which my history recounteth Thus haue I as I thought it necessarie made a digression to shew how they are able to performe their word who discrediting my historie promise to set downe truth in writing I haue also sufficiently as I thinke demonstrated that the registring of things is more ancient amongst other nations then amongst the Greekes I will now first of all dispute against those who with all might and maine labour to proue our nation of no antiquitie for that as they say no Greeke writer maketh any mention of it This done I will bring forth proofe and testimone of the antiquitie hereof out of other writers and so I will shew that their tongues are no slaunder who seeke to discredit our nation First therefore our nation neither inhabiteth a countrey bordering vpon the sea neither are wee delighted in marchandise nor for this cause wearied with pilgrimages from place to place But our cities are scituate farre from the sea in a most fertile soile which we till with all industrie and our whole indeuours are how to get foode for our children and to keepe our countrey â—…awes and how to leaue vnto our posteritie the knowledge of pietie which worke we thinke all our age ought to be imployed in Beside all this before mentioned we haâ—…e a forme of liuing different from all other nations all which concurring together we had no need to trafficke with the Greekes as the Aegyptians and the Phaenitians do who giue themselues to bargaining and marchandize onely for coueteousnes of money Neither were our auncestors delighted in thefts and robberies nor did our fathers make warre vpon any nation for desire of larger possessions notwithstanding our countrey was furnished with many thousands of strong warlike men Wherefore the Phaenicians sayling vnto the Greekes to trafficke with them they were thus made knowne vnto them and by them the Aegyptians and all other nations who sailing vpon the seas brought marchandize into Greece The Medes also and Persians were knowne vnto them after such time as they openly raigned ouer Asia and the Persians warred euen vnto the other opposite continent Moreouer the Greeks knew the Thracians because they were their neighbours and the Scythians by sayling to Pontus and finally all that were disposed to write knew al the nations bordering either vpon the Easterne Westerne seas but such as dwelt farre from the sea sea coast were long time vnknowne as also appeareth in Europe for neither Thucidides nor Herodotus nor any other of that time maketh any mention of Rome notwithstanding that so long since it was so mightie and made so great wars yet at last with much adoe the Greeks heard of it Yea their most curious writers and namely Ephorus were so ignorant of the Frenchmen Spaniards that they thought the Spaniards to be a people only denominated of one citie wherein they inhabited whereas the whole world now knoweth them to inhabite a vaste countrey and a great part of the westerne world Likewise the said Greeke writers relate the manner of the foresaid people to be such as neither are nor were euer vsed amongst them And the onely cause why they were ignorant of the truth was the distance of the place and these writers would seeme to tel something which others of former times had not spoken of No maruaile therefore though our nation was vnknowen and none of them in their writings made any mention of vs being both so farre from the sea and liuing after a different manner Put case therefore that I denied the Greeks to be of any antiquitie and to proue my assertion should conclude their nation to be moderne for that our histories made no mention of them would they not laugh at this reason and vse the testimonie of their neighbour nations to proue their antiquitie I therefore wil do the like and vse the testimony of the Aegyptians Phaenicians whose records the Greeks cannot denie For all Aegyptians in generall are our enemies and amongst the Phaenicians they especially of Tyre Which I cannot iustly say of the Chaldeis who haue been princes ouer our nation and because of their affinitie and alliance with our countrimen haue in their Chronicles made mention of the Iewes Yet when I haue prooued what I now auerre and refelled the slanderous reports against vs I will then also shew who amongst the Greeks speake of vs that so the Greeks may also be depriued of this shift and refuge to excuse their malicious lies falsely forged against our nation And first of all I will begin with the writings of the Aegyptians who as they well know doe nothing at all fauour vs. Wherefore Manethon an Aegyptian borne skilfull in the Greeke tongue as by his works appeare for he writ in Greeke compiling a historie of the customes and religion of his forefathers collected as himselfe reporteth out of the Aegyptians holy writings often reprehendeth Herodotus who being indeed ignorant did much helpe the Aegyptians This Manethon in his second booke of the Aegyptian customes saith thus I will set downe his owne words because I vse them for a witnesse We had a King quoth hee named Timaus in whose reigne God being angrie with vs contrarie to all expectation an obscure people taking courage came from the East and pitching their Tents in our countrie conquered it by force no man resisting them committing our princes to bonds did finally burne our cities and destroy the temples of our Gods behaued themselues most cruelly against all the Inhabitants killing many of them and making slaues of the rest with their wiues and children finally they chose a King amongst themselues who should bee then of our Countrie his name was Saltis who comming to Memphis made both the higher and lower Prouince tributaries leauing garrisons in strong holds and fortifying those places in the East Likewise foreseeing that the Assyrians were more mightie then he and would inuade his Countrie he found out in this Prouince a Citie called Saite fit for his purpose being situate on the East side of the riuer Bubastis which by an auncient diuine was called Auaris he builded vp this Citie and compassed it with most huge wals and placed in it two hundred thousand armed men to keepe it This Saltis came in Haruest time to the intent that hee might both pay his souldiers and bee a terror vnto other people and after hee had raigned nineteene yeeres hee died After him succeeded another King called Baeon who reigned foure and fortie yeeres next to him Aphinas who reigned thirtie sixe yeere and seuen monethes then Aphocis who reigned threescore and one yeeres and then Iandas who reigned fiftie yeeres and one moneth after them all reigned Assis nine and fortie yeeres and two moneths and these sixe were the first Kings amongst them euer destroying and warring vpon the Aegyptians and labouring to extinguish their race This nation was called Hiscos which signifieth Kings shepheards for Hic in
Elias foreprophecieth raine 3. Reg. 10. Elias flieth from Iezabel Gods care for his seruants God speaketh to Elias in the desart The yeare of the world 3040. before Christs birth 924. lehuking of Israel Elizeus calling Hedio Ruffinus chap. 14. al. 11. 3. Reg. 21. The story of Naboth who was stoned to death for denying Achab his vineyard Elias prophecieth what reuenge God wil take of Achab and Iezabel Achabs repentance The yeare of the world 3040. before Christ Natiuity 924. 3. Reg. â—…0 Adads warre against Achab The Syrians emballage to Achab. His answere to the Legates A ladâ—… confidence in his soldiers The Israelites God promiseth victory against the Syrians The yeare of the world 3040. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 9â—…4 Achabs victory against the Syrians Adads second expedition against the Israelites The yeare of the world 3041. before Christs birth 923. Adad is receiued into fauour by Achab and dismissed vpon conditioÌ„ The yeare of the world â—…041 before Christs Natiuitie 923. Achab was reproued for dismissing Adad The reward of learned preachers The yeare of the world 3042. before Christs birth 924. Iosaphats pietie 3. Paral. 17. The peace in Iosaphats time Iosaphats armie Iosaphats expedition with Achab against the Syrian 〈◊〉 3. Reg. 22. The yeare of the world 3047. before Christs birth 917. The false prophets prophecie plausibly Micheas the true prophet Hedio Ruffinus chap. 15. 3. Reg. 22. al. 〈◊〉 Achab and Iosaphats warre against the Syrian The yeare of the world 3â—…47 before Christs Natiuity 917. Achab wounded by an arrow in the battell dieth The dogs licke Achabs bloud according to Elias prediction The Oracles of the Prophers are to be reuerenced The matchles necessitie of fate The yeare of the world â—…048 before Christs Natiuitie 916. 4. Reg 3. 2. Pâ—… 19. 20. Iehu the Prophet reprehendeth Iosaphat for helping Achab. Iosaphat reneweth the true seruice of God Iosaphat placed Iudges and Magistrates in euery citie The Moabites and Ammonites warre against Iosaphat Iosaphats praier in the temple of Ierusalem for victory Iaziel the prophet assureth theÌ„ of victorie The yeare of the world 3048 before Christs birth 916. The manner and weapons whereby Iosaphat ouercame his enemies The Ammonites and their confederates kill one another The spoiles of the Ammonites The fame and praise of Iosaphat in euerie place Hedio Ruffinus chap. 2. Ochozias Achabs sonne king of Israel 4. Reg. 1. Ochozias hauing a grieuous fall seeketh to be informed of a false Oracle and is reproued by Elias Elias forme and habit Ochozias soldiers fear to fetch Elias are consumed with lightning The yeare of the world 3048. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 916. The yeare of the world 3049. before the birth of Christ. 915. Ochozias dying without issue â—…am his brother raigned in his steede Elias according as Enoch was taken froÌ„ the sight of men Hedio Ruffinus chap. 3. 4. Reg. 3. Eliâ—…aeus Ioram asketh aâ—…d against the Moabites Want of wâ—… in the Hebrew army The kings seeke for counsell at Elizaeus hands Elizaeus fore-prophecieth store of water and their victory The yeare of the world 3049. before Christs Natiuitie 915. A wonderfull blindnes of the enimy grouÌ„ded on the rednes of the water that flowed The victory of the Hebrewes against the Moabites The king of the Moabires sacrificeth his owne sonne Iosaphats death The yeare of the world 3050. before the birth of Christ. 914. Ioram Iosaphats sonne king of Ierusalem 4. Reg. 4. Elizaeus commandeth the widow to fill her empty vessels with oyle The yeare of the world 3050. before Christs Natiuitie 914. Elizeus aduiseth Ioram to auoid Adads ambush who lay in wait to kill him 4. Reg 6. Elizaeus is besieged in Dothaim by his enemie The Angels about Elizaeus the prophet Elizeus leadeth the Syrians blinded into Samaria where by his perswasion they are courteously entertained and presented by Ioram and sent home Hedio Ruffinus chap. 4. Samaria besieged by the Syrians The yeare of the world 3050 before Christs birth 914. The famine so great in Samaria that women eate their owne children Ioram threatneth Elizaeus death 3. Reg. 7. 4. Reg. 7. The enemies flight by reason of a terror that God sent among them The yeare of the world 3050. before Christs birth 914. The lepers certifie the Samaritanes of the flight of their enemies Spies sent abroad The enemies campe spoiled by the Samaritanes The truth of Gods oracles The punishment of incredulitie 4. Reg. 8. Elizeus is senâ—… vnto by Adad to enquire counsell of him as touching his sicknes The yeare of the world 3055. before Christs Natiuity 909. The prophecy of Adads death and Azaels gouernment Hedio Ruffinus chap. 5. 4. Reg. 8. Iorams impietie The yeare of the world 3057. before Christs birth 907 The Idumaeâ—…s reuolt Iorams wickednes reproued by Elias letters The expedition of the Arabians against Ioram 2. Paral. 21. The yeare of the world 3060. before Christs birth 904. Iorams death The yeare of the world 3060. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 904. Hedio Ruffinus chap 6. Iorams expedition against Ramath 4 Reg. 9. Iehu by Gods commandement annointed king The yeare of the world 3060. before Christs Natiuitie 904. Iorams slaughter The truth of Eâ—…ias prophecy The death of Ochozias king of Ierusalem and his burial A famous example of Gods iudgement 4. Reg. 10. Achabs 70. children slaine in Samaria The yeare of the world 3060. before Christ birth 904. The roting out of Achabs line The slaughter of Ochozias seruants Ionadab The slaughter of Baals priests Baal God of the Tyrians The kingdome promised to Iehus posteritie Hedio Ruffinus chap. 7. 4. Reg. 11. Athalia rooteth out all the royall bloud onely Ioas Ochozias Ion is saued The yeare of the world 3060. before Christs Natiuity 904. Ioas by Ioiadas meanes who was the high Priest is createdding The yeare of the world 3067. before Christs birth 897 Athalias punishment The king and the people ioyned by oth to serue God The restoring of Gods seruice Ioas piety during Ioiadas time The yeare of the world 3067. before Christs Natiuitie 897. 4. Reg. 12. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 8. 4. Reg 12 13 The warre betweene Azael and Iehu The yeare of the world 3089. before Christs birth 875. The restoring of the temple Ioas im pie tie after Ioiadas death and how he was reproued by the Propher 2. Paral. 28. Zachary stoned to death The yeare of the world 3089. before Christs birth 875. The spoile of the temple Ioas death The yeare of the world 3105. before Christs birth 859. 4. Reg. 14. Amasias king of Ierusalem The forces of Israel weakned and restored by God The yeare of the world 3089. before the birth of Christ. 875. Ioas king of Israel and Samaria The yeare of the world 3103. before Christs birth 861. Elizâ—…us foretelleth that Ioas should ouercome the Syrians thrise Elizâ—…us death and the raising of a dead man to life that was cast into his tombe
Ioas treble victory The yeare of the world 3◅03 before the Natiuitie of Christ. 86◅ Hedio Ruffinus chap. 9. Amasias king of Ierusalem 4. Reg. 14. De◅ 24. The yeare of the world 3106. before Christs birth 858. The dismission of the Israelits 2 Paral. 25. Amasias victory ouer the Amalechites Amasias i◅ reprehended◅y a proohet for his idolatry The yeare of the world 3106. before Christs Natiuitie 858. Amasias expedition against Ioas king of Israel Amasias taken prisoner by the king of Israel Ierusalem ruinated The temple spoyled Amasias slaine The yeare of the world 3120. before Christs birth 844. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 11. 4. Reg. 14. The enlargement of the kingdome of Israel Ionas 1 Ionas sēt vnto Niniue flieth the presence of God and ascending a ship is cast in a strome into the sea The yeare of the world 3120. before Christs Natiuitie 844. Ionas cast into the sea is deuou red by a whale and cast vpon the coast of Niniue foretelleth them of the losse of their empire Ionas 2. 3. 4. Reg. 14. 15 Ieroboams death Ozias king of Iuda The yeare of the world 3136. before Christs birth 828. Ozias expedition and the repaiting of the city 2. Paral. 26. The yeare of the world 3150. before Christs natiuitie 814. Ozias riches and army Ozias transgresseth his vocation and is punished with a leprosie and compelled to depart out of the city The yeare of the world 3170. before Christ birth 794. The yeare of the world 3170. before Christs birth 794. Zacharias slaughter 4. Reg. 35. Manahem king of Israel The yeare of the world 3174. before the birth of Christ. 790. The Tapsians slaughter Peace bought with money The yeare of the world 3185. before Christs birth 779. Phaceias The translatiō of the Israelits The yeare of the world 3187. before Christs birth 777. Iothams piety Hedio Ruffinus chap. 7. The prophecy of the destruction of Niniue Naum. 2. The yeare of the world 3204. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 760. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 13. Achaz impiety The sacrifice of his sonne The punishment of impietie Esay 7. 4. Reg. 16. The slaughter of the army of Iuda 4. Reg. 16. The Israelites by the prophets aduice dismisse those prisoners they had takē of the tribes of Iuda and Beniamin The yeare of the world 3207. before Christs birth 757. The yeare of the world 3207. before Christs birth 757. 4. Reg. 16 17. The translatiō of the Israelites Achaz giueth the gold and siluer of the temple to the king of the Assyrians Achaz shutteth the doors of Gods temple and honoureth strāge gods Achaz death The yeare of the world 3215. before Christs birth 749. Oseas impietie and punishment Hedio Ruffinus chap 14. 4 Reg 17. The pietie of Ezechias king of Iuda Ezechias embassadours that were sent to the Israelites to exhort them to celebrate the feast of vnleuened bread are slaine by them 2. Paral. 29. 30 The word of God is neuer without fruit The yeare of the world 3218. before Christs Natiuitie 746. Ezechias sacrifice Reformation of Gods seruice The yeare of the world 3224. before Christs birth 740. The king ouercommeth the Philistines Ezechias forsaketh the seruice of the king of Assyria Hedio Ruffinus chap. 15. 4. Reg. 17. The Israelites remoued from their possessions are translated into the region of the Chuthites The yeare of the world 3224 before Christs birth 740. The Tyrians Chronicles touching the wars of Salmanazar against the Tyrians written by Menander Gods displeasure against the idolatrous Chuthites The Chuteans embrace the seruice of God and in prosperitie claime kindred of the Iewes The yeare of the world 3231. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 733. 4. Reg. 18. The destruction of Iudaea The oth of Senacherib and his breach thereof Rapsaces perswasion to cause Ezechias submit 4. Reg. 19. Ezechias in aduersity hath recourse to God he is cōsorted by Esay The yeare of the world 3231. before Christs Natiuity 733. Herodotus of Senacharib Hedio Ruffinus chap. 11. The punishment of Senacharib for displeasing God Patricides Hedio Ruffinus chap. 3. 4. Reg. 20. Ezechias sicknesse and the prolongation of his life assured by miracle The yeare of the world 3231. before Christs Natiuitie 733. The Assyrian Monarchie destroied The embassage of the king of Babylon to Ezechias The captiuitie of Babylon foreprophecied by Esay The yeare of the world 3232. before Christs birth 732. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 4. Ezechias death 4. Reg. 21. Manasses impiety and cruelty The yeare of the world 3247. before Christs birth 717. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 5. Alias cap. 4. The yeare of the world 3247. before Christs Natiuitie 717. Manasses surprised and led prisoner into Babylon and after his repentance restored to his kingdome The yeare of the world 3288. before Christs birth 676. Manasses purifieth the citie and consecrateth the temple againe The yeare of the world 3302. before Christs birth 662. Manasses death Amos king of Iuda a wicked prince The yeare of the world 3304. before the birth of Christ. 