against them neere vnto Ierusalem 5 Dauid ouercomming the neighbouring nations imposeth tributes on them 6 They of Damasco are ouercome by Dauid 7 How Dauid ouercame the Mesopotamians 8 How
affectionate friend for such as enterprise any wicked action do often and subtilly dissemble and make shew of honestie to the end to expell out of the innocents mind all iealousie or euill suspition where singling him from his other company and making a shew to informe him of certaine secrets and hauing drawne him into a by-way besides the wall accompanied only with his brother Abisai he drew his rapier and thrust it into his short ribbes Of which wound Abner died surprised by the treason of Ioab who pretended and coloured that act of his with the reuenge and death of his brother Azael whom Abner had slaine vpon the chase in the first warre at Hebron but in truth it was but the suspition of his greatnesse and honour fearing least he should be depriued and Abner inseated by obtaining the next degree of honour vnto Dauid Hereby may a man conceiue how many and how mightie things men attempt and hazard for their auarice and ambition sake and to the end they may not be inferiour vnto any others in those matters For when as they desire to attaine riches and honours they atchieue it by ten thousand mischiefes and at such time as they feare to be dispossest they striue to continue their estates by meanes more pernicious because they thinke it to be the lesse sinne and that the calamitie is lesse actiue rather not to haue obtained to any greatnesse and power then after the possession thereof to fall into disgrace Thence it commeth that all of them intend and practise many hazards and difficult encountries thorow the feare they haue to lose their degree But it sufficeth to haue briefly touched this point Dauid hauing notice of the murther of Abner conceiued a great griefe in his heart and called all his assistants to witnesse lifting vp his hands vnto God and protesting that he was no partaker of the murther and that Abner had beene slaine without his commandement or will He likewise vttered most grieuous curses against the murtherer his house and accomplices by which he wished them to be subiect to the fatal penalty of murther for he greatly suspected least he should be held in suspition to be a party in that which had hapned vnto Abner contrarie to his faith oth and promise which he had past vnto him Moreouer he commanded that all the people should weep and lament for him and that the funerals of his bodie should be honored according to the accustomed fashion in renting of garments and putting on sackcloth and that the same should be done the coffin being carried before which both he and the chiefest gouernours of the Israelites followed beating on their breasts and shedding teares and testifying the loue which they bare vnto him during his life and their displeasure to see him dead who had bin murthered contrary to their wil and intention He was entombed in Hebron with great magnificence and Epitaphs composed in his praise by Dauid himselfe who setting himselfe on the tombe first of all lamented and gaue others cause of lamentation And so much was hee confused at the death of this Abner that he swore to forbeare all kind of meat vntill the sunne-set notwithstanding all the instances of his friends who vrged him to take refection which act of his purchased him much good will and loue amongst the people For they that loued Abner were verie glad to be witnesses of that honour which he did him in his death and that faith which he maintained in honouring him euerie way according to the custome as if he had been his kinsman or friend and not embasing him with a vilde and contemptible tombe as if he had beene his enemie And in generall all of them were so glad of the curtesie sweetnesse and royall nature of king Dauid that they esteemed in the like case that he would haue the like estimate of them as they saw him haue of deceased Abner And by this means Dauid happely maintained his credit and increased the peoples good opinion of him escaping thereby the suspition and conceit that he might in some sort haue bin accessarie to his death He protested also vnto the people that he conceiued no small griefe at the losse of so good a man declaring thereby that it was no small staine vnto the state of the Hebrewes to be depriued of him who had the meanes to maintaine their peace by his good aduise and to ratifie the same by his executions and warlike valour But God said he who hath care of all things shall not suffer him to die vnreuenged And he it is that shall beare me witnesse that it lieth not in my power to punish Ioab and Abisai who haue greater credit in the armie then my selfe yet shall they not escape Gods iustice for this fault Thus ended the life of Abner CHAP. II. Isboseth is slaine thorow the treason of his friends and followers the whole kingdome descendeth to Dauid WHen Isboseth Sauls sonne had notice of Abners death he was sore displeased not onely for that he perceiuing himselfe to be depriued of his neere kinsman but also of so great a personage as had setled the crowne on his head Neither did he himselfe long time remaine aliue after him but by the sonnes of Ieremon Banaoth and Thannus he was traiterously done to death These two being Beniamites and of the chiefest nobilitie amongst them made their reckoning that they would make away Isboseth and thereby obtaine great recompence at Dauids hands supposing that such an act of theirs would get them the chiefest place and dignitie in the army or some other credit For which cause finding Isboseth alone in his house about mid-day laide on his bed and asleepe and vnassisted by any of his guard and perciuing likewise that the porter was fast who thorow his trauaile and other businesse by reason of the extreme heate was laid downe to rest they entred into his lodging whereas Isboseth was a sleepe and slew him and hauing cut off his head they trauelled all the night and day long as if they fled from those whom they had offended and sought their rescues from them who would succour and assure them from perill and when they came to Hebron they presented Dauid with Isboseths head offering themselues as his most dutifull liegemen to doe him seruice who had deliuered him of an enemy and made away an aduersarie against his royaltie But Dauid allowed not their act in such sort as they hoped but spake thus vnto them O cursed men said he on whom I intend presently to execute iustice haue you not heard how I punished him that murthered Saul and brought his royall crowne vnto me Yea although he slew him vpon his owne instant request and to the intent the enemy should not surprise him aliue Were you of that opinion that I was changed and that I am not the same that I was but that I take delight to be partakers with you in your mischiefes
king of the Amalechites is slaine by Samuels commaund 1. Reg. 16. God sendeth Samuel to Bethleem to annoint Dauid king The yeare of the world 2883. before Christs Natiuitie 1081. God respecteth not the beauties of the bodie but the perfections of the mind Iesses sonnes being goodly in personage were not to be perferred to the souerainty Samuel annointeth Dauid king Gods spirit forsaking Saul descendeth on Dauid who beginneth to prophecie Saul maketh Dauid one of his pentioner or guard The yeare of the world 2883. before Christes Natiuity 1081. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 11. 1. Reg. 17. Another expedition of the Palestines against the Hebrewes Goliah a man of prodigious statute amongst the Palestines Goliah challeÌ„geth a single combate at the Hebrewes hands Saul sendeth Dauid backe againe to his father Dauid desireth to fight with Goliah Dauid redeemed a lambe from the lawes of a lion and slew him Dauid killed a beare The yeare of the world 1883. before Christs birth 1081. Dauid laying aside those armes wherewith he was furnished to fight with Goliah marcheth forward with his sling against the enemie Dauid drawing neere his enemie is contemned Dauids talke with Goliah before the combate Dauids victory against Goliah The I alestines fly and are discomfited Thirtie thousand of the Palestines slaine 1. Reg. 18. Saul priuily hateth Dauid Saul from one of his chiefe nobles maketh Dauid a tribune to the end that being often drawen out by the enemie he might be slain The yeare of the world 2883. before Christs Natiuitie 1081. Sauls daughter in loue with Dauid Saul subtilly obiecteth Dauid to slaughter vnder a colourable coÌ„ditioÌ„ of slaughtering the Palestines Saul vnder couenant of 600. Philistines heads promiseth Dauid his daughter 1. Reg. 19. Saul marieth Michol to Dauid Hedio Ruffinus chap. 〈◊〉 Saul resolueth to kill Dauid IonathaÌ„ loueth Dauid and sheweth him his fathers determination and counselleth him to haue care of his safety and stand on his guard The yeare of the world 2883. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1081. Ionathan reckoneth vp vnto his father the good deserts of Dauid praying him to pacific his displeasure conceiued against him Ionathan certifieth Dauid how he hath pacified his father Dauid hath a great victorie against the Palestines Saul darteth his Iauclin at Dauid The yeare of the world 2883 before Christs birth 1081. Michol perswadeth the kings seruants that Dauid is sicke Michol excufeth her selfe for deliuering Dauid Dauid expresseth to Samuel how the â—…ing was affected towards him Saul sent armed soldiers to apprehend Dauid who began to prophecie and he himselfe likewise comming thither prophecieth 〈◊〉 Reg. 20. Dauid complaineth vnto Ionathan of his fathers iniuries IonathaÌ„ exculeth his father Dauid desired Ionathan to sound his father how he was affected towards him The yeare of the world 2883. before Christs Natiuitie 1081. Ionathan confirmeth his friendship towards Dauid with an oth IonathaÌ„ giueth Dauid certaine signes whereby he should know whether his father were displeased with him Saul questioneth about Dauids absence Ionathan by his answer asâ—…eth to know his fathers mind Saul discouereth his 〈◊〉 hate against Dauid Ionathan â—…cusing Dauid to his father is almost slaine with a Iauelin by him Ionathan flieth from the banquet Ionathan and Dauid meete in the field He dio Ruffinus chap. 13. 1. Reg 21. The yeare of the world 1883 before Christes Natiuity 108â—… Dauid coÌ„meth to Naban or Nob to Achimelech the high Priest Dauid receiuing Goliahs sword flieth to Geth to Achis king of the Palestines Dauid couÌ„terseits madnes to escape the furie of Achis 1. Reg. 22. Dauid repairing to the king of the Moabits committeth his father and mother to his protection Dauid commeth to SaroÌ„ Saul feareth Dauid Sauls oration to his captains friends and estates against Dauid The yeare of the world 2883. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1081. Doeg telleth Saul how he saw Dauid in Noba with Achimelech Saul reproueth Achimelech for furnishing Dauid with victuals and armes Achimelechâ—… Apologie to Sauls accusation of treason The vniust slaughter of Achimelech with his whole family Noba the citie of the priests it burnt and all the inhabitaÌ„ts slaine Sup li. 5. ca. 11. 1. Reg. 2. 3. A manifest exemplification of that proueth Honours chaungeth maners Note diâ—…gerly The yeare of the world 2883 before Christs birth 1081. Abiathar escaping from Sauls hands telleth Dauid of the slaughter of Achimelech his father and of the priests Dauid defendeth Cilla against the incursions of the Palestines 1. Reg 23. Saul seeketh to besiege Dauid in Cilla Dauid admonished by God flieth from his daunger Dauid came with his army to Caena or Ziphia where Ionathan commeth vnto him coÌ„forteth him and renueth his couenant The Ziphians certifie Saul of Dauids abode in their countrey Dauid hearing of the kings comming flieth to saue himselfe The yeare of the world 2883. before Christs birth 1081. Saul pursueth Dauid and hauing circumueÌ„ted him had taken him had not he receiued newes that renoked him Dauid cut off the lap of Sauls garmeÌ„t Dauid vpbraideth Saul for his subtilties to seeke his death who was innocent Saul acknowledgeth his malice Dauids innocency and requesteth him that when he hath obtained the kingdom he would be fauourable to his family Samuels death and buriall 1. Reg. 25. The yeare of the world 2883. before Christs Natiuitie 1081. Nabals flocks spared by Dauid Dauids embassage to Nabal to require reliefe and his currish answer Dauid sallieth out against Nabal with 400. armed men Abigal Nabals wife appeaseth Dauid with presents Nabla signifieth a â—…oole Dauids prophecy of Nabal The yeare of the world 2889. before Christs Natiuitie 1075. Nabal conceiueth so much sorrow and feaâ—…e for his immodesty against Dauid that he dieth Apoplecâ—…ique An example of Gods prouidence that no sin can escape vnpunished Dauid marieth Abigal Nabals wife Saul marieth his daughter Michol to an other husband 1. Râ—… 26. The Ziphians once more labour to betray Dauid in their countrey Dauid once more attended by two entring into Sauls campe stole away his dart his pitcher of water Dauid vpâ—…deth â—…ner 〈◊〉 Sauâ—… general for suffering his kings Iauelin and pitcher of water to be taken from him Saul praiseth Dauid and willeth him to be of good courage and exhorteth him to returne to his own house The yeare of the world 2889. before Christes Natiuity 1075. Dauid declareth his innocencie to Saul 1. Reg. 27. Saul desisteth to persecute Dauid Dauid with six hundreth men and his two wines went into Palestine to Achis king of Gitta Dauid requireth a certaine place at the kings hands to make his habitation in The king giueth him Siceleg Dauid spoyled the Sarrâ—…es Amalechites and giueth part of the pray to the king perswading him that he tooke it froÌ„ the Iewes that inhabited the South plaine The yeare of the world 2890. before Christs birth 1074. Saul banisheth all diuiners enchanters out of his kingdome Saul hearing the Philistines made head against him
his absence Whilest then he arriued neere vnto the Citie of Ramatha the seruant that followed him certified him that there dwelt a Prophet in that place to whose foresight the knowledge of the truth was subiect towards whom he counsailed him to addresse himselfe with assurance and confidence that by him he should vnderstand what was become of his Asses Saul replied that he had no meanes lest to recompence the Prophet by reason they had consumed all the money they had brought foorth with them in their iourney His seruant told him that he had as yet the fourth part of a sicle which they might giue him but they were both of them deceiued in that they were ignorant that the Prophet was not to be bribed When as therefore they drew neere vnto the gates of the Citie they met with certaine maidens that went out to fetch water of whom they demaunded where the Prophet dwelt who gaue them directions telling them that they were to make haste before that he were set downe to supper by reason he at that time entertained diuers guests and he himselfe was first wont to sit downe at the vpper end of the table Samuel had inuited this company by reason that all the day long he had instantly besought God that he would declare vnto him who it was that should be established king and God also gaue him to vnderstand that he would informe him the next day after and that about the same houre he would send a yoong man vnto him of the tribe of Beniamin For this cause Samuel sat in his house expecting the assignation which being come he came downe vnder pretence to go to supper and in the way he met with Saul At that verie instant God signified vnto Samuel that it was he whom he should elect Prince and gouernour ouer the people Saul addressing himselfe vnto Samuel besought him that he would shew him the Prophets lodging by reason that he was a stranger and knew it not Samuel told him that himselfe was the man to whom hee spake and led him to the banquet assuring him that his Asses in search of whom he had trauailed so long were in safetie and that all mens goods were at his commaund Saul answered My Lord I am too base to hope or expect so much and further my family is the least of all the families you therefore iest and mocke at me in speaking of such things as surpasse my condition The Prophet tooke him by the hand and brought both him and his seruant to the table and placed him aboue all those that were inuited who were to the number of seuentie Samuel commanded that the royall portion should be set before Saul and when the houre of bed time came all the rest arose and departed to their houses but Saul and his seruant lodged that night with the Prophet and as soone as it was day Samuel awaked Saul and departing with him out of towne he commanded him to send his seruant before and to remaine himselfe with him behind because he had certaine things to impart vnto him in priuate Hereupon Saul sent away his seruant and Samuel taking a cruet with oyle poured the same vpon the yong mans head and embracing him said Be thou King elected by God against the Philistines and for the defence of the Hebrewes Thou shalt haue this signe which I now shall informe thee of of thy future honour When thou shalt bee parted from hence thou shalt ouertake three men in the way who trauell to Bethel to adore and sacrifice vnto God the first of which thou shalt see bearing three loaues the second shall beare a goate and the third shal follow carrying a glasse of wine These shall embrace thee and caresse thee they shall giue thee two loaues and thou shalt receiue them And from thence shalt thou depart vnto that monument that beareth the name of Rachel where thou shalt meet with a messenger that shall certifie thee that the Asses are found From thence comming vnto Gabatha thou shalt finde the Prophets assembled in their congregation and being rauished by the spirit of God thou shalt prophecy amongst them so that whosoeuer shall behold thee shall be rauished in admiration and shall say whence commeth it to passe that the sonne of Cis hath attained to so good fortune and when thou hast had these signes know that God shall be with thee salute thy Father and thy kinsmen in my behalfe Hereafter thou shalt repaire and be sent vnto me vnto Galgal to ofter sacrifices of thankes giuing vnto God Hauing in this manner told and foretold him that which is forespoken he gaue him licence to depart and all these things hapned vnto Saul according as the Prophet Samuel had prophecied vnto him When Saul was arriued at Abenars house who was his vnckle whom he loued aboue all the rest of his other familiars Abner questioned with him about his voiage and as touching those things which had chaunced vnto him and Saul hid nothing from him but point by point informed him of all that which had hapned vnto him during his being and aboad with the Prophet Samuel and how he had declared vnto him the recouery of his Asles but as touching the royaltie and those things that concerned the same he concealed them supposing that if it should be made knowen it would not be beleeued but that he should reape hate thereby For although he were both his friend and cousen yet thought he it more secure and conuenient for him to burie the same in silence reputing as I suppose in himselfe the infirmitie of mans nature that no man is constant in loue but although by manifest assistance from God felicitie fall vpon any man yet other men do grieue repine that any one should be preferred before them After this Samuel assembled the people in the Citie of Maspha where he framed his speech in such sort as he certified them of those things which he had receiued from God namely that he hauing procured their libertie and brought their enemies in subiection vnder them next how they were forgetfull of so many benefits and had degraded God of his royaltie as if they were ignorant that the greatest good that might happen vnto men is to be gouerned by him that is the soueraigne good how they had determined to haue a man to their King who according to his pleasure appetite or according to the vnbridled bent of his passion would vse them like slaues made subiect vnto him and would vsurpe vpon their goods without forbearing any thing whatsoeuer that men are not so studious to maintaine their handie works and labours as God who hath an inestimable care of those whom he hath created Notwithstanding saith he since you haue thus determined and are after this manner resolued and that the outrage which you haue enterprised against God preuaileth with you set your selues all of you in order according to your tribes
