Epistle to the Prefects of Syria Sisin and his Associates being certified of the Kings pleasure resolved to conform themselves unto it and taking the care of the sacred buildings upon them they assisted the Princes and Magistrates of the Jews Ezra 6. 17. in such sort as the building of the Temple was finished I with great diligence The finishing of the Temple by the instigation of the Prophets Aggeus and Zachary according to Gods commandment and by the directions of the Kings Cyrus and Darius so that it was finish'd within seven years In the ninth year of the Reign of Darius and the three and twenty of the eleventh month call'd by us Adar and by the Macedonians Distre the Priests and Levites and all the rest of the people offer'd sacrifices and gave thanks for the renovation of their former felicity after their captivity and for their new Temple also sacrificing 100 Bulls 200 Sheep 400 Lambs 12 Goats according to the number of the 12 Tribes of Israel and for the sins of each of them The Priests and Levites also according to the laws of Moses appointed Porters to every gate For the Jews had built Galleries round about and within the Temple K Now when the Feast of unleavened bread which is the feast of Easter drew near Ver. 15. in the first month called Xanthicus by the Macedonians The Temple dedicated 23 of March or as it is in the 1 of Esdras 6. dedicated the third of March Ver. 16 c. and Nisan by the Hebrews all the people of the Towns round about Jerusalem resorted thither and celebrated the Feast purifying themselves their wives and children according to the ordinance of their Forefathers And after they had solemniz'd the Feast call'd Easter or the Passeover in the 14th Moon they rejoyced for seven days space sparing no cost how great soever They offer'd burnt-offerings also and sacrifices of thanksgiving The Passeover celebrated acknowledging Gods goodness that had brought them home into their native Countrey to live according to the laws of their Forefathers The form of Commonweal in Jerusalem and had caused them to find favor in the eyes of the King of Persia Thus dwelt they in Jerusalem sacrificing unto and serving God and living under L the Government of their Nobility For they set up a kind of Aristocratical Government and the chief authority remain'd in the High-Priests until the Asmonaeans obtained the Kingdom for before the captivity of Babylon they were under the Government of Kings who began from Saul and Davids times about some 532 years six months and ten days and before their Kings certain Governors call'd Judges reigned and under this sort of Polity liv'd they more than 500 years The Samaritans mighty enemies of the Jews from the death of Moses and Joshua And this was the state of the Jews after their captivity during the days of Cyrus and Darius True it is that the Samaritans were their mighty and malicious adversaries and did them many mischiefs trusting in their riches and pretending to be the Persians kinsmen because their original proceeded from thence For they refused to pay M that Tribute which the King had commanded them to disburse unto the Jews to make their sacrifices and the Governors of Syria and Phoenicia lost no opportunity which might promote their design For which cause the Jews determined to send Ambassadors unto King Darius The Embassage of the Jews to Darius to accuse the Samaritans and to that intent Zorobabel and four others were sent As soon therefore as the King understood by these Ambassadors what crimes and accusations they had brought against the Samaritans he dispatched his letters and addressed them to the Governors and Council of Samaria the tenour of which letters was to this effect King Darius to Tangara and Sambaba Governors of Samaria to Sadrach and Bobelon N and to their companions our servants being in Samaria health Zorobabel Ananias and Mardocheus Ambassadors in the behalf of the Jews accuse you to be disturbers of the building of their Temple C. 7. v. 11 12. alledging that you refuse to discharge that which by my decree you ought to furnish them with A commandment to supply the charge of the building of the Temple and Sacrifices for the charge of the Sacrifices My will is therefore that upon the sight of these Letters you deliver out of the Royal Treasury in Samaria appointed for the Tributes all that which shall be necessary for them to perform their Sacrifices upon the requests of the Priests to the intent they let pass no day without sacrifice and prayer unto O God for me and for the Persians This was the contents of his Letters CHAP. V. The year of the World 3506. before Christ's Nativity 458. A Xerxes succeeds his Father Darius in the Kingdom he permitteth Esdras to return with a great number of Jews to Jerusalem Esdras obligeth those that had taken strangers to Wife to send them back His Praise and his Death Nehemiah obtains leave to build the walls of Jerusalem and finisheth that great work AFter Darius death his son Xerxes succeeded him not only as Heir in the government of his Kingdom but also as Successor unto his piety and devotion towards God for he changed not those institutions of his Father that concern'd religious service Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. but B but with great benevolence favoured all the Jews 1 Esdras 7. During his Reign Joacim the son of Jesus was High-Priest Xerxes King of Persia amongst them also that remained in Babylon there lived a Priest with the Jews in that place called Esdras Esdras learned in the law a just man and one of great reputation amongst the people and whereas he was very skilful in the laws of Moses he was much esteem'd by the King This man intending with certain other Jews of Babylon to return to Jerusalem besought the King that he would vouchsafe to bestow his letters of commendations to the Governors of Syria in his behalf Nehem. 2. 1. ad 11. Whereupon the King gave him letters of recommendation to the Governors Xerxes favoureth the Jews certifying them of his favor towards Esdras and to the Princes in those parts to this effect C Xerxes King of Kings to Esdras the Priest and Reader of the Divine Law health It is decreed by me and seven other of my Council that whosoever in my kingdom of the Israelites their Priests or Levites will repair with thee unto Jerusalem may freely do it with my licence and may settle themselves in Judea there to serve the God of their Fathers bearing with them those Presents unto the God of Israel which I had my friends have vowed to offer unto him I likewise give thee licence to take with thee all the gold and silver which any of thy Nation living here in Babylon will offer up unto God to buy
so doing they should be in security For the thirteenth day of the twelfth month by the Hebrews called Adar and by the Mecedonians Distre the posts that carried the Kings letters certified them that they should exterminate their enemies on that very day whereon they themselves were in danger to be exterminated The Governors likewise of the Provinces the Lords and chief Magistrates did honour to the Jews for the fear they had of Mardocehus and after the Kings Letters were published it came to pass that the Jews slew about five hundred of their enemies Within the City of Susa the King declared unto Esther the number of the dead that perished in the City Esther 9. v. 2. 5 10 13. and suspecting what might happen thorow the whole Countrey he asked her if she requested any further matter promising her that D he would see it executed she besought him that it might be lawful for the Jews to revenge themselves yet once more the next day upon their enemies and to hang Hamans ten Sons upon the gibbet which the King being loth to contradict Esther permitted so that on the 14. day of the Month Distre they slew about three hundred more of their enemies without taking the smallest portion of their goods Furthermore the Jews slew in the Countrey and in the Cities about sixty five thousand of their enemies whom they dispatched the thirteenth day of the month and solemnized the day following in mirth and feasting The Jews that were at Susan assembled themselves likewise on the fourteenth day of the month and banquetted that whole day Whence it cometh to pass that all the Jews which are throughout the world keep and solemnize E this day for a festival and send Presents the one unto the other Mardocheus also wrote unto the Jews who lived under the Empire of Artaxerxes commanding them to observe those dayes and to solemnize them willing them to charge their Successors to do the like to the end that this feast might continue for ever For since on that day they should have been destroyed by Haman they should do well if after they had escaped that danger and taken revenge on their enemies they should observe the same day to give thanks to God For this cause the Jews keep a solemn feast on these dayes and call it Purim that is to say Lotts But Mardocheus was great and powerfull with the King Governing the whole Kingdom under him and had also all the power that could be conferred on him by the Queen and for this cause the affairs of the Jews had F better success than was hoped but there was nothing during the whole reign of Artaxerxes which hapned to be of greater importanance than this which we are going to relate C. 10 per totum Puraea festa Mardocheus authority G H CHAP. VII The year of the World 3584. before Christ's Nativity 380. John the High-Priest kills Jesus his brother in the Temple Manasses the brother of Jaddus the High-Priest espouseth the daughter of Sanaballath Governor of Samaria AFter the death of Eliasib the High-Priest Judas his son succeeded in the office And Judas being dead Hedio Ruffinus cap. 7. John his son obtained the place and was the cause that Bagoses General of Artaxerxes Army The revenge taken of John for slaying his brother polluted the Temple and made the Jews tributaries so I that before they could offer their ordinary and daily sacrifices they were compelled to pay for every Lamb 50 drachmes which hapned upon this occasion John had a brother called Jesus whom Bagoses favoured and promised to give him the High-Priesthood One day these two Brethren being in the Temple they fell out about the succession and the quarrel rose so high that John slew his brother Jesus in that holy place It was a thing very strange that John being a Priest should commit such an impiety against his brother and yet far more strange in that so cruel an act and an offence so impious hath neither hapned amongst Greeks nor Barbarians But God left it not unpunished in that for the same sin the people lost their liberty and the Temple was polluted by the Persians When Bagoses had intelligence that John the High-Priest among the Jews had slain his brother Jesus in the Temple Jaddus High-Priest whose brother Manasses marrieth Sanaballaths daughter he came thither in all haste and began to break K forth into bitter threats against the Jews Have you said he been so bold as to commit murther in your Temple And when he attempted to enter they hindered him Whereupon he replied Am I therefore more polluted than the body that lieth dead in the Temple And having spoken thus he entred thereinto and for the space of seven years Bagoses being thus incensed against the Jews punish'd them for murthering Jesus After that John was deceased Jaddus his son was made High-Priest who had a brother called Manasses Sanaballath sent by the late King Darius to govern Samaria for he also was of the race of the Chuteans from whom came the Samaritans knowing that Jerusalem was a famous City and that the Kings thereof wrought much trouble unto the Inhabitants of Assyria and Coelosyria he willingly marrieth his daughter Nicasis to this Manasses with L an intent that this Marriage should be as a pledge of his good will to the Nation of the Jews CHAP. VIII Alexander the great King of Macedonia passeth out of Europe into Asia destroyes the Empire of the Persians and when it was believed that he would have demolish'd the City of Jerusalem he pardons the Jews and treats them very favourably M ABout this time Philip King of Macedon died in the City of Aegaea being traiterously slain by Pausanias the son of Cerastes Alexander made King after Philip his father King of Macedon of the race of Orestes and his son Alexander succeeded him in the kingdom who passing over the Hellespont gave battel unto the huge Army of Darius near the River Granic and there obtained a famous victory And hereupon also invading the Countrey of Lydia after he had conquered Jonia and over-run Caria he fell upon the quarters of Pamphilia as is declared in another place But the Elders of Jerusalem were much displeased that Jaddus's brother who was at that time High Priest and had married a foreign Woman should be companion and associate with him in the Priesthood so as they mutined against him For they supposed that that Marriage would be but a means to animate those who had a mind to profane Marriages N and prove an inducement to others to communicate in Marriage with strangers calling to mind that the cause of their evils and first captivity was because some of them had fallen and offended by coupling themselves with Women of foreign Nations They therefore commanded Manasses either to forsake his Wife or else never more to approach the Altar The High-Priest likewise being
Arms of those that fled to be gather'd up He honour'd them also that had bravely demeaned themselves in the Battel and praised the Captain Josuah in publick whose honour was confirm'd by the applause of the whole Army There was not one Hebrew that perished that day though so many of the Enemies were there put to the Sword as their D number cannot be express'd The prediction of the utter ruine of the Amalekites He offer'd likewise a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving unto God and erected an Altar unto him and dedicated it To God the Victor He prophesied moreover that all the Amalekites should be utterly extinguish'd so that none of them should be left alive in that they had assaulted the Hebrews and that in the Desart and at such time as they were in affliction After which he made a Feast for the General to testifie the joy he had for his Victory This issue had this Battel which was the first that they fought after their departure out of Egypt The Israelites come to the mountain of Sinai But as soon as Moses had celebrated a Feast in memory of the Victory to the end he might give the Hebrews some refreshment after the Battel he caused them to march in aray for now the Arms gotten from the Enemies being given to those that wanted there were more armed Soldiers than before E Thus passing onwards by little and little they arriv'd the third month after their departure out of Egypt near to the mountain of Sinai where as before is declar'd Moses saw the Vision in the Bush with other Wonders CHAP. III. What counsel Raguel gave to his Son-in-law Moses WHen Raguel Hedio Ruffinus cap. 3. Moses Father-in-law understood of this his good success he came with great joy to Moses Exod. 18. 1 2. with purpose to salute him his daughter Zephora and her F children Raguel cometh to Moses to the Desart of Sinai who greatly rejoycing at his arrival offer'd a Sacrifice to God and feasted the People near the Bush that could not be consum'd by fire and in the Banquet the People were ranked according to the order and place of every Family But Aaron with Raguel and all the multitude sung praises to God ascribing to him both the means and manner of their liberty They also spake much in honour of Moses by whose virtue all things had so fortunate an issue Hedio Ruffinus cap. 4. and Raguel particularly celebrated the honour of the People and Moses their Governor by whose prudence so many good and valiant men were guided The next day Raguel seeing Moses oppressed with the multitude of business by reason that he decided all their differences that were brought to him as all were out of an opinion of his ability and integrity so that even they that were condemned G by him endur'd the Verdict patiently knowing that their Cause was by him decided rather by the rule of Justice than by Interest of Affection he for that time kept silence being loth to hinder them who pretended to receive benefit by the justice of H his Son-in-law But when he found him at convenient leisure he took him apart and told him privately what he ought to do counselling him to discharge himself of that trouble concerning affairs of so little consequence and to reserve only to himself those of the greatest importance Exod. 18. 13 14. ad 24. and which concern'd the publick estate of them all There being divers persons amongst the Hebrews to be found capable and sufficient to hear and determine the ordinary Pleas Raguel otherwise called Jethro Moses father-in-law counselleth him to choose Judges amongst the Israelites but for those which regarded the general good of the People he alone was fit to undergo the burthen of them Knowing therefore said he thy vertue and how worthily thou hast behaved thy self toward the People being the Minister of God for their safety suffer them to determine amongst themselves those differences that arise amongst them and reserve thy self wholly to intend the service of God to the end thou may'st I more easily assist the People in their important necessities If therefore thou givest credit to my counsel in humane affairs thou shalt muster thy whole Army and establish Chieftains that shall command over Ten thousands and thousands and five hundreds and over fifties and shalt ordain Governors over them who dividing them by thirties twenties and tens may conduct and rule them And let some be appointed amongst them who may receive Titles according to the number and names of those they commanded who being approved by the whole company to be of good fame and upright conscience may hear and determine all their differences And if any controversie shall fall out amongst any of them in authority they shall refer the deciding of that difficulty to thee By this means neither shall any of the Hebrews be defrauded of his right and thou thy self serving God without molestation may'st render him more and more favourable K unto thine Army This counsel of Raguel highly pleas'd Moses Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. so that he order'd all things according to his advice not concealing the Author of it nor attributing it to himself but declaring publickly to all men Ver. 24. that his Father-in-law was the Inventor thereof Moses alloweth his father-in-laws advice He hath likewise written in his Books that Raguel was the Author of this Government accounting it no less honour to attribute praise to those that deserve it than shame to usurp upon another mans merit so that hereby you may conjecture his virtue of which hereafter in many places we have more to say Moses afterwards assembling all the People told them that he would ascend the mountain of Sinai to talk with God to the end that he might afterwards return to them and impart to them whatsoever good things he L should receive from him on their behalf He likewise commanded them to pitch their Tents about the mountain and to have it in reverence by reason of the presence of God CHAP. IV. Moses ascends the Mountain Exod. 19. and receives the Tables of the Ten Commandments from God and gives them to the People THis said Hedio Ruffinus cap. 6. he ascended the mountain Sinai which is the highest beyond comparison M of all that Countrey and which by reason of its steep and inaccessible ragged Rocks Moses ascendeth the mountain of Sinai is not only unfrequented by men but also cannot be beheld without some fear Besides it being reported that God commonly dwells on the same it is held sacred by the Inhabitants Exod. 19. 2 3 4. 14 c. and dreadful and inaccessible to all that behold it But the Hebrews according to the commandment of the Prophet removing their Tents pitched them at the foot of the Hill being full of hope of the favors which he had promised them to
outrages were best liking unto them For this cause the Prophet Jeremy came unto him protesting oftentimes against him and denouncing That if he would not forsake his impieties and addict himself to that which was just but gave ear unto his Governors amongst which there were many wicked men nnd to those false Prophets that mis-led him trusting that the Babylonians should not make War against his City but that the Egyptians should levy an Army and overcome them that then he should suffer much misery For said he they have no truth in their sayings and they will always mislead you by false reports Whil'st Sedechias gave ear to these discourses of the Prophet he was persuaded and acknowledg'd all that to be true which he had spoken and very profitable both for him Ezekiel prophesieth the destruction of the Temple and his people but anon after his friends corrupted him and diverted him according E to their own opinions Ezekiel also at the same time had prophesied in Babylon concerning all those calamities which were to fall upon the Temple and sent notice to Jerusalem of that which he had received from God Notwithstanding Sedechias gave no credit to his Prophesies by reason that all the Prophets were accustomed to accord in all things the one with the other as touching the surprisal of the City and the imprisonment of Sedechias but Ezekiel differed in this that he said that Sedechias should not see Babylon notwithstanding that Jeremy had prophesied that the King of Babylon should lead him away Prisoner in bonds Ver. 20. because therefore these two accorded not in all their sayings Sedechiâ—s revolts from the Babylonian he concluded that the matter wherein they agreed was of no consequence Notwithstanding all things hapned unto him according as the Prophets had pronounced as F we will declare hereafter Hedio Ruffinus cap. 10. After that he had continued his alliance and friendship with the King of Babylon for the space of eight years 2 Kings 25. 4. ad 12. he brake the league that was between them and confederated with the Egyptians under hope that they should overcome the Babylonians The King of Egypt coming to rescue the King of Jerusaâ—em is overthrown by Nabuchodonosor with all his Army and driven out of Syria Which when the King of Babylon understood he led forth his Army against him and destroy'd his Countrey to the uttermost so that after he had taken his Cities of defence he brought his Army before Jerusalem and besieged it The Egyptian perceiving the state wherein his Ally Sedechias was levied an huge Army and came into Judea with an intent to raise the siege Whereupon the Babylonian withdrew his Army from Jerusalem to encounter with the Egyptian and fought with him and overcame him in battel and pressed on him with such courage that he put him to flight and drave him G out of Syria As soon as the Babylonian was dislodged from Jerusalem the false Prophets deceived Zedechias telling him That the Babilonian should never more return to make War either H against him or his Nation and that he should never any more depart from his house in Babylon and that they who had been led away captives should return home again loaden with those vessels of the Temple which the King of Babylon had taken from them But the Prophet Jeremy presenting himself before the King prophesied the contrary to these Impostors Zedechias seduced by false Prophets assuring both him and the People That no profit could befall them by means of the Egyptians for that the Babilonians should overcome them and should return and encamp before Jerusalem The Prophecy of the captivity of Babylon and the delivery and besiege the same and destroy the People by Famine and lead them away Prisoners that were remaining and carry away all their substance and that after they were seized of the riches of their Temple they should finally burn the same As for the City they should raze it Jer. 25. v. 1. ad 12. and said he they shall keep us captive for the space of 70 years And I from this servitude the Persians and Medes shall deliver us at such time as they have gotten the Empire out of the hands of the Babilonians Jer. 29. 1 ad 10. then shall they send us back again into our Countrey C. 37. per tot and we shall build our Temple anew and establish the City of Jerusalem Divers men gave credit to these words of Jeremy but the Governors and such as contemned God intreated him very cruelly as if he had been a man beside himself And whereas he had an intent to visit his Native Countrey Anathoth some 20 furlongs from Jerusalem one of the Magistrates encountring him in his journey and laying hold on him retained him loading him with this slander That he stole away to submit himself to the Babilonians But Jeremy answer'd That he was falsely accused and that he repaired only to the place where he was born This Prince giving him no credit arrested him and brought him K before the judgment-seat Jerusalem besieged where he sustained all sorts of outrages and torments and was shut up in Prison to be punish'd and remain'd there for a time suffering the extremity of wrong and injury 2 Kings 25. 1 ad 10. The ninth year of the Reign of Zedechias and on the tenth day of the ninth month Jer. 39. 1 ad 19. the King of Babilon came and encamped the second time before Jerusalem Two mighty enemies Famine and Pestilence and intrenched himself round about the same for the space of 18 months and laid siege thereto using his utmost endeavor to make himself Master of the place And they that were besieged therein were afflicted with two of the greatest calamities Famine and a most grievous Pestilence Jeremy persuadeth them to yield At this time the Prophet Jeremy being in Prison held not his peace but cryed with a loud voice and preached and exhorted the People willing them to entertain the Babilonians and to open their gates unto them because that in so L doing they might secure themselves with their families whereas otherwayes they were assured of destruction He foretold them also That if any one remained in the City he should most assuredly either perish by famine or the enemies fury but if so be they submitted themselves to the enemies mercy they should escape from death But those Governors that heard him speak after this sort gave him no credit in that they were not as yet pressed with the danger for which cause they came unto the King and after a despiteful manner told him all that which had been spoken accusing Jeremy and reproving him for a mad man urging this That he had abated their courage and by his woful predictions had weakned the hearts of the people which were otherwayes ready to fight for him and their Countrey
against Mardocheus Haman having all his treacheries and crulty discovered in the banquet is adjudged to the gallows and thereupon presently commanded that he should be hanged upon the same gibbet until he were dead And here we cannot but admire the Providence of God in considering his wisdom and justice in that he not only punished the wickedness of Haman as he had deserved but also caused him to fall into the same snare which he had prepared for another maâ— Thus died I Haman who had unjustly abused the Kings friendship as for his goods they were given unto the Queen After this the King called Mardochus unto him for already he had notice that he was his Wifes Uncle and gave him the ring which he had given unto Haman Hesther 8 1 2. the Queen likewise gave him his goods Hamans goods bestowed on Mardocheus and intreated the King to deliver her from those apprehensions into which she had been cast by those Letters which were sent out by that wicked man Haman in his Majesties name to the Governours of the several Provinces with instruction to Massacre the Jews extirpate and their whole Nation assuring him that she could not live to behold the death of her brethren and the total ruine of her Countrey The King made no difficulty in granting her request assuring her that K he would not contradict her will permitting her to write in the Kings name all that she would have done in the behalf of the Jews promising that when she had done the same he would Seal it with his own Seal and give her authority to send it thorow all his Provinces to the end that they that read those Letters confirmed by the Kings Seal should not any wayes oppose the execution of them Whereupon he sent for his Secretaries of State commanding them to write unto the Magistrates of all the Nations touching the Jews and to the Princes and Governors of one hundred twenty and seven Provinces from India as far as Ethiopia The Contents of which Letters were these L Artaxerxes the great King to the Governours and those that faithfully rule under us Health Many men being puffed up withpride av 5 ad finem by reason of the many benefits and honors The Kings Letters for the security of the Jews which they receive throgh the liberality of their benefactors do not only excercise their pride towards their inferiours but also are not afraid to wax insolent against those who are the authors of their benefits extinguishing as much as in them lieth all manner of gratitude amongst men and believing that it is in their power to deceive God himself and rob him of his Justice so that when the favor of their Princes hath given them power and authority in the Government of their affairs in stead of applying themselves to the benefit of the publick they have given M place to the hatred they have conceived against some particular men and deceived their Princes by false accusations and detractions and provoked their wrath against those who have not done amiss whence it cometh to pass that they have been sometimes in extream danger to lose their life The proof whereof appeareth not only in ancient Histories the knowledg whereof we have only obtained by hear-say but by that likewise which hath been audaciously attempted before our eyes so that hereafter we ought not to give credit to detractions and accusations nor to such things as men inforce themselves to perswade but it behoveth every man to judge according to the truth of that he knoweth and to punish those which are guilty and to pardon the innocent in considering their acts and not the words that are spoken For it is most notorious unto all men that Haman the Son of Amaeath an Amalechite by Nation and by that N means a stranger and not of the Persian blood but entertained by us hath in all things enjoyed the fruit of our bounty hitherto so that he hath been called our father honoured by all men and obtained amongst all men and in all things the second place after us yet could he not make a moderate use of his happiness nor prudently entertain the greatness of his felicity but hath sought means to deprive Mardocheus of his life who preserved mine seeking by his fraud and malice to practise the ruine of Esther the companion of our life and Kingdome and by this means striving to dispossess me of my most faithfull friends he determined to transfer the Kingdom unto others Touching my self in that I know that the Jews who are by this wretch destinated to die are no wicked men but such as live vnder a strict and holy disipline praying God continually that it would please him to continue the Kingdom O in us and our Successors I absolve them not only from that penalty contained in my former Letters sent by Haman which by these presents I utterly disanul but my pleasure likewise is that they be had in all honour As for him that practised these things against them I have caused him and all his race to be hanged before the gates of Susan according to the just A Judgement of God inflicted on them for their offences My will and pleasure therefore is That the Copy of this Letter be sent through all Countreys belonging to us to the intent that the Jews be suffered to live according to their own Laws in peace and that assistance may be given them to the end they may revenge themselves of those who have offered them outrage in their adversity And I command that this be done the thirteenth day of the twelfth month called Adar which is the day that God ordained for their preservation when they were appointed to be slain which day I wish may be fortunate to those that love us and a monument of revenge on those that intended our ruine My pleasure likewise is that all men Cities and Nations should know that whosoever shall neglect through obstinacy to fulfil the tenor of this my Mandate he shall be pursued with fire and sword and let these Coppies be set up B throughout all our Dominions and let each man of the Jews upon the prefixed day prepare himself to be revenged on his enemies As soon as the Posts had received these Letters they presently mounted on horsback and rode each of them his appointed way The Jews reveng them on their enemies and Mardocheus being cloathed in a Royal habit and adorned with a crown of Gold on his head and a chain of Gold about his neck came forth and the Jews of Susan seeing him thus honoured by the King supposed that his good success was an assurance of their own and when the Kings Letters were published The Jews lookt upon them as a favourable ray of light which portended their deliverance and their enemies were in so great fear that divers of other C Nations circumcised themselves supposing in that
may now be called the Temple of Jupiter of Grece by which means we shall be deliver'd from all trouble and being at liberty to F attend our Affairs we may the easier and more willingly pay you the greater Tributes To this request of the Samaritans the King answer'd sending them back their own Letter King Antiochus to Nicanor Health The Sidonians of Sichem have sent us this request to which we annex unto these our Letters Since they who were sent unto us to this intent have sufficiently made appear both to us and our Council that they are utterly strangers unto those Crimes wherewith the Jews are charged and are desirous to live according to the Laws of the Grecians we absolve them in as much as concerneth this Cause and their Temple which hereafter shall be called by the name of Jupiter of G Grece We have writen to the like effect also to Apollonius their Governor Given the 46th year and the eleventh of the month Hecatomhaeon which signifieth August H CHAP. VIII The year of the World 3799. before Christ's Nativity 165. Matthias and his sons sâ—ay those that were sent by King Antiochus to compel them to offer abominable Sacrifices and after betake themselves to the Desart They are followed by many others of whom a great number are stifled in their Caves because they would not defend themselves on the Sabbath-day Matthias abolisheth that Superstition and exhorts his sons to assert their priviledges and deliver their Countrey from bondage AT this time there dwelt a certain man in Modin a village of Jury whose name was Matthias who was the son of John who was the son of Simon the son of Asmonaeus I a Priest of the rank of Joarib born in Jerusalem This Matthias had 5 sons John call'd Gaddis Simon call'd Matthes Judas call'd Machabeus Eleazar named Auran Jonathan called Aphus This Matthias oftentimes complain'd unto his sons of the deplorable condition to which their Nation was reduc'd of the ruine of their City the desolation of their Temple The zeal and piety of Matthias and his sons and the miseries of the People telling them That it were better for them to die in the defence of the Laws and Religion of their Forefathers than to live dishonourably amidst so many calamities When therefore the Commissaries deputed by the King came unto Modin to constrain the Jews to perform that which was enjoin'd them and to command them to sacrifice according to the ordinance requiring Matthias who surpassed the rest in honour and other qualities but especially in excellency of descent and nobility K to begin first of all to offer sacrifice to the end that the rest might follow him and be induc'd by his example assuring him That the King would testifie his being well-pleased with his compliance by the rewards which he would suddenly send him Matthias answer'd That he would by no means commit that Idolatry assuring them That although all other Nations of the World either for love or fear of punishment should obey the Edicts of Antiochus yet that neither he nor any of his children would be induc'd to forsake their fathers Religion As soon as he had return'd this answer he held his peace and a certain Jew stepped forth to offer sacrifice according to Antiochus ordinance An Apostate slain by Matthias wherewith Matthias was so much displeas'd that both he and his sons fell upon him and with their swords hew'd him in pieces He slew Apelles the Kings Captain likewise and the Soldiers which he brought with him to compel L the people to commit impiety And not content herewith he overthrew the â—ltar crying out with a loud voice If said he any one be affected to the Laws of his Fathers and the service of God Matthias with his sons flieth into the desart let him follow me And this said he presently retir'd into the Desart with his sons leaving the Borough utterly unpeopled The rest after his example retir'd also into the Desart with their Wives and Children and made their habitation in Caves The Kings Captains having intelligence hereof gather'd those Forces that were at that time in the Cittadel of Jerusalem and pursued the Jews into the Desart And having overtaken them they labour'd first of all to make them submit themselves and to make choice of that which was most for their advantage rather than to endanger themselves and enforce them to chastise their disobedience with blood But the Jews nothing M mov'd herewith resolv'd rather to die than commit such an impiety Whereupon they who omitted no opportunity assailed the Jews on a sabbath-Sabbath-day and burnt them within their Caves who neither resisted their Enemies nor so much as closed up the mouths of their Caves forbearing to make any resistance by reason of the day resolving with themselves not to violate the Sabbath-day for we are commanded to cease from all labour on that day The Jews are slain on the Sabbath-day which slaughter maketh Matthias more wary There were therefore about a thousand stifled in their Caves with their Wives and Children Yet notwithstanding divers escaped and joined themselves with Matthias whom they chose for their Captain who declared unto them That they ought to fight on the sabbath-Sabbath-day assuring them That if they did not but scrupulously observed the Law they themselves should be enemies unto themselves if perhaps the Enemy should assail them N on that day and they should not stand upon their guard for by that means they should be destroyed without resistance Hereby he persuaded them to do as he had said and until this day it is a custom among us that if need require we make no difficulty to fight on the Sabbath-day Matthias rooteth out all Idolatry Matthias therefore having assembled a sufficient number of men about him destroyed the Altars and slew those that had forsaken their Religion as many of them as he could lay hands on For divers were scatter'd here and there among the Nations for fear he commanded these to circumcise their children that were not circumcised Hedio Ruffinus cap. 8. driving those from every place whom Antiochus had ordain'd to see his Law executed After that Matthias had govern'd for the space of one year he fell sick of a dangerous disease whereupon he called for his sons and spake unto them after this manner My O sons I must now go that way which is destined unto all men I therefore exhort you to follow my advice and diligently to observe it remembring the intent of your father who hath begot and nourish'd you which is to maintain the Laws of our Countrey and to establish our State which is in danger to be overthrown and hold no correspondence with those that would betray it to the A Enemy Let it appear to all the World that ye are my children indeed strengthen your hearts with courage to overcome all force and necessity And assure your selves
he wept with all those that accompanied him And having chosen out certain of his best Soldiers he commanded them to assault the Garison that were in the Fortress whiles he himself purged the Temple Which command of his being exactly and resolutely fulfilled he sent for new Vessels a Candlestick a Table an Altar of Incense all made of Gold He put also veils or hangings to the doors accustomed to be spread abroad and made Gates to the Temple And having thrown down the Altar of burnt-offerings which had been prophaned by Antiochus he built a new one of all sorts of stones neither hewen nor hammered according to art The 25 day of the month of Chasleu with us September there were lights set upon the Candlesticks and perfumes F laid upon the Altar and loaves upon the Table and sacrifices offer'd upon the new Altar The Temple left desolate for 3 whole years space All which hapned the same day three years wherein the sacred Religion was changed into prophaness and impiety For the Temple was ruinated and left desolate by Antiochus and remained in that state for the space of three whole years For this desolation hapned in the 145th year 〈…〉 and the 25th day of the month call'd Apellaeus or August in the 153 Olympiad and the Temple was purified the same day in the year 148 and the 154 Olympiad This desolation of the Temple hapned according as Daniel had foretold four hundred and eight years before for he declared that the Macedonians should destroy it After that Judas had re-establish'd the service of the Temple 〈…〉 both he and his Countreymen G solemniz'd a feast for eight dayes omitting not any kind of lawful pleasure banquetting sumptuously and honouring God in Hymns and Psalms Thus rejoyced they H at this re-establishment The year of the World 3801. before Christ's Nativity 163. seeing that contrary to all hope after so long time they had recover'd the customs of their Countrey and their ancient Religion so that a Decree was made for those that should come after whereby it was commanded That for the space of eight dayes the rebuilding of the Temple should be solemnized with the ceremonies and ancient ordinances And ever since that time until this day we celebrate this feast called the Feast of Lights for this reason in my opinion because this so great felicity began to shine unto us as a light contrary to all hope He inclosed the City likewise with a wall and built high Towers thereon in which he placed Garisons against the incursions of the enemies He fortified the City of Bethsura also that it might serve as a Fort against the enemy I Whil'st these things passed thus Hedio Ruffinus cap. 13. the Nations round about displeased with the re-establishment and power of the Jews Machab. 5. slew divers of them whom they surprized by ambushes and treachery Judas maketh continual War with the neighbouring Nations On those Judas made continual War to hinder their incursions and to make them partakers of those evils they had inflicted upon the Jews So that invading Acrabathan he slew the Idumaeans that were descended from Esau and brought away a great prey out of their Countrey and shut up the sons of Baan their Prince who lay in wait for the Jews and having besieg'd them he overcame them setting fire on their Towers and killing all the men that were therein After this he departed from thence and made War upon the Ammonites who had a great and mighty Army under the conduct of Timotheus These he encounter'd and overcame and took their City of Jazor K and burnt it and led away their wives and children into captivity and afterwards returned into Judea The neighbouring Nations hearing of this assembled themselves together in Galaad against the Jews who inhabited the frontiers of Galaad who having retired to the Fort of Dathema sent Letters unto Judas to let him know That Timotheus intended to surprize the place whereunto they were retreated and requested him to deliver them from this danger And whil'st he was reading of these Letters certain messengers came unto him out of Galilee Hedio Ruffinus cap. 11. to inform him that they were assaulted by the Inhabitants of Ptolemais Tyre Sidon and other People thereabouts L CHAP. XII The Exploits of Simon the brother of Judas Machabeus in Galilee Judas accompanied with Jonathan his brother obtaineth a victory over the Ammonites Some other performances of Judas JVdas that he might send relief to these two parties that were assaulted both at the same time commanded his brother Simon to take 3000 chosen men with him and to go and succour those Jews that were assailed in Galilee and himself accompanied with Jonathan his other brother and 8000 fighting men repaired unto the Countrey of Galaad leaving the government of the rest of the Forces in the hands of Joseph the son of M Zachary and Azarias commanding them to have a careful and diligent eye to Judea and not to engage with any one until his return Simon coming into Galilee fought against his enemies Simon overcometh his enemies in Galilee delivereth the Jews that were captive and discomfited them and afterwards pursuing them that fled as far as the gates of Ptolemais he slew about 3000 and after he had gather'd the spoils of such as were slain he set many Jews at liberty who were Prisoners and having restor'd them to their goods he retir'd back again to his Countrey But Judas Machabeus and Jonathan his brother having past Jordan and marched on the other side thereof for the space of three dayes Judas and Jonathan succor the Jews besieged in Galaad came at length to the Nabathaeans who peaceably came out to meet them by whom he understood the state of those that were in Galaad and how divers of them were in extreme want inclosed and besieged in Castles and Cities of the Countrey by N their enemies These likewise besought him to make haste and encounter the strangers and to seek the means to save their Countreymen Hereupon he returned into the Desart and first of all assailed the Inhabitants of Bosra and took their City and set it on fire Bosta taken and burnt killing all the men that were therein who were able to bear Arms. Neither was he contented therewith but when night drew on he marched towards another Castle where the Jews were inclosed and shut up by Timothy and his Army and coming up to them about break of day he surprized the Enemy at such time as they were raising their ladders to scale the walls and made ready their engines for battery whereupon he caused the Trumpets to sound and after he had encouraged his People to fight valiantly and faithfully for their kinsmen and friends Judas succoreth the besieged Jews being in great danger and had distributed his O Forces into three Battalions he set upon the Enemies reerward
and became their Captains and no man opposed himself against their insolent proceedings Being by this means grown absolute and impregnable for that they had builded themselves a strong Fortress they sent unto the Inhabitants commanding them to pay them Tribute for their Cattle which they pastured so that this Tribute was sufficient to entertain them promising to those who obeyed them all friendship and that they would maintain them against all those that should wrong them of what place soever they were but if they did not that which they commanded K them they threatned them that they would kill all their Cattel The Inhabitants of the Countrey knowing themselves unable to oppose them obeyed them and sent them the number of Cattel which they required so that greater Forces daily joyned themselves with them and they grew to that power that they could make their excursions against those whom they intended to hurt Every one respected them and they were feared by all men so that their renown came at last to the ears of the King of Parthia The Governour of Babylon likewise intending to cut off this mischief before it grew to greater head assembled as many men as he could possible both Parthians and Babylonians Asinaeus and his Companions beset by the Governors and Princes of Babylon and marched forth against them with an intent to root them out before L they should have any inkling thereof to prepare themselves for their defence Having therefore prepared his Army he lay in ambush neer unto a Marish and the next day following which was the Sabbath in which the Jews forbear all kind of work he making his account that the Enemy durst not make head against him but without fight he should lead them away captives he march'd easily thinking to charge them unaware Asinaeus who at that time sat idly with his fellows having his Arms by him Ye men said he methinks I hear the neighing of Horses not such as when they are in their heat but as when they are backt by men Moreover I hear the noise of their Bridles and I fear lest the Enemies secretly stealing upon us should circumvent us let therefore some one of us go and discover what the matter is and M bring us word I would I were found a lyar in that which I have told you This said one of them went out to espie what the noise intended who running hastily back again told him that he had not falsly conjectured as touching the intent of the Enemy for that they were at hand and would not suffer themselves any longer to be out-braved by them He also declared that there was a mighty number of Horsemen who were assembled like a drove of Beasts sufficient and able utterly to overcome Asinaeus and all his Company forasmuch as they were not in a readiness to defend themselves and our Law forbiddeth us to do any manner of work on the Sabbath Asinaeus resolved with himself not to do that which the Spy had said but thought that it was better for them to behave themselves valiantly in their necessity wherein they were plunged N and that if they must needs die it better became them to make breach of their Law than to hearten their Enemies by their submission Asinaeus after he had encouraged his Souldiers putteth his Enemies to flight He therefore presently betook himself to his weapons and encouraged all those that were about him to make it known in effect what their valour was Whereupon all of them at once marched forth against the Enemy and slaughtered a great many of them for that they despising Asinaeus and his followers marched as if they went to lay hold on men already vanquished but in the end they were constrained to betake them to flight When the news of this skirmish was brought to the King of Parthia Asinaeus and Anilaeus are sought unto by Artabanus for friendship he was wholly astonished at the boldness of these two Brethren and had a great desire to see them and to speak with them He therefore sent one of the trustiest of his Guard to let them O understand that although King Artabanus had been injured by them in that they had invaded his Countrey notwithstanding said this Ambassadour he making A less account of the displeasure he hath conceived against you than of your Virtue hath sent me unto you to give you my hand and troth in his name for a safe conduct and security in your Voyage requiring you to be his friends he treateth therefore with you without any Deceit or Fraud promising you Gifts and Honours and resolveth to encrease your Dignity by his Power Asinaeus refused to enterprize this Voyage but sent his Brother Anilaeus with certain Presents such as he could possibly find He therefore departed with the Messenger and presented himself before Artabanus who seeing Anilaeus come alone asked him how it happened that Asinaeus came not with him And understanding that he stayed in his Marish through the fear that he had of him he swore by the Gods of his Ancestors that he would do him no wrong wishing them to give credit to his promise B and he stretched out his hand which is the greatest sign with which the Kings of that Countrey use to assure those that parley with them For after they have mutually given one another their hands there is no sinister practice to be feared and they from whom a man expecteth any harm are no more to be feared at such time as they have given this testimony of assurance This done Artabanus sent back Anilaeus to perswade his Brother Asinaeus to come to Court Artabanus did this supposing that this his Amity with the two Brothers would be a bridle for the Jews who otherwise might encroach upon his Governments For he feared lest if any Rebellion should happen and he should be troubled in that War Asinaeus and they of Babylon should grow more strong as well by the voluntary submission of the Jews as by force and C thereby should do him the more mischief Upon this deliberation he sent Anilaeus who easily perswaded his Brother giving him to understand among other things what good will the King bare him and the Oath that he had sworn so that both of them resorted to Artabanus who received them very graciously admiring Asinaeus's Virtue who had so great a courage in all his Enterprises considering especially that he was a man of low stature and who to look on seemed to be contemptible and he told his Friends that without comparison he had a greater heart than his body And when in banqueting he had named Asinaeus Abdagasis would have slain Asinaeus but Artabanus will not permit him and shewed him to Abdagasis the General of his Army signifying unto him with what valour these Brethren were endowed D in Feats of Arms Abdagasis required that it might be lawful for him to kill Asinaeus to the end he might punish