660. Iosias king of Iudae 4 Reg. 22. Iosias restoreth the true seruice of God The feare of the world 3307. before Christs birth 657. Iosias rooteth outidolairie The yeare of the world 3321. be fore Christ birth 643. Iudges The zeale of the people in the reparation of the temple The yeare of the world 3321. before Christs birth 643. Moses sacred bookes found in the temple Olda the prophetesse sent vnto by Iosias The pophecie of the Iewes miserie 4 Reg. 23. A liuely image of a godly prince The truth of the diuine oracles 3. Reg. 13. The celebration of the passeouer The yeare of the world 3321. before Christs birth 643. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 9. Alias cap. 5. The yeare of the world 3334. before Christs birth 630. The Egyptians worke their passage thorow Iudaea 4. Reg. 23. Iosias death An Epitaph written by Ieremy on Iosias 2. Paral. 25. Ieremy prophecieth the captiuitie of Babylon In what time Ieremie liued Ioaz king of Iuda 4. Reg. 23. 2. Paral 36. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 7. Alias chap. 6. Eliacim called Ioachim made king of Iuda The yeare of the world 3335. before Christs birth 629. The yeare of the world 3336. before the birth of Christ. 628. Nabuchodo nosor king of Babylon warreth against the Egyptians The yeare of the world 3336. before Christs birth 628. Ioachim paseth Nabuchadnezzar tribute 4. Reg. 24. The yeare of the world 3343. before Christs natiuitie 621. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 8. Ioachim reuolteth from the king of Babylon The yeare of the world 3345. before Christs Natiuity 619. Ieremy foretelleth the destruction of Ierusalem Ier. 22. Nabuchadnezzars entertainment into the citie and his crueltie 4. Reg. 24. 2. Paral. 36. Ioachin or Iechonias king of Iuda The yeare of the world 3346. before Christs Natiuitie 618. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 9. 4. Reg. 25. Nabuchodonosor a truce ◅eaker Sedechias king of Ierusalem seduced by his courteours false
prophets giueth no eare to Ieremy Ezechiel prophecieth the destruction of the temple The yeare of the world 3354. before Christ birth 610. Sedechias reuolt from the Babylonian Hedio and Ruffinus chap. 10. The king of Egypt comming to rescue the king of Ierusalē is ouerthrowne by Nabuchodonosor with all his army and driuen out of Syria The yeare of the world 3346. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 618. Sedechias seduced by false prophets The prophecy of the captiuitie of Babylon and the deliuerie Ier. 25. 29. 37. The yeare of the world 3354. before Christs birth 610. Ierusalem besieged 4 Reg. 25. Ier. 39. Two mightie enemies Famine and pestilence Ieremy perswadeth them to yeeld The reward of godly preachers in this life Sedechias neglecteth the prophets good counsaile for feare of the gouernours The yeare of the world 3354 before Christs birth 610. Ierusalem besieged eighteene moneths and at length taken The yeare of the world 3356. before Christs birth 608. Sedecias flyeth by night and is suprised by the enemie The yeare of the world 3356. before Christs Natiuitie 608. Sedechias hath his eies pulled out and his children slaine before his face How many and how long the kings raigned that were of Dauids luie The temple the pallace and the citie spoiled and burnt The captiuitle of Babylon The high Priests in Ierusalem Sedecias death Hedio Ruffinus chap. 11. The yeare of the world 3356. before Christs birth 608. Godolias captaine of the fugitiues Ieremy set at libertie by the Baby lonian and richly offered and presented Baruch dismissed out of prison The Iewes resort to Masphath to Godolias The yeare of the world 3356. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 608. Iohn releaseth limaels captiues Iohn asketh counsaile of God and being informed refuseth the same Ier. 42. 43. The prophecy of the Babylonian armie and the Iewes captiuitie The yeare of the world 3361. before Christ birth 603. The yeare of the world 3361 before Christs birth 603. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 12. Dan 1. Daniels forwardnes and his fellowes towardnes in studying wisedome and good letters The yeare of the world 3363. before Christs natiuite 601. Dan. 2. Nauchodonosor dreaming forgetteth his vision sendeth for the magitions not able to discouer his doubts he threatneth them with death The yeare of the world 3◅63 before Christs birth 601. The vision and the Rouelation thereof opened to Daniel Daniel telleth the king his dreame and the enterpretation thereof Nabuchodonosors dreame of the foure monarches of the world Daniel and his fellowes aduanced to honour The yeare of the world 3364 before Christs birth 600 The kings edict for honouring the goldē statue Dan. 3. Daniel and his kinsmen refusing to adore the statue are cast into the furnace The yeare of the world 3364. before Christs Natiuitie 600. The yeare of the ◅ld 3369. before Christs na◅uitie 595. Dan. 4. The dreame and exposition thereof Nabuc◅odosors death The yeare of the world 3381. before Christs birth 583. Berosus of Nabuchodosor Hedio Ruffinus chap. 13. Megasthenes of Nabuchodonosor D◅ocles Philostratus The yeare of the world 3382. before Christs Natiuitie 582. Euilmerodach releaseth lechonias from his long imprisonment 4. Reg 25. Ierem. 52. Niglisar Labosardach Balthasar or Naboandel king of Babyl◅ The yeare of th◅ world 3421. before Christs birth 543. Dan. 5 Balthasar see◅h a hand thrust out of a wall and writing certaine sillables The yeare of the world 3425. before the birth of Christ. 539. ◅he yeare of the ◅rld ◅25 before Christs birth 9◅9 Daniel interpreteth the writing to the king The king performeth his promises to Daniel Babylon surprised by Cyrus king of Persia. The force of enuie Daniels honour and vprightnes Hedio Ruffinus chap. 14. Dan. 6. Daniel cast into the Lions denne The yeare of the world 3425. before Christs birth 539. Daniels enemies rent in pieces by the Lions Daniels prophecies Daniels vision of the Ramme and Goat by whom the king of Media and Persia were prefiguted Dan. 2. The yeare of the world 3425. before Christs Natiuitie 539. Daniels predictions of the Romane Empyre Dan. 9. The Epicures errour conuicted The yeare of the world 3426. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 538. The end of the Babylonian captiuitie after seuentie yeares 1. Esd. 1. 3. Esd. 2. The edict of Cyrus king of Persia. Esay chap. 44. 45. his prophecy of Cyrus Cyrus permitteth the Iewes to returne into their countrey to build their temple citie The vessels belonging to the temple sent backe from Babylon to Ierusalem Cyrus mandate to the princes of Syria The yeare of the ◅orld 3426. before Chriss birth 538. The number of the Iewes that returned from the captiuity of Babylon to Ierusalem Hedio Ruffinus chap. 2. 1. Esd. 4. The Samaritanes inhibite the Iewes from building the temple Alias cap. 3. The letters of the Samaritās and others written to Cambysis as touching the reedifying of the citie and tēple of Ierusalem The yeare of the world 3435. before Christs birth 529. Cambyses answere wherein he inhibiteth the Iewes from building the citie or temple The yeare of th◅ world 3443. before Christ birth 521. Hedio Ruffinus chap. 9. al. chap 4. Darius the son of Hystaspis made emperour of the Persians 1. Esd. 5. 6. Darius voweth to send the sacred vessels to Ierusalem Zorooabel Dar◅us propoundeth three questions to three of his gard 3. Esd. 4. The first expresseth the power of wine The second extelleth the kings power 3. Esd 4. The yeare of the world 3443. before Christs birth 521. Zorobabel the third expresseth the power of women and at length attributeth the palme vnto truth Zorobabel obtained both praise great rewards by his good discourse Darius being put in memory of his vow commandeth that the temple should be restored Hedio Ruffinus chap. 4. The yeare of t◅e world 3443. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 521. Darius letters for the liberty possession and erection of the temple granted to the Iewes 1. Esd. 6. Glad tidings brought to the Iewes The Iewes depart from Babylon to Ierusalem 3. Esd. 5. The number of the Iewes that went ou◅ of Babylon 3. Esd. 2. Zorobabel chieftaine and Iesus high priest of this company 1. Esd. 3. The yeare of the ◅orld 3443 before Christs birth 521. The feast of Tabernacles The temple began to be built The Samaritans desirous to further the building of the temple are reiected The Samaritanes suppose to hinder the building of the temple The Syrian princes examine the cause why the Iewes repaire their citie and tēple The yeare of the world 3444. before Christs birth 520. 1. Esdras 5. Aggeus and Zachary the Prophets The Satharitans indeuouring to hinder the reparatiō of the temple and citie doe further it the more Cyrus decree as touching the temple and the Iewes The yeare of the world 3450. before Christs birth 514. 3. Esdras 6. Darius epistle to the prefects of Syria The finishing of the temple The yeare of the ◅orld 3450. before Christs