people were mustered in the Citie of Bala In this suruey besides those of the tribe of Iuda there were numbred seuen hundreth thousand men and of the tribe of Iuda in particular there were seuentie thousand Hauing therefore passed Iordan and marched some ten cables length of Nilus which is about some three leagues all the night time before the sunne rise he attained the place whither he intended to conduct them and deuiding his army into three parts he assailed the enemie on euery side that expected no such encountry and fighting valiantly against them he slew diuers and amongst the rest Nahas king of the Ammonites This victorie made Sauls name famous amongst all the Hebrewes so that he was wonderfully praised and honoured for his valour so that if before that time any one had contemned him at that time they chaunged their opinions and honoured him and accounted him the worthiest of them all For he was not satisfied to redeeme and deliuer those of Iabes but he entred the countrey of the Ammonites also and forraged the same with his army and vtterly ouerthrew them and after he had obtained a great bootie and pray both he and his victoriously magnifically returnd to their dwelling places The people highly pleased with this noble action atchieued by Saul reioyced because they had chosen them so noble a King and exclaimed against those that said that it would be discommodious and vnprofitable for their common-weale saying where are now these murmurers let them be put to death with other such like words that a people besorted with some good successe is wont to speake and inforce against them that set light by the authors inducers of the same Saul receiued great content and comfort thorow this good liking and allowance of the people yet notwithstanding he swore that no one of their tribe should be put to death that day because it would not seeme conuenient nor agreeable that the victorie which was giuen them by God should be mixed with the bloud of their brethren but rather that it was more decent and comely that the time should be spent in feast and iollitie Hereupon Samuel told them that it behooued them to confirme the kingdome to Saul by a second election and to that end they assembled together in the Citie of Galgal according as he had commanded them and there in the sight of all the people Samuel annointed Saul the second time with the consecrated oyle and proclaimed him king ar◅ew Thus was the Aristocracie and gouernment of the better sort amongst the Hebrewes turned into a Monarchie For vnder Moses and his disciple Iesus who gouerned the Empyre and armie at that time the nobilitie and elected worthie men ruled the state After whose death for the space of 18. whole yeares the people was without gouernment the common-weale not long after reassumed her pristine pollicie and the gouernment was giuen vnto him which was esteemed the most valiant in warre and the most vpright in doing of Iustice. All which time for this cause hath beene called the time of the Iudges After this the Prophet Samuel assembled the people and spake vnto them after this manner I coniure you by that great God that hath giuen life to those two brothers I meane Moses and Aaron and that hath deliuered your forefathers from the Egyptians and their tyranny that without any affection either of feare or shame or instigation of any other passion you truly testifie whether I haue committed any sinister or wicked act either for profit sake or for auarice or fauor Reproue me if I haue taken away any mans calfe or sheepe or any other thing-whatsoeuer but that which I might lawfully take for my reliefe and sustenance and at such hands as willingly offered me the same or if I haue drawen any mans beasts to my vse or vsed his cattell to my profit and his hinderance in these and such like if I haue offended any man let him now accuse me in the presence of the king All of them cried out with one voice that no such default had beene committed by him but that he had gouerned their nation in holines and iustice After that the people had thus publikely testified in the behalfe of Samuel he said vnto them Since you haue liberally freely protested that you haue no cause of wrong to vrge or inforce against me heare I pray you that wherewith I can iustly accuse you of You haue grieuously offended against the maiestie of God in that you haue required a king at his hands you should haue rather remembred that your old father Iacob accompanied onely with his 70. sons came into Egypt constrained thereunto by famine and that in that countrey diuers thousands of persons issued from his loynes whom the Egyptians kept in captiuitie offering them extreme outrages And whenas your fathers called vpon God how he wonderfully deliuered thē from the necessities wherin they were without giuing them any king contenting themselues with two brothers Moses and Aaron who brought and conducted you into this countrey which you possesse at this present And although you participated these benefits by the hands of God yet notwithstanding you haue not forborne both to forget religion and neglect pietie This notwithstanding at such time as you haue beene conquered by your enemies he hath set you free gracing you first of all with the ouerthrow of the Assyrians their forces secondly giuing you victorie ouer the Ammonites and Moabites and finally ouer the Philistines Now these great exploits were performed by you not vnder the conduct of a king but by the direction of Ieptha and Gedeon what folly therefore hath bewirched you to make you flie from God and to seeke to liue vnder the subiection of a king But I haue named such a one vnto you whom God hath chosen to be your gouernour Notwithstāding to the intent that I may giue you a manifest testimony that Gods wrath is whetted against you because you haue desired to haue a king I will striue to expresse it vnto you by visible signes done by God himselfe I will therefore require of God that he wil make you see in this place and in the hart of sommer such a storme that there is not any one of you that hath euer seene the like thereof Scarce had he spoken the words but that so dainly there fell great store of lightning thunder and haile in approbation of that which the Prophet had said so that amased and transported with feare all of them confessed that they had offended They notwithstanding professed that their errour was of ignorance not of obstinacie and besought the Prophet that with a good and fatherly affection he would beseech God to appease his wrath towards them and forgiue them their offences at that present which to their other grieuous negligences they had annexed and whereby they had transgressed his holy will All which Samuel promised them to
do and besought God that it would please him to pardon them the errour which they had committed in that behalfe and that it would please him to be appeased by his praiers Besides this he exhorted them to liue vprightly and to keepe in their continuall remembrance what euils had hapned vnto them for that they had forsaken the way of vertue and what wonders God had done and what lawes he had giuen by Moses all which they ought to meditate on if they desired to be in safetie and liue happily with their king But if they should contemne the same he foretold them that both themselues their kings should be grieuously punished Samuel hauing prophecied these things vnto the Hebrewes dismissed them to their own dwellings after he had confirmed the kingdome to Saul the second time CHAP. VII The Palestines assailing the Hebrewes are ouercome in battell BVt when the king had mustered his men and chosen out three thousand of the choisest soldiers he appointed two thousand of thē for the guard of his person with them went dwelt at Bethel The rest he gaue in charge to his son Ionathan sent them into Gaba to attend and guard him there who followed by them valiantly ouercame a garrison of the Philistines neere vnto Gebal For the Philistines of Gaba hauing gotten the vpper hand ouer the Iewes had taken their armes from them and seased and fortified both with men and munition the strongest Cities of their countrey prohibiting them to beare armes and in generall from the vse of any yron by reason of which inhibition if their husbandmen had at any time need of anie yron worke as of plough-shares mattockes or any other such instrument fit for mannuring or tillage of their landes they were inforced to fetch it and get it forged amongst the Philistines Now when the Philistines had gotten some intelligence that their garrison was after this maner defeated they were wonderfully moued and supposing amongst themselues that the iniurie and outrage was in no sort to be suffered they armed themselues against the Iewes and went out embattailed with three hundreth thousand footmen thirtie thousand chariots and sixe thousand horse encamping with their whole host neere vnto the Citie of Machmas Which when Saul the king of the Hebrewes vnderstood he marched towards the Citie of Galgal and as he trauailed thorow the countrey he animated and encouraged the people to recouer their libertie proclaiming warre against the Philistines whose forces he so little feared as he mockt thereat saying that they deserued not to be feared for their multitudes nor any daunger which might acrewe by their encountry But when Sauls souldiers were certified of the true number of their enemies they were wholy discomforted so that some of them hid themselues in dennes and places vnder the earth othersome fled on the other side of Iordan into the countrey of the Gadites and Rubenites But Saul sent for the Prophet resoluing to consult with him vpō the estate of the warre who gaue him answere that he should attend in the same place where he was and that he should prepare beasts for sacrifice because that within seuen daies he would come vnto him and sacrifice on the seuenth day which done he might encounter the enemie According to this direction of the Prophet he expected yet obserued he not intirely all that which Samuel had enioyned him For when he perceiued that he was somewhat slacke in comming and that his soldiers waxed wearie he tooke the beasts that were prepared for the sacrifice and offered a burnt offering but afterwards vnderstanding that Samuel was arriued he went out to meete him and doe him honour Samuel told him that he had done amisse by reason he had neglected that which was commanded him presuming before his arriuall who was sent thither by the conduct and will of God to offer praiers and sacrifice for the people in which action of his he both discouered his rashnes and disorder in sacrificing Saul excused himselfe alledging that he had staied during the terme of seuen daies which were appointed him vrging further that necessitie and the depart of his soldiours together with the feare of the aduerse army which were in Machmas and the intelligence he had receiued that Samuel was gone to Galgal had induced him to offer sacrifice Samuel replied saying Thou hadst done more aduisedly if thou hadst obeyed and not contemned God by thine ouerhaste whose minister and Prophet I am for by thine obedience thou mightest both haue gotten an assurance and continuance of thy kingdome to thy selfe and succession to thy posteritie This said being displeased with that which had hapned he retired backe to his owne house and Saul with sixe hundreth soldiers onely accompanied with his sonne Ionathan came vnto the Citie of Gabeon The greater part of these men were disarmed by reason that the countrey was intirely destitute of iron and workemen that were expert and skilfull in forging making armour for the Philistines permitted them not to haue any as we haue declared a little before These diuiding their army into three battels inuaded the countrey of the Hebrewes by so many waies destroying and foraging all things both in the sight of king Saul and of his son who neither could inhibite their incursions nor by reason of their multitudes make head against them Both he therefore and his sonne and Achias the high Priest sate them downe vpon a hillocke and seeing the countrey spoyled round about them they were much dismaied But Sauls sonne conspired and concluded with his esquire and harnesse-bearer to enter secretly into the enemies campe and raise an vprore and allarum in the same who willingly promising and offering him his seruice to aduenture with him in all occasions and places with the hazard of his life they both of them descended from the mountaine and marched directly towards the enemies campe who had pitched their tents on a hie pointed rocke which extended it selfe in length with three Angles and was each way begirt with a banke as it were a wall and fortification against the incursion of their enemies For which cause they kept their watch somewhat too carelesly because the place was fortified by nature so that no man might ascend or assaile them but with disaduantage When as therefore they had gotten neere vnto the campe Ionathan incouraged his companion and animated him to assaile the enemy after this manner If saith he they espie vs and will vs ascend let vs take this sommons of theirs for an assured token of victorie but if they hold their peace and call vs not let vs returne backe againe As therefore they approched the enemies host about the beginning and brie of day the Philistines said the one vnto the other the Hebrewes creepe out of their caues and dens Then cried they out to Ionathan and his harnesse-bearer saying Come hither come hither vnto vs to the end we may plague
you according to your audacious enterprise Sauls sonne quickly taking hold of these their words and esteeming them for an ominous and assured token of victorie departed with his esquire from the place where they were first discouered answering them that he would shortly visit them So withdrawing himselfe on the other side of the rocke which by reason of the scituation thereof was left vnguarded ouercomming the difficultie of the place with great labour at last they attained the place where the enemy was whom they found asleepe and assailing them slew twenty of them and filled the whole army with terrour and amasednesse so that casting away their weapons they fled amain some other being ignorant which were either their friends or foes inuaded one another as enemies For imagining with themselues that onely two Hebrewes durst neuer ascend and enter their campe they addressed themselues to their mutuall murther and slaughter so that some of them were slaine others fled to escape the sword and fell headlong downe the rockes But when as the kings espials had told him what confusion and disorder was befallen in the campe of the Philistines Saul demaunded whether any of his companie were absent and hearing that his sonne and his harnesse-bearer were missing he commanded the high Priest that attired in his pontificall ornamens he should prophecie that which should succeede who assuring him that he should obtaine the victorie ouer his enemies he sallied out and assaulted the Philistines and ran vpon them who were thus confused and disordered and whetted the one against the other To him there flocked in great multitudes such as before times were fled into dens and places vnder ground as soone as they heard that the victorie inclined on Sauls side so that gathering togither to the number often thousand Hebrewes he pursued his scattered enemies thorow all the countrey But afterward a great inconuenient hapned vnto Saul proceeding from the ioy he had conceiued by this victorie for commonly such as are blessed by such good fortunes are not masters of their owne affections and reasons or rather proceeding from his ignorance For intending to saciate himselfe with reuenge for all those iniuries he had receiued from the Philistines he published an imprecation or curse amongst the Hebrewes against any one whomsoeuer that intermitting the chase and slaughter should take sustenance before night purposing vntill darke night neither to giue ouer pursuit or slaughter This execration thus published by Saul it chanced that his sonne that had not as yet heard of the imprecation of his father nor the generall ratification and allowance of the same by the people falling into a certaine groue belonging to the tribe of Ephraim wherein were many swarms of bees he by chance light vpon a hony combe and pressing the hony thereout afterwards did eat the same Afterwards hauing intelligence that his father had vnder a grieuous penaltie of execration forbidden any man to taste any sort of meate before sunne set he gaue ouer eating further yet said he that his father had done amisse therein in publishing that prohibition by reason that if they had receiued sustenance they might with greater force and forwardnesse pursue the enemy that fled and ouertake and slaughter them in greater number Killing therefore many thousands on the Palestines partie about the euening they began to ransacke and spoyle the campe of the Philistines and bore away from thence great spoyles and a wonderfull number of cattell part of which were slaine and eaten with the bloud contrarie to lawe Which when the Scribes had certified and signified to the king how the people had offended against God by slaughtering the beasts and eating the flesh of them before it was either washt or purified from the bloud Saul commanded that a great stone should be rowled into the midst of the place and commanded the people to kill and sacrifice their beasts vpon the same and that they should forbeare to eate the flesh with the bloud because it was not agreeable vnto God All which was performed according as the king had commanded and Saul erected an altar in that place on which he offered a burnt sacrifice vnto God This was the first altar that he erected But Saul being desirous incontinently to assaile the enemies campe and sacke all that was therein before the day spring whilest his men of warre diligently followed him and shewed great forwardnes in the execution of his command the king asked counsaile of the high Priest Achitob whether God would giue him the victorie and permit those that should enter the enemies campe to returne from thence with victorie The high Priest certified him that God returned him no answere which when he vnderstood It is not without cause said he that God is thus silent who heretofore was wont to giue a willing answere in that which we ought to doe but there must needs be some hidden sinne in vs that breeding an offence in him procureth him to be silent But I sweare by the same God that although mine owne sonne Ionathan hath committed that sinne to the end I may appease God I will with no lesse seueritie execute him then any one stranger that is neither by alliance nor affinitie tied vnto me Now when the people cried out and encouraged him to the performance of that he had spoken he presently assembled them in one place and he standing with his sonne apart began by casting lots to find out him that was faultie Now when the lot fell on Ionathan he asked him what he had committed and what crime in his owne conscience he was guiltie of To whom he answered I know no other thing but that yesterday being in pursuit of the enemy and ignorant of thine edict I tasted of a hony combe but Saul swore that he would slay him setting more by his oath then either by kinred nature or affection He nothing astonished with his present perill with a generous and dreadlesse mind presented himselfe with this reply O father saith he I intreat no fauour at thy hands for I will willingly submit to that death which may discharge thee of thy vow the more contentedly because I haue seene so famous a victorie For I shall die thorowly contented to see the insolencie of the Palestines ouermastred by the power of the Hebrewes This valour and courage of the yoong man moued the whole multitude to remorse and commiseration so that they swore all of them that they would not suffer that Ionathan who was the author of so famous a victorie should be slaine and therefore rescued they the yoong man from his displeased father and made vowes vnto God to the end he might pardon him that fault Saul after he had slaine about sixtie thousand of his enemies returned with victorie to his owne home and raigned afterwards very happily and ouercame by force the Ammonites Philistines Moabites Idumeans Amalechites and king Oba that dwelt neere about him He had