Son of Jonathas made an offer to Cestius to open the Gates to him but either through anger or diffidence he contemned the offer The Rebels understanding this Treason with stones constrained Ananus and his complies to throw themselves over the wall for their safety Which done they retired thmselves to the Towers from whence K 〈◊〉 beat back those that scaled the walls The Romans for five days space assaulted 〈◊〉 â—alls on every side but all invain and the sixth day Cestius with many chosen Solâ—â—â— and Bowmen assaulted the Temple on the North-side 〈…〉 burn the Temple-gates The Jews valiantly made reâ—â—ance out of the Porches and often repulsed the Romans as they approach'd the Walls yet at last by the multitude of their adversaries darts they were forced to give back Then the formost of the Romans holding their shields over their heads and leaning against the wall they in the second rank also held their Shields against those in the first and so in order until the last thereby making a Tortoise as the Romans call it or defence that all their shot and darts could do them no harm so that the Soldiers safely undermined the walls and attempted to fire the Gates of the Temple L The seditious were hereat greatly amazed and many fled out of the City as if it would presently be taken But the people were as glad of it as the Rebels were dismaied and came to the Gates to open them to Cestius as one who had well deserved at their hands And truly if he had but a little longer continued the siege he had taken the City But I think that God being angry with these wicked persons would not suffer the War to be ended at that time For Cestius neither regarding the good will of the people nor the desperation of the Rebels removed his Army from thence and having received no loss very unadvisedly departed from the City Cestius's sudden departure maketh the Thieves more confident at whose unlooked for flight the Rebels took heart and making after him they killed some Horse and foot of his Rear Cestius quarter'd that day in the Camp M which he had fortified near Scopion The next day he went further into the Country whereby he more encouraged the Rebels who following killed many of his Rere because the place thorough which the Romans march'd was narrow the Jews assaulted them on the flank and the last durst not cast any darts against them who wounded them on their backs thinking that an infinite multitude had followed them and they were not able to resist them that assaulted them on each side being heavy arm'd and not daring to break their order whilst on the contrary the Jews were active and light so that the Romans endured much harm at the hands of their Enemies and did them none And thus were they beaten all the way long and many of them killed amongst whom was Priscus Captain of the sixth Legion and N Longinus the Tribune and Aemilius Jucundus Campmaster of a Regiment of Horse And so with much ado they came to Gabio where they first pitch'd their Tents casting away much of their baggage which might any way hinder them Cestius staied there two days doubtful what to do The third day he perceived his enemies increased and all places about filled with Jews whereby he saw that his slowness was to his disadvantage and the number of his enemies would still increase if he made any longer abode there Wherefore that he might flee speedily he caused the Soldiers to cast away all those things that might be a hindrance to them and to kill their Mules Asses and Cattel saving only those that carried munition fearing that if he should not destroy them the Jews might make use of them against O him and so he led his Army toward Bethoron The Jews in large passages little molested his Army but when they were to pass a strait then they set upon those of A the Rere and drove others down precipices and all the army of the Jews were spread upon the eminent places where the Romans were to pass expecting to welcome them with their Arrows While the Roman Foot were in this extremity the Horse were in greater danger for they could not keep their ranks for the multitude of darts and arrows The Jews pursue their Enemies and bring them into a desperate Estate neither could they get up to their enemies the ascent to the top of the Mountains was so steep and they were compassed on each side with Rocks and deep Valleys so that if any went out of the way he fell down and was killed and thus there was no way either to flee or to resist In this desperation they fell to lamentations and outcries which the Jews answered with shouts of joy encouraging one another to play the men being glad of their enemies adversity The mourning and lamentation of the Romans and the Jews exhortation and all the Army of Cestius B had there perished had not the night come on and helped them which by the darkness gave leisure to the Romans to flee into Bethoron In the mean while the Jews kept all the places thereabouts besieged and guarded the passages Cestius seeing it not possible to march openly Cestius's stratagem thought best to flee and chose almost 400 of his strongest Soldiers and set them in very eminent places commanding them that when they were aloft they should cry as they did before that the Jews might think that the whole Army was there and so he with the rest of his Army marched quietly 30 Furlongs In the morning the Jews perceiving the Romans to be fled assaulted the 400 by whom they were deceived and presently killing them with Darts they C pursued Cestius who having fled away in the night made more haste the next day so that the Soldiers for fear left their Arms and Instruments to beat down Walls and Slings and much other munition which the Jews taking after used against them Thus they followed the Romans to Antipatris and seeing they could not overtake them they returned bringing with them the warlike Instruments and rifling those that were slain and taking whatsoever the Romans had left behind and so singing Songs of Victory they returned to Jerusalem having lost very few of their company and slain 5380 of the Roman Foot and their Auxiliaries and 980 Horse And this was done upon the eighth day of October and in the twelfth year of the Reign of Nero. D CHAP. XXV Of the Cruelty of those of Damascus against the Jews and of Joseph's affairs in Galilee AFter this ill success of Cestius The year of the World 4031. after Christ's Nativity 69. many of the chiefest among the Jews daily fled and forsook the City as a ship presently ready to sink Costobarus and Saul two Brethren and Philip the Son of Joachim General of Agrippa's Army retir'd themselves to Cestius As for
he thought fit by the sight of his Army to terrifie his enemies and give them time to repent if any one would alter his mind before the War began Yet in the mean time he prepared all things necessary for a siege The only Rumor of his coming made many Rebels faint-hearted For Josephs Souldiers who had pitched his Tents a little from Sephoris when they knew that the enemy approch'd and that they were presently to fight with the Romans they fled not only before they fought but also before they saw them Joseph being left with a very few and knowing that he was not able to abide his enemies and that the Jews were dismayed and that if he put any trust in them 〈…〉 they would for the most part revolt to the enemies for that time abstained O from battel and thought to get himself out of Danger and so accompanied with those that remained with him he went to Tiberias A CHAP. VI. How Gadara was besieged and taken VEspatian went first to Gadara and took it easily at the first assault for all the able men and fit for War were fled out of the City The Romans entring the place put all to death without mercy partly for the hatred they had conceived against the Jews and partly in revenge of that which had befaln Cestius And they burnt the B City and all Towns and Villages adjoining some of which were already desolate and the inhabitants of the rest were made slaves Joseph's presence in the City which he had made choice of for his safeguard filled it with fear For the People of Tiberias thought he would never have fled if there had been any hope of withstanding the Romans wherein they judged not amiss for he foresaw what event the War would have and that their safety consisted only in changing their rebellious minds He himself though he hoped to obtain pardon of the Romans yet had much rather have died then lived pleasantly with them against whom he was sent and so become a Traytor to the Country comitted to his charge Wherefore he determined faithfully to write a true state of the Country to the Nobility at Jerusalem Joseph is afraid of the Romans and writeth to Jerusalem and not to extol the enemies forces too much lest they should say he was a Coward nor yet put them in any comfort lest C perhaps now penitent for what they had done they should by his Letters be incited to go foreward in their rebellious course He desir'd them presently to write an answer whether they thought good to enter into League with the Romans or if they would make War then they should send a sufficient Army against them And having written to this effect he presently sent men away to Jerusalem to carry the Letters CHAP. VII D Of the Seige of Jotapata VEspatian was very desirous to take Jotapata because he knew many of his enemies were fled thither and this was the strongest Refuge they had So he sent before some Foot and Horse with Pioneers to plain the ways which were full of ragged stones so that it was hard for Footmen to pass and altogether unpossible for Horsemen Within four dayes they effected that which they were commanded and made a large way for the Army to pass On the fifth day which was the one and twentieth of March Joseph comes to Jotapata from Tiberias Joseph before they came entred into the City coming thither from Tiberias to encourage the Jews who were dismayed A certain run-away told Vespatian E that Joseph was come thither and advised him to hasten thither for if he could take Joseph he might easily take all Judea Hereat Vespatian was very glad and took it as a good fortune that the most prudent and potent of his enemies should God so disposing put himself as it were in hold And so presently he sent Placidus before with a thousand Horsemen and with him Ebutius a man both valiant and prudent and commanded them to invest the City on all sides lest Joseph should privily escape from thence The day after he himself followed with the whole Army and about noon came to Jotapata Jotapata besieged and leading his Army to the North side of the Town he pitched his Tents upon a Hill seven stades distant from the City purposely placing himself within the view of his Enemies that the very sight of his Army might terrifie them F as it also did for presently all were in such a fear that none durst go out of the City The Romans being wearied that day would not assault the City but they beset the Gates with two Squadrons of Horse and a third that consisted of Foot was placed without to intercept all passages that none of the Jews could pass any-whither Hereupon the Jews now in desperation took heart for in War nothing is more forcible then necessity Nothing is more effectual in War or more desperate than necessity The next day began the Battery and the Jews kept themselves in order and resisted the Romans before their Walls But when Vespasian sent all the Bowmen and Slingers and other Engineers to beat them off from the Walls and he himself with Foot assaulted the Wall in another place where it might easily be entred then Joseph accompanied with all his Forces issued out the Town and assaulted the G Romans fiercely and drove them from the Walls with great courage though they themselves suffered as much harm as they did to their Enemies For as the Jews were animated by desperation so were the Romans with shame these latter had Military A knowledge and strength and the Jews had despair and rage to encourage them The fight continued all day even till night wherein many Romans were wounded and only thirteen slain and of the Jews there were six hundred wounded and seventeen slain A fight between the Romans and the Jews continued a whole day and broken off by night The next day also they encountred the Romans and resisted them more stoutly than before taking courage that they the day before had resisted them contrary to their expectation The Romans also fought more valiantly ashamed as it were of themselves in suffering the Jews to resist them thinking withal that they themselves were overcome if they did not quickly suppress their Enemies Wherefore the Romans for five dayes together ceased not to assult the Town and the Jews strongly repelled them and neither the Jews feared their Enemies nor the Romans were dismayed B with the difficulty of taking the Town The situation of Jotapata Jotapata is almost all situate upon a Rock and compassed about with deep Valleys which descend strait down like a Wall so that one can scarcely see the bottom without dazling There is only one access to it on the North where it is seated upon a declining Mountain which Joseph enclosed with a Wall to the end it might be no passage for the Enemies all
of King Antiochus and how the Allans broke into Armenia 28 How Massada the strongest Castle of all was taken and destroyed 29 Of the death of the Sicatâ—i or murtherers that fled into Alexandria and Thebes 30 How the Temple which Onias built at Alexandria was shut up 31 Of the Massacre of the Jews at Cyrene F CHAP. I. Of the breach made in the Walls and how the the Mounts were burned and how Sabinus assaulted the Wall THE misery of Jerusalem every day increased the Seditious being by reason of their misery more and more incited against the people For now the Famine was not only amongst the People but amongst them also And it was a miserable G sight to see the multitude of dead Bodies heaped together in the City from which came a pestilent and infectious smell so that they hindred the Souldiers from making excursions For they were forced to tread upon dead bodies as though H there had been a Battel fought within the Walls But the hardness of their hearts was such that so hideous a spectacle did not affect them nor make them consider that very shortly themselves should increase the number of those whom they trampled on with so great inhumanity The multitude of Carcasses heaped in the City is hideous to behold After having in a Domestick War embru'd their hands in the Blood of those of their own Nation they thought of nothing but imploying them against the Romans in a foreign War wherein they seemed to reproach God for delaying to punish them since it was no longer hope of overcoming but despair which inspir'd them with this Boldness The Jews upbraided God in that he so long delayed to punish them The Romans though much troubled to get Wood to build withal yet in one and twenty days finisht their Mounts having cut down all the Woods near the City for ninety Furlongs It was miserable to behold that Country I and place Judea a desart and desolate formely all beset with Trees and Fertile plants now lying plain like a Desart neither was there any stranger that before-time had seen Judea and the beautiful Suburbs of Jerusalem who now beholding it could abstain from tears and not lament so woful a change For this War extinguished utterly all signs of beauty neither could one coming suddenly know the place which he well knew before When the Mounts were finisht The Jews and Romans are equally afraid both the Romans and the Jews greatly feared the Jews for that except they were destroyed their City would be presently taken the Romans for that if these were overthrown they knew not how to erect more wanting matter and now their bodies were wearied with labour and their K minds discouraged with many incommoditis But the Romans were more grieved at the calamity of the City than the Citizens within for the Jews notwithstanding these miseries The Romans most of all fear the desperateness of the Jews did nevertheless stoutly defend their Walls but the courage of the Romans failed when they saw that the Jews policy made their Mounts unprofitable that the strength of the Wall resisted the Engines that the Jews boldness overcame their strength in fight and especially seeing that the Jews having endured such Calamity Famine and Misery were still more couragious than before so that they deemed their strength not possible to be overcome and that their minds were invincible being hardned and encouraged by misery What would they do said they if Fortune were favourable to them since even now she is contrary to them all that she does L to abate their courage serves onely to confirm them in their resolutions Wherefore the Romans made a stronger Watch about their Mounts But Johns followers who were in the Castle Antonia fearing what might ensue if the Wall were battered endeavoured to prevent it what they could before the Rams were set up and taking fire-brands in their hauds The Jews with fire-brands set upon the Engines but losing their hope return back again they assaulted the Mount but deceived with a vain hope they were forc'd to retreat For first of all they seemed to disagree among themselves so that they came from their Walls one after another in little parties and by consequence softly and fearfully and briefly not after the manner of the Jews but with less courage then they were wont On the other side they found the Romans better prepared and more couragious than of late The valour and violence of the Jews decreaseth who so defended their Mounts with their Bodies and M Weapons that it was not possible for the Jews to come and fire them and every one was fully determined not to shrink out of his place till he was flain For besides that if this work were destroyed they had no hope left to build more they all accounted it a shame that their vertue should be overcome by surprize or their valour by rashness and temerity or their skill by a multitude or the Romans by the Jews Also they had Engines to cast Darts at them as they came down their Walls And when any one of the Jews that was slain fell down The Jews retire arguing one another of cowardize he hindred them that followed and the danger of him that went before terrified those that came after They also that rashly adventured within the shot of a Dart either were terrified with the discipline and multitude of their Enemies or else wounded with their Darts and so they all retired N one accusing another of cowardliness having atchieved nothing The first day of July the City was assaulted The assault of the City the first day of July and the Jews being now retired the Romans set up their Rams notwithstanding that they were assaulted from Antonia with stones fire and Sword and whatsoever their Enemies in that extremity could find For though the Jews had great confidence in their Walls that they could not be battered yet would they not permit the Romans to place their Rams against them And the Romans being perswaded that the Jews so laboured because they knew their Walls to be weak and lest Antonia by the breach of the Wall should be hurt the Romans resolutely and undauntedly notwithstanding that many Darts were cast at them from off the Walls persisted to beat the Wall with their Rams But when they saw O that their Rams though uncessantly playing could make no breach they resolved to A undermine the Wall and accordingly covering themselves with their bucklers against the Stones thrown by the Jews upon them some with their hands pulled the stones out of the Wall some digged under the foundation thereof till four stones of the Tower with much labour were broken and shaken But the night hindered both parties from doing any more at that time but soon after the Wall shaken with the Ram in the place which John had undetermined to destroy the Mounts fell
others burnt others halfe eaten of wild Beasts were reserved alive for the second meal The calamity of those Jews who were taken by the Romans the most miserable of all are those that are yet alive who often wish for death and cannot find it Where is now that potent City that was once the Capital City of E all our Nation so strengthened with Walls so fortified with Towers Castles to defend those Walls scarcely able to contain the provisions for War having in it so vast a multitude of men to fight for it Jerusalem the Metropolitan City razed from the foundations wherin God himself was thought to dwell What is now become of it It is razed down even to the very foundations and scarce any memory â—r reliques thereof left standing the whole people destroyed only a few old and unhappy men survive who sit among the Ashes of the Temple and a few Women whom the Enemies reserved to satisfie their filthy lust And will any amongst us considering all these things desire to behold the light of the Sun although he could live without molestation who is such an Enemy to his Native soil who is so effeminate or desirous of his life that he doth not grieve to have lived till this time would God we had been all in our graves before we had seen that sacred City fired by a hostile hand before we beheld F the Holy Temple destroyed by impious fire and seeing that the hope we had to be revenged on our Enemies is now vanished and that we are left alone in misery and necessity let us hasten to die well and take compassion on our selves our Wives and Children and that whilst we have time For we are all born to die and all that are begotten by us and the strongest men living cannot avoid it but injury and bondage and to see our Wives and Children abused before our faces is no necessity proceeding from Nature but they only are forced to endure it We are born to die and the strongest cannot avoid the same who when they might have died without it did refuse for fear We first of all trusting to our strength rebelled against the Romans afterwards they exhorted us to obedience but wee denied which of them then will not be enraged against us if they can take us alive Most miserable shall those young men be whose strength will endure many torments and those G old men will move compassion whose aged years cannot suffer tortures one shall see his Wife carried away from him and another his Son having his hands bound behind him cry out to his Father for help who now whilst they are free from the thraldom of their Enemies may H gloriously assist us with their Swords Let us with our Wives and Children die Freemen let us together depart out of this life This our Religion commandeth this our Wives and Children perswade God himself hath driven us to this necessity for this purpose The Romans would have it otherwise Eleazar tells the Jews of the Romans Tyranny who fear lest any of us should perish and not fall into their hands alive Let us therefore hasten that instead of their hope whereby they verily perswaded themselves to take us alive we may contrary to their expectation daunt them with sudden admiration of our glorious deaths It is a happiness among the Jews to die fice Whilst Eleazar was yet speaking and desirous still to continue his exhortation they interrupted him every one now in a fury bent to follow his advice made haste to effect it and as though they had been urged by some Spirit thereto one laboured to prevent I another in the execution thereof judging him to shew most valour and fortitude that first dispatched himself They were also desirous to kill their Wives and Children with themselves And which is most strange their minds were nothing altered when they came to effect this bloody work but with the same resolution they had when they heard Eleazars speech every one retained his good affection towards his Friends yet permitting reason to take no place and perswading themselves that thus they had well provided for their Children they embraced their Wives and Children for their last farewel and took their leaves of them kissing them with Tears and then all at once slew them as though it had been done by the hands of other men and not their own comforting themselves in being forced so to do and that hereby they should escape the tyranny and K cruelty of their Enemies Finally no man was so cowardly who durst not venture on this action so every one of them killed his dearest friends O miserable people whom necessity forced to slay their Wives and Children and to account this action the very least of all their miseries After which not enduring the grief that ensued upon this fact and thinking that in living any while after them they should injure those whom they had slain they with all speed possible gathered all their riches together and set them one fire which done they elected ten by lot who should kill the rest and every one prostrating himself upon his Wife and Children and embracing them in his Arms was slain willingly by those that executed that wrethched office who having without fear dispatched them they cast lots whose fortune it should be to kill all the L rest The Jews gathering all their goods together cast them into the fire and he upon whom the lot should fall was to kill the other nine and lastly himself upon them all and every one so encouraged one another that there was no difference between those that were to be killed and those that were to kill and so the rest offered themselves to death which done he who was the last of all being yet alive went amongst the dead bodies and searched to see if any still lived that needed his hand in so great a multitude of slain people Ten chosen by lot to kill the rest of the Jews and finding all of them dispatched he went and fired the Palace which done he with all his force thrust his Sword into his own body up to the Hilts and so fell down by his dearest Friends In this manner they perished with a belief that they left not one person alive to fall into the Romans hands but a certain old Woman and another who was Eleazars Cousin M who in learning and wisdom surpassed all other Women and fiue Children hid themselves in a Cave wherein Water was reserved to drink whilst the rest were busied in this Massacre the slain were in number nine hundred and sixty accounting Women and Children The Romans expect the fight This calamity hapned the fifteenth day of April In the morning the Romans expecting that the Jews would encounter them made Bridges from their Mounts to the Walls and so assaulted the Walls and seeing none of the Enemies appear but all the Walls
of his adorers it was not that he approved it himself but that he thought it might conduce to elevate and enhance the Grandure and Majesty of the Empire For what can be a greater instance of his Moderation and that he would not suffer himself to be puffed up or dazled by the vanity or extravagance of their respects than that he would never admit the Tittle either of a God or a Master and indeed not only rejected that flattery but expressed great approbation of the horror and detestation of those which declare for such things Otherwise how could he have permitted that the G Jews the greatest part of whom have been Enfranchised by such Masters as had taken them Prisoners in the Wars should be allowed to possess in Rome so great a part of the City as lyes beyond the Tyber He was not ignorant that they had their Oratories where H they met for their Devotions especially on their Sabbath day That they raised their Tenths to send them to Jerusalem and that they offered their Sacrifices there also Yet he did not Banish them from Rome and he was so far from abolishing their Religion or subverting their Laws and their Customs that he gave rich Presents to our Temple and ordained that every day Sacrifice should be made to God Almighty which is observed to this day and will be observed for ever and remain an eternal Mark of the virtue of that incomparable Emperour He ordered likewise that the Jews should be comprised in the publick distributions of Money and Corn which were made among the People in certain Months and if it happened those Distributions were made upon their Sabbath-day at which time it is not permitted I among them to do or receive any thing especially for their own profit and advantage he took care that their portions should be reserved and delivered the next day which made the Jews so considerable among other Nations that though naturally they had no kindness for them yet they durst not molest them in the exercise of their Religion And Tiberius treated them in the same sort though Sejanus did what he could by his Calumnies to ruine those who inhabited at Rome because he knew they could not be brought to joyn in his abominable Conspiracy against his Master And this Prince sent afterwards to all the Governors of Provinces that except some few who had been medling in that Plot all the rest of the Jews should be well treated and not obliged to K change any thing of their Customs because they were naturally peaceable and had nothing either in their Laws or Manners contrary or inconsistent with the Tranquillity of the Empire CHAP. X. Caius being already inraged against the Jews of Alexandria was much exasperated by an Egyptian called Helico who had been formerly a Slave but was then L in very great favour CAIuS having passed to that degree of Vanity as not only to pronounce but to believe himself a God he found no People either among the Greeks or Barbarians more ready than the Alexandrians to humor him in his extravagant imagination For there are no People more subtile more hypocritical more flattering nor greater lovers of Confusion and trouble than the Inhabitants of that Town And so little is their respect for the Name of God that they make no difficulty to attribute it to Ibis and several other Creatures And as they are very prodigal of that honour they do easily delude such as are not acquainted with that impiety in the Egyptians whereas it is impossible to do so M with those who do know and detest it Caius being ignorant of their cunning supposed it was real and not pretended that they thought him a God because they proclaim'd it publickly and with all the formality and acclamations wherewith they were accustomed to declare their respects towards their Gods besides he considered the sacriledges they had committed upon our Oratories as a great testimony of their Zeal and there were no Poems or Histories that he could read with so much delight and pleasure as the Relations that were sent him upon that Subject Those who made it their business to applaud or decry what ever lik'd or displeased him contributed much to that humour for most of them were Egyptians and unfortunate N slaves brought up from their infancy in that abominable error which prompted them to pay divine Worship to Serpents and Crocodiles The chief of this abominable Band was a wicked fellow called Helico who by his ill practices had wrought himself into the Court He had some smattering of Letters and he whose slave he was first and had taught him his knowledge presented him to Tiberius But that Prince had never any great esteem for him by reason that the manner in whch he had been educated in his youth had rendred him grave and severe and made him despise every thing that was not serious When after his death Caius succeeded to the Empire this dangerous creature observing that there was nothing dissolute or voluptuous to which Caius was not inclined said thus to himself Now is the time Helico that must needs be favourable O to your designs be sure you do not neglect to improve it to your advantage You have a Master A as you would desire your self You have access and are acceptable to him your wit is plyable enough you have a faculty in Drolling and those tricks and inventions which are so apt to dispose People to mirth are your excellence and element you are versed in the Liberal and all other Sciences you do not only know how to please by your flatteries but by expressions whose cunning the more dangerous by how much it is more secret and occult excites suspicion and indignation against them whom you have a design to prejudice when your Master is in an humour to hear you and that he is ready almost alwayes to do so much is he disposed to hear any thing of Calumny or Reproach you need not trouble your self much for subject for with that the Jews will abundantly supply you you have no more to do but to declaim against their Laws and their Customes and that you have learned from your Infancy not only from particular B persons but from most of the inhabitants of Alexandria Let us see then what you can do These things running in Helico's head he stirred not from Caius either night or day and in the times of his private relaxations and divertisements he left no opportunity of incensing him against the Jews by his forgeries and suggestions which were the more effectual by being slyly and wittily delivered for he would not profess himself their Enemy but acted cunningly and subtilly by which means he did them more mischief than if he had openly declared himself When the Embassadors of the Inhabitants of Alexandria who had acted so cruelly against us understood how much this wretched man was serviceable to them they gave him not
and spoil their Countrey The Tiberians hearing these Allegations and supposing them true cryed out saying That it behoved them not in that manner to delay time but to go and succor their Countreymen invironed with great dangers Whereupon I answer'd That I was ready to obey them and promis'd to C march forth against the Enemy with all expedition Joseph discovereth the subtilty of the Ambassadors Now I knew well the pretence of Jonathan and declar'd my opinion that since those Letters said that the Romans gather'd head in divers places it was requisite to divide our Power into five Companies appointing every one of them a Chieftain over them each of the Ambassadors to command one For it is an honor for good Men not only to give counsel but also when need requireth to be first in action and it lay not in my power to lead any more than one Company This my advice was pleasing to all the People who presently constrain'd these Men to march out to the War Ananias one of the Ambassadors a wicked man whereby it came to pass that they were greatly confused to see that they could not finish that which they had imagined because I crossed all their Enterprizes Hereupon one of their Party call'd Ananias a wicked and subtle Man counselled D the People to celebrate a solemn Fast the next day and gave direction at the same hour that all of them should gather together in that place without Arms to testifie before God that without his succors and assistance they were able to do nothing He spake this not for any Piety that was in him but to the end to surprize both me and my Followers unarm'd To this advice of his I was constrain'd to condescend to the end it might appear that I contemned not that which had so great an appearance of Religion Jonathan writeth to John to come unto him As soon therefore as we retired every one to our several Lodgings Jonathan and his Collegues writ to John to resort unto them early in the Morning with his Men of War and all the Power he could make for that they might easily lay hands on me and accomplish that which they had so long time long'd for He receiving this Letter willingly E obey'd The next day I commanded two of my stoutest and faithfullest Soldiers to hide their short Swords under their Gowns and to attend me to the end that if in any sort we were assailed by the Enemy we might defend our selves I put on my Curets also and girt my Sword by my side in such sort as no Man might perceive the same and came with them to the place of Prayer But Jesus as soon as I was entred with my Friends having the guard of the gate would not permit the rest of my Followers to enter with me and as we were ready to begin our Prayers according to the custom of the Countrey Jesus rising up demanded of me What was become of the Houshold-stuff that was taken out of the King's Palace when it was burnt Jesus talks with Joseph and where the bullion of silver was and with whom I had left the same all which F he mention'd that he might delay the time till John's approach I answer'd That I had put the same into the hands of Capella and ten of the chief Nobility of Tiberias and willed him to ask them whether it Joseph's debate with Jesus for twenty pieces of gold were true that I spake He did so and they confessed that they had it But what said he is become of those twenty pieces of Gold that you receiv'd by the sale of a certain weight of massive silver I answer'd him That I had deliver'd the same to the Ambassadors to defray their charges in their Voyage towards Jerusalem Hereupon Jonathan and his Collegues said That I had done amiss in employing the Publick Treasure to the use of those Ambassadors The People being displeas'd with this Malice And when I saw that a Commotion was likely to arise I thought best to animate the People the more against them I said That if I had done amiss in furnishing the Ambassadors out of the common G stock they should need to take no further displeasure for that for said I I will repay those twenty pieces of Gold out of mine own Purse Hereupon the People were incensed the more against them because they manifestly discover'd what hatred they wrongfully bare H unto me Jesus fearing lest some Disturbance might arise commanded the People to depart The Peoples love to Joseph and onely the Council to stay for that it was unpossible to examine matters discreetly where so much trouble and turmoil was The People cryed out That they would not leave me alone among them Whereupon there came one to Jesus who secretly informed him that John with his armed Men was at hand Jonathan being unable to contain and conceal his joy and God so providing for the conservation of my life since otherwise Joseph almost suddenly surprized by the Enemy is delivered from peril John and his Followers had certainly destroy'd me Forbear said he ye Tiberians to enquire of the twenty pieces of Gold Joseph meriteth not punishment for this matter but because he affecteth the Tyranny and by his words hath deceived the People of Galilee and gotten the Sovereignty to himself As he spake these words he and those of his Faction I offer'd to lay hands on me intending to murther me But those two whom I had with me perceiving their intent drew their Swords threatning those who attempted to offer me violence The People likewise gather'd stones to cast at Jonathan and pull'd me away violently from mine Enemies As I was getting away I saw John coming with his Troops whereupon crossing down a private way that led me to the Lake I got into a Boat and went by water to Tarichea avoiding this danger beyond all hope There immediately I sent for the chiefest Men of Galilee and told them how contrary to all right Joseph certifieth the Galileans how trayterously Jonathan and the Tiberians had dealt with him I had almost been murther'd by Jonathan and the Tiberians The Galileans were highly incens'd against them and conjur'd me without delay to make War against them K or if I list not my self to suffer them with all expedition to cut off both John and Jonathan with all their Followers I restrain'd them the best I could and represented to them that it was best to expect till such time as we knew what News our Ambassadors that were gone to Jerusalem would bring To the end to do nothing without their approbation and consent and by these means I persuaded them But John seeing that at that time his design had no success return'd back again to Gischala Some few days after our Ambassadors return'd from Jerusalem and certifi'd us that the People of Jerusalem were much displeas'd with Ananus the High
a great Army All which I did to the end that by this rumor I might restrain the fury of the Galileans and save the City of Sephoris And this policy took good effect For when they heard this news they were afraid and forsook their pillage to trust to their heels because I who was their General did the like For I made a shew that I believed the rumor to be I true as well as they and by this stratagem the City Sephoris was saved beyond all hope Tiberias also hardly escaped from being spoiled by the Galileans Tiberias in danger of ruine through this occasion which ensueth The chiefest of their Council writ to the King to desire him to come and take possession of their City The King promised to satisfie them very shortly and deliver his Letters to one of his chamber called Crispus a Jew born to carry the same to the Tiberians The Galileans took this messenger on the way and brought him unto me which when the common people understood of meer spleen they fell to Arms and the next day divers of them assembled themselves from all parts and came to the City of Asoch where I made my abode and made great exclamations calling the Tiberians traitors and the Kings friends and demanding of me K liberty to repair to Tiberias and raze it to the ground being as much displeased against the Tiberians as they were against the Sephorites Which when I heard I stood in great doubt how to deliver the Tiberians from that displeasure which the Galileans had conceived against them for I could not deny but that the Tiberians had written and sent for the King for the answer which he made them Joseph consulteth with himself did evidently express the same Having along while debated the matter with my self I said unto them I know as well as you that the Tiberians have offended neither will I hinder you from spoiling their City but you must proceed to the execution thereof with some prudence For the Tiberians alone do not betray the publick liberty but others also who are more accounted of in the Countrey of Galilee Stay L therefore until such time as I am throughly informed who they be that are Authors of this Treason and then you shall have them all under your hands with all such you paticularly think worthy punishment By this discourse I appeas'd the People who departed from me contented The Galileans wrath pacified conceived against the Tiberians As for the messenger that was sent by the King I caused him to be imprisoned having respect to an urgent necessity of mine own which constrained me to depart out of the Kingdom within a little while And calling Crispus secretly unto me I charged him to make the Soldier drunk who had the charge of him to the end that he might in all security flie back to the King Thus Tiberias being ready to be destroyed the second time by my government and providence avoided a great and fatal danger M At the same time Justus the son of Pistus fled to the King without my knowledge the cause of which flight I will orderly express As soon as the Romans had begun the War against the Jews Justus desireth to command Galilee the Tiberians concluded to obey the King and in no sort to rebel against the Romans But Justus persuaded them to take Arms thirsting after alteration and hoping to usurp the Government of Galilee and of his own Countrey but his hope failed him for the Galileans being enviously bent against the Tiberians for those injuries they had suffered at their hands before the War would not allow Justus to be their Governor My self also whom the People of Jerusalem put in trust with the Government of Galilee was oftentimes so much moved that I failed little of killing Justus so intolerable was his perfidiousness He therefore fearing least my displeasure should shorten his days went N to the King supposing that he might live more freely and securely with him The Sephorites beyond their expectation having escaped this first danger writ to Cestus Gallus the second time desiring him to come to them to the end he might seize their City or else send them Forces to withstand the incursions of their enemies And they wrought so much that Gallus sent them a Body of Horsemen and after them Footmen who came by night and were received into their City But seeing that the Country round about was but in poor estate by reason of the Roman Horsemen I drew my Forces together and came to Garizim where I encamped some twenty stades from Sephoris and by night I approached the same Joseph assailed the walls of Sephoris and set Ladders to the wall with which I entred a great number of my Soldiers and became Master of the better part of the City from O whence notwithstanding we were afterwards constrained to retire because we knew not all the ways killing before our departure twelve Roman Footmen and two Horsemen A with some Sephorites with the loss of one of ours Afterwards a Fight hapning between us and their Horsemen in open field we fought for a long time with disadvantage For the Romans having invironed me on all sides my Reerward through the fear they conceived began to retire In this skirmish I lost one of my Guard called Justus who in times past had served in the very same place under the King Silas Captain of the King's Guard After this the King's Forces both of Horse and Foot came thither under the Government of Silas Captain of the Guard who encamping some five stades off from Julias beset the Highways that lead towards Cana with Men of War and the Fort of Gamala to hinder the Inhabitants from receiving any Commodities from the Countrey of Galilee As soon as I received News hereof I sent out two thousand Soldiers under the command B of Jeremy who lodging themselves within a stade of Julias near the River Jordan offered nothing else but light skirmishes until such time as I had gathered three thousand Soldiers more and came to them The next day having planted an Ambush in a certain Trench near the enclosure of their Camp I touled out the King's Soldiers to skirmish having first forewarned my Soldiers to feign a flight till they had drawn their Enemies as far as the Ambush which they cunningly executed But Silas supposing that our Men fled for Cowardice set forward to follow them as fast as he could but they that lay in Ambush charged him on the back Joseph putteth the King's Soldiers to flight and discomfited his Army and I presently turning and making head against them constrained the King's Forces to trust to their heels and I should have got a signal Victory had not Fortune cross'd my C success For the Horse whereon I rode falling into a certain Bog cast me on the ground whereby my hand being put out of joint about
Ambassages the one unto the other they mutually conspir'd I to expel and if possible utterly extirpate the whole people Amongst the rest Hedio Ruffinus cap. 2. those of the Countrey of Cobol and the City Petra who are call'd Amalekites a Nation very warlike and more active than the rest were the chief Agents in this Expedition Exod. 17. 8 9. whose Kings both encourag'd one another and stir'd up the Neighbour Nations to the Israelites destruction The Amalekites war against the Israelites telling them that a Foreign Army flying from the thraldom of the Egyptians had invaded their Countrey whose multitudes were not a little to be suspected counselling them before they had gather'd head and recover'd more means and a Countrey to dwell in and grew more confident by their forbearance to charge them first rather than to expect their increase and so to oppress them esteeming it a better point of wisdom to repress their insolency and forwardness K in the Desart than to expect whil'st they were possess'd of strong and rich Cities For this said they is the part of wise men to resist the beginnings of power of their Adversaries and not to expect till by daily Exploits they more and more increase and rather to provide to prevent than deliver themselves from peril After these Ambassages it was decreed by general Council That they should endevor to invade and assault the Hebrews These determinations and designs of theirs troubled Moses very much for that he expected no Hostility When therefore he perceiv'd that the people were affrighted and amaz'd to see themselves being wholly unprovided to be charg'd by so strong and well-furnish'd an Army he re-comforted them and will'd them to bethink themselves of God's promises who by his power had set them at liberty L assuring them that they should overcome all those that made head against them to destroy them wishing them to think that though they were inferior to their Enemies in Weapons Ver. 9 10. Wealth Moses encourageth the people to expect nothing but victory and Munition and the like yet since they had God to friend and ready to fight for them against their Enemy they ought to be of good courage as being furnish'd with more than humane supplies Alledging further that they were not ignorant how great an Assister God was having had so often tryal of his goodness in their greatest dangers as an Enemy to their enemies and favorable to their proceedings which favor of his he most manifestly express'd by his miraculous deliverance of them from hunger and thirst by procuring them free escape when they were shut in by the Sea and Mountains And that which should most animate them to the Fight and Victory M was That if they came off victorious they should want nothing that appertain'd to a more commodious and peaceable life Moses thus having encourag'd the people by his words call'd unto him the chiefest of the Tribes and every one of them that had the charge of them both in private and publick Assembly commanding the younger to obey the elder and the elders to be obedient to their General Hereupon the people contemn'd their danger and were desirous of Fight hoping that this Conflict would prove the end of their calamities For which cause they earnestly desir'd Moses to lead them forth against the Enemy and not to dull the alacrity of the Soldiers by any untimely delay Ver. 9. Whereupon choosing out among the whole multitude such as were most fit for War he appointed the son of Naveus the Ephramite Josuah made Captain over the Israelites to lead them a man N valiant in Arms and prudent in counsel and of great piety as having been train'd up therein by Moses his Master He also in such sort disposed certain Bands that he might not be cut off from water he left so many as might guard the Camp and weaker company Thus stood they all Night long in Arms expecting only the Signal of their General and the Order of their Captains to attack their Enemies On the other side Moses slept not but instructed Josuah how he should conduct the Army And as soon as the day appear'd he encourag'd Josuah to shew himself such an one in that Battel as both the place wherewith he was honour'd and the Cause for which they fought requir'd wishing him by his prowess and good conduct to give life and courage to his Soldiers that follow'd him He likewise exhorted the chiefest of the Hebrews in particular and in O general heartned and emboldned all others that entred the Battel A After he had thus dispos'd the Army and given all necessary orders he committing the Army to God's protection and Josuah's conduct retir'd upon a Mountain Then encountred the Armies on both sides and every one fought most valiantly neither wanted there encouragement on either side And as long as Moses lifted up his hands the Hebrews had the better against the Amalekites But for that he was unable continually to support the same and because he observ'd that as often as he held down his hands so long the Enemies drove the Israelites to retreat he willed his brother Aaron and Vron his sister Maries husband to stand on each side of him and sustain his hands Which when they had perform'd the Hebrews by main force overcame the Amalekites so that all of them had been slain if the Chase had continu'd and had not been cut off B by the approach of the night Thus our Ancestors obtain'd a most happy and advantagious Victory For besides the glory they got in having overcome so potent Enemies and cast a terror into the hearts of the Nations round about to whom they have ever since been formidable they became Masters of the Enemies Camp and both in general and in particular got Riches whereas before that time they had not necessary means to maintain themselves And this Victory of theirs was the cause of their very great good fortune not only for the present but also for the time to come For not only had they their Enemies bodies under their subjection but also their spirits so as they were fear'd by all the Nations round about And they multiplied both in strength and riches Ver. 13. for there was a great quantity of gold and silver taken in the Camp Divers C Vessels likewise The Israelites recover a great prey in the Camp of the Amalekites and Tables of Brass were found therein likewise great quantity of Tissue-work and excellent Furniture for War Moreover they had all their Baggage Tents Harness and Horses and generally the whole provision of an Army became their prey The distribution of the spoils and prey Thus ended this Battel The success whereof so exalted the courage of the Israelites that they thought henceforward nothing would be unpossible to them The next day Moses caused the Enemies that were slain to be rifled and the scatter'd
passages of their Country by which they thought their Enemy might break in preparing themselves to repell them with force and valor Yet no sooner did Phinees with his Forces charge them Cap. 3. 8. ad 18. but upon the first encounter so great a multitude of the Madianites was slain Five Kings of the Madianites slain that the number of the Carcasses could hardly be reckoned Neither were their Kings saved from the Sword these were Och Sur Robeas Vbes and Rechem from whom the chiefest City of the Arabians deriveth its name Otherwise Aâ—â—â—eme or Arca. and at this day retaineth O the same and is call'd Receme and by the Grecians Petra The Hebrews having thus put their Enemies to flight ravaged the Region and carried away with them great A spoils The year of the World 2493. before Christ's Nativity 1471. and killing all the Inhabitants thereof both Men and Women they onely spared the Virgins according to the command Phinees had received from Moses who returning home with his Army in safety brought with him a memorable and glorious prey of Oxen 52067 of Asses 60000 of gold and silver Vessels an incredible number which the Madianites were wont to use for their domestick occasions A great prey gotten from the Madianites so great was their great Riches and Luxury There were also led Captives about 30000 Virgins But Moses dividing the prey gave the fiftieth part thereof to Eleazar and the Priests and to the Levites another fiftieth Num. 27. 18. the remainder he distributed amongst the People who after this Battel lived in great security Deut. 3. 22. having gotten Riches by their Valor Moses appointed Joshua for his Successor and Peace also to enjoy the same Now for that Moses was well stricken in years he appointed Joshua to B succeed him in the Offices both of a Prophet a Prince and a Governor for God had so commanded that he should make choice of him to be his Successor in the principality for he was most expert in all divine and humane knowledge Numb 32. 1 5 c. being therein instructed by his Master Moses The Tribes of Reuben Gad and the half of Manasses require the land of the Amorites About that time the two Tribes of Gad and Reuben with the half Tribe of Manasses being abundantly stored with Cattel and all other manner of Riches by common consent requested Moses to give and assign to them in particular the Country of the Amorites which not long since they had conquered by the Sword for that it was full of rich Pastures But he suspecting that through fear they sought to withdraw themselves from the War with the Canaanites under pretext of care of their Cattel sharply reproved them saying that they were fearful and that their desire was to possess C that Land which was conquered by the Valor of the whole People to the end they might lead their lives in idleness and pleasure and not to bear Arms with the rest of the Host to help them to posses the Land beyond Jordan which God had promised them by overcoming those Nations which he commanded them to account for their Enemies These Tribes lest he should seem to be deservedly incensed against them answered that neither through fear they fled danger neither through sloth shunned labour but onely design'd to leave their prey in commodious places to the end they might be more fit to follow the War saying that they were ready if so be they might receive Cities for the defence and receipt of their Wives Children and Substance to follow the rest of the Army whithersoever they were conducted and to adventure their lives with them D for the common interest Moses satisfi'd with their reason in the presence of Eleazar the High Priest and Joshua with the rest of the Magistrates granted them the Land of the Amorites with this condition that together with the rest of the People they should march against their common Enemies Numb 35. 34 c. till the War were accomplished according to their desire accordingly having received that which they demanded they built them walled Cities Deut. 4. 43. and left their Children Josh 20. 8 9. Wives and Substance in the same Moses also built ten Cities in that Region which are to be reckoned in the number of those 48 abovemention'd in three whereof he appointed Sanctuaries The Cities of refuge and places of refuge which they only might take benefit of who fled thither for Casual Homicide and he appointed them their term of Exile till the time of the death of the High Priest under whom the E Manslaughter was committed at which time they might safely return into their Countrey And during the time of their Exile it was lawful for any of the Kin to take revenge upon the Offender by killing him only at such time as he was found without the City of Refuge which right he gave onely to those that were akin but not to others Now the Cities of Refuge were these in the Confines of Arabia Bosora in the Region of Galadena Numb 36. 1 2. Arimanum in the Countrey of Bazan Gaul Moses also ordained that after the Conquest of Canaan The daughters of Salpades have their inheritance in their fathers place three more Cities of the Levites should be appointed to that end that they might give refuge and habitation to such sort of Offenders At that time when one of the Magistrates called Salphates of the Tribe of Manasses was dead and had onely left Daughters behind him the Governors of the Tribe came unto Moses F and asked his counsel The history of Deuteronomy Whether they should inherit the Lands of their Father Moses answered them Ruffin cap. 5. That if they married within their Tribe they should inherit but if they made choice to marry themselves into another Tribe Hedio cap. 8. then they should lose their Patrimony in their own Deut. 41 c. ad 43. and for this cause made he this Ordinance to the end that every Tribe should continually possess its proper inheritance But whereas now there remained but 30 days only to fulfill the number of 40 years since their departure out of Egypt Moses summoning an Assembly in that place near to Jordan where now the City of Abila is scituate environed with fields beset with Palm-trees as soon as he saw the People ready to hear him spake unto them after this manner G CHAP. VIII H Moses Laws and how he was taken out of this world from the company of Men Deut. 4. MY dear friends Moses oration unto the people before his death and companions in my long Travels with whom I have run through so many dangers since it is thought requisite by God and mine age amounting to the number of one hundred and twenty years requireth no less that I must depart out of this life and