thereof that the worthy nature of this king might be known vnto all men and how beloued he was of God and how surpassing in all kindes of vertue When Hiram king of Tyre vnderstood that Salomon succeeded his father in the kingdome he was glad thereof for he was Dauids friend for which cause he sent messengers vnto him to salute him and to congratulate with him of that good which had hapned vnto him by whom Salomon returned an answere in these tearmes Salomon to Hiram the king Know thou that my father hauing a wil to build a temple vnto God hath been withdrawen from the performance thereof by the continuall warres and troubles he hath had for he neuer tooke rest before he either had defeated his enemies or made thē tributaries vnto him For mine own part I thanke God for the peace which I possesse and for that by the means therof I haue opportunity according to mine own desire to build a temple vnto God for he it is that foretold my father that this house should be builded during my raign For which cause I pray you send some one of your skilfullest men with my seruants to the wood Libanus to hew downe trees in that place for the Sidonians are more skilfull in hewing and preparing timber then our people are and I will pay the cleauers of wood according to your direction When Hiram had read this letter he was very glad to p◅e the contents of the same and wrote backe againe vnto him to this effect The king Hiram vnto king Salomon Thou hast cause to thanke God in that he hath deliuered thy fathers kingdome into thy hands to thee I say who art a man wise and full of vertue For which cause since no newes can come vnto me more gratious nor office of loue more esteemed then this I will accomplish all that thou requestest for after I haue caused a great quantitie of Cedar and Cyprus wood to be cut downe I will send it thee by sea by my seruants whom I will commaund and furnish with conuenient vessels of burthen to the end they may deliuer the same in what place of thy kingdome it shall best please thee that afterwards thy subiects may transport them to Ierusalem You shall prouide to furnish vs with corne whereof we stand in need because we inhabit an Island The copies are yet at this day kept not onely by those of that nation but also by the Tyrians so that if any man desire exactly to know that they be let him search the publique records of the Tyrians and he shall finde in them matters accordant to that we haue said All which I say to that end that the readers might be assured that I outstrip not the truth in any sort and that I insert not in this historie matters that are meerly apparant deceitful and only fashioned for delight neither feare I that any man shall examine my writings neither desire I likewise that euery man giue credit at the first sight to the same or that I be held blamelesse in suffering my selfe any waies to vary or vnproperly dilate ought in this historie but contrariwise if I cannot approoue the truth by demonstration and sufficient testimonies I desire not to be allowed As soone as Salomon had receiued these letters from the King of the Tyrians he praised his facilitie and beneuolence and presently sent him that which he demanded euerie yeare therefore he sent him two thousand Cores of wheat and the like number of Ba ds of oyle this Bad containeth seuentie and two sextaries He gaue him also the like measure of wine From that time forward the friendship betwixt Hiram and Salomon increased more and more so that both of them protested that it should continue for euer The king imposed on his people the tribute of thirtie thousand workemen whom he gaue in charge to trauell continually and distributed them verie discreetly Hee ordained that ten thousand of them should cut wood in Libanus for the space of one moneth and that then they should rest two moneths returning euery man vnto his owne dwelling place vntill such time as the twentie thousand had in their turne accomplished the taske in the time that was prefixed vnto them and then the first 10000. renewed their work followed the same in the fourth month Ador◅ was constituted superintendēt ouer this tribute Besides these there were 70000. men appointed to cary stones wood who were the inhabitants of that countrey which Dauid had left There were foure score thousand hewers of stone ouer whichwere 3200. commissaries these had the king commaunded to cut the greatest stones to make the foundations of the temple which after they had hewed and prepared in the mountaine he commaunded should be drawne and brought into the Citie and not onely commaunded he his countrimen to performe this but those workemen also that were sent him by Hiram Salomon began this building in the fourth yeare of his raigne in the second month which the Macedons call Artemisium and the Hebrewes Iar fiue hundreth nintie and two yeares after the departure of the Israelites out of Aegypt one thousand and twentie yeares since the arriuall of Abraham in Mesopotamia one thousand foure hundreth and fortie yeares after the Deluge And since Adam the first man vntill Salomon who builded the Temple all the yeares that are passed haue beene three thousand one hundreth and two But the beginning of the building of the Temple hapned in the eleuenth yeare of the raigne of Hiram who gouerned in Tyre and since the first time that Tyre began to be inhabited vntil the said building of the temple there passed two hundreth and fortie yeares The king therefore laid the foundations of the Temple and made a most deepe trench and fortified it with most strong stones which might be able to resist al the iniuries of time These stones were so closely ioined the one vnto the other that for the strength of the foundations they might serue to make the base and ground both to fortifie the worke as also to sustaine that which should be builded thereupon either for embellishment or waight of the charge neither could the foundations be of lesse strength and hugenes which were to sustaine a sumptuous pile of that height greatnes magnificence and ornament The walles were made of white stone and continued of the same matter euen vntill the roofe The height of the Temple was sixtie cubits and the length as much and the bredth twentie Ouer that was another edifice hauing the like dimensions so that the whole height of the Temple was sixescore cubits and the entry therof was to the East-ward The porch that gaue entry thereinto had twentie cubits in length which was the bredth of the Temple and in bredth ten cubits and the height thereof was of sixescore cubits About the Temple were builded thirtie celles which inuironed the circuit of the same on
who respited the execution of the Magitians for that night vntill he might see what would become of Daniels promise who retiring himselfe with his companions into his chamber besought God all the night long to manifest vnto him the dreame and deliuer the Magitians and Chaldees from the kings wrath with whom both he and the rest of his companions were like to die except he might know what the king had dreampt the night past and what was the interpretation thereof Whereupon God hauing compassion of the daunger wherein they were and taking pleasure in Daniels wisedome signified vnto him both the dreame and the signification thereof to the intent the king might be resolued in the meaning thereof Daniel hauing receiued the truth from God arose verie ioyfully and certified his brethren who had alreadie lost all hope of life and thought on no other thing but death and gaue them courage and hope of life Hauing therefore rendred thanks vnto God for that he had had compassion of their young yeeres as soone as it was day he went vnto Arioch requesting him that he might be brought to the kings presence certifying him that he would open vnto him the dreame which he had seene the night past Now when Daniel was brought vnto the kings presence he besought him that he would not esteeme him to be more wise then the other Chaldeans and magicians in that whereas none of them could expound his dreame he did attempt to expresse the same for that came not to passe by reason of his experience or for that he was more industrious then they were but said he God hath had compassion on vs that were in daunger of death and at such time as I requested him to grant me and my countrie men life he hath certified me both of your dreame and the signification thereof I was not so much agrieued for that in our innocency we were adiudged to death by thee as afraid of thine estimation and glory which was hazarded by condemning so many and so innocent and iust men to death whereas that which you haue required of them sauoreth nothing of humane wit but is the onely worke of God Whilest therefore thou thoughtest in thy selfe who it was that should commaund the whole world after thy selfe at such time as thou wert asleepe God intending to let thee know all those that should gouerne after thee presented thee with this dreame It seemed vnto thee that thou sawest a great statue wherof the head was of gold the shoulders and armes of siluer the belly and thighes of brasse and the legs and feete of yron Thou beheldst after that a great stone that was drawen from a mountaine that fell vpon the statue and beat downe and burst the same and left no whole peece thereof so that the gold siluer yron and brasse were poudered as small as dust whereupon a violent wind seemed to blow which by the furie and force thereof was borne away and scattered into diuers countries on the other side the stone grewe so mightie that it seemed to fill the whole earth This was that vision that appeared vnto you the signification whereof is expressed after this manner The head of gold signifieth your selfe and those kings of Babylon that haue been before you The two hands and shoulders signifie that your Empyre shal be destroied by two kings the one part by the king of the east cloathed in brasse whose force shall be abated by an other power resembling that of yron and