and to the intent he might the better be beleeued he caused him to walke forth with him into the cleare and open ayre and there sware vnto him that he would not pretermit any thing that might tend to the conseruation of Dauid For said he that God that filleth and moderateth all things in this wide spred Vniuers and who before I speake knoweth my mind he I say shall beare witnesse of that accord which shall be ratified betweene thee and me that I will not cease to sound my father till such â—…ime as I know and haue conceiued his intention and that I haue entred into his secrets to know what sicknes his soule is seazed with and that when as I shall apprehend the same I will not conceale it from thee but giue thee notice thereof be it that he be appeased or displeased against thee The same God knoweth how incessantly I beseech him to be assistant vnto thee as also he is at this present and that he abandon thee neuer but make thee Lord ouer thine enemies yea though it were my father or my selfe Onely remember me in this point that after my death if I chance to die before thee thou take care of my children and be as fauourable towards them as I am affected to theeward at this present After he had sworne this oth he dismissed Dauid willing him to conceale himselfe in a certaine place of the plaine where he ordinarily exercised himselfe For that as soone as he vnderstood his fathers mind he would returne thither with his Page and if saith he hauing shot three shafts at the marke I shall commaund my Page to gather them and bring them backe againe to me for that they are right before him know thou that thou art to expect no euill from my father but if thou hearest me speake to the contrarie thinke thou that my father is incensed and misaffected towards thee yet howsoeuer it happen I will doe my best that nothing shall befall thee otherwaies then we expect and wish Be thou therefore mindfull of these things at such time as thou shalt obtaine thy happie daies and be thou fauourable vnto my children Dauid being confirmed by Ionathans promises retired himselfe to the appointed place The next day after which was the solemnitie of the new moone after the king was purified according to the custome he sate downe to take his repast Now when his sonne Ionathan was set on his right side and Abner the General of his Armie on the left Saul perceiued Dauids place was void and spake not a word supposing that hee was absent from that companie by reason he was not purified since he had the companie of his wife but seeing the second day of the new Moone that he was absent likewise he asked his sonne Ionathan why Iesses sonne both the day before and at that instant was not present at that fast who answered him that he was gone into his countrie prosecuting the storie according as it had beene concluded betweene them alleaging that his Tribe celebrated a feast and that he had permitted him to assist the same Further said he he inuited me to the banquet and if it stand with your pleasure I will assist the feast for you know how intirely I loue the man At this time knew Ionathan the displeasure his father had conceiued against Dauid and perceiued most apparantly how hainously he was affected for Saul could not conceale his choler but began to raile vpon his sonne calling him rebell and his enemie and companion and confederate with Dauid telling him that he shewed reuerence neither to him nor to his mother since he was so minded and that he would not beleeue but that as long as Dauid liued their royall estate should be alwayes in continual disturbance He commanded him therefore to bring him before him to the end that he might do iustice vpon him Ionathan replied What euill hath Dauid committed for which he should be punished Hereupon Saul not onely expressed his choler in words and disgraces but taking hold of a iauelin he assaulted him and would haue slaine him but he missed his purpose by reason he was retained by his friends At that time did Ionathan clearely discouer the hatred that Saul bare towards Dauid and how instantly furiously he sought his ruine since welny for Dauids sake he had slaine his owne eldest sonne Then did Ionathan withdraw himselfe from the banquet seeing with how little profit he had pleaded and so much was he grieued that he ceased not to weepe and the rather since welny his father had vnkindly slaine him And seeing that Dauid was adiudged to die he passed all the night long without sleepe and about the day spring he departed out of the Citie to the appointed field making a shew that he walked out to take his exercise but indeed it was to discouer vnto his friend the intent which his father had according as it was couenanted betweene them After that Ionathan had done that which he had promised sending backe his Page into the citie he came vnto Dauid both to see and speak with him in priuate who as soone as he perceiued him cast himselfe prostrate at Ionathans feet calling him the conseruer and maintainer of his life But Ionathan lifted him vp from the earth so that both of them embracing one another and intermixing their mutuall kisses for a long time lamented their yeares with warme teares and their vnfortunate friendshippe with bitter sighes they bewailed likewise their future separation no lesse grieuous vnto them then death it selfe Finally scarcely giuing any truce to their aboundant teares and exhorting one another to haue in perpetuall remembrance their plighted faiths and promises they departed the one from the other Dauid flying from the king and the war which he made against him retired himselfe to the city of Nob to Achimelech the priest who seeing Dauid come alone vnto him without either friend or seruant was amased and desired to know the cause why he thus wandred without any attendance Dauid told him that the king had sent him about some secret execution which might not be communicated vnto him although he were desirous to know it and as touching my seruants said he I haue commanded them to attend me in this place He further required him that he would giue him such things as were necessarie for his voyage that he had to make wherin he might performe the part of a friend in succouring him at such time as he had neede of him Which when he had condescended vnto he requested him to giue him some armes either sword or iauelin now in this place was there present one of Sauls seruants that was called Doeg a Syrian by nation and the pastor of the kings mulets The Priest answered him that he had no such thing by him except it were Goliahs sword which he himselfe had hanged in the Tabernacle and dedicated vnto
God at such time as he slew the Philistine Dauid hauing gotten it fled out of the countrey of the Hebrewes and went vnto Geth a countrey of the Philistines wherein Achis was king There being knowne by the kings seruants hee was discouered and noted to be that Dauid that had slaine many thousand Philistines Dauid fearing to be put to death by him and suspecting least he should fall into the same daunger which hee had escaped by flying from Saul counterfeited himselfe to be foolish and mad so that the some frothed and issued out of his mouth and counterfeited in all things so cunningly that he made the king of Geth beleeue most stedfastly that he was besotted and frenzie in his sicknesse For which cause the king was wroth with his seruants in that they had brought him a madman and commanded them with all expedition that might be to driue him out of his countrey Hauing in this sort escaped out of the countrey of the Geths he transported himselfe into the tribe of Iuda and being in the caue of Adullam he sent vnto his brothers to let them vnderstand that he was there who came vnto him with all their linage and diuers others that either were in need or stood in feare of Saul resorted vnto him saying that they were ready to performe whatsoeuer he should command them all which amounted to the number of foure hundreth or thereabouts Dauid therfore being thus assured by reason of the succours and forces that come vnto him dislodged from thence went to the king of the Moabites beseeching him that he would bee pleased to entertaine his father and mother in that countrey vntill such time as he vnderstood what should be the issue or end of his affaires The king vouchsafed him this fauour and did them great honour all the time they were in his countrey And as touching Dauid he hauing receiued instructions by the commandement of the Prophet to abandon the desart to soiourne in the tribe of Iuda he obeyed him so that comming to Saron he made his aboade in that place But when Saul had vnderstood that Dauid had beene seene with a number of men he fell into an extraordinarie feare and trouble of minde for knowing both the vnderstanding and courage of the man he thought inwardly with himselfe that he would attempt no action that was not great and such a one as might not onely endanger his kingdome or at leastwise breed him much difficultie labor For which cause assembling his friends and captaines and those of his tribe in Gaba where he kept his royall court there sitting in a place called Aror where all his honourable and ciuill magistrates with the rest of his captaines and souldiers enuironed him round about hee spake vnto them after this manner Beloued friends I know that you can beare witnesse of my bountie and how I haue aduanced some of you to honours signiories and possessions and haue preferred you to the chiefest dignities and prerogatiues amongst the people Now would I know of you whether you hope or expect from the sonne of Iesse greater bountie and larger benefits then I haue bestowed vpon you I know that all of you are confederated with him and that my sonne Ionathan likewise is of the same faction and hath perswaded you to follow and fauour him For I am not ignorant both of the othes and couenants that are past twixt him and Dauid and am well assured that he is both a counseller and assister vnto him in whatsoeuer he vndertaketh against me yet are none of you touched with these cares but intending your owne quiet you expect the euent of these matters When the king had spoken thus there were none of the assistants that replied onely Doeg the Syrian master of the kings mulets arose and said That he had seene Dauid in the Citie of Nob who resorted to the high Priest Achimelech to aske counsel of him as touching his assaires that there he had receiued those things that were needfull to furnish him in his voyage and Goliahs sword likewise and how he was safely conducted towards the place whither he pretended to go Hereupon Saul sent for the high Priest and all his kinred and spake thus vnto him What wrong or displeasure haue I done thee that thou hast entertained the sonne of Iesse and hast deliuered him victuals and armes to him I say that seeketh but the meanes to possesse himselfe of my kingdome What answere hast thou made him as touching those demaunds he presented thee in regard of his future fortunes for thou hast not been ignorant that he fled from me and what hatred he beareth against both me my family The high priest denied none of these things but freely confessed that he had deliuered him such things as were reported but not with an intent to gratifie Dauid but the king for I entertained him said he not as thine enemy but as thy faithfull minister and tribune nay which is more as thy sonne in law and such a one as was tied vnto thee by neere alliance For who would haue thought that he who was intitled to so much honour by thee should be thine enemie nay rather who would not esteeme him for thy sauourite and neerest friend And where as he asked counsell of me as touching Gods will this is not the first time I haue answered him but oft many other times haue I aduised him And where as he said that he was sent by thee about some hastie and secret businesse should I haue refused him those supplies which he required at my hands I might haue bin iudged rather to haue done iniurie to thy maiestie then to him For which cause thou art not to suspect or thinke euil of me or if thou hast receiued any aduertisement that Dauid at this time intendeth some trouble innouation against thee oughtst thou to thinke that by reason of the curtesie I haue shewed him that I either fauor him or maintain him against thee for what I bestowed I imployed as on thy friend thy sonne in law and thy tribune and whatsoeuer curtesie he receiued from me it was done vnto thee Notwithstanding all these iust allegations yet could Saul be no waies induced to beleeue them but contrariwise his vehement feare made him suspect the true iustifications of Achimelech so that he commanded certaine armed men that were about him that they should put both him and all his family to the sword But when they held it no lesse then sacriledge to violate by violent death such as were men consecrated vnto God Saul commanded Doeg the Syrian to perpetrate the slaughter who ioyning to himselfe certaine other sacrilegious and impious men he murthered Achimelech and all his race who were in number three hundreth thirtie and fiue men He further sent to Nob the citie of the Priests and put all of them vnto the sword neither sparing woman nor childe nor hauing respect vnto any
answere his hart more more failed him in that he manifestly perceiued what sinister successe would betide him if God should not assist him in the conflict He therfore commāded that they should search him out some Pythonissa or cunning enchantresse who inuocated and raised the spirits of the dead to the end that by her meanes he might know if his warres should haue that successe which he pretended for the diuiners which giue answere by the belly which the Greekes call Engastrimythes declare their aduentures to those that aske them And when as by the report of a certaine familiar friend of his he was aduertised that there was such a one at Endor vnwitting to his whole arme and laying aside his royall habites and attended onely by two whom he esteemed for his most faithfull seruants he repaired to Endor to this woman requiring her to diuine and raise vp the spirit of him whom he should name The woman denied and said that she ought not contradict the kings edict who had driuen out of his realme all such sort of soothsaiers telling him that he did not well that hauing receiued no wrong at her hands he should thus sound her and seeke to bring her in lapse of the kings lawes cause her to be punished But Saul swore vnto her that no man should knowe thereof and that he would not discouer her diuination to others briefely that shee should incurre no daunger thereby After then that by his othes and protestations he had perswaded her that she should haue no cause to feare he commanded her to raise the spirit of Samuel She not knowing what Samuel was called him from hell and he sodainly appeared But when she perceiued that it was an honourable man and of diuine semblance she was sore troubled and being wholy discomforted with this vision she turned and said vnto the king art not thou Saul for Samuel had certified her no lesse Saul confessed that it was he and asked her for what cause she seemed to be so much troubled she answered that she saw a man ascend that resembled God Saul commanded her to declare vnto him his shape habite and age and she gaue him to vnderstand that he was a reuerend olde man attired in the vestment of a high priest By these markes Saul knew that it was Samuel whereupon prostrating himselfe on the earth he adored and saluted him The spirit of Samuel asked him for what cause he had troubled and raised him To whom he complained and lamented that he was inforced thereunto by necessitie for that a grieuous host of his enemies were at hand and that void of counsaile he was forsaken by God hauing from him no prediction either by prophecie or dreame for which cause said he I made my recourse vnto thee who hast alwaies had care both of me and my fortunes But Samuel foreseeing that the kings death was hard at hand answered him that it was in vaine for him to question with him as touching those things that should happen since thou knowest that thou art forsaken by God Know therfore said he that Dauid shall possesse the kingdome and that it is he that shall establish the estate by armes but as concerning thy selfe thou shalt lose both thy kingdome and thy life because thou hast disobeyed God in thy warre against the Amalechites and hast not obserued his commandements according as I foretold thee at such time as I was aliue Know therefore that thy people and host shall be discomfited by the enemy and that both thou and thy sons shall be to morrow slaine in the battell and