could speak they would accuse you that without cause they are ill treated against all right and that if they had the power to depart from thence they would transplant themselves into L another Countrey But when the Battel is ended and the day is yours kill all those Enemies that resisted you in the Fight Deut. 20. 15 16 17. the rest reserve as your tributaries except the people of the Land of Canaan The Canaanites are wholly to be extinguished for they with all their Families are to be exterminated Beware also but especially in War that neither a Woman use a Mans apparel nor a Man that of a Womans These are the Laws which Moses left Deut. 30. 31 32 33 34. He gave them likewise certain Institutions which he had written forty years before whereof we will speak in another Treatise Some few dayes after for he assembled the people six days together he gave them his blessing and pronounced his maledictions against those which should not live according M to his Laws but should transgress the determinations thereof He read also unto them a Canticle of six measures which he had registred in the holy book containing a prediction of things to come according to which all things have and do fall out without varying any ways from the truth These Volumes and the Ark he gave to the Priests in which he also placed the ten Commandments written in the two Tables Deut. 25. 19. He committed also unto them the custody of the Tabernacle He likewise exhorted the people that when by force they had conquered the promised Countrey The Amalechites to be punished and were planted therein they should not forget the injury which the Amalechites had done them but that they should lead forth their Army against them and take vengeance of the wrongs they had done them at such time as they were in the Desart And N he commanded them that as soon as they had taken the Countrey of Canaan they should exterminate and extinguish all the people He commanded them also to erect an Altar towards the East not far from the City of Sichem between the two Mountains Garizim on the right hand and the other called Gebal on the left and that distributing the people into two parts six Tribes in every part they should place them on these Mountains And he commanded that the Levites and Priests should be with them and that they that were upon the Mountain of Garizim should pray to God to multiply his blessings upon them that are zealous of his service and careful of the conservation of his Laws which had been given them by Moses The six other also were appointed to answer them and when these six O last had prayed the six first were to answer them and confirm that which they had pronounced This done they pronounced maledictions against the transgressors each one A answering the other in ratification of that which had been spoken He reduced also into writing these blessings and curses to the intent that the memory thereof might never be suppressed or extinguished by time which he also being near his death caused to be written on the Altar on the two sides thereof and permitted the people to come near it onely that day and there to offer burnt offerings which is forbidden to them by the Law These ordinances did Moses establish and these the Hebrew Nation observe inviolably even unto this day On the next morning he re-assembled all the people with their Wives and Children he likewise commanded Deut. 29 1 ad 10. the slaves should be present binding them by an oath to maintain and keep the Laws Moses bindeth the Hebrews by an oath to keep the Law and that diligently tying themselves to the will of God they B should not so much esteem either their kindred or means or perils or any other cause whatsoever as thereby to be driven to neglect the Laws or depart from the ordinances thereof but whether any one of their kindred or any City whatsoever should seek to alter and disturb the same or strive to weaken the authority thereof that both in particular and publick they should expose themselves and endeavour to punish them and if they should fortune to take such a City they should raze and utterly deface the same and if it were possible not leave one stone upon another but destroy the foundation But if they were too feeble to take such a revenge yet that they should make it known that they were not consenting to their impiety Hereunto the whole multitude consented and promis'd with an oath He afterwards told them how the people should C know when the Sacrifices were agreeable unto God and how they ought to march out to Battel taking a sign from the stones of the High Priest's Rational of which I have fore-spoken Josua likewise during the life and in the presence of Moses Prophesied whatsoever he intended to perform for the profit of the people either abroad in the administration of War or at home in prescribing Laws and preparing them to that order of life which was newly prescribed them he told them that by instructions from God he Prophesied that if they violated their Countrey Religion they should not escape destruction their Countrey should be filled with Foreign Arms their Cities Sackt their Temple Burnt and themselves sold under the Spear and that they should serve a D Nation Deut. 33. 23. which would not be moved or touched with commiseration of their afflictions and miseries and at length they should too late and unprofitably repent of their error yet that God their establisher would restore the Cities to the ancient Citizens and the Temple to his people Deut. 34. 9. And that this should come to pass not onely once but also many times Moses exhorteth Josua Then did Moses also appoint Josua to lead his Army against the Canaanites promising him that God would be assisting to his actions and wishing all sort of happiness to the people Seeing that saith he I go unto mine Ancestors and God hath prefixed this day for my departure it is very just that living as yet and standing in your presence I give him thanks for the care and providence which he hath hitherto had of your affairs not onely in delivering E you from so many evils but also in largely imparting his blessings unto you and for that he hath alwayes favourably helpt me whilest I endeavoured by my labour and care to reduce your fortunes to a better state Deut. 3. 13. 23. for it is he which hath given both the beginning and the accomplishment Deut. 34. 9. making use of me but as his Minister and Servant in all that good which hath been done to his people For all which things I have thought requisite in departing from you to bless the goodness of God who in time to come shall have the care and charge of you
against the Gibeonites and contrariwise hoped for help from those Hebrews with whom they had contracted amity notwithstanding that they arrived in that Countrey to destroy the whole Nation of the Canaanites Joshua therefore hasting onward with his whole Army to give them assistance and marching both day and night early in the morning charged the Enemy at such time as he intended his assault and having put them to flight vers 9 10 11 he pursued them by a steep tract Joshua driveth them of Jerusalem to flight which place is called Bethora where he saw manifestly that God fought for him by the Thunder Lightning and Hail that fell at that time far bigger than was accustomed The day also the like whereof was never heard before was lengthned vers 1. 3. lest by the speedy approach of the night the Enemy C should escape from the Victor The Sun stood still and Joshua took all those five Kings in a certain Cave near Makkedah where they were hidden and condemned them all to death And that this day was longer than ordinary Five Kings slain it is registred in the sacred Volumes which are reserved in the Temple After this wonderful success Joshua led his Army to the Mountains of Canaan Joshua 11 12. per totum where having made a great slaughter of Men and taken rich booty he brought back his Army to Gilgal Now when the renown of the Hebrews valiant acts and their giving no quarter to any one person of their Enemies was bruited abroad amongst the neighbour Nations they were possessed with great fear so that the Kings of the Canaanites Joshua 11. 1. ad 5. that bordered upon Libanus and they also of the Plain of Canaan The Kings of the Canaanites move War against the Hebrews joyned themselves Confederates with the Philistines and all of them encamped D near Berotha a City of the higher Galilee not far from Cedes which is also scituate in the Land of Canaan The whole Army consisted of three hundred thousand Footmen ten thousand Horsmen The huge Army of the Canaanites and twenty thousand Chariots This great multitude of the Enemy astonished Joshua and the Israelites so that they conceived little hope of obtaining the Victory but God reproached and upbraided them for their timidity and for that they suspected themselves to be unsecure under his protection he promised them likewise that he would overcome their Enemies and make their Horse unprofitable and consume their Chariots by fire Joshua emboldened by these promises from God marched out against his Enemies and came upon them the fifth day The encounter was strong and the slaughter so great that they who heard the same would scarcely believe it Many E were slain in the pursuit so that a few only excepted the whole Army was put to the Sword The Kings also were all slain Joshua also commanded that their Horses should be slain v. 7. ad finem and he burnt their Chariots and Victoriously marched thorow the whole Countrey All the Kings of the Canaanites slain so that no man durst come out or make head against him He besieged likewise their strong places and killed all those that fell into his hands Now when the fifth year was ended Joshua spoyleth the whole Land of Canaan and none of the Canaanites were left alive except such as were fled into their Cities and Fortresses Joshua once more retired his Camp towards the Mountains and placed the sacred Tabernacles in the City of Siloe which seemed to be a very convenient place by reason of the beauty of the same where the Ark might remain till such time as their affairs permitted them to build a Temple From thence he departed F with all the people to Sichem and there built an Altar according as Moses had formerly commanded and having divided his Army he planted half of them on the Mountain of Garizim and the other half on the Mountain of Gebal on which also he built an Altar with the Levites and the Priests and after they had sacrificed and pronounced the curses formerly mentioned and ingraven them on the Altar they returned to Siloe Now inasmuch as Joshua was well stricken in years and very well perceived that the Cities of the Canaanites were hardly to be assaulted both in respect of the places wherein they were scituate and of the munitions wherewith besides other advantages of nature their Walls were strengthned and fortified for the Canaanites having intelligence of the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt and how G they hastned thither with intent utterly to extinguish and overthrow that Nation spent all that time in fencing and fortifying their Cities he assembled all the people in Siloe where he represented to them the happy success which till that time God had favoured them with The year of the World 2499. before Christ's Nativity 1465. because they had observed his Laws That the 31 Kings which had H been so hardy as to encounter them had by them been overcome that all the Armies that had opposed them in battel were wholly discomfited and most of their Cities taken so that there remained not any memory of them But for that some of the Cities which remained were so fortifi'd that they required long Sieges to get them v. 23. he thought good that the Tribes which had been drawn from out the Countrey beyond Jordan Joshua divideth his Army into parts to be Associates in this common cause of Conquest and by reason of affinity had made themselves companions in their perils Hedio Ruffinus chap 3. Joshua 13. a v. 1. ad 12. should be sent back into their own Countrey with thanks And that some of each Tribe of approved uprightness and loyalty should be chosen who surveying the Countrey might faithfully give a report of the extent thereof Joshua commandeth the dividing of the Countrey and counselleth that the two Tribes and an half should be dismissed This sentence was approved by the whole multitude and thereupon divers men I were sent accompanied with such as were skilfull in Geometry to measure out the Land and to estimate its goodness For the nature of the Land of Canaan is such that though there are great Plains very fertile yet the Land being compared with other places of the same Countrey cannot be esteemed excellent compared with the other Countries of Jericho and the Land about Jerusalem it may seem to be nothing worth although generally the whole Countrey be small and for the great part mountainous yet in respect of the abundance Joshua sendeth certain men to measure and divide the Land and beauty of the fruits thereof it is second to no other whatsoever For this cause he thought good that the portions should rather be estimated according to their value than their measure by reason that oftentimes one Plow-land was worth one thousand other Those which were sent were
familiarity This man insinuated himself into Eglons familiarity and by presents courted him in such sort that he was well beloved and esteemed amongst all the Courtiers and had frequent access to the Palace It chanced one day that bearing certain Presents unto the King attended by two of his Houshold servants he secretly hid a Dagger under his cloaths v. 10. at such time as he entred in to the King Now it was Summer and Mid-day likewise and the watch was F grown more careless partly by reason of the heat and partly for that the guard were at their dinner The young man therefore offering his presents unto Eglon who at that time refreshed himself in a certain Summer Chamber began to discourse with him Now they were both alone by reason that the King resolving to talk familiarly with Jodes had sent away his Guard but Jodes fearing lest he might miss his blow as the King sate upon the Throne desired him to rise telling him that he had a Dream to relate to him by the commandment of God Whereat he rejoycing arose from his seat and Jodes stab'd him to the heart and leaving the Poynard sticking in the wound locked the door after him and escaped For the Guard supposing the King laid down to rest let him pass But Jodes giving private notice hereof to the Israelites offered G himself to be their leader for recovery of their liberty and they willingly accepting thereof presently took Arms and sent Trumpets about to summon the rest of their Countreymen They that were about Eglon were wholly ignorant of what had hapned but about Evening fearing lest some mishap had befaln him they entred into H the Chamber where he was The year of the World 2641. before Christ's Nativity 1350. and found him dead whereat they were greatly astonished so that they knew not what course to take so that before they had assembled their Forces together the Israelites came upon them and kill'd some the rest being Ten thousand in number Ver. 29 30. fled in hope to recover their Countrey of Moab but the Israelites having before way-laid and fortifi'd the passages of Jordan pursued and slew them The Moabites put to flight and slain by the Israelites so that many of them perish'd in the River and not one escap'd their hands By this means the Israelites were deliver'd from the servitude of the Moabites and Jodes was advanced to the Government of the People After he had lived Fourscore years he dyed A Man besides the action now mention'd worthy of praise for many other things After him Sanagar the Son of Anath was elected Governor and in the first year of his I Rule he left this life for the fruition of another CHAP. VI. How the Israelites were brought under the subjection of the Canaanites and deliver'd from Servitude by Barac BUT the Israelites in no sort reclaim'd or better'd by their forepass'd Calamities fell again into their former impiety and disobedience Hedio Ruffinus cap. 9. and before they had sufficiently shaken off the servitude of the Moabites Judg. 4. 1 2 3. were subjected to Jabin King of the Canaanites K Jabin King of the Canaanites subdueth the Israelites This Man kept his imperial residence at Asar a City situate on the Lake Sachonites and had in his Pay Thirty thousand Foot and Ten thousand Horse and besides these he had Three thousand warlike Chariots This great Army was commanded by Sisara Ver. 2. an eminent Man amongst the Kings Favourites who encountring with the Israelites Sisares or Sisara the Captain of the Host brought their affairs into so desperate an estate that they willingly for their own security accepted servitude and paid Tribute whereunto they were forced almost for the space of Twenty years not daring to lift up their heads all which fell upon them by the Will of God to punish the too great contumacy and ingratitude of that Nation At the end of which time repenting themselves and acknowledging that the cause of their Calamities Ver. 4 5. proceeded from the contempt of Gods Laws they repaired L to a certain Prophetess Debora the Prophetess called Debora which name in the Hebrew Tongue signifieth a Bee beseeching her that by her prayers she would endeavor to move God to mercy and not suffer them so to be oppressed by the Canaanites God being inclined by her prayers granted them help Ver. 6. and appointed Barac to be their Governor a Man of the Tribe of Nepthali Barac appointed Emperor against the Enemy whose name signifieth Lightning Debora sending for Barac commanded him to choose out Ten thousand Men and lead them forth against the Enemy saying that their number were sufficient since God had promis'd him the Victory But Barac denying to undertake the Government except she also would join in the administration of it with him she mov'd with anger reply'd Art thou not asham'd to surrender the dignity which God hath given thee to a Woman Well I will not refuse it Whereupon M levying Ten thousand Men Ver. 8 9. they pitched their Tents near the Mountain of Thebor Sisara at that time according as the King had commanded him presently marched out to meet them and encamped not far from them But Barac and the rest of the Israelites being terrified with the multitude of the Enemies was encouraged by Debora Ver. 14. who commanded them that very day to undertake the Battel Debora and Barac charge the Enemy assuring them that the Victory should be theirs and that God would assist them Whereupon they charged the Enemy and there suddenly fell a storm of Rain mixed with Hail which the wind drove against the faces of the Canaanites and took away their sight rendring those that carried Darts and served with the Sling unprofitable in the service likewise those that were heavily arm'd having their hands benum'd with cold could not wield their Swords N But the Tempest beating on the backs of the Israelites not only gave them less offence but made them also more couragious as being a manifest sign of Gods favour and presence Whereupon disaraying and breaking thorow their Enemies Battel they made a great slaughter of them Ver. 15. so that part of them fell by the weapons of the Israelites the rest were over-run by their own Horsemen and Chariots Sisara slain with his Host Sisara seeing his Soldiers turn their backs leap'd from his Chariot and fled away till at last he arrived at the Tent of a woman of Cenetis called Jael whom he desired to conceal and hide him She admitted him and when he desired drink she gave him sowre milk which when he had largely drunk Ver. 21. he fell asleep The Woman seeing him in this condition took a Mallet Jael killeth Sisara with an iron Nail and drove an Iron Nail thorow his temples and fastned him to the pavement soon O after
more v. 21. he stole away from the presence of those men over whom he was to command Sauls modesty and temperance in undertaking the Government and obliged them to seek after him and labour to find him out Whilest therefore they carefully sought and knew not what was become of Saul the Prophet prayed God that he would shew them where he was and bring him into their presence which having obtained he sent out certain messengers to conduct him thither v. 22. and as soon as he came amongst them Saul hideth himself from the presence of the people Samuel placed him in the midst of the people Now he was taller than any of the company by the shoulders F and had a Kingly and goodly shape and appearance Then spake the Prophet after this manner v. 23. God hath given you this man to be your King behold how he surpasseth you all and shews himself worthy to be your Prince Saul of a high stature But assoon as the people had cried God save the King v. 24. the Prophet who had reduced into writing all those mischiefs that should befall them Saul saluted by the people for their King read the same to them in the hearing of the King and put the book into the Tabernacle of God for a perpetual testimony to posterity of those things which in future ages should succeed v. 26 27. according as he had prophesied which done Samuel dismissed the people and returned to the City of Ramath Divers attend on Saul othersome contemn him which was his Countrey But Saul departing to Gabatha divers worthy men gave their attendance on him and paid him the honour that appertained to a King But divers seditious and loose companions who set him at naught G both mocked them Hedio Ruffinus chap. 5. and those things which he did neither brought they any presents unto Saul 1 Sam. 11. â— ad 4. nor seemed either in affection or in word to respect their King A month after this installment there fell a War betwixt him and Nahas King of the Ammonites which brought him great reputation This Nahas had offered divers outrages to those H Jews that dwell on the other side of Jordan For he had passed the River with a great Army levied against them and had taken divers of their Cities And to the intent they might not revolt to deliver themselves from his subjection he used this subtilty and prevention To all that surrendred themselves to his mercy or that were taken Captives in the wars he plucked out their right eyes and this he did to the end that when they would defend themselves they might have their left eyes covered with their Bucklers and by that means unable to use their Armor Sauls War against the Ammonites The King of the Ammonites having after this manner dealt with those on the other side of Jordan he led his Army against the Galaadites and encamped near their chief City called Jabehs 1 Sam. 11. 3 4 5 6. to which he sent Heralds to summon the inhabitants to surrender on these conditions either to suffer their right eyes I to be pulled out or else by enduring the siege to see the final overthrow both of themselves and of their City requiring them to chuse which they lik'd either to lose a little part of their body Nahas King of the Ammonites offereth unjust conditions of peace to the Galaadites or hazard both their Fortunes and lives together The Galaadites terrified with this dreadful election knew not what to resolve upon but asked truce for seven dayes to the end that sending their messengers to those of their Nation they might crave their aid which if they could obtain they would War otherwise they promised to submit themselves unto the enemy on what conditions were best pleasing unto him The Ambassadours of the Galaadites to the Israelites Nahas made no difficulty to grant them what they demanded so much he contemned the Israelites and he permitted them likewise to crave assistance at all their hands who were their associates Whereupon they presently sent messengers K from City to City and certified the Israelites of all that Nahas had done unto them and the extremity whereunto they were reduced The Israelites understanding in what estate they of Jabesh were greatly lamented their condition but their fear suffered them to assist their friends in no other manner than by commiseration Yet as soon as their messengers arrived in the City where Saul was and that they had recounted to him the dangers wherewith the Jabesites were oppressed the people were also moved with unprofitable compassion But Saul at his returning from the field into the City perceiving the inhabitants drowned in tears and enquiring for what cause they were so dejected he no sooner understood it but he was stirred up by the Spirit of God and sent the Ambassadors back again to those that sent them promising that within three L days he would succour them v. 7 8 9. and that he would have the upper hand of the enemy before Sun-rise Saul promiseth assistance to the Jabesites to the end that the rising Sun might behold them victorious and delivered from all fear In the mean time he commanded some of them to stay with him to the intent they might guide him in the way CHAP. VI. The Combat and Victory of Saul over the Ammonites SAul desirous Sauls serious exhortations and command for War by the fear of punishment to incite the people to take arms immediatly and make War upon the Ammonites cut the hams of his own oxen and threatned M all those whom he met with to do the like to theirs except the next day they presented themselves with their Arms upon the bank of Jordan to follow the King and the Prophet Samuel whither they would conduct them The fear of this penalty published among the Tribes made them gather to a body about the same time so that all the parties of the people were mustred in the City of Bala In this survey besides those of the Tribe of Juda were numbred seven hundred thousand men and of the Tribe of Juda in particular 1 Sam. 11 v. 11 12. there were seventy thousand Saul having passed Jordan and marched all night came before Sun-rise to the place where he intended to conduct them Ten Shâ—oeni or Cables length of Nilus so called by the cords that draw the Ships by Nilus make 37 Italian miles and dividing his Army into three parts he attaqued the enemy on every side who suspected no such encounter and fighting valiantly against them he N slew divers and amongst the rest Nahas King of the Ammonites This victory made Sauls name famous amongst the Hebrews so that he was wonderfully praised and honoured for his valour and if before any contemned him now they changed their opinions and honoured him and accounted him the
year of the World 2880. before Christ's Nativity 1084. H The Philistines assailing the Hebrews are overcome in Battel BUT when the King had Mustered his Men 1 Sam. 13. 1 ad 4. and chosen out 3000 of the best Soldiers he appointed 2000 of them for the guard of his Person and with them went and dwelt at Bethel Hedio Ruffinus cap. 6. The rest he gave in chrge to his Son Jonathan and sent them to Gaba Saul elected 2000 for his own guard and 1000 for Jonathans to attend and guard him there who follow'd by them valiantly overcame a Garison of the Philistines near to Gebal For the Philistines of Gaba having gotten a Victory over them had taken their Arms from them and seized and fortified both with Men and Munition the strongest Cities of their Countrey prohibiting them to bear Arms and I in general the use of any Iron Saul overcometh the Philistines by reason of which Inhibition if their Husbandmen had at anytime need of any Iron work as of Plough-shares Mattocks or any such other Instrument fit for manuring or tillage of their Lands they were inforced to seek it and get it forged amongst the Philistines Now when the Philistines understood that their Garison was defeated Ver. 5. they were extremely mov'd The Philistines prepare to invade the Israelites and conceiving that the injury and outrage was not to be suffered they armed themselves against the Jews and marcht out embattelled with 300000 Footmen 30000 Chariots and 6000 Horse encamping with their whole Host near the City of Machmas Which when Saul the King of the Hebrews understood he marched toward the City of Gilgal and as he Travelled thorow the Countrey he animated and encouraged K the People to preserve their liberty proclaiming War against the Philistines whose Forces he so little feared that he mocked thereat saying That they deserved not to be feared for their multitudes nor any danger which might accrue by an Encounter with them But when Sauls Soldiers were certified of the true number of their Enemies Ver. 6 7 8. they were dismayed The Israelites dismay'd at the report of the Army of the Philistines so that some of them hid themselves in Dens and places under the earth others fled on the other side of Jordan into the Countrey of the Gadites and Reubenites But Saul sent for the Prophet to consult with him about the War who gave him answer that he should attend in the same place where he was and prepare Beasts for Sacrifice because that within seven days he would come to him and sacrifice on the seventh day Ver. 9 10. which done he might encounter the Enemy According to this direction of the L Prophet he expected Saul sacrificeth contrary to God and the Prophets direction yet observed not intirely all that Samuel had enjoined him For when he perceived that he was somewhat slack in coming and that his Soldiers left him he took the Beasts that were prepared for the Sacrifice and offer'd a Burnt-offering but afterwards understanding that Samuel was arrived he went out to meet him and do him honour Samuel accuseth Saul Samuel told him that he had done amiss by reason that neglecting that which was commanded him Ver. 11 12. he had presum'd before his arrival to offer the Sacrifices which were to be made to God for the People Saul excused himself alledging That he had stayed during the term of 7 days which were appointed him but that necessity and the departure of his Soldiers upon intelligence that the enemies Army had left Machmas and was coming to Gilgal had induced him to offer Sacrifice Samuel replyed saying Thou M hadst done more advisedly if thou hadst obeyed and not by thy hastiness contemned God whose Minister and Prophet I am for by thine obedience thou mightest have gotten an assurance and continuance of thy Kingdom to thy self and the succession to thy Posterity This said being displeased with what had hapned he returned back to his own house Hedio Ruffinus and Saul with 600 Soldiers only accompanied with his Son Jonathan came to the City of Gabeon The greater part of these Men were disarmed by reason that the Countrey was destitute of Iron and Workmen expert in forging Armor for the Philistines permitted them not to have any Gilgal as we have declared a little before Ver. 22 23. The Philistines dividing their Army into three Battels invaded the Countrey of the Hebrews so many wayes The Philistines spoil the Countrey of the Hebrews destroying and ravaging all things in the sight of King Saul and his Son N who neither could inhibit their incursions nor by reason of their multitudes make head against them Both he therefore and his Son and Achias the High Priest sate down upon a Hillock 1 Sam. 14. 1 ad 4. and seeing the Countrey spoiled round about them they were much dismayed But Sauls Son proposed to his Armor-bearer to enter secretly into the Enemies Camp Jonathan with his Harness-bearer do privily enter the Enemies Camps and raise an Uproar and Alarum in the same who willingly promising and offering him his service to adventure with him in all occasions and places with the hazard of his life they both of them descended from the Mountain and marched directly towards the Enemies Camp who had pitched their Tents on a high pointed Rock which extended it self in length with three angles and was each way begirt with a Bank as it were a Wall and Fortification against the incursion of their Enemies For O which cause they kept their watch somewhat too carelesly because the place was so fortified by nature that no man could ascend or assail them but with disadvantage When A they got near the Camp Jonathan encouraged his Companion to assail the Enemy after this manner If saith he they espie us and will us to ascend let us take this Summons of theirs for an assured token that our design shall succeed but if they hold their peace and call us not let us return back again As they approached the Enemies Host about break of day the Philistines said one to another Ver. 11 12. the Hebrews creep out of their Caves and Dens then cryed they out to Jonathan and his Armor-bearer saying Come hither come hither to us to receive the punishment of your audacious enterprize Jonathan heard these words with joy as a certain presage that God favor'd his enterprize and parted with his Armor-bearer from the place where they were first discovered answering them that he would shortly visit them So withdrawing B himself on the other side of the Rock which by reason of the scituation thereof was left unguarded Ver. 12 13 14 15. and overcoming the difficulty of the place with great labor at last they came where the Enemy was Jonathan slayeth a certain number in the enemies camp the rest
invade one another and are put to flight whom they found asleep and assailing them slew 20 of them and filled the whole Army with terror and amazement so that casting away their Weapons they fled with all speed and some being ignorant which were their Friends or Foes invaded one another as Enemies For imagining with themselves that only two Hebrews durst never enter their Camp they conceiv'd there was Treachery among themselves and so fell to slaughter one another so that some of them were slain others fled to escape the Sword and fell headlong down the Rocks But when the Kings Spies told him what confusion and disorder was hapned in the Camp of the Philistines C Saul demanded whether any of his Company were absent and hearing that his Son and his Armor-bearer were missing he desired the High Priest to attire himself with the Ephod that so he might learn of God what was to happen He did so and assur'd him that he should obtain the Victory over his Enemies Hedio Ruffinus cap. 7. Whereupon Saul sallied out and assaulted the Philistines Ver. 20 ad 26. whil'st they were thus confused and disordered and fighting one against another Saul hearing that there was a tumult in the Philistines camp fallieth out upon them To him there flocked in great multitudes such as before were fled into dens and places under ground as soon as they heard that the Victory inclined on Sauls side so that gathering together to the number of 10000 Hebrews he pursued his scattered Enemies thorow all the Countrey But afterward a great inconvenience hapned unto Saul proceeding from the joy he had conceived by this Victory for commonly D such as are blessed by such good fortune are not Masters of their own affections and reasons or rather proceeding from his ignorance For intending to satiate himself with revenge for all those injuries which he had received from the Philistines he published an Imprecation or Curse against any one whomsoever that intermitting the pursuit should take sustenance before Night purposing to continue the same till dark Night Ver. 27 ad 30. This Execration thus published by Saul it chanced that his Son who had not heard of it Sauls Edict unwittingly broken by Jonathan nor the general allowance of the same by the People entring into a certain Grove belonging to the Tribe of Ephraim wherein were many swarms of Bees by chance light upon a Honey-comb and pressing the Honey did eat the same Afterwards having intelligence that his Father had under a grievous penalty of Execration forbidden E any man to taste any sort of Meat before Sun-set he gave over eating yet said that his Father had done amiss in publishing that Prohibition by reason that if they had received sustenance they might with greater force and vigor have pursued the Enemy that fled and slain more of them After the slaughter of many thousands of the Philistines about Evening they began to ransack and spoil the Camp of the Philistines and they carried away great spoils and a number of Cattel part of which were slain and eaten with the blood Ver. 32. contrary to the Law Which when the Scribes had signified to the King The Hebrews feed on bloody flesh 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 blood Saul commanded that a great stone should be rowled into the midst of the Camp and that the People F should kill the Beasts upon the same and forbear to eat flesh with the blood because it was not agreeable unto God All which was performed as the King had commanded and Saul erected an Altar in that place on which he offered a Burnt-sacrifice to God This was the first Altar that he erected But Saul being desirous incontinently to assail the Enemies Camp and sack all that was therein before day whilest his Men of War diligently follow'd him and shew'd great forwardness in the execution of his command the King ask'd counsel of the High Priest Achilob Ver. 37 38. whether God would give him the victory and permit those that should enter the Enemies Camp to return from thence Conquerors The High Priest told him that God returned him no answer which when he understood Ver. 41 42. It is not without some great cause said he that God is thus silent who heretofore G was wont to give a 〈◊〉 answer what we ought to do Saul trieth by lot who hath displeased God but there must needs be some hidden sin amongst us that giving offence to him causeth him to be silent But I swear by the same God that although mine own son Jonathan should have committed that sin I will to appease God with no less severity punish him than any the least stranger that is neither by alliance nor H affinity tyed unto me Now when the People cryed out and encourag'd him to the performance of what he had spoken he presently assembled them in one place and standing with his Son apart began by casting lots to find out him that was faulty When the lot fell upon Jonathan Ver. 44. he ask'd him what Crime he had committed Jonathan answer'd I know no other thing Saul intendeth to kill his own son being prepared and resolute to dye but that yesterday being in pursuit of the Enemy and ignorant of thine Edict I tasted of an Honey-comb whereupon Saul swore that he would put him to death rather than violate his Oath the observation of which he prefer'd before his own blood and all the sentiments of nature He nothing astonish'd at his present danger with a generous and dreadless mind presented himself with this Reply O Father said he I entreat no favour at thy hands for I willingly submit to that death which may I discharge thee of thy vow Ver. 45 46. the more contentedly because I have seen so famous a victory for I shall dye contented The Israelites rescue Jonathan from his displeased Father to see the insolence of the Philistines overmastered by the power of the Hebrews This valor and courage of the young man moved the whole multitude to remorse and commiseration so that they all swore that they would not suffer Jonathan who was the Author of so famous a victory to be put to death so they rescued the young man out of the hands of his displeased Father and pray'd to God to pardon him the fault which he had committed Saul after he had slain about 6000 of his Enemies returned with victory to his own house Oba or Soba and Reigned afterwards very happily and overcame the Ammonites Philistines Moabites Idumeans Amalekites and King Zoba He had three sons Jonathan Joshua and Melchi and two Daughters Merob and Michol The K General of his Army was Abner the son of his Uncle called Neer for Neer and Cis Sauls Father were Brothers and
suffering great Travels and after they had once more renewed the oath of mutual Amity and Faith between them for all the time of their lives calling God to witness with imprecations against him that should fail therein Jonathan left David somewhat eased in heart and disburthened of his fear and returned to his own home But the Ziphians to gratifie Saul told him v. 19. that David was amongst them and promised to deliver him prisoner into his hands The Ziphians certifie Saul of Davids abode in their Countrey if so be he would come out against him for if he would seize all the straights of the Countrey it should be impossible for him to flie into D any other place The King praised their fidelity and promised them to require it and to remunerate them shortly for this their good affection and withall sent out certain men to seek out David and to break over the Forest promising them that shortly he would follow after them Thus did the Governours and Princes of the Ziphians offer themselves to the King to search out and apprehend him expressing their affection therein not only in outward shew but also with their whole power labouring what they might that surprizing him they might deliver him into the Kings hands But their unjust desire had as unfortunate success wicked people as they were who being to incur no peril by concealing him from pursuit promised to betray him into the Kings hands through adulation and avarice v. 26. a man that was both vertous and wrongfully persecuted E to death by his Enemies David hearing of the Kings coming flieth to save himself For David being informed of their malice and of the Kings approach quitted those narrow straights wherein he then encamped and escaped to a certain Rock sâ—ituate in the Desart of Simon Saul continued to pursue him and knowing by the way that he had overcome the straights he came to the other side of the Rock where David had surely been taken had not the King been revoked by tidings which assured him that the Philistines had forcibly entred and spoyled his Kingdom v. 27 28. For he thought it more conveninet to revenge himself on those his publick and open Enemies Saul pursueth David and having circumvented him had taken him had not he received news that revoked him and to give succor to his Countrey and people being ready to be spoiled and wasted than out of desire to lay hands on a private Enemy to betray both his Countrey and Subjects to their Swords and thus was David saved beyond all expectation and F he retired himself to the straights of Engaddi But after Saul had repelled the Philistines certain news was brought him that David was in the straights of Engaddi whereupon presently taking with him three thousand of the choicest men in all his Army he led them speedily to the forenamed place and being not far from thence he perceived near the high way a deep and large Cave where David with his four hundred men were hid and he descended alone into the Cave to disburthen the necessities of nature This was presently discovered by one of Davids followers who told him that God had presented him a fit opportunity to revenge him on his Enemy 1 Sam. 24 5. and counselled him to cut off Sauls head David cut off the lap of Sauls Garment and to discharge himself thereby of further trouble But David arising and finding him out only cut off the lap of the vesture wherewith Saul was attired and presently G thereupon repented himself saying that it were a wicked deed in him to kill his Lord whom God by Election had raised to the estate of Majesty and Empire For said he although he be unjust toward me yet ought I not to be injurious towards him who is my Lord. But when Saul was gon out of the Cave David followed him and cryed with a loud H voice beseeching Saul to give him audience Saul turning back to him David cast himself prostrate at his feet according to the custome and spake after this manner How unworthy is it for thee O King that opening thy ears to scandalous backbiters and giving trust and credit to vain and loose men thou suspectest thy most faithfull friends whom thou rather oughtest to judge by their sincere and upright actions for words may be either false or true but the mind can be descovered by no more apparent arguments than by mens actions as at this present thou mayest judge David upbraideth Saul for his subtilities to seek his death who was innocent whether thou hast raishly believed them that make me guilty before thy Majesty of that crime that was never yet so much as in my thought and who have so much exasperated thee against me that day and night thou thinkest on nothing more than my destruction Seest thou not now how vain thy opinion is whereby they persuade thee that I I am an Enemy of thy house and earnestly desirous of thy death Or with what eyes thinkest thou doth God behold thy cruelty who seekest the death of him who having an opportunity offered him to be revenged on thee spareth thy life whose life were it in thy hands were assuredly lost For as easily might I have cut off thy head as this lap of thy garment and therewithall in confirmation of his words he shewed it him yet did I forbear this just revenge But God shall bear witness hereof and shall condemn him of us two that shall be found the most culpable Saul amazed to see how strangely his life had been preserved and to consider the vertue and generosity of David v. 10 ad 17. began to weep and David wept also but Saul said that he had greater cause to lament than he Saul acknowledged his malice and Davids innocency and requesteth him that when he hath obtained the Kingdom he would be favourable to his Family For said he by thy means have I received many benefits and thou at my hands hast been repayed with infinite K injuries This day hast thou testified that thou retainest the ancient justice of our ancestors who instead of taking away the lives of their Enemies when they found them at advantage accounted it glorious to spare them Now I no longer doubt that God hath reserved the Kingdom for thee and that the Empire of all the Hebrews attendeth thee Assure thou me therefore by an oath that thou wilt not exterminate my Race or remember those injuries that I have done unto thee but that sparing my posterity thou wilt keep them under thy protection David sware to him according as he had required and suffered him to return into his Realm and both he and his companies retired themselves to the straights of Maspha About the same time died Samuel the Prophet a man who for his merit was in great estimation amongst the Hebrews Samuels death and burial the testimony of L
married to David having obtained that degree of honour by her modesty and beauty Now David had a Wife before named Ahinoam V. 39. ad finem whom he had married out of the City of Abesar As touching Michol the Daughter of Saul David marrieth Abigail Nabals wife and other-whiles his Wife Saul gave her to Wife at Lissa to the Son of Phalti of the City of Gethla After this certain Ziphians coming to Saul Saul marrieth his daughter Michol to another husband told him that David was returned again into their Countrey and that if it pleased him to assist them they might easily apprehend him Whereupon Saul took the Field with 3000 Men and being surprized by Night he encamped in a certain place called Siceleg 1 Sam. 26. v. 1 ad 9. F When David was certified that Saul was come forth against him The Ziphians once more labour to betray David in their Countrey he sent out certain Spies to whom he gave charge to bring him intelligence into what place at that time Saul was retired who ascertained him that he was at Siceleg he watched all that Night without the knowledge of any of his Followers and went into Sauls Camp attended only by Abisai his sister Servia's Son and Abimelech the Hittite V. 7 8 ad 13. Now whil'st Saul was asleep David once more attended by two entering into Sauls Camp stole away his Dart and his Pitcher of water and his General Abner with all his Soldiers David entred into the Kings Camp and although he knew the Kings Pavilion by his Javelin that stood at the door thereof yet slew he him not neither permitted he Abisai who was very forward to execute the slaughter But this he said that although the King were wicked yet since he was appointed by God himself he could not attempt any thing G against his life and be innocent for that it was Gods right to take vengeance on him to whom he had given the Kingdom and thus restrained he the others fury Yet to the intent he might certifie the King that having the opportunity to slay him he spared his life The year of the World 2891. before Christ's Nativity 1073. he bare away with him his Javelin and the Pitcher of water that stood by H Saul whil'st he slept without the knowledge of any of the Camp so much were they devoured and overwhelmed with sleep He therefore departed thence in all assurance having executed all that which either the time or his courage would permit him to do But after he had passed the River and had attained the top of a Mountain from whence he might be easily heard he cryed out to Sauls Soldiers and their General Abner so loud that he awaked them from their sleep and calling unto Abner as well as the common sort of Soldiers Ver. 14 ad 18. the General asked Who it was that called him to whom David answered David upbraideth Abner King Sauls General for suffering his Kings Javelin and Pitcher of water to be taken from him It is I the Son of Jesse your Fugitive but said he How cometh it to pass that thou who art so great and in chiefest authority about the King hast so small respect and guard of his person Thy sleep is more pleasant unto thee than to watch for his conservation Assuredly this I act of thine deserveth a capital punishment because thou neither hast discovered me nor any others before we entred the Camp or approached the King Behold here the Kings Javelin and his Pitcher of water by which you may perceive in what great danger he hath been even in the midst of you without any notice or discovery of yours Saul perceiving that it was Davids voice A ver 21 ad finem and seeing that through the negligence of his Guards Saul praiseth David and willeth him to be of good courage and exhorteth him to return to his own house it had been easie for him to have slain him which after so many provocations would not have seem'd strange to any man he acknowledged himself indebted to him for his life exhorting him to be assured and without suspecting any evil to return home unto his house because he was persuaded that he loved not himself so much as he was beloved by David notwithstanding that he had pursued him and for a long time K had chased him like a Fugitive constraining him by divers persecutions to forsake his dearest Friends and instead of rewarding his services had reduc'd him to the utmost extremities Hereupon David willed him to send some one of his Servants to bring back his Javelin and Pitcher of water protesting that God should be Judge of both their natures manners and actions who knew that that day also he had spared his Enemy whom if he had thought good he might have destroyed David having thus the second time spared Saul's life 1 Sam. 27. 1. and not willing to continue any longer in a Countrey David declareth his innocency to Saul where he might be in danger of falling at length into the hands of his Enemies he thought good to retire into the Countrey of the Philistines and sojourn there Saul desisteth to persecute David So that accompanied with 600 Men which he had with him he went to Achis L King of Gath one of their five Cities who received him kindly and gave him a place to dwell in Ver. 8 ad fin so that he abode in Gath having with him his two Wives Atchimaas and Abigail David with six hundred men and his two wives went into Palestine to Achis King of Gitia Which when Saul understood he troubled him no more because he had twice been in danger of his life whil'st he pursued him David held it not convenient to remain in the City of Gath and therefore requested the King of the Philistines that he would assign him some part of his Countrey where he might make his habitation because he feared to be chargeable to him if he remained in the City Achis assigned to him a Village called Siceleg David requireth a certain place at the Kings hands to make his habitation in which David after he obtained the Kingdom loved so well that he purchased the perpetual inheritance of it after he came to the Crown But hereof will we speak in another place The time that David lived amongst the Philistines M and in the Town of Siceleg were four months and twenty days during which time The King giveth him Siceleg by several excursions against the bordering Sarrites and Amalekites he spoiled their Countrey and returned back again with a great booty of Oxen and Camels yet brought he thence no Bondmen David spoiled the Sarrites and Amalekites and giveth part of the prey to the King persuading him that he took it from the Jews that inhabited the South Plain lest Achis by their means should thereby have intelligence