he shal haue the power ouer the whole earth by reason of the nature of yron which is more strong then gold siluer or brasse he told the king also what that stone signified But for mine owne part I thought it not expedient to expresse it in this place because the onely but and intent of my writings is onely to register such things as are past and not such matters as are to come But if any man haue a desire to know these things and cannot bridle his curiositie but will vnderstand such matters as are hidden let him â—…ead the book of Daniel which he shal find amidst the sacred scriptures When king Nabuchodonosor had heard these things and remembred himself of his dreame he was astonished at Daniels wisedome and casting himselfe prostrate on the earth after the manner of those that adore God he embrased Daniel giuing direction that sacrifice should be offered vnto him as if he were God Moreouer he called him by the name of God and committed the administration of his whole kingdome to him and his companions who by reason of the commotions and conspiracies of their maligners and detractors hapned to fall into most eminent and dreadfull daunger vpon this occasion that ensueth The king built a golden Image sixtie cubits high and sixe in bignesse and erected it in a great plaine neere vnto Babylon and being readie to dedicate the same he assembled all the gouernours and princes of his countries commanding then first of all that as soone as they should heare the trumpet sound they should prostrate themselues on the earth to adore the statue threatning that whosoeuer should do the contrarie he should be cast into a burning furnace whereas therefore all of them adored the statue vpon the sound of the trumpet Daniel and his companions vtterly refused to performe that dutie alledging for their iustification that they would not transgresse the lawes of their countrey for which cause being apprenended they were instantly cast into the furnace of fire and protected therein by Gods prouidence escaped death beyond all mens expectation For the fire touched them not neither could it burne during their aboad in the furnace For God so fortified their bodies that they could not be consumed by fire which accident made them in greater estimation with the king for that he saw they were vertuous and beloued by God and for that cause they were highly honoured by him Not long after this the king saw an other vision in his sleepe which signified vnto him that being cast from his empire he should conuerse with sauage beasts and that hauing liued in that estate in the desart for the space of seuen yeares he should recouer his kingdom again Hauing had this dreame he assembled the Magitians once more demanding their answere and the signification thereof But it was impossible for any one of them eyther to find out or declare the intelligence of this dreame vnto the king onely Daniel discouered the same and the effect was answerable to his prediction For the king passed the forelimited time in the desart so that no man durst intermeddle with the affaires of estate during seuen yeares But after he had called vpon God that it would please him to restore him to his kingdome he repossessed the same again Let no man in this place accuse me for reporting these particularities according as I haue found them written in holy books for in the
could satisfie his demaund Whereupon the king called him vnto his presence and telling him what proofes he had heard of his wisedome and of that diuine spirit that was in him and how he only was fit to interprete those things which otherwise were obscured from other mens knowledge he praid him to informe him what that hand writing signified promising him in reward thereof a purple garment a golden chaine and the third part of his Empire to the end that being honoured with these titles for his wisedome he might grow famous amongst all men who demaunding the reason should know the intent why he was honoured But Daniel refusing all these presents of his in that the wisedome that is giuen from aboue is not corrupted thereby but is freely answerable to those that haue neede thereof told him that that writing did foretell him the end of his life because he had not learned to feare God neither to lift his thoughts higher then humane nature notwithstanding he had seene the chastisement wherewith his predecessor had been punished for the outrages he committed against God For that Nabuchodonosor hauing been driuen to lead his life among beasts by reason of his impieties after diuers requests and supplications had obtained mercie and was returned vnto humane conuersation and into his owne kingdome for which cause all the time of his life he praised almightie God the gouernour of all things whereas he had omitted to do the like and had blasphemed the name of God in diuers sorts and had swilled both himselfe and his concubines in the vessels dedicated to God For this cause God was displeased with him and certified him by this writing what end he should expect Whereupon he expounded the writing in these termes Mane which is as much to say as number sheweth that God hath numbred the daies of thy life and dominion which shall endure but a little while Thekel signifieth a ballance God therefore said he waying thy gouernment sheweth that it shall be ouerthrowne Phares this word signifieth a fragment God shall breake thy kingdome and shall diuide it amongst the Medes and Persians When the king had heard this interpretation hee was very sorrowfull according as the nature of things so desastrous and so apparant required Notwithstanding he delaied not to performe those presents which he had promised the Prophet although as he well perceiued the words aboaded him ill and gaue him all that which he promised him considering with himselfe that it was his owne destinie that he ought to accuse and not Daniel who like a vertuous man had declared the truth of things notwithstanding they were very vnfauorie in his eare Not long after this Balthasar and the Citie were ouerthrowne and taken by Cyrus king of Persia and his army For this was that Balthasar vnder whom and in the seuenteenth yeere of whose raigne the surprisal of Babylon hapned This as farre as I could gather was the end of king Nabuchodonosors posteritie Darius who with his allie Cyrus had destroied the estate of the Babylonians was threescore and two yeeres olde at such time as he tooke Babylon He was Astyages sonne and is otherwaies called by the Greekes He tooke the Prophet Daniel and led him with him into Media and kept him neere vnto him doing him much honour for he was of the number of the three gouernors whom he constituted ouer three hundreth and threescore prouinces for so had Darius commanded it Now Daniel being thus honoured and beloued by Darius and onely trusted by him in all things for that God was with him was grieuously hated for they are most hainously hated who haue greatest interest in Princes fauours Whereas therefore they that were iealous of the good esteeme which he had with Darius sought occasion to calumniate and backbite him he warily cut off all opportunitie thereof for he would neither be bribed with siluer nor corrupted with presents supposing it to be an act of much dishonestie to receiue gifts after a man had done any curtesies He therefore gaue his maligners no manner of ground to detract from his reputation Yet notwithstanding they seeing they could finde no hole in his coat whereby his honour might be touched blamed or calumniated they sought out a new meanes to disgrace him For they perceiuing that Daniel did thrise euerie day make his praiers vnto God they supposed that they had found a iust pretext to worke his ruine For which cause they came vnto Darius certifying him that the princes and gouernours had concluded to gither to this effect That for thirtie daies space an intermission should be granted to the people during which time it was neither lawfull for them to demaund any thing neither of himselfe or of any man or God whatsoeuer and if any man should attempt any thing against this common decree it was ordered that he should be cast into the Lyons denne But the King perceiuing not the drift of their malice nor how they sought by this deuise to entrappe Daniel told them that he liked of the decree and promised to confirme the same and propounded a publike edict wherein the princes resolutions were ratified Now whilest all men endeuoured thorow seare carefully and diligently to obserue this edict Daniel set light thereby and according to his accustomed manner standing in all mens sight he worshipped his God and prayed vnto him Whereupon the princes hauing got that occasiō which they long expected came readily vnto the king accused Daniel for that he onely amongst the rest had presumed to infringe their decree vrging moreouer that he did it not for the religion sake that was in him but because he was obserued and watcht by his maligners And for that they feared least Darius by reason of the great affection he bare vnto Daniel should be ready to pardon him notwithstanding he had transgressed their edict they concluded vpon no milder iudgement but that he might be cast into the Lyons denne according to the forme of the edict Darius hoping that God would deliuer Daniel and that no harme should befall him by the iawes of wilde beasts exhorted him patiently to endure that aduenture Now as soone as he was cast into the den the king sealed vp the stone that closed the mouth thereof and departed spending all that night without repast or repose so grieuously was he distempered in Daniels behalfe And when the day was come as soone as he arose he came vnto the den and finding the seale vnbroken wherewith he had marked the stone he opened the same and called vnto Daniel with a'loud voice asking him if he were whole and in safetie He hearing the king speake answered that he had receiued no hurt whereupon Darius commanded that they should draw him out of the Lyons den His aduersaries perceiuing that Daniel had escaped all inconueniences because that God had taken care of him would not that he should escape and thereupon told the king that the Lyons did