be with me When Saul vnderstood these things he became speechlesse thorow the sorrow wherewith he was seased and fell downe on the pauement either for that his forces failed him thorow sodaine griefe or for his want of meat because that neither that night nor the day before he had vouchsafed his body any refection or sustenance At length hardly recouering himselfe out of his swoun the woman importuned him to receiue some sustenance beseeching him to doe her that fauour in recompence of her vnexpected diuination which though interdicted she had aduentured to performe for his sake before she were ascertained that it was he that had forbidden them in consideration wherof she prayed him that sitting downe at the table he would refresh himselfe with some sustenance to the end he might be the more able to returne vnto his army And although he resisted and vtterly refused to eat in that he had no appetite and was vtterly desperate yet so effectually importuned she that finally she perswaded him to receiue some little nourishment And whereas shee had but one calfe which she bred vp in her house with some particular care for she was but a poore woman and had no other riches yet spared she not to kill it and dresse the flesh for Saul his seruants Thus refected Saul returned backe againe into his campe The curtesie of this woman deserueth to be praised for although she knew that the king had prohibited her art whereby both she and her family sufficiently maintained themselues and although before that time she had neuer seene Saul yet so it is that without remembring her that it was he by whom her art had bin condemned she entertained him not as a stranger or like the man she had neuer seene before but had compassion of him and comforted him exhorting him to eate although he refused it and presented him willingly and hartily with that little which she had in her pouertie All which she did not vnder hope of recompence or expected preferment knowing well that Saul should shortly lose his life nor according to the ordinarie course of men that naturally honour those that haue bestowed some dignitie vpon them and become seruiceable to those from whom they pretend to draw some profit hereafter She therefore ought to be imitated and in her appeareth an excellent example of bountie approuing that there is nothing more worthie praise then to relieue those that are in necessitie neither any thing more becomming men or whereby we may obtaine Gods fauour and graces better then by it Thus much sufficeth at this present in respect of this woman But now methinketh I shall do vvell if I insert in this place and in these my vvritings another eaxmple both profitable to people and nations and in especiall an incitation to noble men and such as are borne vnto glory to follow vertue vvhich also shall expresse vvhat honour is and exemplifie how a man may eternize his memorie vvhich ought to engender in the hearts of kings of nations and of gouerners of commonweales a singular desire and affection to addict themselues to noble actions and to encourage them to entertaine dangers yea death it selfe and teach them to endure all difficulties vvhatsoeuer for their countries cause To vvhich intent the historie of Saul the king of the Hebrewes yeeldeth me matter
most incident to this purpose For although he knew that vvhich should befall him and that his death vvas at hand according as it had beene foretold him yet resolued he not to auoid the same neither so loued he his life that for the conseruation thereof he vvould deliuer vp his people into the hands of their enimies nor dishonour his royall dignitie but himselfe vvith his children and all his household exposed themselues to daunger thinking it more honourable to die vvith them in fighting for his subiects and farre more expedient that his children should die like valiant men then to leaue them aliue in incertitude of estate whereinto they might fall supposing that hee should haue sufficient successours of his race if he left behind him a perpetuall memorie and praise both of him and his For which cause in my opinion he was both iust strong and prudent and if anie one either is or hath beene like vnto him I suppose that it becommeth all men to giue testimony of such a mans vertue For I thinke that the Historians and ancient Writers haue not worthily entituled them with the stile of valiant men who attaining some worthie actions attempted warre vnder assured hope of victorie and safetie but they only that imitate Saul may deseruedly be called iust praise-worthie couragious hardie and contemners of all dangers For what great thing is there in vndertaking the common hazard of warre and tossing twixt hope and feare to vse fortunes fauour if she fawne vpon vs but contrariwise I count it an assured signe of a valiant man when as without conceit of hope of any goodnes and knowing his death at hand and assured in his conflict is not affraid nor dismaid with such apprehensions but seeketh out with an inuincible courage his most assured hazard This is the praise of our Saul who is an example to all true louers of glory that if they haue regard to leaue an honest memory to their posterity they should vpon the like opportunitie propose the same resolution to themselues but in especiall kings who by reason of the excellencie of their degree ought not onely forbeare to be euill but also striue to be excellently vertuous I could likewise say more of this generous argument of Sauls valour but least I should seeme too affectionate I will returne to our former purpose After that the Philistines were thus encamped according as hath beene afore-spoken and had numbred their forces according to their nations kingdomes and gouernments king Achis issued in the rereward with his particular companie whom Dauid followed accompanied with his sixe hundreth soldiers whom when the chieftaines of the Philistines beheld they asked the king whence those Hebrewes came and what their leaders name was Who answered thē that it was Dauid who fled from Saul his master and how he had entertained him being fled from him againe how Dauid in recompence of the good he had receiued at his hand and to reuenge him on Saul was readie to fight for them against him But the chieftaines blamed him because he had chosen an enemie for his associate counselling him to dismisse him for feare least he should secretly performe some straunge stratageme against his confederates because said they he hath a fit opportunitie to reconcile himselfe to his master They therefore willed him to send Dauid backe vvith his sixe hundreth souldiers vnto the place vvhich he had giuen him to inhabite because it was the same Dauid of whom the damsels made songs singing in praise of him that he had slain many thousand Philistines When the king of Geth vnderstood these things he thought their counsell to be laudable for which cause calling Dauid vnto himhe said vnto him I protest vnto thee said he that I beare a most singular affection and good liking towards thee and for that cause I haue called thee out to assist vs in this battel but our captaines allow not of my resolution for which cause retire thy selfe to the place which I haue giuen thee without conceiuing any euil suspitiō of me There shalt thou be in garrison to forestal the enemie from foraging our country and in so doing thou shalt partly assist vs in the warre Herupon Dauid departed vnto Siceleg according as the king had commaunded him But during the time that Dauid was in campe and attended on the Philistines warre the Amalechites arose and tooke Siceleg by force and burned the Citie and after they had gathered a great bootie both in that place and in other villages of the Philistines countrey they retired backe againe Now when Dauid arriued at Siceleg and found it wholy ruined and spoiled and seeing likewise that his two wiues and the wiues of his companions were prisoners togither with their children he presently rent his rayment and began to weepe and lament with his companions yea so much was he afflicted that he had scarce any teares left him to bemone himselfe beside this his companions amated with the captiuitie of their wiues and children were readie to stone him to death accusing him that he was the cause of all that which had hapned But when as his griefe was after a manner aslaked and he somwhat returned to himself he lifted vp his heart vnto God and commaunded the high Priest Abiathar to put on the Ephod and aske counsaile of God and that done to declare vnto him whether by his assistance he might ouertake the Amalechites if so be he should pursue them and whether he should recouer his wiues and children that they had led away and reuenge him of his enemies As soone as the high Priest had certified him that he might pursue them he sallied out with sixe hundreth soldiers and pursued the enemie and drawing neere vnto the riuer he found a certaine stragler an Egyptian by nation wholy discomforted and feeble thorow want and famine wherewith he was pressed hauing for three daies space wandred in the desart without any sustenance whom after he had refreshed with meate and drinke and recomforted he asked him to whom he belonged and what he was The Egyptian told him his nation and how he had beene left in that place by his master because that thorow his weaknes it was impossible for him to follow them He consessed likewise that his master was one of the number of those that had burned and sacked not onely other quarters of Iudea but Siceleg also Dauid taking this man for his guide ouertooke them finding some of them lying on the earth others banquetting and following drunkennesse and almost sencelesse by ouerdrinking so recouering both his booty and pillage and sodainly setting vpon them he made a great slaughter For they being naked and suspecting no such inconuenient and wholy addicted to frolicke drinking and feasting were all of them easily defeated diuers likewise amongst them were slaine as they sate at their meat others likewise were slaughtered whilest they carroused the one vnto the other and some
thorow the intestine warres of his family Dauid was expulsed out of his kingdome by his son 9 Absolon marching out with his army against his father is ouerthrowne 10 The happy estate of Dauid restored againe into his kingdome 11 Dauid in his life time annointeth and createth his sonne Salomon king 12 The death of Dauid and how much he left his sonne towards the building of the temple CHAP. I. Dauid is created King of one Tribe in Hebron ouer the rest Sauls sonne obtaineth the soueraigntie THIs battell was fought on the same day that Dauid returned conquerour to Siceleg after he had subdued the Amalechites But some three daies after his returne he that slew Saul and had escaped from the battell hauing his garment rent and ashes cast vpon his head came and cast himselfe prostrate before Dauid and being demaunded from whence he came he answered from the battell of the Israelites and certified Dauid of the vnhappy issue thereof telling him how diuers thousands of the Hebrewes were slaine and how Saul himselfe and his sonnes were done to death in the conflict He likewise gaue him to vnderstand how hee himselfe retreated amongst the Hebrewes and was present at the flight of the king confessing likewise that he was the author of his death vnder purpose to redeeme him from the hands of his enemies For said he Saul hauing cast himselfe vpon the point of his sword was so weake by reason of the agonie of his wounds that he could not dispatch himselfe Furthermore he produced the testimonies of his death the gold about his armes and the royall crowne which he tooke and brought from him being dead Dauid perceiuing no cause wherby he should suspect his death whereof he had most euident and infallible testimonies rent his garments and spent the day in weeping and lamenting with his companions And the more was he ouerpressed with sorrow by reason of the losse of his most deere friend Ionathan whom he acknowledged to be the authour and conseruer of his life And so vertuous and affectionate shewed he himselfe towards Saul that although he had oftentimes been in danger to haue been slaine by him yet was he sore agrieued at his death and not that alone but he likewise executed him that slew him telling him that he himselfe had accused himselfe for slaying the king declaring thereby that he was the sonne of an Amalechite and commanded that he should be put to death He composed likewise lamentations and Epitaphs in praise of Saul and Ionathan which are as yet extant at this present time where in I liue After that he had thus honouted the king and performed his lamentation and obsequies he asked counsaile of God by the meanes of the Prophet what Citie of the tribe of Iuda he would giue him to inhabite in who answered him that he would giue him Hebron For which cause he forsooke Siceleg and came and dwelt in Hebron and brought thither his wife and souldiers All the people of the aforesaid tribe resorted thither vnto him and proclaimed him king where vnderstanding how the Iabesins had buried Saul and his sonnes he sent embassadours vnto them both to praise and approue their actions promising them that both he allowed their act and would remunerate their deuoire which they had extended toward the dead giuing them likewise to vnderstand that the tribe of Iuda had chosen him for their king But Abner the son of Ner General of Sauls army a man of execution and of a noble disposition vnderstanding that Saul and Ionathan and his two other brothers were dead came into the campe and bringing with him the onely sonne of Saul that was left whose name was Isboseth he passed on the other side of Iordan and proclaimed him king of all the people except the tribe of Iuda He appointed likewise for his royall seate and place of residence a certaine countrie called in Hebrew Machare that is to say the campe From thence went he with an elected band of souldiers with a resolution to fight against those of the tribe of Iuda in that he was displeased with them because they had made choise of Dauid for their king Against him marched out Ioab the sonne of Suri and of Saruia Dauids sister generall of his army to encounter him accompanied with his brothers Abisai and Azael and all Dauids souldiers and arriuing neere a certaine fountaine of Gabaa he arranged his army in that place to enter battell And when as Abner said vnto him that he desired to make triall whether part had the better souldiers it was accorded betweene them that twelue for either side should be chosen out to determine the challenge who marching out into a certaine place betwixt both the hosts and hauing darted their Iauelins the one against the other came at last to the sword where mutually assailing hewing and butchering one another both in their heads sides and bowels they all of them at last fell down dead as if the plot had bin determined between them Which done the two armies ioyned in like sort and after a cruel battell Abner with his followers were discomfited who speedily flying were incessantly pursued by Ioab who in his owne person insisted and exhorted his other soldiers to pursue them hastily without suffering any of them to escape But amongst the rest Ioabs brothers were hot vpon the chase and the yoongest of them called Azael gaue especiall restimonie of his forwardnesse thorow that swiftnesse in running wherwith he was endowed for he ranne not onely more swifte then other men but outstripped horses also in their race Whilest thus he pursued Abner with great vehemencie and headlong course without turning either on the one side or on the other Abner turned back vpon him and intending to dignifie him for his forces he first couenanted with him for one souldiers armour and another time seeing that he could not be perswaded to stay he prayed him to arest himselfe and pursue him no further for feare least being inforced to kill him he should be depriued of the courage to behold his brother Ioab But perceiuing that he made no account of his words but that Azael instantly insisted to pursue him Abner flying and turning himselfe backe stroke him with a Iauelin which he had in his hand in such sort as he presently died But they that pursued Abner likewise arriuing in the place where Azaels body vnaduenturously fell dead staied round about him and surceased to pursue the enemy any further But Ioab and his brother Abisai outstripping the body with swift running and conceiuing a more mortall hatred against Abner for that he had in this sort slaine their brother they pursued him vntill sun-set with admirable swiftnesse and incredible alacritie vnto a place called Dumaton There mounting vppon a hillocke hee sawe Abner with the tribe of Beniamin flying from him who beganne to crie out vnto him and say that men of the same tribe should not be so whetted