all which had hapned But when his grief was abated and he returned to himself he lifted up his heart unto God and B commanded the High-Priest Abiathar to put on the Ephod and ask counsel of God and that done Ver. 7 8 9. to declare unto him how he might overtake the Amalekites if he should pursue them David taketh counsel of God whether he will assist him to recover his Wives and Goods out of the hands of the Amalekites and whether he should recover his Wives and Children that they had led away and revenge himself of his Enemies As soon as the High-Priest had certified him that he might pursue them he sallied out with 600 Soldiers and pursued the Enemy and drawing near unto the River he found a certain stragler an Egyptian by Nation very faint and feeble through want and famine having for three dayes space wandered in the Desart without any sustenance whom after he had refreshed with meat and drink he asked to whom he belonged and what he was The Egyptian told him his Countrey and how he had been left in that place by his Master because that through his weakness it was C impossible for him to follow them He confessed likewise that his Master was one of the number of those that had burned and sacked Ver. 11 ad 19. not only other quarters of Judea but Siceleg also David guided by an Egyptian slave overtaketh the Amalekites David taking this Man for his Guide overtook them finding some of them lying on the ground others banquetting and debauching and almost sensless by overmuch drink wherefore being not in a condition to defend themselves he fell upon them and slew so great a number that scarce 400 Men escaped for the slaughter continued from Noon until the Evening David assaileth the Amalekites makes a great slaughter of them and recovereth the whole prey So recovered he all that which the Enemy had ransackt and released both his own Wives and those of his Companions Whereupon they returned to the place where they had left the other 200 which could not follow them because they were appointed to guard the Baggage To these the 400 would not grant a part D of the Booty because they had not as they said followed the Enemy with them but shewed themselves slack in the pursuit alledging that they ought to content themselves with the recovery of their Wives But David thought the sentence pronounced against them to be unjust Ver. 20 ad 25. for since they had defeated their Enemies all of them deserved to partake of profit David compromitteth the debate betwixt those that pursued the chase and those that kept the Baggage touching the pillage which ought equally to be divided both amongst those that fought and amongst those that stayed behind to guard the Baggage And from that day forward this Law hath been firmly observed amongst them that they that guard the Baggage should have an equal part of the prey with those that go out to Battel But when David was returned to Siceleg he sent unto his Friends of the Tribe of Juda apart of the spoil In this manner was Siceleg sacked and burned and thus were the Amalekites discomfited E But the Philistines fought a bloody Battel with Saul wherein they got the Victory and slew a great number of their Enemies Saul King of Israel with his Sons fought valiantly and seeing that there was no hopes of conquering they endeavoured to die as honourably as they could 1 Sam. 31. 1 2 3. For since the Philistines bent all their Forces against them they could not make good their Retreat Saul and his sons seeing their Army overcome by the Philistines are desperately dismayed and slain so that incompassed by them they died in the midst of them and yet before their death slew a great number of their Enemies There were there present Sauls three sons Jonathan Aminadab and Melchi who being defeated the Hebrew Army turned their backs so that being closely pursued by the Enemy there was a great slaughter made Saul with those about him retreated in good order And although the Philistines drew out against him a multitude of Archers that shot many F Darts and Arrows at him yet were they all but a very few repulsed and although he had fought very bravely having received divers wounds yet being unable any longer to support himself he commanded his Esquire to draw his Sword and to thrust it through his Body 1 Sam. 31. 4 c. before he should be taken alive by his Enemies which he refused not daring to lay hands upon his Master Saul striveth to kill himself and being unable useth the assistance of a young Amalekite Whereupon Saul drew his own Sword and setting it to his Breast cast himself thereon but unable to force it home enough he looked back and saw a young man behind him whom he asked What he was and hearing that he was an Amalekite he requested him That he would kill him that he might not fall alive into the hands of his Enemies which he did and having taken from him the Gold which he had about his arms and the Royal Crown he fled The Esquire seeing Saul G dead presently slew himself Not one of all the Kings Guard escaped but they were all slain near unto the Mountain Gilboa When they that inhabited the Valley on the other side of Jordan and in the Plain had intelligence that Saul and his sons were dead and with them a great number of their Nation was slain The year of the World 2891 before Christ's Nativity 1073. they abandoned their Cities H and fled to others that were better fortified The Philistines finding these Cities destitute of Inhabitants seized on them The next day whil'st the Philistines spoiled the dead they found the bodies of Saul and his sons which they spoiled and beheaded sending their Heads round about the Countrey â—a Ver. 7 ad 10. to make it known that their Enemies were defeated They offered up their Arms also in the Temple of Astaroth and their Bodies they hung on the Walls of the City of Bethsan The Hebrews that inhabit the Valley beyond Jordan leaving their towns flie to defenced cities at this day called Scythopolis When they of Jabes a City of Galaad understood how the Philistines had cut off the Heads of Saul and his sons they were enraged and thought it became them not to be unconcerned whereupon the most valiant amongst them went out and marched all night till they came to Bethsan and approaching near the Walls they took down the Bodies of I Saul and his sons Ver. 9. and carried them unto Jabes without any opposition of the Enemy These men of Jabes lamented over the dead Bodies The Philistines hung up the bodies of Saul and his Sons and buried them in the best part of their Countrey called Arar Thus they mourned both Men
permit him to be present Ver. 3. and that upon good consideration for they said That if they should be defeated in his company Davids friends dissuade his presence in the battel they should utterly lose all hope but if one squadron C should be overcome the rest might have recourse unto him who might unite and reinforce the rather for that the enemies would alwayes think it likely that he had some other recruits with him This counsel pleased him for which cause he remained within the City But at such time as he sent out his friends unto the battel he besought them that in remembrance of all the benefits and favors he had bestowed on them they would both shew themselves couragious in the fight Ver. 4 5. and that having obtained the victory David commandeth them to spare his son they would spare his son for fear least his death should increase and redouble his discontents Thus praying God to give them victory he dismissed them to the battel But when Joab had placed his Army right over against the enemy and had extended them on the Plain having a Wood upon their backs Absalon also drew out his Army against him so that D encountring one another Ver. 6 7. they performed many notable actions on both parts the one hazarding themselves in all dangers The battel betwixt Joab and Absalon and employing all their affections to the intent that David might recover his Kingdom the others neither refusing to do or endure any thing so that Absalon might not be deprived or exposed to his fathers punishment and displeasure for his insolent attempt Besides that they held it an indignity for them that being so great in number as they were they should be overcome by such a handful of people as followed Joab thinking it an utter disgrace unto them that being so many thousands of them in Arms they should be discomfited by Davids followers But Joab and his men being more skilful and trained in feats of Arms than the rest Ver. 8 9. discomfited and brake Absolons Army The flight and overthrow of Absalons Army so that they fled through Woods and into strong E places Davids Soldiers pursuing after them took some and slew others so that both in flight and fight a great number of them were put to the Sword for there fell that day about 20000 Men. But all Davids Troops freshly set upon Absalon who was easily known by his beauty and stature he fearing to be surprized by his enemies mounted upon a swift Mule and fled in great haste But by the swift motion of his body his locks being scattered abroad his bush of Hair was intangled in a thick and branchy Tree where he hung after a strange manner and his Mule ran onward with great swiftness as if she had as yet born her master on her back but he hanging by the Hair amidst the branches suddenly fell into his enemies hands This when a certain Soldier perceived he brought news thereof unto Joab who promised him to give him 50 sicles if he would kill him F The Soldier answered That if he would give him 2000 he would not commit such a murther on the son of his Sovereign the rather for that in the presence of them all David had requested them to spare him Hereupon Joab commanded him to shew him the place where he had seen Absalon hang who had no sooner discovered him but thrusting a Javelin to his heart he slew him A ver 9 ad 15. That done Joabs Esquires surrounded the Tree took him down Joab killeth Absalon and cast him into a deep Pit they overwhelmed him with stones so that in appearance it seemed to be a Tomb or Monument After this when Joab had sounded a retreat he withdrew his Soldiers from pursuit as thinking it unnatural for one Countrey-man to imbrue his hands in the blood of another Absalon had erected in the Royal Valley Ver. 17 18. two furlongs distant from Jerusalem a Marble Pillar with an Inscription upon it to G the intent that if his Race should be extinct Absalons marble pillar his memory might be preserved by that Monument which he had erected Now he had 3 sons and a daughter called Thamar who was married to Roboam Davids Nephew and had by him a son called Abia who succeeded his father in the Kingdom of whom we shall speak more at large CHAP. X. H The happy state of David being restored unto his Kingdom The year of the World 2920. before Christ's Nativity 1044. AFter that Absalon was slain Ver. 21 ad 32. all the people returned privately to their own houses but Achimaas Chusai sent to certifie David of the victory the son of the High Priest Sadoc drew near unto Joab requiring his leave to repair unto David and to certifie him of the victory and how by Gods help and providence he had vanquished his enemies This did the General deny him telling him That it was not convenient that he who heretofore was wont to bring joyful news should now certifie the King of his sons death He therefore commanded him to stay and calling Chusai to his presence he gave him commission to certifie the King of that I which he had seen 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 utter any thing whereupon he dismissed him also who choosing the shorter way outstripped Chusai Now as David sate in the gate of the City expecting some messenger that might certifie him of the success of the battel one of the Sentinels perceiving Achimaas that came running hastily and not being able to distinguish who it was told David that he saw a messenger coming towards him who answered that it was some one that brought joyful news Anon after he told him that a certain other messenger followed to whom David answered likewise that it was one that brought glad tydings And when the Watchman perceived that it was Achimaas K Sadoc the High Priests son and that he was near at hand he ran first of all and certified David Ver. 33. who was very glad thereof saying That he brought some good and desirable news touching the event of the battel David hearing of Absalons death by Chusai grievously bewaileth him and no sooner had the King spoken the word but Achimaas entred and fell down upon his face before David to whom he reported that his Army had the victory Being afterwards demanded what was become of Absalon He answered That he incontinently departed from the Camp as soon as the enemies were put to flight but that a great number of Soldiers pursued Absalon and further then that he knew nothing because by Joabs commandment he was speedily sent away to bring tydings of the victory When Chusai was come and had humbled
dignity according as God had foretold Eli one of the Ancestors of Abiathar and translated to the Race of Phinees and established in Sadoc Those of the Race of Phinees who led a private life all that time that the Priesthood remained in the family of Ithamar whereof Eli was the first were these Ver. 35. Boccias the son of Joseph Joathan the son of Boccias The genealogy of the High Priest Sadoc Mareoth the son of Joatham Aropha the son of Maraeoth Achitob the son of Aropha Sadoc the son of Achitob who was the first High Priest under King David Joab having heard of the death of Adonias was very much surprized for he loved him more than King Solomon and by reason of that friendship which he bare unto him he upon good grounds apprehended his own danger and in this respect he fled unto the K Altar hoping in that place to be secured in regard of that reverence which the King bare unto God But when Joabs resolution was made known unto the King he sent Benaia unto him with Commission to bring him from the Altar and to conduct him to the Judgment-seat that he might in that place justifie his actions but Joab said That he would never abandon the Temple but that he had rather dye in that place than in another When Benaia had certified the King of this his answer he commanded him to cut off his Head in the same place as he required and that in that sort he should be punished by reason of the two murthers which he had cursedly committed upon the persons of Abner and Amasa commanding that his body should be buried in the same place to the end that his sins should never depart from his Race Ver. â—8 ad 33. and that both David and Solomon might be held guiltless L of the death of those Men that had been murther'd by Joab Joab is slain This command of his Benaia executed Benaia is substituted in his place and was afterward made General of the Men of War Moreover the King established Sadoc solely in the place of Abiathar whom he had deposed He commanded Simei also to build him an House in Jerusalem to keep himself therein without passing the brook of Cedron for if he should break that commandment the penalty which he should incur should be no less than death and to the more serious performance of this his injuction he tyed him by a solemn oath Simei thanked Solomon for the charge he had imposed on him and swore that he would fulfill the same so that forsaking his own Countrey he came and dwelt in Jerusalem where after he had sojourned for the space of three years it hapned that he had news that two of his slaves had fled and M betaken themselves into Gath Ver. 35. whereupon he went to find them out and no sooner returned he back again with them Sadoc obtaineth Abiathars place in the Priesthood but that the King had intelligence that he had neglected his commandment and which is more that he had broken that oath which he made unto God Simei's punishment and death which incensed him very much Wherefore calling unto him he spake after this manner Hast thou not sworn said he that thou wilt not go out of this City to another Ver. 38. ad fin And dost thou think it a small matter to add Perjury to that other vilany which thou hast been guilty of in so scandalously reproaching my father of blessed memory when the rebellion of Absalom compell'd him to forsake the capital City of his Realm Prepare thy self therefore to suffer the punishment which thou deservest which shall be such as shall suffice to convince the World that though the punishments of the wicked are oftentimes late yet they are abundantly N recompenced by their sureness and severity Whereupon Benaia slew Simei according as he was commanded Hedio Ruffinus cap. 2. From that day forward Solomon had his Royal estate secured and after that his enemies had received condign punishment he took to wife the daughter of Pharaoh King of Egypt 1 Kings 3. 1 ad 4. and afterwards builded the walls of Jerusalem far larger and stronger than they were before Solomon marrieth the King of Egypts daughter and establisheth the kingdom and all the rest of his life he governed his Common-weal in peace so that his youthful years hindered him not from the observation of justice and the maintenance of laws neither excluded the remembrance of that which his father had charged him at the hour of his death but behaving himself in all things exactly he executed the affairs of his kingdom with that circumspection that such as excelled him in years could not surpass him O A CHAP. II. Of the wisdom prudence and riches of Solomon and how first of all he builded the Temple in Jerusalem AS soon as he came to Hebron he determined to pay his vows unto God on that brazen Altar which was erected by Moses Ver. 5 ad 8. and sacrificed thereon in burnt-offerings a thousand head of Cattel God appeareth to Solomon by night in a dream and willeth him to ask that which most of all he desired which honourable devotion of his was most acceptable unto God For the very same night he had appeared unto him in a dream and commanded him to ask whatsoever blessing he thought fit as a recompence of this his piety But Solomon required a most excellent thing which God doth liberally bestow and Men very B happily receive For he demanded neither gold nor silver nor any other kind of riches such as a youthful Man would require for these are only affected by the common sort when the other are only worthy of the divine magnificence Ver. 9 ad 15. But give me said he O Lord Solomon requireth wisdom at Gods hands who with it giveth him riches and honours also a ripe judgment and a good understanding to the intent that by these means I may administer justice to this people with truth and equity With this demand of his God was well pleased and promised him to give him all other things whereof he had made no mention namely riches and glory and above all these such an understanding and wisdom as no King or private Man hath had before him Moreover that he would continue the Kingdom in his family for many ages if he continued in the wayes of justice and obeyed God in all things and walked in his fathers wayes and imitated his virtues C After that Solomon had received these blessings from God and was made happy by these promises he forsook his bed and worshipping God returned unto Jerusalem where he offered great Sacrifices before the Tabernacle and magnificently feasted all those of his Houshold About the same time a very difficult case was brought him to decide the resolution whereof was very hard to be discovered And I have thought it
that remained after the battel consulted with his friends how he might war against the Israelites Who advised him from thenceforth never more to fight with them in mountainous places for that their God was powerful upon the Mountains and for that cause they had been overcome by them but if he fought with them in the Plain both he and his should be assured to have the upper hand Moreover they counselled him that he should dismiss those Kings that he had confederated with him to the end that each of them might return into his own Countrey and that E in their stead he should retain their Forces over which he should ordain Chieftains besides to supply their places that were lost they advised him to levy Horsemen and Chariots thorow all his Countrey Adab supposing that they had discreetly counselled him in this matter ordered his Army according as they had advised And as soon as the Spring was come Ver. 23 ad 27. he assembled his Army Adad's second expedition against the Israelities and led them forth against the Israelites and coming near unto the City of Aphec he encamped in a plain field But Achab with his Forces marching out to meet him pitched his Tents near unto him although he were far inferiour both in force and number To him the Prophet appeared again telling him That God would once more give him the victory to make it known that his power was not only in the Mountains as the Syrians persuaded themselves but in the Plains also Thus continued F both the Armies and encamped the one against the other for the space of six days On the seventh when the Enemy forsook their Trenches early in the morning and placed themselves in battel-array Achab drew out his Army and faced them and presently charged them where after a long and dangerous fight between them the Enemies were put to flight and many of them slain in the chase For some of them were intangled with their own Chariots others slew those of their own party and some few of them found the means to flie unto their City of Aphec who perished likewise to the number of Seven and twenty thousand being slain by the walls that fell upon them besides One hundred thousand men that perished in the fight But Adad attended by some of his principal Officers went and hid himself in a Cave under the ground and they representing G unto him that the Kings of Israel were merciful and that there was hope of pardon to be had if after the manner of Suppliants they sent unto him Adad permitted them Whereupon they incontinently presented themselves to Achab cloathed in H Sackcloth The year of the World 3040. before Christ's Nativity 923. with Ropes about their Necks according to the manner of Supplicants amongst the Syrians telling him That Adad besought his Majesty to grant him his life promising on his behalf that from thenceforth he would alwayes continue his servant and acknowledge his favor Achab answer'd them That he was very glad that their King was as yet alive and had escaped from the fury of the fight offering him by them that kindness which one brother ought to shew unto another Ver. 31 ad 34. And sware unto them that he should offer him no wrong if he discover'd himself unto him Adad is received into favor by Achab and dismissed upon condition Whereupon they brought him from the place where he was hidden and presented him unto Achab who was mounted upon a Chariot Adad prostrated himself before him but Achab stretching out his hand made him come up unto him into his Chariot and kissed him willing him to be of good courage assuring I him That he should be no otherwise treated by him than as became the dignity of a King Hereupon Adad gave him thanks protesting That during his life-time he would never be forgetful of his favours promising him moreover to restore unto him those Cities which his Predecessors Kings of Syria had taken from the Israelites and that he should have as free access to Damascus as to Samaria After this Treaty confirmed by oath Achab gave him many worthy Presents Ver. 35. ad fiâ—â— and sent him back into his kingdom Thus ended the War betwixt Adad and the King of the Israelites After this a certain Prophet called Micheas came unto another Israelite commanding him to wound him upon the head assuring him That God was so pleased and had so commanded him When this Israelite would in no sort condescend hereunto he prophesied unto him That since he had disobeyed Gods commandment K he should meet with a Lyon which should rent him in pieces Which coming to pass according as it was foretold the Prophet addressed himself again unto another commanding him to do the like and when he had wounded him in the head he bound up the wound and came unto the King Achab was reproved for dismissing Adab telling him That he had been in the Wars and had received a Prisoner in charge from his Captains hands and that his Prisoner being fled from him he feared lest he that had committed him to his charge should for that cause take his life from him the rather for that he threatned no less Achab answer'd him That he was justly condemned Whereupon Micheas discover'd his head and made it known who he was And to this intent used the Prophet this artifice that his words might be of greater force and value For he told the King That God would chastise him because he had permitted the blasphemer L Adad to depart unpunished assuring him That God would cause him to be slain by Adad and suffer the people of Israel to be slaughtered by the Syrian Army The reward of learned Preachers The King displeased with the liberty and free speech of the Prophet commanded him to be cast into Prison and being vehemently affrighted with this his Prediction he departed home unto his house CHAP. IX The exemplary Piety of Jehoshaphat King of Juda his Prosperity his Military power He marrieth Joram his Son to a Daughter of Ahab King of Israel and assisteth him M with his Forces against Adad King of Syria HItherto have we spoken of Achab but now I must return unto Jehoshaphat King of Jerusalem Jehoshaphats piety who having enlarged his kingdom and planted Garisons in those Cities that were subject unto him and in those likewise which his Grandfather Abiah had possessed in the Tribe of Ephraim 2 Chron. 17. 1. at such time as Jeroboam reigned over the ten Tribes the King had perpetual assistance and favour at Gods hands in that he was a just and virtuous Prince studying day and night for nothing more than how he might please and honour God The Kings his Neighbors round about him honour'd him with Presents so that his riches and reputation were very great N In the third year of his Reign he assembled the
all things how secretly soever they be carried or contrived Having in this sort ordered every thing in each City of the two Tribes he returned again to Jerusalem where he likewise chose Judges from amongst the Priests F and Levites and the Elders among the people exhorting them in all things to give upright and just judgement And if they of other Cities had any causes of greater consequence which should be referred to their final determination he charged them industriously to decide them for that it was very convenient that the most uncorrupt sentences should be delivered in that City where God had his Temple and the King made his ordinary abode Over all these he placed his two friends Amasias the Priest and Zabadias of the Tribe of Juda. After this manner did the King order his affairs About this time the Moabites and Ammonites with their confederates 2 Chron. 20. 1 2 a great number of Arabians assaulted and assembled themselves against him The Moabites and Ammonits War against Jehosaphat and incamped themselves G near unto Engaddi a City situate near unto the Lake Asphaltites and distant from Jerusalem three hundred furlongs in which place flourished those goodly and wholesome H Palme-trees whence distilleth the pure and perfect Balme When Jehosaphat had intelligence that the Enemies had past the Lake and were already far entred into his Countrey he was afraid and assembled the people of Jerusalem in the Temple and standing up and turning his face toward the Propitiatory he besought and requested God that he would give him power to overcome his Enemies For such had been the form of their supplication v. 5. ad 13. who in times past built the Temple namely that it might please him to fight for that City Jehosaphats prayer in the Temple of Jerusalem for victory and oppose himself against those that durst attempt or assault that place to dispossess them of that Countrey which he himself had given them in possession and in pronouncing this prayer he wept and all the people likewise both men women and children made their request unto God Presently upon this a certain Prophet I called Jaziel arose up in the midst of the Congregation and cryed out and assured the people and the King that God had heard their prayers and promised them to fight for them against their enemies v. 14 15 c. enjoyning them the next day to sally out in Armes Jaziel the Prophet assureth them of victory and to make head against their adversaries whom they should encounter in the mountain situate betwixt Jerusalem and Engaddi in a place called the hillock of Sis which place in Hebrew signifieth Eminency willing them not to fight against them but only to stay in that place and see how would God fight for them When the Prophet had spoken these words v. 16 17. the King and all the people prostrated themselves upon their faces giving thanks unto God The manner and weapons whereby Jehosaphat overcame his Enemies in the mean while the Levites sung Hymnes with instruments and voyces About the begining of the day the King departed into the desart that is under the City K of Thecoa advising the people to believe all that which the Prophet had said unto them and not to range themselves in battel-array he commanded the Priests to march before them with their Trumpets and the Levites that they should â—ing Hymnes of thanksgiving unto God as if their Countrey were already delivered from their enemies This advice of the Kings pleased them all so that they performed whatsoever he counselled them But God sent a great terror and disorder among the Barbarians so that supposing themselves to be enemies one against the other v. 22 ad 24. they slew one another in such sort The Ammoniâ—es and their confederates kill one another that of so great an hoast there was not one that escaped But Jehosaphat looking down into the vally wherein the enemies had pitcht their tents and seeing it full of dead men rejoyced greatly at the unexpected succours that God had sent him who L had given them the victory not by the dint of their own swords but by his providence and power only He therefore permitted his Army to pillage the enemies Camp and to spoil the dead The spoiles of the Ammonites and so great was the multitude of them that were slain that they could scarcely take the spoils of them in three dayes space On the fourth day the people assembled together in a valley where they blessed God for the succours he had sent them by reason whereof the place was called the valley of Benediction From thence the King led back his Army into Jerusalem and for divers dayes he spent the time in offering sacrifices and making feasts v. 25. 26. After this discomfiture of his enemies was published amongst foreign Nations they were all of them afraid The â—ame and praise of Jehosaphat in every place supposing that God did manifestly express his power and extend his favour towards him And from that time forward M Jehosaphat lived in great glory He likewise was a friend to the King of Israel that reigned at that time Hedio Ruffinus chap. 2. who was Achabs Son with whom he adventured in a voyage by Sea intending to traffique with certain Merchants of Tarsis Ochozias Acabs Son King of Israel but he received great loss for his ships were cast away because they were so large that they could not easily be governed and for this cause he had never more mind to exercise Navigation 2 King 1. 1 2 3 c. Hitherto have we spoken of Jehosaphat King of Jerusalem But as touching Ochozias Achab's Son who reigned over Israel and resided at Samaria he was a wicked man and resembled his father and mother every way in his impieties and was nothing inferiour to Jeroboam in wickedness who first fell from God and made the Israelites revolt from him The tenth year of his Reign the King of the N Moabites rebelled against him and denied to pay him those tributes which he was wont to pay unto Achab his Father But it came to pass that as Ochozias ascended the stairs of his Palace v. 2 3 c. he fell down from the top thereof and being indisposed by the fall he sent to Accaron unto the god called Myiodes Ochozias having a grievous fall seeketh to be informed of a false Oracle and is reproved by Elias or the Flie to enquire whether he should recover of that sickness or no. But the God of the Hebrews appeared to Elias the Prophet and commanded him to go and meet those Messengers that were sent by Ochozias and to ask them if the people of the Israelites had not a God that the King sent to forreign gods to enquire of his health and to charge them to return and declare unto their King That he should
Afterwards calling unto them a certain Man that could cunningly play upon Instruments for so had the Prophet commanded whil'st he sung Elizeus was fill'd with the Spirit of God and enjoined the Kings to make certain Trenches in the Channel of the River Ver. 17. For said he you shall see the River full of water Elizeus fore-prophesieth store of water and their victory without either wind cloud or rain so that both the whole Army and all their Cattel shall be saved and sufficiently sustained and God will not only bestow these benefits on you but will give you the upper hand of your Enemies also and you shall surprize the fairest and strongest Cities of the Moabites and you shall cut down their Trees ruinate I their Countrey and fill up their Fountains and Rivers When the Prophet had spoken thus the next day before Sun-rise the River flowed abundantly with water for three days journey off Ver. 22 23. God had suffered a very violent rain to fall in Idumaea so that both the Soldiers and their Horses were sufficiently refreshed and watered A wonderful blindness of the Enemy grounded on the redness of the water that flowed When the Moabites were informed that the three Kings came out against them and took their way thorow the Desart their King assembled his Army and commanded them to keep the passage of the Mountains to the end they might hinder the Enemy from entering their Countrey unawares But beholding about the Sun-rise that the water of the River was blood-red for at that time it arose in the Countrey of Moab and at this hour the water is red they conceived a false opinion that the three Kings being pressed by thirst had K slain one another and that the River flowed with their blood Being in this sort seduced with this imagination they besought the King to give them leave to gather their Enemies spoils which when they had obtained they altogether inconsiderately marched forth as if to a Prey already prepar'd for them and came unto the Kings Camps with hope to find no Man to resist them But their hope deceived them for their Enemies environed them round about and some of them were cut in pieces the rest turned their backs and fled towards their own Countrey and the three Kings entering into the Territories of the Moabites destroyed thier Cities pillaged the Countrey broke down their Inclosures filling them with stones and mud taken out of the River cut down their fairest Trees stopped up the sources of their Waters and levelled their Walls with the L ground The King of the Moabites himself Ver. 24. seeing himself pursued and besieged and that his City was in danger to be taken by force The victory of the Hebrews against the Moabites sallied out very valiantly with 700 Men hoping by the swiftness of his Horse to break thorow the Israelites Camp on that side where he thought it was least guarded Which when he had attempted and could not execute Ver. 27. because he charged on that side which was best defended The King of the Moabites sacrificeth his own son he returned back again into the City and committed a desperate action for he took his eldest son who ought in right to succeed him in the kingdom and set him on the wall of the City and in the sight of all his Enemies offer'd him for a burnt-sacrifice unto God The Kings beholding this woful spectacle were moved with compassion and overcome with humanity left the siege and returned back again to their Countries After that Jehoshaphat M was returned into Jerusalem Jehoshaphats death he enjoyed a peaceable Government but lived not long after but dyed when he was 60 years old in the 25th year of his Reign and was magnificently buried in Jerusalem according as the Successor to Davids virtues and his kingdom ought to be interred CHAP. II. Joram obtaining the Kingdom of Jerusalem slayeth his brothers and his fathers friends JEhoshaphat King of Juda left behind him divers children the eldest of whom he appointed his Successor in the kingdom Joram Jehoshaphats son King of Jerusalem who was called Joram as his Uncle was who N was his Mothers Brother and Achabs Son lately King of Israel The King of the ten Tribes turning back unto Samaria kept with him the Prophet Elizeus whose actions I will here recite because they are notable and deserve to be registred in writing according as we have gathered them out of the Holy Scripture The widow of Obadiah who was sometime steward of Achabs house came unto him and told him That he was not ignorant that in that persecution wherein Jezabel sought to murther the Prophets her Husband saved one hundred of them for whose private maintenance he had borrowed much money of other men and that now being dead his Creditors strove to draw both her and her children into bondage 2 Kings 4. 1 ad 7. For which cause she besought him in consideration of this act to have compassion on her Elizeus commandeth the Widow to fill her empty vessels with oyl and to yield her some succor Hereupon Elizeus ask'd her If she had any thing O in her house she answer'd him That she had nothing but a very little oyl left her in an earthen Pot. Whereupon the Prophet commanded her to depart and to borrow divers empty vessels of her Neighbors that done he willed her to lock up her doors and to pour oyl into the vessels The year of the World 3050. before Christ's Nativity 924. because it was Gods pleasure to fill them all The Woman did according A as he had commanded her and all the vessels were found full so as none of them were empty whereof when she had certified the Prophet he advised her to go and sell her oyl and pay her Debts and when all was paid he assured her that there would be some remainder that might serve to sustain both her and her children By this means Elizeus discharged the Widow of her Debts 2 Kings 6. 9 ad 12. and that trouble which her Creditors intended against her He admonished Joram likewise by certain Messengers Elizeus adviseth Joram to avoid Adads ambush who lay in wait to kill him that he should take heed of a certain place wherein the Syrians lay in ambush intending to slay him by means of which admonition the King went not out on hunting But Adad being sore displeased because his ambushment was discovered began to suspect his own followers whereupon calling unto him his houshold servants he maliciously B termed them Traytors and furthermore threatned them with death for that they had discovered a matter which was onely committed to their trust unto his enemy Whereupon one of the assistants told him That he ought not to conceive that false opinion of them neither suspect that they had discovered his intended ambush to cut off his enemy but
by reason that he flying unto the enemy M menac'd them with the surprizal and utter ruine of their City The King in regard of the natural humanity and justice that was in him was not any wayes hereby provoked against Jeremy Jer. 39. 11 12. yet to the intent that he might not seem utterly to oppose the Governors The reward of godly Preachers in this life he deliver'd the Prophet into their hands to deal with him howsoever they pleased Who having obtained this liberty from the King entred the Prison on the sudden and laying hold on Jeremy they let him down into a Pit full of mud to the intent he might die in that place and be strangled by the filth in effect he was set therein up to the neck But one of the Kings servants an Ethiopian by Nation certifi'd the King of the Prophets affliction assuring him That his Friends and Governors did not justly so to thrust and bury the Prophet in the mud and cursedly to conspire against him N tiring him with bonds and tortures worse than death Whereupon the King hearing this was sorry that he had deliver'd the Prophet to the Governors and commanded the Ethiopian to take 30 men of his Court with him with cords and such other things necessary as might concern the safety of the Prophet charging him with all expedition to deliver him from that captivity Hereupon the Ethiopian furnish'd with men and necessary means drew the Prophet out of the mud and dismiss'd him without any guard That done the King sent for him in private demanding of him If he had any message to deliver him from God Zedechias neglecteth the Prophets good counsel for fear of the Governors praying him to let him understand whatsoever he knew as touching the success of the siege The Prophets answer was That although he should tell him yet it would not be believed and that if he should exhort him he would not give ear or listen unto him O But said he O King thy friends have condemned me to death as if I had been a most wicked Malefactor But where are they now at this present that have deceived thee and born thee in hand The year of the World 3354. before Christ's Nativity 610. saying That the Babylonian would not come and besiege thee Now will I take heed how A I tell thee the truth for fear lest thou condemn me to death Hereupon the King swore unto him That he should not die neither that he would deliver him into the hands of the Governors For which cause Jeremy grounding himself upon the faith which he had plighted unto him counselled the King to yield up the City to the Babilonians because that God had willed him to signifie unto the King that if he would save his life and avoid the imminent danger and save his City from utter ruine and preserve the Temple from burning he should submit or otherwise that none but he should be reputed to be the cause of all those evils that should happen unto the City and Citizens and of that calamity that should confound both him and all his family When the King heard this he told him B That he would do according as he had counselled him and perform whatsoever he thought necessary to be done but that he feared that his Subjects who were already gone over to the King of Babylon would do him ill offices with that King and that by their means he might be accused and deliver'd unto death But the Prophet encourag'd him telling him That his fear was in vain assuring him that he should suffer no evil if so be he yielded up the City and that neither his wife nor children nor the sacred Temple should suffer any mischief Upon these words the King dismissed Jeremy charging him to communicate the counsel that was held between them to no one of the Citizens no not to the Princes if they should ask of him wherefore the King had sent for him advising him to answer if so be they were inquisitive That he resorted to the King to request him that he might be no more imprisoned all which the Prophet performed but they pressed him very much to know C for what cause the King had sent for him CHAP. X. Jerusalem is taken and the People carried into Babylon by Nabuchodonosor MEan-while the Babylonian continued his violent siege against the City of Jerusalem 2 Kings 25. 1. c. and having raised Towers upon certain Bulwarks Jerusalem besieged eighteen months and at length taken he drave away by this means D all those that approached near unto the walls he raised also round about the City divers platforms that equalled the walls in height Mean-while the City was as valiantly and couragiously defended by the Inhabitants for neither Pestilence nor Famine plucked down their spirits And although that within the City they were tormented with these scourges yet were not their resolutions broken nor did the enemies inventions astonish them nor their engines afright them so that all the battel betwixt the Babylonians and Jews seem'd to be a tryal both of valor and art whil'st these do assuredly hope to surprize the City Ver. 5 6 7. and the other thought their safety consisteth herein Zedechias flieth by night and is surprized by the enemy if they ceased not by new inventions to frustrate their enemies endeavors And in this state continu'd they both for the space of 18 months until they were consumed by Famine E and by the darts that were shot against them by those that shot from the Towers At length the City was taken by the Princes of Babylon in the eleventh year of the Reign of Zedechias the ninth day of the fourth month who were put in trust by Nabuchodonosor to manage the siege for he himself made his abode in the City of Reblata Now if any man be desirous to know the names of them that had command at such time as Jerusalem was surpriz'd these they be Nergelear Aremantus Emegar Nabosar and Echarampsor The City being taken about midnight the Princes of the Enemies Army entred into the Temple which when Zedechias understood he took his wives and his children with the Princes and his friends and fled thorow a great valley by the desart which when the Babylonians understood by certain Jews that were revolted and had submitted themselves F unto them they arose early in the morning to pursue them and overtook and surprized them near unto Jericho Whereupon those Princes and friends of Zedechias that had taken their flight with him seeing the Enemies near unto them forsook him and scattering themselves here and there endeavour'd each of them to save himself When therefore the Enemies had apprehended him attended by a few followers only and accompanied by his children and wives they brought him unto the Kings presence who no sooner beheld him but he called him wicked and perfidious and upbraided him
offerings to be sacrificed upon the Altar of thy God and to make whatsoever vessels of gold or silver which either thou or thy Brethren shall think meet Those sacred vessels also which are given thee thou shalt dedicate unto D thy God and if there be ought else requisite in this behalf that thou shalt think fit to provide the charges shalt thou receive out of my treasury I have also commended thee to the Treasurers of Syria and Phoenicia and have written to them that whatsoever Esdras the Priest and Reader of the Law of God shall require they shall presently deliver it to him And to the end that God may be favourable to me and my posterity my will is that an hundred measures of wheat be offer'd unto God according to the Law I command you also that are Magistrates that you exact nothing neither impose any taxations on the Priests Levites Singing-men Porters or holy Officers But thou Esdras according to the wisdom given thee from above shalt appoint Judges who shall in Syria and Phoenicia execute justice unto the people according to your Law Teach thou likewise freely all such as are ignorant so that whosoever violateth either E Gods or the Kings Law he may be fined or else condemned to death as not sinning through ignorance but of contumacy Farewell When Esdras had received this Letter he was well-pleased and gave thanks unto God Ver. 16 17 18. confessing that it was he Esdras assembled the Jews that dwelt in Babylon who was the Author of that favour he had received at the Kings hand And after he had read this Letter unto the Jews that were at that time resident in Babylon he kept the original but sent a copy to all those of his Nation being in the Countrey of the Medes who being inform'd of the King's zeal to the service of God and his favour towards Esdras were very joyful and divers amongst them took their goods and came unto Babylon desiring to return to Jerusalem but the rest of the F Israelites would not abandon or leave their dwelling Whereupon it came to pass that two Tribes were under the obedience of the Romans in Asia and Europe but the ten Tribes were on the other side of Euphrates even until this day and it is incredible how exceedingly they are there multiplied With Esdras there departed a great number of Priests Levites Porters Singing-men and servants of the Temple Now after he had assembled those of the captivity that inhabited on this side Euphrates and sojourned there three days he commanded them to solemnize a Fast and to pray unto God for his preservation that no evil might happen unto him and that neither their enemies nor any other might do them any violence For Esdras had foretold the King that God would be their Protector and that therefore he requir'd no Convoy of Horsemen at G his hand for his security After that they had recommended themselves unto God they set forward on their way the twelfth day of the first month of the seventh year of the H Reign of Xerxes and arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the same year Whereupon he incontinently presented unto the Treasurers who were of the race of the Priests the sacred depositum wherewith he was intrusted which consisted of 650 Talents of silver and of silver vessels an 100 Talents of vessels of gold to the value of 20 Talents of brazen vessels more precious than gold the weight of 12 Talents These were the Presents of the King and his Friends Esdras repaireth to Jerusalem and committeth the vessels and other precious Presents to the Treasurers hands and of the Israelites that dwelt in Babylon When Esdras had deliver'd these Presents into the hands of the Priests he offer'd burnt-offerings unto God according to the Law namely 12 Bulls for the publick conservation of the people 72 Rams and Lambs and 12 Goats for a sin-offering And afterward I he deliver'd the Kings Letters to his Princes and Governors in Coelosyria and Phoenicia who being constrain'd to execute that which was enjoin'd them by the King honour'd the Nation of the Jews and supplied them every ways in their necessities We owe unto Esdras the honour of this Transmigration for he not only laid the design of it but his virtue and piety were undoubtedly the cause that God gave him so good success in the undertaking Not long after there came certain Men unto him complaining that some of the people Priests and Levites had transgressed against their Ordinances and broken the Laws of the Countrey in that they had espoused certain strange women and corrupted the purity of the Sacerdotal race requiring him that he would have a regard to Gods Ordinances K for fear lest he being displeased with them should cast them again into that misery from which he had so lately deliver'd them Esdras prayers for the Levites that had married strangers Esdras hereupon was so much afflicted that he rent his cloaths and tore his hair and pulled his beard and cast himself upon the ground because the chief among the people were concern'd in that offence And because he feared left if he should command them to forsake their wives Esdr 9. per totum and those children which they had begotten by them he should not be obey'd he continu'd in grief and lay continually upon the ground Whereupon all those resorted unto him who were not guilty and wept and lamented with him because of that which had hapned In this affliction of mind Esdras raising himself from the earth and lifting up his hands to Heaven said That he was ashamed to look thereupon because the offences of the people L were so heinous and that they had so soon lost the memory of those calamities wherewith their Forefathers had been visited for their sins Nevertheless O Lord said he since thy mercy is infinite have pity I beseech thee on the remnant that hath escaped that long captivity and which thou hast brought back into their native Countrey Spare them O Lord and though they have deserved death yet let thy mercy appear in the sparing of their lives Whil'st thus both he and those that came unto him lamented with him with their wives and children a certain man called Achonias one of the principal men of Jerusalem came to him and said That they had sinned because they had espoused strange women and persuaded Esdras to command them all to banish both them and the children begotten by them advising that they who obey'd not the Law might be punish'd Esdras persuaded by these words M made all the Princes of the Priests Levites and Tribes of Israel swear That they would dismiss their wives and children according to the counsel of Achonias And as soon as he had received their oaths he departed from the Temple unto Johns house the son of Eliasib and there spent he all the day without tasting any meat by
Domesticks Haman being honoured by all men is neglected by the Jews Now as often as Haman the son of Amadath an Amalechite came unto the Palace to visit the King all those that were either Persians or strangers according to the Kings especial direction did him honour But Mardocheus shew'd him no honour because the laws of the Jews forbade it Which when Haman had observ'd Esther 3. 1 2 3 4. he demanded whence he was And understanding that he was a Jew he was much displeas'd C. 5. 9. saying in himself That the Persians who were of a freer condition cast themselves prostrate before him and he that was but a slave disdained to do the like Intending therefore to revenge himself on Mardocheus he thought it not sufficient to procure his punishment at the Kings hands but resolv'd wholly to exterminate his Race for he was by Nature an Enemy to the Jews by reason that the Amalechites from whom he descended M had heretofore been conquer'd by them Whereupon he address'd himself unto the King and accus'd them saying That there was a certain cursed Nation spread through his whole Kingdom insociable and abhorring the customs of other men who used divers laws and ceremonies contrary to those of all other Nations and destructive of the fundamentals of his Kingdom so that the greatest favour he could do to his Subjects would be utterly to exterminate them And lest your Majesties Tribute should be any ways impaired by these means I promise you of mine own Revenues forty thousand talents of silver Ver. 6. desiring rather willingly to forbear so much money The destruction of the Jews granted unto Haman than that your Kingdom should be unpurged of such a cursed Race of men When Haman had made this his request the King answer'd That he forgave him the money and that he permitted him to deal with that Nation as he thought fit When Haman had obtain'd N his desire he presently sent forth an Edict thorow all Nations in the Kings Name to this effect The great King Artaxerxes unto his Governors of an Hundred and seven and twenty Provinces extending from India as far as Ethiopia health Having obtained the Empire over so many Nations and extended my dominion over the World according to mine own pleasure and being so little inclined to treat any of our Subjects with rigour that we rather take great pleasure in affording them some signal marks of our favor and goodness causing them to enjoy an happy peace it remains that we seek after those means O that may render this happiness perpetual to them Being therefore admonished by my friend Haman who for his wisdom and justice is more honoured than all other by me and for his approved fidelity hath the second place in authority under me that there is a certain race of men intermingled among you The year of the World 3549. before Christ's Nativity 415. enemies to all mankind using none but their own laws and such A that are different from others disobedient to their Kings and of depraved manners and customs that neither submit themselves to our Government nor promote the welfare and prosperity of our Empire I will and command That as soon as Haman shall have made known unto you this our pleasure a man whom we hold as dear as our father they be slain with their wives and children so as you spare none of them not permitting your compassion towards them to prevail over your obedience to us And this command we to be done the 14th day of the 12th month of this present year that in one day cutting off all our enemies hereafter ye may live in peace and security This Edict being spread thorow all places of the Countrey and publish'd in every B City all men prepar'd themselves against the prefixed day utterly to exterminate the Jews and no less diligence was there used in Susa the Metropolitan City Mean-while the King and Haman feasted and made good cheer whil'st the City hung in suspence being troubled with the expectation of the event of that which should follow But Mardocheus having intelligence hereof rent his garments put on sackcloth and cast ashes on his head walking thorow the City and crying That their Nation had not committed any crime deserving death The lamentation of the Jews upon the hearing of this Edict and using these or such like speeches he came unto the Kings Palace and stood before the gate because it was unlawful for him to enter thereinto in that habit The like also did the Jews that were in the Cities where those Edicts had been publish'd against them weeping and lamenting their miseries But when the News C hereof was brought unto the Queen Esther 4. 1 2 c. that Mardocheus stood before the Palace-gate in a deplorable condition she was much troubled and sent certain of her servants unto him to command him to change his attire but they could not persuade him to put off his sackcloth for the cause of his sorrow still remaining he could not think of laying aside the marks of it She therefore called unto her her Eunuch Acraâ—heus and sent him unto Mardocheus to know what accident had befaln him that made him put on his mourning habit and to afflict himself after that manner and not at her intreaty to lay aside those marks of his sorrow Hereupon Mardocheus told the Eunuch of the Edict made against the Jews and sent by the King unto all his Provinces the offer of the money that Haman likewise had tender'd to the King whereby he had bought the utter D ruine of his Nation at the Kings hands moreover he gave him the Copy of that which had been proclaim'd in Susan to be deliver'd unto Esther whom he intreated to beseech the King and to esteem it no dishonour to become a Suppliant to save her Nation and to preserve the Jews from that death whereunto at that time they were expos'd since Haman the next in honour to the King had accused the Jews and incens'd his Majesty against them When Esther understood this she sent again unto Mardocheus giving him to understand That she was not called for by the King and that whosoever entered unto him and was not called should die except the King would secure him by stretching out his golden Scepter for he unto whom the King was pleased to grant that favor although he were not called unto him yet suffered he not death but obtained pardon When these things were reported E by the Eunuch from Esther unto Mardocheus he commanded him to tell her That she ought not so much to tender the particular respect of her life as the lives of her whole Nation assuring her that if at that present she had not care of them their succor should onely proceed from God by some other means than this Ver. 16 17. but she and her fathers house should be destroyed by them whom she