that the gouernment which she enioyed during her life time was after her death distracted with infinite troubles and calamities wherewith her family was replenished And notwithstanding her regiment after this manner yet during her life time she kept the kingdome in peace And thus died Alexandra THE XIIII BOOKE OF THE ANTIQVITIES OF THE IEWES WRITTEN BY FLAVIVS IOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the 14. booke 1 How after the death of Alexandra her youngest sonne Aristobulus made warre against his brother Hircanus for the kingdome who obtaining the victorie compelled Hircanus to flie into a castle in Ierusalem And how after it was agreed and concluded between them that Aristobulus should be king and Hircanus liue as a priuate man without dignitie 2 Of the race of Antipater and how he purchaseth renowme great power and authoritie both to himselfe and his children and of the flight of Hircanus to Aretas king of Arabia 3 Aristobulus being vanquished is pursued as farre as Ierusalem 4 Hircanus and Aristobulus send Embassadours to Scaurus to request his aid and succour 5 Aristobulus and Hircanus present themselues before Pompey to debate their titles touching the kingdome 6 Pompey is seazed of the fortresses by a warlike stratageme 7 They of Ierusalem shut their gates against the Romans 8 Pompey taketh the Temple and lower part of the citie by force 9 Scaurus maketh warre against Aretas and by the perswasion sollicitation of Antipater maketh aleague with him 10 Alexander being ouercome by Gabinius retireth himselfe into a castle where he is shut vp and besieged 11 Aristobulus escaping out of prison flieth from Rome who being taken againe in Iudaea by Gabinius is sent backe prisoner to Rome 12 Crassus warring against the Parthians passeth through Iewrie and spoyleth the Treasurie of the Temple 13 Pompey retireth into Epirus and Scipio commeth into Syria 14 Caesars voyage into Egypt wherein the Iewes do him faithfull seruice 15 Antipaters valiant acts and the amitie betwixt him and Caesar. 16 Caesars letters and the Senates decree as touching the friendship betwixt the Iewes and Romans 17 Antipater committeth the gouernment of Galilee to his sonne Herod and that of Ierusalem to Phasaelus his other sonne and how Sextus Caesar aduāced Herode to great honour and dignitie 18 Cassius afflicteth Iurie and exacteth eight hundreth talents 19 Malichus poisoneth Antipater 20 Herode putteth Malichus to death by Cassius commandement 21 Antigonus the sonne of Aristobulus seeking to recouer his fathers kingdome by the aide of the King of Tyre is discomfited and driuen out of Iudaea by Herod 22 Herod meeting Antonius in Bithynia winneth his fauour with a great summe of money to the intent he should giue no ◅are to his accusers 23 Antonius arriuing in the prouince of Syria establisheth Herode and Phasaelus for Tetrarches 24 The Parthians make warre in Syria to restore Antigonus the sonne of Aristobulus to the kingdome 25 The Parthians take Hircanus and Phasaelus prisoners and lead them away 26 Herode at Rome is declared King of Iury by the Senate 27 Herode returneth from Rome and fighteth against Antigonus 28 Antigonus is discomfited by Sosius and Herode CHAP. I. How after the Contention betweene the two brethren touching the kingdome it was agreed that Aristobulus should be king and Hircanus liue as a priuate man WE haue alreadie intreated in our former Booke both of the actes and death of Queene Alexandra it now remaineth at this present to prosecute and continue the sequell of our History to the end that we neither omit any thing thorow ignorance or burie ought in forgetfulnes For they that make profession to write Histories and to recite such things as are obserued by antiquitie ought not onely studiously to conforme their stile but also to beautifie the same with the ornaments of eloquence to the intent the reader may conuerse in their writings with the more delectation But aboue all things they must haue an especiall care so exactly to set downe the truth that they who know not how these things came to passe may be the more duely and fitly informed When as therefore Hircanus had taken vpon him the high Priesthood in the third yeere of the hundreth seuentie and seuenth Olympiade and in the yeere that Q. Hortensius and Q. Metellus called the Cretensian were consuls at Rome Aristobulus sodainly vndertooke the warre against Hircanus and fought with him neere vnto Iericho where a great number of Hircanus followers submitted themselues of their owne accord to Aristobulus Thorow which accident Hircanus was inforced to fly to the fortresse of the higher citie wherein Alexandra Aristobulus mother had imprisoned both his wife and children as before this it is specified The rest of his faction for feare of his brother who had gotten the victory retired themselues within the enclosure of the temple where they were besieged and taken After this a peace was intreated of betwixt both the brethren and their different was accorded in this manner that Hircanus should passe the remnant of his life without entermedling with affaires of estate but should onely intend his security and peace and Aristobulus should commaund the kingdome This league was ratified betweene them in the temple and confirmed with othes coniunction of hands and embraces in the sight of all the people which being finished Aristobulus retired himselfe into the pallace and Hircanus to Aristobulus lodging to lead a priuate and quiet life CHAP. II. Of the race of Antipater and how he is aduanced to high estate and how Hircanus flieth to Aretas King of Arabia BVt acertaine friend of Hircanus by nation an Idumaean and by name Antipater being wel monied and by nature both factious and industrious and thorow ambition but badly affected toward Aristobulus the rather for that he affected Hircanus faction began to stir much trouble True it is that Nicholas Damascene writeth of this man that he was descended from the noblest amongst those Iewes who returned from out of Babylon into Iury but this he did of set purpose to gratifie Herode Antipaters sonne who by a casualtie became afterwards King of the Iewes as we will expresse hereafter in time and place conuenient This Antipater was at the first called Antipas according to his fathers name who as it is reported was made gouernour of all Idumaea by king Alexander and his wife and afterwards made a league with the Arabians Gazeans and Ascalonites corrupting them and insinuating himselfe into their fauours by diuers great presents bestowed vpon them This young Antipater considering with himselfe what Aristobulus power was and fearing least some mischiefe might be fall him thorow the hatred the young king had conceiued against him he communicated with certaine of the greatest reckoning amongst the lewes and secretly and cunningly incensed them against Aristobulus telling them that they had done amisse both to see and suffer Aristobulus to detaine the kingdome vniustly in his hands and to dispossesse
Agrippa had not beene in Rome For he seeing that the matter was handled to the disaduantage of the Iewes besought Agrippina the Emperours wife that she would labour her husband in such sort that he would be pleased to take full knowledge of that which was done and that afterwards he should execute due iustice on those whom he found guiltie of that sedition Claudius fauourably gaue eare to this request and hearing the whole matter he found that the Samaritanes were the first authors of all those mischiefes and caused them to be put to death who came before him to pleade and banished Cumanus he gaue order also that captaine Celer should be sent backe to Ierusalem and that there in sight of all the people he should be dragged about the Citie vntil he died Furthermore he sent Claudius Foelix Pallas brother to gouerne Iudaea In the twelfth yeere of his raigne he gaue Agrippa Philips Tetrarchy with Batanea and besides that annexed thereunto Trachonitis and Abila which in times past appertained to Lysanias Tetrarchy taking from him the prouince of Chalcis which he had gouerned for the space of foure yeeres After that Agrippa had obtained this gift at Caesars hands he married his sister Drusilla to Azizus king of the Emesenians who consented to be circumcised because Epiphanes king Antiochus sonne would not giue care vnto the marriage for that he refused to entertaine the religion of the Iewes although in times past he had promised his father no lesse He gaue Mariamme also to Archelaus Chelcias sonne who by her fathers consent was before time promised him on whom he begat a daughter called Bernice A little after this the marriage of Azizus and Drusilla was broken off on this occasion following At such time as Foelix gouerned