two last which were named by vs were the sonnes of concubines But Thamar was Absalons sister by the same father and mother CHAP. IIII. Dauid assayled by the Palestines obtaineth a famous victorie against them neere vnto Ierusalem NOw when the Palestines knew that the Hebrewes had created Dauid king they led forth their army against him towards Ierusalem where encamping themselues in the valley of the Giants which is a place not farre off from the Citie they in that place expected the encountrey But the king of the Hebrewes who was wont to do nothing inconsiderately without Gods aduise commanded the high priest to prophecie and foretell what successe and euent the warre should haue who after he had informed him that God smileth on fauoureth their attempts he presently drew out his armie against the enemie and striking the battell he sodainly assailed the enemies on their backes and partly slew them and partly put them to flight But let no man suspect that the army of the Palestines was either small in number or weake in courage which at that time assailed the Hebrewes in that he coniectureth in his mind that they were easily ouercome without either attempting or performing any noble or memorable action For he is to know that all Syria Phenicia and all other warlike nations beyond them bare armes with them and were confederates in this warre which was the onely cause that notwithstanding they were so many times ouercome and had lost diuers thousands of men that they desisted not to assaile the Hebrewes with more great force and that which is more hauing beene defeated in the battels before recited yet forbare they not to assaile Dauid a new with thrice as much power as before or to incampe in the same place For which cause Dauid tooke counsell of God once more what the issue of this battell should be and the high Priest told him that he should encampe in the forrest called Teares because it was not farre off from the enemies campe and that he should not depart from thence neither attempt them in battell before the trees did shake without any agitation or breath of wind Whereupon as soone as the trees shooke and the time which God had appointed was come without any delay he issued out to enioy a prepared and manifest victorie For the squadrons of the enemie were disarrayed and incontinently betooke them to flight and were swiftly followed and slaughtered vntill the Citie of Gerar which is a frontire towne of their countrey and their campe was thorowly ransacked wherein there were found great riches and amongst all other things their Gods were beaten to peeces The battell being brought to this end it seemed good vnto Dauid by the counsaile of the Elders and Coronels ouer thousands that all the flower of their youth should be assembled from all the parts of the countrey euery one according to his tribe Secondly that the Priests and Leuites should repaire to Cariathiarim and bring from thence the Arke of God and conueie it to Ierusalem to the end that when it should be there the seruice of God might thereafter be celebrated in that place other sacrifices and honours agreeable to the diuine maiesty might be performed And had the same beene done during the life of Saul no inconuenient had fallen vpon them When as al the people were assembled according as it was decreed by him the king came forth to transferre the Arke which the Priests carying out of Aminadabs house they laid it vpon a new waine which togither with oxen their brothers and children drewe The king marched formost and after him all the people praising God a◅d tuning all sorts of melodie then vsuall in that countrey with diuersitie of sounds of instruments of Dances and Shalmes Trumpets and Clarions and in this manner conducted he the Arke into Ierusalem But when they were come to the threshing floore of Chidō which is a certain place so called Oza died thorow the wrath of God for the oxen stumbling that drewe the chariot and the Arke somwhat shaken he stretched out his hand with intent to sustaine the same and because he was no Priest God stroke him till he died The king and the people were sore aggrieued at the death of Oza and the place where he died is called to this day Ozas Striking Dauid fearing least if he should retire the Arke with him into the Citie the like happe should attend him that had befallen Oza who was in that sort done to death for that he had onely thus stretched out his hand he placed it not with him in his owne house within the Citie but commaunded that it should be left in the possession of one called Obed by descent a Leuite and in behauiour a man good and vertuous where it remained for three months space during which time his house was blessed with al worldly goods and goodnes The king being ascertained what aduantages had befallen Obed who of a poore and needie man was sodainly become verie rich so that all men had their eies fixed on him they that heard speake of his house enuied him he assured himselfe that no inconuenient would befall him for which cause he retired the Arke into his own house which was caried by the Priests and seuen quires of singing men disposed by the king went before the same The king himselfe likewise touched and plaied vpon the Harpe so that Michol Dauids wife and Sauls daughter seeing him entertaining himselfe after that manner mocked at him The Arke then being thus caried was placed in a Tabernacle orected and dressed by Dauid who offered most magnificent sacrifices of all sorts and forgot not the sacrifices for prosperities he feasted all the people likewise both men women and children distributing vnto euery one a cake a morsell of rosted meat a cake fried in the pan and a portion of the sacrifice and after he had thus feasted the people he dismissed them and retreated himselfe into his owne house But Michol his wife and daughter to king Saul drawing neere vnto him vpon his returne besought God for him that it might please him in all other things she might expresse vnto her husband all that which became her intire and vnequald loue towards him but in this she blamed him because that being so great and mightie a king as he was he had dishonoured himselfe in dauncing despoiling himselfe and discouering partly that which became him not doing all this in companie of his seruants and handmaids To whom Dauid answered that he was not ashamed in performing a thing so acceptable vnto God as that was who had honoured him more then her father placed him aboue all others assuring her that he would play dance oftentimes after that sort without care whether his demeanor pleased either her or her chambermaids This Michol of whom we intreat had no children by Dauid but being maried againe to another to whom her father had
betrothed her after he had rauished her from Dauid she bare fiue sonnes of whom we wil speake in their place The king perceiuing how by Gods assistance his affaires prospered daily more more thought that it should be a hainous offēce in him if he should dwel in houses made of Cedar high and well builded and neglecting the Arke suffer it to remaine vnder a pauilion for which cause he conceiued a desire to build a Temple vnto God according as Moses had foretold and to this intent consulted he with the Prophet Nathan who willed him to performe all that which he was minded to accomplish assuring him that God would be each way assistant vnto him for which cause he was verie heartily affected towards the building of the Temple But the same night God appeared vnto Nathan commaunding him to certifie Dauid that he accepted his will and that his affection was agreeable vnto him considering in especiall that no one before him had a thought to performe the like yet notwithstanding although his deliberation were such he permitted him not to finish the same by reason he had followed many warres and had embrewed his hands in the bloud of many of his enemies But after his decease which shall happen after he hath liued a long and prosperous life his sonne called Salomon to whom he shall leaue the kingdome after his death shall cause a Temple to be built vnto him promising him to assist and fauour the said Salomon euen as the father doth his sonne and that he would continue the royaltie in his heires and their successors And that if they shall happen to offend him he will onely punish them with sicknes and sterilitie Dauid vnderstanding these words which were deliuered him by the Prophet was verie ioyfull by reason that the royaltie was firmely assured to his heires and for that his house should be famous and renowmed and presenting himselfe before the Arke he prostrated himselfe and adored and gaue God thanks for all the benefits he had bestowed on him for that from a poore and humble shepheard he had raised him to so great a height of maiestie and glory and for that he had promised to haue care of his posteritie as erst he had had of the Hebrewes and their libertie This said after he had sung hymnes vnto God he departed CHAP. V. Dauid ouercomming the neighbouring nations imposeth tributes on them NOt long time after this Dauid thought it requisite to make warre vpon the Philistines partly to the intent he might auoid the suspition of sloth and idlenes and partly that hauing according as God had foretold discomfited his enemies he might leaue a peaceable kingdome to his posteritie after him He therefore assembled his army anew commanding thē to be in a readines to march forward to the warre whenas therefore he supposed that the armie was addressed he departed out of Ierusalem and made a road vpon the Philistines whom he ouercame in battell and tooke a great part of the countrey from them by meanes whereof he enlarged the frontires of the Hebrewes and translated the warre and led forth his forces against the Moabites whose army being deuided into two parts was by him defeated and ouerthrown and the rest were taken prisoners and tributes were imposed on them which they were bound to satisfie euery yeare Afterwards he led out his host against Adarezer sonne of Ara king of Sophona and waging battell with him neere vnto the riuer of Euphrates he slew about twentie thousand of his footmen and some fiue thousand of his horse he tooke also almost a thousand of his chariots the greater part whereof was wholy consumed and one hundreth of them onely reserued to his owne vse CHAP. VI. They of Damasco are ouercome by Dauid ADad king of Damasco and of Syria vnderstanding that Dauid had made warre on Adarezer who was both his friend and confederate issued forth with great forces to bee assistant vnto him and to deliuer him from his enemies according as he expected But entring field and waging battell with Dauid neere vnto the riuer of Euphrates he was ouercome and lost a great number of his souldiers for in that battell there were staine on his side by the Hebrew enemy to the number of twenty thousand and the rest fled Of this king Nicholas the Historiographer maketh mention in the fourth book of his histories in these words Sithence and long time after a certaine man of that countrey called Adad gouerned in Damasco and ouer the rest of Syria except Phoenicia who making warre against Dauid king of Iudaea and hauing oftentimes fought with him in his last encountrie wherein he was ouercome neere vnto the floud Euphrates he shewed himselfe more resolute then all other kings in force and valour Moreouer he speaketh of his heires how after his death they succeeded him both in royaltie and name the one after the other and saith thus He being deceased his sonnes raigned for ten generations after him each of them receiuing from their father the same name and the same kingdome after the manner of the Ptolomies of Aegypt The third of these being more mightie then the rest and desirous to reuenge himselfe in warre of these iniuries which were offered vnto his grandfather led foorth his army against the Iewes and destroyed the countrey called at this day Samatia Wherein he varied not any waies from the truth for he of whom he speaketh is that Adad that made warre in Samatia during the raigne of Achab king of Israell of whom we will speake hereafter in his place But when Dauid had led forth his campe against Damasco and against the rest of the countrey of Syria he reduced them all vnder his obeisance placing garrisons amidst their countrey and imposing tribute vpon them which they should pay vnto him He dedicated also to God in the Citie of Ierusalem the golden quiuers and armors which Adads guard were wont to weare which afterward Syssa king of Aegypt tooke at such time as he warred against Roboam his Nephew and carried away great riches out of the temple of Ierusalem as it shall be declared hereafter when as we shall come to intreat of that matter This king of the Hebrewes being inspired by God who made him prosperous in all his wars encamped before the goodliest Cities Adarezer had that is to say Betthea and Machon which he besieged tooke and spoyled where there was found great store of gold and siluer and of brasse which was of more estimation then gold whereof Salomon made that great vessell called the Sea and other faire lauers at such time as he adorned and furnished the temple of God When the king of Amath vnderstood of all that which had hapned to Adarezer and how his power and forces were destroied he grew affraid of his owne estate and resolued with himselfe to make a league confederacie with Dauid before he might come out against him
that he had depriued him of his kingdome by the meanes of his owne sonne and in punishment of those crimes which he had committed against his owne master This his so cruel and vnbridled libertie moued all Dauids followers to displeasure so that all of them were prepared to reuenge them on Simei and amongst the rest Abisai would haue slaine him but Dauid pacified his displeasure willing him to forbeare for feare said hee least to our present miseries we annexe a further and new occasion For in as much as concerneth my selfe I set light by this mad dogge referre the matter vnto God who is the cause that he is thus desperatly bent against vs Neither is it to be wondred at that I suffer these outrages by him since mine owne sonne is so wicked as he taketh a felicitie to disdaine me but it may be that God wil haue compassion on vs if he please we shal haue the vpper hand ouer our enimies He therfore walked onward on his way not caring what Simei said who ranne on the other side of the mountaine rayling reuiling at him When Dauid was arriued on the banke of Iordan he mustred and refreshed his army who were fore wearied meane while Absalon entring Ierusalem with Achitophel his counsellor was saluted and applauded by the whole concourse of the people amongst the rest Dauids friend came vnto them who prostrating himself before Absalons feete wished him both prosperitie and perpetuitie in his kingdome Him did Absalon aske how it came to passe that he who was reputed to be one of Dauids most indeered friends and esteemed alwaies to be most loyall and faithfull vnto him should at that time when most occasion was profered him to expresse his loyaltie abandon him and submit himselfe to his enemie To him Chusai answered both readily and wisely that it became him to follow God and the good will of the people Since therefore said he my soueraigne that both these are for you it concerneth me to follow you because you haue receiued the kingdome from God If therefore you esteeme me to be your faithfull friend I will approue vnto you my loyaltie and true affection in like manner as in your knowledge I haue testified in effect vnto your father who ought not to be displeased at that which had hapned since the kingdome is not transported into an other house but remaineth in his owne family because he who was his sonne receiued the same By such like words he reconciled himselfe to Absalon whereas before that time he was inwardly suspected Hereupon Achitophel was sent for to consult with him about their affaires in hand who gaue him counsell to abuse all his fathers concubines and make them his owne For said he from that time forward the people will beleeue that you and he will neuer be reconciled and will be more readie to beare armes and inuade your father for your sake For hitherto said he they haue vnwillingly professed themselues to be his enemies suspecting least a peace should ◅e concluded betwixt the father and the sonne Absalon beleeuing this aduise of his caused a Tent or royall Pauilion to be pitched in the sight of all the people whereinto he entred and had the company of his fathers concubines All which fell out according as the Prophet Nathan had foretold at such time as he certified Dauid that his owne sonne should make warre against him CHAP. IX Absalons warre against his father his death and the discomfiture of his armie WHen Absalon had done that which Achitophel had instructed him in he requested him once more to counsaile him concerning that warre which he had enterprised against his father who required ten thousand chosen men at his hand promising him to kill Dauid and to bring all the rest that were in his conduct vnder his subiection assuring him that Absalons kingdome would be then established when Dauids head were cut off from his shoulders When this aduise of his had highly contēted him he sent for Chusai who was the chiefest amongst Dauids friends for so Dauid himselfe had termed him to whom he discouered the aduice which Achitophel had giuen him required him to giue his opinion what he thought therof who knowing verie well that if Achitophels counsaile were followed Dauid should be in daunger to be apprehended and slaine enforced all his arguments and counsails to the contrarie For said he my Liege you are sufficiently informed both what your fathers valour is and their vertue that accompanie him who hath fought many battels and hath had the vpper hand ouer all his enemies It is to be feared also least he at this present be encamped in the field For he is well exercised in leading armies and to preuent any stratagemes whereby the enemy may inuade him and about the euening he hath perhappes left his men hidden in some streight or in ambush behinde some rock and if our men shall assaile him his soldiers will by little and little retire and afterward recouering courage by reason that the King shall be neere vnto them they will charge vs afresh and during their medly your father will sodainly breake out of his ambush and encourage his owne men and discomfort yours wisely therfore examine mine aduice and if you find that it be good neglect that which Achitophel hath giuen you Send me thorow al the countrey of the Hebrewes commanding euery one to take armes march out against your father and when you haue gathered togither these forces be you your selfe in person the generall of the army and commit it not to an other mans charge and assuredly expect to haue an easie victory ouer him if you assaile him in the open field for that he is accompanied with a verie few men and your selfe are attended by many thousands who at least wise if they loue you and will shew a good affection towards you may easily rid you of that enemy And if so be your father shut himselfe vp in any Citie we will and may subuert the same by mines and engines This aduise of his seemed to be better then that of Achitophels so that Absalon preferred the same For it was God that put this thought into his heart to neglect Achitophels and respect Chusais counsell Now when Chusai had thus preuailed he presently repaired to the high Priests Sadoc and Abiathar certifying them what Achitophel had complotted and how he had contradicted him finally how his opinion had taken place giuing them in charge to send priuate intelligence vnto Dauid thereof and to enforme him of his sonnes resolution wishing him with all speede to passe ouer the riuer of Iordan for feare least Absalon being informed of his aboad in that place should make haste and pursue him and ouertake him before he might recouer a place of securitie Now had the high Priests before hand prouided that their sonnes should lie hid without the Citie of set purpose to the end