The year of the World 3804. before Christ's Nativity 160. but to make War notwithstanding some of the People gave eat A unto the peaceable Proclamation of Bacchides and supposing that there was no ill design in Alcim who was their Countreyman they submitted themselves unto his government And having received an oath from them both that neither they nor any of their followers Bacchides killeth divers that trust his oath should any wayes be endamaged by them they committed themselves to their protection But Bacchides setting light by his oath slew 60 of them and by this breach of his faith towards these he caused others who intended to submit themselves to forsake and flee from his government Bacchides useth great tyranny in Bethzeth As soon as therefore he had removed his Army from Jerusalem he came unto the village of Bethzeth and there apprehending many of those which had fled and some others among the People he slew them all commanding B all those that lived in the Countrey to obey Alcim Alcim useth popularity and familiarity to win the peoples hearts and killeth all such as were of Judas's faction to whom he left in that place for the guard of his person a part of his Army and that done he returned unto Antioch to King Demetrius In the mean while Alcim intending to secure his government and supposing that it would be so much the better confirmed if he could obtain the good will of the People he used all kind of plausible and familiar speech unto them and conversing with every man pleasantly and graciously he joined in a short time great Forces to those which he had before Judas resisteth Alcims power amongst whom there were many fugitives and ungodly men by whose help and assistance he marched through the Countrey killing all those whom he found to be of Judas's faction Judas perceiving that Alcim having gather'd great Forces had already slain divers of the most worthymen and such as feared God he prepared himself also to over-run the Countrey and slew as many of Alcim's party as he could C meet with At length finding that he alone was unable to stand against Judas he thought fit to seek after the assistance of Demetrius Alcim accuseth Judas to Demetrius For which cause he repair'd to Antioch and incensed Demetrius exceedingly against Judas accusing him for offering many injuries unto him protesting that he should suffer many more except he were prevented and punished by a good Army sent out against him CHAP. XVII Demetrius at the instance of Alcim sends Nicanor with a great Army against Judas Machabeus whom he endeavors to surprize They come to a Battel and Nicanor is slain D The death of Alcim by a most remarkable piece of Divine vengeance Judas is made High-Priest in his place and enters in an alliance with the Romans DEmetrius imagining Hedio Ruffinus cap. 16. That if Judas should increase in power it would be some prejudice to his state sent Nicanor his most faithful friend to make War against him who was one of them who accompanied him in his flight from Rome Demetrius sendeth Nicanor against Judas And having furnish'd him with a sufficient Army and able to make head against Judas he commanded him to spare no one of that Nation Nicanor dissembling with Judas labor'd to surprize him When Nicanor came to Jerusalem he would not proclaim an open War against Judas but design'd to surprize him by some subtilty to this intent he sent him a peaceable message telling him That he knew no reason why he should engage E himself in the dangers of a tedious War since he was ready to assure him with an oath that he would offer him no injury and that he came thither with his friends only to express the good affection of the King Demetrius towards him and his kindness to the Nation of the Jews Judas and his brethren believed this delusion of Nicanor and suspecting no harm they gave credit to him and entertain'd both him and his Army When therefore Nicanor had saluted Judas he conferred with him and in the mean while gave a sign unto his Soldiers to lay hands on him who perceiving his Treason brake from him and fled unto his Soldiers When Nicanor saw that his intentions were discover'd he resolved to make open War upon Judas and to give him battel near unto a borough called Caphar-salama in which place obtaining the victory he constrain'd Judas to retreat into the Fortress at Jerusalem F On a certain day when Nicanor came down from the Fortress and went towards the Temple at Jerusalem Nicanor threatneth the people that except they yield up Judas he will destroy the Temple certain of the Priests and Elders went out to meet him and after they had done their reverence they shew'd him those Sacrifices which as they said they intended to offer unto God for the Kings prosperity and health But he blaspheming threatned them That if the people did not deliver Judas into his hands he would destroy the Temple upon his return and with these menaces he departed out of the City Which when the Priests heard they wept bitterly and intreated God That it might please him to defend his sacred Temple together with those which called on his Name therein from the violence and outrage of their Enemies Nicanor departed from Jerusalem and came unto Bethoron and encamped there where G he received great supplies of Soldiers which came unto him out of Syria Now Judas was encamped in another village called Adas about 30 Furlongs distant from Bethoron H having with him at the most not above 100 men Notwithstanding he exhorted his Soldiers not to be afraid of the multitude of their enemies nor so much to consider against how many they were to fight as against whom and for what recompence to the intent they might altogether couragiously set upon the enemy at such time as he should lead them forth to battel Judas and his followers put Nicanor and his Soldiers to flight Whereupon assailing Nicanor there arose a dangerous conflict between them wherein Judas had the better for he slew a great number of the enemy and finally Nicanor himself fighting couragiously was slain and as soon as he fell his Army betook themselves to flight For having lost their Captain they dispersed themselves and cast away their weapons Judas speedily pursuing them made a great slaughter and by sound of Trumpet certifi'd those of the neighbouring villages That I he had discomfited the enemy Whereupon the Inhabitants betook themselves to their weapons and meeting with those that fled they slew them so that not one escaped from this battel although the Syrian Army consisted of 9000 Men. This victory hapned on the 13 day of the month Adar Adar March as our Countreymen call it and the Macedonians Distre And hereof each year there is a solemn feast and memorial observed From
of the Sabbath-day to set upon him hoping that he would not defend himself on that day because of the prohibition of the Law But he contrary to his expectation encouraged his Soldiers and declared unto them how it concerned their lives to be valiant for that it was impossible for them to escape because they were shut up in the midst betwixt the River and the Enemy for they had the Enemy before them and the River on their backs As soon therefore as he had made his Prayer unto his God That it might please him to grant him the victory he set upon the Enemy with great resolution and slew a great number of them and perceiving how Bacchides assaulted him with great fierceness he stretched out his right hand to strike him but he preventing the stroke by stepping aside Jonathan and his companions leapt into the River and so saved E themselves by swimming over to the other side of Jordan because the Enemy durst not pass the Water to pursue them Whereupon Bacchides returned incontinently to the Castle of Jerusalem after he had lost about 2000 of his men After this he fortifi'd divers Cities which were before ruinated namely Jericho Emaus Bethoron Bethella Thamnata Pharathon Techoa and Gazara and built in every of them certain Towers and great and strong Walls and afterwards he planted Garisons therein to sally out upon the Jews and vex them but especially he fortifi'd the Cittadel of Jerusalem in which he kept for hostages the children of the principal men of Judea About that time there came a certain man to Jonathan and his brother Simon bringing them news The Castle of Jerâ—salem 〈◊〉 that the sons of Amareus would solemnize their Nuptials and were to lead F the Bride which was daughter to one of the noblest amongst the Arabians from the City of Gabatha and it was intended that she should be conducted with great magnificence and pomp Jonathan and his brother supposing that a fit opportunity was offer'd them to revenge their brothers death Simon revengeth his brother Johns blood on the sons of Amaraeus and to punish the Medabanes for the wrongs they had done unto their brother they took with them the greatest Forces that they could and marched towards Medaba where they lay in ambush under the side of an hill But when they saw them that led the Bride and accompanied the Bridegroom and a great Troop of their Friends likewise according to the manner of Marriages they brake out of their ambush and put them all to the sword and after they had seized their jewels and all the other booty of that company that follow'd them they retired back again joyfully G having accomplish'd their design and thus revenged they the death of their brother John upon the sons of Amareus For not only these alone but their friends that accompanied H them with their Wives and Children The year of the World 3880. before Christ's Nativity 156. were all of them slain to the number of 400. And in this manner Simon and Jonathan returned into the marshes aforesaid and abode there But Bacchides having fortified all the Garisons of Judea returned back unto the King And at that time the state of the Jews was in peace for the space nigh two years But the wicked Demetrius by the sollicitation of the fugitives sendeth Bacchides against Jonathan with an Army and such as were revolted from the Religion of the Jews seeing that Jonathan and his followers conversed in the Countrey with great assurance by reason of the Peace they sent certain Ambassadors unto King Demetrius requiring him to send them Bacchides who might apprehend Jonathan declaring that it might easily be done and that in one night breaking in upon them he might murther them all before they I were aware When Bacchides by the King's commandment came into Jewry he wrote unto all his Friends Bacchides displeased with the Apostates for that they could not surprize Jonathan killeth 50 of them both Jews and also his other Allies requiring them to lay hold on Jonathan but when by no policy nor prowess of theirs they were able to apprehend him for that Jonathan having notice of their ambushes stood upon his guard Bacchides the Macedonian was displeased with the Apostates and Fugitives objecting against them that they had deceived both the King and him and laying hold on fifty of the principal of them he put them to death But Jonathan and his brother with those of their company Jonathan and his brother besieged in Bethalaga retired themselves into Bethalaga a certain village in the desart for fear of Bacchides in which place he built Towers and Walls to keep his Garison in more security Bacchides having notice of it took the Army that he had with him and those K Jews that were his Confederates and marched forward against Jonathan and approaching those fortifications that were made by him he besieged him for many dayes But Jonathan Jonathan stealing out of the City assaileth Bacchides by night for all his siege and violence was not a whit terrifi'd but stood out valiantly and leaving his brother Simon in the City to make head against Bacchides he secretly stole out and gather'd a great number of Soldiers that favor'd his proceedings and in the night-time couragiously brake into Bacchides Camp and after he had there slain a number of his men Bacchides revengeth himself on the fugitives and is enforced to retreat he gave his brother Simon notice of his coming who as soon as he heard the noise in the Enemies Camp hastily issued forth with his Soldiers and burnt all the Macedonians Engines and made a great slaughter of them Bacchides seeing that he was circumvented by his Enemies and that both before and behind he was pressed L by them being astonished at this so unexpected an encounter was almost out of his wits so much was he troubled at the issue of his siege that fell out altogether contrary to his expectation for which cause he discharged all his choler upon those Apostates supposing he was abused by them who had sent unto the King and had caused him to be sent thither so that he thought of nothing now but raising the siege and returning home with as little dishonour as he could CHAP. II. Jonathan constraineth Bacchides to make peace with the Jews and to depart out of the M Countrey WHen Jonathan knew his intentions 1 Mac. 9. he sent an Ambassador unto him to conclude a Peace betwixt them Bacchides maketh peace with Jonathan with this condition That they should each of them deliver up those Prisoners that were taken on either side Bacchides judging the Proposal to be honourable Jonathan liveth at Macâ—mas punishing the wicked and that a fit occasion was now offered him whereupon he might raise his siege without any disgrace promised Jonathan his friendship so that both of them swore from that time forward
comes to the relief of King Alexander his Son-in-law who appoints Apollonius to lay an ambush to surprize him Ptolemey takes away his daughter and marrieth her to Demetrius whom he causeth to be received by the Inhabitants of Antioch from whence he had driven Alexander but he returns with a great Army Ptolemey and Demetrius unite their Forces and overcome him in a pitch'd Battel but Ptolemey dyed of his wounds which he received after he had seen the head of B Alexander sent to him by an Arabian Prince Jonathan besiegeth the Cittadel at Jerusalem and by Presents appeaseth King Demetrius who granteth new favors to the Jews This Prince seeing himself at peace disbandeth his old Soldiers IN the 165th year of the Reign of the Greeks Demetrius the son of Demetrius accompanied with divers hired Soldiers whom Lasthenes who was of Crete furnish'd him with departed out of Candia and came into Cilicia Which news as soon as Alexander heard Hedio Ruffinus cap. 6. he was much troubled whereupon he instantly posed from Phoenicia to Antioch Demetrius the son of Demetrius passeth out of Grece into Cilicia and seeketh to make himself Lord of Syria with intent to secure the affairs of his Kingdom in those parts before the arrival of Demetrius He left behind him for his Governor in Coelosyria Apollonius Danus who coming unto Jamnia with a great Army sent a messenger unto the High-Priest Jonathan C to let him know That it was very strange that he only should live at his own ease and in quiet without submitting himself unto the King who would not long pass by unpunished that affront which he offered him in not submitting to his obedience Wherefore said he deceive not thy self neither hope thou by sculking in the Mountains or depending on thy Forces to continue thy greatness but if thou trustest to thy power come down into the field and engage with me and my Army in the Plain A man confident in battel to the end that the issue of the Victory may shew which of us is most valiant Knowest thou not that the chief Nobility of every City bear Arms under one who hath always overcome thy Predecessors Wherefore I challenge thee to meet me in that place where we may use our swords and no stones and where the vanquished shall have no advantage by his flight Jonathan provoked by this bravade chose out 10000 of his best D Soldiers and departed from Jerusalem accompanied with his brother Simon and came unto Joppa and encamped without the City because the Citizens had shut the gates against him for they had a Garison placed in that place by Apollonius But as soon as he prepared to batter the City the Inhabitants were afraid lest he should surprize it by force and therefore they opened the gates Apollonius understanding that Joppa was taken by Jonathan he took 3000 Horsemen and 8000 Footmen with him and came into Azot whence he departed leading out his Army with an easie march and arriving at Joppa he retired back to draw Jonathan into the field putting great confidence in his Horsemen and grounding his hope of victory upon them But Jonathan coming forth boldly pursued Apollonius as far as Azot who finding himself in the open Countrey E turned back upon him Apollonius fighteth with Jonathan and is put to flight and charged him Jonathan was not at all surprized to see the thousand Horsemen that Apollonius had laid in ambush near unto a certain River to the end they might charge the Jews behind but disposed his Army after such a manner that his Soldiers on every side turned their faces upon the Enemy commanding his men to defend themselves on both sides fighting with those that assailed them either in the Van or the Reer After that the battel had continued until evening Jonathan gave his brother Simon a part of his Forces charging him to set upon the Enemies battel as for himself he drew his Soldiers into the form of a Battalion resembling a Tortoise to the end that being covered with their bucklers joined the one with the other they might defend themselves against the Horsemens arrows to which all of them were obedient F The Enemies Horsemen shooting all their arrows against them did them no harm for they pierced not as far as the flesh but lighting upon the bucklers enclosed and fastned the one within the other they were easily beaten back and born off and fell down being shot all in vain But when the Enemies were wearied with shooting all the day long and that Simon perceiv'd they could charge no further he set upon their Infantry so couragiously that he put them all to flight The Horse of Apollonius perceiving that the Foot were disordered Jonathan pursueth the enemy as far as Azot and burneth Dagons Temple and killeth 8000 men grew heartless likewise and having lost the hope they had in their Foot they betook themselves to flight in great disorder and confusion so that they brake their ranks of themselves and were scattered thorow all the Plain Jonathan also pursued G them as far as Azot and taking the City by assault he slew divers of them constraining the rest that were in despair to flie into the Temple of Dagon which is in Azot and taking the City by assault he burnt it with the Villages H round about and spared not the Temple of Dagon but burnt it and all those that were therein The number as well of those that were slain in the battel as of those that were consumed by fire in the Temple was 8000 Men. Having after this manner discomfited this Army he departed from Azot and marched toward Ascalon and as he was encamped without the City the Ascalonites came out unto him and offered him Presents which he received and departed from thence and marched towards Jerusalem laden with great spoils As soon as Alexander heard that Apollonius the General of his Army was defeated Alexander sendeth Presents to Jonathan and forced to flie he made a shew that he was glad thereof pretending that it was without his knowledge that Jonathan had been assaulted who was both his friend and his allie I Whereupon he sent an Ambassador unto him to let him know how much he rejoyced at his victory offering him Presents and Honours with a chain of gold such as the Kings were accustomed to give to those of their kinred he likewise gave him Accaron and the Countrey thereabout to him and his heirs for ever About the same time Hedio Ruffinus cap. 7. King Ptolomey Philometor set out an Army by Sea and another by Land to go into Syria and to succor his Son-in-law Alexander and in his way all the Cities received him with great joy Ptolomey Philometor repaireth unto Syria with an Army to assist his Son-in-law Alexander according as Alexander had commanded them and conducted him as far as the City of Azot but that place
and to fortifie the houses near the Temple First therefore Pompey offer'd the besieged certain conditions of peace which when they refus'd he shut them in on every side Pompey maketh preparation to besiege the Temple being in all these his endeavors assisted by Hircanus Pompey incamped with his Army on the North-side of the Temple which was the easiest to be assaulted on this side also there were certain high Towers and a huge Trench besides a deep Valley that begirt the Temple For on the City-side there was such Precipices that M there was no passage the bridge being broken The Romans wrought vigorously in cutting down of Trees to make Bulwarks which being done they planted great Machines and Engines that Pompey had caused them to bring from Tyre they threw great stone Bullets with them to batter the Temple The Romans had hardly got their Works accomplished if the strict keeping of the Sabbath had not hinder'd the besieged to make any opposition that day For the Law permitteth them to defend themselves against their Enemies being assaulted but not to assail them when they intend any other work Which when the Romans understood they neither gave assault nor proffered skirmish on those dayes which we call Sabbaths but they built their Fortifications and Towers and planted their Engines so that the next day they were ready to put them in N execution against the Jews The Jews intermitted not their sâ—crifice notwithstanding the sieâ—e And hereby it is easie to conjecture how incredible the piety of our Nation is and how studious and industrious it is in observing the Divine Laws For notwithstanding any present or imminent danger they never desisted to offer their solemn Sacrifices twice a day in the morning and about the ninth hour the Priests offered duly upon the Altar Theâ—â— king of the Temple For when the Temple was taken in the third month and on a fasting day in the hundred seventy nine Olympiade in the year wherein Cajus Antonius and Marcus Tullius Cicero were Consuls the Enemy entred the Temple by force and kill'd all they met Yet notwithstanding all this the Priests ceased not to offer their accustomed Sacrifice and neither the hazard of their lives nor the great number of those that were kill'd could force them to flie they held it more convenient for them O to indure all things that might befall them in attending upon the Altar than to transgress or vary one jot from their ordinances And that this may seem to be no fable or H praise of their dissembled devotion The year of the World 3093. before Christ's Nativity 61. but the exact and perfect truth all those that write the Histories concerning Pompey and his acts do witness no less amongst the number of which are Strabo Nicholas and Titus Livius the Roman Historiographer the most famous among the rest The greatest of these Towers was battered by these Engines and fell bearing a great Pane of the Wall to the Earth with it which was the cause that the Enemies in multitudes brake in by the breach The first that ascended the Wall was Cornelius Faustus the son of Sylla with his Soldiers After him mounted the Centurion Furius accompanied with those that follow'd him on the other side and through the midst of the breach did the Centurion Fabius enter with a strong Squadron The whole circuit was filled with dead bodies and some of the Jews dyed by the Romans swords others I slew one another the rest cast themselves down headlong from the precipices many likewise set their houses on fire and consumed themselves therein lest they should behold the executions that were performed by their Enemies There fell about 12000 Jews and very few Romans Absalom also who was Aristobulus's Father-in-law and Uncle was taken Prisoner Twelve thousand Jews slain The holiness of the Temple likewise was not a little prophaned For whereas before that time no prophane man either entred or beheld that which was in the Temple Pompey and divers others that accompanied him entred the same and saw that which was not lawful to be beheld by any other but the High-Priests only But although he found a Table of gold and a sacred Candlestick with divers other vessels and perfumes Pompey entering the Temple neither toucheth nor taketh away any thing in great quantity and whereas besides there was about 2000 Talents of silver K in the sacred Treasury in the Temple yet his piety was such that he would touch none of it neither did he any thing in this occasion but what was worthy of his singular virtue The next day he commanded those that had the charge of the Temple to purifie it Aliâ—â— cap. 9. and to offer Sacrifices unto God according to the Law committing the High-Priesthood to Hircanus â—ompey bestoweth the Priesthood on Hircanus both because he had been very useful in many things and for having hindred the Jews to join with Aristobulus After this he beheaded the Authors of this War and honour'd Faustus and the rest with gifts sutable to their valor for having been the first that entred the breach As for Jerusalem he made it tributary to the Romans taking away from the Jews those Cities they had conquer'd in Coelosyria and assigning them a proper and peculiar government Jerusalem tributary to Rome After this he inclosed the Nation within L certain limits whereas before-time their Dominions were of a large extent Not long after this Gadara restored he repaired Gadara that not long before was destroyed all which he performed in favor of Demetrius the Gadarenian his late servant and bondman And as touching Hippon Cities taken from the Jews Scythopolis Dion Samaria Marissa Azot Jamnia and Arethusa he restored them to the ancient Inhabitants thereof all which were scituate in the heart of the Land Besides Gaza Joppa Dora and the Tower of Straton Cities scituate upon the Sea-coasts and ruinated formerly with divers Wars he set at liberty and annex'd them unto the Province As for the Tower of Straton it was magnificently built by Herod and adorned with Gates and fair Temples and the name thereof was changed and called Caesarea Thus Hircanus and Aristobulus through their dissentions and civil broyles were the cause M of that servitude and misery that fell upon the Jews For we have lost our liberty and have been subdu'd by the Romans Besides that we have been enforced to surrender up those Cities unto the Syrians which we had formerly conquer'd by force of Arms. And that which is to be lamented the Romans in a little time have drawn from us more than 10000 Talents and the Royalty which before-time was an honour reserved for those that were of the Race of the High-Priests hath been bestowed on men of mean extraction whereof we will speak in place convenient After that Pompey had given Coelosyria to Scaurus Scaurus President of Coelosyria from Euphrates to
appertaineth unto them Whilest they debated the matter after this manner between them and grew to hot and injurious taunts the one against the other Antigonus commanded his men to assail those that were near unto the wall who shooting many Arrows with O great courage against them drove them easily from the Tower they kept At that time Silon gave manifest proof that he had been corrupted by money for he suborned divers of his Soldiers who cried out that they wanted victuals and demanded greater pay for their maintenance and requested that they might be placed in some convenient garrisons to winter in The year of the World 3929. before Christ's Nativity 35. for that the places round about the City were desolate A because all necessaries for maintenance of life had been taken away and wasted by Antigonus Soldiers Thus was the whole Army discomposed so that each of them prepared themselves to dislodge But Herod importuned and cried out upon the Captains and Soldiers that were under Silons charge telling them that it concerned them not to abandon him whom Caesar Antony and the Senate of Rome had sent thither That for his own part he would give order that they should have abundance of whatsoever they demanded Silon suborneth some of his Soldiers to take an occasion to depart from Jerusalem and immediatly after he deprived Silon of all colour and pretext of flight for he caused an incredible quantity of victuals to be brought them and commanded his friends that inhabited the confines of Samaria to bring them Corn Wine Oyl Cattel and all other such provision from Jericho to the end that from that time B forward the Souldiers might want nothing Antigonus was not ignorant thereof so that he presently sent men thorowout the Countrey Herod procured furnished the army with victuals and abundant munition to intercept and surprize the purvâ—iors and victualars Who following Antigonus command assembled a great number of Soldiers near unto Jericho and encamping in the mountains espied and watched those that brought the victuals Mean-while Herod lay still but took with him ten companies five of Roman Soldiers Antigonus sendeth out Soldiers to surprize Herods victualers and five of the Jews with home he intermixed some forrain Soldiers with some few horsemen and came to Jericho where being arrived he seized on the Town which was abandoned by the inhabitants of whom five hundred with their Wives and Children were retired into the top of the mountains whom he took and afterwards set at liberty but the Roman Soldiers entring into their houses and finding them full of all sorts of moveables The Romans sent to their Garisons to winter they plundred them And the King C having left a Garrison in Jericho dismissed the Roman Army to go and winter in the Countries lately surrendred unto him namely in Idumaea Galilee and Samaria Antigonus also purchased his favour at Silons hands by store of bribes that part of his Army was lodged in Lydda all which he did to currie favour with Antony Whilest thus the Romans lived in all abundance and bare no Arms Herod would not be idle but sent his brother Joseph in Idumaea with a thousand foot and four hundred horse and himself resorted to Samaria where his mother and his other praents kept who were removed out of Massada After this he went into Galilee to surprize certain Castles which were held by Antigonus Garrisons and being arrived at Sephoris during a great snow after that Antigonus Garrisons were gone out of the foresaid D Castles Robbers he found a great abundance of all sorts of necessary provision And there having notice of certain thieves who inhabited in Caves he sent a troop of horse with three companys of foot Herod fighteth with his enemies in Galilee and overcometh them and bringeth all Galilee under his subection against them whom he commanded to punish those robbers the place where they lay was not far from a borough called Arbela and fourty dayes after he himself with all his Army marched thither where the enemies charged him fiercely that the left wing of his squadaon retreated but he coming on with his main battel put them to flight who were already almost masters of the field and made those of his followers that fled face about and to pursue their enemies as far as the flood Jordan who fled some one way and some another so that he drew all Galilee under his subjection except those that lurked in the Caves He distributed money E also amongst his Soldiers and gave each Soldier an hundred and fifty drachmes and far more unto their officers and afterwards sent them to winter in Garrisons near at hand About this time Silon and his Captains Antigonus refuseth to victual the Romane army who had passed the Winter in the said Garrisons came unto him Antigonus would no more furnish them with victuals for he gave them maintenance for no more time then a month commanding those that dwelt round about them to spoil the Countrey and afterwards to retire themselves into the mountains to the end that the Romans might be destitute of necessary maintenance and by that means might be consumed with famine Herod gave Pheroras his youngest brother the charge of that provision commanding him to inclose the fort of Alexandrion with F a wall who speedily brought to pass that the Soldiers had all sorts of necessaries at command Ventius sendeth for Silon to War against the Parthians re-edefied also the fort of Alexandrion which had been laid desolate About that time Antony was in Hthenes and Ventidius was in Syria who having sent for Silon to accompany him against the Parthians did first of all charge him to assist Herod in that War and afterwards to excite the provincial confederates to further his War But Herod dismissing Silon and his company to follow their destinated Wars with Ventidius did in his own person lead out his Soldiers against those thieves that lived in dens These Caves were situate in the most highest and inaccessible Mountains impregnable through narrow paths environed with sharp Rocks wherein the robbers inhabited secretly with all their families King Herod caused a certain number of Coffers to be G made fast to iron Chains which he caused to be let down by an Engins from the top H hill to ascend the same from beneath The year of the World 3927. before Christ's Nativity 37. neither from above to creep downward against them These Chests were filled with Soldiers armed with great Hooks to draw these thieves unto them and to break their necks headlong from the height to the bottom But the use of these Coffers was dangerous for it was necessary to let them down an infinite depth into the caves especially for that the thieves had necessary provision among them notwithstanding when they had gotten down none of the Thieves durst peep out of the mouths of their
and after he had heard that which had befaln him in the way he embraced him in admiration of his virtue and did him great honour as to him whom a little before he had raised to a Royal dignity Not long after this Antiochus surrendred the Fort of Samosata to Antonius and upon this occasion the War was ended Whereupon Antonius committed the Province with the Army to Sosius and after he had commanded him to succor Herod he departed into Egypt Sosius therefore sent two Legions of Soldiers before C into Judea to succor Herod and afterwards he follow'd with the rest of his Army In the mean while Joseph is killed in Jewry Sosius hath the army committed to his charge by Antonius who departeth into Egypt on this occasion that ensueth For forgetting his brother Herod's command which he gave him when he repaired to Antonius he took five Companies of Soldiers which Machaeras had left him and marching towards Jericho to gather in the fruits of the field he pitched his Tents upon the Mountains and for that the Roman Troops were but newly levied and consisted of those Men who were untrained in the Wars Joseph Herods brother is slain by Antigonus and for the most part were gather'd out of the Countrey of Coelosyria the Enemies having advertisement hereof assailed and surprized him in certain places of disadvantage The Galileans revolt from Herod where there was a hot skirmish between them in which Joseph died fighting valiantly and all his Army was defeated The dead bodies being in D Antigonus's power he cut off Joseph's head notwithstanding that his brother Pheroras proffer'd him 50 Talents for the whole body Machaeras fortifieth Gath. Which done the Galileans revolting from their Governors Herod departeth from Daphne a Suburb of Antioch into Galilee drowned those of Herods party in the Lake so that divers Commotions and Troubles were raised in Jewry Machaeras he fortified the Castle of Gath. This misfortune of Josephs was reported to the King in a certain Suburb of Antioch called Daphne Herod fighteth with the Galileans and overcometh them and driveth them into a Castle who before the tydings had already conceived some suspition and fear grounded upon certain dreams which gave him certain intelligence of his brothers death Departing therefore from thence with all expedition he arrived near to the Mount Libanus where he took about 800 Men with him and the Roman Legion which he had and from thence came to Ptolomais from whence he departed with his Army by night and E crossed Galilee with them Whereupon the Enemies came forth against him and were overcome by him and shut up in a Fort from whence they were come out but the day before where Herod assailed them by break of day but being unable to do them any harm The house wherein Herod solemnized his Feast fell down when the guests were gone without any mans detriment by reason of the bad Weather he led his Men into the Villages near adjoining But when Antonius's second Legion was come and joined to his Forces they that were within the Fort grew disheartned and forsook the same by night So that Herod marched with all diligence to Jericho with an intent to revenge his brothers death and being encamped near unto the same he banquetted and entertained the Officers of his Army and after the Feast was ended and he had dismissed his company he withdrew himself into his lodging in which place it appeared how much God loved the King for the roof of F the house where he had solemniz'd his Feast fell down without hurt to any one whomsoever for not one was left within it Whence it came to pass that each one persuaded himself that Herod was beloved by God considering he had avoided so great and unexpected a danger The next day Herod wounded by his enemies 6000 Enemies came down from the top of the Mountains to fight with him who afrighted the Romans and their forlorn hope chased Herods Soldiers with darts Antigonus sendeth Pappus to Samaria and stones who was himself also hurt in the Thigh with an arrow Antigonus sent a Captain to Samaria whose name was Pappus with some Soldiers intending thereby to signifie unto his Enemies that he had more Forces than he needed Pappus drew near to Machaeras the Roman Captain and as for Herod he took five Cities by force and put G some 2000 of them that were in Garison to the sword and afterwards having set the houses on fire he went out to encounter Pappus who was encamped in a Borough called H Isanas The year of the World â—9â—9 before Christ's Nativity 35. Divers that came from Jericho and Jewry submitted themselves to Herod who drawing near the Enemy who marched forward with great boldness he fought them and overcame them and being inflamed with a great desire he had to revenge his brothers death he pursued them that fled and killed them even within their borâ—ugh These Houses were presently filled with Soldiers Fight in the houses and divers fled and hid themselves upon the tops thereof who were at last taken for the Roofs of the Houses were beaten down whereby divers were killed by stones that were thrown at them from above the most grievous spectable of all those that had hapned in those Wars was to see an infinite number of bodies heaped up amidst the Rooms of the Houses This exploit of Herod did very much abate the courage of his enemies who lost all I hopes of any better success for the future for a man might have seen them flie away in whole droves and had not a sudden and violent tempest fallen upon them the triumphant Army of Herod had immediately entred Jerusalem with assurance of victory which had made an end of all that War Herod being alonâ— and naked in his house escaped unhurt amongst mâ—ny armed â—nâ—mies For Antigonus had no other thoughts but to flie away and to forsake the City Now the night drawing on Herod gave order for the Soldiers to eat and himself being weary retired into his Chamber to bathe where he escaped a most evident danger through Gods providence for being naked and having no body within but one of his servants three of the enemies who had his themselves for fear started out with their Swords in their hands Herod sendeth Pappus's head to his brother Phaeroras and ran away without daring to attempt any thing against the Kings person so terrible was his presence to them The next day K Herod caused Pappus's Head to be cut off and sent it to Phaeroras to comfort him for the loss of his brother Joseph Herod besiegeth Jerusalem whom this Pappus had killed When the Tempest was over he departed from thence and approached near to Jerusalem and encamped near unto the City Herod repaireâ—h to Samaria to marry â—lexanders daughter This was about the third year after he had
and equitie is on our side but that the greater number of men and means are with them but this their speech is unworthy of my followers For with those with whom justice is with those also is God and where God is there neither wanteth multitude nor fortitude But let us wade further and weigh our own own forces by themselves In the first Battel we had the victory in the second upon the first charge we C put them to flight and found them unable to make their party good against us Afterwards when the victory was ours behold Athenio not by lawful War but by subtil treachery assaulted us But shall this be called their valour or rather their fraud and second iniquitie why therefore should we have less courage who ought to have the greater confidence or why should we fear them who are alwayes inferiours if they fight openly and without fraud and when they seem to overcome they do it by unjustice Moreover if any man suppose them to be valiant this should the rather incite them more and more unto vertue for it is no honour for a generous and noble minde to overcome his inferiour but to have meanes and might to conquer his superiour And if any one be terrified by our domestick and homebred miseries and by our late earthquake first of all let him think D with himself that he erreth in that which deceiveth the Arabians by supposing the same to be more grievous and terrible then indeed it was And afterwards let him think that it becometh them not to draw matter of fear from thence whence the other took occasion of courage For as touching themselves they conceive not any hope thorow any good that is in themselves but only in the trust they have that we are already dejected by our calamities But when they shall see us march forth against them their courage will be weakned and our confidence by this means shall be awakened for that we are not at this time to encounter with desperate men For neither are we overmuch afflicted neither as some think hath this misery befallen us through Gods displeasure but these are the casualties of fortune And if by the will of God these things are come to pass it is marvel if by the same will our calamity cease not and that E our punishment should not satisfie his displeasure But that this present War is approved by him for just he himself hath evidently declared For whereas divers thorow the whole Nation have been oppressed by the earthquake none of you that bear Arms have incurred any mischief but all of you have been preserved which is a manifest token of the will of God and if your Children and Wives had generally followed the Wars as you do none of you should have been wanting When as therefore you shall have bethought your selves of these things and moreover in regard that God hath at all times an especiall care over you fail not to pursue this injurious Nation with a just war that neither respecteth the laws of friendship nor keepeth the league of of covenant valiant in murthering sacred Ambassadors and abject and villanous where things are to be attempted by valour F These perswasions of his did not a little encourage the Jews to the battel and made them more forward then before As For Herod after he had offered sacrifice according to the custom he drew his Army forth and led them with great confidence against the Arabians and passing Jordan he encamped near unto the Enemy with an intent to surprise a Fort Situate between them both making this account that it would further him much either if presently he should be drawn forth to fight or if it concerned him to march forward for that this place should serve him to encamp in with more security The same resolution also had the Arabians for which cause they fell to skirmish in that place The Arabians are overcome by Herod wherein the first on both sides that gave the charge and afterwards some other followers were killed so that those of the Arabians side being G overcome betook them to retreat This success of theirs bred no little hope in the Jews who seeing the Enemies Army addressed to attempt any thing rather then to H fight grew the more bold to assail the Arabian in his trenches and beat him from his camp They being forced by these assaults drew forward to their defence in great disorder bringing neither courage nor hope of victory with them yet notwithstanding they defended themselves both in regard of their great number as also in respect of that necessity whereunto they were inforced by the Jews The skirmish on both sides was hot and divers on either party were put to the Sword but in the end the Arabians being put to the worst turned their backs The slaughter was so great that they not only perished by their Enemies Swords but they themselves murthered one another in the croud and disorderly flight in which they were troden under foot and lay murthered in a manner by their own weapons So that in that defeat there fell some five I thousand the rest fled on the other side of the Rampire but being overpressed with want of victuals and especially with lack of water they had not any ground or assurance to escape After them posted the Jews and being unable to recover the fortress with them they begirt the camp with a siege and shut up all the passages that no succor could come unto them and took from them all opportunity to escape although they would have gone away When as therefore they saw themselves reduced into such extremity they sent Ambassadors unto Herod first of all to demand a truce and afterwards for that they were oppressed with thirst to crave some remedy for their present necessities But he neither respected the Ambassadors neither the proffered ransome for the Captives K nor any other whatsoever reasonable demand desiring earnestly to revenge himself of those injurious treacheries they had practised against his Ambassadors Being therefore inforced by thirst which amongst other plagues most grievously afflicted them many of them forsook their Trenches The Arabians enforced by thirst require truce at Herodâ— hands and offered themselves to bonds and to be led away Captives so that within five dayes space four thousand of them yielded themselves Prisoners On the sixth day all the rest determined to sally out and assail the Enemy rather making choyce of assured death then thus lingringly and ignominiously to pine away When as therefore they had all concluded hereupon they incontinently brake out of their Trenches but like unapt Soldiers for a skirmish decayed not only in body but in courage reputing their death for advantage to L escape thereby their extream misfortunes For which cause upon the first onset about some seven thousand of them were killed and thus the fierceness of this Nation being allaied by this overthrow
Parthia and Armenia to Tiridates who was the younger When Monobazus King Izates's Brother and the rest of his Kinsfolk saw how happily all things succeeded to Izates Monobazus and his Kindred think to receive the Jews Religion and how in respect of his Piety towards God he was E honoured and reverenced by all men they also resolved themselves to forsake their Religion and to serve God after the manner of the Jews But this intent of theirs was discovered Whereupon the chiefest among them grew displeased yet they did not manifest their despight but kept it hidden in their hearts expecting some fit occasion to revenge themselves as soon as they might They wrote also to Abias King of Arabia and promised him great sums of money if he would take Arms against their King The Adiabenians conspire with the King of Arabia against Izates promising him upon the first charge they would forsake him for that they desired to be revenged on him for having forsaken their Religion Having therefore confirmed their promise with an Oath they incited him to make haste The King of Arabia performed that which they required and marched forth against Izates with a F great power And when the first charge was ready to be given and before they came to blows all Izates Soldiers forsook him and turning their backs to their enemies fled in great disorder as if they had been surprized with a Panick fear yet was Izates no ways daunted but having discovered that it was treason and conspiracy of his greatest Peers he retired also into his Camp where he enquired of the Cause that they pretended After he knew that they had plotted with the Arabian he caused the Conspirators to be put to death and the next day after went out to fight and killed a great number of his enemies and constrained the rest to betake them to flight He pursued their King also into a Fort called Arsam which he battered and assaulted with such vigour and diligence that he took the same with G a great quantity of booty that was therein and returned to Adiabena with great triumph but he took not Abias alive for he himself had prevented his captivity with his death The Lords of Adiabena seeing themselves frustrated of their former hopes in that by God's hand they were delivered into the hands of their King could not contain H their displeasure but practised further mischief for they wrote their Letters to Vologesus King of Parthia desiring him to kill Izates and to bestow another King upon them who was a Parthian for that they hated their King who had abolished their Religion The Lords of Adiabena perswade Vologesus to kill Izates and had embraced a strange Law The Parthian understanding hereof prepared himself for War and having no just colour or pretext to authorize it he sent a messenger unto him to redemand those honours which his father had given him which if he refused he denounced War against him Izates was not a little troubled in his mind when he understood this message For he thought that if he should restore the gifts he should do himself great prejudice for that it would be imagined that he did it for fear knowing on the other side that if the Parthian should recover I that which he redemanded yet he would not be quiet he therefore commended his cause to God trusting that he would take care of him And building upon this that the greatest good he might have was to have God to help he shut his wives and children in a strong Castle and his corn in his strongest Tower and afterwards burned all the hay and forrage and having after this manner provided for all things he expected the approach of his enemy The Parthian came forward sooner than he was expected with a great power of Horse and Foot For he marched forward in all haste and encamped near unto the river that separateth Adiabena from Media Izates likewise encamped not far from thence having with him about six thousand Horse To whom the Parthian sent a messenger to give him to understand how great his power K was which extended from the River Euphrates as far as Bactria shewing him what Kings he had under his subjection threatning him to punish him very severely in that he behaved himself so ungratefully towards his Benefactors yea that the God whom he adored could not deliver him out of the Kings hands Hereunto Izates answered that he knew well that the Parthian far exceeded him in power but that he was far better assured that God's power extended beyond all mens contradiction Izates calleth upon God who sendeth the Dahans and Sacans into Parthia upon whose arrival Vologesus returneth And having returned them this answer he betook himself to his prayers and prostrating himself upon the earth and casting ashes on his head and fasting himself his wives and children he called upon God and prayed after this manner O Lord Almighty if I have not vainly submitted my self to thy protection but have intirely chosen thee L for my only and true God be thou my help and assistance and not only deliver me from mine enemies but also abate and controul their pride who have not been afraid in their blasphemous language to prophane thy holy and sacred Name and utter blasphemous speeches against thy power Thus prayed he with sighs and tears and God heard him For the very same night Vologesus received Letters by which he was certified that a great number of Dahans and Sacans taking opportunity by his absence were entred into the Kingdom of Parthia and spoiled the whole Country For which cause he returned back into his Country without any further trouble And thus Izates by Gods Providence was delivered from the Parthian threats Not long after this Izates delivereth up the Kingdom to his Brother Monobazus and dieth after he had lived fifty five years and reigned four and twenty M and left behind him four and twenty sons he died and appointed his Brother Monobazus to succeed him in the Kingdom requiting hereby his faith and Loyalty in that during the time of his absence and after the death of his Father he had faithfully ruled and governed the Kingdom to his use His Mother Helena hearing news of his death lamented very grievously that she being his Mother was deprived of a Son that so zealously honoured and feared God yet notwithstanding she was comforted when she understood that her eldest Son was to succeed him in the Kingdom and hasted with all diligence to go and meet him As soon as she arrived in Adiabena she lived not long time after her Son Izates Whereupon Monobazus took both her body and his Brothers bones and sent them to Jerusalem commanding that they should be buried N in three Pyramids which Helena had builded Hedio Ruffinus cap. 5. aliàs 8. some three stades or furlongs from Jerusalem But hereafter we will recite the