Iewrie he saw Drusilla and was surprised with her loue for that she surpassed all other women in beautie He therefore sent her a certaine Magician called Simon who was borne in Cypris and one of his greatest friends among the Iewes who perswaded her to forsake her first husband and to marrie with Foelix giuing her to vnderstand that she should be happy if she refused not this match She vnaduised and resolued to rid her selfe from the enuious affection which her sister Bernice bare towards her who hated her in regard of her beautie and for this occasion ceased not to iniurie her she condiscended to forsake the religion of the Iewes and to marrie with Foelix by whom she had a sonne who was called Agrippa His death hereafter will I declare and how in the Emperour Tiberius time he died and was burned in the fire of the mountaine Veâ—…ius with his wife Bernice remained a widow verie long time after Herodes death who was both her vncle and her husband and the report was that she had the company of her brother Finally she wrought so much that Polemon king of Cilicia caused himselfe to be circumcised to the end he might espouse her purposing by that means to make it knowne how falsely she had been accused Wherunto Polemon gaue eare because she was rich But this marriage continued not any long time For Bernice thorow her impudencie as it is reported abandoned Polemon who giuing ouer that marriage forsooke also the religion of the Iewes At the same time Mariamme hauing refused Archelaus her husband married with Demetrius one of the chiefest Iewes that were in Alexandria both in regard of his descent as also his riches who at that time also exercised the office of Alubarcha that is to say the gouernour of Arabia She caused the sonne she had by him to be called Agrippinus But of all this will I speake more exactly hereafter The Emperour Claudius died after he had raigned thirteene yeeres eight moneths and twentie daies Some say that he was poisoned by Agrippina his wife the daughter of Germanicus Claudius brother which was first married to Domitius Oenobarbus one of the greatest men of Rome after whose death and long widowhood she was finally married to Claudius into whose house she brought her sonne called Domitius by his owne fathers name Claudius had before time put Messalina his wife to death for the iealousie that he had of her although he had had children by her namely Britannicus and Octauius He had Octaâ—…ia also by his first wife Paetina which was elder then her brethren and was married to Nero whom Claudius so named and adopted for his sonne Agrippina fearing least Britannicus growing to mans estate should succeed his father in the Empire and desirous to make her owne sonne Emperor as it is reported she left nothing vnattempted that might bring her husband to his death and presently sent Bâ—…rrus who was generall of the army with certaine other captains and those of greatest power amongst his freemen to bring Nero into the field and to proclaime him Emperour He being thus established in the Empire caused Britannicus to be secretly poisoned and not long after this he openly caused his mother to be put to death yeelding her this recompence not onely for that she had borne him in her wombe but also for that by her pollicies he had obtained the Empire He likewise murthered Octauia his wife and diuers other noble men vnder colour of some conspiracie intended against him But I will no further prosecute this matter for that there are diuers who haue composed Neros historie of whom some haue had no regard of the truth but haue spoken at their pleasure for that he had been their benefactor othersome transported with hatâ—…ed and despite against him haue not been ashamed to publish such impudent lies against his renowne as they deserue to be condemned Neither doe I wonder that they haue inuented so many lies against Nero considering that in those histories which they wrote as touching the precedent Emperours they haue not studied to speake truth although they had not any occasion to hate them considering that they liued a long time after their death But let these contemners of truth write as them listeth for that they seeme to take delight in that licence For mine owne part I am intended to write nothing but the truth neither stand I much on that which concemeth not the matter which I intreat of purposing in all truth and diligence to declare that which hath befallen our nation of the Iewes without omitting of either their misfortunes or follies that haue proceeded with them I will therefore returne to the discouerie of our affaires Azizus king of Emesene being dead the first yeere of the Emperour Neros raigne his brother obtained the kingdome Aristobulus the sonne of Herode king of Chalcis had the gouernment of the signiorie of the lesser Armenia from Neros hands Caesar gaue Agrippa a certaine portion of Galilee commanding those of Tiberias and Tarichaea to liue vnder him Besides this he gaue him Iulias scituate beyond Iordan with fourteene burroughs neere adioyning thereunto CHAP.
of the Israelites that were numbred Dauid hauing election of three sorts of punishment chose the plague A huge slaughter of those that died of the pastâ—…lence that was iâ—…flicted by God Dauid prayed for the innocent people A commaundement to â—…ld an Altar The yeare of the world 2930. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1034. Oronna the Iebusite supra lib. 7. ch 3 called Orphona Oronna giueth Dauid his floore The summe that was paied for the threshing floore The place of the Altar that was built Gen 22. Supra li. 1. ch 13 Hedio Ruffinus chap. 14. The workmen allotted for the building of the Temple 1 Paral. 22. Dauid gathereth great store of iron brasse wood The building of Salomons Temple is commaunded Dauid counâ—…elleth Salomon â—…o honour God The yeare of the world 2930. before Christs Natiuity 1034. The treasure that was gathered towards the building of the Temple The assistants that Salomon had in building the teÌ„ple The commandement as touching the Arke and laying vp al other sacred vtensils within the Temple Hedio Ruffinus chap. 15. Dauid groweth old and numbe Abisace warmeth him 3. Reg. 1. Adonias affecteth the kingdome The yeare of the world 2931. before Christ birth 1033. Bethsabe by NathaÌ„s perswa sion certifieth Daiud of Adonias vsurpatioÌ„ The yeare of the world 2931. before Christs Natiuitie 1033. The kingdome is confirmed to Salomon by an oth Salomon is annointed king and placed in his fathers throne Adonias for feare of the kings displeasure flieth from his banquet and taketh hold of the hornes of the Altar Dauid numbreth the Leuites and distribuith their offices 1. Paral 13. The diuision of the Priests into 24. kinreds 2. Paral. 24. The yeare of the world 2931. before Christs Natiuitie 1033. He deuided the Leuites into 24. parts Moses posteritie appointed to keepe the diuine treasure 1 Paral. 26. The army deuided into 12 parts 1. Paral. 27. Dauid assembling the gouernors of the tribes commendeth his son Salomon to theÌ„ 1. Paral. 28. Dauid giueth his sonne the modle of the Temple The princes of the people gaue a huge summe of gold siluer brasse precious stones towards the building of the Temple The yeare of the world 2931. before Christs birth 1033. 1 Par. 29. The â—…fices and â—…stiuall solemâ—…ed vpon Salomons coronation Hedio Ruffinus ch 16. 3. Reg. 2. Dauids last counsaile to Salomon Dauid willeth Salomon to punish Ioab Dauid coÌ„mendeth Berzillai sonnes to Salomon How Simei should be punished The yeares of the age and raigne togither with the vertues of Dauid The yeare of the world 2923 before Christs birth 10â—… The sumptuous sepulchre of Dauid Hircanus taâ—…th a huge summe of money out of Dauids tombe Herode spoyleth Dauids sepulcher The reare of the world 2931. before Christ birth 1033. 3. Reg. 2. Salomon king of Israel after Dauids death The yeare of the world 2931. before Christi Natiuitie 1033. Adonias requireth Abisace to wife Adonias is slaine Abiathar is dispossessed of the priesthood The genealogy of the high Priest Sadoc Ioab is slaine Banaia is substituted in his place The yeare of the world 29â—…1 before Christs Natiuitie 1033. Sadoc obtaineth Abiathars place in the Priesthood Simeies punishment and death Hedio Ruffinus chap. 2. 3. Reg 3. Salomon marieth the king of Egypts daughter and establisheth the kingdome God appeareth to Salomon by night in a dreame and willeth him to â—…ke that which most of all he desired Salomon requireth wisedome at Gods hands who with it giueth him riches and honours also The yeare of the world 2931. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1033. Two women accuse one an other for â—…chaunge of their children Salomon coÌ„mandeth both the children to be deuided into two parts Salomon by the speech and gesture of the women discouereth the true mother Salomons gouernours and captaines 3. Reg 4. The happy peace of the Israelites in Salomons time Salomons daily expences Salomons chariots and horsemen The yeare of the world 2931. before Christs Natiuity 1033. Salomons prudence and wisedome Salomons methode in coniuration whereby he cast out diuels The author in this place abuseth the giftes of God bestowed on Salomon in extending them to those artes which are sorbidden by the expresse word of God A Iew casteth out diuels Hirams embassadours to Salomon 3. Reg 5. Salomon requireth carpenters and workemen from Hiram Hiram promiseth Salomon wood and in steed thereof requireth corne The yeare of the world 2931. before Christs birth 1033. The truth of Iosephs history The king sendeth Hâ—… great quantity of wheat oyle and wine The order of the carpenters in Libanus The order of the malons and other workmen Hedio Ruffinus ch 9. 