they might be sent vnto Dauid to informe him how matters went They therefore sent a trustie seruant vnto these who brought them newes of Absalons deliberations with expresse commaundement to enforme the King thereof with all speede who presently vpon this intelligence like good and faithfull ministers posted with all speede to report their fathers newes vnto the king But scarsely had they trauelled two furlongs when certaine horsemen discouered them and brought newes thereof vnto Absalon who presently sent out scoutes to apprehend them which when the children of the hie priest perceiued they forsooke the hie way and incontinently retired themselues into a certaine village neere vnto Ierusalem which is called Bocchura where they besought a certaine woman to hide them and shut them in some place of securitie who let them downe into a pit and couered the mouth thereof with bundles of wool She being demaunded by those that pursued them whether she saw them denied the same saying that as soone as she had giuen them drinke they departed from her presently assuring them that if they presently and speedily pursued them they might easily apprehend them but after they had long time followed and could not find them they returned from whence they came The woman perceiuing that they were departed and that there was no cause of feare least the yoong men should be surprised she drew them out of the pit and set them onward of their way who with as great speede as was possible resorted vnto Dauid and declared vnto him exactly what Absalons deliberation was Hereupon Dauid passed the floud Iordan presently with all his men and although it were night could not be withdrawen by reason of the darknesse But Achitophel seeing that his opinion had been reproued tooke his horse and sodainly repaired vnto his countrey of Gelmone there calling togither his houshold seruants before him he discouered vnto them what aduise he had giuen Absalon which since he had not accepted he tolde them that shortly they should see him dead alleadging that Dauid would haue the vpper hand in the warre and should returne into his kingdome It is better therefore said he for me with a great minde and as it becommeth a valiant man to depart out of this life then to submit my selfe to Dauids punishment for partaking with Absalon and giuing him counsell This said he retired himselfe into the most secret part of his house and hung himselfe being both his own iudge and executioner after which his kinsmen cut him down and buried him But Dauid as we said hauing past Iordan came and incamped in a strong Citie the most defenced in that countrey there was he entertained with great beneuolence by all the noble men of that countrey partly moued thereunto by the mans present necessitie partly thorow the reuerence of his former felicitie These were Berzillai the Galaadite Siphar the gouernour of the prouince of the Ammonites and Machir the chiefe of the countrey of Galaad who gaue Dauid and his whatsoeuer they wanted in abundance so that they lacked neither beds nor bread nor flesh but were plentifully stored with all things They that were sicke and wearied also wanted nothing that either might serue for repose or refection In this estate remained he But Absalon assembled a great multitude of people to make warre vpon his father and after he had passed Iordan he pitched his tents neere vnto his fathers within the countrey of Galaad and made Amasa generall of his army opposing him against Ioab his chosen For Amasas father was Iethar and his sister was Abigail sister to Saruia mother to Ioab When Dauid had mustered and numbred his forces and found that he had fortie thousand fighting men it was thought fit presently to hazard battel and not to expect till Absalon should charge vpon them He therefore ordained Coronels ouer thousands of his men and deuided them into three squadrons the one of which he gaue in charge to Ioab the second to Abisai his brother and the third to Ethaeus his familiar friend who was of the Citie of Geth In this battel his friends would not admit his presence and that vpon good and deepe consideration for they said that if they should be defeated in his company they should vtterly lose all good hope but if one squadron should be ouercome the rest might haue their recourie vnto him who might assemble vnto them and strengthen them with greater force the rather for that the enemies would alwaies thinke it likely that he had some other army with him This counsell of theirs seemed pleasing vnto him for which cause he remained within the Citie But at such time as he sent out his friends vnto the battell he besought them that in remembrance of all the benefits and fauours he had bestowed on them they would both shew themselues couragious and faithful men in the fight and that hauing obtained the victory they would spare his sonne for feare least his death should increase and redouble his discontents Thus praying God to giue them victorie he dismissed them to enter battell But when as Ioab had planted his army right ouer against the enemy and had extended them on the plaine hauing a wood vpon their backes Absalon also drewe out his army against him so that encountring and valiantly fighting the one against the other they performed many notable exploits on both parts the one hazarding themselues in all dangers and employing all their affections to the intent that Dauid might recouer his kingdome the others neither refusing to doe or endure any thing so that Absalon might not be depriued or exposed to his fathers punishment and displeasure for his insolent attempt Besides that they held it an indignitie for them that being so great in number as they were they should be surmounted by such a handfull of people as followed Ioab deeming it to be an vtter disgrace vnto them that being so many thousands of them in armes they should be discomfited by Dauids foullowers But Ioab and his men being more skilful and trained in feates of armes then the rest discomfited and brake Absalons army so that they fled thorow woods and steepie places Dauids soldiers pursuing after them tooke some and slew other some so that both in flight and fight a great number of them were put to the sword For there fell that day about twenty thousand men But all Dauids troupes freshly set vpon Absalon who was easily knowne by reason of his absolute beautie and high stature he fearing to be surprised by his enemies mounted vpon the royall mule and fled in great haste And for that by swift motion of his body his lockes were scattered abroad his bush of haire was entangled in a thicke and branchie tree where he hung after a strange manner and his mule ranne onward with great swiftnesse as if she had as yet borne her master on her backe but he hanging by the haire amidst the branches
sodainly fell into his enemies hands This when a certaine souldier apperceiued he brought newes thereof vnto Ioab who promised him to giue him fiftie sicles if he would kill him The souldier answered that if hee would giue him two thousand he would not commit such a murther on the sonne of his soueraigne the rather for that in the presence of them all Dauid had requested them to spare him Hereupon Ioab commanded him to shew him the place where he had seene Absalon hang who no sooner discouered him but thrusting a iauelin to his heart he slew him That done Ioabs Esquires arrounding the tree tooke him downe and casting him into a deepe and obscure pit they ouerwhelmed him with stones so that in appearance it seemed to be a toombe or some great high and stately monument After this when Ioab had sounded the retreat he withdrew his soldiers from pursuit supposing it to be an innaturall thing for one countreyman to flesh himselfe vpon another Absalon had erected in the royall valley two furlongs distant from Ierusalem a marble pillar which he had intituled by the name of Absalons Hand saying that when his children should be dead his name should remaine in that pillar Now he had three sonnes and a daughter which was called Thamar as we haue said heretofore who was married vnto Roboam Dauid's Nephew and had by him a sonne called Abia who succeeded his father in the kingdome Of whom we will speake more conueniently in his place CHAP. X. The happy estate of Dauid being restored vnto his kingdome AFter that Absalon was slaine all the people returned priuately to their owne houses but Achimaas the sonne of the hie priest Sadoc drewe neere vnto Ioab requiring his licence to repaire vnto Dauid and to certifie him of the victorie and how by Gods helpe and prouidence he had obtained the victorie This did the generall deny him telling him that it was not conuenient that he who before times was wont to bring ioyfull newes should now certifie the king of his sonnes death He therefore commanded him to stay and calling Chusai to his presence he gaue him commission to certifie the king of that which he had seene Achimaas requested him the second time that he would suffer him to go promising him that he would make no mention but of the victory and that as touching Absalons death he would not vtter any thing whereupon he dismissed him also who choosing the shorter way which he onely knew outstripped Chusai Now as Dauid sate in the gate of the Citie expecting some messenger that might certifie him of the successe of the battell one of the Sentinels perceiuing Achimaas that came running hastily and vnable to discouer who it was told Dauid that he saw a messenger comming towards him who answered that it was some one that brought ioyfull newes Anon after he told him that a certaine other messenger followed To whom Dauid answered likewise that it was one that brought glad tidings And when the watchman perceiued that it was Achimaas Sadoc the high priests sonne and that he was neere at hand he ranne first of all and certified Dauid who was very glad thereof saying that he brought some good and desired newes as touching the euent of the battell and no sooner had the king spoken the word but Achimaas entred and humbled himselfe vpon his face before Dauid to whom he reported that his army had the victorie Being afterwards demanded what was become of Absalon He answered that he incontinently departed from the campe as soone as the enemies were put to flight yet that hee heard a certaine crie of souldiers that pursued Absalon and further then that he knew nothing because by Ioabs commandement he was speedily sent away to bring tydings of the victorie When Chusai was come and had humbled himselfe before the king and had declared vnto him the successe of the battell the question was asked how Absalon did Whereunto he answered The like fortune happen to thine enemies O King as hath hapned to Absalon These words quite extinguished the delight and ioy that Dauid conceiued in the victorie and wholy amated his faithful souldiers for as touching the king he ascending the highest part of the Citie bewailed his sonne beating his breast tearing his haire and afflicting himselfe in all kindes and after such a sort as may not be expressed and crying out in a most mournfull manner My sonne said he would God my sonne that I were dead with thee that I might be with thee For whereas of his owne nature he was a verie louing man yet loued he Absalon aboue all other most tenderly When the army and Ioab were enformed that Dauid lamented his sonne in this sort they had this respect that they would not enter the Citie after a triumphant and victorious manner but they entred hanging their heads and weeping all of them most tenderly as if they had returned from some discomfiture But when as the king hauing his head couered perseuered in his desire to bewaile his sonne Ioab entred in vnto him and said O King you consider not that in this behauiour of yours you dishonor your selfe for it is to be thought that you hate those that loue you and expose themselues to all perils for your loue yea that you hate your selfe and your own succession and that contrariwise you loue your most mortall enemies most intirely since you bewaile them that were no lesse who are iustly depriued of their liues For if Absalon had had the victorie and had possessed the kingdome in assurance there had not any one of vs been left aliue that loue you but had all of vs suffered a most hated death nay and in the first ranke your selfe and your owne children neither would they being our enemies haue lamented but laughed at our deaths yea they would punish them likewise who should haue any compassion of our miseries Yet art thou not ashamed to lament after this manner for such a man as most extremely haâ—…ed thee who notwithstanding he were thine owne sonne was so vngratefull and vngratious towards thee Desist therfore from thy vniust lamentation and offer thy selfe in presence to thy weldeseruing souldiers and giue them thankes that by their vertue haue obtained thee this victorie otherwise if thou continue as thou hast began this day will I translate both the kingdome and the army from thee and giue thee occasion more grieuously and truely to lament thee of thy misfortunes then thou didst before By these words Ioab pacified and alayed the kings lamentations and drew him to the care of his common weale For cloathing himselfe in a royall habit whereby he might seeme more gratious in the sight of his souldiers he sate him downe in the gate so that all the people hearing thereof flocked out to salute him Whilest these things past after this maner they that remained aliue of Absalons army returning home vnto their houses sent
and the kings aduersarie were deliuered into his hands to doe iustice on him to leuy the siege and to cause his army to retire from thence When the woman had heard what Ioab had said she praied him to stay a little while promising him incontinently to cast his head ouer vnto him Wherupon she came downe amongst the assembly of the Citizens to whom she spake after this manner Wretched men that you are will you miserably suffer your wiues and children to be slaine for a wicked mans cause and a stranger whom ye know not will you admit him in place of Dauid your king from whose hands you haue receiued so many benefits thinke you that one only Citie can resist so huge an army After this manner perswaded she them to cut off Sibas head and to cast it into Ioabs campe which done Ioab commanded the retreat to be sounded and leuied the siege and returning backe into Ierusalem was once more declared generall of all the people The king also appointed Banaia captaine of his guards and of six hundreth souldiers Adoram was made treasurer to gather in the tributes Sabath and Achilaus had the charge of remembrancers Susa was made secretarie Sadoc and Abiathar were made the high priests After this it hapned that the conntrey was afflicted with a famine For which cause Dauid besought God that he would haue compassion on his people and that it might please him to manifest not onely the cause but also the remedie of that maladie The Prophets answered him that God would be reuenged of the wrong done vnto the Gabeonites whom king Saul had deceiued and traiterously slaine without respect of the oath which the gouernor Iosuah and the elders made vnto them If therefore he would suffer the Gabeonites to reuenge the death of their slaughtered friends according to their desire God had promised to be appeased and to deliuer the people from their imminent presenteuils As soone as he vnderstood by the prophets what God required he sent for the Gabeonites and asked them what it was which they required who wished him to deliuer into their hands seuen of Sauls sonnes to take their reuenge on them whereupon the king made search after them onely sparing and protecting Mephiboseth the sonne of Ionathan When the Gabeonites had laid hold on these seuen they executed them according to their pleasures and thereupon God incontinently sent downe raine and disposed the earth to beare fruit moistning and alaying the drouth forepassed so that the land of the Hebrewes recouered againe his pristine fruitfulnesse Not long after the king made warre vpon the Philistines and at such time as the battell was striken and the enemies turned their backes it chanced that the king hotly pursuing the chase was left alone and discouered in his wearinesse by one of the enemies called Acmon the sonne of Araph of the race of the Giants who beside his sword had a iauelin the point whereof waied three hundreth sicles and a corselet tissued with chaines who returning backe charged Dauid very violently with an intent to kill the king of his enemies by reason that he saw him spent with trauell But about the same instant Abisai Ioabs brother arriued in the place who stept betweene them and rescued the king and slew his enemy The whole army for a little space were grieuously discomforted in regard of the danger wherein the king had been and the gouernors swore that he should neuer afterwards enter into battel with them for feare least he might fall into some distaster by reason of his readinesse and valour and by that meanes should depriue the people of those gifts which were in him which he had already made them feele and whereof hereafter they should be made partakers if God should vouchsafe him a long and blessed life The king hauing intelligence that the Philistines were assembled in the citie of Gazara sent out an army against them in which Sabach the Hittite one of Dauids redoubted and picked souldiers behaued himselfe very valiantly and gate great reputation for he slew diuers of them that vaunted themselues to be of the race of the Giants and that were verie proud and puffed vp with presumption of their valour and was chiefe authour of that victorie which the Hebrewes had After this last receiued losse the Philistines once more hazarded their fortunes in warre against whō when Dauid had sent out an army Nephanus his kinsman shewed himself very valiant For fighting hand to hand against him that was accounted the most valiant champion amongst all the Philistines he slew him and put the rest to flight of whom verie many died in that battell also In processe of time they reincamped neere vnto a Citie not farre from the frontiers of the countrey of the Hebrewes In which army of theirs there was a man six cubits hie who had on either foote and either hand a finger more then the accustomed bequest of nature affoorded him Against him Ionathan the son of Sama one of those that were sent by Dauid in this army fought hand to hand slew him so that approuing himselfe to be the meanes of that victorie he bare away the honor of the battell and praise of his valour for this Philistine boasted likewise that he was descended from the race of the Giants After this battell they warred no more on the Israelites Hereupon Dauid deliuered from war and danger and euer after enioying a perfect peace composed Odes and hymnes in praise of God in diuers kindes of verse for some are of three other some are of fiue measures He made instruments also and taught the Leuites to praise God vpon them on the Saboth daies and other feasts The forme of these instruments was after this manner The Cinnare is composed of ten strings and is plaid vpon with a bow The Nable containeth twelue sounds or cords and is striken with the fingers The Cimbals were large and great and made of brasse of which it sufficeth in this sort to make some mention least the nature of those instruments should wholy be vnknowne Now all those that were about the king were valiant men but amongst all the rest there were eight most notable and heroick men The noble actions of fiue of which I will declare because they might suffice to exemplifie the vertues that were in the other that remained for they were capable to gouerne a countrey and to conquer diuers nations The first of them was Issemus the sonne of Achemaeus who hauing verie oftentimes thrust himselfe into the midst of his disordered enemies neuer gaue ouer fighting till he had slain nine hundreth of them After him was Eleazar the sonne of Dodeias who had accompanied the king in Sarphat He in a certaine battell wherein thorow the huge multitude of the enemies the Israelites were affrighted and put to flight onely kept his place and affronted the enemy and