The strife between the High Priests and the Priests to seize the Tenths that were due unto the Priests whereby it came to pass that some poor Priests died for want so much did the violence of the Seditious at that time prevail ahove all right CHAP. VII I Festus succeeds Foelix in the Government of Judaea The Inhabitants of Caesarea obtain of Nero to have the Jews Freedom recalled King Agrippa causeth an Apartment to be built from whence all that was done about the Temple might be seen the people of Jerusalem cause a high Wall to be built to hinder it by the Emperour's Authority AFter that Portius Festus had been sent by Nero to succeed Foelix in the Government K of Judaea Alias 19. the chiefest of those Jews that inhabited Caesarea Foelix accused repaired to Rome to accuse Foelix and without all doubt he had been punished for the injuries he had committed against the Jews if Nero had not pardoned him upon his Brother Palas's submission and entreaty who importuned him and was at that time in great reputation with him Hedio Rufffinus cap. 14. Furthermore two of the chiefest amongst the Syrians wrought Berillus who had sometimes been Nero's Master and at that time was Secretary of Estate in the Greek Tongue by mighty Bribes to beg of Nero the revocation of the Right and Title which the Jews enjoyed in the Government and Administration of the Commonweal For which cause Berillus solicited the Emperour and obtained a Letter from him which was the cause of those mischiefs that afterwards happened in our Nation for the Jews of Caesarea understanding what Commission the Syrians had gotten L were so much the more encouraged to make War Therefore The Cut-throats among the Jews as soon as Festus was arrived in Judaea he found the Countrey grievously afflicted with Robberies and the whole Countrey was ruined with Fire and Sword The Thieves likewise at that time encreased mightily they used short Swords after the manner of a Persian Cymetre and crooked like the Roman Faulchion with which they killed divers For thrusting themselves into the press of the people that came in great multitudes on the Festival days to celebrate God's service they killed those very easily whom they pleased and oftentimes repairing to their enemies Villages Festus discomfiteth a great deceiver with all his followers they spoiled and burnt them But Festus sent divers Forces M both of Horse and Foot against certain Jews that were seduced by an Enchanter who had promised them to free them from all their troubles if they would follow him into the Desart they killed both the deceiver and the deceived that followed him At that time King Agrippa erected a stately Building within the Palace at Jerusalem Hedio Ruffinus chap. 15. near unto the Porch alias chap. 10. This Palace in times past appertained to the Asmoneans and was scituate in a high place with a fine Prospect from whence they might with pleasure behold the City of Jerusalem wherein the King took great delight and beheld from thence that which was done in the Temple The chiefest men of Jerusalem stop up the Prospect of Agrippa's house The chiefest men of Jerusalem seeing this Building were very much displeased for neither doth our Custom or Law permit that any one should look on that which is done in the Temple and especially N forbiddeth that any man should behold the Sacrifices and Oblations They therefore builded a high Wall upon the Gallery which was within the Temple on the West side which did not only hinder the sight of the Royal Chamber but also that of the Gallery without the Temple on the West side where the Romans kept Guard near unto the Temple on the Festival days Herewith was King Agrippa highly displeased and the Governour Festus far more than he who commanded them to pull down the Wall But they besought him that he would give them Licence to send their Ambassadours to Nero to this intent alledging that it was impossible for them to live if any part of their Temple should be beaten down Which being granted them they sent ten of their chiefest Nobility and with them Ismael the High O Priest and Chelcias the Treasurer of the Temple unto Nero who no sooner heard their suit but he pardoned them not only for that they had done but he commanded A that the building should remain as it was All which he did in favour of his Wife Poppea who was entreated by the Jews she being a devout Princess to sue for them She therefore commanded the ten Ambassadours to return and kept Chelcias and Ismael for Pledges with her The King understanding how all things had past gave the High Priesthood to Joseph Joseph Cabi the Son of Simon made High Priest surnamed Cabi which was the Son of Simon who in times past had been High Priest CHAP. VIII B Albinus succeeds Festus in the Government of Judaea and King Agrippa giveth and taketh away often the High Priesthood Ananus the High Priest causeth Saint James to be put to death Agrippa enlargeth the City of Caesarea and calleth it Neronias The Favours he granted to the Levites The List of the High Priests since Aaron CAesar being advertised of Festus's death Albinus Governour of Judaea sent Albinus to govern Judaea But King Agrippa commanded Joseph to lead a private life and advanced in his stead a certain man called Ananus Ananus the Son of Ananus High Priest the Son of Ananus who was reported to have been most happy for he had five Sons all which supplied the place of the High Priest after himself C had long time before them enjoyed it the like whereof hath never happened to any of our Priests Hedio Ruffinus chap 16. The younger Ananus who as we said was advanced to this place was a rash and head-strong man that followed the Sect of the Saducees who as we have already declared were amongst all other the Jews Alias 21. the most severe in executing Justice Ananus had five Sons that succeeded him in the Priesthood Whereas therefore Ananus was of this disposition he thought that he had a fit occasion offered him to do what he pleased after Festus's death and whilst Albinus was as yet upon his way He therefore ascended and sat down in the Tribunal assisted by the Judges and caused James the Brother of JESUS who was called CHRIST The year of the World 4025. after Christ's Nativity 63. to appear before him with certain others and accused them for transgressing the Law and Blasphemy against God and caused him to be stoned to death They D that were men of upright Conscience within the City and diligent observers of the Law were very much displeased with this Act and sent secretly to the King beseeching him to prohibit Ananus James the Brother of our Lord stoned that hereafter he
Where first of all in regard of the familiarity between his Father and him he went to Antonius declaring unto him both his own calamity and the miserable desolation of the whole Countrey and how leaving his dearest friends besieged in a Castle himself through the stormy Winter Seas was come to him to implore his assistance Antonius compassionating his calamity and remembring his familiarity with Antipater and esteeming the merit of Herod which stood before him determined to make him King of the Jews whom before he himself had made Tetrarch For he loved not Herod so well but he hated Antigonus as much holding him both a seditious person Ant. lib. 14. cap. 13. and an enemy to the Romans Now to the accomplishment M of this Herod findeth both Caesar and Antonius favourable unto him he found Caesar far more ready than himself when he called to mind the service that Antipater did in Egypt under his Father and his entertainment and friendship in all things And besides all these he was much satisfied with Herod's courage and ability Wherefore he caused the Senate to be assembled wherein Messala and himself Herod praised before the Senate in the presence of Herod recounted his Father's deserts and fidelity towards the Romans declaring Antigonus to be an enemy not only because he had formerly revolted but for that now lately in despight of the Romans he had by the assistance of the Parthians Herod made King by the Roman Senate usurped the Kingdom With which considerations the Senate being moved and Antonius affirming it to be expedient for the Roman Wars a-against the Parthians that Herod should be created King the whole Senate consented N and when it was dismissed Antonius and Caesar came forth with Herod between them and the Consuls marched before him accompanied with other Magistrates to offer Sacrifice and to Register the Decree of the Senate in the Capitol After which Antonius feasted Herod the first day of his Reign A CHAP. XII Of Herod's War for the recovering of Jerusalem after his return from Rome and how he warred against the Thieves AT this time Antigonus besieged those that were left in the Castle of Massada Ant. lib. 14. cap. 23. who had great store of Victuals Antigonus getteth Massada and wanted nothing but Water Joseph Herod's Brother who defended it purposed to go to the Arabians with two hundred of his dearest friends for that he had intelligence that Malichus repented that he had given B Herod no better entertainment And accordingly he had forsaken the Castle had not great store of rain fallen that very night wherein he intended to flee but the Wells and Cisterns being now filled with Water The Wars between Antigonus's Soldiers and Joseph Herod's Brother there was no cause to flee so that issuing out of the Castle he assaulted Antigonus's Soldiers and killed very many of them sometimes in open fight and sometimes by pollicy Yet he fought not always with fortunate success but returned sometimes with loss In the mean time Ventidius who was General of the Roman Army which was sent to expel the Parthians out of Syria after he had repulsed them Ventidius the Roman General taketh money from Antigonus came into Judaea under pretence to succour Joseph and the rest that were besieged out in effect to get money from Antigonus When therefore he drew near Jerusalem and had received the money he looked for he departed with C the greatest part of his Army Ant. lib. 14. cap. 24. leaving Silo behind him with a few to colour his pretence And Antigonus hoping for a second Supply from the Parthians corrupted Silo not to molest him for the present Herod against Antigonus By this time Herod having sailed from Italy to Ptolemais and gathered a great Army of strangers and his own Countreymen together came into Galilee against Antigonus being assisted with the Forces of Ventidius and Silo whom Gellius who was sent from Antonius perswaded to establish Herod in his Kingdom Herod intendeth after he hath taken Massada and Joppa to besiege Jerusalem But Ventidius was busie in appeasing the Broils that the Parthians had made in the Cities and Silo was corrupted by Antigonus Yet did not Herod want aid for every day the further he marched into the Countrey the more his Army encreased all Galilee very little excepted yielding unto him Whereupon he D purposed first of all to go to Massada to deliver his friends that were there besieged but Joppa hindred his purpose which being an enemy Town he thought best to take it before he went any further lest whilst he was going to Jerusalem his enemies should have a place behind him to flee to Now Silo joyned Armies with Herod rejoycing that he had found occasion to retire but he was pursued by the Jews of Antigonus's Party who Herod with a loose Wing of his Army and a small Company of men encountred and presently put to flight and saved Silo who had much ado to make resistance against them This done and Joppa taken he hasted to Massada and the people of the Countrey some for his Father's sake others for his own and many for both joyned themselves to him Many also came to him for hope because he was E now King so that now he had a very puissant Army But Antigonus hindred his journey by planting certain Ambushes in places convenient where Herod was to pass though by all this they little harmed him Herod having raised the Siege of Massada Herod begirteth Jerusalem with a Siege and proclaimeth the cause of his coming and rescued his friends from thence went to Jerusalem where both Silo's Soldiers and many of the City came and joyned with him Being now terrified with the greatness of his Forces there pitching their Tents at the west side of the Town they that guarded that part assaulted them with Darts and Arrows and others issuing by Troops forth of the City assaulted the Front of the Army Whereupon Herod caused one to go about the Walls of the City and to proclaim how that he was come for the good of the whole City and that he would F not take revenge of any though his open enemy but would pardon even them that had been most seditious But when Antigonus his followers with loud exclamations hindred the Crier's voice from being heard lest any man should alter his mind Herod presently commanded his men to beat the enemies off from the Wall upon which order they shot such a flight of Arrows and Darts from the top of the Towers that they forced them to retire At this time Silo was detected to have been corrupted with money Silo's subtilty being corrupted by the Jews for he solicited many Soldiers to cry out that they wanted Provisions and to ask money and Victuals and to crave to be dismissed and sent into some fit place of Quarter during the Winter because Antigonus had laid
slain those that were in them left such a part of his Army as he thought might suffice to repress any that should attempt a Rebellion under the Command of Ptolomey and returned to Samaria carrying with him three thousand Foot Ptolomey Captain of Herod's Soldiers slain and six hundred Horse against Antigonus After his departure those that were accustomed to trouble Galilee having now as they thought opportunity assaulted Ptolomey at unawares and killed him and having wasted the Countrey retired into Marish Grounds and Strong Holds Which when Herod understood he presently came to succour the Countrey and killed most part of the enemies and having taken all the Castles by force he exacted an hundred Talents for a punishment of that revolt to be paid by the Cities In the mean time the Parthians being put to C flight and Pacorus slain Ventidius in obedience to Letters from Antonius sent Machaera to Herod with a thousand Horse and two Legions of Foot to assist him against Antigonus Antigonus writ Letters to Machaera desiring him to help him and complaining that Herod had injured him promised him a great summ of money But he thinking it not best to forsake him he was sent to succour especially seeing that Herod would give more would not be subborned by him yet counterfeiting himself to be Antigonus his friend under that pretence to discover what Forces he had contrary to Herod's counsel he went to him But Antigonus distrusting his intent kept him out of the City Machaera's iniquity and like an enemy drave him away from the Walls Machaera ashamed of what he had done returned to Emmaus unto Herod and being in a rage that things fell out against D his expectation he killed all the Jews he found not respecting whether they favoured Herod or Antigonus The year of the World 3927. before Christ's Nativity 35. Herod hereat was moved and purposed to be revenged upon Machaera as an enemy yet he bridled himself and hasted to Antonius to let him understand Machaera's cruelty Machaera remembring how he had offended followed the King and with many entreaties besought him to be reconciled and obtained it Yet Herod kept on his journey to Antonius and hearing that he was now with a great Army besieging Samosata a very strong City near Euphrates he made the more haste thinking it now a fit time to shew his affection and his courage and that thereby he might win Antonius's favour the more His arrival hastned the taking of the place which Antiochus was constrained to deliver for he killed a great number of the E enemies Antonius admireth Herod's valour and had for his reward a great part of the Spoil and Antonius though before he admired his vertue yet now his opinion of him encreased so that he had a greater addition of his honour and reason to hope his establishment in the Kingdom CHAP. XIII Of the death of Joseph Ant. lib. 14. cap. 25. How Herod besieged Jerusalem and how Antigonus was slain F IN the mean time Herod's Affairs in Judaea went backward He had left his Brother Joseph Governour of all and commanded him to attempt nothing against Antigonus till his return for he little trusted to Machaera's help because of the part he had played before But Joseph seeing his Brother to be far off regarded not what charge was left him but went to Jericho with his own Troops and five Companies of Horse which Machaera sent with him thinking now in Harvest time to have taken away their Corn but being assaulted by the enemies upon the Mountains and in difficult places himself was there slain after he had shewed himself in the fight a worthy and valiant man and there was not one left alive of all the Roman Horse for they had been newly levied in Syria and they had no old Soldiers amongst them to assist their want of experience G Antigonus not contented with the Victory Antigonus's cruelty against Joseph's Carkass became such a Tyrant that having the dead 〈◊〉 in his power he cut off Joseph's head and caused his body to be scourged although Pheroras his Brother offered fifty Talents to redeem the same entire After Antigonus had obtained this Victory there was such a change in Galilee that H those who favoured him too the chiefest of Herod's Favourites and drowned them in a Lake Also there arose great Commotions in Idumaea where Machaera was repairing the Walls of a certain Castle called Githa All this while Herod heard nothing of the news Herod certified of his Brother's death in a Dream for after Samosata was taken Antonius made Sosius Governour of Syria leaving order with him to help Herod against Antigonus and so he departed into Egypt Sosius sent two Legions with Herod into Judaea to help him and he himself with the rest of the Army followed When Herod was at Antiochia near Daphne his Brother's death was shewed him in a Dream and being troubled at it he leaped out of his bed even at the same instant that the Messengers who brought tidings of his death entred into the house He could not forbear some expressions of grief but he check'd his I sorrow to hasten to revenge it upon his enemies with incredible speed When he came to Libanus he took eight hundred Inhabitants of that Mountain to help him and joyned unto them one of the Roman Legions and not expecting the day with them he entred into Galilee where meeting with some enemies he forced them to flee to the place from whence they came and besieged their Castle but before he could take it he was constrained by hard weather to lead his Army into the next Village Within a few days his number being encreased with another Legion which Antonius sent he put his enemies in such fear that in the night time they forsook the Castle Then he hasted to Jericho to be revenged on those that had killed his Brother Herod's Dining-room fell after he had forsaken it and gone to bed where there befel him a most strange accident from which being against all hope delivered he perswaded K himself that God bare a particular love to him For when many Nobles that night had supped with him and Supper being ended every one was gone forth incontinently the house wherein he supped fell down Herod took this as a Presage both of the dangers and prosperous success he was to have in his Wars And the next morning early he removed from thence and about six thousand of the enemies descending from the Mountains charged his Vanguard yet they durst not joyn Battel with the Romans but molested them with stones and darts with which they wounded many so that Herod himself passing along was wounded in the side with a Dart. Antigonus desirous to shew himself the stronger as well in multitude of men as in courage sent Pappus a friend of his with some Forces to Samaria with a design to fight L and
For two Legions only placed in the City keep all the great Countrey of Egypt and the Nobility of Macedon in awe Now since all the inhabited World is subject to the Romans what Associates will you have from some Countrey not inhabited to aid you against the Romans Except peradventure some of you hope for help from beyond Euphrates and that your Countrey-men of Adiabena K will help you But they will not entangle themselves in these dangerous Wars without reasonable cause and if they would consent to so bad counsel the Parthians will not suffer them For they are careful to maintain their League with the Romans and would think it violated God's favour towards the Romans if any under their Dominions should war against them It remaineth then that you must only trust that God will help you but you see God doth assist the Romans For it is impossible that such an Empire should have been without the help of God Besides consider that although you were to war against far weaker than yrur selves yet you could not promise to your selves favourable success and it may so come to pass that if you Religiously observe the custom of Sabbaths and in them do nothing it will not be hard to conquer you For so your Ancestors found by experience with Pompey who designed all his Enterprizes L for that day wherein his enemies were idle and made no resistance But if in War ye transgress your Countrey laws I know not then for what you should rebel For truly all of you at this time are of that mind that you take Arms to maintain your Countrey Laws And I pray you The last Argument that proveth the Jews destitute of God's and man's help and unapt to make War how will you request help at God's hands if wilfully you break his Laws All that begin War either trust in Humane Riches or Divine Succour and they that war having no probability to hope for any of those wilfully lead themselves into open destruction But if you cannot resist the passion which transports you let every man with his own hands butcher his Wife and Children and consume this goodly Countrey with fire for so you shall gain this not to abide the shame of a Conquest It is good O Friends it is good whilst yet the Ship is in the Haven to fore-see and provide for future Tempests and not M then begin to fear Whilst the Ship is yet in the Port it is good to prevent the future Tempest when you are amidst the Waves and Surges of the Sea They who fall into misery not fore-seen are worthy to receive compassion but they that run into wilful calamity deserve no pity but reproach Vnless perhaps ye think that the Romans will fight with you on certain conditions and that if they overcome you they will not use you hardly nor fire and destroy this Sacred City and all the whole Nation as they have done others If ye be overcome whoso escapeth unkilled can have no place of refuge for all Nations either are already subject to the Romans Agrippa's Prophecy of the Jews future misery or fear that they shall be shortly So that not only you shall be in danger but also all Cities wherein any Jews remain For there is no Nation nor people in the whole World among whom some of your Countrey-men are not who all shall be most cruelly put to death if you rebel And for the wicked counsel of a N few men all Cities shall flow with the blood of the Jews and no man shall be punished for killing Jews because of your offence But if you think the Romans will not execute all this Outrage after your Rebellion then consider how impious a thing it is to rebel against so mild Governours Take compassion if not of your Children and Wives yet at the least of this City which is the Mother-city of all your Nation Have some regard to these Holy Walls and the Sanctuary and your Holy Laws Assure your selves that if the Romans again overcome you Agrippa protesteth that he had omitted no counsel that he thought expedient for the Jews they will not spare these things seeing you were no more grateful unto them for preserving them before I protest before God your Holy Temple and all the Angels of Heaven and our whole Countrey that I have kept back no counsel which I think profitable for you Now if you consider those things which are profitable for you ye shall live with me O in peace But if you follow your private passions I will not be partaker of the miseries and dangers you thrust your selves into King Agrippa thus ended his discourse which his A Sister Bernice standing by him accompanied with her tears And these reasons and testimonies of affection touched the hearts of the people so that their fury being somewhat allayed they cryed out that they meant not to take Arms against the Romans and Caesar but against Florus for the injuries he had done them To this Agrippa answered But your deeds shew that you mean War against the Romans for you have not paid your Tribute to Caesar and you have beat down the Gallery which joyns the Temple to the Castle of Antonia But if you would stop your Rebellion repair with speed the Gallery and pay your Tribute for this Fort belongeth not to Florus nor the Money Herewith the people were content and ascending into the Temple with Agrippa and Bernice they began to re-edifie the Gallery and the Officers went about and gathered B the Tribute in every Village and quickly brought forty Talents for so much money was behind And thus Agrippae stifled the beginning of the War After this he began to perswade the people to obey Florus Agrippa the King is by the people driven out of the City with stones till such time as another were sent to supply his place Herewith the multitude was so moved that they contumeliously reviled the King and threw stones at him and drave him out of the City The King seeing that their Sedition would not be quieted complaining of the injury done to him he sent some persons of the best rank to Florus who was at Caesarea that he might chuse whom he would amongst them to gather the Tribute thorough the whole Countrey And so he departed into his own Kingdom C CHAP. XVII Of the Rebellion which the Jews begun against the Romans AT this time some of the chief Incendiaries assembled together suddenly assaulted a Castle called Massada The Jews refuse Caesar's Sacrifices for the prosperity of the Romans which they took by surprise and killed all the Romans and in their places put a Guard of their own Company In the Temple also Eleazar Son of the High Priest Ananias a bold and desperate young man Captain of the Soldiers perswaded them who offered Sacrifices not to offer any but those that were D given by Jews And this was
committed no act of hostility and also spoiled all that was without the Cities and always repulsed the Inhabitants if at any time they took courage to revenge themselves Joseph seeing things in this posture assaulted the City Sephoris in hope to take it but before such time as it revolted unto the Romans he had compassed it with so strong Walls that the Romans themselves could not have taken it and so his hope was frustrate for neither by force nor fair means would the Sephorites yield to him Hereat the Romans being angry troubled the Country more than before they now neither night nor day ceased from destroying it but robbed and spoiled all they found and all men able to bear Arms they slew and made the rest their slaves Thus all Galilee K was filled with fire and sword and no man escaped that calamity only those saved themselves that fled into the Cities that Joseph had walled In the mean time Titus came to Alexandria during Winter sooner than he was expected Titus bringeth a mighty Army into Judaea and so received there the Souldiers that he was sent for and having a prosperous journey he quickly came to Ptolemais and finding his Father there to two of the chiefest Legions to wit the fifth and tenth he also adjoyned that fifteenth Legion that he brought with him and there followed them eighteen Companies five out of Caesarea one Troop of Horse and five Companies of Horse out of Syria ten of these Companies of Foot had in every one of them a thousand Men the rest only six hundred and thirteen and in every Troop of Horse were an hundred and twenty L The Princes that were Allies also brought great Aid for Antiochus Agrippa and Sohemus brought each of them two thousand Bowmen and a thousand Horse and Malchus King of Arabia brought five thousand Foot and one thousand Horse the most of his Foot were Archers so that the whole Army together with the Kings Aid amounted to the number of threescore thousand Horse and Foot together besides them that followed the camp who were a great multitude and inferiour to none but their Masters in warlike discipline for one cannot too much admire the Romans who so train up their servants in time of Peace that they are very fit for War So that whosoever well beholdeth their Military Disciplin he shall perceive that they gained not this their goodly Empire by chance and fortune but by their valour for they do M not only then begin to use weapons when they come to fight but they practise military discipline before they need and they are not idle in time of peace but always practise themselves therein without ceasing Their exercises are like War it self and every Souldier is every day inur'd to some sort of Weapon The diligence and labour of the Romans in providing things necessary for the Wars even as though they were fighting against the enemy so that hereby they easily indure the burthen and travel of War For no disorder makes them forget what to do neither doth fear dismay them nor continuance of Fight and War weary and tire them So that whosoever they fight against who are not so well expert in these affairs as they they always overcome them and one may well call their exercises amongst themselves conflicts without blood-shed and their wars conflicts with blood-shed They are not easily overcome N at unawares for in what Enemy-country soever they come they fight not before they have fortified their Camp about The industry of the Romans which they do not rashly nor pitch their Tents in marish or high places after a disordered manner for if the place be unequal they make it plain And they proportion their Camp four-square for they have many Smiths The order of the Romans in their Camp and all kind of Workmen needful which still follow the Army to perform such business And in the innermost part of the Camp they make Quarters whose outside resembleth a Wall with Towers equally distant one from another and between them Engines of War to cast Stones and such-like that all kind of shot may be in readiness They also build four Gates large and wide both for their Horse easily to come in at and also for themselves if need require to enter in or issue out speedily O Within the camp there are streets divided by certain spaces in the midst lodge A their Officers and the Pretorium or Generals Tent is like a Temple so that it seemeth a City and a Market full of shops made in an instant There are also seats built for the Chief Officers to judg of controversies if any arise between the Souldiers and others All this place and all things belonging thereto are made in an instant partly by reason of the multitude partly by the industry of such as work and if need require they compass it with a Trench four Cubits deep and as many broad Thus the Souldiers enclosed with their Arms live quietly in their Tents without disorder and all things are done with good advice and prudence whether they need Water or Corn or Wood they all go to dinner at the time appointed and all sleep at once and a Trumpet giveth notice when to watch and guard The reverence and obedience of the Roman Souldiers to their Cap-Captains and nothing is done that is not commanded B In the morning all the Souldiers come to their Captains to salute them the Captains go to the Tribunes and they all to the General who gives them a Watch-word and tells them what he thinks good and how they shall behave themselves towards those that are under them how in fight to demean themselves and when to assault and when to retire How the Romans forsake their Camp When they go forth of the Camp a Trumpet sounds and no man is idle but at the first notice takes away his Tent and makes all ready for departure Then the Trumpet soundeth again warning them to be ready and having loden their Beasts with their baggage they expect the sound again as though they were to run a race and at their departure they burn their Camp because it is easie to build the like again and also least afterwards it should advantage their Enemies When the C Trumpet hath sounded the third time which is a sign to set forward then they hasten those that are slow lest they break their ranks And a Herald standeth on the right hand of the General asking thrice if they be prepared to fight and they as often answer that they are holding up their right hands with courage and so they march on orderly every man keeping his rank The Armour of the Roman Footmen as though they were ready to give Battel The Footmen have a Head-piece a Breast-plate and a Sword on the left side and on the right side a Dagger The Footmen guarding the General have a Javelin and a Shield the
as the Archers Quivers were emptied and if so be that the Romans should offer to make bridges then they employ all their courage to repel them and now fight not to defend but as it were to revenge their Country being in a manner already lost and make those feel the effects of their just fury The cries of Women and Children in the Battle whose cruelty would doubtless after the taking of the place shed the blood of their Fathers Children and Wives such were the orders which Joseph gave In the mean time the weaker multitude Women and Children seeing the City compassed about with three ranks of Horsemen and the Romans with their Swords drawn pressing against the breach and all the Mountains about shining K with their enemies weapons and the Arabians ready to let fly a Shower of Arrows they cried out as though the City were already taken so that a man would have judged them already under their Enemies Swords and not only in danger to fall into their hands Wherefore Joseph commanded the Women to their houses lest their cries should dismay his Souldiers willing them likewise to keep silence and threatned them if they did not and so he marched to the breach which place fell to his lot He gave not much heed to them that sought to scale the Walls but only minded what effect the terrible Storme of the Enemies Arrows would produce As soon as the Trumpets began to sound the Air became obscured with the multitude of Arrows Josephs Companions remembring the charge given them stopped their L Ears The War of the Romans with the Jews upon the Bridge and cover'd their bodies against the shot of arrows And as soon as the bridges were set against the Wall presently they fell on and before the Romans could enter upon them they repell'd them back with great prowess and courage which the greatness of the danger did not abate but increase so that they did not give one foot back till either they kill'd or were killed But the Jews had not any fresh men to second those that were tired and the Romans still as they were wearied sent fresh supplies and joyning together their long shields exhorting one another they became as it were a wall of defence invincible and the whole Army like one body beat back the Jews The Jews pour scâ—lding Oyle upon the Romans and so set foot on the Walls Joseph in this desperate case devised a new way to repel this present danger he commanded the Jews to fetch scalding Oyl which M they had ready and pour it upon the Romans and also cast the Pans upon them This device broke the body of the Romans so that through great pains they fell from the Wall for the Scalding Oyl easily got between their flesh and Armour and scorched them like fire being easily heated and long continuing hot by reason of the fatness The Romans being loaden with Helmets and Breast-plates could not retire so nimbly as was requisite so that some leapt down off the bridg and others died of the pain others would fain have retired themselves but could not because their Enemies followed them so hard But neither the Romans wanted vertue and valour in adverse fortune nor the Jews prudence For the Romans notwithstanding they were in intolerable pain being Scalded with hot Oyl yet they freshly assaulted them that hurt them N desirous to shew their courage Then the Jews used another device to make them retire for they poured boyled Fenigreek upon the bridge so that they slid down and neither they that would have fled nor they who strove to assault the Jews could stand upon their feet it was so slippery and many falling down upon the bridge were by their own Company trodden to death others slid down upon the Rampier and always as they fell the Jews struck them and when the Romans were retired from the place The Romans retire 〈◊〉 hout obtaining thâ—ir purpose so that now they were not forced to handy blowes they had leisure to shoot Arrows and Darts against them When Vespasian saw that his men in the fight endured much misery towards evening he caused them to retire many being slain and more wounded only six men of Jotapata were slain but above 300 wounded this fight O was upon the 20. day of June But after Vespasian had comforted his Souldiers for A that which had hapned perceiving that they were enrag'd and desired to fight to revenge themselves so that they needed no exhortation he raised the Rampier higher and erected three Towers 50 foot high covering them aloft with Iron that so by reason of their weight they might stand stedfast and not be consumed by fire these he placed upon the Rampier Vespasian erecteth higher Platforms and Towers and in them Archers and men that cast Darts and such like who not being perceived of them that were upon the Walls by reason of the highness of the Towers and the covering thereof easily wounded them who stood thereon So the Jews when they could not avoid the Arrows nor be revenged upon them whom they could not see The Citizens of Jotapata valiantly sustain the siege nor yet fire the Towers being covered with plates of Iron forsook the Walls yet they always encountred with them who sought to enter Thus the B people of Jotapata resisted notwithstanding that many every day were slain and that they did their Enemies no harm without great danger to themselves CHAP. XI How Japha was taken by Trajan and Titus AT this time Vespasian understood that Japha a City neer Jotapata minded to rebel C encouraged thereunto for that they heard how they of Jotapata had held out contrary to all expectation The taking in of Japha by Trajan wherefore he sent thither Trajan Governour of the tenth Legion and with him two thousand Foot and a thousand Horse who finding the Town able to resist and the Inhabitants prepared for fight and marched out to meet him for the Town being by situation strong enough was also compassed with a double Wall he fought with them and after a while put them to flight and in the pursute entred with them at the first Gate which the Citizens perceiving shut the second Gate not suffering their own Citizens to enter in lest the Enemies also should rush in with them as they had done into the first Gate Truly God gave this Victory unto the Romans and his will it was that most of the Valiant men of the City should D have their own Gates shut upon them and so fall into their Enemies hands who were most greedy to destroy them The Jews shut up by the Romans between two Walls are slain Many of them came to the gates and called those that kept them by their names pitifully intreating that they might come in which whilest they were kept out were butchered like Sheep being inclosed between two Walls their own Citizens having shut
one Gate upon them and the Romans the other and many thus enclosed perished by their fellows Swords and an infinite number by the rage of the Romans 12000 Jews slain having no courage to resist and revenge themselves For the Inhumanity of their own Citizens and terrour of their Enemies together utterly discouraged them and so they died all in number 12000 cursing not the Romans but the Jews their own Country-men Trajan thinking that the City was now destitute E of fighting men or if any were within that they durst not resist being thus terrified Titus with his Forces coâ—mes to Japha reserved the taking of the City for the General and sent Messengers to him requesting him to send his Son Titus to accomplish the Victory Vespasian fearing that yet there would be some resistance sent Titus with 500 Horse and 1000 Foot who hastening thither placed Trajan on the left side of the Town and himself on the right so the Romans on every side scaled the Walls and the Galileans having a while resisted A sharp Skirmish within the Town between the Galileans and the Romans at length left them Then Titus and his followers leaping down got into the City and began a vehement fight with them that were assembled therein some valiantly issuing out of the Narrow streets and assaulting them and the Women casting such things as they could get upon the Romans from the tops of their F houses and thus they held battel six hours When their fighting men were all slain then the Old Men and Children and all the other Company both in the streets and in their houses were soon dispatcht that none of them were left alive save only Infants who with the Women were led Captives The number of them that were slain both in the City and in the first conflict amounted to 15000 and the number of those that were led into Captivity were 1130. This Massacre of the Galileans hapned the 25th day of June G A CHAP. XII How Cerealis Conquered the Samaritans THe Samaritans also were partakers of the sad Effects of this bloody War The Assembly of the Samaritans on the Mountain Garizin They assembled themselves together upon Mount Garizin which they accounted a sacred place But this Assembly gave cause to believe that not warned by their neighbours harms not with any advice or judgement considering their own infirmity and the Romans power they began to be tumultuous Vespasian foreseeing this thought B good to prevent them and although all the Region of Samaria had Roman Garisons in it yet the great multitude assembled made it reasonable to fear them Wherefore he sent thither Cerealis the Tribune of the fifth Legion with six hundred Horse and three thousand Foot Cerealis thought it not the best way to go unto the Mountain and attaque the whole multitude there who were so numerous but he commanded his Souldiers to beleagure the Mountain about at the Foot thereof and to keep there all the day There hapned at that time a vehement heat and the Samaritans wanted Water Want of water in the Mountain Garizin It was then Summer and the People had not provided themselves with Victuals so that many in one day only for want of drink died of thirst others preferring death before the misery they endured fled to the Romans of whom Cerealis learned C that those that yet remained on the Mount were even dis-heartned by the misery they endured Wherefore he ascended the Mountain and compassing about the Enemies with his Army he first exhorted them to yield and promised them all their lives if they would cast down their weapons but nothing prevailing with them he set upon them 11600 Samaritans slain and killed them all in number 11600. This was done the 27th day of June These were the miseries that befel the Samaritans CHAP. XIII D How Jotapata was Taken THe Citizens of Jotapata having endured this hard Siege beyond all expectation seven and fourty dayes the Romans Mounts were now raised higher than their Walls A fugitive certifieth the weak estate of the Citizens of Jotapata and how few they were On the same day one of the City fled to Vespasian and told him in what case the City stood and how few Citizens were left and that with daily watchings and fighting they were far spent so that they were not able to resist any more and that they might be taken by policy if they were followed for in the last part of the night being weary they ceased from their labour and slept till the Morning wherefore he perswaded E Vespasian to assanlt them at that time But Vespasian knowing how faithful the Jews were one unto another and how they contemned all punishment gave little credit to this Run-away For a little before one of Jotapata being taken could not by any torments be compelled to confess or disclose the Estate of the City the fire nothing moved him and so at last he was crucified laughing and scorning death Yet a probable conjecture which he had perswaded him to give some credit to this Traitors words and for that he knew no great harm could befall him if he so assaulted the City as the Traitor advised he commanded the man to be kept and put all his army in readiness to assault the Town At the hour appointed he made towards the Wall with silence Titus marcht first accompanied with one Domitius Sabinus a Tribune F and some choice men of the fifteenth Legion who killing the Sentinels entred into the City and after them entered Sextus Cerealis and Placidus with their Companies so the Castle was taken The Romans 〈◊〉 the City whilest the Jews sleep and the Enemies were in the midst of the Town and it was fair day-light and yet the Townsmen knew nothing being now fast asleep after their great labours and watchings and they that watcht could see nothing there was so thick a mist by chance that Morning and the rest never wakened till Death was at their door and that they perceived their Calamity and Destruction The Romans mindful of all that had befallen them in the time of the siege The Romans have 〈…〉 compassion neither spared nor pitied any one but driving the people out of the higher part of the City into the lower they massacred them all They that would have fought could not for the narrowness of the G place and so being cumbred for want of room and sliding down the banks for haste H their Enemies still pursuing them they were easily slain Many of Josephs Guard seeing that they could not fight gathered themselves together in a corner of the City and slew themselves that the Romans might not kill them But some of the Watchmen who first perceived the City to be taken fled into a Tower and resisted a while this Tower was situate in the North-side of the City and at last being invironed with their Enemies towards
murder and slaughter of one of his Friends Joseph being thus delivered from extream danger both from the D Romans Joseph resorteth to Vespasian with Nicanor and from those of his own Nation went with Nicanor to Vespasian All the Romans came about him to see him and pressing about their General they made a great noise some rejoycing that he was taken others crying out to punish him others striving to come near to behold him better and they who were afar off cryed out to kill that Enemy of the Romans Fame But those who were near and beheld him remembring his great Actions An example of Titus grace and mercy towards Joseph were astonished at his change of Fortune No Captain or Ruler but although before they were all moved against him yet now beholding him they begin to pity him especially Titus who being of a gentle disposition admired Josephs valour his constancy in adversity and considered his Age and thereby was moved to take compassion upon him remembring what a manner of man he had been during E the Wars and what he now was being fallen into his Enemies hands calling also to mind the power and force of Fortune and how uncertain the chance of War is and that humane affairs have no stedfastness His Example drew many minds to pity him so that Titus was the chief author of Josephs life Yet Vespasian caused him to be carefully kept as though he meant to send him to Caesar Which Joseph hearing requested that he might speak a word or two with him alone Whereupon all but his Son Titus departing Joseph hath private conference with Vespasian and two of his Friends Joseph spoke to him in these terms You think only that you have Joseph for your Captive but I am a Messenger to you of greater matters from God Joseph foretelleth Vespasian of his future honours Otherwise I knew my Country Laws and how it behoved the Generals of our Nation to die and not to be taken alive by their Enemies You will send me F to Nero Wherefore since Nero and those that are to succeed him before you have so little time to live you O Vespasian shall be Caesar and Emperor of Rome and Titus your Son after you keep me therefore in bonds with you for you are not only my Lord but Lord of all the World Sea and Land and all Man-kind And if I now fain these things in this state of mine own mind against God let me be reserved to greater punishment After he had thus spoken Vespasian gave small credit to his words thinking that Joseph fained these things of himself to save his Life yet by little and little he began to give credit to him because God put it in his mind to hope for the Empire and fore-told him of his Reign by many signs and tokens and he also found Joseph to tell the truth in other matters For one of Vespasians friends saying that it was strange that he knowing this G could not prophesie of the event of the War against Jotapata Josephs truth in all things and what was like to befal himself that so he might avoid those evils Joseph answered that he had foretold the Citizens of Jotapata that after seven and fourty dayes they should be destroyed and that the Romans should keep him alive in hold Vespasian secretly enquired of these H matters and finding by the relation of the Captives that it was true he began to give more credit to that which Joseph had told him concerning himself So he commanded Joseph to be kept Prisoner yet he gave him apparel and divers other things in most courteous manner Joseph is kept bound yet rewarded by Vespasian and Titus greatly honoured him The fourth day of July Vespasian returned to Ptolemais and from thence he came to the Sea-coast to Caesarea which is the greatest City of Judaea whose Inhabitants are for the most part Greeks The Inhabitants received the Army and the General with all friendship possible Caâ—sarea a great City by the Sea-side inhabited for the most part by Greeks both for that they loved the Romans and especially also for that they hated the Jews so that many intreated Vespasian to put Joseph to death But Vespasian judging this a rash Petition would make no answer to it and he left two Legions to Winter at Caesarea I because he saw it was a fit place and he sent the tenth and fifth to Scythopolis because he would not over-charge Cesarea with the whole Army Scythopolis This place is warm in Winter and exceeding hot in Summer by reason it is situate on a Plain by the Sea-coast CHAP. XV. How Joppa was taken by the Romans K IN the mean time a great multitude being gathered together Joppa the retreat of the Seditious and Thieves who either were seditious persons or thieves or such as had escaped out of the taken-Cities re-edified Joppa for their refuge which Cestius formerly had destroyed and seeing they could not find provision in the Countrey which was already wasted and left desolate by the War they purposed to become Pirates and so building Ships for that purpose they robbed the Phoenicians Syrians and Aegyptians not suffering any to pass those Seas without danger Vespasian understanding their practices sent Horse and Foot against Joppa who finding the City not guarded got into it in the night which the Inhabitants perceiving were so terrifi'd that they durst not make any resistance to expel L the Romans but they all fled to their Ships and there stayed all night a flight-shot from the shore Joppa is naturally no road for Ships for it is situated upon a turbulent Shore and on every side hath very high and eminent Rocks which trouble the Seas and make huge Waves In this place if we may believe the fable one may see the signs of Andromeda's Chains Of Andromeda read lib. 4. Ovid Metamorph When the North Wind blows it striketh the Waves against the Rocks and so causeth a dangerous Sea that it were far more safe to be in the midst of the Seas than at that Shore when the said Wind bloweth The Inhabitants of Joppa rode there all night A huge tempest drowneth those of Joppa in the Sea and by break of day the North Wind began to blow fiercely and drove some of the Ships one against another and others against the Rocks and many striving against Wind and Weather and seeking to get into the midst of the Sea for fear of the Rocky Shore and their Enemies there were drowned M They that escaped neither had any place of refuge nor hope of safety for the tempest drove them from the Sea and the Romans from the City so that the air was filled with cities of the people expecting to be drowned and with the noise and sound of the Ships beating one against another By this means some of the Inhabitants of Joppa were swallowed up by the
Gamala trusting to its scituation would not enter into the Treaty It is far stronger than Jotapata It stands on a hill which riseth up in the midst of an exceeding high Mountain so that it representeth the figure of a Camel which the Hebrews call Damel and thereof it took the name which the Inhabitants have corrupted into Damal Before it and on either side are deep Vallies into which a man can hardly descend only it may be assaulted on that side where it joyneth to the Mountain which also the Inhabitants have made inaccessible by cutting there a deep Ditch In that place the City was very well inhabited on the descent of the Hill The City of Gamala inexpugnable and strong and towards the South part it stood on so steep a Hill that it seemed as if it would have fallen every hour N and there another Hill served the Inhabitants instead of a Castle being unwalled for it was exceeding high and reached down to the bottom of the Valley In the Town within the Walls thereof there was also a Fountain Although this City were of its own nature invincible yet Joseph compassing it with a Wall and with Ditches and Mines made it stronger Wherefore the Inhabitants of this place put far more confidence in their Walls than they of Jotapata did yet they were fewer in number and not so Warlike people but on account of the scitutation of the City they esteemed themselves above their Enemies for the City was full of men that fled thither by reason of the strength of the place so that for seven Months they resisted the forces that were sent by Agrippa to besiege them Vespasian besiegâ—â—h Gamalâ— Vespasian having decamped from Ammaus pitched his O Tents before Tiberians and so went to Gamala Ammaus signifies Hot-Water for there is a Fountain of Hot-Water there which cureth many Diseases The City was so A scituate The year of the World 4031. after the Nativity of Christ 69. that he could not besiege it round about wherefore he placed men to keep watch in such places as were passable and possessed the highest Mountain where his Souldiers pitching their Tents entrenched themselves On the East part of the City in the most eminent place there was a Castle where the fifteenth and fifth Legions lay against the Town and the tenth Legion filled up the Ditches and Vallies King Agrippa went to the Walls One with a sling woundeth Agrippa and spake to those that defended them willing them to yield to the Romans but one of them with a Sling struck him on the right Arm and hurt him which much troubled his familiar Frâ—ends And the Romans for anger that the King was hurt and for fear of such mischances to themselves now became earnest to assault the Town perswading themselves that they would use strangers and their Enemies hardly B if it lay in their power seeing they had so ill entreated a Prince of their own Nation for perswading them to what was profitable for them The Romans having quickly intrenched themselves by reason of the multitude that laboured in business who were accustomed to such work began to place their Engines against the Town-Walls Chares and Joseph who were two of the most potent men in the Town animated and armed their Citizens and led them to the Walls to defend them but they had not much courage to the business And although they well perceived that the City could not long hold out seeing they wanted Water and many other things necessary to stand a Siege yet notwithstanding they exhorted the Townsmen to be valiant The Romans besiege Gamala and assault it where a while they resisted notwithstanding the shot but at last C they were therewith so terrified that leaving the Walls they fled into the City Then the Romans battered the Walls with Rams in three several places and where the Wall fell there they issued in with Trumpets and a great shout and fought with the Townsmen who in the first conflict so valiantly resisted them that they permitted them not to enter further into the Town But at last being overcome both in strength and number they all fled into the highest part of the City and from thence they turned again upon the Romans who pursued them and drave them down into the Vallies and killed many and divers in that strait passage were trodden to death by their fellows Whereupon seeing that they neither could flie nor resist their Enemies above their heads they fled into the houses which adjoyned unto the Plain and so filled them that being D over-charged The Romans fall down with the ruines of the Jews houses they fell down upon other houses beneath them and beat them down also and they likewise others scituated beneath them Many of the Romans this way perished for being amazed and not knowing what to do they got into their houses notwithstanding they saw them shake and totter and many seeking to escape were maimed by some part of the Ruines that fell upon their Bodies and many were choaked in the dust Many Romans slain and spoiled The Citizens of Gamala rejoyced thereat thinking that this aid was sent from God and not regarding their private losses they ceased not to force the Romans into their houses and if any were in the narrow streets them they slew with Darts from the high places The ruines afforded them Stones enough and their slain Enemies Swords and Armour which they took from them being half dead and used E against themselves many died who cast themselves headlong from off the houses being ready to fall and those that sought to flie could not easily escape for being ignorant of the wayes and there being such a dust that one could not see another they kill'd one another till with much ado finding passage they got out of the City Vespasian Vespaâ—sian's fortitude and warlike valour who was alwaies in the midst of these encounters was greatly moved to see the Buildings fall so upon his Souldiers and forgetting his own safety he retired himself with only a few to the higher part of the City where he was left in great danger having very few about him for Titus his Son was not there being before this time sent to Mâ—tianus in Syria and now he could not flie safely nor yet had it been for his honour if he could Vespasian's fight with the Jews Wherefore remembring all his great Actions from his Child-hood and his F own Virtue he encouraged his men and with them joyned Arms and covered themselves with their Shields and so as it were assisted with some divine Aid defended themselves from all Darts Arrows and Stones which were cast from above upon them and so they remained there not terrified either with the number or might of their Enemies till at last wondring at his Valour and Courage they abated their fury And now perceiving his Enemies to assault him but faintly he retired