3. Reg. 6. When the building of the temple began The depth of the foundatioÌ„s of the temple The height length and breadth of the temple The porch before the teÌ„ple The cels which were builded in the circuit of the temple The beames and wals beautified with gold The yeare of the 〈◊〉 2933 before Christs birth 1031. Winding staires The temple deuided into two parts Two cherubims The pauement gates and all other things in the temple beautified with gold Salomon sendeth to Hiram for Vram a cunning workman 3. Reg. 7. A vessel called the brasen sea Ten brasen bases of the lauer Ten round lauers The yeare of the world 2933. before the Natiuitie of Christ. 1031. The vse of the sea and the other ten lauers The Altar and vessels appertaining to the same The Table of sacâ—…ed bread The candlesticke The cuppes and vials The bowles The censors Priestâ—… garmeÌ„â—… Instruments of musicke The inclosure before the temple The Fanâ—… The huge treÌ„ches where in the foundation of the temple was laid filled Hedio Ruffinus chap. 4 3. Reg 8. Salomons temple was consecrated in the moneth of October The Arke is caried into the temple The yeare of the world 2941. before Christs Natiuity 1023. The Priests place the arke of God in the sanctuarie and in it the tables of stone wherin the tenne commaundements were written The candlesticke table and altar of gold The bâ—…asen altar A cloud in the tabeinacle Salomons praier vnto God Godimmeasurable The cause why the temple was builded God is true in his promises Salomons praier wherein he thanketh God for his benefits and beseecheth his future protection The yeare of the world 2941. before Christs Natiuitie 1023. Salomon humbly beleecheth God that he will protect this temple as his own house He prâ—…ieth that â—…angers may be heard aâ—… 〈◊〉 this place A 〈◊〉 from heauen consumeth Salomons sacrifies 3. Reg. 8. Salomon exhorteth the people to praise God and to giue him thanke and to pray vnto him 3. Reg. 8. Salomons sacrifices in the dedication of the Temple The feast of Tabernacles The king dismisseth the people 3. Reg. 9. God appeareth againe to Salomon and promiseth him all blessings if he swarued not from his fathers precepts A grieuous commination against the Israelites if they fall from the way
Christs birth 69. The Romanes retire without obtaining their purpose Vespasian erecteth higher platformes and towers The Citizens of Iotapata valiantly sustaine the siege The taking in of Iapha by Traiane The Iewes shut vp by the Romans between two wals are slaine Twelue thousand Iewes slaine Titus with his forces commeth to Iapha A sharpe skirmish within the towne betweene the Galileans and the Romans The yeare of the world 4031. after the birth of Christ. 69. The assembly of the Samaritans on the mountaine Garizin Want of water in the mountaine Garizin Eleuen Thousand and sixe hundreth Samaritās slain◅ A fugitiue certifieth the weake estate of the citizen◅ of Iotapata how few they were The Romans enter the citie whilst the Iew◅ are a sleepe The yeare of the world 4031. after Christs birth 69. The Romans are touched with no mercy nor compassiō The fight of the Iewes with the Romans in the tower Antonius slain by a Iewe thorow treason Fortie thousād Iewes perish during the siege and in the former battels Ioseph lept into a deepe trench and lyeth hidden in a caue Vespasian by Tribunes sendeth Ioseph assurance Nicanor the tribune known to Ioseph Iosephs dream of the slaughter of the Iewes Ioseph filled with the spirit of God secretly praieth Ioseph consenteth to Nicanor The yeare of the world 4031. after Christs Natiuitie 69. The Iewes violence and expostulation against Ioseph Iosephs oration to his countrey men It is a goodly matter to die for libertie but yet to die fighting The similitude of a sayler It is against the commō course of nature for a man to kill himselfe yea and a hanoue sinne against God The soule is immortall and aportiō of God placed in our bodies God reuenge◅ him on the autors of iniuries The custome of ancient Iewes and how they delt with those that slue themselues Iosephs peroration The yeere of the world 4031. after Christs birth 69. Ioseph is in great daunger to be slaine Another pollicy of Ioseph Iosephs fellowes die by lots and Ioseph and another are reserued Ioseph resorteth to Vespasian with Nicanor An example of Titus grace and mercy towards Ioseph Ioseph hath priuate consetēce with Vespasian Ioseph foretelleth Vespasian of his future honours Iosephs truth in all things The yeere of the world 4031. after Christs birth 69. Ioseph is kept bound yet rewarded by Vespasian Cesarca a great Citie by the Sea side inhabited for the most part by Greekes Scythopolis Ioppe the retreate of the seditious and theeues Of Andromeda read 4. Ouid Metamorph A huge tempest drowneth those of Ioppe in the Sea Foure thousand and two hundreth bodies cast out Vespasian taketh Ioppe and encampeth in the Castle Fame it selfe declareth the destruction of Iotapata The yeare of the world 4031. after Christs birth 69. Ioseph is said to be slaine in Ierusalem The hatred malice wrath in Ierusalem against Ioseph Vespasian com meth vnto Agrippas kingdome and recreateth himselfe there and feasteth twentie dayes Valerianus peaceably speaketh to the townes-men The seditious sally out and put the Romans to flight The Citizens of Tyberias prostrate them selues before Vespasian and obtaine pardon The yeare of the world 4031. after the birth of Christ. 69. The Tiberians entertain Vespasian with acclamations Vespasian besiegeth Tarichea The Romans driue the Iews to their ships Titus Oration to his terrified souldiers Iewes are not to be feared Victorie consisteth not in the multitude but in the courage of a few that fight valiantly The yeare of the world 4031. after Christs birth 69. The Romans haue greater cause of warre then the Iewes It becommeth souldiers to obey their captaine Vespasian sendeth new supplies to Titus The Iewes flie into the Citie A bitter dissension and sedition in the citie Titus Oration to the Roman souldiers Iesus with his followers flieth into the fields Titus certifieth his father of his exploits and victorie The yeare of the world 4031. after Christs birth c 9. The fountaine of Iordan The description of Genezar The fertilitie of Genezar The length and breadth of Genezar A fight by sea against the Taricheans The yeere of the world 4031. after Christs birth 69. Vespasians victorie in the lake of Genezar against the Taricheās The end of the battell by sea in which there died sixe thousand and fiue hundreth men Vespasian con◅ulteth with his chieftains about the Iewes The destruction and sale of the Iewes The yeare of the world 4031. af◅er Christs Na◅iuitie 69. The victorie of the Romans against the Iewes Semechonitis a lake The fountaine of Iordan The situation of Gamala The Citie of Gamala inexpugnable and strong Vespasian besieged Gamala One with a sling woundeth Agrippa The Romans besiege Gamala and assault the same The yeere of the world 4031. after Christs birth 69. The Romans fal downe with the ruines of the Iewes houses Many Romans slaine spoyled Vespasians fortitude and war like valour Vespasians fight with the Iewes Gallus with ten souldiers lieth hid in a certaine house Vespasian comforteth his souldiers The inconstancie and mutabilitie of fortune The yeare of the world 4031. after the birth of Christ. 69. The Roman souldiers do all things with discretion The Romans once more attempt the assault of Gamala The height of the mountaine Itaburium Fraud paide with fraud Placidus victorie The Romans vndermine a certain tower and it falleth with a great noise The yeare of the world 4031. after Christs birth 69. Titus with two hūdreth horse besides chosen footmen entreth Gamala The top of the Castle of Gamala stonie hard to be climed The Romans victorie by Gods prouidence Nine thousand Iewes slaine in Gamala and only two women escape The yeare of the world 4032. after Christs birth 70. Iohn a poisoner and a deceitfull man inforceth the Citizens of Giscala to rebell Vespasian foreseeth his no small trouble in the siege of Ierusalem Titus his compassiō towards those of Giscala The yeare of the world 4032. af◅ter Christs Na◅iuitie 70. Titus his merciful oration to those of Giscala Iohns answere to Titus exhortation Iohn reserued by Gods prouidence to be at the siege of Ierusalem The feare of those Iewes that fled with Iohn The citizens of Giscala entertaine Titus with all obedience The yeare of the world 4032. after Christs birth 70. Titus mercy to his enemies It is better to leaue an enemie in susp◅nce thorow feare then with the guiltie to confound the innocent The courage of Iohn and those that fled with him stirreth vp the Iewes to make warre against the Romans Intestine discord in Iurie The Iewes turn their weapons against themselues The theeues trouping togither in Ierusalem spoile the countrey The yeere of the world 4032. after Christs birth 70. Rapines and spoyles committed by day time The nobilitie of the Citie are taken and slaine by the theeues The theeues at their pleasure make a high Priest A high Priest chosen by thē contrarie to the ancient custome Phanes a countrie clowne made a high Priest The best