rushing in amongst them made a great slaughter of them so that thorow the great quantitie of bloud which he shed his sword stuck fast to his hand and the Israelites seeing the Philistines put to flight by him came downe and ranne vpon them and obtained a miraculous and famous victorie ouer them For Eleazar slaughtered those that fled and the rest of the army followed and spoyled those that were slaine The third was the sonne of Ilus called Sebas who fighting against the Philistines in a place called the Iawe and seeing the Hebrewes to be affraid of their power and almost out of heart resisted them alone as if he had bin an arraunged army and slew some of them and pursued and put the rest to flight in that they were vnable to sustaine his force and violence These three exploited with their owne hands these executions of warre About that time that the king liued in Ierusalem the army of the Philistines came out to make warre vpon him and Dauid as we haue declared heretofore was gone vp into the higher citie to aske counsell of God what the euent of that warre should bee and the enemies being incamped in that valley that extendeth it selfe as farre as Bethleem a Citie some twentie furlongs distant from Ierusalem Dauid said to his companions There is verie good water in the place where I was born and especially that which is in the pitte which is neere vnto the gate if any one will bring me of that water to drinke I shall esteeme it more then if he gaue me great riches These three men hearing these words instantly ranne out and past thorow the enemies campe and went to Bethleem where hauing drawne water they returned backe vnto the king sallying thorow the midst of their enemies bringing newes that the Philistines being affraid of their hardinesse and great courage kept themselues vpon their guard not daring to charge them notwithstanding their small number But the king tasted not of this water which they brought him saying that it was bought with the danger of mens liues and therefore that it was no reason he should drinke thereof but he powred it out as an oblation vnto God giuing him thankes because he had deliuered his seruants After these three followed Abisai Ioabs brother who slew six hundreth of the enemy in one day The fift was Banaia of the race of the Leuites who being defied by certaine brothers famous amongst the Moabites for their vertue ouercame them Moreouer a certaine Aegyptian of a wonderfull stature hauing defied him notwithstanding the said Banaia was naked and the other armed yet charged he him and tooke away his iauelin and slewe him To these foresaid actes of his a man may annex this as the most valiant or very neerely equalling the rest For it came to passe that after a certaine snow a Lyon tossing amidst the flakes thereof fell into a pit whose mouth was so narrow that a man could not discerne where it was especially for that at the same time it was couered with snow where being inclosed and seeing no means to escape he roared out amaine which when Banaia who passed that way heard he followed the voice and drew neere vnto the place and afterwards went downe into the pit where with a staffe he bare in his hand he fought with ouercame and slew the Lyon The thirtie three other were of like valour and vertue But King Dauid being desirous to know how many thousands of men he could number amongst the people and forgetting the commaundement ordained by Moses who had giuen order that if the people had beene numbred there should be paid vnto God for euerie head halfe a sicle he commanded Ioab to go and number all the people and although Ioab had manifestly proued vnto him that it was a thing no waies necessarie yet could he not perswade him but that he enioyned him with all expedition to set forward on his way and muster the people of the Hebrewes Hereupon Ioab tooke with him the principals of the Tribes and Scribes and after circuited all the countrey of the Hebrewes to know how many men there were and at the end of nine moneths and twenty daies he returned to Ierusalem to the king and presented him with the list of the people the tribe of Beniamin only excepted for he neither numbred that tribe nor the tribe of Leui. This done the king perceiuing that he had displeased God was verie sorrowful and pensiue The route of the other Israelites was of nine hundreth thousand men able to beare armes and to follow the warre besides that the only tribe of Iuda contained 400. thousand men When the Prophets had certified Dauid how God was displeased with him he began to pray beseech him that it might please him to appease his wrath and to pardon his offence Hereupon God sent the Prophet Gad vnto him who brought him the choise of three things willing him to make election which of the three he would endure either that famine for seuen yeers space should raigne in his countries or that warre for three moneths space should afflict the same wherein he should haue the worst or that the plague and pestilence should for three daies space raunge amongst the Hebrewes Being thus distraught and troubled by reason of his difficult election amidst these imminent miseries and the Prophet vrging him to returne a short answere whereby God might be satisfied the king bethinking him that if he should aske famine he should rather seeme to respect his owne securitie then the common-weale in that no daunger might by that meanes touch him for that he had great store of corne in his barne and they vnfurnished and if for three moneths he should make choise to be ouercome by the enemy in that case also he might seeme to haue care of himselfe in that he had many strong Castles and a valiant guard of men to attend his person he therefore made choise of a plague that was both as incident to the prince as the subiect wherein each man was touched with equall and imminent feare saying that it was better to fall into the hands of God then into the hands of his enemies When the Prophet had receiued this answere from him he reported it vnto God who sent a plague and mortalitie amongst the Hebrewes whereby they died after diuers manners so that it was very hard to discerne the malady which being but one in kinde yet notwithstanding seased the people by ten thousand causes and vnknowne occasions For one of them died after another and the sicknesse surprising them at vnwares brought a sodain dissolution of the spirits and swouning vpon them so that some of them gaue vp the ghost with grieuous torments and most strange dolors Others were presently partched vp thorow the burning agonies they endured and vnrecouerable by any counsell or remedy consumed away amidst their languishing fits and tortures Others died strangled
114. g. m. 126. g. 209. b. 210. k. 212. h. 213. f. 214. g. h. 217. c. 231. c. 239. e. f. 240. g. 121. c. 242. h. i. 248. g. 250. k. l. 251. c d e. 252. k l. m. 253. a b c. 254. g h c. 255 a. c. Imprecation for building Iericho 10â—… l. Imprecation of Saul 137. e. Incest 71. b. of Lot 16. h. of Ammon 172. i k. Inchanters banished 154. l. Inclosure before the temple 197. d. Inconstantie of fortune 668. l. m. Inconueniences vnder a king 131. c. d. Incouragement of Moses 46. 〈◊〉 of Iosua h. 98. m. Incredulitie punished 229. k. d. Incursions of the Amalechites 115. f. of the Philistines 150. h. of Ader 205. c. Indebteds acts and deuices 748. g. Indulgence cause of sinne 139. f. Industrie of the Romans 648. g h. Ingratitude of the Sichemites 117. f. of the Israelites 135. d. of Nabal 152. i. m. of Demetrius 326. g. of Malchus 577. a. Inhabitants of Nob slaine 149. d. Inhabitants of countries 10. g c. and 11. a c. Inheritance of Iacob and Esau 28. g of Salpades danghters 88. l. Inhibition of Cambyses 226. l m. Iniquitie 580. h. of the Iewes 726. l. Iniuries of Florus 464. h. Iniurie to Dauids Embassadours 168. k. to Thamar 172. k l. Iniustice of lawmakers 797. d e. Innocencie of Dauid 151. d. 153. d e. Insolence 237. c. 239. d e. 240. h. 719. c. Institution of circumcision 15. b. of the Passeouer 49. c d. Instruments of Musicke 197. c. Interpretation of Iosephs dreames 24. a b. of the Butlers 32. l. of the Bakers 33. a b. of Pharaohs ibid. e f. of Nabuchodonosors 259 c d. of the hand writing 262. g h. Interpreters royally entertained 293. b. Intent of Florus inanifested 626. k. Intention of Saul against Dauid 144. h. l. 145. f. 146. l. Intestine discord 672. k. Inuectiue against murtherers 163. c. against the Zealous 674. h of Ioseph against the Iewes 715. f. Inuentor of Musicke who 5. f. Inuentor of the art of forging ibid. first Inuentors of letters 765. a. Inuocation of God in trouble 54. l. Ioab generall of Dauids armie 160. discomfiteth Abner ibid. i. slaieth Abner 162. g. discomfiteth the Syrians 169. a. reconcileth Absalon to his father 174. h. i. Ioab and the armie enter the citie mournfully 179. 〈◊〉 his Oration vnto Dauid c. ibid. c. sent out against Siba 181. d. killeth Amaza ib. e. rebuked proposeth conditions of peace 181. g h. one of Adonias coadiutors 186. i k. slaine 191. f. Ioachas king of Israel subdued 236. h i. and why ibid. his repentance and praier ibid. Ioachim king of Iuda 250. l. paid tribute ibid. 251. a. reuolteth and is slaine 251. a b not buried ibid. c. Ioachin king of Iuda 251. c. see Iechonias Ioas king of Israel 236. k. called Elizaeus his father ibid. k. his treble victorie 236. m. 237. a. Ioas saued and how 233. f. created king of Iuda 234. g. his pietie during Ioiadas time 234. m. repaireth the temple 235. c d. his impietie after Ioiadas decease ibid. e. stoneth Zacharias ibid. e f. bought his peace 236. g. dieth ib. Ioatham his workes about the temple 240. k. actes of warre ibid. k. 241. a. Ioaz king of Iuda taken prisoner 250. k. his impictie death ibid. k l. Iobel a maker of tents 5. f. Iochabel Moses mother 42. i. secretly hid him three moneths ibid. k. appointed to be his nurse by Pharaohs daughter 43. b. Iodes killeth Eglon 114. k. subdueth the Moabites and ruleth Israel ibid. k l. Ioel and Abia gouerne the common weale 130. k. Ioiada high priest 233. m. creaÌ„teth Ioas king 234. g. sweareth king and people to serue God ibid. l. deceaseth 235. d. Iohn releaseth Ismaels captiues 257. b. refused counsell ib. c. Iohn high priest slaieth his brother 283. f. punished 284. g. Iohn Ionathans brother slaine 318. i. Iohn Baprist slaine 471. a. Iohns actes in Gischalis 533. c f. his treason 534. l. secketh to murther Ioseph 535. a. he and the Embasladours resort to Iesus 544. g. his followers forsake him 551. b. a trecher and murderer 640. k. flieth into Gischala 642. k. perswadeth the Tiberians to reuolt ibid. h i. mooueth to rebellicu 670. k l. reserued to be at the siege of Ierusalem 671. d. sweareth to the people c. 676. h. breaketh his oath ibid. i. assaulted on both sides 698. k l. putteth the Zealous to flight 702. g. seaseth the temple ibid. raileth vpon Ioseph 729. c. apprehended 744. m. is condemned to perpetual prison ibid. Iohn captaine of the Idumaeans 710. l. slaine ibid. l. Ionas cause of a tempest and why 238. k l m. deuoured of a Whale and cast out 239. a. preacheth to the Niniuites ib. 2. Ionathan Sauls sonne 136. h. entred the enemies campe and slew them 137. b c. breaketh the edict ibid. f. counselleth Dauid to flie 144. m. pacifieth Sauls displeasure and certifieth Dauid thereof 145. b c. discouereth Sauls hatred to Dauid and how 147. d e f. renueth his couenant 150. k. Ionathan gouernour of the Iewes 318. g h. reuengeth his brothers death 318. l. assaileth Bacchides by night 319. c. putteth Apollonius to flight 324. h i. appeaseth Demetrius 326. i. putteth Demetrius to flight 329. a. renneth friendship with the Romans c. 329. b c. c. fighteth with Demetrius 330. g. repaireth Ierusalem c. ibid. i l. taken by Tryphon 331. b. 560. h. slaine 332. k. 560 h. Ionathans letters to Ioseph 542. h. m. Ionathan challengeth a Combate 732. l m. slaieth Pudens 733. a. Ioppe a retreat for theeues 661. c. taken ibid. e f. Ioram king of Iuda 226. l. serued Idols 230. h. murthereth his brethren ib. k. dieth miserably 230. m. Ioram king of Israel an impious man 225. c. asketh aide ibid. c. in distresse with two other kings ibid. e f. relieued and how 225. f. 226. g. ouercame the Moabites ibid. h. besieged 227. f. threatneth Elizaeus 228. h. certified of the enemies flight 229. b. his expedition to recouer Ramath 231 a b. Iordan yeeldeth the Israelites passage 161. e f. his fountaine 667. b. Iosaphat king of Iuda his pietie 220. i k. his expedition with Achab 220. l m. reprooued 223. b. renueth the true seruice of God ibid. c. prayeth and why 223. c. obtaineth victorie and how 224. g h i. his ships cast away ib. i. aydeth Ioram 225. c. dieth 226. k. Ioseph sonne of Iacob 24. l. enuied of his brethren 28. l. dreamed a dreame ibid. l m. sold by his brethren 29. c. 30. h i. resisted his mistris twofold temptation 31. a b. c accused and cast into prison 32. g h i. expounded dreames 32. l. 33. b e f. counselled the king how to preuent famine 34. g h. aduanced to honour and married a wife ibid. h i. sounded his brethren and why ibid. l. sent them away but detained Simeon 35. d e. banquetteth them and Beniamin 36. h i. staieth their iourney
c. neglecteth the Prophets counsell ibid. surprised 154. l m. his eies put out 255. a. his death ib. f. Sedition against Moses 73. a. 76. m. 80. k l. of Chore for the priesthood 77. b c d. Sedition against Roboam 206. l. 243. f. of the Samaritans against the Iewes 288. h i. among the people 302. i. of the Iewes 480. g. betwixt Senat and people 503. f. Sedition at the passeouer 452. l. betweene the Iewes and Samaritans 519. f. for the golden Eagle 608. h. in Ierusalem 610. h. 6â—…3 b 〈◊〉 betweene Greekes and Iewes 635. c. a threefold sedition 697. e. tooke the Citie 709. a. Seditious more impious then the Sodomites 724. h. Seditious 623. b c. beaten 618. g. bribe Albinus 623. d. flie to the temple and why 629. l. gaue not eare to those in authoritie 631. f. put the Romans to flight 662. l. agree among themselues 700. l m. 710. h. challenge the sodden childe 734 l. summon Titus to parley 739. f. take away the kings treasure 741. c d. their vtmost hope 742. g. kept in Acra and in Vaults 743. a. Seed of the woman 4. l. shall bruise the serpents head ib. l. Seeds at first grew out of the earth 3. d. Seeds not to be mixed togither 92. l. Sehon king of the Amorites denieth passage to the Hebrewes 82. i. ouerthrowne by them ibid. l m. is slaine 83. a. Seir what it signifies 21. a. Seir Esaus dwelling place 26. l. Seleucus Nicanor priuiledgeth the Iewes 295. d. Selecus Soter raigneth in Asia 302. g. Sem Noahs third sonne 9. a. couereth his fathers shame 11. 〈◊〉 his progenie ibid. d. Semechoâ—…tis a lake 667. b. Semiramis built not Babylon 772. h. Senaar a plaine 9. a. Senabarus one of the fiue kings of Assyria 13. e. Senacherib surpriseth the Cities of Iuda 245. b. besiegeth Ierusalem ibid b c. his army striken with the pestilence 246. k. himselfe slaine ib. Senate perswadeth Claudius to resigne 503. b. Senates decree c. 360. m. Senates answere to Agrippa 620. g. their repaire to Claudius 620. i. Sencelesnesse of Achaz 242. g. Sentence against Herods sonnes 596. m. Sephora Moses wife 46. m. Sephoris walied 464. i. spoyled 551. d. entertaineth the Romans 636. m. Sepulchre of Dauid 190. g. of Memnon 618. l. Serpents tempting of Eua 4. i. his subtiltie ibid. h. his punishment ib. m. 5. a. enemy to man 4. m. wherin his strength lieth and how easily killed ibid. m. Serpents verie hurtfull destroyed 44. i k. Seruants of Elizeus 227. b. Seruants of Salomon happie and why 203. c. Seruant of Abraham taketh his oth 19. d. his praier and eare in discharge of his message 19. c. 20. g h i k. Seruiâ—…e of God neglected 242. h. Seruice of forraine Gods 204. i k. 237. d. 242. h. Seruice of Antipater 577. c. Seruices of the Gabeonites 104. k. Seruitude of the Egyptians great 40. k. of the Hebrewes insupportable 41. c. 46. g l. 47. c. Seruitude of the Israelites 113. d. and why ibid. e. 114. g. m. 715. a. c. Seth sonne of Adam 6. h. a vertuous man ibid. h. left a godly issue ibid. h. his age and death 7. b. Sethosis king of Egypt 770. Seuen men of Sauls kinred punished 1â—…2 k. Seuentie Iewes with Iohn and Simon sent into Italy 750. h. Seuentie interpreters 293. b. 785. a. Seueritie of Herode 407. a. Sextus Caesar gouernour of Syria 362. g. writeth in Herodes behalfe ibid. l. selfeth the presidents place 363. b. slaine 366. g. 572. k. Sheepshearing of Nabal 152. h. of Absalon 172. m. Shewes at Caâ—…sarea 746. i. Ships of Salomon 203. e. of Iosaphat c. 224. i. Shipwracke of Iosephus 530. l. Siba manureth Mephiboseths lands 168. h. accuseth him getteth his goods 180. i k. Siba sonne of Bochri 181. incenseth the people to rebellion 181. c. besieged by Ioab 182. g. his punishment ibid. h. Sibils prophecie of Babel 9. c. Sicarians 755. d. besieged 756. i. authors of new calamitie 761. e. taken 762. g. Sichama Iosuahs habitation 108. k. Sichem defloureth Dina 26. m. desireth to marrie her ibid. m. is slaine 27. a. Sichemites slaine 27. a. Sichemites constitute Abimelech their ruler 116. c. banish him 118. h. are slaine and their Citie sackt ibid. k l m. c. Sicknes of Ieroboams sonne 210. i. Sicknes of Ochozias 224. k. Sicknes of Ioram 130. k l. Sicknes of Adad 229. f. Sicknes of Ezechias 246. m. Sicknes of Herode 447. d. Sicle 66. g. Siege of Ierusalem 164. g. 245. a 〈◊〉 deferred 689. d. Signes of the law 91. c. Signe of Ezechias recouerie 257. a b. Signes before the destruction of Ierusalem 738. i k. c. 739. a. c. Signe of a true historie 766. g h. Signification of the golden head 259. c. Silas captaine of the kings guard 552. m. Silas groweth into hatred 509. a. Silon corrupted with money 376. g. Silua besiegeth Massada 756. i. Simei pardoned 190. g. punished 192. g h. Simeon the sonne of Iacob 24. i. why so called ibid. i. he and Leui slew the Sichemites 27. a. left as a pledge with Ioseph 35. d e. his sonnes 39. e f. Similitude 117. f. 271. a b 685. c. Simon succoureth the Galileans 309. e. taketh Bethsura 328. l. declared high Priest 331. c d. animateth the people against Tryphon ibid. c. his authoritie 332. m. raceth the Castle of Ierusalem 333. a. maketh warre against Antiothus 333. f. 334. g. traiterously slaine 334. h. 560. k. Simon degraded 442. i. Simon affecteth the crowne 456. k l. 611. b. Simons counsel against Ioseph 540. k. m. Simon the Galilean 614. l. deuiser of a sect ibid. Simon killeth many of his countrimen 634. l. m. his parents wife c. 635. a. Simon the sonne of Giora committeth rapines and murders 644. g h. Simon of Garasa 690. g. assembleth the theeues ibid. spoyleth Idumaea 691. b c. assaulteth the temple 693. a. his campe 708. l m. apprehended 744. m. 746. l. kept for the triumph ibid drawen through Rome with a halter 751. d. Singing looke song Single combate 142. h. Sinne escapes not vnpunished 153. a. Sinnes of the Iewes against the law 716. g h. Sinne cannot escape Gods Iustice 746. m. Sisara captaine of Iabins host 115. a. put to flight and slaine ibid. d e. Situation of the land of the Amorites 83. b. Situation of the higher Calilee 646. k. Situation of Iotapata 651. c. Situation of Gamala 667 c. Situation of Massada 755. d. Sixe thousand Iewes consumed with fire 738. g. Skirmish of the Romans with the Iewes 610. i k. Skirmish betweene the Galileans and Romans 656. m. Skirmish of Simon and Iohn 698. h i. Slaughter one of another 117. d. 137. d. 224. h. Slaughter on the Sabboth day 633. f. Slauerie of the Hebrewes see seruitude Slaughter of Achimelech and his familie 149. c d. Slaughter of Ochozias seruants 233 a. Slaughter of Baals priests 233. d. Slaughter of Azarias 420. g.