were within the City were terrified with the noise hereof and ran up and down as though all the Enemies were already entred into it And Chares Josephs Companion being sick yielded up the Ghost fear encreasing his Disease and helping to shorten his life The Romans remembring the bad success at the last assault did not enter the City till the twenty-third of the Month aforesaid Then Titus animated by resentment of the misfortune of the Romans in his absence Titus with two hundred Horse besides chosen Foot-men entreth Gamala accompanied with 200 Horsemen and some chosen Foot-men entred the City no man resisting him the Watch-men then first perceiving it cryed To Arms. Those within the City fearing that Titus was entred some took their Children some their Wives D and fled into the Castle with pitiful Cries and weeping others met Titus and were all put to the Sword and they that could not get into the Castle not knowing what to do fell among the Roman Guards Then the skies were filled with the cries of men dying and the lower places of the City flowed with blood Vespasian led his whole Army against those that fled into the Castle The top of the Castle of Gamala stony and hard to be climbed which was of a great height and scarcely accessible standing in a stony place full of Ditches and deep Dens and compassed with steep Rocks The Jews drove down the Romans that offered to come up to them partly with Darts partly with Stones which they rowled down upon them and they were so high that the Romans Arrows could not reach them But at last as it were by Gods providence The Romans Victory by Gods Providence who would have it so a Whirlwind arose which carried E the Roman Arrows amongst them in the Castle and the Jews Arrows from the Romans and the Wind was so violent that it was not possible for them to stand upon those high places and so not being able to stand nor to see those that came against them the Romans ascended and took the Castle some resisting for their defence others yielding themselves The Romans now call to mind their fellows that had perished in the first assault and so became more cruel Many despairing of their lives cast their Wives their Children and themselves headlong down those Precipices into the deep Vallies underneath 9000 Jews slain in Gamala and only two Women escape So that the Cruelty the Romans shewed against the people of Gamala was not so great as that which they used against themselves for there were only four thousand that perisht by the Romans Sword and the number of them F who so cast themselves down was found to be five thousand and not one escaped but two Women that were Sisters and Daughters to Philip Son of Joachim a worthy Man and General of Agrippa's Army and these two were saved only because at such time as the City was taken they hid themselves for they spared not Infants but many took them and cast them down from the Castle And thus was Gamala destroyed the 23 day of October having begun to Revolt the 21 day of September G CHAP. IV. The year of the World 4032. after the Nativity of Christ 70. H How Titus took Giscala NOw all the Cities and strong Places of Galilee were taken Giscala only excepted Part of the Inhabitants whereof desired Peace for that they were Husbandmen and their riches consisted in the Fruits of the Earth John a Poysoner and a deceitful man inforceth the Citizens of Giscala to Rebel but there were many factious Free-booters in the City and amongst them many of the natural Inhabitants These people were incited to Revolt by one John a very wicked and deceitful person Son to one I Levias he was of ill manners bold to attempt any thing and making no conscience of any thing he took in hand and he was known to all men for one that desired War to make himself mighty This man was a Ring-leader of the Seditious persons in Giscala and for fear of him the People who perhaps otherwise would have sent Legats to the Romans to request peace were hindred and forced to stay till the Romans came to fight against them Against these People Vespasian sent Titus and with him a thousand Horsemen and the tenth Legion towards Scythopolis Himself with the rest went to Caesarea to refresh them after their great labour at the charge of the Towns adjoyning judging it necessary to fit them to sustain manfully the toyls that were to ensue for he foresaw that he should have much ado to win Jerusalem both for that it was very K strong Vespasian foreseeth his no small trouble in the Siege of Jerusalem and was the Chief City of all the Nation And his care in this point was so much the more for that he perceived many out of all parts fled thither and that it was compassed with almost invincible Walls and besides this the boldness and desperate courage of the Inhabitants who although that they had had no Walls at all yet had been scarcely to be Conquered and therefore he thought it necessary to refresh his Souldiers before this Enterprise as Champions are prepared for the Combate Titus having taken a view of Giscala Titus his compassion toward those of Giscala judg'd that it might easily be taken yet knowing that if it were taken by force all the People would be destroyed by the Romans he being weary of blood-shed and commiserating the innocent People which were otherwise like to perish together with the culpable attempted to take it by surrender L Wherefore the Walls being full of People Titus his merciful Oration to those of Giscala among whom were many of the Seditious he told them that he marvelled what help they expected or by whose advice all other Cities being now taken they alone would resist the Roman Forces especially whenas they had already seen many Towns far stronger than theirs overthrown at the first assault and that contrariwise those who had yielded themselves to the Romans lived in peace and enjoyed all that was theirs Which offer said he I now also make to you and am not yet incensed against you because that which you do is in hope of your liberty but if you still persevere in your rebellious course and refuse this kind offer you shall presently perceive the Roman Sword drawn out for your destruction and incontinently find your Walls but a mockery and no wayes able to resist the Roman M Engines whereas contrariwise if you yield your selves and trust to the fidelity of the Romans you shall be the most happy people of all Galilee None of the Townsmen were admitted to make answer nor to come to the Walls for the Seditious were Masters of them Johns answer to Titus's Exhortation and a Guard was placed at every Gate lest any should go out to submit themselves or any Horsemen
our sacred Laws and Customs but always reverenced the Sanctuary beholding L it only afar off yet now some born and brought up amongst us who are called Jews tremble not to walk in the Sanctuary having their hands bathed in the blood of their Country-men and brethren Who will now fear forreign Wars seeing these civil broils are such Much better were it for us to fall into our Enemies hands yea if you will call every thing by such a name as it deserveth we shall find that the Romans have not violated our Laws but have been the Protectors thereof and they within our Walls are the Violators of them An answer to their contrary opinion who object the number and boldness of the Enemy What punishment is there that those that have thus tyrannized over us deserve not yea what punishment can be devised great enough for their offence I know that all of you were so perswaded before I spoke and you were incited against them by that which you have endured at their hands but yet some fear their multitude and their courage M and moreover that they are in a higher place than you yet as all this came by your negligence and suffering so by your delaying they will grow stronger For their number daily increases and every wicked person flyeth to his like and they are so much the more emboldened for that as yet no man hath once offered to resist their enterprizes and be sure that if they have time they will make use of the higher place and that to your dammage But believe me if you would but once offer to go against them their very consciences would abate their haughty minds and the remembrance of their misdeeds would put them so far out of heart that they will not make any benefit of that higher place Perhaps God in his vengeance will turn their own darts against them for their impiety The Epilogue of Ananus Oration to the people and consume them therewith Let us but only shew our selves and we shall dismay them Yet it is an N honour for us if need be to sacrifice our lives for the defence of the holy Temple My self will assist you with the best advice I can and you shall see that I shall not only assist you with words but expose my self to the greatest dangers and endeavour to animate you by my own example Ananus thus exhorted the people against the Zealots yet he knew well that it was great difficulty to overcome them being lusty young men many in number of great courage and the more desperate by the remorse of Conscience for the horrible crimes and execrable deeds which they had committed for they despaired of all hope of pardon for their misdeeds Yet Ananus thought it altogether intolerable that the Common-wealth should be so over-ruled After this exhortation the people cryed out that they were ready to go against the Thieves and to do as they were exhorted O Whilst that Ananus selected out the most able men for War and set them in order A the Zealots issued out upon him having intelligence of all his intents and proceedings by certain Spies which they had appointed on purpose and they sallied out sometimes in companies sometimes all at once other times in Ambushes sparing none that they met with Ananus quickly gathered together the people who were more in number than the Thieves Ananus disposeth hiâ— Souldiers against Zealots but not so armed as they but what they wanted in arms their courage supply'd For the Citizens were armed with fury stronger then Arms and they which were gone out of the Temple with a more desperate boldness than all the multitude how great soever For the Citizens thought it no abiding for them in the City except they could drive away the Zealots and the Zealots thought they could not escape torments and death it self except they were Victors B So at last they joyned battel each party under their Captains and Leaders and first of all both parties cast stones one against another and if any fled the Conquerours pursued them with swords and many were wounded and slain on both sides Those Townsmen that were wounded were by their friends carried into their houses but the Zealots that were hurt went into the Temple and polluted the sacred pavements with their bloud so that their Religion was prophaned by bloudshed Alwayes the Thieves in making excursions got the upper hand Whereat the Citizens being angry seeing their number every day decreased reproved the cowards so that if any of their company offered to flie from the Zealots they made him stand and resist whether he would or no not permiting him to pass away and thus they bent all their forces C against their Enemies The fight of the Citizens and Zealots in the Temple At last the Thieves not able to make any longer resistance by little and little retired themselves into the Temple and Ananus with his Company entred the Temple by force with them and brake the body of his Enemies Then they in the outer Temple were in great fear and fled into the inner Temple and shut the Gates with all speed Ananus would not offer violence to the sacred Gates and besides the Enemies cast Darts from above for he thought it a great offence against God although he might have got the victory to introduce the people not being purified Wherefore he elected six thousand of the chief of all his men well armed and appointed them to keep the Porches and others to succeed in their places while they took rest And many of the better sort of the Citizens being placed to keep watch there hired D other poor people to watch in their steads John full of deceit and a betrayer of the Citizens But John who as before we declar'd fled from Giscala wrought the ruine of them all This man being full of deceit and above all measure desirous of rule long ago intended to overthrow the Common-wealth To which end from that time he counterfeited himself to be against the Thieves and so day and night accompanied Ananus and the rest both in their Consultations and when they went to visit the Watch and he disclosed all their Counsels to the Zealots and there was nothing decreed by the people but he gave the Thieves intelligence thereof before it was put in practice yet he seemed to be very respectful to Ananus and the rest of the Nobility hereby hoping to conceal his Treachery But it fell out contrary to his expectation for this his too much reverence caused him E to be suspected because they noted him to play the Parasite and for that uncalled he daily intruded himself into their Consultations he was misdoubted to betray their secrets For Ananus perceived that the Enemies knew all their designs and though Johns deeds carried suspicion of Treason yet could they not easily remove him his craft was such besides this he was
no part of Judea that did not suffer together with Jerusalem their Mother-City Those that fled to the Romans certified Vespasian hereof for although the seditious persons kept and observ'd all passages and kill'd them that offered to fly yet many secretly stole away from them The Fugitives beseech Vespasian to assist the City and preserve the rest of the people and besought Vespasian both to help the oppressed City and D to take compassion upon the reliques of their Nation affirming that many had been butchered for wishing well to the Romans and many being yet alive were yet in great danger Vespasian moved to compassionate their calamities came with his Army nearer Jerusalem as though he would have besieged it but indeed his intent was to deliver it from the oppression of these wicked persons who in a manner kept it continually besieg'd hoping in the mean time to conquer that part of the Country that was yet untoucht and so to leave nothing to hinder him when he should begin the siege Wherefore coming to Gadara the strongest of all the Cities beyond the River he entred into it the fourth day of March for the Chiefest of the City unknown to the seditious people had sent Embassadors to him to desire Peace and to save E their goods and lives they promised him to yield the Town into his hands for there were many rich men dwelling in Gadara but their Enemies knew not of their Embassage till they saw Vespasian at the City Gates And so despairing that they were able to keep the City by reason they had in the Town many Enemies more in number and stronger than themselves and moreover seeing Vespasian even now almost at the City and thinking shame to flie and not to be revenged of their Enemies they took Dolesus a Noble-man and chief of the City The Gadarensians entertain Vespasian with joy and acclamation and also the Author of that Embassage and killed him and for anger beating him after he was dead they fled out of the City Now the Romans Army approaching near the City the people of Gadara went forth and received Vespasian joyfully who also confirmed a League betwixt F them and him and left them a Company of Horse and Foot to defend them against the incursions of the Fugitives their Enemies for they themselves before the Romans requested it destroyed the City Walls that so they might shew their desire of Peace because having destroyed their Walls if after they desired to rebel they could not Vespasian then sent Placidus with five hundred Horsemen Placidus conflict with the Fugitives and three thousand Footmen to pursue those that were fled out of Gadara and he with the rest of his Army returned to Caesarea But the Fugitives perceiving themselves to be pursued by Placidus before he could overtake them got into a Town called Bethenabris and finding there many young men partly for that they were willing partly by force they compelled them to arm themselves and so rashly they came against Placidus G Placidus and his Army seemed a little to give back to the intent to draw them further from the Wall and then having compassed them about in a fit place they wounded them afar off with Darts and Arrows The Jews seeking to flie were H prevented by the Horsemen and they who offered to fight were by the Romans Footmen all put to the Sword never shewing any sign of valour For the Jews assaulted the Romans who were all covered with their Shields as with a Wall and not being able to break into their battle they were slain by the Romans Darts but their Darts could do the Romans no harm and so like fierce and Savage Beasts they wilfully ran upon their Enemies Swords and all were either slain or dispers'd by the Horsemen Placidus taketh and burneth Bethenabris For Placidus was careful to intercept their passage to the Town and to hinder their recourse unto it and forc'd those back again that fled towards it using his Darts and killing those that were next him till at last the strongest amongst them broke away and got to the Town Walls Those that were within the City knew I not what to do for they would not shut the Fugitives of Gadara out of the City because they desired to let their own Citizens in and again they perceived that if they let these in the other thereby would work the overthrow of the City as it fell out indeed they did For the Gates being set open for them to come in the Roman Horsemen almost broke into the Town with them yet the Gates were shut before they could get in Then Placidus with all his Souldiers assaulted the Town and after a sore fight which continued till the Evening at last he got the Walls and the Town and slew the weaker sort for the stronger fled so the Souldiers first sacked the Houses and then fired the Town They who escaped thence incited the whole Country to fly with them reporting their Calamities with the most and K affirming that all the Roman Army was at hand and so they put all the Inhabitants there in great fear and having assembled a great multitude they fled to Jericho in which place they put their confidence for that it was strong and populous Placidus having Horsemen and incouraged with his former Victory pursued them to Jordan and whomsoever he overtook he slew and at the River he fought with all the multitude there gathered together because that the River being grown deeper by abundance of Rain that had lately faln they could not pass over it Wherefore necessity forced them to fight because they could not flie and placing themselves along the Banks of the River Placidus Victory over the Fugitives they there received the Horsemen and warded their Darts Many for fear fell into the River and the Romans slew L there 13000 and the rest not able to resist cast themselves into the River which were an infinite number also the Romans took 2200 men alive and a great booty of Sheep Asses Camels and Oxen. This Slaughter though it was no greater than the former yet it seemed to the Jews far greater because that many all over the Country flying were killed and Jordan was so filled with dead Carkasses that none could pass over it and also the Lake Asphaltites was full of dead bodies brought thither out of divers Rivers Placidus maketh use of his good fortune against the Jews Placidus having so good success went to the Towns and Villages adjoyned and took Abila Julias Besemoth and all the Towns even to the Lake Asphaltites and placed in them Garisons of the Jews that had fled to him and afterward preparing Ships and furnishing them with Souldiers he pursued M them that were fled by Water and overcome them So all the Country beyond Jordan as far as Machaeron was reduc'd under the Power of the Romans CHAP. IV How certain Towns were taken
the Thievs should take it from them The people flie with their money And when they had escaped to the Romans Camp they emptied their Bellies and found it again and had wherewithal to buy them necessaries Titus also permitted many to go away withersoever they pleased which caused divers to flie thereby to be delivered from the calamity which they endured in the City But John and Simon were as diligent to stop the ways lest the Citizens should escape as they were to hinder the Romans from entring into the City so that upon the least suspition of any mans flight he was presently put to death The richer sort whether they stayed or fled were slain for their wealth and possessions The Famine of the City A wonderful Famine in the City and the desperation of the Thieves increased alike every day and when no more Corn was to be found the Seditious persons brake into the houses D and searched every Corner to find Corn if in their search they found any they beat the owners thereof for denying it at first if they found none they tortured them for having hidden it The argument of store of meat Whosoever was strong of Body and in good liking they killed upon presumption that he had some secret stores or else he could not have been in so good plight and fat as he was They that were pined with Famine were slain because they thought it no offence to kill them who in a short time would die of themselves Many gave all they had for one bushel of Corn and shutting themselves up privately in their houses eat their Corn as it was unground others made bread thereof as necessity and fear required No man in the whole City sate down to eat his meat at the E Table but snatch'd it greedily from the fire and devoured it half raw and half roast Most miserable was this manner of living A miserable kind of living and a spectacle of great compassion and a spectacle which none without Tears was able to behold the strongest still got the most and the weakest bewailed their misery for now Famine was their greatest calamity And nothing doth arm men more than shame during this Famine no reverence was had towards any man Wives took the meat out of their Husbands mouths Children from their Parents and Mothers from their Infants which was the saddest spectacle of all No body had now any compassion neither did they spare their dearest Infants but suffered them to perish in their Arms by taking from them the very drops of Life Yet could they not eat in F such secrecy but some or other still came to take away from them that whereupon they fed For if in any place they saw a door shut they conjectured that they who were in the house were eating meat The souldieâ—s enter the houses and take the meat unchewed out of the Citizens mouths and forthwith breaking down the Doors they came in got them by the throat and took the meat halfe-chewed out of their mouths as it was ready to be swallowed down The old men were driven away and not permitted to keep and defend their food the Women were drawn up and down by the hair of the head for that they hid between their hands some part of their meat and would not forgo it No pity remained either to old age or infancy They took the young Babes their mouths full of meat and dashed them against the ground If any had prevented these Thieves and eaten their meat before they could get at them they were more cruelly and more tyrannously handled as having committed a greater offence against them G They devised most barbarous and cruel torments to extort food from others for they thrust sticks or such like into the cavity of mens yards and sharp thorny rods into their Fundaments and it is abominable to hear what the people endured to make them confess H one loaf of Bread or one handful of Corn which they had hidden These Miscreants did not yet for all this feel either hunger or thirst for then their impieties had been more tolerable but they did it only to exercise their cruelty preparing six days food for themselvs aforehand Some poor creatures eluding the Roman-Guards had been abroad in the night to gather Wood or Grass in the Field and returning into the City were rejoycing in their felicity having escaped the danger of the Enemy but they were seized by these miscreants their Herbs taken from them though gotten with the hazard of their lives denying them a small part of that for which they had undergone such danger yea they thought themselves obliged though robbed and spoiled if they escaped the Swords of these Tyrants These were the Calamities I which the baser sort of people endured at the hands of the common Souldiers but the Nobles chief Men of the City were led to their Officers The Honourable and Rich are drawn before the Tyrants accused before them of Intelligence with the Romans and for some forged Treason or other put to Death Many times they suborned people to accuse them of intending to fly to the Romans Those that Simon robbed were sent to John and those that John spoiled were sent to Simon drinking as it were one to another in the Blood of the People and dividing their dead Carcasses between them The dissention between John and Simon was for Rule their concord was in wickedness insomuch that though they disagreed in their desire of rule and domination they both conspired in mischief and iniquity For he that did not give the other part of what by his cruelty he had extorted from the miserable Citizens was accounted ungenerous and he that received not his share complained of the injustice K as beleiving he had a right to the Rapine and Cruelty I am not able to recount all their iniquities but in short I think never any City endured the like nor never any People since the memory of men were so cruel and barbarous and that their impiety to strangers might seem the less they spake evil of the Nation of the Hebrews and cursed them and openly confessed themselves to be slaves People of divers Countries united together in wickedness bastards and abortives of their Nation They demolished the City and forced the Romans though against their will to except of a dismal Victory hasting the Fire into the Temple as though it stayed from it too long Neither were they at all affected when they saw the higher part of the City on fire though many among the Romans beheld it with sorrow as we will L shew hereafter when we describe the event of that business CHAP. XII Of the Jews that were crucified and the burning of the Rampires THe Mounts and Rampires that Titus built The poor peoples misery did greatly advantage him Yet his M Souldiers endured some loss by the Jews from the Wall to recompence
for he would not so be reveng'd upon inanimate things neither would he ever fire so goodly a building for it would redound to the dishonour of the Romans as on the contrary it would be a credit unto them if it were left remaining Whereupon Alexander Fronto and Caerealis perceiving Caesar's mind became of his opinion and so he dismissed the Council and commanded L the Souldiers and Captains to rest that they might be the more able to fight when need required and presently he appointed certain chosen men to make the Ways even and easie for the Army to pass by the Ruines commanding them to quench the fire and that day the Jews being fearful and weary made no resistance The day following takeing heart and assembling together they assaulted the Guard that stood without the Temple the second hour of the day The Romans valiantly received their first assault defending themselves with their shields as though they had had a wall before them yet they could not long have born the shock for that they were fewer in number than their Enemies Titus with his chosen horsemâ—n cometh to 〈◊〉 the Romans and not so desperate had not Caesar beholding the fight from Antonia came with certain chosen Horsemen before they retired to succour them Whose force the M Jews not sustaining but the first of them being slain the rest gave back and the Romans likewise retiring the Jews returned and charged them again and when the Romans returned again The Temple was burnt by the Romans the tenth of the month of August on which day before time it was burned by the King of Babylon presently they fled till about the fifth hour of the day the Jews were forced to betake themselves to the Temple and there they shut themselves up Then Titus returned to Antonia purposing the next day to assault them with all his Army and win the Temple But the providence of God had already determined that it should be consumed with fire And now the fatal day was come after many years which was the tenth of August upon which day also the King of Babylon once before burnt it yet it was now first â—et on fire by our own Country-men who were indeed the cause thereof For the Seditious being quiet till Titus was departed then again they assaulted the Romans N and so fought with the Guard that were without the Temple labouring to extinguish the flame who putting the Jews to flight pursued them to the Temple O A CHAP. X. How the Temple was burnt against the Will of Titus THen a certain Souldier who expected no Command nor feared to do so execrable a Fact A Souldier contrary to Caesar's will burned the Temple moved with some divine fury and lifted up by one of his fellows took in his hand a flaming Firebrand and cast it into the golden window which entred into the buildings on the North part of the Temple and the flame presently arose which B caused a great cry amongst the Jews expressing their calamity and every one hasted to extinguish the fire neither accounting of their lives nor forces if they lost that for which they had fought so long News hereof was presently brought by one who came from the fight to Titus who then was resting in his Tent and he presently arose and ran to the Temple to hinder the fire and all the Captains after him whereupon the Souldiers followed in great confusion and there arose a great cry and tumult in the Army being disordered Caesar both with his voice and hand made a sign to the Souldiers that were fighting The burning of the Temple Great slaughter in the Temple to quench the fire But they did not hear him there was so great a noise neither did they perceive the sign he made unto them with his hand because some were distracted with fear and others with anger and the Souldiers issued C in not restrained either by commands or threatnings but every one went whither his fury carried him and thronging together at the entrance many pressed one another to death and many being amongst the fiery ruines of the Galleries perished as miserably as those that were overcome When they came to the Temple every one feigned not to hear Caesars command and so exhorted his fellows that were before him to fire the Temple The Seditious now had no hope to withstand them but either fled or were slain and many unarmed and unable people wheresoever they were found were slain so that about the Altar were an innumerable company of dead bodies heaped together and their blood flowed down the Temple stairs and their Bodies were rouled down Caesar seeing he could not restrain the fury of the Souldiers and that the fire encreased D entered into the Sanctuary with his chief Officers and beheld all the holy things there and found its magnificence and riches far surpassing all report which strangers had given of it and equal to that of the Jews themselves The flame not having yet pierced into the inner part of the Temple Titus striveth to save the inward Temple nor consumed the Houses and Roomes about it he deemed that as yet it might be preserved wherefore himself went and intreated the Souldiers to extinguish the fire and commanded Liberalis the Centurion of his Guard to beat those with a Trunchion that would not be obedient and to drive them away But their fury and the hatred they bare against the Jews rendred them deaf to Caesars commands and regardless of punishment many were carried on with the hope of some booty thinking that all the Temple within was full of money because they saw the E Gates covered with plates of Gold Moreover a certain Souldier when Caesar sought to quench the flame fired the Posts about the doors and presently the flame appearing within Caesar and the Captains departed out and so every one stood looking upon it and no man sought to extinguish it Thus the Temple was burnt against Titus his will And although every man will judge it a lamentable case in such a Building surpassing all that ever was seen or heard of both for greatness workmanship costliness and plenty of all things yet in this we may comfort our selves that Providence had so determined For neither living Creatures nor Places nor Buildings can avoid their Destiny How many years there were between the first building of the Temple under King Solomon and the destruction under Titus One may also admire the exact and just revolution of time for it was now destroyed in the same moneth and on the same day that the Babylonians first destroyed it F And from that time that Solomon began the first Temple unto the destruction of the second Temple which happened the second year of Vespatians Reign were a thousand a hundred and thirty years seven months and fifteen dayes and from the building of the latter Temple which Haggai caused to be built in
Crowns of Gold some in other works that it appear'd that without reason we judged them to be rare and scarce Moreover the Pictures of their Gods were carried with them which were admirable both for greatness workmanship and all of precious matter Moreover divers sorts of living creatures were there to be seen all adorned with some attire agreeing and alluding unto their nature There was also an infinite multitude of men in Purple Garments wrought L with Gold who carried all these things and all those that were designed to serve for this pomp were attired in such Garments than which nothing could be more Glorious Even the Captives were not without gorgeous attire The building of the Pageants but the variety and beauty of the Garments made the Sadness of their countenances less remarkable The Pageants that were born in the Triumph were of admirable bigness so that the people that beheld them wondred how it was possible that men should carry them for many were built with three or four lofts one above another surpassing all that can be imagined for work and cost some of them being hang'd about with Tapestry of Gold and all things annexed unto them whereon they were carried were made of wrought Gold or Ivory Wherein was curiously represented the manner of War and all Stratagems and Arts of M fighting that could be devised some in one part of the Pageant some in another There might one have beheld most most fertil and fortunate Countries destroyed whole Troops of Enemies slain some flying others taken Prisoners strong and huge Walls battered down with Rams Castles and Fortreses destroyed great and populous Cities assaulted and a whole Army entring the Breach all places filled with massacred men and how those that were not able to fight yielding themselves asked mercy the Temples set one fire and after all else was wasted the houses thrown down upon their owners heads and a River not flowing as it was wont into tilled places and to serve for the use of Man and Cattel to drink but carrying Streames of blood to quench part of the flames A Table of Gold of the weight of a great talent which consum'd the City to ashes all which the Jews in their War N endured These things were so artificially represented to the view of those that had not seen them as though they were now a doing Upon every Pageant stood the Governour of the City representing the manner how it was taken After all these followed many Ships and in every place were carried the spoils taken in War amongst which those that were taken in the Temple of Jerusalem were most remarkable The last of the spoils was the Law of the Jews for there was a Golden Table weighing many Talents and likewise a Golden Candelstick the use whereof was now not such as we were wont to put it to for in the midst of the stem thereof was fixed a Base and out of it proceeded many small branches framed like a three-forked spear every one being at the top made like a Lamp which were 7 in number shewing the honour of the seventh day which is called the Sabbath amongst O the Jews After all this was carried the Jews Law which was the last of all the spoils Then followed some that carried several Images of Victory all made of Gold A and Ivory Afterwards came Vespasian followed by Titus and Domitian accompanied them gallantly adorned and Mounted on an excellent Horse and so they went all to the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus and there was the end of all this pomp Here they made some stay For it was an ancient Custom of their Country to repose themselves there till some came and brought news to them of the death of him who was General of their Enemies This at this time was Simon Giora Simon the Son of Giora is drawn with a Halter about his neck thorow the market place who was also carried in the Triumph and having a Rope fastned about his neck was drawn all along the Market-place where they that drew him kil'd him For it is the custom of the Romans there to put malefactors to death that are condemned After word was brought that he he was dead all the B people made joyful exclamations and so they fell to Sacrifice which done according to the custom they returned to the Palace where they made a great Feast as others also did for themselves at their own Houses For this day was sacred amongst the Romans in joy of the Victory over their Enemies and an end of civil Calamity and the beginning of good Fortune and hope which they had in their new Princes When the Triumphs were ended Vespasian buildeth and dedicateth a Temple to Peace and all the Roman Empire quieted Vespasian built a Temple and dedicated it to Peace which he did in so short a space that it was admirable and having bestowed great cost upon it he also beautified it with divers Pictures and carved works And he placed in that Temple all things C that men of former Ages had gathered together from the uttermost parts of the Earth And he placed there all the Golden Vessels and other things that the Jews used in their Temple doing them great reverence But their Law and the Tapestry or Purple Veils of the Sanctuary he commanded to be kept in the Palace CHAP. XXV D How Herodium and Machaeron were taken by Bassus CAesar sent Lucius Bassus into Judea to be Lieutenant General there who receiving the Army of Cerealis Vetilianus took the Castle and Garrison of Herodium by composition After this gathering together all his Troops which were dispersed in divers places of the Country with the tenth Legion he purposed to War against Machaeron for he thought it necessary to destroy that Castle left its strength might move many to rebel for by reason of the situation of the place they that werein it had great assurance of safety and those that sought to assault it were in great danger For it was built upon a Rock that was exceeding high and which made E it almost inexpugnable and nature had so devised that it was hard to come to it being environed round about with Valleys of incredible depth and very difficult to pass over for that which is on the West part is threescore Furlongs large and endeth at the Lake Asphaltites on which side Machaeron hath a very high Prospect and it is environed on the North and South with Valleys of the like depth whereby it is impossible to win the Castle but that Valley which is on the East side is at least a hundred Cubits deep and endeth upon a Mountain near Macheron Alexander King of the Jews seeing the Nature of the place there built a Castle which afterward Gabinius in the War against Aristobulas destroyed But Herod when he was King Herod environeth Machaâ—ron with a great Wall and Tower judged this place worthy to
be fortified as a Principal defence F against the Neighbouring Arabians For it was aptly situate upon a Mountain whence one might behold their borders Wherefore making a large Wall he built a City there in the place that enters into the Castle he also compassed the very top thereof with another Wall and in the corner he placed Towers that were 60 Cubits high and in the very midst of all he built a Palace for largeness and beauty admirable and he made many Cisterns to receive Water in convenient places Wonderful store of Arrows and other Engines in this Tower which served the people abundantly striving as it were with nature that the places which she had made Strong he by Art might make yet inexpugnable He also laid up there in store Arms and warlike Engines and also all provisions wherewith the Inhabitans might be able to hold out a long siege G In the Kings Palace Rue of admirable greatness grew the Herb called Rue which was very admirable for the greatness for no Figtree was taller or broader then it and it was reported that it had continued ever since Herods time The year of the World 4037. after the Nativity of Christ 75. and had endured longer had not the Jews ruined it when H they took the place In the Valley that lieth on the North side of the City there is a place called Baaras where also groweth a Root of the same name the colour whereof resembleth flame and it shineth at night like the Sun-beams and is not easie to be pulled up till one cast upon it the Urine of a Woman or her flowers whosoever toucheth it is sure to dy except he carry the Root hanging on his hand It is also gathered another way without danger How Baaras is to be gathered after this manner They dig all round about it so that they leave a very little of the Root covered with Earth and then they tie a Dog to it Another fashion how to dig the Roots who striving to follow his Master who makes as though he would go away easily pulleth up the Root and the Dog presently dieth as it were in his stead that seeketh to get it but afterward none that handleth it or taketh I it need to stand in fear thereof This Herb notwithstanding all this danger is diligently sought out for the vertue it hath For it driveth away Devils which are the Souls of wicked men out of mens bodies if it be applyed unto them whereas otherwise if they had no help these Devils possessing their bodies would kill them Hot Baths out of that place also do spring certain hot Waters very different in taste one from another for some are bitter some sweet there are also sources of cold Waters one near another in a Plain but which is most admirable there is a Cave hard by not very deep environed with an eminent Rock above from which there stands out as it were two Duggs or Paps hard by one another and out of one of them floweth very cold Water out of the other very hot which mingled together K make a pleasant bath and serve to cure many Diseases and especially all pains of the sinews In the same place also are mines of Sulpher and Alum Bassus having viewed this place on every side resolved to besiege it and he endeavoured to fill up the Valley that was on the East side and so make away to it which he began to do hastning to raise a very high Mount in order to batter the Castle The Jews that were forreigners dwelt in the lower City Those that were inhabitants constrained the Jews that were strangers to go into the lower City judging them an unprofitable multitude and so they caused them to endure the first brunt of the Enemies and they themselves kept the Castle both for that it was strong and easie to defend and that they L hop'd that by yielding the place to the Romans The conflict of the Jews with the Romans they might obtain pardon of them Yet first they purposed to make Trial if they could avoid the siege and therfore very couragiously every day they made excursions Eleazar a Jew strong in hand and fierce in bold attempts and fought with those they met and many were slain on both parts Fortune and opportunity sometime caused one side to be victors sometime another for the Jews got the best when they could assault the Romans unawares and the Romans overcame when they were aware of the Jews coming and armed themselves But the siege was not ended by these Skirmishes at length a chance befel which obliged the Jews to yield the Castle Amongst those that were besieged was one Eleazar a young man very hardy and bold in any enterprize and who oftentimes made excursions and sought to M hinder the Romans work whom always in every fight he greatly endammaged and by his valour and adventurous courage gave those that were his fellows opportunity to assault the Romans and to fly again and retire in safety himself being always the last that so retired It hapned one day that the fight being ended and both parts separated he as it were contemning all men and thinking that none of his Enemies durst undertake to Combate with him stayed without the Gate speaking to those that were upon the Wall and giving great attention to them Then one Rufus an Aegyptian one of the Roman Army spying this opportunity ran upon him so suddenly that he unawares took him all unarmed as he was and they upon the Walls stood amazed whilst Rufus led him into the Roman Camp N Then the General of the Romans caused him to be led into a place where they in the City might see him and there to have all his Cloaths taken off and to be whipp'd the misfortune of this young man greatly discouraged the Jews so that all the City was melted into Tears for the calamity of this one man Bassus seeing this contriv'd this device against them in order to move them to compassion so that for to save him they should yeild their Castle Eleazar's calamity moveth the Jews to submit themselves which fell out as he desired He presently commanded a Cross to be erected as though he would presently have crucified Eleazar which sight greatly moved them in the Castle to sorrow whereupon with loud cries they lamented saying that this calamity was insupportable O Eleazar besought them not to neglect him who was now to die a most miserable A death and moreover to provide for their own safety in yielding the Castle unto the Roman Forces and success They moved with his words and many also within the City intreating for him for he came of great Parentage and had many Kindred though contrary to their natures compassion took place in them and so sending some of their company speedily they desired to parley declaring that they would yield the Castle
appointment not suffering them to lift up their heads And Sylva having made a mighty Ram caused the Wall to be continually battered therewith but it could scarcely C make a breach in it and the Sicarians quickly prevented it by building another Wall within which could not be broken with the the Ram because it was yet soft and so broke the force thereof for they saw'd Timber in pieces and as it were made two rails then filled the space between the two rails with Earth and with other planks they kept the Earth from falling down so that they made a work like the Wall of a house which for that it yielded to the blows of the Ram being soft Earth the Ram could not prevail against it but rather made it more strong than before by ran 〈…〉 Earth together Sylva perceiving this Judged that he might sooner destroy the Wall with fire than with his Engine Firebrands darted against the Walls and so he commanded the Souldiers to cast upon it many burning firebrands and the fire quickly took hold of the Wall because it was for the most part D built with Wood and easily also pierced through it by reasom it was not close wrought together and there was a great flame At the very beginning of the fire the North wind greatly annoyed the Romans for the fire blowing furiously from above against them it drove so extremely upon them that they were in great despair The North winds diverting the flame turneth i◠on the Romans fearing their Engines would be burnt but presently the Wind changing and blowing from the South as it were by Gods providence it turned the fire again upon the Wall so that all of it even to the foundation thereof was wholly set on fire The Romans thus assisted by God returned again into their Camp joyfully purposing the next morning betimes to give the assault and that night to place stronger Watches lest any of the Enemies should escape But Eleazar was E far from thinking to flie neither would he permit any one of his company to think of it But seeing now the Wall was fired and not knowing any way else to save himself considering likewise what the Romans would do unto their Wives and Children if they should take them he deliberated of all their death's which he in that extremity judged to be the best way they could take And so he assembled the most valiant of all his companions and exhorted them all thereunto after this manner Generous Jews Eleazars Oration to his companions we long age resolved with our selves to serve neither the Romans nor any other save only God for he alone is the true and just Lord of all men Behold the time is now come that requireth you to shew your resolute minds let us not therefore dishonour our selves and beside our slavery suffer also intolerable torments if we be taken alive by the Romans F Eleazar confesseth Gods wrath to be kindled against the people For we were the first that revolted from them and now the last that war against them And I verily think that God hath given us this benefit that we may die well in our own liberty which he denied to others who were overcome contrary to all expectation We are certain to be conquered as soon as it is day light but to die valiantly with our dearest Friends is a Glorious resolution for valiant men and of this our Enemies cannot debar us who labour to to take us alive and carry us away Captives and we are not able to vanquish them in fight For truly at the first when we who coveted liberty suffered all misery at the hands of our own Countrymen and worse at the hands of our Enemies we should have considered that God who was sometimes favourable to the Nation of the Jews had now condemned it to perdition for had he yet been favourable to us or had be been but lightly offended G with us he would not have permitted so many men to have perished and have delivered his Holy City into the hands of the Enemies to be consumed with fire We only amongst all our Nation have hoped to live in liberty as though we had no ways offended the divine H Majesty or been guilty of any offence who indeed taught others iniquity So you see how we are punished for longing after vain hope being brought into greater extremity than we expected Neither hath our Castle by Nature inexpugnable any thing profited us to our preservation but we having store of Victuals and Arms and all other necessaries have lost all hope of safety God himself manifestly taking it from us For the fire that once was carried against our Enemies did not of it self return against us and the Wall we built But it was for the punishment of offences The punishment of those crimes which the Jews in Jury attempted against the Gentils who furiously raged against our own Nation wherefore I request you let us not be punished by the Romans whose forces are invincible but of our selves let us satisfie the anger of God and so it will be more tolerable for us even by that means our Wives shall die undefiled and our Children shall not taste of servile Captivity After whose I deaths we will one help another to die with credit preserving our liberty which is the best Sepulture of all The best grave is when liberty is maintained Yet let us first fire our Castle and burn our Treasure for it will be no small grief to the Romans if they neither get our bodies alive nor find any jot of our riches for recompence of their labour Let us only leave our victuals as a sufficient Testimony that Famine did not cause us to be conquered but that we as at first we resolved preferred death before bondage Eleazar having thus spoken they that were present did not all accord with him for some joyfully hasted to execute his advice thinking it a glorious death But others moved with compassion towards their Wives and Families were something backward or else abhorred to kill themselves and looking one upon another with Tears shew'd K their disagreement from that which Eleazar advised Which when Eleazar perceiv'd and that his counsel through fear was defeated fearing also that they who couragiously had at first accorded thereunto would be withdrawn by the Tears of others he did not so end his exhortation but standing up he begun with a vehement discourse to speak to them of the immortality of the Soul and fixing his Eys upon those that wept with a great exclamation said How much am I deceived Eleazar's Oration as touching the immortality of the Soul who thought that valiant men fighting for their liberty would rather chuse to die than to live but ye shew your selves not to excel any ordinary men who fear to die notwithstanding that thereby you may escape great misery and calamity though in this point you