Samuel to Elcana her husband 1. King 3. The yeare of the world 2818 before Christs birth 1146. God foreshewed Samuel of the death of Eli and his sonnes Hedio Ruffinus chap. 16. 1. Reg. 4. The Palestines kill foure thousand of the Israelites The yeare of the world 2850. before Christs birth 1114. The Hebrewes bring the Arke into the battel Ophni and Phinees with thirty thousand are slaine and the Arke is surprised by the enemie Eli vnderstandeth of the losse of his sonnes and the surprisall of the Arke Eli hearing of the losse of the Arke died Phinees wife bare Ichabod and died The yeare of the world 2850. before Christs birth 1114. The genealogie and progenie of Eli the high priest 1. King 5. Hedio Ruffinus ch 1. The sacred Arke is caried into the Temple of Dagon They of Azot are horribly plagued for taking away the Arke Mice deuoure the fruit of the countrey of Azot Thereare of the world 2350. before Christs Natiuitie 1â—…4 1. King 6. Consultation about the Arke The conclusion of the counsaile as touching the sacred Arke The yeare of the world 2851. before the birth of Christ. 1113. The sacred Arke commeth to Bethsama The gratulatioÌ„ of the Bethsamites vpon the artiuall of the Arke The yeare of the world 285â—… before Christs Natiuitie 11 13. Ruffinus writeth that God strooke 70. of the greatest and 50000 of the common sort as it is 1. Kin. 6 1 Kin. 7. The Arke is transferred into Cariathiarim Hedio Ruffinus chap. 2. I he punishment of the Israelites Samuels oration to the people Samuels exhortation to the people as touching their repentance The yeare of the world 2871. before Christs natiuitie 1093. The praiers supplications and fasts of the Israelites in Maspha What things in warfare are to be opposed against the enemie Samuel coÌ„forted the people Samuels sacrifice and praier The yeare of the world 2871. before Christes Natiuity 1093. The sacrifice deuoured by caelestial firme a token of Gods assistaÌ„ce A horrible earthquake among the enemies Samuels victorie ouer the enemy Samuel recouereth those lands which the Israelites had lost Samuel prescribeth lawes and disposeth the iudgment seat in seuerall cities Hedio Ruffinus chap. 3. 1. King 8. Samuel committeth the gouernment and care of the commonweale to his two sons locl and Abia. The Israelites report vnto Samuel the lewd behauiour of his sons and beseech him to nominate a king that may raign ouer them The yeare of the world 2871. before Christs birth 1093. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 4. Samuel is discomforted thorow the peoples demand Samuel is comforted by God God commandeth Samuel to create a king Samuel expresseth vnto the Israelites those inconueniences they shall suffer vnder a king The people obstinarely perseuereth in crauing a king The yeare of the world 2880. before Christs natiuitie 1084. 1. King 9. The yeare of the world 2880. before Christs Natiuitie 1084. Saul seeketh the Asses that were lost Saul asketh where the Prophet dwelleth God certifieth Samuel whom he should create king Saul commeth vnto Samuel Samuel certifieth Saul how he shall enioy the kingdome Samuel conducteth Saul vnto the banquet 1. King 10. Samuel annointed Saul king Samuel in way of confirmatioÌ„ telleth Saul what shall befortune him in his iourney The yeare of the world 2880. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1084. Saul concealed his royall dignitie The vnconstancie of mans loue Samuels oration to the people as concerning Saul Lots cast thorow euery tribe family Sauls modesty and temperaÌ„ce in vndertaking the gouernment Saul hideth himselfe from the presence of the people Saul of a high slature Saul saluted by the people for their king Diuers attend on Saul other some coÌ„temnâ—… him Hedio Ruffinus chap. 5. 1. King 〈◊〉 The yeare of the world 2880. before Christs birth 1084. Sauls warre against the Ammonites Naas king of the Ammonits offereth vniust conditions of peace to the Galaadites The Embassadours of the Galaadites to the Israelites Saul promiseth assistance to the Iabasites Sauls serious exhortation and command for warre 1. Reg. 12. Ten Schaeni or cables length of Nilus so-called by the cords that drew the ships vp Nilus make 37. Italian miles Saul killeth the Ammonites and Naas their king Saul made his name famous amongst the Hebrewes Saul is praised by the people The yeare of the world 2880. before Christs Natiuitie 1084. Sauls lenitie against his aduersaries Saul once more annointed king by Samuel The distinct gouernments of the Hebrewes Samuels iustification of him selfe in the presence of the people Samuel expostulateth with the people and obiecteth their sinnes ingratitude A huge tempest falleth vpon Samuels praier The yeare of the world 2880. before Christes Natiuity 1084. An exhortatioÌ„ to the consideration of Gods assistance and benefits bestowed on the Israelites Hedio Ruffinus chap. 6. Saul elected two thousand for his owne guard and one thousand for Ionathans Saul ouercommeth the Philistines The Philistines prepare to inuade the Israelites The Israelites dismaid at the report of the army of the Philistines Saul sacrificeth contrarie to God and the Prophets direction Samuel accuseth Saul The yeare of the world 2880. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1084. Hedio Ruffinus Galgala The Palestines spoile the countrey of the Hebrewes 1. Reg 14. Ionathan with his harnes bearer doe priuily enter the enemies campe Ionathan slayeth a certaine number in the enimies camp the rest inuade one another and are put to flight Hedio Ruffinus chap. 7. Saul hearing that there was a tumult in the Palestines campe sallieth out vpon theÌ„ Sauls edict vnwittingly broken by Ionathan The yeare of the world 2880 before Christs birth 1084. The Hebrewes feed on bloudy flesh Saul trieth by lot who hath displeased God Saul intendeth to kil his owne sonne being prepared and resolute to die The Israelites rescue Ionathan from his displeased father Oba or Soba Saul alwaies conquerour Hedio Ruffinus ch 8. 1. Reg. 15. The yeare of the world 2883. before Christs birth 1081. Samuel by Gods commandement addresseth Saul to make warre vpon the Amalechites Saul mustring his people findeth in the tribe of Iuda onely thirtie thousand men Saul raseth the cities of the Amalechites Saul taketh Agag the king of the Amalechites prisoner and keepeth him aliue contrarie to Gods commandement The people contrarie to that which god had ordained driue away the horse and cattell of the Amalechites Hedio Ruffinus chap. 9. God displeased with Sauls disobdience Samuel striueth to reconcile Saul vnto God Too much indulgence and lenity confirmeth the wicked in their vngodlines The yeare of the world 2883. before Christs Natiuitie 1081. Samuel chideth Saul The contempt of God wherein it consisteth A pleasing and acceptable sacrifice vnto God Samuel telleth Saul of Gods displeasure the losse of his kingdome Saul coÌ„fesseth his sinne and craueth pardoÌ„ which not withstanding is denied him Saul striuing to stay Samuel rentâ—…th his garment Hedio Ruffinus ch 10. The
of his army against the Amalechites The yeare of the world 2910. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1054. Ioab and Abisaies armies Ioabs victory The Syrians with the Ammonites assemble themselues against Dauid The Mesopotamians submit themselues to Dauid Aramatha besieged Hedio Ruffinus chap. 7. 2. Reg. 11. Dauids adulterie Bethsabe certifieth the king that she is with child Dauid sendeth for Vrias and willeth him to repaire home vnto his wife which he doth not The yeare of the world 2910. before Christs Natiuity 1054. Dauid wâ—…eth vnto Ioab to puniâ—…h Vrias Ioab setteth Vrias in a daungerous place to encounter with the enemie Vrias iâ—… set with some associates to attempt the siege the Ammonites sallying out his company forsake him Vrias with some others is slaine and the king is certified thereof Dauid is displeased with the newes of his ouerthow Dauid is appeaâ—…ed hearing at Vrias death Dauid marieth Bathsaba and beareth him a Sonne 2. Reg. 12. The yeare of the world 2910. before Christs birth 1054. NathaÌ„ prophecieth 〈◊〉 Dauids punishment and sharpely rebuketh him he is condemned by his own mouth and 〈◊〉 himselfe Dauid confesseth his sinne and obtaineth pardon at Gods hands Dauid fasteth seuen daies lamenting and mourning for his sonne Dauid being certified that the child was dead â—…eth and waâ—…ing taketh sustenaÌ„ce Dauid yeeldeth a reason why during the childs life he saâ—…ed and why being dead be tooke refection Saloâ—…on was borne by Bethsabe Ioab by letters solliciteth the king to come to the surprisall of Rabatha Dauid surprising Rabatha by force giueth it for a pray to his soldiers The yeare of the world 2910. before Christs birth 1054. Hedio Rufâ—…s chap. 8. 〈◊〉 Reg. 13. The yeare of the world 2912. beâ—… Christ birth â—…052 Ionathaâ—… counselled Amnon how he might enioy his loue Amnon perswadeth his sister to submit to his lust Amnon notwithstanding his sisters resist violateth her Absalon comforteth his sister Thamar Absalon inuited his father and brethren to his sheep-shearing and commandeth his seruants to kill Amnon being ouercharged with wine sleepe The yeare of the world 2912. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1052. Dauid is certified that al his sons are slaine by Absalon Ionathan coÌ„forteth Dauid contradicting his feare in respect of all his sons and only vpon iust surâ—…e suspecting Amnons death Dauids sonnes reâ—…ort vnto their father Absalon fâ—…ieth to his grandfather 2. Reg. 14. Absalon by the subtilty of a woman and the seâ—…ing on or Ioab is renoked from banishment vnto Ieruâ—…aleÌ„ The yeare of the world 2912 before Christes Natiuity 1052. Absalon reuoked by his father 11 commanded for a time to fly his presence Absalons children borne in Ierusalem 2. Reg. 13. Ioab vrged by the burning of his houses reconcileth Absalon to his father The yeare of the world 2â—… 16. before Christs birth 1048. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 9. Absalon subtilly affecteth his fathers kingdome The yeare of the world 29â—…0 before Christs natiuitie 1044. Absalon proclaimed king Dauid departed out of Ierusalem Dauid flying prohibiteth the hie Priests to follow him to the intent to giue him telligence of that which did passe The yeare of the world 2920. before Christs Natiuitie 1044. Ethaeus departeth with Dauid Achitophel reuolteth from Dauid and followeth Absalon whose counsails Dauid striueth by praier to make frustrate Chusai is perswaded to submit to Absalon and to Achitophels counsels 2. Reg. 16. Siba accusing his master wrongfully is made owner of his riches Semeies reuiling of Dauid Dauid forbiddeth to kill Simei Chusai vnder a colour offreth his seruice to Absalon The yeare of the world 29â—…0 before 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1044. Achitophel â—…th Absalon to lie with his fathers concubines 2. Reg. 17. Achitophels counsaile perswading Absalon to pursue Dauid Chusais opposition Chusais counsaile accepted Achitophels 〈◊〉 Sadoc and Abiathars sons sent vnto Dauid The yeare of the world 2920. before Chrisâ—… birth 1044. â—…he hie Priests soâ—… being pursued are hidden by a woman in a pit Dauid informed of Absalons deliberation passeth himselfe his whole army ouer Iordan by night Achitophel perceiuing his counsaile was despised hung himselfe Dauid commeth to Mahanaim where he is royally intertained by the peeres Hedio and Ruffnus ch 10 2. Reg. 18. Absalon passeth ouer Iordan The diuision of Dauids arâ—…ie Dauids â—…eÌ„ds disswade his presence in the battell Dauid commaundeth theÌ„ to spare his sonne The battel betwixt Ioab and Absalon The yeare of the world 2920 before Christs birth 1044. The fâ—…ight and ouerthrow oâ—… Absalons 〈◊〉 Ioab killeth Absalon Absalons marble pillar Chusai sent to certifie Dauid of the victory The yeare of the world 2920. before Christs Naâ—…ie 1044. Dauid hearing of Absalons death by Chusai grieuously bewaileth him 2. Reg 19. Ioab and his army enter the citie in mournfull manner Dauid is taxed for lamenting his Son and vpon Ioabs perswasion 〈◊〉 himselfe vnto the people Hedio Ruffinus chap. 11. The kingdome of Israel is once more offered vnto Dauid Dauid not only giueth Amasa his pardon but maketh him generall also of the whole armie The tribe of Iuda coÌ„meth as farre as Iordan to meet with Dauid and make a bridge ouer the floud The yeare of the â—…orld 29â—…0 before Christs Natiuitie 1044. Simei is pardoned Mephiboseth purgeth himselfe of Sibas slaunders Dauid pardoneth Mephiboseth and restoreth him to the halfe of his possessions Berzillai excuseth himselfe and will not resort to â—…erusalem The yeare of the world â—…920 before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1044. The tribe of Iodaes acculation and excuse for that without the knowledge of the other tribes they had gone out to meet the king 2. Reg. 20. Siba a seditious person incenseth the people to rebeil against the king Dauids concubines whom Absalon had disloured are sequestred from him Ioab by reason of Amasaes delay is lent out against Siba by Dauid Ioab killeth Amala The yeare of the world 2920. before Christs Natiuity 1044. Ioab besiegeth and shutteth vp Siba within Abelmacâ—…ea A woman rebuketh Ioab for seeking the subuersion of the citie which hee rather ought to protect Ioabs conditions of peace proposed to the besieged The punishmeÌ„t of Siba Offices distributed by Dauid Hedio Ruffinus chap. 12. 2. Reg. 21. A famine inflicted on the Israelites for breach of oth Seuen â—…en of Sauls kinred deliuered to the Gabeonits to be punished Dauid in hazard of his life is deliuered by Abisai Dauid perswaded to abstain from warre Dauids valiant captaines Sabach The yeare of the world 2924. before Christs birth 1040. Nephanus Ionathan 2. Reg 12. Dauid a poes Dauids instruments of Musicke 2. Reg. 23. Dauids thirtie eight chaÌ„pions Issemus Eleazar Sebas Three champions passe thorow the enemies camp and drew water in Bethleem and brought it â—…nto Dauid Abisai Banaia Banaias slew an Egyptian with his owne speare The yeare of the wâ—…d 2924 before Christâ—… bâ—…h 1040. Banaia slew a Lion Hedio Ruffinus chap. 13. 2. Reg 24. Dauid â—…endeth loab to muster the people The summe
and to that intent he sent his sonne Adoram vnto him to testifie and expresse what contentment he had receiued for that he had defeated Adarezer his enemy and to contract with him amitie and confederation He seht him presents also namely vessels of antique worke of gold of siluer and of brasse whereupon Dauid made a league with Thani for so was the king of Amath called and receiued the presents that were sent vnto him and afterwards dismissed his sonne with conuenient honor both for the one and the other and consecrated that to God which he had sent him togither with the gold and siluer which he had taken from other cities and nations that were subiect vnto him For God did not only so farre fauour him as to make him victorious and happy in his owne wars but hauing also sent Abisai Ioabs brother the lieutenant of his army against the Idumeans he likewise granted him victorie for Abisai slew in the battell about eighteene thousand of them and filled all Idumaea with garrisons challenging a tribute throughout the countrey by the pole This king loued iustice of his own nature and exercised iudgement according to veritie He had for his lieutenant generall in all his armies Ioab and appointed Iosaphat the son of Achilles chiefe ouer the Registers After Abiathar he established Sadoc of the house of Phinees for high priest who was his friend Sisa was his secretarie Banaia the sonne of Ioiada was captaine ouer his guard and all the elders were ordinarily about him to guard and attend him He remembring himselfe also of the conuentions and oathes that were past twixt him and Ionathan the sonne of Saul and of 〈◊〉 â—…itie and affection that had been betweene them for besides all other graces which he had he most freshly retained them in memorie from whom in times past he had receiued any friendship He caused a search to be made if any one of the house and family of Ionathan were left-aliue to the intent he might remunerate the friendship which he had receiued at Ionathans hands Where upon a certaine man was brought vnto him who was enfranchised by Saul that might enforme him what one of his race was aliue who asked him if he could name him any of Ionathans sons then liuing whom he might make partaker of those curteous fauors graces which in times past he had receiued by Ionathan Who answered him that he had one sonne remaining whose name was Mephiboseth who was lame of his legs for that at such time as the newes came that both his father and grandfather were slaine in the battell his nurse fearfully snatching vp the child and flying suffered him vnfortunately to fal from her shoulders and so hurt him When as then he was aduertised where and with whom he was brought vp he sent vnto the citie of Labath to Machir with whom Mephiboseth was kept commanded him to be brought vnto him Now when he came to Dauids presence he cast himselfe prostrate on his face to do him reuerence but the king exhorted him to be of good courage and to hope hereafter for better fortune and gaue him his fathers house with all the possessions that were purchased by Saul his grandfather appointing him to sit and feed with him at his owne table yea to eate of his royall prouision not letting one day slip wherein he accompanied him not at meales The yong man did him reuerence humbly thanking him for the gratious words and roiall offers be had made vnto him At that time Dauid called for Siba and certified him how he had giuen Mephiboseth his fathers house and all Sauls purchases commanding him to manure and husband his possessions and to haue care of all things and to returne the reuenew to Ierusalem for that Mephiboseth was euery day to take his refectioÌ„ at his table charging both him his 15. sons and 20. seruants to doe him seruice After the king had thus disposed of him Siba did him reuerence and after he had protested to performe whatsoeuer he had giuen him in charge he departed and Ionathans sonne remained in Ierusalem where he liued at the kings table and was entertained and tended as carefully as if he had beene his owne sonne he had a sonne also called Micha These were the honors that those children which suruiued after Ionathan and Sauls death receined at Dauids hands About the same time died Naas king of the Ammonites who during his life time was Dauids friend and his sonne succeeded him in his kingdome to whom Dauid sent embassadors to comfort him exhorting him to disgest his fathers death with patience assuring him that he would expresse no lesse loue towards him then he did vnto his father But the gouernours of the Ammonites entertained this embassage verie contumeliously and not according as Dauid had kindly intended it and murmured against their king telling him that they were but spies sent by Dauid to seeke into his forces and discouer the strength of his countrey vnder a pretext of humanitie counselling him to stand vpon his guard and not to giue eare to his protestation least being deceiued he should fall into some remedilesse inconuenient Naas king of the Ammonites supposing that his gouernors spoke nothing but truth outraged the embassadors that were sent vnto him with great iniuries for causing the halfe of their beards to be shauen close by the chin and cutting away the halfe of their vestments he sent them back againe returning their answeres not in words but in deeds Which when Dauid saw he was grieuously displeased and made it knowne that he would not suffer that mockerie and iniurie so easily to be disgested but that he would make warre on the Ammonites and reuenge those indignities that were offered to his embassadors The friends and gouernors of Naas considering how they had violated and broken the peace and how for that occasion they deserued to be punished prepared for the war and sent one thousand talents to Syrus king of Mesopotamia requiring him that he would be their consederate in that warre and receiue their pay they requested the like of Subas these kings had 20000. footmen in camp They hired also with their mony the king of the countrey called Michas and the fourth called Istob which two had with them 12000. thousand souldiers CHAP. VII How Dauid ouercame the Mesopotamians BVt Dauid was no whit amated neither with the confederacie nor force of the Ammonites but trusting in God resolued that the cause of his warre was iust for which cause he continued in reuenge of those outrages which he had receiued by them Hauing therefore mustered vnder Ioab the flower of his whole army he commanded him to depart and make warre vpon them who came and incamped himselfe before their chiefest Citie called Aramath which when the enemies perceiued they issued foorth and arranged themselues in battell not altogether but in two seuerall parts For their confederates and allies were