ought not to have expected any admonition thereunto nor to have made any L delay to do it The ancient customes which have endured ever since men had reason the divine doctrine of our Nation which hath continually been confirmed by the deeds of our predecessours do instruct us that it is miserable to live and not to die For Death dismisseth our Souls from prison to their most pure and proper place where never after they shall be touched with calamity A Soul tied in a mortal body But whilst they are bound in a mortal body and participate of his miseries they may in a manner be affirmed to be dead The power of the Soul For there is no proportion between two things one whereof is Divine and the other Mortal True it is that our Souls can do much being joyned to our bodies which they use as their instruments secretly producing in them motion and many other actions passing the Nature of Mortal things But when the Soul is loosed from that heavy burthen which weighs it down to the Earth and hath recovered its proper M habitation then it injoyeth free and perfect felicity and remaineth invisible to mortal Eyes as God himself is as likewise it is in our bodies For it cometh secretly into them and so departeth from them again that no man can perceive it being of a nature incorruptible and yet causing great changes in our bodies For whatsoever the Soul toucheth that presently liveth and flourisheth and what is forsaketh that incontinently withereth and dyeth Sleep the Argument of the immortality of the Soul so much doth it participate of immortality Sleep may be an evident argument to you of this which I speak in which the Soul not being distracted taketh a most pleasant and sweet repose and communicating with God it foreseeth many future events Wherefore then should we fear death who love the rest that we have in sleep were he not a mad man that for a short life would hinder himself of that which is enternal It is necessary that we who are instructed N in the Law of our Nation The professors of wisdom among the Indians burn themselves should give example to others to despise and contemn Death But if we seek confirmation hereof from strangers let us see the examples of the wiser sort of Indians for they being just men tolerate this life as a necessary office of nature for a certain time though against their wills yet do they even in perfect health hasten to unloose the Soul bound in this Mortal Body though not urged thereunto by any calamity or necessity but only for desire of immortality and solemnly take leave of their Friends neither doth any one seek to hinder them but esteeming them most fortunate they send by them commendations and other messages to their Friends departed so firm is their belief that the Souls of the dead have Communion and conversation together And thus having all instruction what to say to the Souls departed they with great applause leap into the fire that thereby their Souls may O be purified and separated from their Bodies And their Friends go more joyfully with them A when they go to their death than any doth that bringeth his Friend on the way when he is to go a great journey and they bewail only themselves and not those who are dead and have attained immortality Shall not we then be ashamed not to believe so firmly as the Indians do despising through our own sloth our Country-laws which are to be reverenc'd of all men Nay supposing that by our law we had been instructed contrariwise to wit that to live in this life is bliss and to die is calamity yet notwithstanding this present necessity this present time had been a sufficient motive to cause us to embrace death rather than life seeing that the will of God and necessity oblige us thereunto For who can doubt that God to punish us for having made ill use of life ha's long since resolv'd to deprive us of it and that it is not to our own forces or the clemency of the Romans that we are beholding for not being all slain in this B War An exhortation to contemn death drawn from the time and place But a more potent cause hereof there was which made them conquerours Were they the Romans that slew the Jews that inhabited at Caesarea whom the Inhabitants thereof upon the sabboth-Sabboth-day they being assembled in one place together with their Wives and Children massacred notwithstanding that they had no intent to revolt from them nor ever lifted up their hand in their own defence nothing fearing the Romans who only accounted those of our Nation their Enemies that revolted from them But some may object the Jews at Caesarea and the Inhabitants thereof were always at variance and that now they revenged their old quarrel having gotten opportunity What then shall we say of the Scythopolitans who bare Arms with the Grecians against us and denied to assist their own kindred against the Romans Example taken from the Jews that were slain in Caesarea What profit did they receive by this their good will and fidelity for they were C altogether with their whole Families cruelly slain and this was the reward they had for their labour for having withstood us from doing the like to them It were too long to recount particularly all things to this effect For as ye know there is no City in all Syria that hath not massacred the Jews inhabiting in it and that is not more an Enemy than the Romans were They of Damascus although they could not devise any probable cause for it yet massacred all the Jews living among them The calamity of the Jews in Scythopolis amounting to the number of eighteen thousand beside their Wives and Children And is it not for certain reported that the number of the Jews slain by the Egyptians were above 60000 18000 Jews slain in Syria and 60000 in Egypt It may be that finding no assistance in a strange Country they were martyred by their enemies but they that in their own Country fought against the Romans wanted nothing that might have caused perfect hope of a full victory over the Romans D they had Weapons Armour Walls and strong holds inexpugnable and resolution to shun no danger for the sake of liberty in a word nothing that might put us into a condition to resist But for how long time did this suffice For our fortresses all were taken and subdued by the Enemies as though they had been built to make their victory more Famous and not to do us service And we may justly deem those happy who were slain in the War for they died in liberty Yet who doth not pity the multitude of those that fell into the Romans hands or who would not hasten to die rather than endure the like misery that they suffered Some of them were tortured with stripes
to speak for them whereas he should rather admire the Roman magnanimity and modesty who compel not their Subjects to violate their ancient Laws and Religion but content themselves with such honours as the giver may with piety and equity give them For they account not of forced M honours which come of compulsion The Greeks and divers others think it not amiss to erect Statues for they delight to have the Pictures of their Ancestors Wives and Children and some of their beloved Servants also what marvel then if they accord to yield the like honour to Princes and Emperors The Jews may have no Imagâ—s But our excellent Law-maker forbad all kind of Images as well of inanimate as animate Creatures not having at that time the least thought or prospect of the Roman Empire because our God being incorporeal and spiritual could not be reduced to humane representation How Emperors and Magistrates ought to be honoured without great inconvenience nevertheless he did not forbid us from paying honour and respect to such great persons as being next in their places may deserve N the next honour to what is due to the Gods and such is the reverence that we pay to the Emperours and People of Rome and as a testimony of it a day doth not pass in which we do not offer up Sacrifice at our own expence for their safety and prosperity which is more than we do for any other Prince or Nation in the World And let this suffice to answer that which Appion alledgeth against the Jews of Alexandria yet can I not but admire at them who gave him this occasion namely Posidonius and Apollonius Molon The lye of Posidonius and Apâ—llâ—niuâ— concerning the Jews confuted who accuse us for not worshipping the same gods that others do although they lye all alike slandring our Temple most absurdly and yet for all this they do not believe that they herein commit any impiety whereas it is a most ignominious thing for any free-man to lye upon any occasion much more of a Temple famous over O A all the world for sanctity For Appion affirmeth that the Jews in that sacred Temple place the head of an Ass and worshipped it most religiously And this quoth he was manifestly known at such time as Antiochus Epiphanes spoiled that Temple who found that Asses head being of massie gold and of great value To this first slander I answer An answer to the objection of the Asses head That were that true which he reporteth yet an Egyptian ought not to have spoken against us for it seeing that an Ass is of no less worth than a Goat and other bruit beasts that they honour for Gods Is it possible he should be so blind as not to perceive that never any fable was more evidently absurd every body could tell him that we have constantly used the same Laws without the least change or alteration Nevertheless though Jerusalem has had her B misfortunes as well as other Cities and has been taken by Antiochus Pompey Crassus and at length by Titus and our Temple been in the possession of all of them yet what is it they ever found there but great piety and devotion Upon which subject I do not think it necessary to enlarge in this place And as touching Antiochus many Writers of good credit report that he never had any just cause to spoil our Temple but that he was drawn unto this fact for want of money Not that he was our Enemy but for that as from his friends and fellows he sought supply and found nothing in that place that was worthy of derision and thus do Polybius Megapolitanus Strabo the Cappadocian Nicholas Damascene Timagenes Castor the Chronicler and Apollodorus avow who all do witness that Antiochus wanting money brake C the League he had with the Jews and rob'd and spoil'd their Temple being full of gold and silver Appion ought to have considered this Who are accounted Asses among the Jews and other wise men had he not had an Asses heart and a Dogs impudency which he and his Country-men worship for gods As for us we do neither honour nor reverence Asses though the Egyptians do their Crocodiles and Aspes esteeming them that are bitten by Aspes and devoured by Crocodiles to be happy and fit for God For Asses are imployed among us as they are in all places where a rational use is made of them only in carrying burthens and doing such things as are necessary about Agriculture and when they are lazy or trespass upon their neighbours Corn we do not scruple to give them correction D But Appion was either the greatest Ass that ever was in telling a lye or else having begun to do it he could not compass his enterprizes in that he found not any just cause of detraction against us He addeth another Fable of the Greeks to our detraction Certain Historiographers endeavour to cover and hide Antiochus his perjury and sacriledge to the which I will make only this reply That it is more commendable and agreeing to piety and less uncleanness to pass through the Temple than for Priests to come and feign impious words and speeches which they not respecting laboured rather to excuse the sacrilegious Kings than to write the truth of us and our Temple endeavouring to curry favour with Antiochus and to cover and hide his Sacriledge used against our Nation for that he wanted money E Appion with reflection upon the rest saith That Antiochus found a Bed in our Temple and in it a Man lying and a Table set before him furnished with all fowles belonging either to the Sea or Land that the Man was astonished to see him And that so soon as Antiochus came into the Temple the man adored him as though he hoped for great help from the King falling down at his feet and with a stretched out arm craving licence to speak which the King granting willed him to declare what he was why he dwelt in the Temple and the cause of his meats before him the man with sighs and tears unto Antiochus bewailed his Calamity saying He was a Grecian and that traveling in the Country to get his living he was suddenly seized upon by certain Out-landish men and brought unto the Temple and shut up therein and that no man might see him and that F he was there fed or fatted with all dainties that could be provide an that at first this dainty fare made him joyful but afterward he began to suspect it and lastly he was hereat amazed and then demanding of a Jew that administred unto him for what cause he was there kept he understood the Jews purpose and Law not to be revealed for the fulfilling whereof he was there nourished and that the Jews were wont to do the like every year upon a day appointed That the Jews ought onâ—â—â—â— year to sacrifice a Grecian and to take a Grecian stranger and feed
him a year and then to carry him to a Wood and there to kill him and sacrifice him according to their Rites and Ceremonies and to taste and eat of his entralls and in the sacrificing of the Grecian to swear to be Enemies to the Greeks and the remainder of the murthered man they cast into a certain pit And that then this Greek reported unto Antiochus That the time allotted unto him by the Jews to G live was now almost expired and therefore requested for the reverence he bare to the Grecian gods to save his blood from being spilt by the Jews and to free him out of that imminent calamity This Fable is not only full of all tragical cruelty but also mingled with cruel impudency H yet for all this the first devisers hereof do not free Antiochus from Sacriledge as they hoped hereby to do who write it purposely to flatter him For that which they report of the Greek found in a bed did not move him to come and sack our Temple he not knowing of it before he came and found it so as they say Antiochus therefore was most impious and not assisted by Gods favour in that enterprize whatsoever those lyes mutter as it is easie to learn by the fact he committed For we do not only differ from the Greeks in Religion but a great deal more from the Egyptians and other Nations and what Nation in the World is there that sometime doth not travel through our Country Is it then probable that we only renew that Conspiracy against the Greeks Or how is it possible that so many thousand people as are of our own I Nation should all eat of the entrals of one man as Appion reporteth Or why did he not name this man whosoever he was Or why did not the King carry him with Trumpets before him into his Country seeing that in so doing he might have been esteemed full of piety and a great favourer of the Greeks and greatly strengthen himself against the hatred of the Jews by their aid But I omit to speak more of this for insensible people void of all reason must not be reprehended in words but by deeds for all men that have seen the building of the Temple can testifie what it was and the undefiled purity thereof For it consisted of four Portico's or appartements each of which by our Laws belonged to several persons into the first Strangers and all people were admitted The description of the Temple and Porches Women only excepted that have their monthly courses Into the K second it was lawful for the Jews only all which might go into it with their Wives also if free from pollution of their flowers Into the third Porch they only of our Nation that were purified and sanctified might come Into the fourth might only the Priests enter in their Sacerdotal habits into the secret part of the Temple might only the high Priest come attired with a Stole proper to him only yea we are in all things so careful of piety that our Priests are appointed their certain hours when to enter into the Temple For in the morning when the Temple was opened the Priests that were to sacrifice entred into the Temple and at noon again when it was shut yea it was not lawful to carry any vessel into the Temple but there was only there an Altar a Table a Censer and a Candlestick as is in our Law mentioned and there is no other secret or L hidden mystery done What was in the Temple neither is there in that place any eating and all the people can testifie this which I have here set down and our Writings do the like For notwithstanding that there are four Ranks of Priests and every Priests Tribe containeth above five thousand men yet every one waiteth on certain appointed days in their turn and their time of waiting being expired Four Tâ—ibes of Priests and of every Tribe more than five thousand men others succeed them in Sacrificing and the day before they are to finish their waiting they deliver up unto their successors the keys of the Temple and all vessels belonging thereto in the full number that they received them and nothing is brought into the Temple pertaining either to meat or drink which are forbidden to be offered at our Altar those things only excepted whereof M we make our Sacrifice What then shall we say of Appion who examining nothing of all these hath raised such incredible reports of us How ignominious a thing is it for a Grammarian not to be able to deliver the truth of a History Well he knew the piety used in our Temple but he purposely omitted it yet could he remember a fained tale of the Sacrificing of the Greek his dainty fare and hidden food that all men that would passed through our Temple whereas the most noble among our whole Nation are not permitted to come there except they be Priests This therefore is great impiety and a voluntary forged lye to seduce them that will not search into the truth For they have attempted to slander us by those impieties before mentioned And again like one full of all piety he derideth the vanity N of these fables Another tale devised by Appion of Zabidus and reporteth that at such time as the Jews for a long time together warred against the Idumeans Zabidus departing out of a City of Idumea where Apollo was worshipped came unto the Jews promising to deliver unto them Apollo the Dorians god and bring him unto their Temple if so be that all of them would there assemble themselves together and that afterwards Zabidus making a wooden Engine and putting himself into it he caused three rows of Candles to be stuck about it which made it at a distance appear like a Comet to the great amazement of the Jews who being terrified and astonished at the vision gave Zabidus opportunity to pass into the Temple to possess himself of the Asses Golden head and convey it to Dora Wherefore we may say that Appion leadeth an Ass to wit himself with fooleries and lyes for he nameth places that are not and setteth down Cities to himself unknown for Idumea O is a Province near unto us and bordering upon Gara and there is no City in it called A Dora Dora is a City of Phaenicia and not of Idumaea but in Phoenicia near unto the Hill Carmelus there is a City of that name yet nothing consonant to Appions slanders for it is four days journey from Judaea Why therefore doth he so rashly accuse us for not worshiping the gods of others Nations seeing as he saith our Predecessors did so easily believe that Apollo would come unto them and that he walked upon the earth with Stars about his back Perhaps indeed they had never before seen a Candle or lamp themselves having so many or is it likely that he walking thus quite through our Country where so many
and esteemed that only their felicity to do and endure any thing so that they might prevail against those against whom they enterprized Wars And that they failed also herein I omit to rehearse For not only one or two of them at once but oftentimes whole Companies of them forgetting their own Laws yielded themselves to their Enemies And can any one tell of I say not many but of one or two of us that ever was treacherous to his own Laws or that feared to dye for them I mean not a common death such as Souldiers are subject unto but such a death as is effected by all torments and tortures that can be devised Which I think those that prevail against us imposed upon us not for hatred but that they desired G to see so admirable a matter and to see we being but men and such who esteemed it the greatest impiety possible to do it could be compelled by them to speak or do any thing contrary to our Laws The strict Laws of the Jews Yet it is no wonder that we for our Law do dye with H such constancy rather than any other Nation For other Nations cannot abide to endure that which we account a trifle to wit labour and simple fare abstinence from our Wives and observation of our days of rest and we are always careful that when we fight against our Enemies we observe our Laws concerning our Meats And thus we take pleasure to observe and keep our Laws and to exercise fortitude in obeying them Let now Lysimachus or Molonus pass and all such as they be wicked lying Writers and Sophisters deceivers of young men and detracters of our Nation as though we were the wickedest People living As for me I will not examine the Laws of other Nations Moses forbideth to deride and blaspheme false gods only for the name of God imputed unto them for it is our Custom to keep and observe our own not to detract others yea and our Law-maker openly prohibited us from blaspheming such as other Nations I hold for gods only for the Name of God attributed unto them yet may we not leave the Objections of our accusers unanswered seeing that which we are to speak against them is not our own device but many before us have spoken it Who then of all the wise Greeks will not condemn the most famous Poets and especially the Law-makers who at first brought and setled such vain opinions of the gods among the common People The number of gods amongst the Gentiles 〈◊〉 affirming the number of them to be as many as they thought good and that they were born at divers times allotting to every one his proper place as unto other living Creatures some to be under the Earth others in the Sea and the ancientest amongst them in Hell fettered and bound and those whom they place in Heaven in words they do term him a Father but in deeds they shew him to be a Tyrant and for this cause they K report that his Wife his Brother and his Daughter whom they affirm to have been born of his Brain conspired against him to bind him and hang him as they report him also to have dealt by his Father The Fable of Jupiter and â—allas Against these vanities all excellent and wise men do worthily inveigh who beside this already rehearsed in derision add how some of the gods are young some are old some infants others are gods of Arts and Sciences and one is a Smith another a Weaver another a Pilgrim and at variance with mortal men others delight in Musick others in Shooting Moreover that they are at variance one with another amongst themselves and that they fall out one with another in mens behalf and that not only one of them layeth violent hands upon the other but that also they are wounded by mortal men and sorrow and grive for the wounds and that which L is most abominable of all do use carnal Copulation with mankind and that most undecently that their unbridled lust is extended both to men and women Then that their chief god Jupiter whom they call Father contemned and drowned certain women whom he himself had deceived and gotten with Child and that he could not deliver the Children born of these Women from calamity for that destiny had obliged him nor see their deaths without tears This is all good stuff as also is that which followeth to wit Adulteries committed in Heaven so openly and impudently among the gods that some profess themselves to envy their fellow gods and goddesses tied together in such filthiness And what should the rest of them do when as their King the most antient amongst them could not refrain M his lustful licentiousness and debauchery Moreover Some of them became servants unto men some built houses for money and others became Shepherds others like malefactors were chained in Hell What man then that ever was accounted wise would not blush at these follies and reprove the inventors hereof and the foolish believers also Others made them subject to terrour and fear and madness and such simplicity as that they might be deceived and all other naughty passions to be found in the nature of their gods and have perswaded whole Cities to offer sacrifice to the most noble amongst them And they are in great perplexity thinking that some of the gods are the givers of all good things others again to be their enemies and so seek to please them with gifts as they would do wicked men and they are verily perswaded that they shall N sustain great dammage by their means except they do daily pacify their wrath by frequent gifts What is the cause of this shameful ignorance What is the cause of such error concerning God and erroneous iniquity concerning God Truly I am perswaded For that their first Law-makers were themselves herein to seek and ignorant of the nature of God or else that they did not faithfully deliver unto their Common-wealth so much as themselves knew concerning this point but as though it had been a thing of least moment did willfully let it pass giving licence to Poets and permitting them to deifie and make gods whom they pleased and that the Orators should write of the Common-wealths affairs and tell what them liked of strange gods O Moreover the Painters and Image-makers amongst the Greeks had a great hand in A making of gods Poets and Painters cause the multitude of gods it being lawful for them every one to frame what shape he list and how he list some of Earth others of Colours and the chiefest god-makers amongst them used Ivory and Gold to make their god of a true argument of their mutable novelty And then the ancient gods whom at first they honoured and reverenced as much as they could possibly devise being now withered with Age are out of credit and other youngsters possess their places and honours their Temples
corrupted with money 278. E. F. Judges qualities 112. L. their office 234. E. placed in every City of Juda ibid. E. Judgment seat in several Cities 149. A. Julian his valour and death 743. D. E. Julius Ant. for the Jews 432. L. Jupiter Eâ—yelius reliques 33. D. Justice is Gods power 112. K. Justice of God 254. C. leaves nothing unpunished 598. H. Justice oppressed 149. D. Justice neglected 565. A. B. Justice of the Esseans 613. E. Justification of Samuel 153. C. Justus inciteth the people to rebellion 3. D. reproved 19. F. his Country Tyberius 20. K. accused 23. E. condemned to death 20. N. his book when published 21. B. desireth to command Galilee 22. M. Izates King of Adiabena 529. A. learneth the service of God ibid. disswaded from circumcision 529. B. writeth to the Parthians c. 531. A. calleth upon God 532. L. delivereth the Kingdom to his brother 532. M. dieth ibid. K. KEeper of the prisons entreaty of Joseph 54. K. Kind of living most miserable 731. E. F. Kindness of Agrippâ— 11. C. Kinds of sacrifice two 91. A. Kindness pretended 598. N. Kindness of Herod 599. F. Fat Kine and lean what they signifie 55. D. King desired 150. I. Kings field 37. E. Five Kings of the Midianites slain 108. O. Of a King to be elected what things are required 113. B. The Kings of Canaan war against the Hebrews 125. D. they and their whole Army put to the sword ibid. B. 31 Kings overcome by the Hebrews 126. H. Kings of Egypt why called Pharaoâ—s 214. M. N. Kings of Alexandria called Ptolomies 214. M. King of Moab sacrificeth his son 237. L. King enjoyned by oath to serve God 245. I. Kingdom of Solomon rent 217. O. 219. H. A Kingdom how continued 158. N. Kingdom promised to Jeâ—ues posterity 240. B. Kingdom of Herod divided 471. D. B. Kingdom not given but the honours thereof 587. G. Kingdom of Agrippa 618. L. Kindred 43. B. 45. F. Kinsman 47. E. Knowledge of celestial bodies 30. K. Knowledge of good and evil 28. L. L. LAban Bethuels son 45. E. conâ—enteth to Rebeccaâ—â— marriage 43. C. entertaineth Jacob 45. E. appointeth him master of his shepherds 4â— I. deceiveth him ibid. L. pursueth after him 47 C. maketh a covenant with him 48. H. his goods 47. B. Labour of the Esseans 613. A. of the Roman Souldiers 660. N. ceasâ—ess 735. C. Ladder of Jacob 45. B. Ladies at variance 595. E. Lake Asphaltites 37. C. described 702. K. the property thereof 702. K. Lake of Genezar 679. H. Lakes Asphaltites and Tiberias 701. D. Lamech his wives and issue 29. F. Lamech Methusalaâ—s son 30. O. Lamentation of Esau and why 44. N. Lamentation of Jacob 52. M. of the Hebrews 119. F. Lamentation of thirty days 115. E. Lamentation for Abner 177. F. for Aristobulus 381. L. Land of the Ammorites possessed 105. B. Land-marks not to be removed 113. B. Land of Canaan divided by Lots 126. K. Land of Sodom where 702. M. Lap of Sauls Garment cut 167. G. Largess of Titus to his Souldiers 761. B. Largeness of Jewry 790. N. Laver how sustained 209. M. round lavers ibid. N. A Law most cruel 62. O. Laws made by Moses 111. B. C. Laws of adultery and jealousie 93. F. of the seventh year 94. L. of the fathers forsaken 107. E. of the plough 113. D. of like for like 117. B. of violence 116. M. of war 118. H. I. against wall-breakers 422. I. against forsakers of their places 734. K. of poyson 117. A. Laws of the Jews of great Antiquity 814. K. Law-makers of the Gentiles 814. I. Laws of the Gentiles 814. L. Lea Labans daughter 46. L. sustituted in Rackels place ibid. L. bare to Jacob four sons ibid. N. League of Isaac with Abimelech 44. I. of David with Hiram 179. E. of him with Solomon 207. D. Hircâ—â—â—â— with the Romans 336. I. K. 346. D. E. Learning of Daniel 267. O. of Joseph 1. E. Lagacies of Herod 462. K. Legions of the Romans 660. K. 711. C. Lending upon usury unlawful 116. I. Length of the Ark of Noab 30. N. Length of the Temple 208. M. Lenity of Saul 153. A. Lenity of Magistrates 157. D. Lepers driven out of the City 93. Gâ— 39. N. 〈…〉 250. â— C. Leprosie of Oziâ—s 250. B. Letters of David 184. L. of Senacherib 256. C. of Artaxerxes for the security of the Jews 291. L. of Ptolomy 390. E. of Eleazar 301. B. of Demetrius 336. E. Levi son of Jacob 46. N. slew the Sichemites 49. C. his sons 61. B. Levites wife 130. H. I. abused dieth c. 130. M. N. Tribe of Levi sacred to God 93. A. Levites sing hymns 235. K. numbred 200. N. Liberality of the Enchantress 171. G. of Herod 585. B. of Helena 530. K. of Izates ibid. Liberty of the Israelites 73. D. restored 133. C. Liberty of speech 231. L. 582. M. Liberty a precious thing 514. I. Liberties granted to the Jews 800. L. M. Library of Ptol. Philadelphus 298. D. Lice a plague of Egypt 69. C. Lie of Posidonius confuted 802. O. Lie of Apion concerning our oath 805. B. C. Life of Moses 807. B. Life of subjects like to their Princes 221. C. Light created 27. E. called day ibid. E. Lightnings horrible when 78. O. Lightnings on the enemies 148. M. Limits of the nine Tribes and halfs possession 126. K. c. Limits of a Kingdom enlarged 248. G. Line of Achab rooted out 243. M. Line of Joseph 1. B. Linnen and woollen garment 112. H. Logion or rational of the High Priest 87. C. Longinus breaketh into the Jews army 726. H. Loss of the Ark 144. N. and why ibid. Loss of Sauls Kingdom foretold 157. F. and why ibid. of the Empire of Asia 249. K. Loss of the General dismays the Souldiers 233. K. Lot son of Aram 35. D. had choice of the Land 36. O. led away captive 37. C. rescued 11. E. receiveth Angels 39. A. fled to Zoar 39. C. committed incest ibid. D. Lots wife 39. C. Lots cast 124. I. 126. K. c. 151. E. 155. G. Lots cast to kill one another 776. L. 673. C. Love of women blindeth 107. E. and causeth to serve strange gods ibid. E. F. 216. G. 217. H. Love of Jonathan towards David 162. I. 164. H. 164. K. of Joseph to his Country 731. C. Lovers of Order c. 806. O. Lust of Putiphars wife 53. A. F. of the Gabeans 130. L. M. of Caius 516. L. of the Egyptians 36. L. Lusty Jews reserved 758. N. Lybia of whom called Africa 42. H. Lycurgus among the Lacedaemonians 811. E. Lysius General of Antiochus army 317. I. invadeth Judaea 318. G. is overcome 318. C. once again invadeth Judaea ibid. Lysimachus killeth Apollodotus 353. L. betrayeth Gaza ibid. M. MAchâ—ras killeth many Jews 387. M. fortifieth Geth 388. D. his iniquity 577. D. Madness counterfeited 165. D. Midianites Embassage to Balaam 105. E. their daughters seduce the Hebrews 107. D. put to flight and slain 108. L. subdue
be of the Race of the Priests she shall be burnt alive If any man have two Wives Deut. 21. 15 16 17. the one of which he holdeth in greater honour and amity The first begotten should hold his right either for Love or by reason of her Beauty than the other if the Son of her that is more loved demand to have the prerogative of the elder which is a double portion of his Fathers patrimony for so much import our Ordinances and challenge the same by reason that his Father more dearly loveth his Mother than the other let it not be granted him For it is against justice that the eldest should be deprived O of that which appertaineth unto him by birthright because his Mothers condition is inferior to that of the other on account of his Fathers affection A If a man shall have corrupted a Maiden betrothed to another man and she hath consented The year of the World 2493 before Christ's Nativity 1471. they shall both be punisht with death for they are both equally guilty of sin the man because he hath persuaded the Maiden to prefer her lust before an honest marriage and the maid for suffering herself to be overcome and abandoning her body to leudness either for lust or lucre sake But if meeting her he alone enforce her and she have none near to succour her let him die alone He that shall deflowre the Virgin that is unmarried The punishment of adultery or rather ravishing shall take her to Wife but if he condescend not to the Father to take her in wedlock he shall pay fifty Sicles for amends of the injury Deut. 22. 23 24. If any man pretend to separate himself from his Wife for certain causes v. 25. such as ordinarily B happen amongst married couples The deflowring of a virgin let him confirm it in writing That he will never more entertain her again and then she may marry again unto another and refuse the former Husband and if it happen that she be ill us'd by the second or that he being dead the first would take her again in marriage it is not lawful for the Wife to return to him Let the Brother of him that is deceased without issue Deut. 25. 5 ad 9. take to Wife her whom his deceased Brother had married The Wife of the dead Brother married and let the Son born by this second wedlock bear his name and he brought up as the successor of his inheritance For it is advantageous to the commonwealth that Families should not come to ruine and that the goods remain to those of the same kindred And it will be a comfort to the Widow to be joyned C in marriage with one so near akin to her first Husband But if the Brother will not take her to Wife she shall repair to the Senate and make this protestation that the Brother of her deceased Husband will not marry her although she had desired to remain in that line and bring forth children to it and that by him only the memory of her deceased husband is dishonoured And when the Senate shall have examined the cause why he declineth this marriage his excuse shall be allowed of how great or slight soever it be and then shall the Widow unloose his shooe and spit in his face and tell him that he hath deservedly suffered these things in that he hath injured the memory of his dead Brother And thus shall he depart out of the Court being defamed for his whole life-time and the Woman may marry whomsoever she D please If any man take a Virgin prisoner Marriage with a Bond-woman or such an one as hath been already married and be desirous to take her to his Wife it is not lawful for him to touch or approach her till she is shaven Deut. 21. 11 12 13. and having put on her mourning apparel hath bewailed her Parents or Friends slain in Battel but after she hath in this sort asswaged her sorrow she may afterwards addict herself to mirth and marriage For it is a matter both honest and just The lamentatation and mourning of thirty dayes that he that entertaineth her to have issue by her should condescend unto her will in all wherein he may gratifie her and that he should not only addict himself to the pursuit of his pleasure but when the thirty dayes of mourning shall be expired for that time is sufficient for the Wife to bewail her Friends then E may she hearken after marriage And if after he hath had his pleasure with her it happen that he mislike her and will not accept her for his Wife he can no more make her his slave but she may go whithersoever she pleaseth for that she beareth with her her liberty All those Children that shall make no reckoning of their Fathers and Mothers Deut. 21. 18 ad 21. nor shew them that honour which belongeth to them but contemn them and behave themselves insolently towards them Disobedience 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Parents whom Nature hath made their judges shall begin by remonstrating to them that they were matched together in Matrimony not for their pleasures sake or that by uniting their possessions they might become the richer but to the end they might beget Children who might nourish them in their F age and minister unto them in their necessities that they had received them at God's hands with great thanksgiving and infinite joy and brought them up with care and diligence sparing nothing that conduc'd to their sustenance or instruction But since some pardon is to be allow'd to the follies of youth let it suffice my Son that hitherto you have forgotten your duty recollect your self and grow wise remembring that God is grievously offended against those who disobey or disdain their Parents because he is the Father of all mankind and takes himself to be concern'd in that dishonour which is done unto those that bear that name when they receive not such duty from their Childrens hands as he commandeth and that the Law likewise inflicteth an inevitable punishment against such which I should be very sorry if thou G shouldest be so unhappy as to incur If by these remonstrances the child amend it is fit to pardon him the faults committed by him rather out of ignorance than malice for in so doing the Lawgiver shall be accounted wise and the Parents shall be held happy when they see that their Son or Daughter is exempt from the punishment H which the Laws appoint But if such speeches and instructions of the Father are set light by the Son let the Laws be irreconcileable enemies against such continual outrages and let him be drag'd out of the City in the sight and presence of all the people and there let him be stoned to death and after the offender hath lain a whole day in the sight of the people let him be buried by
night In like manner ought they to be buried who for any occasion whatsoever are condemned and executed by Justice Let the Enemy also be interred after the same manner Enemy to be buried and let no dead man lye unburied after such time as he hath been judged and hath satisfied the Laws It is not lawful for any Hebrew to lend upon Usury neither money nor meat or I drink Deut. 23. for it is an unjust thing to make profit of the misery of those of our Nation but it is better to succour their necessities That which is borrowed must be paid and expect Gods retribution as a gain to them Exod. 22. 14. who practice such kind of benefits But they that have borrowed either money or any fruit dry or moist when by the favour and assistance of God they shall reap their own harvest and gather their fruit let them make a willing restitution to those that have lent them as if they had laid them up for themselves to possess at such time as they had need of them But if there be any so shameless as they will not make satisfaction yet let not the Creditor enter into their house to take a Pawn before the Judges have given order A pledge that the pledge be demanded at their door and then the debtor without contradiction shall bring it to him Deut. 24. 11 12 13. because it is not lawful K for him to oppose him that comes arm'd with the Law If he of whom the Pledge is taken have sufficient ability the Creditor may retain the Gage till such time as he be paid but if he be poor he shall restore him his Pawn before the Sun-set and especially if it be Garments with which he may cover himself in the night for God hath compassion on those that are Poor It is not lawful to receive in way of Gage either a Mill or ought else that belongeth thereunto lest any Debtor should be deprived of the necessary Instruments to provide his Victuals with and endure any misery through want of the means to get his living Let him that retaineth a Free-man in Bondage be punished with death Theft but he that hath stoln either Gold or Silver let him restore it two-fold If any man kill such as break into houses to rob L or that break their walls let not such an one be punished Whoso shall steal a Beast shall restore four times the value for it except it be an Ox for which he shall satisfie five-fold Exod 21. 2. ad 7. and if the Thief want means to pay this penalty let him be their slave against whom he hath trespassed An Hebrew slave is to be set at liberty after seven years and at whose suâ—e he is condemned If any one be sold unto one of his own Tribe let him serve him six years and in the seventh year he shall depart with liberty But if during the time that he remaineth with the buyer he beget any Child upon a female fellow slave and that he be willing to serve by reason of the good affection that he bareth unto the house Deut. 15. 12. ad 19. in the year of Jubile which hapneth every fiftieth year let him be set at liberty Goods that are â—ound leading away with him his Children and Wife with freedom If any man find Money or Gold by the M way let him seek out him that hath lost it and make known the place where he found it to the intent he may restore it knowing that the profit is not good which cometh by another man's injury The like is to be done with Beasts for if any man find them strayed in the Desart and find not out the owner let him presently keep them by him taking God to witness that he has no design to detain with him another man's goods If any man find another mans Beasts myred or bog'd let him not pass further but succor them and help to save them as if they were his own Let each man direct the ignorant Traveller in his way and set him in the right path if he wander Deut. 22. without deluding him or hindring him in his necessity or mis-leading him in his journey The Law of violence Let no man speak ill of him that is either absent or deaf If N any man be strucken in a quarrel and it be not with a weapon let him that struck him be presently punished by receiving the like number of blows as he hath given But if he be carried into his house and lye sick upon it divers dayes and in the end dye thereof he that struck him shall not be punisht as a Murderer And if he escape and during the time of his sickness hath been greatly hindered and charged then let him that struck him pay all the charges he hath been at during the time he kept his Bed and satisfie the Physitians He that with his foot shall strike a woman with Child if the woman miscarry he shall be by the Judges amerced in a summe of money for that he hath lessened the number of the people by the loss of him that is dead in his Mothers Womb. Let him likewise be condemned to pay a summe of money unto O the Husband but if the woman dye of the stroke he that offered the violence shall be punisht with death because the Law justly requireth that Life be satisfied with Life A Let not any one among the Israelites use any mortal Poyson or Drug that may do hurt to any man and if any be found with such things about him let him dye because it is just that he suffer the evil which he had prepared for another Whoso hath maimed any man or pull'd out his eye let him in like manner be maimed and blinded being deprived of the same member of his body whereof he hath deprived another man except he that is maimed had rather have a pecuniary amends for the Law remitteth it to the election of the offended Poyson to estimate his injury and if he will be more severe Exod. 21. 23. he may Levit. 24. 20. If any one have an Ox that striketh with his horn let him kill him Talions Law and if the same Ox striketh and killeth any man in the Field or Mow let him be stoned to death Deut. 19. 21. and let no man eat the flesh thereof And if it be proved B that the Master hath heretofore known the quality of the Beast and hath not taken order he should do no harm Of an Ox striking with his horn let him also be put to death as being the author of the murther committed by the Ox. But if the said Ox kill a slave either Male or Female he shall be stoned Exod. 11. 28 29 32. and the owner thereof shall pay thirty Sicles to the Master of the slave that is slain If one Ox be strucken
carried divers merchandize into remote Countries by vent whereof they brought him home much gold and silver and much Ivory and Ethiopian Moors and Apes and this Navigation in sailing to and fro was finished in three years The renown and fame also of Solomons virtues K and wisdom spread far and near throughout all Nations so that Kings of the remotest Countries had a desire to see him because they believed not the report and desired to manifest their affection to him by magnificent Presents Solomons ships spent 3 years in their journey They therefore sent him vessels of gold and of silver scarlet Robes and all sorts of aromatique Drugs Horses and Chariots Many Kings Present Solomon with sundry Presents Mules and Sumpter-Horses wherein as it was reported unto them the King took pleasure by reason of their strength and beauty so that to the number of Horses and Chariots which he had before there were annexed Four hundred more which had been sent him as Presents The horses and other gifts presented to Solomon For before that he had a Thousand Chariots and Twenty thousand goodly Horses excellent for shape and swiftness so that the like were not to be found that were comparable to them for beauty and pace And that which gave L them the greater grace was that they were backed by young Men of goodly personage to behold and surpassing all other in heighth having long locks which they daily intermixed with wires of gold that when the Sun should shine upon their heads they might appear more glorious and bright The King mounted on his Chariot and apparelled in a white Rayment was accustomed to ride abroad about the Sun-rise guarded with these young armed Men having Bowes and Quivers There was a certain place called Ittan Ittan some eight Leagues distant from Jerusalem delightful and enriched with gardens and pleasant fountains of water whither he usually retired himself for his pleasure He forgot not likewise to make Causeys but caused M the Highways that led to Jerusalem The wayes about Jerusalem paved with flint where he made his abode to be paved with black stone to make them more accessible for those that travelled to and fro and to shew his magnificence and riches He then divided his Chariots and placed them in such sort that in every City there was a certain number The Cities of Chariots and some few he kept about himself and those Cities he called the Cities of Chariots Ver. 27 28. he stored Jerusalem also with abundance of silver The abundance of silver in Solomons time so that it was as plentiful as stones and with Cedar-wood whereof before that time there was no quantity he stored the Countrey that it was as plentiful to be had as wild Fig-trees He commanded the Merchants of Egypt also to buy him certain Chariots drawn by two Horses 29. Egyptian horses for the price of Six hundred drachms of silver which he sent unto the Kings of Syria and to those on the other side of Euphrates Now although he were the most magnificent and entirely beloved of God surpassing N both in prudence and riches all those that before him had the government of the Hebrews yet continued he not in this state until the end For forsaking the observation of the ordinances of his Fathers his latter years were not correspondent to his former for he grew altogether dissolute and immoderately given over to Women and was not content only with those of his own Countrey 1 Kings 11. 1 ad 13. but took also strange Women for his Wives as Sidonians Tyrians Ammonites and Idumaeans whereby he transgressed the laws of marriage instituted by Moses Solomon marrying strange Women is seduced by them who inhibited to marry with those of foreign Nations Afterwards he began to honour their gods also that he might the more affectionately express the love which he bare unto them which thing the Lawmaker foreseeing he had forbidden the Israelites to marry with those that were not of their own Nation for fear lest O conforming themselves unto foreign Fashions they should transgress the ordinances of their Forefathers and by doing honour to those gods should forget the honour due H unto the true God The year of the World 3964. before Christ's Nativity 1000. But Solomon transported with these bruitish pleasures made no account of these things but took him wives of the daughters of Princes and Nobles to the number of 700 and 300 Concubines besides the daughter of Pharaoh King of Egypt by which means he was excessively overcome by them insomuch as he follow'd their examples and was forced to give a testimony of the good will and extreme affection that he bare them in ordering his life according to the fashion of their Countries As therefore he increased in years and his judgment grew weak he was in such sort misled that he could not retain in memory the customs of his Countrey but more and more neglected the God of his father and promoted the worship of those gods which were introduced by his wives Before all this he chanced to â—in and transgress against the observation of I the law at such time as he made the similitudes of beasts of brass to underprop the vessel called the great Sea and those of Lions which he caused to be set unto his Throne for that action of his ill beseemed him who had a most excellent example of virtue in the person of his father besides the glory that he had left him by being a faithful servant of God V 14 c. 23. whence it came to pass that by neglecting to follow his steps notwithstanding that God had exhorted him thereunto The punishment inflicted on Solomon for honouring strange gods by appearing unto him at two several times he dyed most ignominiously There came therefore unto him a Prophet sent from God telling him That his sins were manifest and notorious in Gods sight threatning him that ere long he should repent the wickedness he had committed Yet notwithstanding the Realm should not be taken from him during his life because God had promised David that he should be his K successor but after his decease he would chastise his son for the iniquity of the father not so as all the people should revolt but that he would give ten Tribes unto his servant and leave two unto the Grandchild of David because he had loved God and by reason of the City of Jerusalem where it pleased him to make his habitation When Solomon heard these things he was sore troubled because all his felicity began to decline Nor was it long after this denunciation of the Prophet but that there rose up an enemy against him Ver. 14 ad 22. who was called Ader by Nation an Idumaean and of the Princely stock Ader enemy to Solomon who upon this occasion grounded his rebellion and insurrection For at
such time as Joab Ader fled into Egypt General of Davids Army had conquer'd Idumaea and in the space of six months defeated all the youth and those that were capable to bear Arms he fled unto L Pharaoh King of Egypt Ader beseecheth Pharaoh to dismiss him that he might return into his Countâ—â—y who entertain'd him very courteously and gave him an house and lands for his maintenance and loved him dearly when he came to mans estate so that he married him to Taphines his wives sister on whom he begat a Son who was brought up with the Kings children who having intelligence in Egypt of David and Joabs death address'd himself unto Pharaoh and besought him to give him leave to repair into his own Countrey The King ask'd him what he wanted or what the cause was that mov'd him to be so forward to forsake him Notwithstanding therefore that he importuned and requested him divers times yet prevailed he not with him But when Solomons fortunes began to decline Ader returneth into Idumaea and from thence departeth into Syria by reason of his iniquities above-mentioned and the wrath of God provoked M against him Ader by Gods permission came into Idumaea after he had obtained leave of Pharaoh to depart But being unable to move the people to revolt from Solomon by reason of the strong Garisons he held Raas and Ader enemies to Solomon and knowing that without hazard of his own person he could move no alterations or innovation in that place he departed from thence and went into Syria where confederating himself with a certain man called Raas who was fled from his Master Adarezer King of Sophone and lived like an Outlaw in that Region he contracted friendship with him and a great sort of Outlaws and Thieves that were his followers and went into Syria and seizing on that Countrey proclaimed himself King thereof From whence making excursions into the lands of the Israelites he spoiled and pillaged the same during Solomons life-time Thus were N the Hebrews enforced to sustain those Outrages at Aders hands Moreover a certain Man called Jeroboam the son of Nebat by Nation a Jew rebelled against Solomon Ver. 26 ad 35. and raised his hopes above his estate persuaded thereunto by a Prophesie that concerned him Jeroboam rebelleth against Solomon and incited him unto the action For being left very young by his Father and carefully instructed by his Mother as soon as Solomon perceived him to be of a noble and couragious spirit he made him Commissary over the building of the Walls at such time as he immured and fortified Jerusalem In this office he behaved himself so well Ver. 30. that the King thought very well thereof and by way of recompence made him General over the Tribe of Joseph Achâ—as the Prophet foretelleth that he should be King over the ten Tribes Towards which whil'st he travelled from Jerusalem a certain Prophet met him upon the way who was of the City of Silâ— called O Achias who approaching near unto him and saluting him drew him out of the way into a place where none but themselves were present and there renting the garment which he wore upon his back in twelve pieces he commanded Jeroboam to take ten telling him That God had so decreed The year of the World 2971. before Christ's Nativity 993. and how he would rent the Government from Solomon and reserve A only one Tribe unto his son with that other which was annexed unto it by reason of the promise made to David and to thee said he he giveth the other ten because Solomon hath offended God and addicted himself to the love of strange Women and the service of foreign gods Now since thou knowest the cause wherefore God hath alienated the Kingdom from Solomon be thou just and observe the Laws for if thou behavest thy self in such sort as thou knowest David did a great reward of thy piety and recompence of thy observance attendeth thee so that thou shalt become as mighty as David hath been before thee Jeroboam confirmed in great hopes by these words of the Prophet being by nature haughty in years young and besides that Ver. 40. desirous of authority Jeroboam flieth into Egypt and remaineth there until Solomons death he took no rest but being possessed of the place of B General and remembring himself of that which had been told him by Achias he presently began to persuade the people to revolt from Solomon and to choose him for their King Solomon hearing news of this his design sought means to lay hands on him and to put him to death but Jeroboam preventing him fled unto Susac King of Egypt with whom he remained until the death of Solomon And thus for that time escaped he punishment and thus was he reserved to the fortune of a Kingdom CHAP. III. After the death of Solomon the people revolt from Rehoboam his Son and proclaim Jeroboam King of the Ten Tribes C BUT when Solomon was very old The death of Solomon he dyed after he had Reigned fourscore years and lived ninety four and was buried in Jerusalem of all Kings the most happy rich and prudent Hedio Ruffinus cap. 8. al. 4. except that sin whereunto he was drawn by Women in his old age of whom and those calamities that presently after befell the Hebrews we have sufficiently spoken 1 Reg. 12. 1 ad 11. After the death of Solomon as soon as his son Rehoboam whom he begat upon an Ammonitish woman called Noma succeeded him in the Kingdom the Governors of the people sent certain messengers into Egypt to recall Jeroboam who arriving in the City of Sichem Rehoboam came thither also resolving in that Assembly of the Israelites to take the Kingdom upon himself by the peoples consent The people require Rehoboam to mitigate their burthen To him therefore the Princes D of the people resorted with Jeroboam beseeching him That he would remit somewhat of their servitude and shew himself more merciful than his father had been for that under his government they had been sorely oppressed assuring him that by that means his Kingdom should be the more secured if so be he had rather be beloved than feared He three days after promised them to return an answer to their demands and by that means drew them into suspition that upon the motion he misliked of the offers they had proposed for they thought it became his years to be affable and ready to deserve well yet remained there some hope in them Ver. 6 7 8. that they had not presently suffered a repulse Mean while he calling about him his fathers friends The wholesom advice of the Elders consulted what answer he should give the people they that wished his welfare and knew the nature of the people very well persuaded E him to speak familiarly unto the people and remitting a little of his Kingly