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diff --git a/2848-h/2848-h.htm b/2848-h/2848-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7b5cc29 --- /dev/null +++ b/2848-h/2848-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,53698 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Antiquities of the Jews, by Flavius Josephus + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS ***</div> + <h1> + THE ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Flavius Josephus + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + Translated by William Whiston + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <h2> + CONTENTS + </h2> + <h3> + <a href="#linkpre2H_PREF"> <b>PREFACE</b> </a> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkpre2H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK I. Containing The Interval Of Three + Thousand Eight Hundred And Thirty-Three Years. — From The Creation + To The Death Of Isaac.</b> </a> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. The Constitution Of The World And + The Disposition Of The Elements. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. Concerning The Posterity Of Adam, + And The Ten Generations From Him To The Deluge. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. Concerning The Flood; And After What + Manner Noah Was Saved In An Ark, With His Kindred, And Afterwards Dwelt + In The Plain Of Shinar. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. Concerning The Tower Of Babylon, And + The Confusion Of Tongues. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. After What Manner The Posterity Of + Noah Sent Out Colonies, And Inhabited The Whole Earth. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How Every Nation Was Denominated + From Their First Inhabitants. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. How Abram Our Forefather Went Out Of + The Land Of The Chaldeans, And Lived In The Land Then Called Canaan But + Now Judea. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. That When There Was A Famine In + Canaan, Abram Went Thence Into Egypt; And After He Had Continued There A + While He Returned Back Again. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. The Destruction Of The Sodomites By + The Assyrian War. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. How Abram Fought With The + Assyrians, And Overcame Them, And Saved The Sodomite Prisoners, And Took + From The Assyrians The Prey They Had Gotten. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. How God Overthrew The Nation Of The + Sodomites, Out Of His Wrath Against Them For Their Sins. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12. Concerning Abimelech; And + Concerning Ismael The Son Of Abraham; And Concerning The Arabians, Who + Were His Posterity. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13. Concerning Isaac The Legitimate Son + Of Abraham. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER 14. Concerning Sarah Abraham's Wife; + And How She Ended Her Days. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER 15. How The Nation Of The Troglodytes + Were Derived From Abraham By Keturah. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER 16. How Isaac Took Rebeka To Wife. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER 17. Concerning The Death Of Abraham. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER 18. Concerning The Sons Of Isaac, Esau + And Jacob; Of Their Nativity And Education. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER 19. Concerning Jacob's Flight Into + Mesopotamia, By Reason Of The Fear He Was In Of His Brother. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER 20. Concerning The Meeting Of Jacob And + Esau. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER 21. Concerning The Violation Of Dina's + Chastity. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER 22. How Isaac Died, And Was Buried In + Hebron. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES: </a> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#link22H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK II. Containing The Interval Of Two + Hundred And Twenty Years.—From The Death Of Isaac To The Exodus + Out Of Egypt.</b> </a> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. How Esau And Jacob, Isaac's Sons + Divided Their Habitation; And Esau Possessed Idumea And Jacob Canaan. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. How Joseph, The Youngest Of Jacob's + Sons, Was Envied By His Brethren, When Certain Dreams Had Foreshown His + Future Happiness. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How Joseph Was Thus Sold By His + Brethren Into Egypt, By Reason Of Their Hatred To Him; And How He There + Grew Famous And Illustrious And Had His Brethren Under His Power. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. Concerning The Signal Chastity Of + Joseph. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. What Things Befell Joseph In + Prison. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How Joseph When He Was Become + Famous In Egypt, Had His Brethren In Subjection. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. The Removal Of Joseph's Father With + All His Family, To Him, On Account Of The Famine. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. Of The Death Of Jacob And Joseph. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Afflictions That + Befell The Hebrews In Egypt, During Four Hundred Years. [16] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. How Moses Made War With The + Ethiopians. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. How Moses Fled Out Of Egypt Into + Midian. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12. Concerning The Burning Bush And + The Rod Of Moses. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13. How Moses And Aaron Returned Into + Egypt To Pharaoh. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0014"> CHAPTER 14. Concerning The Ten Plagues Which + Came Upon The Egyptians. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0015"> CHAPTER 15. How The Hebrews Under The Conduct + Of Moses Left Egypt. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22HCH0016"> CHAPTER 16. How The Sea Was Divided Asunder + For The Hebrews, When They Were Pursued By The Egyptians, And So Gave + Them An Opportunity Of Escaping From Them. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link22H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link32H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK III. Containing The Interval Of + Two Years.—From The Exodus Out Of Egypt, To The Rejection Of That + Generation.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. How Moses When He Had Brought The + People Out Of Egypt Led Them To Mount Sinai; But Not Till They Had + Suffered Much In Their Journey. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. How The Amalekites And The + Neighbouring Nations, Made War With The Hebrews And Were Beaten And Lost + A Great Part Of Their Army. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. That Moses Kindly Received-His + Father-In-Law, Jethro, When He Came To Him To Mount Sinai. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. How Raguel Suggested To Moses To + Set His People In Order, Under Their Rulers Of Thousands, And Rulers Of + Hundreds, Who Lived Without Order Before; And How Moses Complied In All + Things With His Father-In-Law's Admonition. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How Moses Ascended Up To Mount + Sinai, And Received Laws From God, And Delivered Them To The Hebrews. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. Concerning The Tabernacle Which + Moses Built In The Wilderness For The Honor Of God And Which Seemed To + Be A Temple. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. Concerning The Garments Of The + Priests, And Of The High Priest. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. Of The Priesthood Of Aaron. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. The Manner Of Our Offering + Sacrifices. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. Concerning The Festivals; And How + Each Day Of Such Festival Is To Be Observed. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. Of The Purifications. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12. Several Laws. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13. Moses Removed From Mount Sinai, + And Conducted The People To The Borders Of The Canaanites. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0014"> CHAPTER 14. How Moses Sent Some Persons To + Search Out The Land Of The Canaanites, And The Largeness Of Their + Cities; And Further That When Those Who Were Sent Were Returned, After + Forty Days And Reported That They Should Not Be A Match For Them, And + Extolled The Strength Of The Canaanites The Multitude Were Disturbed And + Fell Into Despair; And Were Resolved To Stone Moses, And To Return Back + Again Into Egypt, And Serve The Egyptians. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32HCH0015"> CHAPTER 15. How Moses Was Displeased At This, + And Foretold That God Was Angry And That They Should Continue In The + Wilderness For Forty Years And Not, During That Time, Either Return Into + Egypt Or Take Possession Of Canaan. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link32H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES: </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link42H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK IV. Containing The Interval Of + Thirty-Eight Years.—From The Rejection Of That Generation To The + Death Of Moses.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. Fight Of The Hebrews With The + Canaanites Without The Consent Of Moses; And Their Defeat. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. The Sedition Of Corah And Of The + Multitude Against Moses, And Against His Brother, Concerning The + Priesthood. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How Those That Stirred Up This + Sedition Were Destroyed, According To The Will Of God; And How Aaron, + Moses's Brother Both He And His Posterity, Retained The Priesthood. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. What Happened To The Hebrews During + Thirty-Eight Years In The Wilderness. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How Moses Conquered Sihon And Og + Kings Of The Amorites, And Destroyed Their Whole Army And Then Divided + Their Land By Lot To Two Tribes And A Half Of The Hebrews. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. Concerning Balaam The Prophet And + What Kind Of Man He Was. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. How The Hebrews Fought With The + Midianites, And Overcame Them. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. The Polity Settled By Moses; And + How He Disappeared From Among Mankind. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES: </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link52H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK V. Containing The Interval Of Four + Hundred And Seventy-Six Years.—From The Death Of Moses To The + Death Of Eli.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. How Joshua, The Commander Of The + Hebrews, Made War With The Canaanites, And Overcame Them, And Destroyed + Them, And Divided Their Land By Lot To The Tribes Of Israel. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. How, After The Death Of Joshua + Their Commander, The Israelites Transgressed The Laws Of Their Country, + And Experienced Great Afflictions; And When There Was A Sedition Arisen, + The Tribe Of Benjamin Was Destroyed Excepting Only Six Hundred Men. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How The Israelites After This + Misfortune Grew Wicked And Served The Assyrians; And How God Delivered + Them By Othniel, Who Ruled Over Them Forty Years. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. How Our People Served The Moabites + Eighteen Years, And Were Then Delivered From Slavery By One Ehud Who + Retained The Dominion Eighty Years. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How The Canaanites Brought The + Israelites Under Slavery For Twenty Years; After Which They Were + Delivered By Barak And Deborah, Who Ruled Over Them For Forty Years. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How The Midianites And Other + Nations Fought Against The Israelites And Beat Them, And Afflicted Their + Country For Seven Years, How They Were Delivered By Gideon, Who Ruled + Over The Multitude For Forty Years. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. That The Judges Who Succeeded + Gideon Made War With The Adjoining Nations For A Long Time. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. Concerning The Fortitude Of Samson, + And What Mischiefs He Brought Upon The Philistines. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. How Under Eli's Government Of The + Israelites Booz Married Ruth, From Whom Came Obed The Grandfather Of + David. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. Concerning The Birth Of Samuel; + And How He Foretold The Calamity That Befell The Sons Of Eli. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. Herein Is Declared What Befell The + Sons Of Eli, The Ark, And The People And How Eli Himself Died Miserably. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link62H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK VI. Containing The Interval Of + Thirty-Two Years.—From The Death Of Eli To The Death Of Saul.</b> + </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. The Destruction That Came Upon The + Philistines, And Upon Their Land, By The Wrath Of Go On Account Of Their + Having Carried The Ark Away Captive; And After What Manner They Sent It + Back To The Hebrews. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. The Expedition Of The Philistines + Against The Hebrews And The Hebrews' Victory Under The Conduct Of Samuel + The Prophet, Who Was Their General. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How Samuel When He Was So Infirm + With Old Age That He Could Not Take Care Of The Public Affairs Intrusted + Them To His Sons; And How Upon The Evil Administration Of The Government + By Them The Multitude Were So Angry, That They Required To Have A King + To Govern Them, Although Samuel Was Much Displeased Thereat. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. The Appointment Of A King Over The + Israelites, Whose Name Was Saul; And This By The Command Of God. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. Saul's Expedition Against The + Nation Of The Ammonites And Victory Over Them And The Spoils He Took + From Them. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How The Philistines Made Another + Expedition Against The Hebrews And Were Beaten. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. Saul's War With The Amalekites, And + Conquest Of Them. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. How, Upon Saul's Transgression Of + The Prophet's Commands, Samuel Ordained Another Person To Be King + Privately, Whose Name Was David, As God Commanded Him. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. How The Philistines Made Another + Expedition Against The Hebrews Under The Reign Of Saul; And How They + Were Overcome By David's Slaying Goliath In Single Combat. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. Saul Envies David For His Glorious + Success, And Takes An Occasion Of Entrapping Him, From The Promise He + Made Him Of Giving Him His Daughter In Marriage; But This Upon Condition + Of His Bringing Him Six Hundred Heads Of The Philistines. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. How David, Upon Saul's Laying + Snares For Him, Did Yet Escape The Dangers He Was In By The Affection + And Care Of Jonathan And The Contrivances Of His Wife Michal: And How He + Came To Samuel The Prophet. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12. How David Fled To Ahimelech And + Afterwards To The Kings Of The Philistines And Of The Moabites, And How + Saul Slew Ahimelech And His Family. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13. How David, When He Had Twice The + Opportunity Of Killing Saul Did Not Kill Him. Also Concerning The Death + Of Samuel And Nabal. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62HCH0014"> CHAPTER 14. Now Saul Upon God's Not Answering + Him Concerning The Fight With The Philistines Desired A Necromantic + Woman To Raise Up The Soul Of Samuel To Him; And How He Died, With His + Sons Upon The Overthrow Of The Hebrews In Battle. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES: </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link72H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK VII. Containing The Interval Of + Forty Years.—From The Death Of Saul To The Death Of David.</b> + </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. How David Reigned Over One Tribe At + Hebron While The Son Of Saul Reigned Over The Rest Of The Multitude; And + How, In The Civil War Which Then Arose Asahel And Abner Were Slain. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. That Upon The Slaughter Of + Ishbosheth By The Treachery Of His Friends, David Received The Whole + Kingdom. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How David Laid Siege To Jerusalem; + And When He Had Taken The City, He Cast The Canaanites Out Of It, And + Brought In The Jews To Inhabit Therein. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. That When David Had Conquered The + Philistines Who Made War Against Him At Jerusalem, He Removed The Ark To + Jerusalem And Had A Mind To Build A Temple. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How David Brought Under The + Philistines, And The Moabites, And The Kings Of Sophene And Of Damascus, + And Of The Syrians As Also The Idumeans, In War; And How He Made A + League With The King Of Hamath; And Was Mindful Of The Friendship That + Jonathan, The Son Of Saul, Had Borne Him.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How The War Was Waged Against The + Ammonites And Happily Concluded. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. How David Fell In Love With + Bathsheba, And Slew Her Husband Uriah, For Which He Is Reproved By + Nathan. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. How Absalom Murdered Amnon, Who Had + Forced His Own Sister; And How He Was Banished And Afterwards Recalled + By David. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Insurrection Of + Absalom Against David And Concerning Ahithophel And Hushai; And + Concerning Ziba And Shimei; And How Ahithophel Hanged Himself. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. How, When Absalom Was Beaten, He + Was Caught In A Tree By His Hair And Was Slain. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. How David, When He Had Recovered + His Kingdom, Was Reconciled To Shimei, And To Ziba; And Showed A Great + Affection To Barzillai; And How, Upon The Rise Of A Sedition, He Made + Amasa Captain Of His Host, In Order To Pursue Seba; Which Amasa Was + Slain By Joab. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12. How The Hebrews Were Delivered + From A Famine When The Gibeonites Had Caused Punishment To Be Inflicted + For Those Of Them That Had Been Slain: As Also, What Great Actions Were + Performed Against The Philistines By David, And The Men Of Valor About + Him. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13. That When David Had Numbered the + People, They Were Punished; and How the Divine Compassion Restrained + That Punishment. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0014"> CHAPTER 14. That David Made Great Preparations + For The House Of God; And That, Upon Adonijah's Attempt To Gain The + Kingdom, He Appointed Solomon To Reign. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72HCH0015"> CHAPTER 15. What Charge David Gave Tohis Son + Solomon At The Approach Of His Death, And How Many Things He Left Him + For The Building Of The Temple. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link82H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK VIII. Containing The Interval Of + One Hundred And Sixty-Three Years.—From The Death Of David To The + Death Of Ahab.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. How Solomon, When He Had Received + The Kingdom Took Off His Enemies. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. Concerning The Wife Of Solomon; + Concerning His Wisdom And Riches; And Concerning What He Obtained Of + Hiram For The Building Of The Temple. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. Of The Building Of This Temple </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. How Solomon Removed The Ark Into + The Temple How He Made Supplication To God, And Offered Public + Sacrifices To Him. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How Solomon Built Himself A Royal + Palace, Very Costly And Splendid; And How He Solved The Riddles Which + Were Sent Him By Hiram. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How Solomon Fortified The City Of + Jerusalem, And Built Great Cities; And How He Brought Some Of The + Canaanites Into Subjection, And Entertained The Queen Of Egypt And Of + Ethiopia. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. How Solomon Grew Rich, And Fell + Desperately In Love With Women And How God, Being Incensed At It, Raised + Up Ader And Jeroboam Against Him. Concerning The Death Of Solomon. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. How, Upon The Death Of Solomon The + People Forsook His Son Rehoboam, And Ordained Jeroboam King Over The Ten + Tribes. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. How Jadon The Prophet Was Persuaded + By Another Lying Prophet And Returned [To Bethel,] And Was Afterwards + Slain By A Lion. As Also What Words The Wicked Prophet Made Use Of To + Persuade The King, And Thereby Alienated His Mind From God. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. Concerning Rehoboam, And How God + Inflicted Punishment Upon Him For His Impiety By Shishak [King Of + Egypt]. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. Concerning The Death Of A Son Of + Jeroboam. How Jeroboam Was Beaten By Abijah Who Died A Little Afterward + And Was Succeeded In His Kingdom By Asa. And Also How, After The Death + Of Jeroboam Baasha Destroyed His Son Nadab And All The House Of + Jeroboam.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12. How Zerah, King Of The Ethiopians, + Was Beaten By Asa; And How Asa, Upon Baasha's Making War Against Him, + Invited The King Of The Damascens To Assist Him; And How, On The + Destruction Of The House Of Baasha Zimri Got The Kingdom As Did His Son + Ahab After Him.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13. How Ahab When He Had Taken Jezebel + To Wife Became More Wicked Than All The Kings That Had Been Before Him; + Of The Actions Of The Prophet Elijah, And What Befell Naboth. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0014"> CHAPTER 14. How Hadad King Of Damascus And Of + Syria, Made Two Expeditions Against Ahab And Was Beaten. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0015"> CHAPTER 15. Concerning Jehoshaphat The King Of + Jerusalem And How Ahab Made An Expedition Against The Syrians And Was + Assisted Therein By Jehoshaphat, But Was Himself Overcome In Battle And + Perished Therein. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES: </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link92H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK IX. Containing The Interval Of One + Hundred And Fifty-Seven Years.—From The Death Of Ahab To The + Captivity Of The Ten Tribes.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. Concerning Jehoshaphat Again; How + He Constituted Judges And, By God's Assistance Overcame His Enemies. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. Concerning Ahaziah; The King Of + Israel; And Again Concerning The Prophet Elijah. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How Joram And Jehoshaphat Made An + Expedition Against The Moabites; As Also Concerning The Wonders Of + Elisha; And The Death Of Jehoshaphat. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How + Joram, His Namesake, King Of Israel, Fought With The Syrians; And What + Wonders Were Done By The Prophet Elisha. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. Concerning The Wickedness Of + Jehoram King O Jerusalem; His Defeat And Death. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How Jehu Was Anointed King, And + Slew Both Joram And Ahaziah; As Also What He Did For The Punishment Of + The Wicked. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem + For Five [Six] Years When Jehoiada The High Priest Slew Her And Made + Jehoash, The Son Of Ahaziah, King. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. Hazael Makes An Expedition Against + The People Of Israel And The Inhabitants Of Jerusalem. Jehu Dies, And + Jehoahaz Succeeds In The Government. Jehoash The King Of Jerusalem At + First Is Careful About The Worship Of God But Afterwards Becomes Impious + And Commands Zechariah To Be Stoned. When Jehoash [King Of Judah] Was + Dead, Amaziah Succeeds Him In The Kingdom. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. How Amaziah Made An Expedition + Against The Edomites And Amalekites And Conquered Them; But When He + Afterwards Made War Against Joash, He Was Beaten And Not Long After Was + Slain, And Uzziah Succeeded In The Government. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. Concerning Jeroboam King Of Israel + And Jonah The Prophet; And How After The Death Of Jeroboam His Son + Zachariah Took The Government. How Uzziah, King Of Jerusalem, Subdued + The Nations That Were Round About Him; And What Befell Him When He + Attempted To Offer Incense To God.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. How Zachariah Shallum, Menahem + Pekahiah And Pekah Took The Government Over The Israelites; And How Pul + And Tiglath-Pileser Made An Expedition Against The Israelites. How + Jotham, The Son Of Uzziah Reigned Over The Tribe Of Judah; And What + Things Nahum Prophesied Against The Assyrians. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12. How Upon The Death Of Jotham, Ahaz + Reigned In His Stead; Against Whom Rezin, King Of Syria And Pekah King + Of Israel, Made War; And How Tiglath-Pileser, King Of Assyria Came To + The Assistance Of Ahaz, And Laid Syria Waste And Removing The Damascenes + Into Media Placed Other Nations In Their Room.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13. How Pekah Died By The Treachery Of + Hoshea Who Was A Little After Subdued By Shalmaneser; And How Hezekiah + Reigned Instead Of Ahaz; And What Actions Of Piety And Justice He Did. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92HCH0014"> CHAPTER 14. How Shalmaneser Took Samaria By + Force And How He Transplanted The Ten Tribes Into Media, And Brought The + Nation Of The Cutheans Into Their Country [In Their Room]. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link92H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link102H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK X. Containing The Interval Of One + Hundred And Eighty-Two Years And A Half.—From The Captivity Of The + Ten Tribes To The First Year Of Cyrus.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link102HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. How Sennacherib Made An Expedition + Against Hezekiah; What Threatenings Rabshakeh Made To Hezekiah When + Sennacherib Was Gone Against The Egyptians; How Isaiah The Prophet + Encouraged Him; How Sennacherib Having Failed Of Success In Egypt, + Returned Thence To Jerusalem; And How Upon His Finding His Army + Destroyed, He Returned Home; And What Befell Him A Little Afterward. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link102HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. How Hezekiah Was Sick, And Ready + To Die; And How God Bestowed Upon Him Fifteen Years Longer Life, [And + Secured That Promise] By The Going Back Of The Shadow Ten Degrees. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link102HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How Manasseh Reigned After + Hezekiah; And How When He Was In Captivity He Returned To God And Was + Restored To His Kingdom And Left It To [His Son] Amon. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link102HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. How Amon Reigned Instead Of + Manasseh; And After Amon Reigned Josiah; He Was Both Righteous And + Religious. As Also Concerning Huldah The Prophetess. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link102HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How Josiah Fought With Neco [King + Of Egypt.] And Was Wounded And Died In A Little Time Afterward; As Also + How Neco Carried Jehoahaz, Who Had Been Made King Into Egypt And + Delivered The Kingdom To Jehoiakim; And [Lastly] Concerning Jeremiah And + Ezekiel. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link102HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How Nebuchadnezzar, When He Had + Conquered The King Of Egypt Made An Expedition Against The Jews, And + Slew Jehoiakim, And Made Jeholachin His Son King. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link102HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. That The King Of Babylon Repented + Of Making Jehoiachin King, And Took Him Away To Babylon And Delivered + The Kingdom To Zedekiah. This King Would Not Believe What Was Predicted + By Jeremiah And Ezekiel But Joined Himself To The Egyptians; Who When + They Came Into Judea, Were Vanquished By The King Of Babylon; As Also + What Befell Jeremiah.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link102HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. How The King Of Babylon Took + Jerusalem And Burnt The Temple And Removed The People Of Jerusalem And + Zedekiah To Babylon. As Also, Who They Were That Had Succeeded In The + High Priesthood Under The Kings. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link102HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. How Nebuzaradan Set Gedaliah Over + The Jews That Were Left In Judea Which Gedaliah Was A Little Afterward + Slain By Ishmael; And How Johanan After Ishmael Was Driven Away Went + Down Into Egypt With The People Which People Nebuchadnezzar When He Made + An Expedition Against The Egyptians Took Captive And Brought Them Away + To Babylon.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link102HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. Concerning Daniel And What Befell + Him At Babylon. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link102HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. Concerning Nebuchadnezzar And His + Successors And How Their Government Was Dissolved By The Persians; And + What Things Befell Daniel In Media; And What Prophecies He Delivered + There. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link102H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#link112H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK XI. Containing The Interval Of Two + Hundred And Fifty-Three Years And Five Months.—From The First Of + Cyrus To The Death Of Alexander The Great. </b></a> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link112HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. How Cyrus, King Of The Persians, + Delivered The Jews Out Of Babylon And Suffered Them To Return To Their + Own Country And To Build Their Temple, For Which Work He Gave Them + Money. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link112HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. How Upon The Death Of Cyrus The + Jews Were Hindered In Building Of The Temple By The Cutheans, And The + Neighboring Governors; And How Cambyses Entirely Forbade The Jews To Do + Any Such Thing. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link112HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How After The Death Of Cambyses + And The Slaughter Of The Magi But Under The Reign Of Darius, Zorobabel + Was Superior To The Rest In The Solution Of Problems And Thereby + Obtained This Favor Of The King, That The Temple Should Be Built. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link112HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. How The Temple Was Built While The + Cutheans Endeavored In Vain To Obstruct The Work. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link112HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How Xerxes The Son Of Darius Was + Well Disposed To The Jews; As Also Concerning Esdras And Nehemiah. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link112HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. Concerning Esther And Mordecai And + Haman; And How In The Reign Of Artaxerxes The Whole Nation Of The Jews + Was In Danger Of Perishing. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link112HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. How John Slew His Brother Jesus In + The Temple; And How Bagoses Offered Many Injuries To The Jews; And What + Sanballat Did. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link112HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. Concerning Sanballat And Manasseh, + And The Temple Which They Built On Mount Gerizzim; As Also How Alexander + Made His Entry Into The City Jerusalem, And What Benefits He Bestowed On + The Jews. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link112H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES: </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link122H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK XII. Containing The Interval Of A + Hundred And Seventy Years.—From The Death Of Alexander The Great + To The Death Of Judas Maccabeus. </b></a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link122HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. How Ptolemy The Son Of Lagus Took + Jerusalem And Judea By Deceit And Treachery, And Carried Many Thence, + And Planted Them In Egypt. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link122HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured + The Laws Of The Jews To Be Translated Into The Greek Tongue And Set Many + Captives Free, And Dedicated Many Gifts To God. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link122HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How The Kings Of Asia Honored The + Nation Of The Jews And Made Them Citizens Of Those Cities Which They + Built. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link122HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. How Antiochus Made A League With + Ptolemy And How Onias Provoked Ptolemy Euergetes To Anger; And How + Joseph Brought All Things Right Again, And Entered Into Friendship With + Him; And What Other Things Were Done By Joseph, And His Son Hyrcanus. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link122HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How, Upon The Quarrels One Against + Another About The High Priesthood Antiochus Made An Expedition Against + Jerusalem, Took The City And Pillaged The Temples. And Distressed The + Jews' As Also How Many Of The Jews Forsook The Laws Of Their Country; + And How The Samaritans Followed The Customs Of The Greeks And Named + Their Temple At Mount Gerizzim The Temple Of Jupiter Hellenius. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link122HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How, Upon Antiochus's Prohibition + To The Jews To Make Use Of The Laws Of Their Country Mattathias, The Son + Of Asamoneus, Alone Despised The King, And Overcame The Generals Of + Antiochus's Army; As Also Concerning The Death Of Mattathias, And The + Succession Of Judas.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link122HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. How Judas Overthrew The Forces Of + Apollonius And Seron And Killed The Generals Of Their Armies Themselves; + And How When, A Little While Afterwards Lysias And Gorgias Were Beaten + He Went Up To Jerusalem And Purified The Temple. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link122HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. How Judas Subdued The Nations + Round About; And How Simon Beat The People Of Tyre And Ptolemais; And + How Judas Overcame Timotheus, And Forced Him To Fly Away, And Did Many + Other Things After Joseph And Azarias Had Been Beaten. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link122HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Death Of Antiochus + Epiphane. How Antiochus Eupator Fought Against Juda And Besieged Him In + The Temple And Afterwards Made Peace With Him And Departed; Of Alcimus + And Onias. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link122HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. How Bacchides, The General Of + Demetrius's Army, Made An Expedition Against Judea, And Returned Without + Success; And How Nicanor Was Sent A Little Afterward Against Judas And + Perished, Together With His Army; As Also Concerning The Death Of + Alcimus And The Succession Of Judas. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link122HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. That Bacchides Was Again Sent Out + Against Judas; And How Judas Fell As He Was Courageously Fighting. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link122H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link132H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK XIII. Containing The Interval Of + Eighty-Two Years.—From The Death Of Judas Maccabeus To The Death + Of Queen Alexandra.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. How Jonathan Took The Government + After His Brother Judas; And How He, Together With His Brother Simon, + Waged War Against Bacchides. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. How Alexander [Bala] In His War + With Demetrius, Granted Jonathan Many Advantages And Appointed Him To Be + High Priest And Persuaded Him To Assist Him Although Demetrius Promised + Him Greater Advantages On The Other Side. Concerning The Death </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. The Friendship That Was Between + Onias And Ptolemy Philometor; And How Onias Built A Temple In Egypt Like + To That At Jerusalem. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. How Alexander Honored Jonathan + After An Extraordinary Manner; And How Demetrius, The Son Of Demetrius, + Overcame Alexander And Made A League Of Friendship With Jonathan. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How Trypho After He Had Beaten + Demetrius Delivered The Kingdom To Antiochus The Son Of Alexander, And + Gained Jonathan For His Assistant; And Concerning The Actions And + Embassies Of Jonathan. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How Jonathan Was Slain By + Treachery; And How Thereupon The Jews Made Simon Their General And High + Priest: What Courageous Actions He Also Performed Especially Against + Trypho. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. How Simon Confederated Himself + With Antiochus Pius, And Made War Against Trypho, And A Little + Afterward, Against Cendebeus, The General Of Antiochus's Army; As Also + How Simon Was Murdered By His Son-In-Law Ptolemy, And That By Treachery. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. Hyrcanus Receives The High + Priesthood, And Ejects Ptolemy Out Of The Country. Antiochus Makes War + Against Hyrcanus And Afterwards Makes A League With Him. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. How, After The Death Of Antiochus, + Hyrcanus Made An Expedition Against Syria, And Made A League With The + Romans. Concerning The Death Of King Demetrius And Alexander. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. How Upon The Quarrel Between + Antiochus Grypus And Antiochus Cyzicenus About The Kingdom Hyrcanus + Tooksamaria, And Utterly Demolished It; And How Hyrcaus Joined Himself + To The Sect Of The Sadducees, And Left That Of The Pharisees. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. How Aristobulus, When He Had + Taken The Government First Of All Put A Diadem On His Head, And Was Most + Barbarously Cruel To His Mother And His Brethren; And How, After He Had + Slain Antigonus, He Himself Died. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12. How Alexander When He Had Taken + The Government Made An Expedition Against Ptolemais, And Then Raised The + Siege Out Of Fear Of Ptolemy Lathyrus; And How Ptolemy Made War Against + Him, Because He Had Sent To Cleopatra To Persuade Her To Make War + Against Ptolemy, And Yet Pretended To Be In Friendship With Him, When He + Beat The Jews In The Battle.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13. How Alexander, upon the League of + Mutual Defense Which Cleopatra Had Agreed with Him, Made an Expedition + Against Coelesyria, and Utterly Overthrew the City of Gaza; and How He + Slew Many Ten Thousands of Jews That Rebelled Against Him. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0014"> CHAPTER 14. How Demetrius Eucerus Overcame + Alexander And Yet In A Little Time Retired Out Of The Country For Fear; + As Also How Alexander Slew Many Of The Jews And Thereby Got Clear Of His + Troubles. Concerning The Death Of Demetrius. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0015"> CHAPTER 15. How Antiochus, Who Was Called + Dionysus, And After Him Aretas Made Expeditions Into Judea; As Also How + Alexander Took Many Cities And Then Returned To Jerusalem, And After A + Sickness Of Three Years Died; And What Counsel He Gave To Alexandra.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132HCH0016"> CHAPTER 16. How Alexandra By Gaining The + Good-Will Of The Pharisees, Retained The Kingdom Nine Years, And Then, + Having Done Many Glorious Actions Died. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link132H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link142H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK XIV. Containing The Interval Of + Thirty-Two Years.—From The Death Of Queen Alexandra To The Death + Of Antigonus.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. The War Between Aristobulus And + Hyrcanus About The Kingdom; And How They Made Anagreement That + Aristobulus Should Be King, And Hyrcanus Live A Private Life; As Also + How Hyrcanus A Little Afterward Was Persuaded By Antipater To Fly To + Aretas.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. How Aretas And Hyrcanus Made An + Expedition Against Aristobulus And Besieged Jerusalem; And How Scaurus + The Roman General Raised The Siege. Concerning The Death Of Onias. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How Aristobulus And Hyrcanus Came + To Pompey In Order To Argue Who Ought To Have The Kingdom; And How Upon + The Plight Of Aristobulus To The Fortress Alexandrium Pompey Led His + Army Against Him And Ordered Him To Deliver Up The Fortresses Whereof He + Was Possessed.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. How Pompey When The Citizens Of + Jerusalem Shut Their Gates Against Him Besieged The City And Took It By + Force; As Also What Other Things He Did In Judea. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How Scaurus Made A League Of + Mutual Assistance With Aretas; And What Gabinius Did In Judea, After He + Had Conquered Alexander, The Son Of Aristobulus. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How Gabinius Caught Aristobulus + After He Had Fled From Rome, And Sent Him Back To Rome Again; And Now + The Same Gabinius As He Returned Out Of Egypt Overcame Alexander And The + Nabateans In Battle. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. How Crassus Came Into Judea, And + Pillaged The Temple; And Then Marched Against The Parthians And + Perished, With His Army. Also How Cassius Obtained Syria, And Put A Stop + To The Parthians And Then Went Up To Judea. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. The Jews Become Confederates With + Cæsar When He Fought Against Egypt. The Glorious Actions Of Antipater, + And His Friendship With Cæsar. The Honors Which The Jews Received From + The Romans And Athenians. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. How Antipater Committed The Care + Of Galilee To Herod, And That Of Jerusalem To Phasaelus; As Also How + Herod Upon The Jews' Envy At Antipater Was Accused Before Hyrcanus. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. The Honors That Were Paid The + Jews; And The Leagues That Were Made By The Romans And Other Nations, + With Them. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. How Marcus, Succeeded Sextus When + He Had Been Slain By Bassus's Treachery; And How, After The Death Of + Cæsar, Cassius Came Into Syria, And Distressed Judea; As Also How + Malichus Slew Antipater And Was Himself Slain By Herod. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12. Herod Ejects Antigonus, The Son + Of Aristobulus Out Of Judea, And Gains The Friendship Of Antony, Who Was + Now Come Into Syria, By Sending Him Much Money; On Which Account He + Would Not Admit Of Those That Would Have Accused Herod: And What It Was + That Antony Wrote To The Tyrians In Behalf.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13. How Antony Made Herod And + Phasaelus Tetrarchs, After They Had Been Accused To No Purpose; And How + The Parthians When They Brought Antigonus Into Judea Took Hyrcanus And + Phasaelus Captives. Herod's Flight; And What Afflictions Hyrcanus And + Phasaelus Endured.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0014"> CHAPTER 14. How Herod Got Away From The King + Of Arabia And Made Haste To Go Into Egypt And Thence Went Away In Haste + Also To Rome; And How, By Promising A Great Deal Of Money To Antony He + Obtained Of The Senate And Of Cæsar To Be Made King Of The Jews.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0015"> CHAPTER 15. How Herod Sailed Out Of Italy To + Judea, And Fought With Antigonus And What Other Things Happened In Judea + About That Time. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142HCH0016"> CHAPTER 16. How Herod, When He Had Married + Mariamne Took Jerusalem With The Assistance Of Sosius By Force; And How + The Government Of The Asamoneans Was Put An End To. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link142H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES: </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link152H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK XV. Containing The Interval Of + Eighteen Years.—From The Death Of Antigonus To The Finishing Of + The Temple By Herod.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link152HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. Concerning Pollio And Sameas. + Herod Slays The Principal Of Antigonus's Friends, And Spoils The City Of + Its Wealth. Antony Beheads Antigonus. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link152HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. How Hyrcanus Was Set At Liberty By + The Parthians, And Returned To Herod; And What Alexandra Did When She + Heard That Ananelus Was Made High Priest. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link152HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How Herod Upon His Making + Aristobulus High Priest Took Care That He Should Be Murdered In A Little + Time; And What Apology He Made To Antony About Aristobulus; As Also + Concerning Joseph And Mariamne. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link152HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. How Cleopatra, When She Had Gotten + From Antony Some Parts Of Judea And Arabia Came Into Judea; And How + Herod Gave Her Many Presents And Conducted Her On Her Way Back To Egypt. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link152HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How Herod Made War With The King + Of Arabia, And After They Had Fought Many Battles, At Length Conquered + Him, And Was Chosen By The Arabs To Be Governor Of That Nation; As Also + Concerning A Great Earthquake. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link152HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How Herod Slew Hyrcanus And Then + Hasted Away To Cæsar, And Obtained The Kingdom From Him Also; And How A + Little Time Afterward, He Entertained Cæsar In A Most Honorable Manner. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link152HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. How Herod Slew Sohemus And + Mariamne And Afterward Alexandra And Costobarus, And His Most Intimate + Friends, And At Last The Sons Of Babbas Also. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link152HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. How Ten Men Of The Citizens [Of + Jerusalem] Made A Conspiracy Against Herod, For The Foreign Practices He + Had Introduced, Which Was A Transgression Of The Laws Of Their Country. + Concerning The Building Of Sebaste And Cæsarea, And Other Edifices Of + Herod.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link152HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Famine That + Happened In Judea And Syria; And How Herod, After He Had Married Another + Wife, Rebuilt Cæsarea, And Other Grecian Cities. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link152HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. How Herod Sent His Sons To Rome; + How Also He Was Accused By Zenodorus And The Gadarens, But Was Cleared + Of What They Accused Him Of And Withal Gained To Himself The Good-Will + Of Cæsar. Concerning The Pharisees, The Essens And Manahem. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link152HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. How Herod Rebuilt The Temple And + Raised It Higher And Made It More Magnificent Than It Was Before; As + Also Concerning That Tower Which He Called Antonia. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link152H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES: </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link162H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK XVI. Containing The Interval Of + Twelve Years.—From The Finishing Of The Temple By Herod To The + Death Of Alexander And Aristobulus.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link162HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. A Law Of Herod's About, Thieves. + Salome And Pheroras Calumniate Alexander And Aristobulus, Upon Their + Return From Rome For Whom Yet Herod Provides Wives. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link162HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. How Herod Twice Sailed To Agrippa; + And How Upon The Complaint In Ionia Against The Greeks Agrippa Confirmed + The Laws To Them. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link162HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How Great Disturbances Arose In + Herods Family On His Preferring Antipater His Eldest Son Before The + Rest, Till Alexander Took That Injury Very Heinously. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link162HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. How During Antipater's Abode At + Rome, Herod Brought Alexander And Aristobulus Before Cæsar And Accused + Them. Alexander's Defense Of Himself Before Cæsar And Reconciliation To + His Father. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link162HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How Herod Celebrated The Games + That Were To Return Every Fifth Year Upon The Building Of Cæsarea; And + How He Built And Adorned Many Other Places After A Magnificent Manner; + And Did Many Other Actions Gloriously </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link162HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. An Embassage In Cyrene And Asia To + Cæsar, Concerning The Complaints They Had To Make Against The Greeks; + With Copies Of The Epistles Which Cæsar And Agrippa Wrote To The Cities + For Them. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link162HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. How, Upon Herod's Going Down Into + David's Sepulcher, The Sedition In His Family Greatly Increased. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link162HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. How Herod Took Up Alexander And + Bound Him; Whom Yet Archelaus King Of Cappadocia Reconciled To His + Father Herod Again. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link162HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Revolt Of The + Trachonites; How Sylleus Accused Herod Before Cæsar; And How Herod, + When Cæsar Was Angry At Him, Resolved To Send Nicolaus To Rome. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link162HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. How Eurycles Falsely Accused + Herod's Sons; And How Their Father Bound Them, And Wrote To Cæsar About + Them. Of Sylleus And How He Was Accused By Nicolaus. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link162HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. How Herod, By Permission From + Cæsar Accused His Sons Before An Assembly Of Judges At Berytus; And + What Tero Suffered For Using A Boundless And Military Liberty Of Speech. + Concerning Also The Death Of The Young Men And Their Burial At </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link162H_4_0013"> FOOTNOTES </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link172H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK XVII. Containing The Interval Of + Fourteen Years.—From The Death Of Alexander And Aristobulus To The + Banishment Of Archelaus.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. How Antipater Was Hated By All The + Nation [Of The Jews] For The Slaughter Of His Brethren; And How, For + That Reason He Got Into Peculiar Favor With His Friends At Rome, By + Giving Them Many Presents; As He Did Also With Saturninus, The President + Of Syria And The Governors Who Were Under Him; And Concerning Herod's + Wives And Children.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. Concerning Zamaris, The Babylonian + Jew; Concerning The Plots Laid By Antipater Against His Father; And + Somewhat About The Pharisees. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. Concerning The Enmity Between + Herod And Pheroras; How Herod Sent Antipater To Cæsar; And Of The Death + Of Pheroras. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. Pheroras's Wife Is Accused By His + Freedmen, As Guilty Of Poisoning Him; And How Herod, Upon Examining; Of + The Matter By Torture Found The Poison; But So That It Had Been Prepared + For Himself By His Son Antipater; And Upon An Inquiry By Torture He + Discovered The Dangerous Designs Of Antipater.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. Antipater's Navigation From Rome + To His Father; And How He Was Accused By Nicolaus Of Damascus And + Condemned To Die By His Father, And By Quintilius Varus, Who Was Then + President Of Syria; And How He Was Then Bound Till Cæsar Should Be + Informed Of His Cause.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. Concerning The Disease That Herod + Fell Into And The Sedition Which The Jews Raised Thereupon; With The + Punishment Of The Seditious. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. Herod Has Thoughts Of Killing + Himself With His Own Hand; And A Little Afterwards He Orders Antipater + To Be Slain. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. Concerning Herod's Death, And + Testament, And Burial. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. How The People Raised A Sedition + Against Archelaus, And How He Sailed To Rome. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. A Sedition Against Sabinus; And + How Varus Brought The Authors Of It To Punishment. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. An Embassage To Cæsar; And How + Cæsar Confirmed Herod's Testament. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12. Concerning A Spurious Alexander. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13. How Archelaus Upon A Second + Accusation, Was Banished To Vienna. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link172H_4_0015"> FOOTNOTES: </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link182H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK XVIII. Containing The Interval Of + Thirty-Two Years.—From The Banishment Of Archelus To The Departure + From Babylon.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link182HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. How Cyrenius Was Sent By Cæsar To + Make A Taxation Of Syria And Judea; And How Coponius Was Sent To Be + Procurator Of Judea; Concerning Judas Of Galilee And Concerning The + Sects That Were Among The Jews. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link182HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. Now Herod And Philip Built Several + Cities In Honor Of Cæsar. Concerning The Succession Of Priests And + Procurators; As Also What Befell Phraates And The Parthians. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link182HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. Sedition Of The Jews Against + Pontius Pilate. Concerning Christ, And What Befell Paulina And The Jews + At Rome. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link182HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. How The Samaritans Made A Tumult + And Pilate Destroyed Many Of Them; How Pilate Was Accused And What + Things Were Done By Vitellius Relating To The Jews And The Parthians. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link182HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. Herod The Tetrarch Makes War With + Aretas, The King Of Arabia, And Is Beaten By Him As Also Concerning The + Death Of John The Baptist. How Vitellius Went Up To Jerusalem; Together + With Some Account Of Agrippa And Of The Posterity Of Herod The Great.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link182HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. Of The Navigation Of King Agrippa + To Rome, To Tiberius Cæsar; And Now Upon His Being Accused By His Own + Freed-Man, He Was Bound; How Also He, Was Set At Liberty By Caius, After + Tiberius's Death And Was Made King Of The Tetrarchy Of Philip.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link182HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. How Herod The Tetrarch Was + Banished. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link182HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. Concerning The Embassage Of The + Jews To Caius; [28] And How Caius Sent Petronius Into Syria To Make War + Against The Jews, Unless They Would Receive His Statue. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link182HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. What Befell The Jews That Were In + Babylon On Occasion Of Asineus And Anileus, Two Brethren. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link182H_4_0011"> FOOTNOTES </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link192H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK XIX. Containing The Interval Of + Three Years And A Half.—From The Departure Out Of Babylon To + Fadus, The Roman Procurator.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link192HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. How Caius [1] Was Slain By Cherea. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link192HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. How The Senators Determined To + Restore The Democracy; But The Soldiers Were For Preserving The + Monarchy, Concerning The Slaughter Of Caius's Wife And Daughter. A + Character Of Caius's Morals. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link192HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How Claudius Was Seized Upon And + Brought Out Of His House And Brought To The Camp; And How The Senate + Sent An Embassage To Him. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link192HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. What Things King Agrippa Did For + Claudius; And How Claudius When He Had Taken The Government Commanded + The Murderers Of Caius To Be Slain. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link192HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How Claudius Restored To Agrippa + His Grandfathers Kingdoms And Augmented His Dominions; And How He + Published An Edict In Behalf. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link192HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. What Things Were Done By Agrippa + At Jerusalem When He Was Returned Back Into Judea; And What It Was That + Petronius Wrote To The Inhabitants Of Doris, In Behalf. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link192HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. Concerning Silas And On What + Account It Was That King Agrippa Was Angry At Him. How Agrippa Began To + Encompass Jerusalem With A Wall; And What Benefits He Bestowed On The + Inhabitants Of Berytus. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link192HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. What Other Acts Were Done By + Agrippa Until His Death; And After What Manner He Died. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link192HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. What Things Were Done After The + Death Of Agrippa; And How Claudius, On Account Of The Youth And + Unskilfulness Of Agrippa, Junior, Sent Cuspius Fadus To Be Procurator Of + Judea, And Of The Entire Kingdom. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link192H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link202H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK XX. Containing The Interval Of + Twenty-Two Years.—From Fadus The Procurator To Florus.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link202HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. A Sedition Of The Philadelphians + Against The Jews; And Also Concerning The Vestments Of The High Priest. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link202HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. How Helena The Queen Of Adiabene + And Her Son Izates, Embraced The Jewish Religion; And How Helena + Supplied The Poor With Corn, When There Was A Great Famine At Jerusalem. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link202HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. How Artabanus, the King of Parthia + out of Fear of the Secret Contrivances of His Subjects Against Him, Went + to Izates, and Was By Him Reinstated in His Government; as Also How + Bardanes His Son Denounced War Against Izates. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link202HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. How Izates Was Betrayed By His Own + Subjects, And Fought Against By The Arabians And How Izates, By The + Providence Of God, Was Delivered Out Of Their Hands. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link202HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. Concerning Theudas And The Sons Of + Judas The Galilean; As Also What Calamity Fell Upon The Jews On The Day + Of The Passover. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link202HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How There Happened A Quarrel + Between The Jews And The Samaritans; And How Claudius Put An End To + Their Differences. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link202HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. Felix Is Made Procurator Of Judea; + As Also Concerning Agrippa, Junior And His Sisters. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link202HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. After What Manner Upon The Death + Of Claudius, Nero Succeeded In The Government; As Also What Barbarous + Things He Did. Concerning The Robbers, Murderers And Impostors, That + Arose While Felix And Festus Were Procurators Of Judea. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link202HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. Concerning Albinus Under Whose + Procuratorship James Was Slain; As Also What Edifices Were Built By + Agrippa. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link202HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. An Enumeration Of The High + Priests. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link202HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. Concerning Florus The Procurator, + Who Necessitated The Jews To Take Up Arms Against The Romans. The + Conclusion. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link202H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkpre2H_PREF" id="linkpre2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE.<a href="#linkprenote-1" name="linkprenoteref-1" + id="linkprenoteref-1"><small>1</small></a> + </h2> + <p> + 1. Those who undertake to write histories, do not, I perceive, take that + trouble on one and the same account, but for many reasons, and those such + as are very different one from another. For some of them apply themselves + to this part of learning to show their skill in composition, and that they + may therein acquire a reputation for speaking finely: others of them there + are, who write histories in order to gratify those that happen to be + concerned in them, and on that account have spared no pains, but rather + gone beyond their own abilities in the performance: but others there are, + who, of necessity and by force, are driven to write history, because they + are concerned in the facts, and so cannot excuse themselves from + committing them to writing, for the advantage of posterity; nay, there are + not a few who are induced to draw their historical facts out of darkness + into light, and to produce them for the benefit of the public, on account + of the great importance of the facts themselves with which they have been + concerned. Now of these several reasons for writing history, I must + profess the two last were my own reasons also; for since I was myself + interested in that war which we Jews had with the Romans, and knew myself + its particular actions, and what conclusion it had, I was forced to give + the history of it, because I saw that others perverted the truth of those + actions in their writings. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now I have undertaken the present work, as thinking it will appear to + all the Greeks <a href="#linkprenote-2" name="linkprenoteref-2" + id="linkprenoteref-2"><small>2</small></a> worthy of their study; for it + will contain all our antiquities, and the constitution of our government, + as interpreted out of the Hebrew Scriptures. And indeed I did formerly + intend, when I wrote of the war, <a href="#linkprenote-3" + name="linkprenoteref-3" id="linkprenoteref-3"><small>3</small></a> to + explain who the Jews originally were,—what fortunes they had been + subject to,—and by what legislature they had been instructed in + piety, and the exercise of other virtues,—what wars also they had + made in remote ages, till they were unwillingly engaged in this last with + the Romans: but because this work would take up a great compass, I + separated it into a set treatise by itself, with a beginning of its own, + and its own conclusion; but in process of time, as usually happens to such + as undertake great things, I grew weary and went on slowly, it being a + large subject, and a difficult thing to translate our history into a + foreign, and to us unaccustomed language. However, some persons there were + who desired to know our history, and so exhorted me to go on with it; and, + above all the rest, Epaphroditus, <a href="#linkprenote-4" + name="linkprenoteref-4" id="linkprenoteref-4"><small>4</small></a> a man + who is a lover of all kind of learning, but is principally delighted with + the knowledge of history, and this on account of his having been himself + concerned in great affairs, and many turns of fortune, and having shown a + wonderful rigor of an excellent nature, and an immovable virtuous + resolution in them all. I yielded to this man's persuasions, who always + excites such as have abilities in what is useful and acceptable, to join + their endeavors with his. I was also ashamed myself to permit any laziness + of disposition to have a greater influence upon me, than the delight of + taking pains in such studies as were very useful: I thereupon stirred up + myself, and went on with my work more cheerfully. Besides the foregoing + motives, I had others which I greatly reflected on; and these were, that + our forefathers were willing to communicate such things to others; and + that some of the Greeks took considerable pains to know the affairs of our + nation. + </p> + <p> + 3. I found, therefore, that the second of the Ptolemies was a king who was + extraordinarily diligent in what concerned learning, and the collection of + books; that he was also peculiarly ambitious to procure a translation of + our law, and of the constitution of our government therein contained, into + the Greek tongue. Now Eleazar the high priest, one not inferior to any + other of that dignity among us, did not envy the forenamed king the + participation of that advantage, which otherwise he would for certain have + denied him, but that he knew the custom of our nation was, to hinder + nothing of what we esteemed ourselves from being communicated to others. + Accordingly, I thought it became me both to imitate the generosity of our + high priest, and to suppose there might even now be many lovers of + learning like the king; for he did not obtain all our writings at that + time; but those who were sent to Alexandria as interpreters, gave him only + the books of the law, while there were a vast number of other matters in + our sacred books. They, indeed, contain in them the history of five + thousand years; in which time happened many strange accidents, many + chances of war, and great actions of the commanders, and mutations of the + form of our government. Upon the whole, a man that will peruse this + history, may principally learn from it, that all events succeed well, even + to an incredible degree, and the reward of felicity is proposed by God; + but then it is to those that follow his will, and do not venture to break + his excellent laws: and that so far as men any way apostatize from the + accurate observation of them, what was practical before becomes + impracticable <a href="#linkprenote-5" name="linkprenoteref-5" + id="linkprenoteref-5"><small>5</small></a> and whatsoever they set about + as a good thing, is converted into an incurable calamity. And now I exhort + all those that peruse these books, to apply their minds to God; and to + examine the mind of our legislator, whether he hath not understood his + nature in a manner worthy of him; and hath not ever ascribed to him such + operations as become his power, and hath not preserved his writings from + those indecent fables which others have framed, although, by the great + distance of time when he lived, he might have securely forged such lies; + for he lived two thousand years ago; at which vast distance of ages the + poets themselves have not been so hardy as to fix even the generations of + their gods, much less the actions of their men, or their own laws. As I + proceed, therefore, I shall accurately describe what is contained in our + records, in the order of time that belongs to them; for I have already + promised so to do throughout this undertaking; and this without adding any + thing to what is therein contained, or taking away any thing therefrom. + </p> + <p> + 4. But because almost all our constitution depends on the wisdom of Moses, + our legislator, I cannot avoid saying somewhat concerning him beforehand, + though I shall do it briefly; I mean, because otherwise those that read my + book may wonder how it comes to pass, that my discourse, which promises an + account of laws and historical facts, contains so much of philosophy. The + reader is therefore to know, that Moses deemed it exceeding necessary, + that he who would conduct his own life well, and give laws to others, in + the first place should consider the Divine nature; and, upon the + contemplation of God's operations, should thereby imitate the best of all + patterns, so far as it is possible for human nature to do, and to endeavor + to follow after it: neither could the legislator himself have a right mind + without such a contemplation; nor would any thing he should write tend to + the promotion of virtue in his readers; I mean, unless they be taught + first of all, that God is the Father and Lord of all things, and sees all + things, and that thence he bestows a happy life upon those that follow + him; but plunges such as do not walk in the paths of virtue into + inevitable miseries. Now when Moses was desirous to teach this lesson to + his countrymen, he did not begin the establishment of his laws after the + same manner that other legislators did; I mean, upon contracts and other + rights between one man and another, but by raising their minds upwards to + regard God, and his creation of the world; and by persuading them, that we + men are the most excellent of the creatures of God upon earth. Now when + once he had brought them to submit to religion, he easily persuaded them + to submit in all other things: for as to other legislators, they followed + fables, and by their discourses transferred the most reproachful of human + vices unto the gods, and afforded wicked men the most plausible excuses + for their crimes; but as for our legislator, when he had once demonstrated + that God was possessed of perfect virtue, he supposed that men also ought + to strive after the participation of it; and on those who did not so + think, and so believe, he inflicted the severest punishments. I exhort, + therefore, my readers to examine this whole undertaking in that view; for + thereby it will appear to them, that there is nothing therein disagreeable + either to the majesty of God, or to his love to mankind; for all things + have here a reference to the nature of the universe; while our legislator + speaks some things wisely, but enigmatically, and others under a decent + allegory, but still explains such things as required a direct explication + plainly and expressly. However, those that have a mind to know the reasons + of every thing, may find here a very curious philosophical theory, which I + now indeed shall wave the explication of; but if God afford me time for + it, I will set about writing it <a href="#linkprenote-6" + name="linkprenoteref-6" id="linkprenoteref-6"><small>6</small></a> after I + have finished the present work. I shall now betake myself to the history + before me, after I have first mentioned what Moses says of the creation of + the world, which I find described in the sacred books after the manner + following. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkpre2H_FOOT" id="linkpre2H_FOOT"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FOOTNOTES + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linkprenote-1" id="linkprenote-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#linkprenoteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ This preface of Josephus + is excellent in its kind, and highly worthy the repeated perusal of the + reader, before he set about the perusal of the work itself.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkprenote-2" id="linkprenote-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#linkprenoteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ That is, all the + Gentiles, both Greeks and Romans.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkprenote-3" id="linkprenote-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#linkprenoteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ We may seasonably note + here, that Josephus wrote his Seven Books of the Jewish War long before he + wrote these his Antiquities. Those books of the War were published about + A.D. 75, and these Antiquities, A. D. 93, about eighteen years later.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkprenote-4" id="linkprenote-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#linkprenoteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ This Epaphroditus was + certainly alive in the third year of Trajan, A.D. 100. See the note on the + First Book Against Apion, sect. 1. Who he was we do not know; for as to + Epaphroditus, the freedman of Nero, and afterwards Domitian's secretary, + who was put to death by Domitian in the 14th or 15th year of his reign, he + could not be alive in the third of Trajan.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkprenote-5" id="linkprenote-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#linkprenoteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus here plainly + alludes to the famous Greek proverb, If God be with us, every thing that + is impossible becomes possible.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkprenote-6" id="linkprenote-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#linkprenoteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ As to this intended work + of Josephus concerning the reasons of many of the Jewish laws, and what + philosophical or allegorical sense they would bear, the loss of which work + is by some of the learned not much regretted, I am inclinable, in part, to + Fabricius's opinion, ap. Havercamp, p. 63, 61, That "we need not doubt but + that, among some vain and frigid conjectures derived from Jewish + imaginations, Josephus would have taught us a greater number of excellent + and useful things, which perhaps nobody, neither among the Jews, nor among + the Christians, can now inform us of; so that I would give a great deal to + find it still extant."] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + <big>BOOK I. Containing The Interval Of Three Thousand Eight Hundred And + Thirty-Three Years. — From The Creation To The Death Of Isaac. + </big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. The Constitution Of The World And The Disposition Of The + Elements. + </h3> + <p> + 1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. But when the + earth did not come into sight, but was covered with thick darkness, and a + wind moved upon its surface, God commanded that there should be light: and + when that was made, he considered the whole mass, and separated the light + and the darkness; and the name he gave to one was Night, and the other he + called Day: and he named the beginning of light, and the time of rest, The + Evening and The Morning, and this was indeed the first day. But Moses said + it was one day; the cause of which I am able to give even now; but because + I have promised to give such reasons for all things in a treatise by + itself, I shall put off its exposition till that time. After this, on the + second day, he placed the heaven over the whole world, and separated it + from the other parts, and he determined it should stand by itself. He also + placed a crystalline [firmament] round it, and put it together in a manner + agreeable to the earth, and fitted it for giving moisture and rain, and + for affording the advantage of dews. On the third day he appointed the dry + land to appear, with the sea itself round about it; and on the very same + day he made the plants and the seeds to spring out of the earth. On the + fourth day he adorned the heaven with the sun, the moon, and the other + stars, and appointed them their motions and courses, that the vicissitudes + of the seasons might be clearly signified. And on the fifth day he + produced the living creatures, both those that swim, and those that fly; + the former in the sea, the latter in the air: he also sorted them as to + society and mixture, for procreation, and that their kinds might increase + and multiply. On the sixth day he created the four-footed beasts, and made + them male and female: on the same day he also formed man. Accordingly + Moses says, That in just six days the world, and all that is therein, was + made. And that the seventh day was a rest, and a release from the labor of + such operations; whence it is that we Celebrate a rest from our labors on + that day, and call it the Sabbath, which word denotes rest in the Hebrew + tongue. + </p> + <p> + 2. Moreover, Moses, after the seventh day was over<a href="#linknote-1" + name="linknoteref-1" id="linknoteref-1"><small>1</small></a> begins to + talk philosophically; and concerning the formation of man, says thus: That + God took dust from the ground, and formed man, and inserted in him a + spirit and a soul.<a href="#linknote-2" name="linknoteref-2" + id="linknoteref-2"><small>2</small></a> This man was called Adam, which in + the Hebrew tongue signifies one that is red, because he was formed out of + red earth, compounded together; for of that kind is virgin and true earth. + God also presented the living creatures, when he had made them, according + to their kinds, both male and female, to Adam, who gave them those names + by which they are still called. But when he saw that Adam had no female + companion, no society, for there was no such created, and that he wondered + at the other animals which were male and female, he laid him asleep, and + took away one of his ribs, and out of it formed the woman; whereupon Adam + knew her when she was brought to him, and acknowledged that she was made + out of himself. Now a woman is called in the Hebrew tongue Issa; but the + name of this woman was Eve, which signifies the mother of all living. + </p> + <p> + 3. Moses says further, that God planted a paradise in the east, + flourishing with all sorts of trees; and that among them was the tree of + life, and another of knowledge, whereby was to be known what was good and + evil; and that when he brought Adam and his wife into this garden, he + commanded them to take care of the plants. Now the garden was watered by + one river,<a href="#linknote-3" name="linknoteref-3" id="linknoteref-3"><small>3</small></a> + which ran round about the whole earth, and was parted into four parts. And + Phison, which denotes a multitude, running into India, makes its exit into + the sea, and is by the Greeks called Ganges. Euphrates also, as well as + Tigris, goes down into the Red Sea.<a href="#linknote-4" + name="linknoteref-4" id="linknoteref-4"><small>4</small></a> Now the name + Euphrates, or Phrath, denotes either a dispersion, or a flower: by Tiris, + or Diglath, is signified what is swift, with narrowness; and Geon runs + through Egypt, and denotes what arises from the east, which the Greeks + call Nile. + </p> + <p> + 4. God therefore commanded that Adam and his wife should eat of all the + rest of the plants, but to abstain from the tree of knowledge; and + foretold to them, that if they touched it, it would prove their + destruction. But while all the living creatures had one language, <a + href="#linknote-5" name="linknoteref-5" id="linknoteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + at that time the serpent, which then lived together with Adam and his + wife, shewed an envious disposition, at his supposal of their living + happily, and in obedience to the commands of God; and imagining, that when + they disobeyed them, they would fall into calamities, he persuaded the + woman, out of a malicious intention, to taste of the tree of knowledge, + telling them, that in that tree was the knowledge of good and evil; which + knowledge, when they should obtain, they would lead a happy life; nay, a + life not inferior to that of a god: by which means he overcame the woman, + and persuaded her to despise the command of God. Now when she had tasted + of that tree, and was pleased with its fruit, she persuaded Adam to make + use of it also. Upon this they perceived that they were become naked to + one another; and being ashamed thus to appear abroad, they invented + somewhat to cover them; for the tree sharpened their understanding; and + they covered themselves with fig-leaves; and tying these before them, out + of modesty, they thought they were happier than they were before, as they + had discovered what they were in want of. But when God came into the + garden, Adam, who was wont before to come and converse with him, being + conscious of his wicked behavior, went out of the way. This behavior + surprised God; and he asked what was the cause of this his procedure; and + why he, that before delighted in that conversation, did now fly from it, + and avoid it. When he made no reply, as conscious to himself that he had + transgressed the command of God, God said, "I had before determined about + you both, how you might lead a happy life, without any affliction, and + care, and vexation of soul; and that all things which might contribute to + your enjoyment and pleasure should grow up by my providence, of their own + accord, without your own labor and pains-taking; which state of labor and + pains-taking would soon bring on old age, and death would not be at any + remote distance: but now thou hast abused this my good-will, and hast + disobeyed my commands; for thy silence is not the sign of thy virtue, but + of thy evil conscience." However, Adam excused his sin, and entreated God + not to be angry at him, and laid the blame of what was done upon his wife; + and said that he was deceived by her, and thence became an offender; while + she again accused the serpent. But God allotted him punishment, because he + weakly submitted to the counsel of his wife; and said the ground should + not henceforth yield its fruits of its own accord, but that when it should + be harassed by their labor, it should bring forth some of its fruits, and + refuse to bring forth others. He also made Eve liable to the inconveniency + of breeding, and the sharp pains of bringing forth children; and this + because she persuaded Adam with the same arguments wherewith the serpent + had persuaded her, and had thereby brought him into a calamitous + condition. He also deprived the serpent of speech, out of indignation at + his malicious disposition towards Adam. Besides this, he inserted poison + under his tongue, and made him an enemy to men; and suggested to them, + that they should direct their strokes against his head, that being the + place wherein lay his mischievous designs towards men, and it being + easiest to take vengeance on him, that way. And when he had deprived him + of the use of his feet, he made him to go rolling all along, and dragging + himself upon the ground. And when God had appointed these penalties for + them, he removed Adam and Eve out of the garden into another place. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. Concerning The Posterity Of Adam, And The Ten Generations From + Him To The Deluge. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Adam and Eve had two sons: the elder of them was named Cain; which + name, when it is interpreted, signifies a possession: the younger was + Abel, which signifies sorrow. They had also daughters. Now the two + brethren were pleased with different courses of life: for Abel, the + younger, was a lover of righteousness; and believing that God was present + at all his actions, he excelled in virtue; and his employment was that of + a shepherd. But Cain was not only very wicked in other respects, but was + wholly intent upon getting; and he first contrived to plough the ground. + He slew his brother on the occasion following:—They had resolved to + sacrifice to God. Now Cain brought the fruits of the earth, and of his + husbandry; but Abel brought milk, and the first-fruits of his flocks: but + God was more delighted with the latter oblation,<a href="#linknote-6" + name="linknoteref-6" id="linknoteref-6"><small>6</small></a> when he was + honored with what grew naturally of its own accord, than he was with what + was the invention of a covetous man, and gotten by forcing the ground; + whence it was that Cain was very angry that Abel was preferred by God + before him; and he slew his brother, and hid his dead body, thinking to + escape discovery. But God, knowing what had been done, came to Cain, and + asked him what was become of his brother, because he had not seen him of + many days; whereas he used to observe them conversing together at other + times. But Cain was in doubt with himself, and knew not what answer to + give to God. At first he said that he was himself at a loss about his + brother's disappearing; but when he was provoked by God, who pressed him + vehemently, as resolving to know what the matter was, he replied, he was + not his brother's guardian or keeper, nor was he an observer of what he + did. But, in return, God convicted Cain, as having been the murderer of + his brother; and said, "I wonder at thee, that thou knowest not what is + become of a man whom thou thyself hast destroyed." God therefore did not + inflict the punishment [of death] upon him, on account of his offering + sacrifice, and thereby making supplication to him not to be extreme in his + wrath to him; but he made him accursed, and threatened his posterity in + the seventh generation. He also cast him, together with his wife, out of + that land. And when he was afraid that in wandering about he should fall + among Wild beasts, and by that means perish, God bid him not to entertain + such a melancholy suspicion, and to go over all the earth without fear of + what mischief he might suffer from wild beasts; and setting a mark upon + him, that he might be known, he commanded him to depart. + </p> + <p> + 2. And when Cain had traveled over many countries, he, with his wife, + built a city, named Nod, which is a place so called, and there he settled + his abode; where also he had children. However, he did not accept of his + punishment in order to amendment, but to increase his wickedness; for he + only aimed to procure every thing that was for his own bodily pleasure, + though it obliged him to be injurious to his neighbors. He augmented his + household substance with much wealth, by rapine and violence; he excited + his acquaintance to procure pleasures and spoils by robbery, and became a + great leader of men into wicked courses. He also introduced a change in + that way of simplicity wherein men lived before; and was the author of + measures and weights. And whereas they lived innocently and generously + while they knew nothing of such arts, he changed the world into cunning + craftiness. He first of all set boundaries about lands: he built a city, + and fortified it with walls, and he compelled his family to come together + to it; and called that city Enoch, after the name of his eldest son Enoch. + Now Jared was the son of Enoch; whose son was Malaliel; whose son was + Mathusela; whose son was Lamech; who had seventy-seven children by two + wives, Silla and Ada. Of those children by Ada, one was Jabal: he erected + tents, and loved the life of a shepherd. But Jubal, who was born of the + same mother with him, exercised himself in music;<a href="#linknote-7" + name="linknoteref-7" id="linknoteref-7"><small>7</small></a> and invented + the psaltery and the harp. But Tubal, one of his children by the other + wife, exceeded all men in strength, and was very expert and famous in + martial performances. He procured what tended to the pleasures of the body + by that method; and first of all invented the art of making brass. Lamech + was also the father of a daughter, whose name was Naamah. And because he + was so skillful in matters of divine revelation, that he knew he was to be + punished for Cain's murder of his brother, he made that known to his + wives. Nay, even while Adam was alive, it came to pass that the posterity + of Cain became exceeding wicked, every one successively dying, one after + another, more wicked than the former. They were intolerable in war, and + vehement in robberies; and if any one were slow to murder people, yet was + he bold in his profligate behavior, in acting unjustly, and doing injuries + for gain. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now Adam, who was the first man, and made out of the earth, [for our + discourse must now be about him,] after Abel was slain, and Cain fled + away, on account of his murder, was solicitous for posterity, and had a + vehement desire of children, he being two hundred and thirty years old; + after which time he lived other seven hundred, and then died. He had + indeed many other children,<a href="#linknote-8" name="linknoteref-8" + id="linknoteref-8"><small>8</small></a> but Seth in particular. As for the + rest, it would be tedious to name them; I will therefore only endeavor to + give an account of those that proceeded from Seth. Now this Seth, when he + was brought up, and came to those years in which he could discern what was + good, became a virtuous man; and as he was himself of an excellent + character, so did he leave children behind him who imitated his virtues.<a + href="#linknote-9" name="linknoteref-9" id="linknoteref-9"><small>9</small></a> + All these proved to be of good dispositions. They also inhabited the same + country without dissensions, and in a happy condition, without any + misfortunes falling upon them, till they died. They also were the + inventors of that peculiar sort of wisdom which is concerned with the + heavenly bodies, and their order. And that their inventions might not be + lost before they were sufficiently known, upon Adam's prediction that the + world was to be destroyed at one time by the force of fire, and at another + time by the violence and quantity of water, they made two pillars, <a + href="#linknote-10" name="linknoteref-10" id="linknoteref-10"><small>10</small></a> + the one of brick, the other of stone: they inscribed their discoveries on + them both, that in case the pillar of brick should be destroyed by the + flood, the pillar of stone might remain, and exhibit those discoveries to + mankind; and also inform them that there was another pillar of brick + erected by them. Now this remains in the land of Siriad to this day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. Concerning The Flood; And After What Manner Noah Was Saved In + An Ark, With His Kindred, And Afterwards Dwelt In The Plain Of Shinar. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now this posterity of Seth continued to esteem God as the Lord of the + universe, and to have an entire regard to virtue, for seven generations; + but in process of time they were perverted, and forsook the practices of + their forefathers; and did neither pay those honors to God which were + appointed them, nor had they any concern to do justice towards men. But + for what degree of zeal they had formerly shown for virtue, they now + showed by their actions a double degree of wickedness, whereby they made + God to be their enemy. For many angels<a href="#linknote-11" + name="linknoteref-11" id="linknoteref-11"><small>11</small></a> of God + accompanied with women, and begat sons that proved unjust, and despisers + of all that was good, on account of the confidence they had in their own + strength; for the tradition is, that these men did what resembled the acts + of those whom the Grecians call giants. But Noah was very uneasy at what + they did; and being displeased at their conduct, persuaded them to change + their dispositions and their acts for the better: but seeing they did not + yield to him, but were slaves to their wicked pleasures, he was afraid + they would kill him, together with his wife and children, and those they + had married; so he departed out of that land. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now God loved this man for his righteousness: yet he not only condemned + those other men for their wickedness, but determined to destroy the whole + race of mankind, and to make another race that should be pure from + wickedness; and cutting short their lives, and making their years not so + many as they formerly lived, but one hundred and twenty only,<a + href="#linknote-12" name="linknoteref-12" id="linknoteref-12"><small>12</small></a> + he turned the dry land into sea; and thus were all these men destroyed: + but Noah alone was saved; for God suggested to him the following + contrivance and way of escape:—That he should make an ark of four + stories high, three hundred cubits<a href="#linknote-13" + name="linknoteref-13" id="linknoteref-13"><small>13</small></a> long, + fifty cubits broad, and thirty cubits high. Accordingly he entered into + that ark, and his wife, and sons, and their wives, and put into it not + only other provisions, to support their wants there, but also sent in with + the rest all sorts of living creatures, the male and his female, for the + preservation of their kinds; and others of them by sevens. Now this ark + had firm walls, and a roof, and was braced with cross beams, so that it + could not be any way drowned or overborne by the violence of the water. + And thus was Noah, with his family, preserved. Now he was the tenth from + Adam, as being the son of Lamech, whose father was Mathusela; he was the + son of Enoch, the son of Jared; and Jared was the son of Malaleel, who, + with many of his sisters, were the children of Cainan, the son of Enos. + Now Enos was the son of Seth, the son of Adam. + </p> + <p> + 3. This calamity happened in the six hundredth year of Noah's government, + [age,] in the second month, <a href="#linknote-14" name="linknoteref-14" + id="linknoteref-14"><small>14</small></a> called by the Macedonians Dius, + but by the Hebrews Marchesuan: for so did they order their year in Egypt. + But Moses appointed that ú Nisan, which is the same with Xanthicus, should + be the first month for their festivals, because he brought them out of + Egypt in that month: so that this month began the year as to all the + solemnities they observed to the honor of God, although he preserved the + original order of the months as to selling and buying, and other ordinary + affairs. Now he says that this flood began on the twenty-seventh + [seventeenth] day of the forementioned month; and this was two thousand + six hundred and fifty-six [one thousand six hundred and fifty-six] years + from Adam, the first man; and the time is written down in our sacred + books, those who then lived having noted down,[15] with great accuracy, + both the births and deaths of illustrious men. + </p> + <p> + 4. For indeed Seth was born when Adam was in his two hundred and thirtieth + year, who lived nine hundred and thirty years. Seth begat Enos in his two + hundred and fifth year; who, when he had lived nine hundred and twelve + years, delivered the government to Cainan his son, whom he had in his + hundred and ninetieth year. He lived nine hundred and five years. Cainan, + when he had lived nine hundred and ten years, had his son Malaleel, who + was born in his hundred and seventieth year. This Malaleel, having lived + eight hundred and ninety-five years, died, leaving his son Jared, whom he + begat when he was in his hundred and sixty-fifth year. He lived nine + hundred and sixty-two years; and then his son Enoch succeeded him, who was + born when his father was one hundred and sixty-two years old. Now he, when + he had lived three hundred and sixty-five years, departed and went to God; + whence it is that they have not written down his death. Now Mathusela, the + son of Enoch, who was born to him when he was one hundred and sixty-five + years old, had Lamech for his son when he was one hundred and eighty-seven + years of age; to whom he delivered the government, when he had retained it + nine hundred and sixty-nine years. Now Lamech, when he had governed seven + hundred and seventy-seven years, appointed Noah, his son, to be ruler of + the people, who was born to Lamech when he was one hundred and eighty-two + years old, and retained the government nine hundred and fifty years. These + years collected together make up the sum before set down. But let no one + inquire into the deaths of these men; for they extended their lives along + together with their children and grandchildren; but let him have regard to + their births only.<a href="#linknote-15" name="linknoteref-15" + id="linknoteref-15"><small>15</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 5. When God gave the signal, and it began to rain, the water poured down + forty entire days, till it became fifteen cubits higher than the earth; + which was the reason why there was no greater number preserved, since they + had no place to fly to. When the rain ceased, the water did but just begin + to abate after one hundred and fifty days, [that is, on the seventeenth + day of the seventh month,] it then ceasing to subside for a little while. + After this, the ark rested on the top of a certain mountain in Armenia; + which, when Noah understood, he opened it; and seeing a small piece of + land about it, he continued quiet, and conceived some cheerful hopes of + deliverance. But a few days afterward, when the water was decreased to a + greater degree, he sent out a raven, as desirous to learn whether any + other part of the earth were left dry by the water, and whether he might + go out of the ark with safety; but the raven, finding all the land still + overflowed, returned to Noah again. And after seven days he sent out a + dove, to know the state of the ground; which came back to him covered with + mud, and bringing an olive branch: hereby Noah learned that the earth was + become clear of the flood. So after he had staid seven more days, he sent + the living creatures out of the ark; and both he and his family went out, + when he also sacrificed to God, and feasted with his companions. However, + the Armenians call this place, [GREEK] <a href="#linknote-16" + name="linknoteref-16" id="linknoteref-16"><small>16</small></a> The Place + of Descent; for the ark being saved in that place, its remains are shown + there by the inhabitants to this day. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now all the writers of barbarian histories make mention of this flood, + and of this ark; among whom is Berosus the Chaldean. For when he is + describing the circumstances of the flood, he goes on thus: "It is said + there is still some part of this ship in Armenia, at the mountain of the + Cordyaeans; and that some people carry off pieces of the bitumen, which + they take away, and use chiefly as amulets for the averting of mischiefs." + Hieronymus the Egyptian also, who wrote the Phoenician Antiquities, and + Mnaseas, and a great many more, make mention of the same. Nay, Nicolaus of + Damascus, in his ninety-sixth book, hath a particular relation about them; + where he speaks thus: "There is a great mountain in Armenia, over Minyas, + called Baris, upon which it is reported that many who fled at the time of + the Deluge were saved; and that one who was carried in an ark came on + shore upon the top of it; and that the remains of the timber were a great + while preserved. This might be the man about whom Moses the legislator of + the Jews wrote." + </p> + <p> + 7. But as for Noah, he was afraid, since God had determined to destroy + mankind, lest he should drown the earth every year; so he offered + burnt-offerings, and besought God that nature might hereafter go on in its + former orderly course, and that he would not bring on so great a judgment + any more, by which the whole race of creatures might be in danger of + destruction: but that, having now punished the wicked, he would of his + goodness spare the remainder, and such as he had hitherto judged fit to be + delivered from so severe a calamity; for that otherwise these last must be + more miserable than the first, and that they must be condemned to a worse + condition than the others, unless they be suffered to escape entirely; + that is, if they be reserved for another deluge; while they must be + afflicted with the terror and sight of the first deluge, and must also be + destroyed by a second. He also entreated God to accept of his sacrifice, + and to grant that the earth might never again undergo the like effects of + 'his wrath; that men might be permitted to go on cheerfully in cultivating + the same; to build cities, and live happily in them; and that they might + not be deprived of any of those good things which they enjoyed before the + Flood; but might attain to the like length of days, and old age, which the + ancient people had arrived at before. + </p> + <p> + 8. When Noah had made these supplications, God, who loved the man for his + righteousness, granted entire success to his prayers, and said, that it + was not he who brought the destruction on a polluted world, but that they + underwent that vengeance on account of their own wickedness; and that he + had not brought men into the world if he had himself determined to destroy + them, it being an instance of greater wisdom not to have granted them life + at all, than, after it was granted, to procure their destruction; "But the + injuries," said he, "they offered to my holiness and virtue, forced me to + bring this punishment upon them. But I will leave off for the time to come + to require such punishments, the effects of so great wrath, for their + future wicked actions, and especially on account of thy prayers. But if I + shall at any time send tempests of rain, in an extraordinary manner, be + not affrighted at the largeness of the showers; for the water shall no + more overspread the earth. However, I require you to abstain from shedding + the blood of men, and to keep yourselves pure from murder; and to punish + those that commit any such thing. I permit you to make use of all the + other living creatures at your pleasure, and as your appetites lead you; + for I have made you lords of them all, both of those that walk on the + land, and those that swim in the waters, and of those that fly in the + regions of the air on high, excepting their blood, for therein is the + life. But I will give you a sign that I have left off my anger by my bow." + [whereby is meant the rainbow, for they determined that the rainbow was + the bow of God]. And when God had said and promised thus, he went away. + </p> + <p> + 9. Now when Noah had lived three hundred and fifty years after the Flood, + and that all that time happily, he died, having lived the number of nine + hundred and fifty years. But let no one, upon comparing the lives of the + ancients with our lives, and with the few years which we now live, think + that what we have said of them is false; or make the shortness of our + lives at present an argument, that neither did they attain to so long a + duration of life, for those ancients were beloved of God, and [lately] + made by God himself; and because their food was then fitter for the + prolongation of life, might well live so great a number of years: and + besides, God afforded them a longer time of life on account of their + virtue, and the good use they made of it in astronomical and geometrical + discoveries, which would not have afforded the time of foretelling [the + periods of the stars] unless they had lived six hundred years; for the + great year is completed in that interval. Now I have for witnesses to what + I have said, all those that have written Antiquities, both among the + Greeks and barbarians; for even Manetho, who wrote the Egyptian History, + and Berosus, who collected the Chaldean Monuments, and Mochus, and + Hestieus, and, besides these, Hieronymus the Egyptian, and those who + composed the Phoenician History, agree to what I here say: Hesiod also, + and Hecatseus, Hellanicus, and Acusilaus; and, besides these, Ephorus and + Nicolaus relate that the ancients lived a thousand years. But as to these + matters, let every one look upon them as he thinks fit. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. Concerning The Tower Of Babylon, And The Confusion Of Tongues. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now the sons of Noah were three,—Shem, Japhet, and Ham, born one + hundred years before the Deluge. These first of all descended from the + mountains into the plains, and fixed their habitation there; and persuaded + others who were greatly afraid of the lower grounds on account of the + flood, and so were very loath to come down from the higher places, to + venture to follow their examples. Now the plain in which they first dwelt + was called Shinar. God also commanded them to send colonies abroad, for + the thorough peopling of the earth, that they might not raise seditions + among themselves, but might cultivate a great part of the earth, and enjoy + its fruits after a plentiful manner. But they were so ill instructed that + they did not obey God; for which reason they fell into calamities, and + were made sensible, by experience, of what sin they had been guilty: for + when they flourished with a numerous youth, God admonished them again to + send out colonies; but they, imagining the prosperity they enjoyed was not + derived from the favor of God, but supposing that their own power was the + proper cause of the plentiful condition they were in, did not obey him. + Nay, they added to this their disobedience to the Divine will, the + suspicion that they were therefore ordered to send out separate colonies, + that, being divided asunder, they might the more easily be Oppressed. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now it was Nimrod who excited them to such an affront and contempt of + God. He was the grandson of Ham, the son of Noah, a bold man, and of great + strength of hand. He persuaded them not to ascribe it to God, as if it was + through his means they were happy, but to believe that it was their own + courage which procured that happiness. He also gradually changed the + government into tyranny, seeing no other way of turning men from the fear + of God, but to bring them into a constant dependence on his power. He also + said he would be revenged on God, if he should have a mind to drown the + world again; for that he would build a tower too high for the waters to be + able to reach! and that he would avenge himself on God for destroying + their forefathers! + </p> + <p> + 3. Now the multitude were very ready to follow the determination of + Nimrod, and to esteem it a piece of cowardice to submit to God; and they + built a tower, neither sparing any pains, nor being in any degree + negligent about the work: and, by reason of the multitude of hands + employed in it, it grew very high, sooner than any one could expect; but + the thickness of it was so great, and it was so strongly built, that + thereby its great height seemed, upon the view, to be less than it really + was. It was built of burnt brick, cemented together with mortar, made of + bitumen, that it might not be liable to admit water. When God saw that + they acted so madly, he did not resolve to destroy them utterly, since + they were not grown wiser by the destruction of the former sinners; but he + caused a tumult among them, by producing in them divers languages, and + causing that, through the multitude of those languages, they should not be + able to understand one another. The place wherein they built the tower is + now called Babylon, because of the confusion of that language which they + readily understood before; for the Hebrews mean by the word Babel, + confusion. The Sibyl also makes mention of this tower, and of the + confusion of the language, when she says thus: "When all men were of one + language, some of them built a high tower, as if they would thereby ascend + up to heaven, but the gods sent storms of wind and overthrew the tower, + and gave every one his peculiar language; and for this reason it was that + the city was called Babylon." But as to the plan of Shinar, in the country + of Babylonia, Hestiaeus mentions it, when he says thus: "Such of the + priests as were saved, took the sacred vessels of Jupiter Enyalius, and + came to Shinar of Babylonia." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. After What Manner The Posterity Of Noah Sent Out Colonies, And + Inhabited The Whole Earth. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After this they were dispersed abroad, on account of their languages, + and went out by colonies every where; and each colony took possession of + that land which they light upon, and unto which God led them; so that the + whole continent was filled with them, both the inland and the maritime + countries. There were some also who passed over the sea in ships, and + inhabited the islands: and some of those nations do still retain the + denominations which were given them by their first founders; but some have + lost them also, and some have only admitted certain changes in them, that + they might be the more intelligible to the inhabitants. And they were the + Greeks who became the authors of such mutations. For when in after-ages + they grew potent, they claimed to themselves the glory of antiquity; + giving names to the nations that sounded well [in Greek] that they might + be better understood among themselves; and setting agreeable forms of + government over them, as if they were a people derived from themselves. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. How Every Nation Was Denominated From Their First Inhabitants. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now they were the grandchildren of Noah, in honor of whom names were + imposed on the nations by those that first seized upon them. Japhet, the + son of Noah, had seven sons: they inhabited so, that, beginning at the + mountains Taurus and Amanus, they proceeded along Asia, as far as the + river Tansis, and along Europe to Cadiz; and settling themselves on the + lands which they light upon, which none had inhabited before, they called + the nations by their own names. For Gomer founded those whom the Greeks + now call Galatians, [Galls,] but were then called Gomerites. Magog founded + those that from him were named Magogites, but who are by the Greeks called + Scythians. Now as to Javan and Madai, the sons of Japhet; from Madai came + the Madeans, who are called Medes, by the Greeks; but from Javan, Ionia, + and all the Grecians, are derived. Thobel founded the Thobelites, who are + now called Iberes; and the Mosocheni were founded by Mosoch; now they are + Cappadocians. There is also a mark of their ancient denomination still to + be shown; for there is even now among them a city called Mazaca, which may + inform those that are able to understand, that so was the entire nation + once called. Thiras also called those whom he ruled over Thirasians; but + the Greeks changed the name into Thracians. And so many were the countries + that had the children of Japhet for their inhabitants. Of the three sons + of Gomer, Aschanax founded the Aschanaxians, who are now called by the + Greeks Rheginians. So did Riphath found the Ripheans, now called + Paphlagonians; and Thrugramma the Thrugrammeans, who, as the Greeks + resolved, were named Phrygians. Of the three sons of Javan also, the son + of Japhet, Elisa gave name to the Eliseans, who were his subjects; they + are now the Aeolians. Tharsus to the Tharsians, for so was Cilicia of old + called; the sign of which is this, that the noblest city they have, and a + metropolis also, is Tarsus, the tau being by change put for the theta. + Cethimus possessed the island Cethima: it is now called Cyprus; and from + that it is that all islands, and the greatest part of the sea-coasts, are + named Cethim by the Hebrews: and one city there is in Cyprus that has been + able to preserve its denomination; it has been called Citius by those who + use the language of the Greeks, and has not, by the use of that dialect, + escaped the name of Cethim. And so many nations have the children and + grandchildren of Japhet possessed. Now when I have premised somewhat, + which perhaps the Greeks do not know, I will return and explain what I + have omitted; for such names are pronounced here after the manner of the + Greeks, to please my readers; for our own country language does not so + pronounce them: but the names in all cases are of one and the same ending; + for the name we here pronounce Noeas, is there Noah, and in every case + retains the same termination. + </p> + <p> + 2. The children of Ham possessed the land from Syria and Amanus, and the + mountains of Libanus; seizing upon all that was on its sea-coasts, and as + far as the ocean, and keeping it as their own. Some indeed of its names + are utterly vanished away; others of them being changed, and another sound + given them, are hardly to be discovered; yet a few there are which have + kept their denominations entire. For of the four sons of Ham, time has not + at all hurt the name of Chus; for the Ethiopians, over whom he reigned, + are even at this day, both by themselves and by all men in Asia, called + Chusites. The memory also of the Mesraites is preserved in their name; for + all we who inhabit this country [of Judea] called Egypt Mestre, and the + Egyptians Mestreans. Phut also was the founder of Libya, and called the + inhabitants Phutites, from himself: there is also a river in the country + of Moors which bears that name; whence it is that we may see the greatest + part of the Grecian historiographers mention that river and the adjoining + country by the appellation of Phut: but the name it has now has been by + change given it from one of the sons of Mesraim, who was called Lybyos. We + will inform you presently what has been the occasion why it has been + called Africa also. Canaan, the fourth son of Ham, inhabited the country + now called Judea, and called it from his own name Canaan. The children of + these [four] were these: Sabas, who founded the Sabeans; Evilas, who + founded the Evileans, who are called Getuli; Sabathes founded the + Sabathens, they are now called by the Greeks Astaborans; Sabactas settled + the Sabactens; and Ragmus the Ragmeans; and he had two sons, the one of + whom, Judadas, settled the Judadeans, a nation of the western Ethiopians, + and left them his name; as did Sabas to the Sabeans: but Nimrod, the son + of Chus, staid and tyrannized at Babylon, as we have already informed you. + Now all the children of Mesraim, being eight in number, possessed the + country from Gaza to Egypt, though it retained the name of one only, the + Philistim; for the Greeks call part of that country Palestine. As for the + rest, Ludieim, and Enemim, and Labim, who alone inhabited in Libya, and + called the country from himself, Nedim, and Phethrosim, and Chesloim, and + Cephthorim, we know nothing of them besides their names; for the Ethiopic + war<a href="#linknote-17" name="linknoteref-17" id="linknoteref-17"><small>17</small></a> + which we shall describe hereafter, was the cause that those cities were + overthrown. The sons of Canaan were these: Sidonius, who also built a city + of the same name; it is called by the Greeks Sidon Amathus inhabited in + Amathine, which is even now called Amathe by the inhabitants, although the + Macedonians named it Epiphania, from one of his posterity: Arudeus + possessed the island Aradus: Arucas possessed Arce, which is in Libanus. + But for the seven others, [Eueus,] Chetteus, Jebuseus, Amorreus, Gergesus, + Eudeus, Sineus, Samareus, we have nothing in the sacred books but their + names, for the Hebrews overthrew their cities; and their calamities came + upon them on the occasion following. + </p> + <p> + 3. Noah, when, after the deluge, the earth was resettled in its former + condition, set about its cultivation; and when he had planted it with + vines, and when the fruit was ripe, and he had gathered the grapes in + their season, and the wine was ready for use, he offered sacrifice, and + feasted, and, being drunk, he fell asleep, and lay naked in an unseemly + manner. When his youngest son saw this, he came laughing, and showed him + to his brethren; but they covered their father's nakedness. And when Noah + was made sensible of what had been done, he prayed for prosperity to his + other sons; but for Ham, he did not curse him, by reason of his nearness + in blood, but cursed his prosperity: and when the rest of them escaped + that curse, God inflicted it on the children of Canaan. But as to these + matters, we shall speak more hereafter. + </p> + <p> + 4. Shem, the third son of Noah, had five sons, who inhabited the land that + began at Euphrates, and reached to the Indian Ocean. For Elam left behind + him the Elamites, the ancestors of the Persians. Ashur lived at the city + Nineve; and named his subjects Assyrians, who became the most fortunate + nation, beyond others. Arphaxad named the Arphaxadites, who are now called + Chaldeans. Aram had the Aramites, which the Greeks called Syrians; as Laud + founded the Laudites, which are now called Lydians. Of the four sons of + Aram, Uz founded Trachonitis and Damascus: this country lies between + Palestine and Celesyria. Ul founded Armenia; and Gather the Bactrians; and + Mesa the Mesaneans; it is now called Charax Spasini. Sala was the son of + Arphaxad; and his son was Heber, from whom they originally called the Jews + Hebrews. <a href="#linknote-18" name="linknoteref-18" id="linknoteref-18"><small>18</small></a> + Heber begat Joetan and Phaleg: he was called Phaleg, because he was born + at the dispersion of the nations to their several countries; for Phaleg + among the Hebrews signifies division. Now Joctan, one of the sons of + Heber, had these sons, Elmodad, Saleph, Asermoth, Jera, Adoram, Aizel, + Decla, Ebal, Abimael, Sabeus, Ophir, Euilat, and Jobab. These inhabited + from Cophen, an Indian river, and in part of Asia adjoining to it. And + this shall suffice concerning the sons of Shem. + </p> + <p> + 5. I will now treat of the Hebrews. The son of Phaleg, whose father Was + Heber, was Ragau; whose son was Serug, to whom was born Nahor; his son was + Terah, who was the father of Abraham, who accordingly was the tenth from + Noah, and was born in the two hundred and ninety-second year after the + deluge; for Terah begat Abram in his seventieth year. Nahor begat Haran + when he was one hundred and twenty years old; Nahor was born to Serug in + his hundred and thirty-second year; Ragau had Serug at one hundred and + thirty; at the same age also Phaleg had Ragau; Heber begat Phaleg in his + hundred and thirty-fourth year; he himself being begotten by Sala when he + was a hundred and thirty years old, whom Arphaxad had for his son at the + hundred and thirty-fifth year of his age. Arphaxad was the son of Shem, + and born twelve years after the deluge. Now Abram had two brethren, Nahor + and Haran: of these Haran left a son, Lot; as also Sarai and Milcha his + daughters; and died among the Chaldeans, in a city of the Chaldeans, + called Ur; and his monument is shown to this day. These married their + nieces. Nabor married Milcha, and Abram married Sarai. Now Terah hating + Chaldea, on account of his mourning for Ilaran, they all removed to Haran + of Mesopotamia, where Terah died, and was buried, when he had lived to be + two hundred and five years old; for the life of man was already, by + degrees, diminished, and became shorter than before, till the birth of + Moses; after whom the term of human life was one hundred and twenty years, + God determining it to the length that Moses happened to live. Now Nahor + had eight sons by Milcha; Uz and Buz, Kemuel, Chesed, Azau, Pheldas, + Jadelph, and Bethuel. These were all the genuine sons of Nahor; for Teba, + and Gaam, and Tachas, and Maaca, were born of Reuma his concubine: but + Bethuel had a daughter, Rebecca, and a son, Laban. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. How Abram Our Forefather Went Out Of The Land Of The Chaldeans, + And Lived In The Land Then Called Canaan But Now Judea. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Abram, having no son of his own, adopted Lot, his brother Haran's + son, and his wife Sarai's brother; and he left the land of Chaldea when he + was seventy-five years old, and at the command of God went into Canaan, + and therein he dwelt himself, and left it to his posterity. He was a + person of great sagacity, both for understanding all things and persuading + his hearers, and not mistaken in his opinions; for which reason he began + to have higher notions of virtue than others had, and he determined to + renew and to change the opinion all men happened then to have concerning + God; for he was the first that ventured to publish this notion, That there + was but one God, the Creator of the universe; and that, as to other + [gods], if they contributed any thing to the happiness of men, that each + of them afforded it only according to his appointment, and not by their + own power. This his opinion was derived from the irregular phenomena that + were visible both at land and sea, as well as those that happen to the + sun, and moon, and all the heavenly bodies, thus:—"If [said he] + these bodies had power of their own, they would certainly take care of + their own regular motions; but since they do not preserve such regularity, + they make it plain, that in so far as they co-operate to our advantage, + they do it not of their own abilities, but as they are subservient to Him + that commands them, to whom alone we ought justly to offer our honor and + thanksgiving." For which doctrines, when the Chaldeans, and other people + of Mesopotamia, raised a tumult against him, he thought fit to leave that + country; and at the command and by the assistance of God, he came and + lived in the land of Canaan. And when he was there settled, he built an + altar, and performed a sacrifice to God. + </p> + <p> + 2. Berosus mentions our father Abram without naming him, when he says + thus: "In the tenth generation after the Flood, there was among the + Chaldeans a man righteous and great, and skillful in the celestial + science." But Hecatseus does more than barely mention him; for he + composed, and left behind him, a book concerning him. And Nicolaus of + Damascus, in the fourth book of his History, says thus: "Abram reigned at + Damascus, being a foreigner, who came with an army out of the land above + Babylon, called the land of the Chaldeans: but, after a long time, he got + him up, and removed from that country also, with his people, and went into + the land then called the land of Canaan, but now the land of Judea, and + this when his posterity were become a multitude; as to which posterity of + his, we relate their history in another work. Now the name of Abram is + even still famous in the country of Damascus; and there is shown a village + named from him, The Habitation of Abram." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. That When There Was A Famine In Canaan, Abram Went Thence Into + Egypt; And After He Had Continued There A While He Returned Back Again. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now, after this, when a famine had invaded the land of Canaan, and + Abram had discovered that the Egyptians were in a flourishing condition, + he was disposed to go down to them, both to partake of the plenty they + enjoyed, and to become an auditor of their priests, and to know what they + said concerning the gods; designing either to follow them, if they had + better notions than he, or to convert them into a better way, if his own + notions proved the truest. Now, seeing he was to take Sarai with him, and + was afraid of the madness of the Egyptians with regard to women, lest the + king should kill him on occasion of his wife's great beauty, he contrived + this device:—he pretended to be her brother, and directed her in a + dissembling way to pretend the same, for he said it would be for their + benefit. Now, as soon as he came into Egypt, it happened to Abram as he + supposed it would; for the fame of his wife's beauty was greatly talked + of; for which reason Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, would not be satisfied + with what was reported of her, but would needs see her himself, and was + preparing to enjoy her; but God put a stop to his unjust inclinations, by + sending upon him a distemper, and a sedition against his government. And + when he inquired of the priests how he might be freed from these + calamities, they told him that this his miserable condition was derived + from the wrath of God, upon account of his inclinations to abuse the + stranger's wife. He then, out of fear, asked Sarai who she was, and who it + was that she brought along with her. And when he had found out the truth, + he excused himself to Abram, that supposing the woman to be his sister, + and not his wife, he set his affections on her, as desiring an affinity + with him by marrying her, but not as incited by lust to abuse her. He also + made him a large present in money, and gave him leave to enter into + conversation with the most learned among the Egyptians; from which + conversation his virtue and his reputation became more conspicuous than + they had been before. + </p> + <p> + 2. For whereas the Egyptians were formerly addicted to different customs, + and despised one another's sacred and accustomed rites, and were very + angry one with another on that account, Abram conferred with each of them, + and, confuting the reasonings they made use of, every one for their own + practices, demonstrated that such reasonings were vain and void of truth: + whereupon he was admired by them in those conferences as a very wise man, + and one of great sagacity, when he discoursed on any subject he undertook; + and this not only in understanding it, but in persuading other men also to + assent to him. He communicated to them arithmetic, and delivered to them + the science of astronomy; for before Abram came into Egypt they were + unacquainted with those parts of learning; for that science came from the + Chaldeans into Egypt, and from thence to the Greeks also. + </p> + <p> + 3. As soon as Abram was come back into Canaan, he parted the land between + him and Lot, upon account of the tumultuous behavior of their shepherds, + concerning the pastures wherein they should feed their flocks. However, he + gave Lot his option, or leave, to choose which lands he would take; and he + took himself what the other left, which were the lower grounds at the foot + of the mountains; and he himself dwelt in Hebron, which is a city seven + years more ancient than Tunis of Egypt. But Lot possessed the land of the + plain, and the river Jordan, not far from the city of Sodom, which was + then a fine city, but is now destroyed, by the will and wrath of God, the + cause of which I shall show in its proper place hereafter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. The Destruction Of The Sodomites By The Assyrian War. + </h3> + <p> + At this time, when the Assyrians had the dominion over Asia, the people of + Sodom were in a flourishing condition, both as to riches and the number of + their youth. There were five kings that managed the affairs of this + county: Ballas, Barsas, Senabar, and Sumobor, with the king of Bela; and + each king led on his own troops: and the Assyrians made war upon them; + and, dividing their army into four parts, fought against them. Now every + part of the army had its own commander; and when the battle was joined, + the Assyrians were conquerors, and imposed a tribute on the kings of the + Sodomites, who submitted to this slavery twelve years; and so long they + continued to pay their tribute: but on the thirteenth year they rebelled, + and then the army of the Assyrians came upon them, under their commanders + Amraphel, Arioch, Chodorlaomer, and Tidal. These kings had laid waste all + Syria, and overthrown the offspring of the giants. And when they were come + over against Sodom, they pitched their camp at the vale called the Slime + Pits, for at that time there were pits in that place; but now, upon the + destruction of the city of Sodom, that vale became the Lake Asphaltites, + as it is called. However, concerning this lake we shall speak more + presently. Now when the Sodomites joined battle with the Assyrians, and + the fight was very obstinate, many of them were killed, and the rest were + carried captive; among which captives was Lot, who had come to assist the + Sodomites. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. How Abram Fought With The Assyrians, And Overcame Them, And + Saved The Sodomite Prisoners, And Took From The Assyrians The Prey They + Had Gotten. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When, Abram heard of their calamity, he was at once afraid for Lot his + kinsman, and pitied the Sodomites, his friends and neighbors; and thinking + it proper to afford them assistance, he did not delay it, but marched + hastily, and the fifth night fell upon the Assyrians, near Dan, for that + is the name of the other spring of Jordan; and before they could arm + themselves, he slew some as they were in their beds, before they could + suspect any harm; and others, who were not yet gone to sleep, but were so + drunk they could not fight, ran away. Abram pursued after them, till, on + the second day, he drove them in a body unto Hoba, a place belonging to + Damascus; and thereby demonstrated that victory does not depend on + multitude and the number of hands, but the alacrity and courage of + soldiers overcome the most numerous bodies of men, while he got the + victory over so great an army with no more than three hundred and eighteen + of his servants, and three of his friends: but all those that fled + returned home ingloriously. + </p> + <p> + 2. So Abram, when he had saved the captive Sodomites, who had been taken + by the Assyrians, and Lot also, his kinsman, returned home in peace. Now + the king of Sodom met him at a certain place, which they called The King's + Dale, where Melchisedec, king of the city Salem, received him. That name + signifies, the righteous king: and such he was, without dispute, insomuch + that, on this account, he was made the priest of God: however, they + afterward called Salem Jerusalem. Now this Melchisedec supplied Abram's + army in an hospitable manner, and gave them provisions in abundance; and + as they were feasting, he began to praise him, and to bless God for + subduing his enemies under him. And when Abram gave him the tenth part of + his prey, he accepted of the gift: but the king of Sodom desired Abram to + take the prey, but entreated that he might have those men restored to him + whom Abram had saved from the Assyrians, because they belonged to him. But + Abram would not do so; nor would make any other advantage of that prey + than what his servants had eaten; but still insisted that he should afford + a part to his friends that had assisted him in the battle. The first of + them was called Eschol, and then Enner, and Mambre. + </p> + <p> + 3. And God commended his virtue, and said, Thou shalt not however lose the + rewards thou hast deserved to receive by such thy glorious actions. He + answered, And what advantage will it be to me to have such rewards, when I + have none to enjoy them after me?—for he was hitherto childless. And + God promised that he should have a son, and that his posterity should be + very numerous; insomuch that their number should be like the stars. When + he heard that, he offered a sacrifice to God, as he commanded him. The + manner of the sacrifice was this:—He took an heifer of three years + old, and a she-goat of three years old, and a ram in like manner of three + years old, and a turtle-dove, and a pigeon <a href="#linknote-19" + name="linknoteref-19" id="linknoteref-19"><small>19</small></a> and as he + was enjoined, he divided the three former, but the birds he did not + divide. After which, before he built his altar, where the birds of prey + flew about, as desirous of blood, a Divine voice came to him, declaring + that their neighbors would be grievous to his posterity, when they should + be in Egypt, for four hundred years; <a href="#linknote-20" + name="linknoteref-20" id="linknoteref-20"><small>20</small></a> during + which time they should be afflicted, but afterwards should overcome their + enemies, should conquer the Canaanites in war, and possess themselves of + their land, and of their cities. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now Abram dwelt near the oak called Ogyges,—the place belongs to + Canaan, not far from the city of Hebron. But being uneasy at his wife's + barrenness, he entreated God to grant that he might have male issue; and + God required of him to be of good courage, and said that he would add to + all the rest of the benefits that he had bestowed upon him, ever since he + led him out of Mesopotamia, the gift of children. Accordingly Sarai, at + God's command, brought to his bed one of her handmaidens, a woman of + Egyptian descent, in order to obtain children by her; and when this + handmaid was with child, she triumphed, and ventured to affront Sarai, as + if the dominion were to come to a son to be born of her. But when Abram + resigned her into the hand of Sarai, to punish her, she contrived to fly + away, as not able to bear the instances of Sarai's severity to her; and + she entreated God to have compassion on her. Now a Divine Angel met her, + as she was going forward in the wilderness, and bid her return to her + master and mistress, for if she would submit to that wise advice, she + would live better hereafter; for that the reason of her being in such a + miserable case was this, that she had been ungrateful and arrogant towards + her mistress. He also told her, that if she disobeyed God, and went on + still in her way, she should perish; but if she would return back, she + should become the mother of a son who should reign over that country. + These admonitions she obeyed, and returned to her master and mistress, and + obtained forgiveness. A little while afterwards, she bare Ismael; which + may be interpreted Heard of God, because God had heard his mother's + prayer. + </p> + <p> + 5. The forementioned son was born to Abram when he was eighty-six years + old: but when he was ninety-nine, God appeared to him, and promised him + that he Should have a son by Sarai, and commanded that his name should be + Isaac; and showed him, that from this son should spring great nations and + kings, and that they should obtain all the land of Canaan by war, from + Sidon to Egypt. But he charged him, in order to keep his posterity unmixed + with others, that they should be circumcised in the flesh of their + foreskin, and that this should be done on the eighth day after they were + born: the reason of which circumcision I will explain in another place. + And Abram inquiring also concerning Ismael, whether he should live or not, + God signified to him that he should live to be very old, and should be the + father of great nations. Abram therefore gave thanks to God for these + blessings; and then he, and all his family, and his son Ismael, were + circumcised immediately; the son being that day thirteen years of age, and + he ninety-nine. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. How God Overthrew The Nation Of The Sodomites, Out Of His + Wrath Against Them For Their Sins. + </h3> + <p> + 1. About this time the Sodomites grew proud, on account of their riches + and great wealth; they became unjust towards men, and impious towards God, + insomuch that they did not call to mind the advantages they received from + him: they hated strangers, and abused themselves with Sodomitical + practices. God was therefore much displeased at them, and determined to + punish them for their pride, and to overthrow their city, and to lay waste + their country, until there should neither plant nor fruit grow out of it. + </p> + <p> + 2. When God had thus resolved concerning the Sodomites, Abraham, as he sat + by the oak of Mambre, at the door of his tent, saw three angels; and + thinking them to be strangers, he rose up, and saluted them, and desired + they would accept of an entertainment, and abide with him; to which, when + they agreed, he ordered cakes of meal to be made presently; and when he + had slain a calf, he roasted it, and brought it to them, as they sat under + the oak. Now they made a show of eating; and besides, they asked him about + his wife Sarah, where she was; and when he said she was within, they said + they would come again hereafter, and find her become a mother. Upon which + the woman laughed, and said that it was impossible she should bear + children, since she was ninety years of age, and her husband was a + hundred. Then they concealed themselves no longer, but declared that they + were angels of God; and that one of them was sent to inform them about the + child, and two of the overthrow of Sodom. + </p> + <p> + 3. When Abraham heard this, he was grieved for the Sodomites; and he rose + up, and besought God for them, and entreated him that he would not destroy + the righteous with the wicked. And when God had replied that there was no + good man among the Sodomites; for if there were but ten such man among + them, he would not punish any of them for their sins, Abraham held his + peace. And the angels came to the city of the Sodomites, and Lot entreated + them to accept of a lodging with him; for he was a very generous and + hospitable man, and one that had learned to imitate the goodness of + Abraham. Now when the Sodomites saw the young men to be of beautiful + countenances, and this to an extraordinary degree, and that they took up + their lodgings with Lot, they resolved themselves to enjoy these beautiful + boys by force and violence; and when Lot exhorted them to sobriety, and + not to offer any thing immodest to the strangers, but to have regard to + their lodging in his house; and promised that if their inclinations could + not be governed, he would expose his daughters to their lust, instead of + these strangers; neither thus were they made ashamed. + </p> + <p> + 4. But God was much displeased at their impudent behavior, so that he both + smote those men with blindness, and condemned the Sodomites to universal + destruction. But Lot, upon God's informing him of the future destruction + of the Sodomites, went away, taking with him his wife and daughters, who + were two, and still virgins; for those that were betrothed <a + href="#linknote-21" name="linknoteref-21" id="linknoteref-21"><small>21</small></a> + to them were above the thoughts of going, and deemed that Lot's words were + trifling. God then cast a thunderbolt upon the city, and set it on fire, + with its inhabitants; and laid waste the country with the like burning, as + I formerly said when I wrote the Jewish War. <a href="#linknote-22" + name="linknoteref-22" id="linknoteref-22"><small>22</small></a> But Lot's + wife continually turning back to view the city as she went from it, and + being too nicely inquisitive what would become of it, although God had + forbidden her so to do, was changed into a pillar of salt;<a + href="#linknote-23" name="linknoteref-23" id="linknoteref-23"><small>23</small></a> + for I have seen it, and it remains at this day. Now he and his daughters + fled to a certain small place, encompassed with the fire, and settled in + it: it is to this day called Zoar, for that is the word which the Hebrews + use for a small thing. There it was that he lived a miserable life, on + account of his having no company, and his want of provisions. + </p> + <p> + 5. But his daughters, thinking that all mankind were destroyed, approached + to their father, <a href="#linknote-24" name="linknoteref-24" + id="linknoteref-24"><small>24</small></a> though taking care not to be + perceived. This they did, that human kind might not utterly fail: and they + bare sons; the son of the elder was named Moab, Which denotes one derived + from his father; the younger bare Ammon, which name denotes one derived + from a kinsman. The former of whom was the father of the Moabites, which + is even still a great nation; the latter was the father of the Ammonites; + and both of them are inhabitants of Celesyria. And such was the departure + of Lot from among the Sodomites. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 12. Concerning Abimelech; And Concerning Ismael The Son Of + Abraham; And Concerning The Arabians, Who Were His Posterity. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Abraham now removed to Gerar of Palestine, leading Sarah along with + him, under the notion of his sister, using the like dissimulation that he + had used before, and this out of fear: for he was afraid of Abimelech, the + king of that country, who did also himself fall in love with Sarah, and + was disposed to corrupt her; but he was restrained from satisfying his + lust by a dangerous distemper which befell him from God. Now when his + physicians despaired of curing him, he fell asleep, and saw a dream, + warning him not to abuse the stranger's wife; and when he recovered, he + told his friends that God had inflicted that disease upon him, by way of + punishment, for his injury to the stranger; and in order to preserve the + chastity of his wife, for that she did not accompany him as his sister, + but as his legitimate wife; and that God had promised to be gracious to + him for the time to come, if this person be once secure of his wife's + chastity. When he had said this, by the advice of his friends, he sent for + Abraham, and bid him not to be concerned about his wife, or fear the + corruption of her chastity; for that God took care of him, and that it was + by his providence that he received his wife again, without her suffering + any abuse. And he appealed to God, and to his wife's conscience; and said + that he had not any inclination at first to enjoy her, if he had known she + was his wife; but since, said he, thou leddest her about as thy sister, I + was guilty of no offense. He also entreated him to be at peace with him, + and to make God propitious to him; and that if he thought fit to continue + with him, he should have what he wanted in abundance; but that if he + designed to go away, he should be honorably conducted, and have whatsoever + supply he wanted when he came thither. Upon his saying this, Abraham told + him that his pretense of kindred to his wife was no lie, because she was + his brother's daughter; and that he did not think himself safe in his + travels abroad, without this sort of dissimulation; and that he was not + the cause of his distemper, but was only solicitous for his own safety: he + said also, that he was ready to stay with him. Whereupon Abimelech + assigned him land and money; and they coventanted to live together without + guile, and took an oath at a certain well called Beersheba, which may be + interpreted, The Well of the Oath: and so it is named by the people of the + country unto this day. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now in a little time Abraham had a son by Sarah, as God had foretold to + him, whom he named Isaac, which signifies Laughter. And indeed they so + called him, because Sarah laughed when God <a href="#linknote-25" + name="linknoteref-25" id="linknoteref-25"><small>25</small></a> said that + she should bear a son, she not expecting such a thing, as being past the + age of child-bearing, for she was ninety years old, and Abraham a hundred; + so that this son was born to them both in the last year of each of those + decimal numbers. And they circumcised him upon the eighth day and from + that time the Jews continue the custom of circumcising their sons within + that number of days. But as for the Arabians, they circumcise after the + thirteenth year, because Ismael, the founder of their nation, who was born + to Abraham of the concubine, was circumcised at that age; concerning whom + I will presently give a particular account, with great exactness. + </p> + <p> + 3. As for Sarah, she at first loved Ismael, who was born of her own + handmaid Hagar, with an affection not inferior to that of her own son, for + he was brought up in order to succeed in the government; but when she + herself had borne Isaac, she was not willing that Ismael should be brought + up with him, as being too old for him, and able to do him injuries when + their father should be dead; she therefore persuaded Abraham to send him + and his mother to some distant country. Now, at the first, he did not + agree to what Sarah was so zealous for, and thought it an instance of the + greatest barbarity, to send away a young child <a href="#linknote-26" + name="linknoteref-26" id="linknoteref-26"><small>26</small></a> and a + woman unprovided of necessaries; but at length he agreed to it, because + God was pleased with what Sarah had determined: so he delivered Ismael to + his mother, as not yet able to go by himself; and commanded her to take a + bottle of water, and a loaf of bread, and so to depart, and to take + Necessity for her guide. But as soon as her necessary provisions failed, + she found herself in an evil case; and when the water was almost spent, + she laid the young child, who was ready to expire, under a fig-tree, and + went on further, that so he might die while she was absent. But a Divine + Angel came to her, and told her of a fountain hard by, and bid her take + care, and bring up the child, because she should be very happy by the + preservation of Ismael. She then took courage, upon the prospect of what + was promised her, and, meeting with some shepherds, by their care she got + clear of the distresses she had been in. + </p> + <p> + 4. When the lad was grown up, he married a wife, by birth an Egyptian, + from whence the mother was herself derived originally. Of this wife were + born to Ismael twelve sons; Nabaioth, Kedar, Abdeel, Mabsam, Idumas, + Masmaos, Masaos, Chodad, Theman, Jetur, Naphesus, Cadmas. These inhabited + all the country from Euphrates to the Red Sea, and called it Nabatene. + They are an Arabian nation, and name their tribes from these, both because + of their own virtue, and because of the dignity of Abraham their father. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 13. Concerning Isaac The Legitimate Son Of Abraham. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Abraham greatly loved Isaac, as being his only begotten <a + href="#linknote-27" name="linknoteref-27" id="linknoteref-27"><small>27</small></a> + and given to him at the borders of old age, by the favor of God. The child + also endeared himself to his parents still more, by the exercise of every + virtue, and adhering to his duty to his parents, and being zealous in the + worship of God. Abraham also placed his own happiness in this prospect, + that, when he should die, he should leave this his son in a safe and + secure condition; which accordingly he obtained by the will of God: who + being desirous to make an experiment of Abraham's religious disposition + towards himself, appeared to him, and enumerated all the blessings he had + bestowed on him; how he had made him superior to his enemies; and that his + son Isaac, who was the principal part of his present happiness, was + derived from him; and he said that he required this son of his as a + sacrifice and holy oblation. Accordingly he commanded him to carry him to + the mountain Moriah, and to build an altar, and offer him for a + burnt-offering upon it for that this would best manifest his religious + disposition towards him, if he preferred what was pleasing to God, before + the preservation of his own son. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Abraham thought that it was not right to disobey God in any thing, + but that he was obliged to serve him in every circumstance of life, since + all creatures that live enjoy their life by his providence, and the + kindness he bestows on them. Accordingly he concealed this command of God, + and his own intentions about the slaughter of his son, from his wife, as + also from every one of his servants, otherwise he should have been + hindered from his obedience to God; and he took Isaac, together with two + of his servants, and laying what things were necessary for a sacrifice + upon an ass, he went away to the mountain. Now the two servants went along + with him two days; but on the third day, as soon as he saw the mountain, + he left those servants that were with him till then in the plain, and, + having his son alone with him, he came to the mountain. It was that + mountain upon which king David afterwards built the temple. <a + href="#linknote-28" name="linknoteref-28" id="linknoteref-28"><small>28</small></a> + Now they had brought with them every thing necessary for a sacrifice, + excepting the animal that was to be offered only. Now Isaac was + twenty-five years old. And as he was building the altar, he asked his + father what he was about to offer, since there was no animal there for an + oblation:—to which it was answered, "That God would provide himself + an oblation, he being able to make a plentiful provision for men out of + what they have not, and to deprive others of what they already have, when + they put too much trust therein; that therefore, if God pleased to be + present and propitious at this sacrifice, he would provide himself an + oblation." + </p> + <p> + 3. As soon as the altar was prepared, and Abraham had laid on the wood, + and all things were entirely ready, he said to his son, "O son, I poured + out a vast number of prayers that I might have thee for my son; when thou + wast come into the world, there was nothing that could contribute to thy + support for which I was not greatly solicitous, nor any thing wherein I + thought myself happier than to see thee grown up to man's estate, and that + I might leave thee at my death the successor to my dominion; but since it + was by God's will that I became thy father, and it is now his will that I + relinquish thee, bear this consecration to God with a generous mind; for I + resign thee up to God who has thought fit now to require this testimony of + honor to himself, on account of the favors he hath conferred on me, in + being to me a supporter and defender. Accordingly thou, my son, wilt now + die, not in any common way of going out of the world, but sent to God, the + Father of all men, beforehand, by thy own father, in the nature of a + sacrifice. I suppose he thinks thee worthy to get clear of this world + neither by disease, neither by war, nor by any other severe way, by which + death usually comes upon men, but so that he will receive thy soul with + prayers and holy offices of religion, and will place thee near to himself, + and thou wilt there be to me a succorer and supporter in my old age; on + which account I principally brought thee up, and thou wilt thereby procure + me God for my Comforter instead of thyself." + </p> + <p> + 4. Now Isaac was of such a generous disposition as became the son of such + a father, and was pleased with this discourse; and said, "That he was not + worthy to be born at first, if he should reject the determination of God + and of his father, and should not resign himself up readily to both their + pleasures; since it would have been unjust if he had not obeyed, even if + his father alone had so resolved." So he went immediately to the altar to + be sacrificed. And the deed had been done if God had not opposed it; for + he called loudly to Abraham by his name, and forbade him to slay his son; + and said, "It was not out of a desire of human blood that he was commanded + to slay his son, nor was he willing that he should be taken away from him + whom he had made his father, but to try the temper of his mind, whether he + would be obedient to such a command. Since therefore he now was satisfied + as to that his alacrity, and the surprising readiness he showed in this + his piety, he was delighted in having bestowed such blessings upon him; + and that he would not be wanting in all sort of concern about him, and in + bestowing other children upon him; and that his son should live to a very + great age; that he should live a happy life, and bequeath a large + principality to his children, who should be good and legitimate." He + foretold also, that his family should increase into many nations <a + href="#linknote-29" name="linknoteref-29" id="linknoteref-29"><small>29</small></a> + and that those patriarchs should leave behind them an everlasting name; + that they should obtain the possession of the land of Canaan, and be + envied by all men. When God had said this, he produced to them a ram, + which did not appear before, for the sacrifice. So Abraham and Isaac + receiving each other unexpectedly, and having obtained the promises of + such great blessings, embraced one another; and when they had sacrificed, + they returned to Sarah, and lived happily together, God affording them his + assistance in all things they desired. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 14. Concerning Sarah Abraham's Wife; And How She Ended Her Days. + </h3> + <p> + Now Sarah died a little while after, having lived one hundred and + twenty-seven years. They buried her in Hebron; the Canaanites publicly + allowing them a burying-place; which piece of ground Abraham bought for + four hundred shekels, of Ephron, an inhabitant of Hebron. And both Abraham + and his descendants built themselves sepulchers in that place. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 15. How The Nation Of The Troglodytes Were Derived From Abraham By + Keturah. + </h3> + <p> + Abraham after this married Keturah, by whom six sons were born to him, men + of courage, and of sagacious minds: Zambran, and Jazar, and Madan, and + Madian, and Josabak, and Sous. Now the sons of Sous were Sabathan and + Dadan. The sons of Dadan were Latusim, and Assur, and Luom. The sons of + Madiau were Ephas, and Ophren, and Anoch, and Ebidas, and Eldas. Now, for + all these sons and grandsons, Abraham contrived to settle them in + colonies; and they took possession of Troglodytis, and the country of + Arabia the Happy, as far as it reaches to the Red Sea. It is related of + this Ophren, that he made war against Libya, and took it, and that his + grandchildren, when they inhabited it, called it [from his name] Africa. + And indeed Alexander Polyhistor gives his attestation to what I here say; + who speaks thus: "Cleodemus the prophet, who was also called Malchus, who + wrote a History of the Jews, in agreement with the History of Moses, their + legislator, relates, that there were many sons born to Abraham by Keturah: + nay, he names three of them, Apher, and Surim, and Japhran. That from + Surim was the land of Assyria denominated; and that from the other two + [Apher and Japbran] the country of Africa took its name, because these men + were auxiliaries to Hercules, when he fought against Libya and Antaeus; + and that Hercules married Aphra's daughter, and of her he begat a son, + Diodorus; and that Sophon was his son, from whom that barbarous people + called Sophacians were denominated." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 16. How Isaac Took Rebeka To Wife. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when Abraham, the father of Isaac, had resolved to take Rebeka, who + was grand-daughter to his brother Nahor, for a wife to his son Isaac, who + was then about forty years old, he sent the ancientest of his servants to + betroth her, after he had obliged him to give him the strongest assurances + of his fidelity; which assurances were given after the manner following:—They + put each other's hands under each other's thighs; then they called upon + God as the witness of what was to be done. He also sent such presents to + those that were there as were in esteem, on account that that they either + rarely or never were seen in that country, The servant got thither not + under a considerable time; for it requires much time to pass through + Meopotamia, in which it is tedious traveling, both in the winter for the + depth of the clay, and in summer for want of water; and, besides this, for + the robberies there committed, which are not to be avoided by travelers + but by caution beforehand. However, the servant came to Haran; and when he + was in the suburbs, he met a considerable number of maidens going to the + water; he therefore prayed to God that Rebeka might be found among them, + or her whom Abraham sent him as his servant to espouse to his son, in case + his will were that this marriage should be consummated, and that she might + be made known to him by the sign, That while others denied him water to + drink, she might give it him. + </p> + <p> + 2. With this intention he went to the well, and desired the maidens to + give him some water to drink: but while the others refused, on pretense + that they wanted it all at home, and could spare none for him, one only of + the company rebuked them for their peevish behavior towards the stranger; + and said, What is there that you will ever communicate to anybody, who + have not so much as given the man some water? She then offered him water + in an obliging manner. And now he began to hope that his grand affair + would succeed; but desiring still to know the truth, he commended her for + her generosity and good nature, that she did not scruple to afford a + sufficiency of water to those that wanted it, though it cost her some + pains to draw it; and asked who were her parents, and wished them joy of + such a daughter. "And mayst thou be espoused," said he, "to their + satisfaction, into the family of an agreeable husband, and bring him + legitimate children." Nor did she disdain to satisfy his inquiries, but + told him her family. "They," says she, "call me Rebeka; my father was + Bethuel, but he is dead; and Laban is my brother; and, together with my + mother, takes care of all our family affairs, and is the guardian of my + virginity." When the servant heard this, he was very glad at what had + happened, and at what was told him, as perceiving that God had thus + plainly directed his journey; and producing his bracelets, and some other + ornaments which it was esteemed decent for virgins to wear, he gave them + to the damsel, by way of acknowledgment, and as a reward for her kindness + in giving him water to drink; saying, it was but just that she should have + them, because she was so much more obliging than any of the rest. She + desired also that he would come and lodge with them, since the approach of + the night gave him not time to proceed farther. And producing his precious + ornaments for women, he said he desired to trust them to none more safely + than to such as she had shown herself to be; and that he believed he might + guess at the humanity of her mother and brother, that they would not be + displeased, from the virtue he found in her; for he would not be + burdensome, but would pay the hire for his entertainment, and spend his + own money. To which she replied, that he guessed right as to the humanity + of her parents; but complained that he should think them so parsimonious + as to take money, for that he should have all on free cost. But she said + she would first inform her brother Laban, and, if he gave her leave, she + would conduct him in. + </p> + <p> + 3. As soon then as this was over, she introduced the stranger; and for the + camels, the servants of Laban brought them in, and took care of them; and + he was himself brought in to supper by Laban. And, after supper, he says + to him, and to the mother of the damsel, addressing himself to her, + "Abraham is the son of Terah, and a kinsman of yours; for Nahor, the + grandfather of these children, was the brother of Abraham, by both father + and mother; upon which account he hath sent me to you, being desirous to + take this damsel for his son to wife. He is his legitimate son, and is + brought up as his only heir. He could indeed have had the most happy of + all the women in that country for him, but he would not have his son marry + any of them; but, out of regard to his own relations, he desired him to + match here, whose affection and inclination I would not have you despise; + for it was by the good pleasure of God that other accidents fell out in my + journey, and that thereby I lighted upon your daughter and your house; for + when I was near to the city, I saw a great many maidens coming to a well, + and I prayed that I might meet with this damsel, which has come to pass + accordingly. Do you therefore confirm that marriage, whose espousals have + been already made by a Divine appearance; and show the respect you have + for Abraham, who hath sent me with so much solicitude, in giving your + consent to the marriage of this damsel." Upon this they understood it to + be the will of God, and greatly approved of the offer, and sent their + daughter, as was desired. Accordingly Isaac married her, the inheritance + being now come to him; for the children by Keturah were gone to their own + remote habitations. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 17. Concerning The Death Of Abraham. + </h3> + <p> + A Little while after this Abraham died. He was a man of incomparable + virtue, and honored by God in a manner agreeable to his piety towards him. + The whole time of his life was one hundred seventy and five years, and he + was buried in Hebron, with his wife Sarah, by their sons Isaac and Ismael. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 18. Concerning The Sons Of Isaac, Esau And Jacob; Of Their + Nativity And Education. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Isaac's wife proved with child, after the death of Abraham; <a + href="#linknote-30" name="linknoteref-30" id="linknoteref-30"><small>30</small></a> + and when her belly was greatly burdened, Isaac was very anxious, and + inquired of God; who answered, that Rebeka should bear twins; and that two + nations should take the names of those sons; and that he who appeared the + second should excel the elder. Accordingly she, in a little time, as God + had foretold, bare twins; the elder of whom, from his head to his feet, + was very rough and hairy; but the younger took hold of his heel as they + were in the birth. Now the father loved the elder, who was called Esau, a + name agreeable to his roughness, for the Hebrews call such a hairy + roughness [Esau, <a href="#linknote-31" name="linknoteref-31" + id="linknoteref-31"><small>31</small></a> or] Seir; but Jacob the younger + was best beloved by his mother. + </p> + <p> + 2. When there was a famine in the land, Isaac resolved to go into Egypt, + the land there being good; but he went to Gerar, as God commanded him. + Here Abimelech the king received him, because Abraham had formerly lived + with him, and had been his friend. And as in the beginning he treated him + exceeding kindly, so he was hindered from continuing in the same + disposition to the end, by his envy at him; for when he saw that God was + with Isaac, and took such great care of him, he drove him away from him. + But Isaac, when he saw how envy had changed the temper of Abimelech + retired to a place called the Valley, not far from Gerar: and as he was + digging a well, the shepherds fell upon him, and began to fight, in order + to hinder the work; and because he did not desire to contend, the + shepherds seemed to get the him, so he still retired, and dug another and + when certain other shepherds of Abimelech began to offer him violence, he + left that also, still retired, thus purchasing security to himself a + rational and prudent conduct. At length they gave him leave to dig a well + without disturbance. He named this well Rehoboth, which denotes a large + space; but of the former wells, one was called Escon, which denotes + strife, the other Sitenna, name signifies enmity. + </p> + <p> + 3. It was now that Isaac's affairs increased, and in a flourishing + condition; and this his great riches. But Abimelech, thinking in + opposition to him, while their living made them suspicious of each other, + and retiring showing a secret enmity also, he afraid that his former + friendship with Isaac would not secure him, if Isaac should endeavor the + injuries he had formerly offered him; he therefore renewed his friendship + with him, Philoc, one of his generals. And when he had obtained every + thing he desired, by reason of Isaac's good nature, who preferred the + earlier friendship Abimelech had shown to himself and his father to his + later wrath against him, he returned home. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now when Esau, one of the sons of Isaac, whom the father principally + loved, was now come to the age of forty years, he married Adah, the + daughter of Helon, and Aholibamah, the daughter of Esebeon; which Helon + and Esebeon were great lords among the Canaanites: thereby taking upon + himself the authority, and pretending to have dominion over his own + marriages, without so much as asking the advice of his father; for had + Isaac been the arbitrator, he had not given him leave to marry thus, for + he was not pleased with contracting any alliance with the people of that + country; but not caring to be uneasy to his son by commanding him to put + away these wives, he resolved to be silent. + </p> + <p> + 5. But when he was old, and could not see at all, he called Esau to him, + and told him, that besides his blindness, and the disorder of his eyes, + his very old age hindered him from his worship of God [by sacrifice]; he + bid him therefore to go out a hunting, and when he had caught as much + venison as he could, to prepare him a supper <a href="#linknote-32" + name="linknoteref-32" id="linknoteref-32"><small>32</small></a> that after + this he might make supplication to God, to be to him a supporter and an + assister during the whole time of his life; saying, that it was uncertain + when he should die, and that he was desirous, by prayers for him, to + procure, beforehand, God to be merciful to him. + </p> + <p> + 6. Accordingly, Esau went out a hunting. But Rebeka <a href="#linknote-33" + name="linknoteref-33" id="linknoteref-33"><small>33</small></a> thinking + it proper to have the supplication made for obtaining the favor of God to + Jacob, and that without the consent of Isaac, bid him kill kids of the + goats, and prepare a supper. So Jacob obeyed his mother, according to all + her instructions. Now when the supper was got ready, he took a goat's + skin, and put it about his arm, that by reason of its hairy roughness, he + might by his father be believed to be Esau; for they being twins, and in + all things else alike, differed only in this thing. This was done out of + his fear, that before his father had made his supplications, he should be + caught in his evil practice, and lest he should, on the contrary, provoke + his father to curse him. So he brought in the supper to his father. Isaac + perceivest to be Esau. So suspecting no deceit, he ate the supper, and + betook himself to his prayers and intercessions with God; and said, "O + Lord of all ages, and Creator of all substance; for it was thou that didst + propose to my father great plenty of good things, and hast vouchsafed to + bestow on me what I have; and hast promised to my posterity to be their + kind supporter, and to bestow on them still greater blessings; do thou + therefore confirm these thy promises, and do not overlook me, because of + my present weak condition, on account of which I most earnestly pray to + thee. Be gracious to this my son; and preserve him and keep him from every + thing that is evil. Give him a happy life, and the possession of as many + good things as thy power is able to bestow. Make him terrible to his + enemies, and honorable and beloved among his friends." + </p> + <p> + 7. Thus did Isaac pray to God, thinking his prayers had been made for + Esau. He had but just finished them, when Esau came in from hunting. And + when Isaac perceived his mistake, he was silent: but Esau required that he + might be made partaker of the like blessing from his father that his + brother had partook of; but his father refused it, because all his prayers + had been spent upon Jacob: so Esau lamented the mistake. However, his + father being grieved at his weeping, said, that "he should excel in + hunting and strength of body, in arms, and all such sorts of work; and + should obtain glory for ever on those accounts, he and his posterity after + him; but still should serve his brother." + </p> + <p> + 8. Now the mother delivered Jacob, when she was afraid that his brother + would inflict some punishment upon him because of the mistake about the + prayers of Isaac; for she persuaded her husband to take a wife for Jacob + out of Mesopotamia, of her own kindred, Esau having married already + Basemmath, the daughter of Ismael, without his father's consent; for Isaac + did not like the Canaanites, so that he disapproved of Esau's former + marriages, which made him take Basemmath to wife, in order to please him; + and indeed he had a great affection for her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 19. Concerning Jacob's Flight Into Mesopotamia, By Reason Of The + Fear He Was In Of His Brother. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Jacob was sent by his mother to Mesopotamia, in order to marry + Laban her brother's daughter [which marriage was permitted by Isaac, on + account of his obsequiousness to the desires of his wife]; and he + accordingly journeyed through the land of Canaan; and because he hated the + people of that country, he would not lodge with any of them, but took up + his lodging in the open air, and laid his head on a heap of stones that he + had gathered together. At which time he saw in his sleep such a vision + standing by him:—he seemed to see a ladder that reached from the + earth unto heaven, and persons descending upon the ladder that seemed more + excellent than human; and at last God himself stood above it, and was + plainly visible to him, who, calling him by his name, spake to him in + these words:— + </p> + <p> + 2. "O Jacob, it is not fit for thee, who art the son of a good father, and + grandson of one who had obtained a great reputation for his eminent + virtue, to be dejected at thy present circumstances, but to hope for + better times, for thou shalt have great abundance of all good things, by + my assistance: for I brought Abraham hither, out of Mesopotamia, when he + was driven away by his kinsmen, and I made thy father a happy man, nor + will I bestow a lesser degree of happiness on thyself: be of good courage, + therefore, and under my conduct proceed on this thy journey, for the + marriage thou goest so zealously about shall be consummated. And thou + shalt have children of good characters, but their multitude shall be + innumerable; and they shall leave what they have to a still more numerous + posterity, to whom, and to whose posterity, I give the dominion of all the + land, and their posterity shall fill the entire earth and sea, so far as + the sun beholds them: but do not thou fear any danger, nor be afraid of + the many labors thou must undergo, for by my providence I will direct thee + what thou art to do in the time present, and still much more in the time + to come." + </p> + <p> + 3. Such were the predictions which God made to Jacob; whereupon he became + very joyful at what he had seen and heard; and he poured oil on the + stones, because on them the prediction of such great benefits was made. He + also vowed a vow, that he would offer sacrifices upon them, if he lived + and returned safe; and if he came again in such a condition, he would give + the tithe of what he had gotten to God. He also judged the place to be + honorable and gave it the name of Bethel, which, in the Greek, is + interpreted, The House of God. + </p> + <p> + 4. So he proceeded on his journey to Mesopotamia, and at length came to + Haran; and meeting with shepherds in the suburbs, with boys grown up, and + maidens sitting about a certain well, he staid with them, as wanting water + to drink; and beginning to discourse with them, he asked them whether they + knew such a one as Laban, and whether he was still alive. Now they all + said they knew him, for he was not so inconsiderable a person as to be + unknown to any of them; and that his daughter fed her father's flock + together with them; and that indeed they wondered that she was not yet + come, for by her means thou mightest learn more exactly whatever thou + desirest to know about that family. While they were saying this the damsel + came, and the other shepherds that came down along with her. Then they + showed her Jacob, and told her that he was a stranger, who came to inquire + about her father's affairs. But she, as pleased, after the custom of + children, with Jacob's coming, asked him who he was, and whence he came to + them, and what it was he lacked that he came thither. She also wished it + might be in their power to supply the wants he came about. + </p> + <p> + 5. But Jacob was quite overcome, not so much by their kindred, nor by that + affection which might arise thence, as by his love to the damsel, and his + surprise at her beauty, which was so flourishing, as few of the women of + that age could vie with. He said then, "There is a relation between thee + and me, elder than either thy or my birth, if thou be the daughter of + Laban; for Abraham was the son of Terah, as well as Haran and Nahor. Of + the last of whom [Nahor] Bethuel thy grandfather was the son. Isaac my + father was the son of Abraham and of Sarah, who was the daughter of Haran. + But there is a nearer and later cement of mutual kindred which we bear to + one another, for my mother Rebeka was sister to Laban thy father, both by + the same father and mother; I therefore and thou are cousin-germans. And I + am now come to salute you, and to renew that affinity which is proper + between us." Upon this the damsel, at the mention of Rebeka, as usually + happens to young persons, wept, and that out of the kindness she had for + her father, and embraced Jacob, she having learned an account of Rebeka + from her father, and knew that her parents loved to hear her named; and + when she had saluted him, she said that "he brought the most desirable and + greatest pleasures to her father, with all their family, who was always + mentioning his mother, and always thinking of her, and her alone; and that + this will make thee equal in his eyes to any advantageous circumstances + whatsoever." Then she bid him go to her father, and follow her while she + conducted him to him; and not to deprive him of such a pleasure, by + staying any longer away from him. + </p> + <p> + 6. When she had said thus, she brought him to Laban; and being owned by + his uncle, he was secure himself, as being among his friends; and he + brought a great deal of pleasure to them by his unexpected coning. But a + little while afterward, Laban told him that he could not express in words + the joy he had at his coming; but still he inquired of him the occasion of + his coming, and why he left his aged mother and father, when they wanted + to be taken care of by him; and that he would afford him all the + assistance he wanted. Then Jacob gave him an account of the whole occasion + of his journey, and told him, "that Isaac had two sons that were twins, + himself and Esau; who, because he failed of his father's prayers, which by + his mother's wisdom were put up for him, sought to kill him, as deprived + of the kingdom <a href="#linknote-34" name="linknoteref-34" + id="linknoteref-34"><small>34</small></a> which was to be given him of + God, and of the blessings for which their father prayed; and that this was + the occasion of his coming hither, as his mother had commanded him to do: + for we are all [says he] brethren one to another; but our mother esteems + an alliance with your family more than she does one with the families of + the country; so I look upon yourself and God to be the supporters of my + travels, and think myself safe in my present circumstances." + </p> + <p> + 7. Now Laban promised to treat him with great humanity, both on account of + his ancestors, and particularly for the sake of his mother, towards whom, + he said, he would show his kindness, even though she were absent, by + taking care of him; for he assured him he would make him the head shepherd + of his flock, and give him authority sufficient for that purpose; and when + he should have a mind to return to his parents, he would send him back + with presents, and this in as honorable a manner as the nearness of their + relation should require. This Jacob heard gladly; and said he would + willingly, and with pleasure, undergo any sort of pains while he tarried + with him, but desired Rachel to wife, as the reward of those pains, who + was not only on other accounts esteemed by him, but also because she was + the means of his coming to him; for he said he was forced by the love of + the damsel to make this proposal. Laban was well pleased with this + agreement, and consented to give the damsel to him, as not desirous to + meet with any better son-in-law; and said he would do this, if he would + stay with him some time, for he was not willing to send his daughter to be + among the Canaanites, for he repented of the alliance he had made already + by marrying his sister there. And when Jacob had given his consent to + this, he agreed to stay seven years; for so many years he had resolved to + serve his father-in-law, that, having given a specimen of his virtue, it + might be better known what sort of a man he was. And Jacob, accepting of + his terms, after the time was over, he made the wedding-feast; and when it + was night, without Jacob's perceiving it, he put his other daughter into + bed to him, who was both elder than Rachel, and of no comely countenance: + Jacob lay with her that night, as being both in drink and in the dark. + However, when it was day, he knew what had been done to him; and he + reproached Laban for his unfair proceeding with him; who asked pardon for + that necessity which forced him to do what he did; for he did not give him + Lea out of any ill design, but as overcome by another greater necessity: + that, notwithstanding this, nothing should hinder him from marrying + Rachel; but that when he had served another seven years, he would give him + her whom he loved. Jacob submitted to this condition, for his love to the + damsel did not permit him to do otherwise; and when another seven years + were gone, he took Rachel to wife. + </p> + <p> + 8. Now each of these had handmaids, by their father's donation. Zilpha was + handmaid to Lea, and Bilha to Rachel; by no means slaves, <a + href="#linknote-35" name="linknoteref-35" id="linknoteref-35"><small>35</small></a> + but however subject to their mistresses. Now Lea was sorely troubled at + her husband's love to her sister; and she expected she should be better + esteemed if she bare him children: so she entreated God perpetually; and + when she had borne a son, and her husband was on that account better + reconciled to her, she named her son Reubel, because God had had mercy + upon her, in giving her a son, for that is the signification of this name. + After some time she bare three more sons; Simeon, which name signifies + that God had hearkened to her prayer. Then she bare Levi, the confirmer of + their friendship. After him was born Judah, which denotes thanksgiving. + But Rachel, fearing lest the fruitfulness of her sister should make + herself enjoy a lesser share of Jacob's affections, put to bed to him her + handmaid Bilha; by whom Jacob had Dan: one may interpret that name into + the Greek tongue, a divine judgment. And after him Nephthalim, as it were, + unconquerable in stratagems, since Rachel tried to conquer the + fruitfulness of her sister by this stratagem. Accordingly, Lea took the + same method, and used a counter-stratagem to that of her sister; for she + put to bed to him her own handmaid. Jacob therefore had by Zilpha a son, + whose name was Gad, which may be interpreted fortune; and after him Asher, + which may be called a happy man, because he added glory to Lea. Now + Reubel, the eldest son of Lea, brought apples of mandrakes <a + href="#linknote-36" name="linknoteref-36" id="linknoteref-36"><small>36</small></a> + to his mother. When Rachel saw them, she desired that she would give her + the apples, for she longed to eat them; but when she refused, and bid her + be content that she had deprived her of the benevolence she ought to have + had from her husband, Rachel, in order to mitigate her sister's anger, + said she would yield her husband to her; and he should lie with her that + evening. She accepted of the favor, and Jacob slept with Lea, by the favor + of Rachel. She bare then these sons: Issachar, denoting one born by hire: + and Zabulon, one born as a pledge of benevolence towards her; and a + daughter, Dina. After some time Rachel had a son, named Joseph, which + signified there should be another added to him. + </p> + <p> + 9. Now Jacob fed the flocks of Laban his father-in-law all this time, + being twenty years, after which he desired leave of his father-in-law to + take his wives and go home; but when his father-in-law would not give him + leave, he contrived to do it secretly. He made trial therefore of the + disposition of his wives what they thought of this journey;—when + they appeared glad, and approved of it. Rachel took along with her the + images of the gods, which, according to their laws, they used to worship + in their own country, and ran away together with her sister. The children + also of them both, and the handmaids, and what possessions they had, went + along with them. Jacob also drove away half the cattle, without letting + Laban know of it beforehand But the reason why Rachel took the images of + the gods, although Jacob had taught her to despise such worship of those + gods, was this, That in case they were pursued, and taken by her father, + she might have recourse to these images, in order to obtain his pardon. + </p> + <p> + 10. But Laban, after one day's time, being acquainted with Jacob's and his + daughters' departure, was much troubled, and pursued after them, leading a + band of men with him; and on the seventh day overtook them, and found them + resting on a certain hill; and then indeed he did not meddle with them, + for it was even-tide; but God stood by him in a dream, and warned him to + receive his son-in-law and his daughters in a peaceable manner; and not to + venture upon any thing rashly, or in wrath to but to make a league with + Jacob. And he told him, that if he despised their small number, attacked them + in a hostile manner, he would assist them. When Laban had been thus + forewarned by God, he called Jacob to him the next day, in order to treat + with him, and showed him what dream he had; in dependence whereupon he + came confidently to him, and began to accuse him, alleging that he had + entertained him when he was poor, and in want of all things, and had given + him plenty of all things which he had. "For," said he, "I have joined my + daughters to thee in marriage, and supposed that thy kindness to me be + greater than before; but thou hast had no regard to either thy mother's + relations to me, nor to the affinity now newly contracted between us; nor + to those wives whom thou hast married; nor to those children, of whom I am + the grandfather. Thou hast treated me as an enemy, driving away my cattle, + and by persuading my daughters to run away from their father; and by + carrying home those sacred paternal images which were worshipped by my + forefathers, and have been honored with the like worship which they paid + them by myself. In short, thou hast done this whilst thou art my kinsman, + and my sister's son, and the husband of my daughters, and was hospitably + treated by me, and didst eat at my table." When Laban had said this, Jacob + made his defense—That he was not the only person in whom God had + implanted the love of his native country, but that he had made it natural + to all men; and that therefore it was but reasonable that, after so long + time, he should go back to it. "But as to the prey, of whose driving away + thou accusest me, if any other person were the arbitrator, thou wouldst be + found in the wrong; for instead of those thanks I ought to have had from + thee, for both keeping thy cattle, and increasing them, how is it that + thou art unjustly angry at me because I have taken, and have with me, a + small portion of them? But then, as to thy daughters, take notice, that it + is not through any evil practices of mine that they follow me in my return + home, but from that just affection which wives naturally have to their + husbands. They follow therefore not so properly myself as their own + children." And thus far of his apology was made, in order to clear himself + of having acted unjustly. To which he added his own complaint and + accusation of Laban; saying, "While I was thy sister's son, and thou hadst + given me thy daughters in marriage, thou hast worn me out with thy harsh + commands, and detained me twenty years under them. That indeed which was + required in order to my marrying thy daughters, hard as it was, I own to + have been tolerable; but as to those that were put upon me after those + marriages, they were worse, and such indeed as an enemy would have + avoided." For certainly Laban had used Jacob very ill; for when he saw + that God was assisting to Jacob in all that he desired, he promised him, + that of the young cattle which should be born, he should have sometimes + what was of a white color, and sometimes what should be of a black color; + but when those that came to Jacob's share proved numerous, he did not keep + his faith with him, but said he would give them to him the next year, + because of his envying him the multitude of his possessions. He promised + him as before, because he thought such an increase was not to be expected; + but when it appeared to be fact, he deceived him. + </p> + <p> + 11. But then, as to the sacred images, he bid him search for them; and + when Laban accepted of the offer, Rachel, being informed of it, put those + images into that camel's saddle on which she rode, and sat upon it; and + said, that her natural purgation hindered her rising up: so Laban left off + searching any further, not supposing that his daughter in such + circumstances would approach to those images. So he made a league with + Jacob, and bound it by oaths, that he would not bear him any malice on + account of what had happened; and Jacob made the like league, and promised + to love Laban's daughters. And these leagues they confirmed with oaths + also, which the made upon certain as whereon they erected a pillar, in the + form of an altar: whence that hill is called Gilead; and from thence they + call that land the Land of Gilead at this day. Now when they had feasted, + after the making of the league, Laban returned home. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 20. Concerning The Meeting Of Jacob And Esau. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now as Jacob was proceeding on his journey to the land of Canaan, + angels appeared to him, and suggested to him good hope of his future + condition; and that place he named the Camp of God. And being desirous of + knowing what his brother's intentions were to him, he sent messengers, to + give him an exact account of every thing, as being afraid, on account of + the enmities between them. He charged those that were sent, to say to + Esau, "Jacob had thought it wrong to live together with him while he was + in anger against him, and so had gone out of the country; and that he now, + thinking the length of time of his absence must have made up their + differences, was returning; that he brought with him his wives, and his + children, with what possessions he had gotten; and delivered himself, with + what was most dear to him, into his hands; and should think it his + greatest happiness to partake together with his brother of what God had + bestowed upon him." So these messengers told him this message. Upon which + Esau was very glad, and met his brother with four hundred men. And Jacob, + when he heard that he was coming to meet him with such a number of men, + was greatly afraid: however, he committed his hope of deliverance to God; + and considered how, in his present circumstances, he might preserve + himself and those that were with him, and overcome his enemies if they + attacked him injuriously. He therefore distributed his company into parts; + some he sent before the rest, and the others he ordered to come close + behind, that so, if the first were overpowered when his brother attacked + them, they might have those that followed as a refuge to fly unto. And + when he had put his company in this order, he sent some of them to carry + presents to his brother. The presents were made up of cattle, and a great + number of four-footed beasts, of many kinds, such as would be very + acceptable to those that received them, on account of their rarity. Those + who were sent went at certain intervals of space asunder, that, by + following thick, one after another, they might appear to be more numerous, + that Esau might remit of his anger on account of these presents, if he + were still in a passion. Instructions were also given to those that were + sent to speak gently to him. + </p> + <p> + 2. When Jacob had made these appointments all the day, and night came on, + he moved on with his company; and, as they were gone over a certain river + called Jabboc, Jacob was left behind; and meeting with an angel, he + wrestled with him, the angel beginning the struggle: but he prevailed over + the angel, who used a voice, and spake to him in words, exhorting him to + be pleased with what had happened to him, and not to suppose that his + victory was a small one, but that he had overcome a divine angel, and to + esteem the victory as a sign of great blessings that should come to him, + and that his offspring should never fall, and that no man should be too + hard for his power. He also commanded him to be called Israel, which in + the Hebrew tongue signifies one that struggled with the divine angel. <a + href="#linknote-37" name="linknoteref-37" id="linknoteref-37"><small>37</small></a> + These promises were made at the prayer of Jacob; for when he perceived him + to be the angel of God, he desired he would signify to him what should + befall him hereafter. And when the angel had said what is before related, + he disappeared; but Jacob was pleased with these things, and named the + place Phanuel, which signifies, the face of God. Now when he felt pain, by + this struggling, upon his broad sinew, he abstained from eating that sinew + himself afterward; and for his sake it is still not eaten by us. + </p> + <p> + 3. When Jacob understood that his brother was near, he ordered his wives + to go before, each by herself, with the handmaids, that they might see the + actions of the men as they were fighting, if Esau were so disposed. He + then went up to his brother Esau, and bowed down to him, who had no evil + design upon him, but saluted him; and asked him about the company of the + children and of the women; and desired, when he had understood all he + wanted to know about them, that he would go along with him to their + father; but Jacob pretending that the cattle were weary, Esau returned to + Seir, for there was his place of habitation, he having named the place + Roughness, from his own hairy roughness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 21. Concerning The Violation Of Dina's Chastity. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Hereupon Jacob came to the place, till this day called Tents [Succoth]; + from whence he went to Shechem, which is a city of the Canaanites. Now as + the Shechemites were keeping a festival Dina, who was the only daughter of + Jacob, went into the city to see the finery of the women of that country. + But when Shechem, the son of Hamor the king, saw her, he defiled her by + violence; and being greatly in love with her, desired of his father that + he would procure the damsel to him for a wife. To which desire he + condescended, and came to Jacob, desiring him to give leave that his son + Shechem might, according to law, marry Dina. But Jacob, not knowing how to + deny the desire of one of such great dignity, and yet not thinking it + lawful to marry his daughter to a stranger, entreated him to give him + leave to have a consultation about what he desired him to do. So the king + went away, in hopes that Jacob would grant him this marriage. But Jacob + informed his sons of the defilement of their sister, and of the address of + Hamor; and desired them to give their advice what they should do. Upon + thiss, the greatest part said nothing, not knowing what advice to give. + But Simeon and Levi, the brethren of the damsel by the same mother, agreed + between themselves upon the action following: It being now the time of a + festival, when the Shechemites were employed in ease and feasting, they + fell upon the watch when they were asleep, and, coming into the city, slew + all the males <a href="#linknote-38" name="linknoteref-38" + id="linknoteref-38"><small>38</small></a> as also the king, and his son, + with them; but spared the women. And when they had done this without their + father's consent, they brought away their sister. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now while Jacob was astonished at the greatness of this act, and was + severely blaming his sons for it, God stood by him, and bid him be of good + courage; but to purify his tents, and to offer those sacrifices which he + had vowed to offer when he went first into Mesopotamia, and saw his + vision. As he was therefore purifying his followers, he lighted upon the + gods of Laban; [for he did not before know they were stolen by Rachel;] + and he hid them in the earth, under an oak, in Shechem. And departing + thence, he offered sacrifice at Bethel, the place where he saw his dream, + when he went first into Mesopotamia. + </p> + <p> + 3. And when he was gone thence, and was come over against Ephrata, he + there buried Rachel, who died in child-bed: she was the only one of + Jacob's kindred that had not the honor of burial at Hebron. And when he + had mourned for her a great while, he called the son that was born of her + Benjamin, <a href="#linknote-39" name="linknoteref-39" id="linknoteref-39"><small>39</small></a> + because of the sorrow the mother had with him. These are all the children + of Jacob, twelve males and one female.--Of them eight were + legitimate,--viz. six of Lea, and two of Rachel; and four were of the + handmaids, two of each; all whose names have been set down already. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 22. How Isaac Died, And Was Buried In Hebron. + </h3> + <p> + From thence Jacob came to Hebron, a city situate among the Canaanites; and + there it was that Isaac lived: and so they lived together for a little + while; for as to Rebeka, Jacob did not find her alive. Isaac also died not + long after the coming of his son; and was buried by his sons, with his + wife, in Hebron, where they had a monument belonging to them from their + forefathers. Now Isaac was a man who was beloved of God, and was + vouchsafed great instances of providence by God, after Abraham his father, + and lived to be exceeding old; for when he had lived virtuously one + hundred and eighty-five years, he then died. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_FOOT" id="link2H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES: + </h3> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1" id="linknote-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#linknoteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ Since Josephus, in his + Preface, sect. 4, says that Moses wrote some things enigmatically, some + allegorically, and the rest in plain words, since in his account of the + first chapter of Genesis, and the first three verses of the second, he + gives us no hints of any mystery at all; but when he here comes to ver. 4, + etc., he says that Moses, after the seventh day was over, began to talk + philosophically; it is not very improbable that he understood the rest of + the second and the third chapters in some enigmatical, or allegorical, or + philosophical sense. The change of the name of God just at this place, + from Elohim to Jehovah Elohim, from God to Lord God, in the Hebrew, + Samaritan, and Septuagint, does also not a little favor some such change + in the narration or construction.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-2" id="linknote-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#linknoteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ We may observe here, that + Josephus supposed man to be compounded of spirit, soul, and body, with St. + Paul, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, and the rest of the ancients: he elsewhere + says also, that the blood of animals was forbidden to be eaten, as having + in it soul and spirit, Antiq. B. III. ch. 11. sect. 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-3" id="linknote-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#linknoteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ Whence this strange notion + came, which yet is not peculiar to Joseph, but, as Dr. Hudson says here, + is derived from older authors, as if four of the greatest rivers in the + world, running two of them at vast distances from the other two, by some + means or other watered paradise, is hard to say. Only since Josephus has + already appeared to allegorize this history, and take notice that these + four names had a particular signification; Phison for Ganges, a multitude; + Phrath for Euphrates, either a dispersion or a flower; Diglath for Tigris, + what is swift, with narrowness; and Geon for Nile, what arises from the + east,—we perhaps mistake him when we suppose he literally means + those four rivers; especially as to Geon or Nile, which arises from the + east, while he very well knew the literal Nile arises from the south; + though what further allegorical sense he had in view, is now, I fear, + impossible to be determined.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-4" id="linknote-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#linknoteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ By the Red Sea is not here + meant the Arabian Gulf, which alone we now call by that name, but all that + South Sea, which included the Red Sea, and the Persian Gulf, as far as the + East Indies; as Reland and Hudson here truly note, from the old + geographers.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-5" id="linknote-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#linknoteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ Hence it appears, that + Josephus thought several, at least, of the brute animals, particularly the + serpent, could speak before the fall. And I think few of the more perfect + kinds of those animals want the organs of speech at this day. Many + inducements there are also to a notion, that the present state they are + in, is not their original state; and that their capacities have been once + much greater than we now see them, and are capable of being restored to + their former condition. But as to this most ancient, and authentic, and + probably allegorical account of that grand affair of the fall of our first + parents, I have somewhat more to say in way of conjecture, but being only + a conjecture, I omit it: only thus far, that the imputation of the sin of + our first parents to their posterity, any further than as some way the + cause or occasion of man's mortality, seems almost entirely groundless; + and that both man, and the other subordinate creatures, are hereafter to + be delivered from the curse then brought upon them, and at last to be + delivered from that bondage of corruption, Romans 8:19-22.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6" id="linknote-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#linknoteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ St. John's account of the + reason why God accepted the sacrifice of Abel, and rejected that of Cain; + as also why Cain slew Abel, on account of that his acceptance with God, is + much better than this of Josephus: I mean, because "Cain was of the evil + one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own + works were evil, and his brother's righteous," 1 John 3:12. Josephus's + reason seems to be no better than a pharisaical notion or tradition.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7" id="linknote-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#linknoteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ From this Jubal, not + improbably, came Jobel, the trumpet of jobel or jubilee; that large and + loud musical instrument, used in proclaiming the liberty at the year of + jubilee.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-8" id="linknote-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#linknoteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ The number of Adam's + children, as says the old tradition was thirty-three sons, and + twenty-three daughters.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-9" id="linknote-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#linknoteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ What is here said of Seth + and his posterity, that they were very good and virtuous, and at the same + time very happy, without any considerable misfortunes, for seven + generations, [see ch. 2. sect. 1, before; and ch. 3. sect. 1, hereafter,] + is exactly agreeable to the state of the world and the conduct of + Providence in all the first ages.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-10" id="linknote-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#linknoteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ Of Josephus's mistake + here, when he took Seth the son of Adam, for Seth or Sesostris, king of + Egypt, the erector of this pillar in the land of Siriad, see Essay on the + Old Testament, Appendix, p. 159, 160. Although the main of this relation + might be true, and Adam might foretell a conflagration and a deluge, which + all antiquity witnesses to be an ancient tradition; nay, Seth's posterity + might engrave their inventions in astronomy on two such pillars; yet it is + no way credible that they could survive the deluge, which has buried all + such pillars and edifices far under ground in the sediment of its waters, + especially since the like pillars of the Egyptian Seth or Sesostris were + extant after the flood, in the land of Siriad, and perhaps in the days of + Josephus also, as is shown in the place here referred to.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-11" id="linknote-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#linknoteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ This notion, that the + fallen angels were, in some sense, the fathers of the old giants, was the + constant opinion of antiquity.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-12" id="linknote-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#linknoteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus here supposes + that the life of these giants, for of them only do I understand him, was + now reduced to 120 years; which is confirmed by the fragment of Enoch, + sect. 10, in Authent. Rec. Part I. p. 268. For as to the rest of mankind, + Josephus himself confesses their lives were much longer than 120 years, + for many generations after the flood, as we shall see presently; and he + says they were gradually shortened till the days of Moses, and then fixed + [for some time] at 120, ch. 6. sect. 5. Nor indeed need we suppose that + either Enoch or Josephus meant to interpret these 120 years for the life + of men before the flood, to be different from the 120 years of God's + patience [perhaps while the ark was preparing] till the deluge; which I + take to be the meaning of God when he threatened this wicked world, that + if they so long continued impenitent, their days should be no more than + 120 years.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-13" id="linknote-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#linknoteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ A cubit is about 21 + English inches.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-14" id="linknote-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#linknoteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus here truly + determines, that the year at the Flood began about the autumnal equinox. + As to what day of the month the Flood began, our Hebrew and Samaritan, and + perhaps Josephus's own copy, more rightly placed it on the 17th day, + instead of the 27th, as here; for Josephus agrees with them, as to the + distance of 150 days to the 17th day of the 7th month, as Genesis 7. ult. + with 8:3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-15" id="linknote-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#linknoteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus here takes + notice, that these ancient genealogies were first set down by those that + then lived, and from them were transmitted down to posterity; which I + suppose to be the true account of that matter. For there is no reason to + imagine that men were not taught to read and write soon after they were + taught to speak; and perhaps all by the Messiah himself, who, under the + Father, was the Creator or Governor of mankind, and who frequently in + those early days appeared to them.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-16" id="linknote-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#linknoteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ This [GREEK], or Place of + Descent, is the proper rendering of the Armenian name of this very city. + It is called in Ptolemy Naxuana, and by Moses Chorenensis, the Armenian + historian, Idsheuan; but at the place itself Nachidsheuan, which signifies + The first place of descent, and is a lasting monument of the preservation + of Noah in the ark, upon the top of that mountain, at whose foot it was + built, as the first city or town after the flood. See Antiq. B. XX. ch. 2. + sect. 3; and Moses Chorenensis, who also says elsewhere, that another town + was related by tradition to have been called Seron, or, The Place of + Dispersion, on account of the dispersion of Xisuthrus's or Noah's sons, + from thence first made. Whether any remains of this ark be still + preserved, as the people of the country suppose, I cannot certainly tell. + Mons. Tournefort had, not very long since, a mind to see the place + himself, but met with too great dangers and difficulties to venture + through them.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-17" id="linknote-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#linknoteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ One observation ought not + here to be neglected, with regard to that Ethiopic war which Moses, as + general of the Egyptians, put an end to, Antiq. B. II. ch. 10., and about + which our late writers seem very much unconcerned; viz. that it was a war + of that consequence, as to occasion the removal or destruction of six or + seven nations of the posterity of Mitzraim, with their cities; which + Josephus would not have said, if he had not had ancient records to justify + those his assertions, though those records be now all lost.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-18" id="linknote-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#linknoteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ That the Jews were called + Hebrews from this their progenitor Heber, our author Josephus here rightly + affirms; and not from Abram the Hebrew, or passenger over Euphrates, as + many of the moderns suppose. Shem is also called the father of all the + children of Heber, or of all the Hebrews, in a history long before Abram + passed over Euphrates, Genesis 10:21, though it must be confessed that, + Genesis 14:13, where the original says they told Abram the Hebrew, the + Septuagint renders it the passenger, [GREEK]: but this is spoken only of + Abram himself, who had then lately passed over Euphrates, and is another + signification of the Hebrew word, taken as an appellative, and not as a + proper name.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-19" id="linknote-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#linknoteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ It is worth noting here, + that God required no other sacrifices under the law of Moses, than what + were taken from these five kinds of animals which he here required of + Abram. Nor did the Jews feed upon any other domestic animals than the + three here named, as Reland observes on Antiq. B. IV. ch. 4. sect. 4.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-20" id="linknote-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#linknoteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ As to this affliction of + Abram's posterity for 400 years, see Antiq. B. II. ch. 9. sect. 1.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-21" id="linknote-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#linknoteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ These sons-in-law to Lot, + as they are called, Genesis 19:12-14, might be so styled, because they + were betrothed to Lot's daughters, though not yet married to them. See the + note on Antiq. B. XIV. ch. 13. sect. 1.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-22" id="linknote-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#linknoteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ Of the War, B. IV. ch. 8. + sect. 4.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-23" id="linknote-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#linknoteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ This pillar of salt was, + we see here, standing in the days of Josephus, and he had seen it. That it + was standing then is also attested by Clement of Rome, contemporary with + Josephus; as also that it was so in the next century, is attested by + Irenaeus, with the addition of an hypothesis, how it came to last so long, + with all its members entire.—Whether the account that some modern + travelers give be true, that it is still standing, I do not know. Its + remote situation, at the most southern point of the Sea of Sodom, in the + wild and dangerous deserts of Arabia, makes it exceeding difficult for + inquisitive travelers to examine the place; and for common reports of + country people, at a distance, they are not very satisfactory. In the mean + time, I have no opinion of Le Clerc's dissertation or hypothesis about + this question, which can only be determined by eye-witnesses. When + Christian princes, so called, lay aside their foolish and unchristian wars + and quarrels, and send a body of fit persons to travel over the east, and + bring us faithful accounts of all ancient monuments, and procure us copies + of all ancient records, at present lost among us, we may hope for full + satisfaction in such inquiries; but hardly before.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-24" id="linknote-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#linknoteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ I see no proper wicked + intention in these daughters of Lot, when in a case which appeared to them + of unavoidable necessity, they procured themselves to be with child by + their father. Without such an unavoidable necessity, incest is a horrid + crime; but whether in such a case of necessity, as they apprehended this + to be, according to Josephus, it was any such crime, I am not satisfied. + In the mean time, their making their father drunk, and their solicitous + concealment of what they did from him, shows that they despaired of + persuading him to an action which, at the best, could not but be very + suspicious and shocking to so good a man.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-25" id="linknote-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#linknoteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ It is well worth + observation, that Josephus here calls that principal Angel, who appeared + to Abraham and foretold the birth of Isaac, directly God; which language + of Josephus here, prepares us to believe those other expressions of his, + that Jesus was a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, Antiq. B. + XVIII. ch. 3. sect. 3, and of God the Word, in his homily concerning + Hades, may be both genuine. Nor is the other expression of Divine Angel, + used presently, and before, also of any other signification.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-26" id="linknote-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#linknoteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus here calls + Ismael a young child or infant, though he was about 13 years of age; as + Judas calls himself and his brethren young men, when he was 47, and had + two children, Antiq. B. II. ch. 6. sect. 8, and they were of much the same + age; as is a damsel of 12 years old called a little child, Mark 5:39-42, + five several times. Herod is also said by Josephus to be a very young man + at 25. See the note on Antiq. B. XIV. ch. 9. sect 2, and of the War, B. I. + ch. 10. And Aristobulus is styled a very little child at 16 years of age, + Antiq. B. XV. ch. 2. sect. 6, 7. Domitian also is called by him a very + young child, when he went on his German expedition at about 18 years of + age, of the War, B. VII. ch. 4. sect. 2. Samson's wife, and Ruth, when + they were widows, are called children, Antiq. B. V. ch. 8. sect. 6, and + ch. 9. sect. 2 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-27" id="linknote-27"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#linknoteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ Note, that both here and + Hebrews 11:17, Isaac is called Abraham's only begotten son, though he at + the same time had another son, Ismael. The Septuagint expresses the true + meaning, by rendering the text the beloved son.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-28" id="linknote-28"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#linknoteref-28">return</a>)<br /> [ Here is a plain error in + the copies which say that king David afterwards built the temple on this + Mount Moriah, while it was certainly no other than king Solomon who built + that temple, as indeed Procopius cites it from Josephus. For it was for + certain David, and not Solomon, who built the first altar there, as we + learn, 2 Samuel 24:18, etc.; 1 Chronicles 21:22, etc.; and Antiq. B. VII. + ch. 13. sect. 4.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-29" id="linknote-29"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#linknoteref-29">return</a>)<br /> [ It seems both here, and + in God's parallel blessing to Jacob, ch. 19. sect. 1, that Josephus had + yet no notion of the hidden meaning of that most important and most + eminent promise, "In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be + blessed. He saith not, and of seeds, as of many, but as of one; and to thy + seed, which is Christ," Galatians 3:16. Nor is it any wonder, he being, I + think, as yet not a Christian. And had he been a Christian, yet since he + was, to be sure, till the latter part of his life, no more than an + Ebionite Christian, who, above all the apostles, rejected and despised St. + Paul, it would be no great wonder if he did not now follow his + interpretation. In the mean time, we have in effect St. Paul's exposition + in the Testament of Reuben, sect. 6, in Authent. Rec. Part I. p. 302, who + charges his sons "to worship the seed of Judah, who should die for them in + visible and invisible wars; and should be among them an eternal king." Nor + is that observation of a learned foreigner of my acquaintance to be + despised, who takes notice, that as seeds in the plural, must signify + posterity, so seed in the singular may signify either posterity, or a + single person; and that in this promise of all nations being happy in the + seed of Abraham, or Isaac, or Jacob, etc., it is always used in the + singular. To which I shall add, that it is sometimes, as it were, + paraphrased by the son of Abraham, the son of David, etc., which is + capable of no such ambiguity.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-30" id="linknote-30"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 30 (<a href="#linknoteref-30">return</a>)<br /> [ The birth of Jacob and + Esau is here said to be after Abraham's death: it should have been after + Sarah's death. The order of the narration in Genesis, not always exactly + according to the order of time, seems to have led Josephus into this + error, as Dr. Bernard observes here.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-31" id="linknote-31"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 31 (<a href="#linknoteref-31">return</a>)<br /> [ For Seir in Josephus, the + coherence requires that we read Esau or Seir, which signify the same + thing.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-32" id="linknote-32"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 32 (<a href="#linknoteref-32">return</a>)<br /> [ The supper of savory + meat, as we call it, Genesis 27:4, to be caught by hunting, was intended + plainly for a festival or a sacrifice; and upon the prayers that were + frequent at sacrifices, Isaac expected, as was then usual in such eminent + cases, that a divine impulse would come upon him, in order to the blessing + of his son there present, and his foretelling his future behavior and + fortune. Whence it must be, that when Isaac had unwittingly blessed Jacob, + and was afterwards made sensible of his mistake, yet did he not attempt to + alter it, how earnestly soever his affection for Esau might incline him to + wish it might be altered, because he knew that this blessing came not from + himself, but from God, and that an alteration was out of his power. A + second afflatus then came upon him, and enabled him to foretell Esau's + future behavior and foretell Esau's future behavior and fortune also.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-33" id="linknote-33"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 33 (<a href="#linknoteref-33">return</a>)<br /> [ Whether Jacob or his + mother Rebeka were most blameable in this imposition upon Isaac in his old + age, I cannot determine. However the blessing being delivered as a + prediction of future events, by a Divine impulse, and foretelling things + to befall to the posterity of Jacob and Esau in future ages, was for + certain providential; and according to what Rebeka knew to be the purpose + of God, when he answered her inquiry, "before the children were born," + Genesis 25:23, "that one people should be stronger than the other people; + and the elder, Esau, should serve the younger, Jacob." Whether Isaac knew + or remembered this old oracle, delivered in our copies only to Rebeka; or + whether, if he knew and remembered it, he did not endeavor to alter the + Divine determination, out of his fondness for his elder and worser son + Esau, to the damage of his younger and better son Jacob, as Josephus + elsewhere supposes, Antiq. B. II. ch. 7. sect. 3; I cannot certainly say. + If so, this might tempt Rebeka to contrive, and Jacob to put this + imposition upon him. However, Josephus says here, that it was Isaac, and + not Rebeka, who inquired of God at first, and received the forementioned + oracle, sect. 1; which, if it be the true reading, renders Isaac's + procedure more inexcusable. Nor was it probably any thing else that so + much encouraged Esau formerly to marry two Canaanitish wives, without his + parents' consent, as Isaac's unhappy fondness for him.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-34" id="linknote-34"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 34 (<a href="#linknoteref-34">return</a>)<br /> [ By this "deprivation of + the kingdom that was to be given Esau of God," as the first-born, it + appears that Josephus thought that a "kingdom to be derived from God" was + due to him whom Isaac should bless as his first-born, which I take to be + that kingdom which was expected under the Messiah, who therefore was to be + born of his posterity whom Isaac should so bless. Jacob therefore by + obtaining this blessing of the first-born, became the genuine heir of that + kingdom, in opposition to Esau.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-35" id="linknote-35"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 35 (<a href="#linknoteref-35">return</a>)<br /> [ Here we have the + difference between slaves for life and servants, such as we now hire for a + time agreed upon on both sides, and dismiss again after he time contracted + for is over, which are no slaves, but free men and free women. + Accordingly, when the Apostolical Constitutions forbid a clergyman to + marry perpetual servants or slaves, B. VI. ch. 17., it is meant only of + the former sort; as we learn elsewhere from the same Constitutions, ch. + 47. Can. LXXXII. But concerning these twelve sons of Jacob, the reasons of + their several names, and the times of their several births in the + intervals here assigned, their several excellent characters, their several + faults and repentance, the several accidents of their lives, with their + several prophecies at their deaths, see the Testaments of these twelve + patriarchs, still preserved at large in the Authent. Rec. Part I. p. + 294-443.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-36" id="linknote-36"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 36 (<a href="#linknoteref-36">return</a>)<br /> [ I formerly explained + these mandrakes, as we, with the Septuagint, and Josephus, render the + Hebrew word Dudaim, of the Syrian Maux, with Ludolphus, Antbent. Rec. Part + I. p. 420; but have since seen such a very probable account in M. S. of my + learned friend Mr. Samuel Barker, of what we still call mandrakes, and + their description by the ancient naturalists and physicians, as inclines + me to think these here mentioned were really mandrakes, and no other.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-37" id="linknote-37"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 37 (<a href="#linknoteref-37">return</a>)<br /> [ Perhaps this may be the + proper meaning of the word Israel, by the present and the old Jerusalem + analogy of the Hebrew tongue. In the mean time, it is certain that the + Hellenists of the first century, in Egypt and elsewhere, interpreted + Israel to be a man seeing God, as is evident from the argument + fore-cited.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-38" id="linknote-38"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 38 (<a href="#linknoteref-38">return</a>)<br /> [ Of this slaughter of the + Shechemites by Simeon and Levi, see Authent. Rec. Part I. p. 309, 418, + 432-439. But why Josephus has omitted the circumcision of these + Shechemites, as the occasion of their death; and of Jacob's great grief, + as in the Testament of Levi, sect. 5; I cannot tell.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-39" id="linknote-39"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 39 (<a href="#linknoteref-39">return</a>)<br /> [ Since Benoni signifies + the son of my sorrow, and Benjamin the son of days, or one born in the + father's old age, Genesis 44:20, I suspect Josephus's present copies to be + here imperfect, and suppose that, in correspondence to other copies, he + wrote that Rachel called her son's name Benoni, but his father called him + Benjamin, Genesis 35:18. As for Benjamin, as commonly explained, the son + of the right hand, it makes no sense at all, and seems to be a gross + modern error only. The Samaritan always writes this name truly Benjamin, + which probably is here of the same signification, only with the Chaldee + termination in, instead of im in the Hebrew; as we pronounce cherubin or + cherubim indifferently. Accordingly, both the Testament of Benjamin, sect. + 2, p. 401, and Philo de Nominum Mutatione, p. 1059, write the name + Benjamin, but explain it not the son of the right hand, but the son of + days.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link22H_4_0001" id="link22H_4_0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK II. Containing The Interval Of Two Hundred And Twenty Years.—From + The Death Of Isaac To The Exodus Out Of Egypt.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0001" id="link22HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. How Esau And Jacob, Isaac's Sons Divided Their Habitation; And + Esau Possessed Idumea And Jacob Canaan. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After the death of Isaac, his sons divided their habitations + respectively; nor did they retain what they had before; but Esau departed + from the city of Hebron, and left it to his brother, and dwelt in Seir, + and ruled over Idumea. He called the country by that name from himself, + for he was named Adom; which appellation he got on the following occasion:—One + day returning from the toil of hunting very hungry, [it was when he was a + child in age,] he lighted on his brother when he was getting ready + lentile-pottage for his dinner, which was of a very red color; on which + account he the more earnestly longed for it, and desired him to give him + some of it to eat: but he made advantage of his brother's hunger, and + forced him to resign up to him his birthright; and he, being pinched with + famine, resigned it up to him, under an oath. Whence it came, that, on + account of the redness of this pottage, he was, in way of jest, by his + contemporaries, called Adom, for the Hebrews call what is red Adom; and + this was the name given to the country; but the Greeks gave it a more + agreeable pronunciation, and named it Idumea. + </p> + <p> + 2. He became the father of five sons; of whom Jaus, and Jalomus, and + Coreus, were by one wife, whose name was Alibama; but of the rest, Aliphaz + was born to him by Ada, and Raguel by Basemmath: and these were the sons + of Esau. Aliphaz had five legitimate sons; Theman, Omer, Saphus, Gotham, + and Kanaz; for Amalek was not legitimate, but by a concubine, whose name + was Thamna. These dwelt in that part of Idumea which is called Gebalitis, + and that denominated from Amalek, Amalekitis; for Idumea was a large + country, and did then preserve the name of the whole, while in its several + parts it kept the names of its peculiar inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0002" id="link22HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. How Joseph, The Youngest Of Jacob's Sons, Was Envied By His + Brethren, When Certain Dreams Had Foreshown His Future Happiness. + </h3> + <p> + 1. It happened that Jacob came to so great happiness as rarely any other + person had arrived at. He was richer than the rest of the inhabitants of + that country; and was at once envied and admired for such virtuous sons, + for they were deficient in nothing, but were of great souls, both for + laboring with their hands and enduring of toil; and shrewd also in + understanding. And God exercised such a providence over him, and such a + care of his happiness, as to bring him the greatest blessings, even out of + what appeared to be the most sorrowful condition; and to make him the + cause of our forefathers' departure out of Egypt, him and his posterity. + The occasion was this:—When Jacob had his son Joseph born to him by + Rachel, his father loved him above the rest of his sons, both because of + the beauty of his body, and the virtues of his mind, for he excelled the + rest in prudence. This affection of his father excited the envy and the + hatred of his brethren; as did also his dreams which he saw, and related + to his father, and to them, which foretold his future happiness, it being + usual with mankind to envy their very nearest relations such their + prosperity. Now the visions which Joseph saw in his sleep were these:— + </p> + <p> + 2. When they were in the middle of harvest, and Joseph was sent by his + father, with his brethren, to gather the fruits of the earth, he saw a + vision in a dream, but greatly exceeding the customary appearances that + come when we are asleep; which, when he was got up, he told his brethren, + that they might judge what it portended. He said, he saw the last night, + that his wheat-sheaf stood still in the place where he set it, but that + their sheaves ran to bow down to it, as servants bow down to their + masters. But as soon as they perceived the vision foretold that he should + obtain power and great wealth, and that his power should be in opposition + to them, they gave no interpretation of it to Joseph, as if the dream were + not by them understood: but they prayed that no part of what they + suspected to be its meaning might come to pass; and they bare a still + greater hatred to him on that account. + </p> + <p> + 3. But God, in opposition to their envy, sent a second vision to Joseph, + which was much more wonderful than the former; for it seemed to him that + the sun took with him the moon, and the rest of the stars, and came down + to the earth, and bowed down to him. He told the vision to his father, and + that, as suspecting nothing of ill-will from his brethren, when they were + there also, and desired him to interpret what it should signify. Now Jacob + was pleased with the dream: for, considering the prediction in his mind, + and shrewdly and wisely guessing at its meaning, he rejoiced at the great + things thereby signified, because it declared the future happiness of his + son; and that, by the blessing of God, the time would come when he should + be honored, and thought worthy of worship by his parents and brethren, as + guessing that the moon and sun were like his mother and father; the + former, as she that gave increase and nourishment to all things; and the + latter, he that gave form and other powers to them; and that the stars + were like his brethren, since they were eleven in number, as were the + stars that receive their power from the sun and moon. + </p> + <p> + 4. And thus did Jacob make a judgment of this vision, and that a shrewd + one also. But these interpretations caused very great grief to Joseph's + brethren; and they were affected to him hereupon as if he were a certain + stranger, that was to those good things which were signified by the dreams + and not as one that was a brother, with whom it was probable they should + be joint-partakers; and as they had been partners in the same parentage, + so should they be of the same happiness. They also resolved to kill the + lad; and having fully ratified that intention of theirs, as soon as their + collection of the fruits was over, they went to Shechem, which is a + country good for feeding of cattle, and for pasturage; there they fed + their flocks, without acquainting their father with their removal thither; + whereupon he had melancholy suspicions about them, as being ignorant of + his sons' condition, and receiving no messenger from the flocks that could + inform him of the true state they were in; so, because he was in great + fear about them, he sent Joseph to the flocks, to learn the circumstances + his brethren were in, and to bring him word how they did. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0003" id="link22HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. How Joseph Was Thus Sold By His Brethren Into Egypt, By Reason + Of Their Hatred To Him; And How He There Grew Famous And Illustrious And + Had His Brethren Under His Power. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now these brethren rejoiced as soon as they saw their brother coming to + them, not indeed as at the presence of a near relation, or as at the + presence of one sent by their father, but as at the presence of an enemy, + and one that by Divine Providence was delivered into their hands; and they + already resolved to kill him, and not let slip the opportunity that lay + before them. But when Reubel, the eldest of them, saw them thus disposed, + and that they had agreed together to execute their purpose, he tried to + restrain them, showing them the heinous enterprise they were going about, + and the horrid nature of it; that this action would appear wicked in the + sight of God, and impious before men, even though they should kill one not + related to them; but much more flagitious and detestable to appear to have + slain their own brother, by which act the father must be treated unjustly + in the son's slaughter, and the mother <a href="#link2note-1" + name="link2noteref-1" id="link2noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> also be in + perplexity while she laments that her son is taken away from her, and this + not in a natural way neither. So he entreated them to have a regard to + their own consciences, and wisely to consider what mischief would betide + them upon the death of so good a child, and their youngest brother; that + they would also fear God, who was already both a spectator and a witness + of the designs they had against their brother; that he would love them if + they abstained from this act, and yielded to repentance and amendment; but + in case they proceeded to do the fact, all sorts of punishments would + overtake them from God for this murder of their brother, since they + polluted his providence, which was every where present, and which did not + overlook what was done, either in deserts or in cities; for wheresoever a + man is, there ought he to suppose that God is also. He told them further, + that their consciences would be their enemies, if they attempted to go + through so wicked an enterprise, which they can never avoid, whether it be + a good conscience; or whether it be such a one as they will have within + them when once they have killed their brother. He also added this besides + to what he had before said, that it was not a righteous thing to kill a + brother, though he had injured them; that it is a good thing to forget the + actions of such near friends, even in things wherein they might seem to + have offended; but that they were going to kill Joseph, who had been + guilty of nothing that was ill towards them, in whose case the infirmity + of his small age should rather procure him mercy, and move them to unite + together in the care of his preservation. That the cause of killing him + made the act itself much worse, while they determined to take him off out + of envy at his future prosperity, an equal share of which they would + naturally partake while he enjoyed it, since they were to him not + strangers, but the nearest relations, for they might reckon upon what God + bestowed upon Joseph as their own; and that it was fit for them to + believe, that the anger of God would for this cause be more severe upon + them, if they slew him who was judged by God to be worthy of that + prosperity which was to be hoped for; and while, by murdering him, they + made it impossible for God to bestow it upon him. + </p> + <p> + 2. Reubel said these and many other things, and used entreaties to them, + and thereby endeavored to divert them from the murder of their brother. + But when he saw that his discourse had not mollified them at all, and that + they made haste to do the fact, he advised them to alleviate the + wickedness they were going about, in the manner of taking Joseph off; for + as he had exhorted them first, when they were going to revenge themselves, + to be dissuaded from doing it; so, since the sentence for killing their + brother had prevailed, he said that they would not, however, be so grossly + guilty, if they would be persuaded to follow his present advice, which + would include what they were so eager about, but was not so very bad, but, + in the distress they were in, of a lighter nature. He begged of them, + therefore, not to kill their brother with their own hands, but to cast him + into the pit that was hard by, and so to let him die; by which they would + gain so much, that they would not defile their own hands with his blood. + To this the young men readily agreed; so Reubel took the lad and tied him + to a cord, and let him down gently into the pit, for it had no water at + all in it; who, when he had done this, went his way to seek for such + pasturage as was fit for feeding his flocks. + </p> + <p> + 3. But Judas, being one of Jacob's sons also, seeing some Arabians, of the + posterity of Ismael, carrying spices and Syrian wares out of the land of + Gilead to the Egyptians, after Rubel was gone, advised his brethren to + draw Joseph out of the pit, and sell him to the Arabians; for if he should + die among strangers a great way off, they should be freed from this + barbarous action. This, therefore, was resolved on; so they drew Joseph up + out of the pit, and sold him to the merchants for twenty pounds <a + href="#link2note-2" name="link2noteref-2" id="link2noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> + He was now seventeen years old. But Reubel, coming in the night-time to + the pit, resolved to save Joseph, without the privity of his brethren; and + when, upon his calling to him, he made no answer, he was afraid that they + had destroyed him after he was gone; of which he complained to his + brethren; but when they had told him what they had done, Reubel left off + his mourning. + </p> + <p> + 4. When Joseph's brethren had done thus to him, they considered what they + should do to escape the suspicions of their father. Now they had taken + away from Joseph the coat which he had on when he came to them at the time + they let him down into the pit; so they thought proper to tear that coat + to pieces, and to dip it into goats' blood, and then to carry it and show + it to their father, that he might believe he was destroyed by wild beasts. + And when they had so done, they came to the old man, but this not till + what had happened to his son had already come to his knowledge. Then they + said that they had not seen Joseph, nor knew what mishap had befallen him; + but that they had found his coat bloody and torn to pieces, whence they + had a suspicion that he had fallen among wild beasts, and so perished, if + that was the coat he had on when he came from home. Now Jacob had before + some better hopes that his son was only made a captive; but now he laid + aside that notion, and supposed that this coat was an evident argument + that he was dead, for he well remembered that this was the coat he had on + when he sent him to his brethren; so he hereafter lamented the lad as now + dead, and as if he had been the father of no more than one, without taking + any comfort in the rest; and so he was also affected with his misfortune + before he met with Joseph's brethren, when he also conjectured that Joseph + was destroyed by wild beasts. He sat down also clothed in sackcloth and in + heavy affliction, insomuch that he found no ease when his sons comforted + him, neither did his pains remit by length of time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0004" id="link22HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. Concerning The Signal Chastity Of Joseph. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Potiphar, an Egyptian, who was chief cook to king Pharaoh, bought + Joseph of the merchants, who sold him to him. He had him in the greatest + honor, and taught him the learning that became a free man, and gave him + leave to make use of a diet better than was allotted to slaves. He + intrusted also the care of his house to him. So he enjoyed these + advantages, yet did not he leave that virtue which he had before, upon + such a change of his condition; but he demonstrated that wisdom was able + to govern the uneasy passions of life, in such as have it in reality, and + do not only put it on for a show, under a present state of prosperity. + </p> + <p> + 2. For when his master's wife was fallen in love with him, both on account + of his beauty of body, and his dexterous management of affairs; and + supposed, that if she should make it known to him, she could easily + persuade him to come and lie with her, and that he would look upon it as a + piece of happy fortune that his mistress should entreat him, as regarding + that state of slavery he was in, and not his moral character, which + continued after his condition was changed. So she made known her naughty + inclinations, and spake to him about lying with her. However, he rejected + her entreaties, not thinking it agreeable to religion to yield so far to + her, as to do what would tend to the affront and injury of him that + purchased him, and had vouchsafed him so great honors. He, on the + contrary, exhorted her to govern that passion; and laid before her the + impossibility of her obtaining her desires, which he thought might be + conquered, if she had no hope of succeeding; and he said, that as to + himself, he would endure any thing whatever before he would be persuaded + to it; for although it was fit for a slave, as he was, to do nothing + contrary to his mistress, he might well be excused in a case where the + contradiction was to such sort of commands only. But this opposition of + Joseph, when she did not expect it, made her still more violent in her + love to him; and as she was sorely beset with this naughty passion, so she + resolved to compass her design by a second attempt. + </p> + <p> + 3. When, therefore, there was a public festival coming on, in which it was + the custom for women to come to the public solemnity; she pretended to her + husband that she was sick, as contriving an opportunity for solitude and + leisure, that she might entreat Joseph again. Which opportunity being + obtained, she used more kind words to him than before; and said that it + had been good for him to have yielded to her first solicitation, and to + have given her no repulse, both because of the reverence he ought to bear + to her dignity who solicited him, and because of the vehemence of her + passion, by which she was forced though she were his mistress to + condescend beneath her dignity; but that he may now, by taking more + prudent advice, wipe off the imputation of his former folly; for whether + it were that he expected the repetition of her solicitations she had now + made, and that with greater earnestness than before, for that she had + pretended sickness on this very account, and had preferred his + conversation before the festival and its solemnity; or whether he opposed + her former discourses, as not believing she could be in earnest; she now + gave him sufficient security, by thus repeating her application, that she + meant not in the least by fraud to impose upon him; and assured him, that + if he complied with her affections, he might expect the enjoyment of the + advantages he already had; and if he were submissive to her, he should + have still greater advantages; but that he must look for revenge and + hatred from her, in case he rejected her desires, and preferred the + reputation of chastity before his mistress; for that he would gain nothing + by such procedure, because she would then become his accuser, and would + falsely pretend to her husband, that he had attempted her chastity; and + that Potiphar would hearken to her words rather than to his, let his be + ever so agreeable to the truth. + </p> + <p> + 4. When the woman had said thus, and even with tears in her eyes, neither + did pity dissuade Joseph from his chastity, nor did fear compel him to a + compliance with her; but he opposed her solicitations, and did not yield + to her threatenings, and was afraid to do an ill thing, and chose to + undergo the sharpest punishment rather than to enjoy his present + advantages, by doing what his own conscience knew would justly deserve + that he should die for it. He also put her in mind that she was a married + woman, and that she ought to cohabit with her husband only; and desired + her to suffer these considerations to have more weight with her than the + short pleasure of lustful dalliance, which would bring her to repentance + afterwards, would cause trouble to her, and yet would not amend what had + been done amiss. He also suggested to her the fear she would be in lest + they should be caught; and that the advantage of concealment was + uncertain, and that only while the wickedness was not known [would there + be any quiet for them]; but that she might have the enjoyment of her + husband's company without any danger. And he told her, that in the company + of her husband she might have great boldness from a good conscience, both + before God and before men. Nay, that she would act better like his + mistress, and make use of her authority over him better while she + persisted in her chastity, than when they were both ashamed for what + wickedness they had been guilty of; and that it is much better to a life, + well and known to have been so, than upon the hopes of the concealment of + evil practices. + </p> + <p> + 5. Joseph, by saying this, and more, tried to restrain the violent passion + of the woman, and to reduce her affections within the rules of reason; but + she grew more ungovernable and earnest in the matter; and since she + despaired of persuading him, she laid her hands upon him, and had a mind + to force him. But as soon as Joseph had got away from her anger, leaving + also his garment with her, for he left that to her, and leaped out of her + chamber, she was greatly afraid lest he should discover her lewdness to + her husband, and greatly troubled at the affront he had offered her; so + she resolved to be beforehand with him, and to accuse Joseph falsely to + Potiphar, and by that means to revenge herself on him for his pride and + contempt of her; and she thought it a wise thing in itself, and also + becoming a woman, thus to prevent his accusation. Accordingly she sat + sorrowful and in confusion, framing herself so hypocritically and angrily, + that the sorrow, which was really for her being disappointed of her lust, + might appear to be for the attempt upon her chastity; so that when her + husband came home, and was disturbed at the sight of her and inquired what + was the cause of the disorder she was in, she began to accuse Joseph: and, + "O husband," said she, "mayst thou not live a day longer if thou dost not + punish the wicked slave who has desired to defile thy bed; who has neither + minded who he was when he came to our house, so as to behave himself with + modesty; nor has he been mindful of what favors he had received from thy + bounty [as he must be an ungrateful man indeed, unless he, in every + respect, carry himself in a manner agreeable to us]: this man, I say, laid + a private design to abuse thy wife, and this at the time of a festival, + observing when thou wouldst be absent. So that it now is clear that his + modesty, as it appeared to be formerly, was only because of the restraint + he was in out of fear of thee, but that he was not really of a good + disposition. This has been occasioned by his being advanced to honor + beyond what he deserved, and what he hoped for; insomuch that he + concluded, that he who was deemed fit to be trusted with thy estate and + the government of thy family, and was preferred above thy eldest servants, + might be allowed to touch thy wife also." Thus when she had ended her + discourse, she showed him his garment, as if he then left it with her when + he attempted to force her. But Potiphar not being able to disbelieve what + his wife's tears showed, and what his wife said, and what he saw himself, + and being seduced by his love to his wife, did not set himself about the + examination of the truth; but taking it for granted that his wife was a + modest woman, and condemning Joseph as a wicked man, he threw him into the + malefactors' prison; and had a still higher opinion of his wife, and bare + her witness that she was a woman of a becoming modesty and chastity. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0005" id="link22HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. What Things Befell Joseph In Prison. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Joseph, commending all his affairs to God, did not betake himself + to make his defense, nor to give an account of the exact circumstances of + the fact, but silently underwent the bonds and the distress he was in, + firmly believing that God, who knew the cause of his affliction, and the + truth of the fact, would be more powerful than those that inflicted the + punishments upon him:—a proof of whose providence he quickly + received; for the keeper of the prison taking notice of his care and + fidelity in the affairs he had set him about, and the dignity of his + countenance, relaxed his bonds, and thereby made his heavy calamity + lighter, and more supportable to him. He also permitted him to make use of + a diet better than that of the rest of the prisoners. Now, as his fellow + prisoners, when their hard labors were over, fell to discoursing one among + another, as is usual in such as are equal sufferers, and to inquire one of + another what were the occasions of their being condemned to a prison: + among them the king's cupbearer, and one that had been respected by him, + was put in bonds, upon the king's anger at him. This man was under the + same bonds with Joseph, and grew more familiar with him; and upon his + observing that Joseph had a better understanding than the rest had, he + told him of a dream he had, and desired he would interpret its meaning, + complaining that, besides the afflictions he underwent from the king, God + did also add to him trouble from his dreams. + </p> + <p> + 2. He therefore said, that in his sleep he saw three clusters of grapes + hanging upon three branches of a vine, large already, and ripe for + gathering; and that he squeezed them into a cup which the king held in his + hand; and when he had strained the wine, he gave it to the king to drink, + and that he received it from him with a pleasant countenance. This, he + said, was what he saw; and he desired Joseph, that if he had any portion + of understanding in such matters, he would tell him what this vision + foretold. Who bid him be of good cheer, and expect to be loosed from his + bonds in three days' time, because the king desired his service, and was + about to restore him to it again; for he let him know that God bestows the + fruit of the vine upon men for good; which wine is poured out to him, and + is the pledge of fidelity and mutual confidence among men; and puts an end + to their quarrels, takes away passion and grief out of the minds of them + that use it, and makes them cheerful. "Thou sayest that thou didst squeeze + this wine from three clusters of grapes with thine hands, and that the + king received it: know, therefore, that this vision is for thy good, and + foretells a release from thy present distress within the same number of + days as the branches had whence thou gatheredst thy grapes in thy sleep. + However, remember what prosperity I have foretold thee when thou hast + found it true by experience; and when thou art in authority, do not + overlook us in this prison, wherein thou wilt leave us when thou art gone + to the place we have foretold; for we are not in prison for any crime; but + for the sake of our virtue and sobriety are we condemned to suffer the + penalty of malefactors, and because we are not willing to injure him that + has thus distressed us, though it were for our own pleasure." The + cupbearer, therefore, as was natural to do, rejoiced to hear such an + interpretation of his dream, and waited the completion of what had been + thus shown him beforehand. + </p> + <p> + 3. But another servant there was of the king, who had been chief baker, + and was now bound in prison with the cupbearer; he also was in good hope, + upon Joseph's interpretation of the other's vision, for he had seen a + dream also; so he desired that Joseph would tell him what the visions he + had seen the night before might mean. They were these that follow:—"Methought," + says he, "I carried three baskets upon my head; two were full of loaves, + and the third full of sweetmeats and other eatables, such as are prepared + for kings; but that the fowls came flying, and eat them all up, and had no + regard to my attempt to drive them away." And he expected a prediction + like to that of the cupbearer. But Joseph, considering and reasoning about + the dream, said to him, that he would willingly be an interpreter of good + events to him, and not of such as his dream denounced to him; but he told + him that he had only three days in all to live, for that the [three] + baskets signify, that on the third day he should be crucified, and + devoured by fowls, while he was not able to help himself. Now both these + dreams had the same several events that Joseph foretold they should have, + and this to both the parties; for on the third day before mentioned, when + the king solemnized his birth-day, he crucified the chief baker, but set + the butler free from his bonds, and restored him to his former + ministration. + </p> + <p> + 4. But God freed Joseph from his confinement, after he had endured his + bonds two years, and had received no assistance from the cupbearer, who + did not remember what he had said to him formerly; and God contrived this + method of deliverance for him. Pharaoh the king had seen in his sleep the + same evening two visions; and after them had the interpretations of them + both given him. He had forgotten the latter, but retained the dreams + themselves. Being therefore troubled at what he had seen, for it seemed to + him to be all of a melancholy nature, the next day he called together the + wisest men among the Egyptians, desiring to learn from them the + interpretation of his dreams. But when they hesitated about them, the king + was so much the more disturbed. And now it was that the memory of Joseph, + and his skill in dreams, came into the mind of the king's cupbearer, when + he saw the confusion that Pharaoh was in; so he came and mentioned Joseph + to him, as also the vision he had seen in prison, and how the event proved + as he had said; as also that the chief baker was crucified on the very + same day; and that this also happened to him according to the + interpretation of Joseph. That Joseph himself was laid in bonds by + Potiphar, who was his head cook, as a slave; but, he said, he was one of + the noblest of the stock of the Hebrews; and said further, his father + lived in great splendor. "If, therefore, thou wilt send for him, and not + despise him on the score of his misfortunes, thou wilt learn what thy + dreams signify." So the king commanded that they should bring Joseph into + his presence; and those who received the command came and brought him with + them, having taken care of his habit, that it might be decent, as the king + had enjoined them to do. + </p> + <p> + 5. But the king took him by the hand; and, "O young man," says he, "for my + servant bears witness that thou art at present the best and most skillful + person I can consult with; vouchsafe me the same favors which thou + bestowedst on this servant of mine, and tell me what events they are which + the visions of my dreams foreshow; and I desire thee to suppress nothing + out of fear, nor to flatter me with lying words, or with what may please + me, although the truth should be of a melancholy nature. For it seemed to + me that, as I walked by the river, I saw kine fat and very large, seven in + number, going from the river to the marshes; and other kine of the same + number like them, met them out of the marshes, exceeding lean and + ill-favored, which ate up the fat and the large kine, and yet were no + better than before, and not less miserably pinched with famine. After I + had seen this vision, I awaked out of my sleep; and being in disorder, and + considering with myself what this appearance should be, I fell asleep + again, and saw another dream, much more wonderful than the foregoing, + which still did more affright and disturb me:—I saw seven ears of + corn growing out of one root, having their heads borne down by the weight + of the grains, and bending down with the fruit, which was now ripe and fit + for reaping; and near these I saw seven other ears of corn, meager and + weak, for want of rain, which fell to eating and consuming those that were + fit for reaping, and put me into great astonishment." + </p> + <p> + 6. To which Joseph replied:—"This dream," said he, "O king, although + seen under two forms, signifies one and the same event of things; for when + thou sawest the fat kine, which is an animal made for the plough and for + labor, devoured by the worser kine, and the ears of corn eaten up by the + smaller ears, they foretell a famine, and want of the fruits of the earth + for the same number of years, and equal with those when Egypt was in a + happy state; and this so far, that the plenty of these years will be spent + in the same number of years of scarcity, and that scarcity of necessary + provisions will be very difficult to be corrected; as a sign whereof, the + ill-favored kine, when they had devoured the better sort, could not be + satisfied. But still God foreshows what is to come upon men, not to grieve + them, but that, when they know it beforehand, they may by prudence make + the actual experience of what is foretold the more tolerable. If thou, + therefore, carefully dispose of the plentiful crops which will come in the + former years, thou wilt procure that the future calamity will not be felt + by the Egyptians." + </p> + <p> + 7. Hereupon the king wondered at the discretion and wisdom of Joseph; and + asked him by what means he might so dispense the foregoing plentiful crops + in the happy years, as to make the miserable crops more tolerable. Joseph + then added this his advice: To spare the good crops, and not permit the + Egyptians to spend them luxuriously, but to reserve what they would have + spent in luxury beyond their necessity against the time of want. He also + exhorted him to take the corn of the husbandmen, and give them only so + much as will be sufficient for their food. Accordingly Pharaoh being + surprised at Joseph, not only for his interpretation of the dream, but for + the counsel he had given him, intrusted him with dispensing the corn; with + power to do what he thought would be for the benefit of the people of + Egypt, and for the benefit of the king, as believing that he who first + discovered this method of acting, would prove the best overseer of it. But + Joseph having this power given him by the king, with leave to make use of + his seal, and to wear purple, drove in his chariot through all the land of + Egypt, and took the corn of the husbandmen, <a href="#link2note-3" + name="link2noteref-3" id="link2noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> allotting + as much to every one as would be sufficient for seed, and for food, but + without discovering to any one the reason why he did so. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0006" id="link22HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. How Joseph When He Was Become Famous In Egypt, Had His Brethren + In Subjection. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Joseph was now grown up to thirty years of age, and enjoyed great + honors from the king, who called him Psothom Phanech, out of regard to his + prodigious degree of wisdom; for that name denotes the revealer of + secrets. He also married a wife of very high quality; for he married the + daughter of Petephres, <a href="#link2note-4" name="link2noteref-4" + id="link2noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> one of the priests of Heliopolis; + she was a virgin, and her name was Asenath. By her he had children before + the scarcity came on; Manasseh, the elder, which signifies forgetful, + because his present happiness made him forget his former misfortunes; and + Ephraim, the younger, which signifies restored, because he was restored to + the freedom of his forefathers. Now after Egypt had happily passed over + seven years, according to Joseph's interpretation of the dreams, the + famine came upon them in the eighth year; and because this misfortune fell + upon them when they had no sense of it beforehand, <a href="#link2note-5" + name="link2noteref-5" id="link2noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> they were + all sorely afflicted by it, and came running to the king's gates; and he + called upon Joseph, who sold the corn to them, being become confessedly a + savior to the whole multitude of the Egyptians. Nor did he open this + market of corn for the people of that country only, but strangers had + liberty to buy also; Joseph being willing that all men, who are naturally + akin to one another, should have assistance from those that lived in + happiness. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Jacob also, when he understood that foreigners might come, sent all + his sons into Egypt to buy corn, for the land of Canaan was grievously + afflicted with the famine; and this great misery touched the whole + continent. He only retained Benjamin, who was born to him by Rachel, and + was of the same mother with Joseph. These sons of Jacob then came into + Egypt, and applied themselves to Joseph, wanting to buy corn; for nothing + of this kind was done without his approbation, since even then only was + the honor that was paid the king himself advantageous to the persons that + paid it, when they took care to honor Joseph also. Now when he well knew + his brethren, they thought nothing of him; for he was but a youth when he + left them, and was now come to an age so much greater, that the lineaments + of his face were changed, and he was not known by them: besides this, the + greatness of the dignity wherein he appeared, suffered them not so much as + to suspect it was he. He now made trial what sentiments they had about + affairs of the greatest consequence; for he refused to sell them corn, and + said they were come as spies of the king's affairs; and that they came + from several countries, and joined themselves together, and pretended that + they were of kin, it not being possible that a private man should breed up + so many sons, and those of so great beauty of countenance as they were, + such an education of so many children being not easily obtained by kings + themselves. Now this he did in order to discover what concerned his + father, and what happened to him after his own departure from him, and as + desiring to know what was become of Benjamin his brother; for he was + afraid that they had ventured on the like wicked enterprise against him + that they had done to himself, and had taken him off also. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now these brethren of his were under distraction and terror, and + thought that very great danger hung over them; yet not at all reflecting + upon their brother Joseph, and standing firm under the accusations laid + against them, they made their defense by Reubel, the eldest of them, who + now became their spokesman: "We come not hither," said he, "with any + unjust design, nor in order to bring any harm to the king's affairs; we + only want to be preserved, as supposing your humanity might be a refuge + for us from the miseries which our country labors under, we having heard + that you proposed to sell corn, not only to your own countrymen, but to + strangers also, and that you determined to allow that corn, in order to + preserve all that want it; but that we are brethren, and of the same + common blood, the peculiar lineaments of our faces, and those not so much + different from one another, plainly show. Our father's name is Jacob, an + Hebrew man, who had twelve of us for his sons by four wives; which twelve + of us, while we were all alive, were a happy family; but when one of our + brethren, whose name was Joseph, died, our affairs changed for the worse, + for our father could not forbear to make a long lamentation for him; and + we are in affliction, both by the calamity of the death of our brother, + and the miserable state of our aged father. We are now, therefore, come to + buy corn, having intrusted the care of our father, and the provision for + our family, to Benjamin, our youngest brother; and if thou sendest to our + house, thou mayst learn whether we are guilty of the least falsehood in + what we say." + </p> + <p> + 4. And thus did Reubel endeavor to persuade Joseph to have a better + opinion of them. But when he had learned from them that Jacob was alive, + and that his brother was not destroyed by them, he for the present put + them in prison, as intending to examine more into their affairs when he + should be at leisure. But on the third day he brought them out, and said + to them, "Since you constantly affirm that you are not come to do any harm + to the king's affairs; that you are brethren, and the sons of the father + whom you named; you will satisfy me of the truth of what you say, if you + leave one of your company with me, who shall suffer no injury here; and + if, when ye have carried corn to your father, you will come to me again, + and bring your brother, whom you say you left there, along with you, for + this shall be by me esteemed an assurance of the truth of what you have + told me." Hereupon they were in greater grief than before; they wept, and + perpetually deplored one among another the calamity of Joseph; and said, + "They were fallen into this misery as a punishment inflicted by God for + what evil contrivances they had against him." And Reubel was large in his + reproaches of them for their too late repentance, whence no profit arose + to Joseph; and earnestly exhorted them to bear with patience whatever they + suffered, since it was done by God in way of punishment, on his account. + Thus they spake to one another, not imagining that Joseph understood their + language. A general sadness also seized on them at Reubel's words, and a + repentance for what they had done; and they condemned the wickedness they + had perpetrated, for which they judged they were justly punished by God. + Now when Joseph saw that they were in this distress, he was so affected at + it that he fell into tears, and not being willing that they should take + notice of him, he retired; and after a while came to them again, and + taking Symeon <a href="#link2note-6" name="link2noteref-6" + id="link2noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> in order to his being a pledge + for his brethren's return, he bid them take the corn they had bought, and + go their way. He also commanded his steward privily to put the money which + they had brought with them for the purchase of corn into their sacks, and + to dismiss them therewith; who did what he was commanded to do. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now when Jacob's sons were come into the land of Canaan, they told + their father what had happened to them in Egypt, and that they were taken + to have come thither as spies upon the king; and how they said they were + brethren, and had left their eleventh brother with their father, but were + not believed; and how they had left Symeon with the governor, until + Benjamin should go thither, and be a testimonial of the truth of what they + had said: and they begged of their father to fear nothing, but to send the + lad along with them. But Jacob was not pleased with any thing his sons had + done; and he took the detention of Symeon heinously, and thence thought it + a foolish thing to give up Benjamin also. Neither did he yield to Reubel's + persuasion, though he begged it of him, and gave leave that the + grandfather might, in way of requital, kill his own sons, in case any harm + came to Benjamin in the journey. So they were distressed, and knew not + what to do; nay, there was another accident that still disturbed them + more,—the money that was found hidden in their sacks of corn. Yet + when the corn they had brought failed them, and when the famine still + afflicted them, and necessity forced them, Jacob did <a href="#link2note-7" + name="link2noteref-7" id="link2noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> [not] still + resolve to send Benjamin with his brethren, although there was no + returning into Egypt unless they came with what they had promised. Now the + misery growing every day worse, and his sons begging it of him, he had no + other course to take in his present circumstances. And Judas, who was of a + bold temper on other occasions, spake his mind very freely to him: "That + it did not become him to be afraid on account of his son, nor to suspect + the worst, as he did; for nothing could be done to his son but by the + appointment of God, which must also for certain come to pass, though he + were at home with him; that he ought not to condemn them to such manifest + destruction; nor deprive them of that plenty of food they might have from + Pharaoh, by his unreasonable fear about his son Benjamin, but ought to + take care of the preservation of Symeon, lest, by attempting to hinder + Benjamin's journey, Symeon should perish. He exhorted him to trust God for + him; and said he would either bring his son back to him safe, or, together + with his, lose his own life." So that Jacob was at length persuaded, and + delivered Benjamin to them, with the price of the corn doubled; he also + sent presents to Joseph of the fruits of the land of Canaan, balsam and + rosin, as also turpentine and honey. <a href="#link2note-8" + name="link2noteref-8" id="link2noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> Now their + father shed many tears at the departure of his sons, as well as + themselves. His concern was, that he might receive them back again safe + after their journey; and their concern was, that they might find their + father well, and no way afflicted with grief for them. And this + lamentation lasted a whole day; so that the old man was at last tired with + grief, and staid behind; but they went on their way for Egypt, endeavoring + to mitigate their grief for their present misfortunes, with the hopes of + better success hereafter. + </p> + <p> + 6. As soon as they came into Egypt, they were brought down to Joseph: but + here no small fear disturbed them, lest they should be accused about the + price of the corn, as if they had cheated Joseph. They then made a long + apology to Joseph's steward; and told him, that when they came home they + found the money in their sacks, and that they had now brought it along + with them. He said he did not know what they meant: so they were delivered + from that fear. And when he had loosed Symeon, and put him into a handsome + habit, he suffered him to be with his brethren; at which time Joseph came + from his attendance on the king. So they offered him their presents; and + upon his putting the question to them about their father, they answered + that they found him well. He also, upon his discovery that Benjamin was + alive, asked whether this was their younger brother; for he had seen him. + Whereupon they said he was: he replied, that the God over all was his + protector. But when his affection to him made him shed tears, he retired, + desiring he might not be seen in that plight by his brethren. Then Joseph + took them to supper, and they were set down in the same order as they used + to sit at their father's table. And although Joseph treated them all + kindly, yet did he send a mess to Benjamin that was double to what the + rest of the guests had for their shares. + </p> + <p> + 7. Now when after supper they had composed themselves to sleep, Joseph + commanded his steward both to give them their measures of corn, and to + hide its price again in their sacks; and that withal they should put into + Benjamin's sack the golden cup, out of which he loved himself to drink.—which + things he did, in order to make trial of his brethren, whether they would + stand by Benjamin when he should be accused of having stolen the cup, and + should appear to be in danger; or whether they would leave him, and, + depending on their own innocency, go to their father without him. When the + servant had done as he was bidden, the sons of Jacob, knowing nothing of + all this, went their way, and took Symeon along with them, and had a + double cause of joy, both because they had received him again, and because + they took back Benjamin to their father, as they had promised. But + presently a troop of horsemen encompassed them, and brought with them + Joseph's servant, who had put the cup into Benjamin's sack. Upon which + unexpected attack of the horsemen they were much disturbed, and asked what + the reason was that they came thus upon men, who a little before had been + by their lord thought worthy of an honorable and hospitable reception? + They replied, by calling them wicked wretches, who had forgot that very + hospitable and kind treatment which Joseph had given them, and did not + scruple to be injurious to him, and to carry off that cup out of which he + had, in so friendly a manner, drank to them, and not regarding their + friendship with Joseph, no more than the danger they should be in if they + were taken, in comparison of the unjust gain. Hereupon he threatened that + they should be punished; for though they had escaped the knowledge of him + who was but a servant, yet had they not escaped the knowledge of God, nor + had gone off with what they had stolen; and, after all, asked why we come + upon them, as if they knew nothing of the matter: and he told them that + they should immediately know it by their punishment. This, and more of the + same nature, did the servant say, in way of reproach to them: but they + being wholly ignorant of any thing here that concerned them, laughed at + what he said, and wondered at the abusive language which the servant gave + them, when he was so hardy as to accuse those who did not before so much + as retain the price of their corn, which was found in their sacks, but + brought it again, though nobody else knew of any such thing,—so far + were they from offering any injury to Joseph voluntarily. But still, + supposing that a search would be a more sure justification of themselves + than their own denial of the fact, they bid him search them, and that if + any of them had been guilty of the theft, to punish them all; for being no + way conscious to themselves of any crime, they spake with assurance, and, + as they thought, without any danger to themselves also. The servants + desired there might be a search made; but they said the punishment should + extend to him alone who should be found guilty of the theft. So they made + the search; and, having searched all the rest, they came last of all to + Benjamin, as knowing it was Benjamin's sack in which they had hidden the + cup, they having indeed searched the rest only for a show of accuracy: so + the rest were out of fear for themselves, and were now only concerned + about Benjamin, but still were well assured that he would also be found + innocent; and they reproached those that came after them for their + hindering them, while they might, in the mean while, have gotten a good + way on their journey. But as soon as they had searched Benjamin's sack, + they found the cup, and took it from him; and all was changed into + mourning and lamentation. They rent their garments, and wept for the + punishment which their brother was to undergo for his theft, and for the + delusion they had put on their father, when they promised they would bring + Benjamin safe to him. What added to their misery was, that this melancholy + accident came unfortunately at a time when they thought they had been + gotten off clear; but they confessed that this misfortune of their + brother, as well as the grief of their father for him, was owing to + themselves, since it was they that forced their father to send him with + them, when he was averse to it. + </p> + <p> + 8. The horsemen therefore took Benjamin and brought him to Joseph, his + brethren also following him; who, when he saw him in custody, and them in + the habit of mourners, said, "How came you, vile wretches as you are, to + have such a strange notion of my kindness to you, and of God's providence, + as impudently to do thus to your benefactor, who in such an hospitable + manner had entertained you?" Whereupon they gave up themselves to be + punished, in order to save Benjamin; and called to mind what a wicked + enterprise they had been guilty of against Joseph. They also pronounced + him more happy than themselves, if he were dead, in being freed from the + miseries of this life; and if he were alive, that he enjoyed the pleasure + of seeing God's vengeance upon them. They said further; that they were the + plague of their father, since they should now add to his former affliction + for Joseph, this other affliction for Benjamin. Reubel also was large in + cutting them upon this occasion. But Joseph dismissed them; for he said + they had been guilty of no offense, and that he would content himself with + the lad's punishment; for he said it was not a fit thing to let him go + free, for the sake of those who had not offended; nor was it a fit thing + to punish them together with him who had been guilty of stealing. And when + he promised to give them leave to go away in safety, the rest of them were + under great consternation, and were able to say nothing on this sad + occasion. But Judas, who had persuaded their father to send the lad from + him, being otherwise also a very bold and active man, determined to hazard + himself for the preservation of his brother. "It is true," <a + href="#link2note-9" name="link2noteref-9" id="link2noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> + said he, "O governor, that we have been very wicked with regard to thee, + and on that account deserved punishment; even all of us may justly be + punished, although the theft were not committed by all, but only by one of + us, and he the youngest also; but yet there remains some hope for us, who + otherwise must be under despair on his account, and this from thy + goodness, which promises us a deliverance out of our present danger. And + now I beg thou wilt not look at us, or at that great crime we have been + guilty of, but at thy own excellent nature, and take advice of thine own + virtue, instead of that wrath thou hast against us; which passion those + that otherwise are of lower character indulge, as they do their strength, + and that not only on great, but also on very trifling occasions. Overcome, + sir, that passion, and be not subdued by it, nor suffer it to slay those + that do not otherwise presume upon their own safety, but are desirous to + accept of it from thee; for this is not the first time that thou wilt + bestow it on us, but before, when we came to buy corn, thou affordedst us + great plenty of food, and gavest us leave to carry so much home to our + family as has preserved them from perishing by famine. Nor is there any + difference between not overlooking men that were perishing for want of + necessaries, and not punishing those that seem to be offenders, and have + been so unfortunate as to lose the advantage of that glorious benefaction + which they received from thee. This will be an instance of equal favor, + though bestowed after a different manner; for thou wilt save those this + way whom thou didst feed the other; and thou wilt hereby preserve alive, + by thy own bounty, those souls which thou didst not suffer to be + distressed by famine, it being indeed at once a wonderful and a great + thing to sustain our lives by corn, and to bestow on us that pardon, + whereby, now we are distressed, we may continue those lives. And I am + ready to suppose that God is willing to afford thee this opportunity of + showing thy virtuous disposition, by bringing us into this calamity, that + it may appear thou canst forgive the injuries that are done to thyself, + and mayst be esteemed kind to others, besides those who, on other + accounts, stand in need of thy assistance; since it is indeed a right + thing to do well to those who are in distress for want of food, but still + a more glorious thing to save those who deserve to be punished, when it is + on account of heinous offenses against thyself; for if it be a thing + deserving commendation to forgive such as have been guilty of small + offenses, that tend to a person's loss, and this be praiseworthy in him + that overlooks such offenses, to restrain a man's passion as to crimes + which are capital to the guilty, is to be like the most excellent nature + of God himself. And truly, as for myself, had it not been that we had a + father, who had discovered, on occasion of the death of Joseph, how + miserably he is always afflicted at the loss of his sons, I had not made + any words on account of the saving of our own lives; I mean, any further + than as that would be an excellent character for thyself, to preserve even + those that would have nobody to lament them when they were dead, but we + would have yielded ourselves up to suffer whatsoever thou pleasedst; but + now [for we do not plead for mercy to ourselves, though indeed, if we die, + it will be while we are young, and before we have had the enjoyment of + life] have regard to our father, and take pity of his old age, on whose + account it is that we make these supplications to thee. We beg thou wilt + give us those lives which this wickedness of ours has rendered obnoxious + to thy punishment; and this for his sake who is not himself wicked, nor + does his being our father make us wicked. He is a good man, and not worthy + to have such trials of his patience; and now, we are absent, he is + afflicted with care for us. But if he hear of our deaths, and what was the + cause of it, he will on that account die an immature death; and the + reproachful manner of our ruin will hasten his end, and will directly kill + him; nay, will bring him to a miserable death, while he will make haste to + rid himself out of the world, and bring himself to a state of + insensibility, before the sad story of our end come abroad into the rest + of the world. Consider these things in this manner, although our + wickedness does now provoke thee with a just desire of punishing that + wickedness, and forgive it for our father's sake; and let thy + commiseration of him weigh more with thee than our wickedness. Have regard + to the old age of our father, who, if we perish, will be very lonely while + he lives, and will soon die himself also. <a href="#link2note-10" + name="link2noteref-10" id="link2noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> Grant + this boon to the name of fathers, for thereby thou wilt honor him that + begat thee, and will grant it to thyself also, who enjoyest already that + denomination; thou wilt then, by that denomination, be preserved of God, + the Father of all,—by showing a pious regard to which, in the case + of our father, thou wilt appear to honor him who is styled by the same + name; I mean, if thou wilt have this pity on our father, upon this + consideration, how miserable he will be if he be deprived of his sons! It + is thy part therefore to bestow on us what God has given us, when it is in + thy power to take it away, and so to resemble him entirely in charity; for + it is good to use that power, which can either give or take away, on the + merciful side; and when it is in thy power to destroy, to forget that thou + ever hadst that power, and to look on thyself as only allowed power for + preservation; and that the more any one extends this power, the greater + reputation does he gain to himself. Now, by forgiving our brother what he + has unhappily committed, thou wilt preserve us all; for we cannot think of + living if he be put to death, since we dare not show ourselves alive to + our father without our brother, but here must we partake of one and the + same catastrophe of his life. And so far we beg of thee, O governor, that + if thou condemnest our brother to die, thou wilt punish us together with + him, as partners of his crime,—for we shall not think it reasonable + to be reserved to kill ourselves for grief of our brother's death, but so + to die rather as equally guilty with him of this crime. I will only leave + with thee this one consideration, and then will say no more, viz. that our + brother committed this fault when he was young, and not yet of confirmed + wisdom in his conduct; and that men naturally forgive such young persons. + I end here, without adding what more I have to say, that in case thou + condemnest us, that omission may be supposed to have hurt us, and + permitted thee to take the severer side. But in case thou settest us free, + that this may be ascribed to thy own goodness, of which thou art inwardly + conscious, that thou freest us from condemnation; and that not by barely + preserving us, but by granting us such a favor as will make us appear more + righteous than we really are, and by representing to thyself more motives + for our deliverance than we are able to produce ourselves. If, therefore, + thou resolvest to slay him, I desire thou wilt slay me in his stead, and + send him back to his father; or if thou pleasest to retain him with thee + as a slave, I am fitter to labor for thy advantage in that capacity, and, + as thou seest, am better prepared for either of those sufferings." So + Judas, being very willing to undergo any thing whatever for the + deliverance of his brother, cast himself down at Joseph's feet, and + earnestly labored to assuage and pacify his anger. All his brethren also + fell down before him, weeping and delivering themselves up to destruction + for the preservation of the life of Benjamin. + </p> + <p> + 10. But Joseph, as overcome now with his affections, and no longer able to + personate an angry man, commanded all that were present to depart, that he + might make himself known to his brethren when they were alone; and when + the rest were gone out, he made himself known to his brethren; and said, + "I commend you for your virtue, and your kindness to our brother: I find + you better men than I could have expected from what you contrived about + me. Indeed, I did all this to try your love to your brother; so I believe + you were not wicked by nature in what you did in my case, but that all has + happened according to God's will, who has hereby procured our enjoyment of + what good things we have; and, if he continue in a favorable disposition, + of what we hope for hereafter. Since, therefore, I know that our father is + safe and well, beyond expectation, and I see you so well disposed to your + brother, I will no longer remember what guilt you seem to have had about + me, but will leave off to hate you for that your wickedness; and do rather + return you my thanks, that you have concurred with the intentions of God + to bring things to their present state. I would have you also rather to + forget the same, since that imprudence of yours is come to such a happy + conclusion, than to be uneasy and blush at those your offenses. Do not, + therefore, let your evil intentions, when you condemned me, and that + bitter remorse which might follow, be a grief to you now, because those + intentions were frustrated. Go, therefore, your way, rejoicing in what has + happened by the Divine Providence, and inform your father of it, lest he + should be spent with cares for you, and deprive me of the most agreeable + part of my felicity; I mean, lest he should die before he comes into my + sight, and enjoys the good things that we now have. Bring, therefore, with + you our father, and your wives and children, and all your kindred, and + remove your habitations hither; for it is not proper that the persons + dearest to me should live remote from me, now my affairs are so + prosperous, especially when they must endure five more years of famine." + When Joseph had said this, he embraced his brethren, who were in tears and + sorrow; but the generous kindness of their brother seemed to leave among + them no room for fear, lest they should be punished on account of what + they had consulted and acted against him; and they were then feasting. Now + the king, as soon as he heard that Joseph's brethren were come to him, was + exceeding glad of it, as if it had been a part of his own good fortune; + and gave them wagons full of corn and gold and silver, to be conveyed to + his father. Now when they had received more of their brother part to be + carried to their father, and part as free gifts to every one of + themselves, Benjamin having still more than the rest, they departed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0007" id="link22HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. The Removal Of Joseph's Father With All His Family, To Him, On + Account Of The Famine. + </h3> + <p> + 1. As soon as Jacob came to know, by his sons returning home, in what + state Joseph was, that he had not only escaped death, for which yet he + lived all along in mourning, but that he lived in splendor and happiness, + and ruled over Egypt, jointly with the king, and had intrusted to his care + almost all his affairs, he did not think any thing he was told to be + incredible, considering the greatness of the works of God, and his + kindness to him, although that kindness had, for some late times, been + intermitted; so he immediately and zealously set out upon his journey to + him. + </p> + <p> + 2. When he came to the Well of the Oath, [Beersheba,] he offered sacrifice + to God; and being afraid that the happiness there was in Egypt might tempt + his posterity to fall in love with it, and settle in it, and no more think + of removing into the land of Canaan, and possessing it, as God had + promised them; as also being afraid, lest, if this descent into Egypt were + made without the will of God, his family might be destroyed there; out of + fear, withal, lest he should depart this life before he came to the sight + of Joseph; he fell asleep, revolving these doubts in his mind. + </p> + <p> + 3. But God stood by him, and called him twice by his name; and when he + asked who he was, God said, "No, sure; it is not just that thou, Jacob, + shouldst be unacquainted with that God who has been ever a protector and a + helper to thy forefathers, and after them to thyself: for when thy father + would have deprived thee of the dominion, I gave it thee; and by my + kindness it was that, when thou wast sent into Mesopotamia all alone, thou + obtainedst good wives, and returnedst with many children, and much wealth. + Thy whole family also has been preserved by my providence; and it was I + who conducted Joseph, thy son, whom thou gavest up for lost, to the + enjoyment of great prosperity. I also made him lord of Egypt, so that he + differs but little from a king. Accordingly, I come now as a guide to thee + in this journey; and foretell to thee, that thou shalt die in the arms of + Joseph: and I inform thee, that thy posterity shall be many ages in + authority and glory, and that I will settle them in the land which I have + promised them." + </p> + <p> + 4. Jacob, encouraged by this dream, went on more cheerfully for Egypt with + his sons, and all belonging to them. Now they were in all seventy. I once, + indeed, thought it best not to set down the names of this family, + especially because of their difficult pronunciation [by the Greeks]; but, + upon the whole, I think it necessary to mention those names, that I may + disprove such as believe that we came not originally from Mesopotamia, but + are Egyptians. Now Jacob had twelve sons; of these Joseph was come thither + before. We will therefore set down the names of Jacob's children and + grandchildren. Reuben had four sons--Anoch, Phallu, Assaron, Charmi. + Simeon had six--Jamuel, Jamin, Avod, Jachin, Soar, Saul. Levi had three + sons--Gersom, Caath, Merari. Judas had three sons--Sala, Phares, Zerah; + and by Phares two grandchildren, Esrom and Amar. Issachar had four + sons--Thola, Phua, Jasob, Samaron. Zabulon had with him three sons--Sarad, + Helon, Jalel. So far is the posterity of Lea; with whom went her daughter + Dinah. These are thirty-three. Rachel had two sons, the one of whom, + Joseph, had two sons also, Manasses and Ephraim. The other, Benjamin, had + ten sons—Bolau, Bacchar, Asabel, Geras, Naaman, Jes, Ros, Momphis, + Opphis, Arad. These fourteen added to the thirty-three before enumerated, + amount to the number forty-seven. And this was the legitimate posterity of + Jacob. He had besides by Bilhah, the handmaid of Rachel, Dan and + Nephtliali; which last had four sons that followed him— Jesel, Guni, + Issari, and Sellim. Dan had an only begotten son, Usi. If these be added + to those before mentioned, they complete the number fifty-four. Gad and + Aser were the sons of Zilpha, who was the handmaid of Lea. These had with + them, Gad seven— Saphoniah, Augis, Sunis, Azabon, Aerin, Erocd, + Ariel. Aser had a daughter, Sarah, and six male children, whose names were + Jomne, Isus, Isoui, Baris, Abar and Melchiel. If we add these, which are + sixteen, to the fifty-four, the forementioned number 70 is completed <a + href="#link2note-11" name="link2noteref-11" id="link2noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> + Jacob not being himself included in that number. + </p> + <p> + 5. When Joseph understood that his father was coming, for Judas his + brother was come before him, and informed him of his approach, he went out + to meet him; and they met together at Heroopolis. But Jacob almost fainted + away at this unexpected and great joy; however, Joseph revived him, being + yet not himself able to contain from being affected in the same manner, at + the pleasure he now had; yet was he not wholly overcome with his passion, + as his father was. After this, he desired Jacob to travel on slowly; but + he himself took five of his brethren with him, and made haste to the king, + to tell him that Jacob and his family were come; which was a joyful + hearing to him. He also bid Joseph tell him what sort of life his brethren + loved to lead, that he might give them leave to follow the same, who told + him they were good shepherds, and had been used to follow no other + employment but this alone. Whereby he provided for them, that they should + not be separated, but live in the same place, and take care of their + father; as also hereby he provided, that they might be acceptable to the + Egyptians, by doing nothing that would be common to them with the + Egyptians; for the Egyptians are prohibited to meddle with feeding of + sheep. <a href="#link2note-12" name="link2noteref-12" id="link2noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 6. When Jacob was come to the king, and saluted him, and wished all + prosperity to his government, Pharaoh asked him how old he now was; upon + whose answer, that he was a hundred and thirty years old, he admired Jacob + on account of the length of his life. And when he had added, that still he + had not lived so long as his forefathers, he gave him leave to live with + his children in Heliopolis; for in that city the king's shepherds had + their pasturage. + </p> + <p> + 7. However, the famine increased among the Egyptians, and this heavy + judgment grew more oppressive to them, because neither did the river + overflow the ground, for it did not rise to its former height, nor did God + send rain upon it; <a href="#link2note-13" name="link2noteref-13" + id="link2noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> nor did they indeed make the + least provision for themselves, so ignorant were they what was to be done; + but Joseph sold them corn for their money. But when their money failed + them, they bought corn with their cattle and their slaves; and if any of + them had a small piece of land, they gave up that to purchase them food, + by which means the king became the owner of all their substance; and they + were removed, some to one place, and some to another, that so the + possession of their country might be firmly assured to the king, excepting + the lands of the priests, for their country continued still in their own + possession. And indeed this sore famine made their minds, as well as their + bodies, slaves; and at length compelled them to procure a sufficiency of + food by such dishonorable means. But when this misery ceased, and the + river overflowed the ground, and the ground brought forth its fruits + plentifully, Joseph came to every city, and gathered the people thereto + belonging together, and gave them back entirely the land which, by their + own consent, the king might have possessed alone, and alone enjoyed the + fruits of it. He also exhorted them to look on it as every one's own + possession, and to fall to their husbandry with cheerfulness, and to pay + as a tribute to the king, the fifth part <a href="#link2note-14" + name="link2noteref-14" id="link2noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> of the + fruits for the land which the king, when it was his own, restored to them. + These men rejoiced upon their becoming unexpectedly owners of their lands, + and diligently observed what was enjoined them; and by this means Joseph + procured to himself a greater authority among the Egyptians, and greater + love to the king from them. Now this law, that they should pay the fifth + part of their fruits as tribute, continued until their later kings. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0008" id="link22HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. Of The Death Of Jacob And Joseph. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when Jacob had lived seventeen years in Egypt, he fell into a + disease, and died in the presence of his sons; but not till he made his + prayers for their enjoying prosperity, and till he had foretold to them + prophetically how every one of them was to dwell in the land of Canaan. + But this happened many years afterward. He also enlarged upon the praises + of Joseph <a href="#link2note-15" name="link2noteref-15" + id="link2noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> how he had not remembered the + evil doings of his brethren to their disadvantage; nay, on the contrary, + was kind to them, bestowing upon them so many benefits, as seldom are + bestowed on men's own benefactors. He then commanded his own sons that + they should admit Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasses, into their number, + and divide the land of Canaan in common with them; concerning whom we + shall treat hereafter. However, he made it his request that he might be + buried at Hebron. So he died, when he had lived full a hundred and fifty + years, three only abated, having not been behind any of his ancestors in + piety towards God, and having such a recompense for it, as it was fit + those should have who were so good as these were. But Joseph, by the + king's permission, carried his father's dead body to Hebron, and there + buried it, at a great expense. Now his brethren were at first unwilling to + return back with him, because they were afraid lest, now their father was + dead, he should punish them for their secret practices against him; since + he was now gone, for whose sake he had been so gracious to them. But he + persuaded them to fear no harm, and to entertain no suspicions of him: so + he brought them along with him, and gave them great possessions, and never + left off his particular concern for them. + </p> + <p> + 2. Joseph also died when he had lived a hundred and ten years; having been + a man of admirable virtue, and conducting all his affairs by the rules of + reason; and used his authority with moderation, which was the cause of his + so great felicity among the Egyptians, even when he came from another + country, and that in such ill circumstances also, as we have already + described. At length his brethren died, after they had lived happily in + Egypt. Now the posterity and sons of these men, after some time, carried + their bodies, and buried them at Hebron: but as to the bones of Joseph, + they carried them into the land of Canaan afterward, when the Hebrews went + out of Egypt, for so had Joseph made them promise him upon oath. But what + became of every one of these men, and by what toils they got the + possession of the land of Canaan, shall be shown hereafter, when I have + first explained upon what account it was that they left Egypt. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0009" id="link22HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Afflictions That Befell The Hebrews In Egypt, + During Four Hundred Years. <a href="#link2note-16" name="link2noteref-16" + id="link2noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now it happened that the Egyptians grew delicate and lazy, as to + pains-taking, and gave themselves up to other pleasures, and in particular + to the love of gain. They also became very ill-affected towards the + Hebrews, as touched with envy at their prosperity; for when they saw how + the nation of the Israelites flourished, and were become eminent already + in plenty of wealth, which they had acquired by their virtue and natural + love of labor, they thought their increase was to their own detriment. And + having, in length of time, forgotten the benefits they had received from + Joseph, particularly the crown being now come into another family, they + became very abusive to the Israelites, and contrived many ways of + afflicting them; for they enjoined them to cut a great number of channels + for the river, and to build walls for their cities and ramparts, that they + might restrain the river, and hinder its waters from stagnating, upon its + running over its own banks: they set them also to build pyramids, <a + href="#link2note-17" name="link2noteref-17" id="link2noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> + and by all this wore them out; and forced them to learn all sorts of + mechanical arts, and to accustom themselves to hard labor. And four + hundred years did they spend under these afflictions; for they strove one + against the other which should get the mastery, the Egyptians desiring to + destroy the Israelites by these labors, and the Israelites desiring to + hold out to the end under them. + </p> + <p> + 2. While the affairs of the Hebrews were in this condition, there was this + occasion offered itself to the Egyptians, which made them more solicitous + for the extinction of our nation. One of those sacred scribes, <a + href="#link2note-18" name="link2noteref-18" id="link2noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> + who are very sagacious in foretelling future events truly, told the king, + that about this time there would a child be born to the Israelites, who, + if he were reared, would bring the Egyptian dominion low, and would raise + the Israelites; that he would excel all men in virtue, and obtain a glory + that would be remembered through all ages. Which thing was so feared by + the king, that, according to this man's opinion, he commanded that they + should cast every male child, which was born to the Israelites, into the + river, and destroy it; that besides this, the Egyptian midwives <a + href="#link2note-19" name="link2noteref-19" id="link2noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> + should watch the labors of the Hebrew women, and observe what is born, for + those were the women who were enjoined to do the office of midwives to + them; and by reason of their relation to the king, would not transgress + his commands. He enjoined also, that if any parents should disobey him, + and venture to save their male children alive, <a href="#link2note-20" + name="link2noteref-20" id="link2noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> they and + their families should be destroyed. This was a severe affliction indeed to + those that suffered it, not only as they were deprived of their sons, and + while they were the parents themselves, they were obliged to be + subservient to the destruction of their own children, but as it was to be + supposed to tend to the extirpation of their nation, while upon the + destruction of their children, and their own gradual dissolution, the + calamity would become very hard and inconsolable to them. And this was the + ill state they were in. But no one can be too hard for the purpose of God, + though he contrive ten thousand subtle devices for that end; for this + child, whom the sacred scribe foretold, was brought up and concealed from + the observers appointed by the king; and he that foretold him did not + mistake in the consequences of his preservation, which were brought to + pass after the manner following:— + </p> + <p> + 3. A man whose name was Amram, one of the nobler sort of the Hebrews, was + afraid for his whole nation, lest it should fail, by the want of young men + to be brought up hereafter, and was very uneasy at it, his wife being then + with child, and he knew not what to do. Hereupon he betook himself to + prayer to God; and entreated him to have compassion on those men who had + nowise transgressed the laws of his worship, and to afford them + deliverance from the miseries they at that time endured, and to render + abortive their enemies' hopes of the destruction of their nation. + Accordingly God had mercy on him, and was moved by his supplication. He + stood by him in his sleep, and exhorted him not to despair of his future + favors. He said further, that he did not forget their piety towards him, + and would always reward them for it, as he had formerly granted his favor + to their forefathers, and made them increase from a few to so great a + multitude. He put him in mind, that when Abraham was come alone out of + Mesopotamia into Canaan, he had been made happy, not only in other + respects, but that when his wife was at first barren, she was afterwards + by him enabled to conceive seed, and bare him sons. That he left to Ismael + and to his posterity the country of Arabia; as also to his sons by Ketura, + Troglodytis; and to Isaac, Canaan. That by my assistance, said he, he did + great exploits in war, which, unless you be yourselves impious, you must + still remember. As for Jacob, he became well known to strangers also, by + the greatness of that prosperity in which he lived, and left to his sons, + who came into Egypt with no more than seventy souls, while you are now + become above six hundred thousand. Know therefore that I shall provide for + you all in common what is for your good, and particularly for thyself what + shall make thee famous; for that child, out of dread of whose nativity the + Egyptians have doomed the Israelite children to destruction, shall be this + child of thine, and shall be concealed from those who watch to destroy + him: and when he is brought up in a surprising way, he shall deliver the + Hebrew nation from the distress they are under from the Egyptians. His + memory shall be famous while the world lasts; and this not only among the + Hebrews, but foreigners also:—all which shall be the effect of my + favor to thee, and to thy posterity. He shall also have such a brother, + that he shall himself obtain my priesthood, and his posterity shall have + it after him to the end of the world. + </p> + <p> + 4. When the vision had informed him of these things, Amram awaked and told + it to Jochebed who was his wife. And now the fear increased upon them on + account of the prediction in Amram's dream; for they were under concern, + not only for the child, but on account of the great happiness that was to + come to him also. However, the mother's labor was such as afforded a + confirmation to what was foretold by God; for it was not known to those + that watched her, by the easiness of her pains, and because the throes of + her delivery did not fall upon her with violence. And now they nourished + the child at home privately for three months; but after that time Amram, + fearing he should be discovered, and, by falling under the king's + displeasure, both he and his child should perish, and so he should make + the promise of God of none effect, he determined rather to trust the + safety and care of the child to God, than to depend on his own concealment + of him, which he looked upon as a thing uncertain, and whereby both the + child, so privately to be nourished, and himself should be in imminent + danger; but he believed that God would some way for certain procure the + safety of the child, in order to secure the truth of his own predictions. + When they had thus determined, they made an ark of bulrushes, after the + manner of a cradle, and of a bigness sufficient for an infant to be laid + in, without being too straitened: they then daubed it over with slime, + which would naturally keep out the water from entering between the + bulrushes, and put the infant into it, and setting it afloat upon the + river, they left its preservation to God; so the river received the child, + and carried him along. But Miriam, the child's sister, passed along upon + the bank over against him, as her mother had bid her, to see whither the + ark would be carried, where God demonstrated that human wisdom was + nothing, but that the Supreme Being is able to do whatsoever he pleases: + that those who, in order to their own security, condemn others to + destruction, and use great endeavors about it, fail of their purpose; but + that others are in a surprising manner preserved, and obtain a prosperous + condition almost from the very midst of their calamities; those, I mean, + whose dangers arise by the appointment of God. And, indeed, such a + providence was exercised in the case of this child, as showed the power of + God. + </p> + <p> + 5. Thermuthis was the king's daughter. She was now diverting herself by + the banks of the river; and seeing a cradle borne along by the current, + she sent some that could swim, and bid them bring the cradle to her. When + those that were sent on this errand came to her with the cradle, and she + saw the little child, she was greatly in love with it, on account of its + largeness and beauty; for God had taken such great care in the formation + of Moses, that he caused him to be thought worthy of bringing up, and + providing for, by all those that had taken the most fatal resolutions, on + account of the dread of his nativity, for the destruction of the rest of + the Hebrew nation. Thermuthis bid them bring her a woman that might afford + her breast to the child; yet would not the child admit of her breast, but + turned away from it, and did the like to many other women. Now Miriam was + by when this happened, not to appear to be there on purpose, but only as + staying to see the child; and she said, "It is in vain that thou, O queen, + callest for these women for the nourishing of the child, who are no way of + kin to it; but still, if thou wilt order one of the Hebrew women to be + brought, perhaps it may admit the breast of one of its own nation." Now + since she seemed to speak well, Thermuthis bid her procure such a one, and + to bring one of those Hebrew women that gave suck. So when she had such + authority given her, she came back and brought the mother, who was known + to nobody there. And now the child gladly admitted the breast, and seemed + to stick close to it; and so it was, that, at the queen's desire, the + nursing of the child was entirely intrusted to the mother. + </p> + <p> + 6. Hereupon it was that Thermuthis imposed this name Mouses upon him, from + what had happened when he was put into the river; for the Egyptians call + water by the name of Mo, and such as are saved out of it, by the name of + Uses: so by putting these two words together, they imposed this name upon + him. And he was, by the confession of all, according to God's prediction, + as well for his greatness of mind as for his contempt of difficulties, the + best of all the Hebrews, for Abraham was his ancestor of the seventh + generation. For Moses was the son of Amram, who was the son of Caath, + whose father Levi was the son of Jacob, who was the son of Isaac, who was + the son of Abraham. Now Moses's understanding became superior to his age, + nay, far beyond that standard; and when he was taught, he discovered + greater quickness of apprehension than was usual at his age, and his + actions at that time promised greater, when he should come to the age of a + man. God did also give him that tallness, when he was but three years old, + as was wonderful. And as for his beauty, there was nobody so unpolite as, + when they saw Moses, they were not greatly surprised at the beauty of his + countenance; nay, it happened frequently, that those that met him as he + was carried along the road, were obliged to turn again upon seeing the + child; that they left what they were about, and stood still a great while + to look on him; for the beauty of the child was so remarkable and natural + to him on many accounts, that it detained the spectators, and made them + stay longer to look upon him. + </p> + <p> + 7. Thermuthis therefore perceiving him to be so remarkable a child, + adopted him for her son, having no child of her own. And when one time had + carried Moses to her father, she showed him to him, and said she thought + to make him her successor, if it should please God she should have no + legitimate child of her own; and to him, "I have brought up a child who is + of a divine form, <a href="#link2note-21" name="link2noteref-21" + id="link2noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> and of a generous mind; and as + I have received him from the bounty of the river, in, I thought proper to + adopt him my son, and the heir of thy kingdom." And she had said this, she + put the infant into her father's hands: so he took him, and hugged him to + his breast; and on his daughter's account, in a pleasant way, put his + diadem upon his head; but Moses threw it down to the ground, and, in a + puerile mood, he wreathed it round, and trod upon his feet, which seemed + to bring along with evil presage concerning the kingdom of Egypt. But when + the sacred scribe saw this, [he was the person who foretold that his + nativity would lay the dominion of that kingdom low,] he made a violent + attempt to kill him; and crying out in a frightful manner, he said, "This, + O king! this child is he of whom God foretold, that if we kill him we + shall be in no danger; he himself affords an attestation to the prediction + of the same thing, by his trampling upon thy government, and treading upon + thy diadem. Take him, therefore, out of the way, and deliver the Egyptians + from the fear they are in about him; and deprive the Hebrews of the hope + they have of being encouraged by him." But Thermuthis prevented him, and + snatched the child away. And the king was not hasty to slay him, God + himself, whose providence protected Moses, inclining the king to spare + him. He was, therefore, educated with great care. So the Hebrews depended + on him, and were of good hopes great things would be done by him; but the + Egyptians were suspicious of what would follow such his education. Yet + because, if Moses had been slain, there was no one, either akin or + adopted, that had any oracle on his side for pretending to the crown of + Egypt, and likely to be of greater advantage to them, they abstained from + killing him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0010" id="link22HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. How Moses Made War With The Ethiopians. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Moses, therefore, when he was born, and brought up in the foregoing + manner, and came to the age of maturity, made his virtue manifest to the + Egyptians; and showed that he was born for the bringing them down, and + raising the Israelites. And the occasion he laid hold of was this:—The + Ethiopians, who are next neighbors to the Egyptians, made an inroad into + their country, which they seized upon, and carried off the effects of the + Egyptians, who, in their rage, fought against them, and revenged the + affronts they had received from them; but being overcome in battle, some + of them were slain, and the rest ran away in a shameful manner, and by + that means saved themselves; whereupon the Ethiopians followed after them + in the pursuit, and thinking that it would be a mark of cowardice if they + did not subdue all Egypt, they went on to subdue the rest with greater + vehemence; and when they had tasted the sweets of the country, they never + left off the prosecution of the war: and as the nearest parts had not + courage enough at first to fight with them, they proceeded as far as + Memphis, and the sea itself, while not one of the cities was able to + oppose them. The Egyptians, under this sad oppression, betook themselves + to their oracles and prophecies; and when God had given them this counsel, + to make use of Moses the Hebrew, and take his assistance, the king + commanded his daughter to produce him, that he might be the general <a + href="#link2note-22" name="link2noteref-22" id="link2noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> + of their army. Upon which, when she had made him swear he would do him no + harm, she delivered him to the king, and supposed his assistance would be + of great advantage to them. She withal reproached the priest, who, when + they had before admonished the Egyptians to kill him, was not ashamed now + to own their want of his help. + </p> + <p> + 2. So Moses, at the persuasion both of Thermuthis and the king himself, + cheerfully undertook the business: and the sacred scribes of both nations + were glad; those of the Egyptians, that they should at once overcome their + enemies by his valor, and that by the same piece of management Moses would + be slain; but those of the Hebrews, that they should escape from the + Egyptians, because Moses was to be their general. But Moses prevented the + enemies, and took and led his army before those enemies were apprized of + his attacking them; for he did not march by the river, but by land, where + he gave a wonderful demonstration of his sagacity; for when the ground was + difficult to be passed over, because of the multitude of serpents, [which + it produces in vast numbers, and, indeed, is singular in some of those + productions, which other countries do not breed, and yet such as are worse + than others in power and mischief, and an unusual fierceness of sight, + some of which ascend out of the ground unseen, and also fly in the air, + and so come upon men at unawares, and do them a mischief,] Moses invented + a wonderful stratagem to preserve the army safe, and without hurt; for he + made baskets, like unto arks, of sedge, and filled them with ibes, <a + href="#link2note-23" name="link2noteref-23" id="link2noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> + and carried them along with them; which animal is the greatest enemy to + serpents imaginable, for they fly from them when they come near them; and + as they fly they are caught and devoured by them, as if it were done by + the harts; but the ibes are tame creatures, and only enemies to the + serpentine kind: but about these ibes I say no more at present, since the + Greeks themselves are not unacquainted with this sort of bird. As soon, + therefore, as Moses was come to the land which was the breeder of these + serpents, he let loose the ibes, and by their means repelled the + serpentine kind, and used them for his assistants before the army came + upon that ground. When he had therefore proceeded thus on his journey, he + came upon the Ethiopians before they expected him; and, joining battle + with them, he beat them, and deprived them of the hopes they had of + success against the Egyptians, and went on in overthrowing their cities, + and indeed made a great slaughter of these Ethiopians. Now when the + Egyptian army had once tasted of this prosperous success, by the means of + Moses, they did not slacken their diligence, insomuch that the Ethiopians + were in danger of being reduced to slavery, and all sorts of destruction; + and at length they retired to Saba, which was a royal city of Ethiopia, + which Cambyses afterwards named Mero, after the name of his own sister. + The place was to be besieged with very great difficulty, since it was both + encompassed by the Nile quite round, and the other rivers, Astapus and + Astaboras, made it a very difficult thing for such as attempted to pass + over them; for the city was situate in a retired place, and was inhabited + after the manner of an island, being encompassed with a strong wall, and + having the rivers to guard them from their enemies, and having great + ramparts between the wall and the rivers, insomuch, that when the waters + come with the greatest violence, it can never be drowned; which ramparts + make it next to impossible for even such as are gotten over the rivers to + take the city. However, while Moses was uneasy at the army's lying idle, + [for the enemies durst not come to a battle,] this accident happened:—Tharbis + was the daughter of the king of the Ethiopians: she happened to see Moses + as he led the army near the walls, and fought with great courage; and + admiring the subtilty of his undertakings, and believing him to be the + author of the Egyptians' success, when they had before despaired of + recovering their liberty, and to be the occasion of the great danger the + Ethiopians were in, when they had before boasted of their great + achievements, she fell deeply in love with him; and upon the prevalancy of + that passion, sent to him the most faithful of all her servants to + discourse with him about their marriage. He thereupon accepted the offer, + on condition she would procure the delivering up of the city; and gave her + the assurance of an oath to take her to his wife; and that when he had + once taken possession of the city, he would not break his oath to her. No + sooner was the agreement made, but it took effect immediately; and when + Moses had cut off the Ethiopians, he gave thanks to God, and consummated + his marriage, and led the Egyptians back to their own land. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0011" id="link22HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. How Moses Fled Out Of Egypt Into Midian. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now the Egyptians, after they had been preserved by Moses, entertained + a hatred to him, and were very eager in compassing their designs against + him, as suspecting that he would take occasion, from his good success, to + raise a sedition, and bring innovations into Egypt; and told the king he + ought to be slain. The king had also some intentions of himself to the + same purpose, and this as well out of envy at his glorious expedition at + the head of his army, as out of fear of being brought low by him and being + instigated by the sacred scribes, he was ready to undertake to kill Moses: + but when he had learned beforehand what plots there were against him, he + went away privately; and because the public roads were watched, he took + his flight through the deserts, and where his enemies could not suspect he + would travel; and, though he was destitute of food, he went on, and + despised that difficulty courageously; and when he came to the city + Midian, which lay upon the Red Sea, and was so denominated from one of + Abraham's sons by Keturah, he sat upon a certain well, and rested himself + there after his laborious journey, and the affliction he had been in. It + was not far from the city, and the time of the day was noon, where he had + an occasion offered him by the custom of the country of doing what + recommended his virtue, and afforded him an opportunity of bettering his + circumstances. + </p> + <p> + 2. For that country having but little water, the shepherds used to seize + on the wells before others came, lest their flocks should want water, and + lest it should be spent by others before they came. There were now come, + therefore, to this well seven sisters that were virgins, the daughters of + Raguel, a priest, and one thought worthy by the people of the country of + great honor. These virgins, who took care of their father's flocks, which + sort of work it was customary and very familiar for women to do in the + country of the Troglodytes, they came first of all, and drew water out of + the well in a quantity sufficient for their flocks, into troughs, which + were made for the reception of that water; but when the shepherds came + upon the maidens, and drove them away, that they might have the command of + the water themselves, Moses, thinking it would be a terrible reproach upon + him if he overlooked the young women under unjust oppression, and should + suffer the violence of the men to prevail over the right of the maidens, + he drove away the men, who had a mind to more than their share, and + afforded a proper assistance to the women; who, when they had received + such a benefit from him, came to their father, and told him how they had + been affronted by the shepherds, and assisted by a stranger, and entreated + that he would not let this generous action be done in vain, nor go without + a reward. Now the father took it well from his daughters that they were so + desirous to reward their benefactor; and bid them bring Moses into his + presence, that he might be rewarded as he deserved. And when Moses came, + he told him what testimony his daughters bare to him, that he had assisted + them; and that, as he admired him for his virtue, he said that Moses had + bestowed such his assistance on persons not insensible of benefits, but + where they were both able and willing to return the kindness, and even to + exceed the measure of his generosity. So he made him his son, and gave him + one of his daughters in marriage; and appointed him to be the guardian and + superintendent over his cattle; for of old, all the wealth of the + barbarians was in those cattle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0012" id="link22HCH0012"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 12. Concerning The Burning Bush And The Rod Of Moses. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Moses, when he had obtained the favor of Jethro, for that was one + of the names of Raguel, staid there and fed his flock; but some time + afterward, taking his station at the mountain called Sinai, he drove his + flocks thither to feed them. Now this is the highest of all the mountains + thereabout, and the best for pasturage, the herbage being there good; and + it had not been before fed upon, because of the opinion men had that God + dwelt there, the shepherds not daring to ascend up to it; and here it was + that a wonderful prodigy happened to Moses; for a fire fed upon a thorn + bush, yet did the green leaves and the flowers continue untouched, and the + fire did not at all consume the fruit branches, although the flame was + great and fierce. Moses was affrighted at this strange sight, as it was to + him; but he was still more astonished when the fire uttered a voice, and + called to him by name, and spake words to him, by which it signified how + bold he had been in venturing to come into a place whither no man had ever + come before, because the place was divine; and advised him to remove a + great way off from the flame, and to be contented with what he had seen; + and though he were himself a good man, and the offspring of great men, yet + that he should not pry any further; and he foretold to him, that he should + have glory and honor among men, by the blessing of God upon him. He also + commanded him to go away thence with confidence to Egypt, in order to his + being the commander and conductor of the body of the Hebrews, and to his + delivering his own people from the injuries they suffered there: "For," + said God, "they shall inhabit this happy land which your forefather + Abraham inhabited, and shall have the enjoyment of all good things." But + still he enjoined them, when he brought the Hebrews out of the land of + Egypt, to come to that place, and to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving + there, Such were the divine oracles which were delivered out of the fire. + </p> + <p> + 2. But Moses was astonished at what he saw, and much more at what he + heard; and he said, "I think it would be an instance of too great madness, + O Lord, for one of that regard I bear to thee, to distrust thy power, + since I myself adore it, and know that it has been made manifest to my + progenitors: but I am still in doubt how I, who am a private man, and one + of no abilities, should either persuade my own countrymen to leave the + country they now inhabit, and to follow me to a land whither I lead them; + or, if they should be persuaded, how can I force Pharaoh to permit them to + depart, since they augment their own wealth and prosperity by the labors + and works they put upon them?" + </p> + <p> + 3. But God persuaded him to be courageous on all occasions, and promised + to be with him, and to assist him in his words, when he was to persuade + men; and in his deeds, when he was to perform wonders. He bid him also to + take a signal of the truth of what he said, by throwing his rod upon the + ground, which, when he had done, it crept along, and was become a serpent, + and rolled itself round in its folds, and erected its head, as ready to + revenge itself on such as should assault it; after which it become a rod + again as it was before. After this God bid Moses to put his right hand + into his bosom: he obeyed, and when he took it out it was white, and in + color like to chalk, but afterward it returned to its wonted color again. + He also, upon God's command, took some of the water that was near him, and + poured it upon the ground, and saw the color was that of blood. Upon the + wonder that Moses showed at these signs, God exhorted him to be of good + courage, and to be assured that he would be the greatest support to him; + and bid him make use of those signs, in order to obtain belief among all + men, that "thou art sent by me, and dost all things according to my + commands. Accordingly I enjoin thee to make no more delays, but to make + haste to Egypt, and to travel night and day, and not to draw out the time, + and so make the slavery of the Hebrews and their sufferings to last the + longer." + </p> + <p> + 4. Moses having now seen and heard these wonders that assured him of the + truth of these promises of God, had no room left him to disbelieve them: + he entreated him to grant him that power when he should be in Egypt; and + besought him to vouchsafe him the knowledge of his own name; and since he + had heard and seen him, that he would also tell him his name, that when he + offered sacrifice he might invoke him by such his name in his oblations. + Whereupon God declared to him his holy name, which had never been + discovered to men before; concerning which it is not lawful for me to say + any more <a href="#link2note-24" name="link2noteref-24" + id="link2noteref-24"><small>24</small></a> Now these signs accompanied + Moses, not then only, but always when he prayed for them: of all which + signs he attributed the firmest assent to the fire in the bush; and + believing that God would be a gracious supporter to him, he hoped he + should be able to deliver his own nation, and bring calamities on the + Egyptians. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0013" id="link22HCH0013"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 13. How Moses And Aaron Returned Into Egypt To Pharaoh. + </h3> + <p> + 1. So Moses, when he understood that the Pharaoh, in whose reign he fled + away, was dead, asked leave of Raguel to go to Egypt, for the benefit of + his own people. And he took with him Zipporah, the daughter of Raguel, + whom he had married, and the children he had by her, Gersom and Eleazer, + and made haste into Egypt. Now the former of those names, Gersom, in the + Hebrew tongue, signifies that he was in a strange land; and Eleazer, that, + by the assistance of the God of his fathers, he had escaped from the + Egyptians. Now when they were near the borders, Aaron his brother, by the + command of God, met him, to whom he declared what had befallen him at the + mountain, and the commands that God had given him. But as they were going + forward, the chief men among the Hebrews, having learned that they were + coming, met them: to whom Moses declared the signs he had seen; and while + they could not believe them, he made them see them, So they took courage + at these surprising and unexpected sights, and hoped well of their entire + deliverance, as believing now that God took care of their preservation. + </p> + <p> + 2. Since then Moses found that the Hebrews would be obedient to whatsoever + he should direct, as they promised to be, and were in love with liberty, + he came to the king, who had indeed but lately received the government, + and told him how much he had done for the good of the Egyptians, when they + were despised by the Ethiopians, and their country laid waste by them; and + how he had been the commander of their forces, and had labored for them, + as if they had been his own people and he informed him in what danger he + had been during that expedition, without having any proper returns made + him as he had deserved. He also informed him distinctly what things + happened to him at Mount Sinai; and what God said to him; and the signs + that were done by God, in order to assure him of the authority of those + commands which he had given him. He also exhorted him not to disbelieve + what he told him, nor to oppose the will of God. + </p> + <p> + 3. But when the king derided Moses; he made him in earnest see the signs + that were done at Mount Sinai. Yet was the king very angry with him and + called him an ill man, who had formerly run away from his Egyptian + slavery, and came now back with deceitful tricks, and wonders, and magical + arts, to astonish him. And when he had said this, he commanded the priests + to let him see the same wonderful sights; as knowing that the Egyptians + were skillful in this kind of learning, and that he was not the only + person who knew them, and pretended them to be divine; as also he told + him, that when he brought such wonderful sights before him, he would only + be believed by the unlearned. Now when the priests threw down their rods, + they became serpents. But Moses was not daunted at it; and said, "O king, + I do not myself despise the wisdom of the Egyptians, but I say that what I + do is so much superior to what these do by magic arts and tricks, as + Divine power exceeds the power of man: but I will demonstrate that what I + do is not done by craft, or counterfeiting what is not really true, but + that they appear by the providence and power of God." And when he had said + this, he cast his rod down upon the ground, and commanded it to turn + itself into a serpent. It obeyed him, and went all round, and devoured the + rods of the Egyptians, which seemed to be dragons, until it had consumed + them all. It then returned to its own form, and Moses took it into his + hand again. + </p> + <p> + 4. However, the king was no more moved when it was done than before; and + being very angry, he said that he should gain nothing by this his cunning + and shrewdness against the Egyptians;—and he commanded him that was + the chief taskmaster over the Hebrews, to give them no relaxation from + their labors, but to compel them to submit to greater oppressions than + before; and though he allowed them chaff before for making their bricks, + he would allow it them no longer, but he made them to work hard at + brick-making in the day-time, and to gather chaff in the night. Now when + their labor was thus doubled upon them, they laid the blame upon Moses, + because their labor and their misery were on his account become more + severe to them. But Moses did not let his courage sink for the king's + threatenings; nor did he abate of his zeal on account of the Hebrews' + complaints; but he supported himself, and set his soul resolutely against + them both, and used his own utmost diligence to procure liberty to his + countrymen. So he went to the king, and persuaded him to let the Hebrews + go to Mount Sinai, and there to sacrifice to God, because God had enjoined + them so to do. He persuaded him also not to counterwork the designs of + God, but to esteem his favor above all things, and to permit them to + depart, lest, before he be aware, he lay an obstruction in the way of the + Divine commands, and so occasion his own suffering such punishments as it + was probable any one that counterworked the Divine commands should + undergo, since the severest afflictions arise from every object to those + that provoke the Divine wrath against them; for such as these have neither + the earth nor the air for their friends; nor are the fruits of the womb + according to nature, but every thing is unfriendly and adverse towards + them. He said further, that the Egyptians should know this by sad + experience; and that besides, the Hebrew people should go out of their + country without their consent. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0014" id="link22HCH0014"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 14. Concerning The Ten Plagues Which Came Upon The Egyptians. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But when the king despised the words of Moses, and had no regard at all + to them, grievous plagues seized the Egyptians; every one of which I will + describe, both because no such plagues did ever happen to any other nation + as the Egyptians now felt, and because I would demonstrate that Moses did + not fail in any one thing that he foretold them; and because it is for the + good of mankind, that they may learn this caution—Not to do anything + that may displease God, lest he be provoked to wrath, and avenge their + iniquities upon them. For the Egyptian river ran with bloody water at the + command of God, insomuch that it could not be drunk, and they had no other + spring of water neither; for the water was not only of the color of blood, + but it brought upon those that ventured to drink of it, great pains and + bitter torment. Such was the river to the Egyptians; but it was sweet and + fit for drinking to the Hebrews, and no way different from what it + naturally used to be. As the king therefore knew not what to do in these + surprising circumstances, and was in fear for the Egyptians, he gave the + Hebrews leave to go away; but when the plague ceased, he changed his mind + again, end would not suffer them to go. <a href="#link2note-25" + name="link2noteref-25" id="link2noteref-25"><small>25</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 2. But when God saw that he was ungrateful, and upon the ceasing of this + calamity would not grow wiser, he sent another plague upon the Egyptians:—An + innumerable multitude of frogs consumed the fruit of the ground; the river + was also full of them, insomuch that those who drew water had it spoiled + by the blood of these animals, as they died in, and were destroyed by, the + water; and the country was full of filthy slime, as they were born, and as + they died: they also spoiled their vessels in their houses which they + used, and were found among what they eat and what they drank, and came in + great numbers upon their beds. There was also an ungrateful smell, and a + stink arose from them, as they were born, and as they died therein. Now, + when the Egyptians were under the oppression of these miseries, the king + ordered Moses to take the Hebrews with him, and be gone. Upon which the + whole multitude of the frogs vanished away; and both the land and the + river returned to their former natures. But as soon as Pharaoh saw the + land freed from this plague, he forgot the cause of it, and retained the + Hebrews; and, as though he had a mind to try the nature of more such + judgments, he would not yet suffer Moses and his people to depart, having + granted that liberty rather out of fear than out of any good + consideration. + </p> + <p> + 3. Accordingly, God punished his falseness with another plague, added to + the former; for there arose out of the bodies of the Egyptians an + innumerable quantity of lice, by which, wicked as they were, they + miserably perished, as not able to destroy this sort of vermin either with + washes or with ointments. At which terrible judgment the king of Egypt was + in disorder, upon the fear into which he reasoned himself, lest his people + should be destroyed, and that the manner of this death was also + reproachful, so that he was forced in part to recover himself from his + wicked temper to a sounder mind, for he gave leave for the Hebrews + themselves to depart. But when the plague thereupon ceased, he thought it + proper to require that they should leave their children and wives behind + them, as pledges of their return; whereby he provoked God to be more + vehemently angry at him, as if he thought to impose on his providence, and + as if it were only Moses, and not God, who punished the Egyptians for the + sake of the Hebrews: for he filled that country full of various sorts of + pestilential creatures, with their various properties, such indeed as had + never come into the sight of men before, by whose means the men perished + themselves, and the land was destitute of husbandmen for its cultivation; + but if any thing escaped destruction from them, it was killed by a + distemper which the men underwent also. + </p> + <p> + 4. But when Pharaoh did not even then yield to the will of God, but, while + he gave leave to the husbands to take their wives with them, yet insisted + that the children should be left behind, God presently resolved to punish + his wickedness with several sorts of calamities, and those worse than the + foregoing, which yet had so generally afflicted them; for their bodies had + terrible boils, breaking forth with blains, while they were already + inwardly consumed; and a great part of the Egyptians perished in this + manner. But when the king was not brought to reason by this plague, hail + was sent down from heaven; and such hail it was, as the climate of Egypt + had never suffered before, nor was it like to that which falls in other + climates in winter time, <a href="#link2note-26" name="link2noteref-26" + id="link2noteref-26"><small>26</small></a> but was larger than that which + falls in the middle of spring to those that dwell in the northern and + north-western regions. This hail broke down their boughs laden with fruit. + After this a tribe of locusts consumed the seed which was not hurt by the + hail; so that to the Egyptians all hopes of the future fruits of the + ground were entirely lost. + </p> + <p> + 5. One would think the forementioned calamities might have been sufficient + for one that was only foolish, without wickedness, to make him wise, and + to make him Sensible what was for his advantage. But Pharaoh, led not so + much by his folly as by his wickedness, even when he saw the cause of his + miseries, he still contested with God, and willfully deserted the cause of + virtue; so he bid Moses take the Hebrews away, with their wives and + children, to leave their cattle behind, since their own cattle were + destroyed. But when Moses said that what he desired was unjust, since they + were obliged to offer sacrifices to God of those cattle, and the time + being prolonged on this account, a thick darkness, without the least + light, spread itself over the Egyptians, whereby their sight being + obstructed, and their breathing hindered by the thickness of the air, they + died miserably, and under a terror lest they should be swallowed up by the + dark cloud. Besides this, when the darkness, after three days and as many + nights, was dissipated, and when Pharaoh did not still repent and let the + Hebrews go, Moses came to him and said, "How long wilt thou be disobedient + to the command of God? for he enjoins thee to let the Hebrews go; nor is + there any other way of being freed from the calamities you are under, unless + you do so." But the king angry at what he said, and threatened to cut off + his head if he came any more to trouble him these matters. Hereupon Moses + said he not speak to him any more about them, for he himself, together + with the principal men among the Egyptians, should desire the Hebrews + away. So when Moses had said this, he his way. + </p> + <p> + 6. But when God had signified, that with one plague he would compel the + Egyptians to let Hebrews go, he commanded Moses to tell the people that + they should have a sacrifice ready, and they should prepare themselves on + the tenth day of the month Xanthicus, against the fourteenth, [which month + is called by the Egyptians Pharmuth, Nisan by the Hebrews; but the + Macedonians call it Xanthicus,] and that he should carry the Hebrews with + all they had. Accordingly, he having got the Hebrews ready for their + departure, and having sorted the people into tribes, he kept them together + in one place: but when the fourteenth day was come, and all were ready to + depart they offered the sacrifice, and purified their houses with the + blood, using bunches of hyssop for that purpose; and when they had supped, + they burnt the remainder of the flesh, as just ready to depart. Whence it + is that we do still offer this sacrifice in like manner to this day, and + call this festival Pascha which signifies the feast of the passover; + because on that day God passed us over, and sent the plague upon the + Egyptians; for the destruction of the first-born came upon the Egyptians + that night, so that many of the Egyptians who lived near the king's + palace, persuaded Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go. Accordingly he called for + Moses, and bid them be gone; as supposing, that if once the Hebrews were + gone out of the country, Egypt should be freed from its miseries. They + also honored the Hebrews with gifts; <a href="#link2note-27" + name="link2noteref-27" id="link2noteref-27"><small>27</small></a> some, in + order to get them to depart quickly, and others on account of their + neighborhood, and the friendship they had with them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0015" id="link22HCH0015"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 15. How The Hebrews Under The Conduct Of Moses Left Egypt. + </h3> + <p> + 1. So the Hebrews went out of Egypt, while the Egyptians wept, and + repented that they had treated them so hardly.—Now they took their + journey by Letopolis, a place at that time deserted, but where Babylon was + built afterwards, when Cambyses laid Egypt waste: but as they went away + hastily, on the third day they came to a place called Beelzephon, on the + Red Sea; and when they had no food out of the land, because it was a + desert, they eat of loaves kneaded of flour, only warmed by a gentle heat; + and this food they made use of for thirty days; for what they brought with + them out of Egypt would not suffice them any longer time; and this only + while they dispensed it to each person, to use so much only as would serve + for necessity, but not for satiety. Whence it is that, in memory of the + want we were then in, we keep a feast for eight days, which is called the + feast of unleavened bread. Now the entire multitude of those that went + out, including the women and children, was not easy to be numbered, but + those that were of an age fit for war, were six hundred thousand. + </p> + <p> + 2. They left Egypt in the month Xanthicus, on the fifteenth day of the + lunar month; four hundred and thirty years after our forefather Abraham + came into Canaan, but two hundred and fifteen years only after Jacob + removed into Egypt. <a href="#link2note-28" name="link2noteref-28" + id="link2noteref-28"><small>28</small></a> It was the eightieth year of + the age of Moses, and of that of Aaron three more. They also carried out + the bones of Joesph with them, as he had charged his sons to do. + </p> + <p> + 3. But the Egyptians soon repented that the Hebrews were gone; and the + king also was mightily concerned that this had been procured by the magic + arts of Moses; so they resolved to go after them. Accordingly they took + their weapons, and other warlike furniture, and pursued after them, in + order to bring them back, if once they overtook them, because they would + now have no pretense to pray to God against them, since they had already + been permitted to go out; and they thought they should easily overcome + them, as they had no armor, and would be weary with their journey; so they + made haste in their pursuit, and asked of every one they met which way + they were gone. And indeed that land was difficult to be traveled over, + not only by armies, but by single persons. Now Moses led the Hebrews this + way, that in case the Egyptians should repent and be desirous to pursue + after them, they might undergo the punishment of their wickedness, and of + the breach of those promises they had made to them. As also he led them + this way on account of the Philistines, who had quarreled with them, and + hated them of old, that by all means they might not know of their + departure, for their country is near to that of Egypt; and thence it was + that Moses led them not along the road that tended to the land of the + Philistines, but he was desirous that they should go through the desert, + that so after a long journey, and after many afflictions, they might enter + upon the land of Canaan. Another reason of this was, that God commanded + him to bring the people to Mount Sinai, that there they might offer him + sacrifices. Now when the Egyptians had overtaken the Hebrews, they + prepared to fight them, and by their multitude they drove them into a + narrow place; for the number that pursued after them was six hundred + chariots, with fifty thousand horsemen, and two hundred thousand foot-men, + all armed. They also seized on the passages by which they imagined the + Hebrews might fly, shutting them up <a href="#link2note-29" + name="link2noteref-29" id="link2noteref-29"><small>29</small></a> between + inaccessible precipices and the sea; for there was [on each side] a [ridge + of] mountains that terminated at the sea, which were impassable by reason + of their roughness, and obstructed their flight; wherefore they there + pressed upon the Hebrews with their army, where [the ridges of] the + mountains were closed with the sea; which army they placed at the chops of + the mountains, that so they might deprive them of any passage into the + plain. + </p> + <p> + 4. When the Hebrews, therefore, were neither able to bear up, being thus, + as it were, besieged, because they wanted provisions, nor saw any possible + way of escaping; and if they should have thought of fighting, they had no + weapons; they expected a universal destruction, unless they delivered + themselves up to the Egyptians. So they laid the blame on Moses, and + forgot all the signs that had been wrought by God for the recovery of + their freedom; and this so far, that their incredulity prompted them to + throw stones at the prophet, while he encouraged them and promised them + deliverance; and they resolved that they would deliver themselves up to + the Egyptians. So there was sorrow and lamentation among the women and + children, who had nothing but destruction before their eyes, while they + were encompassed with mountains, the sea, and their enemies, and discerned + no way of flying from them. + </p> + <p> + 5. But Moses, though the multitude looked fiercely at him, did not, + however, give over the care of them, but despised all dangers, out of his + trust in God, who, as he had afforded them the several steps already taken + for the recovery of their liberty, which he had foretold them, would not + now suffer them to be subdued by their enemies, to be either made slaves + or be slain by them; and, standing in midst of them, he said, "It is not + just of us to distrust even men, when they have hitherto well managed our + affairs, as if they would not be the same hereafter; but it is no better + than madness, at this time to despair of the providence of God, by whose + power all those things have been performed he promised, when you expected + no such things: I mean all that I have been concerned in for deliverance + and escape from slavery. Nay, when we are in the utmost distress, as you + see we ought rather to hope that God will succor us, by whose operation it + is that we are now in this narrow place, that he may out of such difficulties + as are otherwise insurmountable and out of which neither you nor your + enemies expect you can be delivered, and may at once demonstrate his own + power and his providence over us. Nor does God use to give his help in + small difficulties to those whom he favors, but in such cases where no one + can see how any hope in man can better their condition. Depend, therefore, + upon such a Protector as is able to make small things great, and to show + that this mighty force against you is nothing but weakness, and be not + affrighted at the Egyptian army, nor do you despair of being preserved, + because the sea before, and the mountains behind, afford you no + opportunity for flying, for even these mountains, if God so please, may be + made plain ground for you, and the sea become dry land." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22HCH0016" id="link22HCH0016"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 16. How The Sea Was Divided Asunder For The Hebrews, When They + Were Pursued By The Egyptians, And So Gave Them An Opportunity Of Escaping + From Them. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Moses had said this, he led them to the sea, while the Egyptians + looked on; for they were within sight. Now these were so distressed by the + toil of their pursuit, that they thought proper to put off fighting till + the next day. But when Moses was come to the sea-shore, he took his rod, + and made supplication to God, and called upon him to be their helper and + assistant; and said "Thou art not ignorant, O Lord, that it is beyond + human strength and human contrivance to avoid the difficulties we are now + under; but it must be thy work altogether to procure deliverance to this + army, which has left Egypt at thy appointment. We despair of any other + assistance or contrivance, and have recourse only to that hope we have in + thee; and if there be any method that can promise us an escape by thy + providence, we look up to thee for it. And let it come quickly, and + manifest thy power to us; and do thou raise up this people unto good + courage and hope of deliverance, who are deeply sunk into a disconsolate + state of mind. We are in a helpless place, but still it is a place that + thou possessest; still the sea is thine, the mountains also that enclose + us are thine; so that these mountains will open themselves if thou + commandest them, and the sea also, if thou commandest it, will become dry + land. Nay, we might escape by a flight through the air, if thou shouldst + determine we should have that way of salvation." + </p> + <p> + 2. When Moses had thus addressed himself to God, he smote the sea with his + rod, which parted asunder at the stroke, and receiving those waters into + itself, left the ground dry, as a road and a place of flight for the + Hebrews. Now when Moses saw this appearance of God, and that the sea went + out of its own place, and left dry land, he went first of all into it, and + bid the Hebrews to follow him along that divine road, and to rejoice at + the danger their enemies that followed them were in; and gave thanks to + God for this so surprising a deliverance which appeared from him. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now, while these Hebrews made no stay, but went on earnestly, as led by + God's presence with them, the Egyptians supposed first that they were + distracted, and were going rashly upon manifest destruction. But when they + saw that they were going a great way without any harm, and that no + obstacle or difficulty fell in their journey, they made haste to pursue + them, hoping that the sea would be calm for them also. They put their + horse foremost, and went down themselves into the sea. Now the Hebrews, + while these were putting on their armor, and therein spending their time, + were beforehand with them, and escaped them, and got first over to the + land on the other side without any hurt. Whence the others were + encouraged, and more courageously pursued them, as hoping no harm would + come to them neither: but the Egyptians were not aware that they went into + a road made for the Hebrews, and not for others; that this road was made + for the deliverance of those in danger, but not for those that were + earnest to make use of it for the others' destruction. As soon, therefore, + as ever the whole Egyptian army was within it, the sea flowed to its own + place, and came down with a torrent raised by storms of wind, <a + href="#link2note-30" name="link2noteref-30" id="link2noteref-30"><small>30</small></a> + and encompassed the Egyptians. Showers of rain also came down from the + sky, and dreadful thunders and lightning, with flashes of fire. + Thunderbolts also were darted upon them. Nor was there any thing which + used to be sent by God upon men, as indications of his wrath, which did + not happen at this time, for a dark and dismal night oppressed them. And + thus did all these men perish, so that there was not one man left to be a + messenger of this calamity to the rest of the Egyptians. + </p> + <p> + 4. But the Hebrews were not able to contain themselves for joy at their + wonderful deliverance, and destruction of their enemies; now indeed + supposing themselves firmly delivered, when those that would have forced + them into slavery were destroyed, and when they found they had God so + evidently for their protector. And now these Hebrews having escaped the + danger they were in, after this manner, and besides that, seeing their + enemies punished in such a way as is never recorded of any other men + whomsoever, were all the night employed in singing of hymns, and in mirth. + <a href="#link2note-31" name="link2noteref-31" id="link2noteref-31"><small>31</small></a> + Moses also composed a song unto God, containing his praises, and a + thanksgiving for his kindness, in hexameter verse. <a href="#link2note-32" + name="link2noteref-32" id="link2noteref-32"><small>32</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 5. As for myself, I have delivered every part of this history as I found + it in the sacred books; nor let any one wonder at the strangeness of the + narration if a way were discovered to those men of old time, who were free + from the wickedness of the modern ages, whether it happened by the will of + God or whether it happened of its own accord;—while, for the sake of + those that accompanied Alexander, king of Macedonia, who yet lived, + comparatively but a little while ago, the Pamphylian Sea retired and + afforded them a passage <a href="#link2note-33" name="link2noteref-33" + id="link2noteref-33"><small>33</small></a> through itself, had no other + way to go; I mean, when it was the will of God to destroy the monarchy of + the Persians: and this is confessed to be true by all that have written + about the actions of Alexander. But as to these events, let every one + determine as he pleases. + </p> + <p> + 6. On the next day Moses gathered together the weapons of the Egyptians, + which were brought to the camp of the Hebrews by the current of the sea, + and the force of the winds resisting it; and he conjectured that this also + happened by Divine Providence, that so they might not be destitute of + weapons. So when he had ordered the Hebrews to arm themselves with them, + he led them to Mount Sinai, in order to offer sacrifice to God, and to + render oblations for the salvation of the multitude, as he was charged to + do beforehand. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22H_FOOT" id="link22H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2note-1" id="link2note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link2noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ We may here observe, that + in correspondence to Joseph's second dream, which implied that his mother, + who was then alive, as well as his father, should come and bow down to + him, Josephus represents her here as still alive after she was dead, for + the decorum of the dream that foretold it, as the interpretation of the + dream does also in all our copies, Genesis 37:10.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-2" id="link2note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link2noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ The Septuagint have twenty + pieces of gold; the Testament of Gad thirty; the Hebrew and Samaritan + twenty of silver; and the vulgar Latin thirty. What was the true number + and true sum cannot therefore now be known.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-3" id="link2note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link2noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ That is, bought it for + Pharaoh at a very low price.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-4" id="link2note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link2noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ This Potiphar, or, as + Josephus, Petephres, who was now a priest of On, or Heliopolis, is the + same name in Josephus, and perhaps in Moses also, with him who is before + called head cook or captain of the guard, and to whom Joseph was sold. See + Genesis 37:36; 39:1, with 41:50. They are also affirmed to be one and the + same person in the Testament of Joseph, sect. 18, for he is there said to + have married the daughter of his master and mistress. Nor is this a notion + peculiar to that Testament, but, as Dr. Bernard confesses, note on Antiq. + B. II. ch. 4. sect. 1, common to Josephus, to the Septuagint interpreters, + and to other learned Jews of old time.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-5" id="link2note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link2noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ This entire ignorance of + the Egyptians of these years of famine before they came, told us before, + as well as here, ch. 5. sect. 7, by Josephus, seems to me almost + incredible. It is in no other copy that I know of.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-6" id="link2note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link2noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ The reason why Symeon + might be selected out of the rest for Joseph's prisoner, is plain in the + Testament of Symeon, viz. that he was one of the bitterest of all Joseph's + brethren against him, sect. 2; which appears also in part by the Testament + of Zabulon, sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-7" id="link2note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link2noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ The coherence seems to me + to show that the negative particle is here wanting, which I have supplied + in brackets, and I wonder none have hitherto suspected that it ought to be + supplied.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-8" id="link2note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link2noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ Of the precious balsam of + Judea, and the turpentine, see the note on Antiq. B. VIII. ch. 6. sect. + 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-9" id="link2note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link2noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ This oration seems to me + too large, and too unusual a digression, to have been composed by Judas on + this occasion. It seems to me a speech or declamation composed formerly, + in the person of Judas, and in the way of oratory, that lay by him, and + which he thought fit to insert on this occasion. See two more such + speeches or declamations, Antiq. B. VI. ch. 14. sect. 4] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-10" id="link2note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link2noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ In all this speech of + Judas we may observe, that Josephus still supposed that death was the + punishment of theft in Egypt, in the days of Joseph, though it never was + so among the Jews, by the law of Moses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-11" id="link2note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link2noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ All the Greek copies of + Josephus have the negative particle here, that Jacob himself was not + reckoned one of the 70 souls that came into Egypt; but the old Latin + copies want it, and directly assure us he was one of them. It is therefore + hardly certain which of these was Josephus's true reading, since the + number 70 is made up without him, if we reckon Leah for one; but if she be + not reckoned, Jacob must himself be one, to complete the number.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-12" id="link2note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link2noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus thought that + the Egyptians hated or despised the employment of a shepherd in the days + of Joseph; whereas Bishop Cumberland has shown that they rather hated such + Poehnician or Canaanite shepherds that had long enslaved the Egyptians of + old time. See his Sanchoniatho, p. 361, 362.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-13" id="link2note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link2noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ Reland here puts the + question, how Josephus could complain of its not raining in Egypt during + this famine, while the ancients affirm that it never does naturally rain + there. His answer is, that when the ancients deny that it rains in Egypt, + they only mean the Upper Egypt above the Delta, which is called Egypt in + the strictest sense; but that in the Delta [and by consequence in the + Lower Egypt adjoining to it] it did of old, and still does, rain + sometimes. See the note on Antiq. B. III. ch. 1. sect. 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-14" id="link2note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link2noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus supposes that + Joseph now restored the Egyptians their lands again upon the payment of a + fifth part as tribute. It seems to me rather that the land was now + considered as Pharaoh's land, and this fifth part as its rent, to be paid + to him, as he was their landlord, and they his tenants; and that the lands + were not properly restored, and this fifth part reserved as tribute only, + till the days of Sesostris. See Essay on the Old Testament, Append. 148, + 149.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-15" id="link2note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link2noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ As to this encomium upon + Joseph, as preparatory to Jacob's adopting Ephraim and Manasses into his + own family, and to be admitted for two tribes, which Josephus here + mentions, all our copies of Genesis omit it, ch. 48.; nor do we know + whence he took it, or whether it be not his own embellishment only.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-16" id="link2note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link2noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ As to the affliction of + Abraham's posterity for 400 years, see Antiq. B. I. ch. 10. sect. 3; and + as to what cities they built in Egypt, under Pharaoh Sesostris, and of + Pharaoh Sesostris's drowning in the Red Sea, see Essay on the Old + Testament, Append. p. 132-162.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-17" id="link2note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link2noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ Of this building of the + pyramids of Egypt by the Israelites, see Perizonius Orig. Aegyptiac, ch. + 21. It is not impossible they might build one or more of the small ones; + but the larger ones seem much later. Only, if they be all built of stone, + this does not so well agree with the Israelites' labors, which are said to + have been in brick, and not in stone, as Mr. Sandys observes in his + Travels. p. 127, 128.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-18" id="link2note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link2noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ Dr. Bernard informs us + here, that instead of this single priest or prophet of the Egyptians, + without a name in Josephus, the Targum of Jonathan names the two famous + antagonists of Moses, Jannes and Jambres. Nor is it at all unlikely that + it might be one of these who foreboded so much misery to the Egyptians, + and so much happiness to the Israelites, from the rearing of Moses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-19" id="link2note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link2noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus is clear that + these midwives were Egyptians, and not Israelites, as in our other copies: + which is very probable, it being not easily to be supposed that Pharaoh + could trust the Israelite midwives to execute so barbarous a command + against their own nation. (Consult, therefore, and correct hence our + ordinary copies, Exodus 1:15, 22.) And, indeed, Josephus seems to have had + much completer copies of the Pentateuch, or other authentic records now + lost, about the birth and actions of Moses, than either our Hebrew, + Samaritan, or Greek Bibles afford us, which enabled him to be so large and + particular about him.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-20" id="link2note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link2noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ Of this grandfather of + Sesostris, Ramestes the Great, who slew the Israelite infants, and of the + inscription on his obelisk, containing, in my opinion, one of the oldest + records of mankind, see Essay on the Old Test. Append. p. 139, 145, 147, + 217-220.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-21" id="link2note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link2noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ What Josephus here says + of the beauty of Moses, that he was of a divine form, is very like what + St. Stephen says of the same beauty; that Moses was beautiful in the sight + of Acts 7:20.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-22" id="link2note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link2noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ This history of Moses, + as general of the Egyptians against the Ethiopians, is wholly omitted in + our Bibles; but is thus by Irenaeus, from Josephus, and that soon after + his own age:—"Josephus says, that when Moses was nourished in the + palace, he was appointed general of the army against the Ethiopians, and + conquered them, when he married that king's daughter; because, out of her + affection for him, she delivered the city up to him." See the Fragments of + Irenaeus, ap. edit. Grab. p. 472. Nor perhaps did St. Stephen refer to any + thing else when he said of Moses, before he was sent by God to the + Israelites, that he was not only learned in all the wisdom of the + Egyptians, but was also mighty in words and in deeds, Acts 7:22.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-23" id="link2note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link2noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ Pliny speaks of these + birds called ibes; and says, "The Egyptians invoked them against the + serpents," Hist. Nat. B. X. ch. 28. Strabo speaks of this island Meroe, + and these rivers Astapus and Astaboras, B. XVI. p. 771, 786; and B XVII. + p. 82].] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-24" id="link2note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link2noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ This superstitious fear + of discovering the name with four letters, which of late we have been used + falsely to pronounce Jehovah, but seems to have been originally pronounced + Jahoh, or Jao, is never, I think, heard of till this passage of Josephus; + and this superstition, in not pronouncing that name, has continued among + the Rabbinical Jews to this day [though whether the Samaritans and + Caraites observed it so early, does not appear]. Josephus also durst not + set down the very words of the ten commandments, as we shall see + hereafter, Antiq. B. III. ch. 5. sect. 4, which superstitious silence I + think has yet not been continued even by the Rabbins. It is, however, no + doubt but both these cautious concealments were taught Josephus by the + Pharisees, a body of men at once very wicked and very superstitious.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-25" id="link2note-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#link2noteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ Of this judicial + hardening the hearts and blinding the eyes of wicked men, or infatuating + them, as a just punishment for their other willful sins, to their own + destruction, see the note on Antiq. B. VII. ch. 9. sect. 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-26" id="link2note-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#link2noteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ As to this winter or + spring hail near Egypt and Judea, see the like on thunder and lightning + there, in the note on Antiq. B. VI. ch. 5. sect. 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-27" id="link2note-27"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#link2noteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ These large presents + made to the Israelites, of vessels of and vessels of gold, and raiment, + were, as Josephus truly calls them, gifts really given them; not lent + them, as our English falsely renders them. They were spoils required, not + of them, Genesis 15:14; Exodus 3:22; 11:2; Psalm 105:37,] as the same + version falsely renders the Hebrew word Exodus 12:35, 36. God had ordered + the Jews to demand these as their pay and reward, during their long and + bitter slavery in Egypt, as atonements for the lives of the Egyptians, and + as the condition of the Jews' departure, and of the Egyptians' deliverance + from these terrible judgments, which, had they not now ceased, they had + soon been all dead men, as they themselves confess, ch. 12. 33. Nor was + there any sense in borrowing or lending, when the Israelites were finally + departing out of the land for ever.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-28" id="link2note-28"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#link2noteref-28">return</a>)<br /> [ Why our Masorete copy so + groundlessly abridges this account in Exodus 12:40, as to ascribe 430 + years to the sole peregrination of the Israelites in Egypt, when it is + clear even by that Masorete chronology elsewhere, as well as from the + express text itself, in the Samaritan, Septuagint, and Josephus, that they + sojourned in Egypt but half that time,--and that by consequence, the other + half of their peregrination was in the land of Canaan, before they came + into Egypt,--is hard to say. See Essay on the Old Testament, p. 62, 63.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-29" id="link2note-29"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#link2noteref-29">return</a>)<br /> [ Take the main part of + Reland's excellent note here, which greatly illustrates Josephus, and the + Scripture, in this history, as follows: "[A traveller, says Reland, whose + name was] Eneman, when he returned out of Egypt, told me that he went the + same way from Egypt to Mount Sinai, which he supposed the Israelites of + old traveled; and that he found several mountainous tracts, that ran down + towards the Red Sea. He thought the Israelites had proceeded as far as the + desert of Etham, Exodus 13:20, when they were commanded by God to return + back, Exodus 14:2, and to pitch their camp between Migdol and the sea; and + that when they were not able to fly, unless by sea, they were shut in on + each side by mountains. He also thought we might evidently learn hence, + how it might be said that the Israelites were in Etham before they went + over the sea, and yet might be said to have come into Etham after they had + passed over the sea also. Besides, he gave me an account how he passed + over a river in a boat near the city Suez, which he says must needs be the + Heroopolia of the ancients, since that city could not be situate any where + else in that neighborhood." As to the famous passage produced here by Dr. + Bernard, out of Herodotus, as the most ancient heathen testimony of the + Israelites coming from the Red Sea into Palestine, Bishop Cumberland has + shown that it belongs to the old Canaanite or Phoenician shepherds, and + their retiring out of Egypt into Canaan or Phoenicia, long before the days + of Moses. Sanchoniatho, p. 374, &c.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-30" id="link2note-30"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 30 (<a href="#link2noteref-30">return</a>)<br /> [ Of these storms of wind, + thunder, and lightning, at this drowning of Pharaoh's army, almost wanting + in our copies of Exodus, but fully extant in that of David, Psalm + 77:16-18, and in that of Josephus here, see Essay on the Old Test. Append. + p. 15,1, 155.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-31" id="link2note-31"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 31 (<a href="#link2noteref-31">return</a>)<br /> [ What some have here + objected against this passage of the Israelites over the Red Sea, in this + one night, from the common maps, viz. that this sea being here about + thirty miles broad, so great an army could not pass over it in so short a + time, is a great mistake. Mons. Thevenot, an authentic eye-witness, + informs us, that this sea, for about five days' journey, is no where more + than about eight or nine miles over-cross, and in one place but four or + five miles, according to De Lisle's map, which is made from the best + travelers themselves, and not copied from others. What has been further + objected against this passage of the Israelites, and drowning of the + Egyptians, being miraculous also, viz. that Moses might carry the + Israelites over at a low tide without any miracle, while yet the + Egyptians, not knowing the tide so well as he, might be drowned upon the + return of the tide, is a strange story indeed! That Moses, who never had + lived here, should know the quantity and time of the flux and reflux of + the Red Sea better than the Egyptians themselves in its neighborhood! Yet + does Artapanus, an ancient heathen historian, inform us, that this was + what the more ignorant Memphites, who lived at a great distance, + pretended, though he confesses, that the more learned Heliopolitans, who + lived much nearer, owned the destruction of the Egyptians, and the + deliverance of the Israelites, to have been miraculous: and De Castro, a + mathematician, who surveyed this sea with great exactness, informs us, + that there is no great flux or reflux in this part of the Red Sea, to give + a color to this hypothesis; nay, that at the elevation of the tide there + is little above half the height of a man. See Essay on the Old Test. + Append. p. 239, 240. So vain and groundless are these and the like + evasions and subterfuges of our modern sceptics and unbelievers, and so + certainly do thorough inquiries and authentic evidence disprove and + confute such evasions and subterfuges upon all occasions.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-32" id="link2note-32"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 32 (<a href="#link2noteref-32">return</a>)<br /> [ What that hexameter + verse, in which Moses's triumphant song is here said to be written, + distinctly means, our present ignorance of the old Hebrew metre or measure + will not let us determine. Nor does it appear to me certain that even + Josephus himself had a distinct notion of it, though he speaks of several + sort of that metre or measure, both here and elsewhere. Antiq. B. IV. ch. + 8. sect. 44; and B. VII. ch. 12. sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2note-33" id="link2note-33"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 33 (<a href="#link2noteref-33">return</a>)<br /> [ Take here the original + passages of the four old authors that still remain, as to this transit of + Alexander the Great over the Pamphylian Sea: I mean, of Callisthenes, + Strabu, Arrian, and Appian. As to Callisthenes, who himself accompanied + Alexander in this expedition, Eustathius, in his Notes on the third Iliad + of Homer, [as Dr. Bernard here informs us,] says, That "this Callisthenes + wrote how the Pamphylian Sea did not only open a passage for Alexander, + but, by rising and did pay him homage as its king." Strabo's is this + [Geog. B. XIV. p. 666]: "Now about Phaselis is that narrow passage, by the + sea-side, through which his army. There is a mountain called Climax, + adjoins to the Sea of Pamphylia, leaving a narrow passage on the shore, + which, in calm weather, is bare, so as to be passable by travelers, but + when the sea overflows, it is covered to a great degree by the waves. Now + then, the ascent by the mountains being round about and steep, in still + weather they make use of the road along the coast. But Alexander fell into + the winter season, and committing himself chiefly to fortune, he marched + on before the waves retired; and so it happened that were a whole day in + journeying over it, and were under water up to the navel." Arrian's + account is this [B. I. p. 72, 73]: "Alexander removed from Phaselis, he + sent some part his army over the mountains to Perga; which road the + Thracians showed him. A difficult way it was, but short. He himself + conducted those that were with him by the sea-shore. This road is + impassable at any other time than when the north wind blows; but if the + south wind prevail, there is no passing by the shore. Now at this time, + after strong south winds, a north wind blew, and that not without the + Divine Providence, [as both he and they that were with him supposed,] and + afforded him an easy and quick passage." Appian, when he compares Cæsar + and Alexander together, [De Bel. Civil. B. II. p. 522,] says, "That they + both depended on their boldness and fortune, as much as on their skill in + war. As an instance of which, Alexander journeyed over a country without + water, in the heat of summer, to the oracle of [Jupiter] Hammon, and + quickly passed over the Bay of Pamphylia, when, by Divine Providence, the + sea was cut off—thus Providence restraining the sea on his account, + as it had sent him rain when he traveled [over the desert]." N. B.—Since, + in the days of Josephus, as he assures us, all the more numerous original + historians of Alexander gave the account he has here set down, as to the + providential going back of the waters of the Pamphylian Sea, when he was + going with his army to destroy the Persian monarchy, which the fore-named + authors now remaining fully confirm, it is without all just foundation + that Josephus is here blamed by some late writers for quoting those + ancient authors upon the present occasion; nor can the reflections of + Plutarch, or any other author later than Josephus, be in the least here + alleged to contradict him. Josephus went by all the evidence he then had, + and that evidence of the most authentic sort also. So that whatever the + moderns may think of the thing itself, there is hence not the least color + for finding fault with Josephus: he would rather have been much to blame + had he omitted these quotations.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link32H_4_0001" id="link32H_4_0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK III. Containing The Interval Of Two Years.—From The Exodus + Out Of Egypt, To The Rejection Of That Generation.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0001" id="link32HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. How Moses When He Had Brought The People Out Of Egypt Led Them + To Mount Sinai; But Not Till They Had Suffered Much In Their Journey. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When the Hebrews had obtained such a wonderful deliverance, the country + was a great trouble to them, for it was entirely a desert, and without + sustenance for them; and also had exceeding little water, so that it not + only was not at all sufficient for the men, but not enough to feed any of + the cattle, for it was parched up, and had no moisture that might afford + nutriment to the vegetables; so they were forced to travel over this + country, as having no other country but this to travel in. They had indeed + carried water along with them from the land over which they had traveled + before, as their conductor had bidden them; but when that was spent, they + were obliged to draw water out of wells, with pain, by reason of the + hardness of the soil. Moreover, what water they found was bitter, and not + fit for drinking, and this in small quantities also; and as they thus + traveled, they came late in the evening to a place called Marah, <a + href="#link3note-1" name="link3noteref-1" id="link3noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> + which had that name from the badness of its water, for Mar denotes + bitterness. Thither they came afflicted both by the tediousness of their + journey, and by their want of food, for it entirely failed them at that + time. Now here was a well, which made them choose to stay in the place, + which, although it were not sufficient to satisfy so great an army, did + yet afford them some comfort, as found in such desert places; for they + heard from those who had been to search, that there was nothing to be + found, if they traveled on farther. Yet was this water bitter, and not fit + for men to drink; and not only so, but it was intolerable even to the + cattle themselves. + </p> + <p> + 2. When Moses saw how much the people were cast down, and that the + occasion of it could not be contradicted, for the people were not in the + nature of a complete army of men, who might oppose a manly fortitude to + the necessity that distressed them; the multitude of the children, and of + the women also, being of too weak capacities to be persuaded by reason, + blunted the courage of the men themselves,—he was therefore in great + difficulties, and made everybody's calamity his own; for they ran all of + them to him, and begged of him; the women begged for their infants, and + the men for the women, that he would not overlook them, but procure some + way or other for their deliverance. He therefore betook himself to prayer + to God, that he would change the water from its present badness, and make + it fit for drinking. And when God had granted him that favor, he took the + top of a stick that lay down at his feet, and divided it in the middle, + and made the section lengthways. He then let it down into the well, and + persuaded the Hebrews that God had hearkened to his prayers, and had + promised to render the water such as they desired it to be, in case they + would be subservient to him in what he should enjoin them to do, and this + not after a remiss or negligent manner. And when they asked what they were + to do in order to have the water changed for the better, he bid the + strongest men among them that stood there, to draw up water <a + href="#link3note-2" name="link3noteref-2" id="link3noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> + and told them, that when the greatest part was drawn up, the remainder + would be fit to drink. So they labored at it till the water was so + agitated and purged as to be fit to drink. + </p> + <p> + 3. And now removing from thence they came to Elim; which place looked well + at a distance, for there was a grove of palm-trees; but when they came + near to it, it appeared to be a bad place, for the palm-trees were no more + than seventy; and they were ill-grown and creeping trees, by the want of + water, for the country about was all parched, and no moisture sufficient + to water them, and make them hopeful and useful, was derived to them from + the fountains, which were in number twelve: they were rather a few moist + places than springs, which not breaking out of the ground, nor running + over, could not sufficiently water the trees. And when they dug into the + sand, they met with no water; and if they took a few drops of it into + their hands, they found it to be useless, on account of its mud. The trees + were too weak to bear fruit, for want of being sufficiently cherished and + enlivened by the water. So they laid the blame on their conductor, and + made heavy complaints against him; and said that this their miserable + state, and the experience they had of adversity, were owing to him; for + that they had then journeyed an entire thirty days, and had spent all the + provisions they had brought with them; and meeting with no relief, they + were in a very desponding condition. And by fixing their attention upon + nothing but their present misfortunes, they were hindered from remembering + what deliverances they had received from God, and those by the virtue and + wisdom of Moses also; so they were very angry at their conductor, and were + zealous in their attempt to stone him, as the direct occasion of their + present miseries. + </p> + <p> + 4. But as for Moses himself, while the multitude were irritated and + bitterly set against him, he cheerfully relied upon God, and upon his + consciousness of the care he had taken of these his own people; and he + came into the midst of them, even while they clamored against him, and had + stones in their hands in order to despatch him. Now he was of an agreeable + presence, and very able to persuade the people by his speeches; + accordingly he began to mitigate their anger, and exhorted them not to be + over-mindful of their present adversities, lest they should thereby suffer + the benefits that had formerly been bestowed on them to slip out of their + memories; and he desired them by no means, on account of their present + uneasiness, to cast those great and wonderful favors and gifts, which they + had obtained of God, out of their minds, but to expect deliverance out of + those their present troubles which they could not free themselves from, + and this by the means of that Divine Providence which watched over them. + Seeing it is probable that God tries their virtue, and exercises their + patience by these adversities, that it may appear what fortitude they + have, and what memory they retain of his former wonderful works in their + favor, and whether they will not think of them upon occasion of the + miseries they now feel. He told them, it appeared they were not really + good men, either in patience, or in remembering what had been successfully + done for them, sometimes by contemning God and his commands, when by those + commands they left the land of Egypt; and sometimes by behaving themselves + ill towards him who was the servant of God, and this when he had never + deceived them, either in what he said, or had ordered them to do by God's + command. He also put them in mind of all that had passed; how the + Egyptians were destroyed when they attempted to detain them, contrary to + the command of God; and after what manner the very same river was to the + others bloody, and not fit for drinking, but was to them sweet, and fit + for drinking; and how they went a new road through the sea, which fled a + long way from them, by which very means they were themselves preserved, + but saw their enemies destroyed; and that when they were in want of + weapons, God gave them plenty of them;-and so he recounted all the + particular instances, how when they were, in appearance, just going to be + destroyed, God had saved them in a surprising manner; and that he had + still the same power; and that they ought not even now to despair of his + providence over them; and accordingly he exhorted them to continue quiet, + and to consider that help would not come too late, though it come not + immediately, if it be present with them before they suffer any great + misfortune; that they ought to reason thus: that God delays to assist + them, not because he has no regard to them, but because he will first try + their fortitude, and the pleasure they take in their freedom, that he may + learn whether you have souls great enough to bear want of food, and + scarcity of water, on its account; or whether you rather love to be + slaves, as cattle are slaves to such as own them, and feed them liberally, + but only in order to make them more useful in their service. That as for + himself, he shall not be so much concerned for his own preservation; for + if he die unjustly, he shall not reckon it any affliction, but that he is + concerned for them, lest, by casting stones at him, they should be thought + to condemn God himself. + </p> + <p> + 5. By this means Moses pacified the people, and restrained them from + stoning him, and brought them to repent of what they were going to do. And + because he thought the necessity they were under made their passion less + unjustifiable, he thought he ought to apply himself to God by prayer and + supplication; and going up to an eminence, he requested of God for some + succor for the people, and some way of deliverance from the want they were + in, because in him, and in him alone, was their hope of salvation; and he + desired that he would forgive what necessity had forced the people to do, + since such was the nature of mankind, hard to please, and very complaining + under adversities. Accordingly God promised he would take care of them, + and afford them the succor they were desirous of. Now when Moses had heard + this from God, he came down to the multitude. But as soon as they saw him + joyful at the promises he had received from God, they changed their sad + countenances into gladness. So he placed himself in the midst of them, and + told them he came to bring them from God a deliverance from their present + distresses. Accordingly a little after came a vast number of quails, which + is a bird more plentiful in this Arabian Gulf than any where else, flying + over the sea, and hovered over them, till wearied with their laborious + flight, and, indeed, as usual, flying very near to the earth, they fell + down upon the Hebrews, who caught them, and satisfied their hunger with + them, and supposed that this was the method whereby God meant to supply + them with food. Upon which Moses returned thanks to God for affording them + his assistance so suddenly, and sooner than he had promised them. + </p> + <p> + 6. But presently after this first supply of food, he sent them a second; + for as Moses was lifting up his hands in prayer, a dew fell down; and + Moses, when he found it stick to his hands, supposed this was also come + for food from God to them. He tasted it; and perceiving that the people + knew not what it was, and thought it snowed, and that it was what usually + fell at that time of the year, he informed them that this dew did not fall + from heaven after the manner they imagined, but came for their + preservation and sustenance. So he tasted it, and gave them some of it, + that they might be satisfied about what he told them. They also imitated + their conductor, and were pleased with the food, for it was like honey in + sweetness and pleasant taste, but like in its body to bdellium, one of the + sweet spices, and in bigness equal to coriander seed. And very earnest + they were in gathering it; but they were enjoined to gather it equally <a + href="#link3note-3" name="link3noteref-3" id="link3noteref-3"><small>3</small></a>—the + measure of an omer for each one every day, because this food should not + come in too small a quantity, lest the weaker might not be able to get + their share, by reason of the overbearing of the strong in collecting it. + However, these strong men, when they had gathered more than the measure + appointed for them, had no more than others, but only tired themselves + more in gathering it, for they found no more than an omer apiece; and the + advantage they got by what was superfluous was none at all, it corrupting, + both by the worms breeding in it, and by its bitterness. So divine and + wonderful a food was this! It also supplied the want of other sorts of + food to those that fed on it. And even now, in all that place, this manna + comes down in rain, <a href="#link3note-4" name="link3noteref-4" + id="link3noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> according to what Moses then + obtained of God, to send it to the people for their sustenance. Now the + Hebrews call this food manna: for the particle man, in our language, is + the asking of a question. What is this? So the Hebrews were very joyful at + what was sent them from heaven. Now they made use of this food for forty + years, or as long as they were in the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + 7. As soon as they were removed thence, they came to Rephidim, being + distressed to the last degree by thirst; and while in the foregoing days + they had lit on a few small fountains, but now found the earth entirely + destitute of water, they were in an evil case. They again turned their + anger against Moses; but he at first avoided the fury of the multitude, + and then betook himself to prayer to God, beseeching him, that as he had + given them food when they were in the greatest want of it, so he would + give them drink, since the favor of giving them food was of no value to + them while they had nothing to drink. And God did not long delay to give + it them, but promised Moses that he would procure them a fountain, and + plenty of water, from a place they did not expect any. So he commanded him + to smite the rock which they saw lying there, <a href="#link3note-5" + name="link3noteref-5" id="link3noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> with his + rod, and out of it to receive plenty of what they wanted; for he had taken + care that drink should come to them without any labor or pains-taking. + When Moses had received this command from God, he came to the people, who + waited for him, and looked upon him, for they saw already that he was + coming apace from his eminence. As soon as he was come, he told them that + God would deliver them from their present distress, and had granted them + an unexpected favor; and informed them, that a river should run for their + sakes out of the rock. But they were amazed at that hearing, supposing + they were of necessity to cut the rock in pieces, now they were distressed + by their thirst and by their journey; while Moses only smiting the rock + with his rod, opened a passage, and out of it burst water, and that in + great abundance, and very clear. But they were astonished at this + wonderful effect; and, as it were, quenched their thirst by the very sight + of it. So they drank this pleasant, this sweet water; and such it seemed + to be, as might well be expected where God was the donor. They were also + in admiration how Moses was honored by God; and they made grateful returns + of sacrifices to God for his providence towards them. Now that Scripture, + which is laid up in the temple, <a href="#link3note-6" + name="link3noteref-6" id="link3noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> informs us, + how God foretold to Moses, that water timid in this manner be derived out + of the rock.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0002" id="link32HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. How The Amalekites And The Neighbouring Nations, Made War With + The Hebrews And Were Beaten And Lost A Great Part Of Their Army. + </h3> + <p> + 1. The name of the Hebrews began already to be every where renowned, and + rumors about them ran abroad. This made the inhabitants of those countries + to be in no small fear. Accordingly they sent ambassadors to one another, + and exhorted one another to defend themselves, and to endeavor to destroy + these men. Those that induced the rest to do so, were such as inhabited + Gobolitis and Petra. They were called Amalekites, and were the most + warlike of the nations that lived thereabout; and whose kings exhorted one + another, and their neighbors, to go to this war against the Hebrews; + telling them that an army of strangers, and such a one as had run away + from slavery under the Egyptians, lay in wait to ruin them; which army + they were not, in common prudence and regard to their own safety, to + overlook, but to crush them before they gather strength, and come to be in + prosperity: and perhaps attack them first in a hostile manner, as + presuming upon our indolence in not attacking them before; and that we + ought to avenge ourselves of them for what they have done in the + wilderness, but that this cannot be so well done when they have once laid + their hands on our cities and our goods: that those who endeavor to crush + a power in its first rise, are wiser than those that endeavor to put a + stop to its progress when it is become formidable; for these last seem to + be angry only at the flourishing of others, but the former do not leave + any room for their enemies to become troublesome to them. After they had + sent such embassages to the neighboring nations, and among one another, + they resolved to attack the Hebrews in battle. + </p> + <p> + 2. These proceedings of the people of those countries occasioned + perplexity and trouble to Moses, who expected no such warlike + preparations. And when these nations were ready to fight, and the + multitude of the Hebrews were obliged to try the fortune of war, they were + in a mighty disorder, and in want of all necessaries, and yet were to make + war with men who were thoroughly well prepared for it. Then therefore it + was that Moses began to encourage them, and to exhort them to have a good + heart, and rely on God's assistance by which they had been put in a state of + freedom and to hope for victory over those who were ready to fight with + them, in order to deprive them of that blessing: that they were to suppose + their own army to be numerous, wanting nothing, neither weapons, nor + money, nor provisions, nor such other conveniences as, when men are in + possession of, they fight undauntedly; and that they are to judge + themselves to have all these advantages in the Divine assistance. They are + also to suppose the enemy's army to be small, unarmed, weak, and such as + want those conveniences which they know must be wanted, when it is God's + will that they shall be beaten; and how valuable God's assistance is, they + had experienced in abundance of trials; and those such as were more + terrible than war, for that is only against men; but these were against + famine and thirst, things indeed that are in their own nature insuperable; + as also against mountains, and that sea which afforded them no way for + escaping; yet had all these difficulties been conquered by God's gracious + kindness to them. So he exhorted them to be courageous at this time, and + to look upon their entire prosperity to depend on the present conquest of + their enemies. + </p> + <p> + 3. And with these words did Moses encourage the multitude, who then called + together the princes of their tribes, and their chief men, both separately + and conjointly. The young men he charged to obey their elders, and the + elders to hearken to their leader. So the people were elevated in their + minds, and ready to try their fortune in battle, and hoped to be thereby + at length delivered from all their miseries: nay, they desired that Moses + would immediately lead them against their enemies without the least delay, + that no backwardness might be a hindrance to their present resolution. So + Moses sorted all that were fit for war into different troops, and set + Joshua, the son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim, over them; one that was + of great courage, and patient to undergo labors; of great abilities to + understand, and to speak what was proper; and very serious in the worship + of God; and indeed made like another Moses, a teacher of piety towards + God. He also appointed a small party of the armed men to be near the + water, and to take care of the children, and the women, and of the entire + camp. So that whole night they prepared themselves for the battle; they + took their weapons, if any of them had such as were well made, and + attended to their commanders as ready to rush forth to the battle as soon + as Moses should give the word of command. Moses also kept awake, teaching + Joshua after what manner he should order his camp. But when the day began, + Moses called for Joshua again, and exhorted him to approve himself in + deeds such a one as a his reputation made men expect from him; and to gain + glory by the present expedition, in the opinion of those under him, for + his exploits in this battle. He also gave a particular exhortation to the + principal men of the Hebrews, and encouraged the whole army as it stood + armed before him. And when he had thus animated the army, both by his + words and works, and prepared every thing, he retired to a mountain, and + committed the army to God and to Joshua. + </p> + <p> + 4. So the armies joined battle; and it came to a close fight, hand to + hand, both sides showing great alacrity, and encouraging one another. And + indeed while Moses stretched out his hand towards heaven <a + href="#link3note-7" name="link3noteref-7" id="link3noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> + the Hebrews were too hard for the Amalekites: but Moses not being able to + sustain his hands thus stretched out, [for as often as he let down his + hands, so often were his own people worsted,] he bade his brother Aaron, + and Hur their sister Miriam's husband, to stand on each side of him, and + take hold of his hands, and not permit his weariness to prevent it, but to + assist him in the extension of his hands. When this was done, the Hebrews + conquered the Amalekites by main force; and indeed they had all perished, + unless the approach of the night had obliged the Hebrews to desist from + killing any more. So our forefathers obtained a most signal and most + seasonable victory; for they not only overcame those that fought against + them, but terrified also the neighboring nations, and got great and + splendid advantages, which they obtained of their enemies by their hard + pains in this battle: for when they had taken the enemy's camp, they got + ready booty for the public, and for their own private families, whereas + till then they had not any sort of plenty, of even necessary food. The + forementioned battle, when they had once got it, was also the occasion of + their prosperity, not only for the present, but for the future ages also; + for they not only made slaves of the bodies of their enemies, but subdued + their minds also, and after this battle, became terrible to all that dwelt + round about them. Moreover, they acquired a vast quantity of riches; for a + great deal of silver and gold was left in the enemy's camp; as also brazen + vessels, which they made common use of in their families; many utensils + also that were embroidered there were of both sorts, that is, of what were + weaved, and what were the ornaments of their armor, and other things that + served for use in the family, and for the furniture of their rooms; they + got also the prey of their cattle, and of whatsoever uses to follow camps, + when they remove from one place to another. So the Hebrews now valued + themselves upon their courage, and claimed great merit for their valor; + and they perpetually inured themselves to take pains, by which they deemed + every difficulty might be surmounted. Such were the consequences of this + battle. + </p> + <p> + 5. On the next day, Moses stripped the dead bodies of their enemies, and + gathered together the armor of those that were fled, and gave rewards to + such as had signalized themselves in the action; and highly commended + Joshua, their general, who was attested to by all the army, on account of + the great actions he had done. Nor was any one of the Hebrews slain; but + the slain of the enemy's army were too many to be enumerated. So Moses + offered sacrifices of thanksgiving to God, and built an altar, which he + named The Lord the Conqueror. He also foretold that the Amalekites should + utterly be destroyed; and that hereafter none of them should remain, + because they fought against the Hebrews, and this when they were in the + wilderness, and in their distress also. Moreover, he refreshed the army + with feasting. And thus did they fight this first battle with those that + ventured to oppose them, after they were gone out of Egypt. But when Moses + had celebrated this festival for the victory, he permitted the Hebrews to + rest for a few days, and then he brought them out after the fight, in + order of battle; for they had now many soldiers in light armor. And going + gradually on, he came to Mount Sinai, in three months' time after they + were removed out of Egypt; at which mountain, as we have before related, + the vision of the bush, and the other wonderful appearances, had happened. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0003" id="link32HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. That Moses Kindly Received-His Father-In-Law, Jethro, When He + Came To Him To Mount Sinai. + </h3> + <p> + Now when Raguel, Moses's father-in-law, understood in what a prosperous + condition his affairs were, he willingly came to meet him and Moses and + his children, and pleased himself with his coming. And when he had offered + sacrifice, he made a feast for the multitude, near the Bush he had + formerly seen; which multitude, every one according to their families, + partook of the feast. But Aaron and his family took Raguel, and sung hymns + to God, as to Him who had been the author procurer of their deliverance + and their freedom. They also praised their conductor, as him by whose + virtue it was that all things had succeeded with them. Raguel also, in his + eucharistical oration to Moses, made great encomiums upon the whole + multitude; and he could not but admire Moses for his fortitude, and that + humanity he had shewn in the delivery of his friends. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0004" id="link32HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. How Raguel Suggested To Moses To Set His People In Order, Under + Their Rulers Of Thousands, And Rulers Of Hundreds, Who Lived Without Order + Before; And How Moses Complied In All Things With His Father-In-Law's + Admonition. + </h3> + <p> + 1. The next day, as Raguel saw Moses in the middle of a crowd of business for he + determined the differences of those that referred them to him, every one + still going to him, and supposing that they should then only obtain + justice, if he were the arbitrator; and those that lost their causes + thought it no harm, while they thought they lost them justly, and not by + partiality. Raguel however said nothing to him at that time, as not + desirous to be any hinderance to such as had a mind to make use of the + virtue of their conductor. But afterward he took him to himself, and when + he had him alone, he instructed him in what he ought to do; and advised + him to leave the trouble of lesser causes to others, but himself to take + care of the greater, and of the people's safety, for that certain others + of the Hebrews might be found that were fit to determine causes, but that + nobody but a Moses could take of the safety of so many ten thousands. "Be + therefore," says he, "insensible of thine own virtue, and what thou hast + done by ministering under God to the people's preservation. Permit, + therefore, the determination of common causes to be done by others, but do + thou reserve thyself to the attendance on God only, and look out for + methods of preserving the multitude from their present distress. Make use + of the method I suggest to you, as to human affairs; and take a review of + the army, and appoint chosen rulers over tens of thousands, and then over + thousands; then divide them into five hundreds, and again into hundreds, + and into fifties; and set rulers over each of them, who may distinguish + them into thirties, and keep them in order; and at last number them by + twenties and by tens: and let there be one commander over each number, to + be denominated from the number of those over whom they are rulers, but + such as the whole multitude have tried, and do approve of, as being good + and righteous men; <a href="#link3note-8" name="link3noteref-8" + id="link3noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> and let those rulers decide the + controversies they have one with another. But if any great cause arise, + let them bring the cognizance of it before the rulers of a higher dignity; + but if any great difficulty arise that is too hard for even their + determination, let them send it to thee. By these means two advantages + will be gained; the Hebrews will have justice done them, and thou wilt be + able to attend constantly on God, and procure him to be more favorable to + the people." + </p> + <p> + 2. This was the admonition of Raguel; and Moses received his advice very + kindly, and acted according to his suggestion. Nor did he conceal the + invention of this method, nor pretend to it himself, but informed the + multitude who it was that invented it: nay, he has named Raguel in the + books he wrote, as the person who invented this ordering of the people, as + thinking it right to give a true testimony to worthy persons, although he + might have gotten reputation by ascribing to himself the inventions of + other men; whence we may learn the virtuous disposition of Moses: but of + such his disposition, we shall have proper occasion to speak in other + places of these books. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0005" id="link32HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. How Moses Ascended Up To Mount Sinai, And Received Laws From + God, And Delivered Them To The Hebrews. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Moses called the multitude together, and told them that he was + going from them unto mount Sinai to converse with God; to receive from + him, and to bring back with him, a certain oracle; but he enjoined them to + pitch their tents near the mountain, and prefer the habitation that was + nearest to God, before one more remote. When he had said this, he ascended + up to Mount Sinai, which is the highest of all the mountains that are in + that country <a href="#link3note-9" name="link3noteref-9" + id="link3noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> and is not only very difficult to + be ascended by men, on account of its vast altitude, but because of the + sharpness of its precipices also; nay, indeed, it cannot be looked at + without pain of the eyes: and besides this, it was terrible and + inaccessible, on account of the rumor that passed about, that God dwelt + there. But the Hebrews removed their tents as Moses had bidden them, and + took possession of the lowest parts of the mountain; and were elevated in + their minds, in expectation that Moses would return from God with promises + of the good things he had proposed to them. So they feasted and waited for + their conductor, and kept themselves pure as in other respects, and not + accompanying with their wives for three days, as he had before ordered + them to do. And they prayed to God that he would favorably receive Moses + in his conversing with him, and bestow some such gift upon them by which + they might live well. They also lived more plentifully as to their diet; + and put on their wives and children more ornamental and decent clothing + than they usually wore. + </p> + <p> + 2. So they passed two days in this way of feasting; but on the third day, + before the sun was up, a cloud spread itself over the whole camp of the + Hebrews, such a one as none had before seen, and encompassed the place + where they had pitched their tents; and while all the rest of the air was + clear, there came strong winds, that raised up large showers of rain, + which became a mighty tempest. There was also such lightning, as was + terrible to those that saw it; and thunder, with its thunderbolts, were + sent down, and declared God to be there present in a gracious way to such + as Moses desired he should be gracious. Now, as to these matters, every + one of my readers may think as he pleases; but I am under a necessity of + relating this history as it is described in the sacred books. This sight, + and the amazing sound that came to their ears, disturbed the Hebrews to a + prodigious degree, for they were not such as they were accustomed to; and + then the rumor that was spread abroad, how God frequented that mountain, + greatly astonished their minds, so they sorrowfully contained themselves + within their tents, as both supposing Moses to be destroyed by the Divine + wrath, and expecting the like destruction for themselves. + </p> + <p> + 3. When they were under these apprehensions, Moses appeared as joyful and + greatly exalted. When they saw him, they were freed from their fear, and + admitted of more comfortable hopes as to what was to come. The air also + was become clear and pure of its former disorders, upon the appearance of + Moses; whereupon he called together the people to a congregation, in order + to their hearing what God would say to them: and when they were gathered + together, he stood on an eminence whence they might all hear him, and + said, "God has received me graciously, O Hebrews, as he has formerly done; + and has suggested a happy method of living for you, and an order of + political government, and is now present in the camp: I therefore charge + you, for his sake and the sake of his works, and what we have done by his + means, that you do not put a low value on what I am going to say, because + the commands have been given by me that now deliver them to you, nor + because it is the tongue of a man that delivers them to you; but if you + have a due regard to the great importance of the things themselves, you + will understand the greatness of Him whose institutions they are, and who + has not disdained to communicate them to me for our common advantage; for + it is not to be supposed that the author of these institutions is barely + Moses, the son of Amram and Jochebed, but He who obliged the Nile to run + bloody for your sakes, and tamed the haughtiness of the Egyptians by + various sorts of judgments; he who provided a way through the sea for us; + he who contrived a method of sending us food from heaven, when we were + distressed for want of it; he who made the water to issue out of a rock, + when we had very little of it before; he by whose means Adam was made to + partake of the fruits both of the land and of the sea; he by whose means + Noah escaped the deluge; he by whose means our forefather Abraham, of a + wandering pilgrim, was made the heir of the land of Canaan; he by whose + means Isaac was born of parents that were very old; he by whose means + Jacob was adorned with twelve virtuous sons; he by whose means Joseph + became a potent lord over the Egyptians; he it is who conveys these + instructions to you by me as his interpreter. And let them be to you + venerable, and contended for more earnestly by you than your own children + and your own wives; for if you will follow them, you will lead a happy + life you will enjoy the land fruitful, the sea calm, and the fruit of the + womb born complete, as nature requires; you will be also terrible to your + enemies for I have been admitted into the presence of God and been made a + hearer of his incorruptible voice so great is his concern for your nation, + and its duration." + </p> + <p> + 4. When he had said this, he brought the people, with their wives and + children, so near the mountain, that they might hear God himself speaking + to them about the precepts which they were to practice; that the energy of + what should be spoken might not be hurt by its utterance by that tongue of + a man, which could but imperfectly deliver it to their understanding. And + they all heard a voice that came to all of them from above, insomuch that + no one of these words escaped them, which Moses wrote on two tables; which + it is not lawful for us to set down directly, but their import we will + declare <a href="#link3note-10" name="link3noteref-10" id="link3noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 5. The first commandment teaches us that there is but one God, and that we + ought to worship him only. The second commands us not to make the image of + any living creature to worship it. The third, that we must not swear by + God in a false matter. The fourth, that we must keep the seventh day, by + resting from all sorts of work. The fifth, that we must honor our parents. + The sixth that we must abstain from murder. The seventh that we must not + commit adultery. The eighth, that we must not be guilty of theft. The + ninth, that we must not bear false witness. The tenth, that we must not + admit of the desire of any thing that is another's. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now when the multitude had heard God himself giving those precepts + which Moses had discoursed of, they rejoiced at what was said; and the + congregation was dissolved: but on the following days they came to his + tent, and desired him to bring them, besides, other laws from God. + Accordingly he appointed such laws, and afterwards informed them in what + manner they should act in all cases; which laws I shall make mention of in + their proper time; but I shall reserve most of those laws for another + work, <a href="#link3note-11" name="link3noteref-11" id="link3noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> + and make there a distinct explication of them. + </p> + <p> + 7. When matters were brought to this state, Moses went up again to Mount + Sinai, of which he had told them beforehand. He made his ascent in their + sight; and while he staid there so long a time, [for he was absent from + them forty days,] fear seized upon the Hebrews, lest Moses should have + come to any harm; nor was there any thing else so sad, and that so much + troubled them, as this supposal that Moses was perished. Now there was a + variety in their sentiments about it; some saying that he was fallen among + wild beasts; and those that were of this opinion were chiefly such as were + ill-disposed to him; but others said that he was departed, and gone to + God; but the wiser sort were led by their reason to embrace neither of + those opinions with any satisfaction, thinking, that as it was a thing + that sometimes happens to men to fall among wild beasts and perish that + way, so it was probable enough that he might depart and go to God, on + account of his virtue; they therefore were quiet, and expected the event: + yet were they exceeding sorry upon the supposal that they were deprived of + a governor and a protector, such a one indeed as they could never recover + again; nor would this suspicion give them leave to expect any comfortable + event about this man, nor could they prevent their trouble and melancholy + upon this occasion. However, the camp durst not remove all this while, + because Moses had bidden them afore to stay there. + </p> + <p> + 8. But when the forty days, and as many nights, were over, Moses came + down, having tasted nothing of food usually appointed for the nourishment + of men. His appearance filled the army with gladness, and he declared to + them what care God had of them, and by what manner of conduct of their + lives they might live happily; telling them, that during these days of his + absence he had suggested to him also that he would have a tabernacle built + for him, into which he would descend when he came to them, and how we + should carry it about with us when we remove from this place; and that + there would be no longer any occasion for going up to Mount Sinai, but + that he would himself come and pitch his tabernacle amongst us, and be + present at our prayers; as also, that the tabernacle should be of such + measures and construction as he had shown him, and that you are to fall to + the work, and prosecute it diligently. When he had said this, he showed + them the two tables, with the ten commandments engraven upon them, five + upon each table; and the writing was by the hand of God. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0006" id="link32HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. Concerning The Tabernacle Which Moses Built In The Wilderness + For The Honor Of God And Which Seemed To Be A Temple. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Hereupon the Israelites rejoiced at what they had seen and heard of + their conductor, and were not wanting in diligence according to their + ability; for they brought silver, and gold, and brass, and of the best + sorts of wood, and such as would not at all decay by putrefaction; camels' + hair also, and sheep-skins, some of them dyed of a blue color, and some of + a scarlet; some brought the flower for the purple color, and others for + white, with wool dyed by the flowers aforementioned; and fine linen and + precious stones, which those that use costly ornaments set in ouches of + gold; they brought also a great quantity of spices; for of these materials + did Moses build the tabernacle, which did not at all differ from a movable + and ambulatory temple. Now when these things were brought together with + great diligence, [for every one was ambitious to further the work even + beyond their ability,] he set architects over the works, and this by the + command of God; and indeed the very same which the people themselves would + have chosen, had the election been allowed to them. Now their names are + set down in writing in the sacred books; and they were these: Besaleel, + the son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah, the grandson of Miriam, the sister + of their conductor and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of + Dan. Now the people went on with what they had undertaken with so great + alacrity, that Moses was obliged to restrain them, by making proclamation, + that what had been brought was sufficient, as the artificers had informed + him; so they fell to work upon the building of the tabernacle. Moses also + informed them, according to the direction of God, both what the measures + were to be, and its largeness; and how many vessels it ought to contain + for the use of the sacrifices. The women also were ambitious to do their + parts, about the garments of the priests, and about other things that + would be wanted in this work, both for ornament and for the divine service + itself. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now when all things were prepared, the gold, and the silver, and the + brass, and what was woven, Moses, when he had appointed beforehand that + there should be a festival, and that sacrifices should be offered + according to every one's ability, reared up the tabernacle <a + href="#link3note-12" name="link3noteref-12" id="link3noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> + and when he had measured the open court, fifty cubits broad and a hundred + long, he set up brazen pillars, five cubits high, twenty on each of the + longer sides, and ten pillars for the breadth behind; every one of the + pillars also had a ring. Their chapiters were of silver, but their bases + were of brass: they resembled the sharp ends of spears, and were of brass, + fixed into the ground. Cords were also put through the rings, and were + tied at their farther ends to brass nails of a cubit long, which, at every + pillar, were driven into the floor, and would keep the tabernacle from + being shaken by the violence of winds; but a curtain of fine soft linen + went round all the pillars, and hung down in a flowing and loose manner + from their chapiters, and enclosed the whole space, and seemed not at all + unlike to a wall about it. And this was the structure of three of the + sides of this enclosure; but as for the fourth side, which was fifty + cubits in extent, and was the front of the whole, twenty cubits of it were + for the opening of the gates, wherein stood two pillars on each side, + after the resemblance of open gates. These were made wholly of silver, and + polished, and that all over, excepting the bases, which were of brass. Now + on each side of the gates there stood three pillars, which were inserted + into the concave bases of the gates, and were suited to them; and round + them was drawn a curtain of fine linen; but to the gates themselves, which + were twenty cubits in extent, and five in height, the curtain was composed + of purple, and scarlet, and blue, and fine linen, and embroidered with + many and divers sorts of figures, excepting the figures of animals. Within + these gates was the brazen laver for purification, having a basin beneath + of the like matter, whence the priests might wash their hands and sprinkle + their feet; and this was the ornamental construction of the enclosure + about the court of the tabernacle, which was exposed to the open air. + </p> + <p> + 3. As to the tabernacle itself, Moses placed it in the middle of that + court, with its front to the east, that, when the sun arose, it might send + its first rays upon it. Its length, when it was set up, was thirty cubits, + and its breadth was twelve [ten] cubits. The one of its walls was on the + south, and the other was exposed to the north, and on the back part of it + remained the west. It was necessary that its height should be equal to its + breadth [ten cubits]. There were also pillars made of wood, twenty on each + side; they were wrought into a quadrangular figure, in breadth a cubit and + a half, but the thickness was four fingers: they had thin plates of gold + affixed to them on both sides, inwardly and outwardly: they had each of + them two tenons belonging to them, inserted into their bases, and these + were of silver, in each of which bases there was a socket to receive the + tenon; but the pillars on the west wall were six. Now all these tenons and + sockets accurately fitted one another, insomuch that the joints were + invisible, and both seemed to be one entire and united wall. It was also + covered with gold, both within and without. The number of pillars was + equal on the opposite sides, and there were on each part twenty, and every + one of them had the third part of a span in thickness; so that the number + of thirty cubits were fully made up between them; but as to the wall + behind, where the six pillars made up together only nine cubits, they made + two other pillars, and cut them out of one cubit, which they placed in the + corners, and made them equally fine with the other. Now every one of the + pillars had rings of gold affixed to their fronts outward, as if they had + taken root in the pillars, and stood one row over against another round + about, through which were inserted bars gilt over with gold, each of them + five cubits long, and these bound together the pillars, the head of one + bar running into another, after the nature of one tenon inserted into + another; but for the wall behind, there was but one row of bars that went + through all the pillars, into which row ran the ends of the bars on each + side of the longer walls; the male with its female being so fastened in + their joints, that they held the whole firmly together; and for this + reason was all this joined so fast together, that the tabernacle might not + be shaken, either by the winds, or by any other means, but that it might + preserve itself quiet and immovable continually. + </p> + <p> + 4. As for the inside, Moses parted its length into three partitions. At + the distance of ten cubits from the most secret end, Moses placed four + pillars, the workmanship of which was the very same with that of the rest; + and they stood upon the like bases with them, each a small matter distant + from his fellow. Now the room within those pillars was the most holy + place; but the rest of the room was the tabernacle, which was open for the + priests. However, this proportion of the measures of the tabernacle proved + to be an imitation of the system of the world; for that third part thereof + which was within the four pillars, to which the priests were not admitted, + is, as it were, a heaven peculiar to God. But the space of the twenty + cubits, is, as it were, sea and land, on which men live, and so this part + is peculiar to the priests only. But at the front, where the entrance was + made, they placed pillars of gold, that stood on bases of brass, in number + seven; but then they spread over the tabernacle veils of fine linen and + purple, and blue, and scarlet colors, embroidered. The first veil was ten + cubits every way, and this they spread over the pillars which parted the + temple, and kept the most holy place concealed within; and this veil was + that which made this part not visible to any. Now the whole temple was + called The Holy Place: but that part which was within the four pillars, + and to which none were admitted, was called The Holy of Holies. This veil + was very ornamental, and embroidered with all sorts of flowers which the + earth produces; and there were interwoven into it all sorts of variety + that might be an ornament, excepting the forms of animals. Another veil + there was which covered the five pillars that were at the entrance. It was + like the former in its magnitude, and texture, and color; and at the + corner of every pillar a ring retained it from the top downwards half the + depth of the pillars, the other half affording an entrance for the + priests, who crept under it. Over this there was a veil of linen, of the + same largeness with the former: it was to be drawn this way or that way by + cords, the rings of which, fixed to the texture of the veil, and to the + cords also, were subservient to the drawing and undrawing of the veil, and + to the fastening it at the corner, that then it might be no hinderance to + the view of the sanctuary, especially on solemn days; but that on other + days, and especially when the weather was inclined to snow, it might be + expanded, and afford a covering to the veil of divers colors. Whence that + custom of ours is derived, of having a fine linen veil, after the temple + has been built, to be drawn over the entrances. But the ten other curtains + were four cubits in breadth, and twenty-eight in length; and had golden + clasps, in order to join the one curtain to the other, which was done so + exactly that they seemed to be one entire curtain. These were spread over + the temple, and covered all the top and parts of the walls, on the sides + and behind, so far as within one cubit of the ground. There were other + curtains of the same breadth with these, but one more in number, and + longer, for they were thirty cubits long; but these were woven of hair, + with the like subtilty as those of wool were made, and were extended + loosely down to the ground, appearing like a triangular front and + elevation at the gates, the eleventh curtain being used for this very + purpose. There were also other curtains made of skins above these, which + afforded covering and protection to those that were woven both in hot + weather and when it rained. And great was the surprise of those who viewed + these curtains at a distance, for they seemed not at all to differ from + the color of the sky. But those that were made of hair and of skins, + reached down in the same manner as did the veil at the gates, and kept off + the heat of the sun, and what injury the rains might do. And after this + manner was the tabernacle reared. + </p> + <p> + 5. There was also an ark made, sacred to God, of wood that was naturally + strong, and could not be corrupted. This was called Eron in our own + language. Its construction was thus: its length was five spans, but its + breadth and height was each of them three spans. It was covered all over + with gold, both within and without, so that the wooden part was not seen. + It had also a cover united to it, by golden hinges, after a wonderful + manner; which cover was every way evenly fitted to it, and had no + eminences to hinder its exact conjunction. There were also two golden + rings belonging to each of the longer boards, and passing through the + entire wood, and through them gilt bars passed along each board, that it + might thereby be moved and carried about, as occasion should require; for + it was not drawn in a cart by beasts of burden, but borne on the shoulders + of the priests. Upon this its cover were two images, which the Hebrews + call Cherubims; they are flying creatures, but their form is not like to + that of any of the creatures which men have seen, though Moses said he had + seen such beings near the throne of God. In this ark he put the two tables + whereon the ten commandments were written, five upon each table, and two + and a half upon each side of them; and this ark he placed in the most holy + place. + </p> + <p> + 6. But in the holy place he placed a table, like those at Delphi. Its + length was two cubits, and its breadth one cubit, and its height three + spans. It had feet also, the lower half of which were complete feet, + resembling those which the Dorians put to their bedsteads; but the upper + parts towards the table were wrought into a square form. The table had a + hollow towards every side, having a ledge of four fingers' depth, that + went round about like a spiral, both on the upper and lower part of the + body of the work. Upon every one of the feet was there also inserted a + ring, not far from the cover, through which went bars of wood beneath, but + gilded, to be taken out upon occasion, there being a cavity where it was + joined to the rings; for they were not entire rings; but before they came + quite round they ended in acute points, the one of which was inserted into + the prominent part of the table, and the other into the foot; and by these + it was carried when they journeyed: Upon this table, which was placed on + the north side of the temple, not far from the most holy place, were laid + twelve unleavened loaves of bread, six upon each heap, one above another: + they were made of two tenth-deals of the purest flour, which tenth-deal + [an omer] is a measure of the Hebrews, containing seven Athenian cotyloe; + and above those loaves were put two vials full of frankincense. Now after + seven days other loaves were brought in their stead, on the day which is + by us called the Sabbath; for we call the seventh day the Sabbath. But for + the occasion of this intention of placing loaves here, we will speak to it + in another place. + </p> + <p> + 7. Over against this table, near the southern wall, was set a candlestick + of cast gold, hollow within, being of the weight of one hundred pounds, + which the Hebrews call Chinchares, if it be turned into the Greek + language, it denotes a talent. It was made with its knops, and lilies, and + pomegranates, and bowls [which ornaments amounted to seventy in all]; by + which means the shaft elevated itself on high from a single base, and + spread itself into as many branches as there are planets, including the + sun among them. It terminated in seven heads, in one row, all standing + parallel to one another; and these branches carried seven lamps, one by + one, in imitation of the number of the planets. These lamps looked to the + east and to the south, the candlestick being situate obliquely. + </p> + <p> + 8. Now between this candlestick and the table, which, as we said, were + within the sanctuary, was the altar of incense, made of wood indeed, but + of the same wood of which the foregoing vessels were made, such as was not + liable to corruption; it was entirely crusted over with a golden plate. + Its breadth on each side was a cubit, but the altitude double. Upon it was + a grate of gold, that was extant above the altar, which had a golden crown + encompassing it round about, whereto belonged rings and bars, by which the + priests carried it when they journeyed. Before this tabernacle there was + reared a brazen altar, but it was within made of wood, five cubits by + measure on each side, but its height was but three, in like manner adorned + with brass plates as bright as gold. It had also a brazen hearth of + network; for the ground underneath received the fire from the hearth, + because it had no basis to receive it. Hard by this altar lay the basins, + and the vials, and the censers, and the caldrons, made of gold; but the + other vessels, made for the use of the sacrifices, were all of brass. And + such was the construction of the tabernacle; and these were the vessels + thereto belonging. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0007" id="link32HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. Concerning The Garments Of The Priests, And Of The High Priest. + </h3> + <p> + 1. There were peculiar garments appointed for the priests, and for all the + rest, which they call Cohanoeoe [-priestly] garments, as also for the high + priests, which they call Cahanoeoe Rabbae, and denote the high priest's + garments. Such was therefore the habit of the rest. But when the priest + approaches the sacrifices, he purifies himself with the purification which + the law prescribes; and, in the first place, he puts on that which is + called Machanase, which means somewhat that is fast tied. It is a girdle, + composed of fine twined linen, and is put about the privy parts, the feet + being to be inserted into them in the nature of breeches, but above half + of it is cut off, and it ends at the thighs, and is there tied fast. + </p> + <p> + 2. Over this he wore a linen vestment, made of fine flax doubled: it is + called Chethone, and denotes linen, for we call linen by the name of + Chethone. This vestment reaches down to the feet, and sits close to the + body; and has sleeves that are tied fast to the arms: it is girded to the + breast a little above the elbows, by a girdle often going round, four + fingers broad, but so loosely woven, that you would think it were the skin + of a serpent. It is embroidered with flowers of scarlet, and purple, and + blue, and fine twined linen, but the warp was nothing but fine linen. The + beginning of its circumvolution is at the breast; and when it has gone + often round, it is there tied, and hangs loosely there down to the ankles: + I mean this, all the time the priest is not about any laborious service, + for in this position it appears in the most agreeable manner to the + spectators; but when he is obliged to assist at the offering sacrifices, + and to do the appointed service, that he may not be hindered in his + operations by its motion, he throws it to the left, and bears it on his + shoulder. Moses indeed calls this belt Albaneth; but we have learned from + the Babylonians to call it Emia, for so it is by them called. This + vestment has no loose or hollow parts any where in it, but only a narrow + aperture about the neck; and it is tied with certain strings hanging down + from the edge over the breast and back, and is fastened above each + shoulder: it is called Massabazanes. + </p> + <p> + 3. Upon his head he wears a cap, not brought to a conic form nor + encircling the whole head, but still covering more than the half of it, + which is called Masnaemphthes; and its make is such that it seems to be a + crown, being made of thick swathes, but the contexture is of linen; and it + is doubled round many times, and sewed together; besides which, a piece of + fine linen covers the whole cap from the upper part, and reaches down to + the forehead, and hides the seams of the swathes, which would otherwise + appear indecently: this adheres closely upon the solid part of the head, + and is thereto so firmly fixed, that it may not fall off during the sacred + service about the sacrifices. So we have now shown you what is the habit + of the generality of the priests. + </p> + <p> + 4. The high priest is indeed adorned with the same garments that we have + described, without abating one; only over these he puts on a vestment of a + blue color. This also is a long robe, reaching to his feet, [in our + language it is called Meeir,] and is tied round with a girdle, embroidered + with the same colors and flowers as the former, with a mixture of gold + interwoven. To the bottom of which garment are hung fringes, in color like + pomegranates, with golden bells <a href="#link3note-13" + name="link3noteref-13" id="link3noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> by a + curious and beautiful contrivance; so that between two bells hangs a + pomegranate, and between two pomegranates a bell. Now this vesture was not + composed of two pieces, nor was it sewed together upon the shoulders and + the sides, but it was one long vestment so woven as to have an aperture + for the neck; not an oblique one, but parted all along the breast and the + back. A border also was sewed to it, lest the aperture should look too + indecently: it was also parted where the hands were to come out. + </p> + <p> + 5. Besides these, the high priest put on a third garment, which was called + the Ephod, which resembles the Epomis of the Greeks. Its make was after + this manner: it was woven to the depth of a cubit, of several colors, with + gold intermixed, and embroidered, but it left the middle of the breast + uncovered: it was made with sleeves also; nor did it appear to be at all + differently made from a short coat. But in the void place of this garment + there was inserted a piece of the bigness of a span, embroidered with + gold, and the other colors of the ephod, and was called Essen, [the + breastplate,] which in the Greek language signifies the Oracle. This piece + exactly filled up the void space in the ephod. It was united to it by + golden rings at every corner, the like rings being annexed to the ephod, + and a blue riband was made use of to tie them together by those rings; and + that the space between the rings might not appear empty, they contrived to + fill it up with stitches of blue ribands. There were also two sardonyxes + upon the ephod, at the shoulders, to fasten it in the nature of buttons, + having each end running to the sardonyxes of gold, that they might be + buttoned by them. On these were engraven the names of the sons of Jacob, + in our own country letters, and in our own tongue, six on each of the + stones, on either side; and the elder sons' names were on the right + shoulder. Twelve stones also there were upon the breast-plate, + extraordinary in largeness and beauty; and they were an ornament not to be + purchased by men, because of their immense value. These stones, however, + stood in three rows, by four in a row, and were inserted into the + breastplate itself, and they were set in ouches of gold, that were + themselves inserted in the breastplate, and were so made that they might + not fall out. Now the first three stones were a sardonyx, a topaz, and an + emerald. The second row contained a carbuncle, a jasper, and a sapphire. + The first of the third row was a ligure, then an amethyst, and the third + an agate, being the ninth of the whole number. The first of the fourth row + was a chrysolite, the next was an onyx, and then a beryl, which was the + last of all. Now the names of all those sons of Jacob were engraven in + these stones, whom we esteem the heads of our tribes, each stone having + the honor of a name, in the order according to which they were born. And + whereas the rings were too weak of themselves to bear the weight of the + stones, they made two other rings of a larger size, at the edge of that + part of the breastplate which reached to the neck, and inserted into the + very texture of the breastplate, to receive chains finely wrought, which + connected them with golden bands to the tops of the shoulders, whose + extremity turned backwards, and went into the ring, on the prominent back + part of the ephod; and this was for the security of the breastplate, that + it might not fall out of its place. There was also a girdle sewed to the + breastplate, which was of the forementioned colors, with gold intermixed, + which, when it had gone once round, was tied again upon the seam, and hung + down. There were also golden loops that admitted its fringes at each + extremity of the girdle, and included them entirely. + </p> + <p> + 6. The high priest's mitre was the same that we described before, and was + wrought like that of all the other priests; above which there was another, + with swathes of blue embroidered, and round it was a golden crown + polished, of three rows, one above another; out of which arose a cup of + gold, which resembled the herb which we call Saccharus; but those Greeks + that are skillful in botany call it Hyoscyamus. Now, lest any one that has + seen this herb, but has not been taught its name, and is unacquainted with + its nature, or, having known its name, knows not the herb when he sees it, + I shall give such as these are a description of it. This herb is + oftentimes in tallness above three spans, but its root is like that of a + turnip [for he that should compare it thereto would not be mistaken]; but + its leaves are like the leaves of mint. Out of its branches it sends out a + calyx, cleaving to the branch; and a coat encompasses it, which it + naturally puts off when it is changing, in order to produce its fruit. + This calyx is of the bigness of the bone of the little finger, but in the + compass of its aperture is like a cup. This I will further describe, for + the use of those that are unacquainted with it. Suppose a sphere be + divided into two parts, round at the bottom, but having another segment + that grows up to a circumference from that bottom; suppose it become + narrower by degrees, and that the cavity of that part grow decently + smaller, and then gradually grow wider again at the brim, such as we see + in the navel of a pomegranate, with its notches. And indeed such a coat + grows over this plant as renders it a hemisphere, and that, as one may + say, turned accurately in a lathe, and having its notches extant above it, + which, as I said, grow like a pomegranate, only that they are sharp, and + end in nothing but prickles. Now the fruit is preserved by this coat of + the calyx, which fruit is like the seed of the herb Sideritis: it sends + out a flower that may seem to resemble that of poppy. Of this was a crown + made, as far from the hinder part of the head to each of the temples; but + this Ephielis, for so this calyx may be called, did not cover the + forehead, but it was covered with a golden plate, <a href="#link3note-14" + name="link3noteref-14" id="link3noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> which + had inscribed upon it the name of God in sacred characters. And such were + the ornaments of the high priest. + </p> + <p> + 7. Now here one may wonder at the ill-will which men bear to us, and which + they profess to bear on account of our despising that Deity which they + pretend to honor; for if any one do but consider the fabric of the + tabernacle, and take a view of the garments of the high priest, and of + those vessels which we make use of in our sacred ministration, he will + find that our legislator was a divine man, and that we are unjustly + reproached by others; for if any one do without prejudice, and with + judgment, look upon these things, he will find they were every one made in + way of imitation and representation of the universe. When Moses + distinguished the tabernacle into three parts, <a href="#link3note-15" + name="link3noteref-15" id="link3noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> and + allowed two of them to the priests, as a place accessible and common, he + denoted the land and the sea, these being of general access to all; but he + set apart the third division for God, because heaven is inaccessible to + men. And when he ordered twelve loaves to be set on the table, he denoted + the year, as distinguished into so many months. By branching out the + candlestick into seventy parts, he secretly intimated the Decani, or + seventy divisions of the planets; and as to the seven lamps upon the + candlesticks, they referred to the course of the planets, of which that is + the number. The veils, too, which were composed of four things, they + declared the four elements; for the fine linen was proper to signify the + earth, because the flax grows out of the earth; the purple signified the + sea, because that color is dyed by the blood of a sea shell-fish; the blue + is fit to signify the air; and the scarlet will naturally be an indication + of fire. Now the vestment of the high priest being made of linen, + signified the earth; the blue denoted the sky, being like lightning in its + pomegranates, and in the noise of the bells resembling thunder. And for + the ephod, it showed that God had made the universe of four elements; and + as for the gold interwoven, I suppose it related to the splendor by which + all things are enlightened. He also appointed the breastplate to be placed + in the middle of the ephod, to resemble the earth, for that has the very + middle place of the world. And the girdle which encompassed the high + priest round, signified the ocean, for that goes round about and includes + the universe. Each of the sardonyxes declares to us the sun and the moon; + those, I mean, that were in the nature of buttons on the high priest's + shoulders. And for the twelve stones, whether we understand by them the + months, or whether we understand the like number of the signs of that + circle which the Greeks call the Zodiac, we shall not be mistaken in their + meaning. And for the mitre, which was of a blue color, it seems to me to + mean heaven; for how otherwise could the name of God be inscribed upon it? + That it was also illustrated with a crown, and that of gold also, is + because of that splendor with which God is pleased. Let this explication + <a href="#link3note-16" name="link3noteref-16" id="link3noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> + suffice at present, since the course of my narration will often, and on + many occasions, afford me the opportunity of enlarging upon the virtue of + our legislator. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0008" id="link32HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. Of The Priesthood Of Aaron. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When what has been described was brought to a conclusion, gifts not + being yet presented, God appeared to Moses, and enjoined him to bestow the + high priesthood upon Aaron his brother, as upon him that best of them all + deserved to obtain that honor, on account of his virtue. And when he had + gathered the multitude together, he gave them an account of Aaron's + virtue, and of his good-will to them, and of the dangers he had undergone + for their sakes. Upon which, when they had given testimony to him in all + respects, and showed their readiness to receive him, Moses said to them, + "O you Israelites, this work is already brought to a conclusion, in a + manner most acceptable to God, and according to our abilities. And now + since you see that he is received into this tabernacle, we shall first of + all stand in need of one that may officiate for us, and may minister to + the sacrifices, and to the prayers that are to be put up for us. And + indeed had the inquiry after such a person been left to me, I should have + thought myself worthy of this honor, both because all men are naturally + fond of themselves, and because I am conscious to myself that I have taken + a great deal of pains for your deliverance; but now God himself has + determined that Aaron is worthy of this honor, and has chosen him for his + priest, as knowing him to be the most righteous person among you. So that + he is to put on the vestments which are consecrated to God; he is to have + the care of the altars, and to make provision for the sacrifices; and he + it is that must put up prayers for you to God, who will readily hear them, + not only because he is himself solicitous for your nation, but also + because he will receive them as offered by one that he hath himself chosen + to this office." The Hebrews were pleased with what was said, and they + gave their approbation to him whom God had ordained; for Aaron was of them + all the most deserving of this honor, on account of his own stock and gift + of prophecy, and his brother's virtue. He had at that time four sons, + Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.<a + href="#link3note-17" name="link3noteref-17" id="link3noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Moses commanded them to make use of all the utensils which were + more than were necessary to the structure of the tabernacle, for covering + the tabernacle itself, the candlestick, and altar of incense, and the + other vessels, that they might not be at all hurt when they journeyed, + either by the rain, or by the rising of the dust. And when he had gathered + the multitude together again, he ordained that they should offer half a + shekel for every man, as an oblation to God; which shekel is a piece among + the Hebrews, and is equal to four Athenian drachmae. <a + href="#link3note-18" name="link3noteref-18" id="link3noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> + Whereupon they readily obeyed what Moses had commanded; and the number of + the offerers was six hundred and five thousand five hundred and fifty. Now + this money that was brought by the men that were free, was given by such + as were about twenty years old, but under fifty; and what was collected + was spent in the uses of the tabernacle. + </p> + <p> + 3. Moses now purified the tabernacle and the priests; which purification + was performed after the following manner:—He commanded them to take + five hundred shekels of choice myrrh, an equal quantity of cassia, and + half the foregoing weight of cinnamon and calamus [this last is a sort of + sweet spice]; to beat them small, and wet them with an hin of oil of + olives [an hin is our own country measure, and contains two Athenian + choas, or congiuses]; then mix them together, and boil them, and prepare + them after the art of the apothecary, and make them into a very sweet + ointment; and afterward to take it to anoint and to purify the priests + themselves, and all the tabernacle, as also the sacrifices. There were + also many, and those of various kinds, of sweet spices, that belonged to + the tabernacle, and such as were of very great price, and were brought to + the golden altar of incense; the nature of which I do not now describe, + lest it should be troublesome to my readers; but incense <a + href="#link3note-19" name="link3noteref-19" id="link3noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> + was to be offered twice a-day, both before sun-rising and at sun-setting. + They were also to keep oil already purified for the lamps; three of which + were to give light all day long, <a href="#link3note-20" + name="link3noteref-20" id="link3noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> upon the + sacred candlestick, before God, and the rest were to be lighted at the + evening. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now all was finished. Besaleel and Aholiab appeared to be the most + skillful of the workmen; for they invented finer works than what others + had done before them, and were of great abilities to gain notions of what + they were formerly ignorant of; and of these, Besaleel was judged to be + the best. Now the whole time they were about this work was the interval of + seven months; and after this it was that was ended the first year since + their departure out of Egypt. But at the beginning of the second year, on + the month Xanthicus, as the Macedonians call it, but on the month Nisan, + as the Hebrews call it, on the new moon, they consecrated the tabernacle, + and all its vessels, which I have already described. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now God showed himself pleased with the work of the Hebrews, and did + not permit their labors to be in vain; nor did he disdain to make use of + what they had made, but he came and sojourned with them, and pitched his + tabernacle in the holy house. And in the following manner did he come to + it:—The sky was clear, but there was a mist over the tabernacle + only, encompassing it, but not with such a very deep and thick cloud as is + seen in the winter season, nor yet in so thin a one as men might be able + to discern any thing through it, but from it there dropped a sweet dew, + and such a one as showed the presence of God to those that desired and + believed it. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now when Moses had bestowed such honorary presents on the workmen, as + it was fit they should receive, who had wrought so well, he offered + sacrifices in the open court of the tabernacle, as God commanded him; a + bull, a ram, and a kid of the goats, for a sin-offering. Now I shall speak + of what we do in our sacred offices in my discourse about sacrifices; and + therein shall inform men in what cases Moses bid us offer a whole + burnt-offering, and in what cases the law permits us to partake of them as + of food. And when Moses had sprinkled Aaron's vestments, himself, and his + sons, with the blood of the beasts that were slain, and had purified them + with spring waters and ointment, they became God's priests. After this + manner did he consecrate them and their garments for seven days together. + The same he did to the tabernacle, and the vessels thereto belonging, both + with oil first incensed, as I said, and with the blood of bulls and of + rams, slain day by day one, according to its kind. But on the eighth day + he appointed a feast for the people, and commanded them to offer sacrifice + according to their ability. Accordingly they contended one with another, + and were ambitious to exceed each other in the sacrifices which they + brought, and so fulfilled Moses's injunctions. But as the sacrifices lay + upon the altar, a sudden fire was kindled from among them of its own + accord, and appeared to the sight like fire from a flash of lightning, and + consumed whatsoever was upon the altar. + </p> + <p> + 7. Hereupon an affliction befell Aaron, considered as a man and a father, + but was undergone by him with true fortitude; for he had indeed a firmness + of soul in such accidents, and he thought this calamity came upon him + according to God's will: for whereas he had four sons, as I said before, + the two elder of them, Nadab and Abihu, did not bring those sacrifices + which Moses bade them bring, but which they used to offer formerly, and + were burnt to death. Now when the fire rushed upon them, and began to burn + them, nobody could quench it. Accordingly they died in this manner. And + Moses bid their father and their brethren to take up their bodies, to + carry them out of the camp, and to bury them magnificently. Now the + multitude lamented them, and were deeply affected at this their death, + which so unexpectedly befell them. But Moses entreated their brethren and + their father not to be troubled for them, and to prefer the honor of God + before their grief about them; for Aaron had already put on his sacred + garments. + </p> + <p> + 8. But Moses refused all that honor which he saw the multitude ready to + bestow upon him, and attended to nothing else but the service of God. He + went no more up to Mount Sinai; but he went into the tabernacle, and + brought back answers from God for what he prayed for. His habit was also + that of a private man, and in all other circumstances he behaved himself + like one of the common people, and was desirous to appear without + distinguishing himself from the multitude, but would have it known that he + did nothing else but take care of them. He also set down in writing the + form of their government, and those laws by obedience whereto they would + lead their lives so as to please God, and so as to have no quarrels one + among another. However, the laws he ordained were such as God suggested to + him; so I shall now discourse concerning that form of government, and + those laws. + </p> + <p> + 9. I will now treat of what I before omitted, the garment of the high + priest: for he [Moses] left no room for the evil practices of [false] + prophets; but if some of that sort should attempt to abuse the Divine + authority, he left it to God to be present at his sacrifices when he + pleased, and when he pleased to be absent. <a href="#link3note-21" + name="link3noteref-21" id="link3noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> And he + was willing this should be known, not to the Hebrews only, but to those + foreigners also who were there. For as to those stones, <a + href="#link3note-22" name="link3noteref-22" id="link3noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> + which we told you before, the high priest bare on his shoulders, which + were sardonyxes, [and I think it needless to describe their nature, they + being known to every body,] the one of them shined out when God was + present at their sacrifices; I mean that which was in the nature of a + button on his right shoulder, bright rays darting out thence, and being + seen even by those that were most remote; which splendor yet was not + before natural to the stone. This has appeared a wonderful thing to such + as have not so far indulged themselves in philosophy, as to despise Divine + revelation. Yet will I mention what is still more wonderful than this: for + God declared beforehand, by those twelve stones which the high priest bare + on his breast, and which were inserted into his breastplate, when they + should be victorious in battle; for so great a splendor shone forth from + them before the army began to march, that all the people were sensible of + God's being present for their assistance. Whence it came to pass that + those Greeks, who had a veneration for our laws, because they could not + possibly contradict this, called that breastplate the Oracle. Now this + breastplate, and this sardonyx, left off shining two hundred years before + I composed this book, God having been displeased at the transgressions of + his laws. Of which things we shall further discourse on a fitter + opportunity; but I will now go on with my proposed narration. + </p> + <p> + 10. The tabernacle being now consecrated, and a regular order being + settled for the priests, the multitude judged that God now dwelt among + them, and betook themselves to sacrifices and praises to God as being now + delivered from all expectation of evils and as entertaining a hopeful + prospect of better times hereafter. They offered also gifts to God some as + common to the whole nation, and others as peculiar to themselves, and + these tribe by tribe; for the heads of the tribes combined together, two + by two, and brought a waggon and a yoke of oxen. These amounted to six, + and they carried the tabernacle when they journeyed. Besides which, each + head of a tribe brought a bowl, and a charger, and a spoon, of ten darics, + full of incense. Now the charger and the bowl were of silver, and together + they weighed two hundred shekels, but the bowl cost no more than seventy + shekels; and these were full of fine flour mingled with oil, such as they + used on the altar about the sacrifices. They brought also a young bullock, + and a ram, with a lamb of a year old, for a whole burnt-offering, as also + a goat for the forgiveness of sins. Every one of the heads of the tribes + brought also other sacrifices, called peace-offerings, for every day two + bulls, and five rams, with lambs of a year old, and kids of the goats. + These heads of tribes were twelve days in sacrificing, one sacrificing + every day. Now Moses went no longer up to Mount Sinai, but went into the + tabernacle, and learned of God what they were to do, and what laws should + be made; which laws were preferable to what have been devised by human + understanding, and proved to be firmly observed for all time to come, as + being believed to be the gift of God, insomuch that the Hebrews did not + transgress any of those laws, either as tempted in times of peace by + luxury, or in times of war by distress of affairs. But I say no more here + concerning them, because I have resolved to compose another work + concerning our laws. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0009" id="link32HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. The Manner Of Our Offering Sacrifices. + </h3> + <p> + 1. I Will now, however, make mention of a few of our laws which belong to + purifications, and the like sacred offices, since I am accidentally come + to this matter of sacrifices. These sacrifices were of two sorts; of those + sorts one was offered for private persons, and the other for the people in + general; and they are done in two different ways. In the one case, what is + slain is burnt, as a whole burnt-offering, whence that name is given to + it; but the other is a thank-offering, and is designed for feasting those + that sacrifice. I will speak of the former. Suppose a private man offer a + burnt-offering, he must slay either a bull, a lamb, or a kid of the goats, + and the two latter of the first year, though of bulls he is permitted to + sacrifice those of a greater age; but all burnt-offerings are to be of + males. When they are slain, the priests sprinkle the blood round about the + altar; they then cleanse the bodies, and divide them into parts, and salt + them with salt, and lay them upon the altar, while the pieces of wood are + piled one upon another, and the fire is burning; they next cleanse the + feet of the sacrifices, and the inwards, in an accurate manner and so lay + them to the rest to be purged by the fire, while the priests receive the + hides. This is the way of offering a burnt-offering. + </p> + <p> + 2. But those that offer thank-offerings do indeed sacrifice the same + creatures, but such as are unblemished, and above a year old; however, + they may take either males or females. They also sprinkle the altar with + their blood; but they lay upon the altar the kidneys and the caul, and all + the fat, and the lobe of the liver, together with the rump of the lamb; + then, giving the breast and the right shoulder to the priests, the + offerers feast upon the remainder of the flesh for two days; and what + remains they burn. + </p> + <p> + 3. The sacrifices for sins are offered in the same manner as is the + thank-offering. But those who are unable to purchase complete sacrifices, + offer two pigeons, or turtle doves; the one of which is made a + burnt-offering to God, the other they give as food to the priests. But we + shall treat more accurately about the oblation of these creatures in our + discourse concerning sacrifices. But if a person fall into sin by + ignorance, he offers an ewe lamb, or a female kid of the goats, of the + same age; and the priests sprinkle the blood at the altar, not after the + former manner, but at the corners of it. They also bring the kidneys and + the rest of the fat, together with the lobe of the liver, to the altar, + while the priests bear away the hides and the flesh, and spend it in the + holy place, on the same day; <a href="#link3note-23" name="link3noteref-23" + id="link3noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> for the law does not permit + them to leave of it until the morning. But if any one sin, and is + conscious of it himself, but hath nobody that can prove it upon him, he + offers a ram, the law enjoining him so to do; the flesh of which the + priests eat, as before, in the holy place, on the same day. And if the + rulers offer sacrifices for their sins, they bring the same oblations that + private men do; only they so far differ, that they are to bring for + sacrifices a bull or a kid of the goats, both males. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now the law requires, both in private and public sacrifices, that the + finest flour be also brought; for a lamb the measure of one tenth deal,—for + a ram two,—and for a bull three. This they consecrate upon the + altar, when it is mingled with oil; for oil is also brought by those that + sacrifice; for a bull the half of an hin, and for a ram the third part of + the same measure, and one quarter of it for a lamb. This hin is an ancient + Hebrew measure, and is equivalent to two Athenian choas [or congiuses]. + They bring the same quantity of oil which they do of wine, and they pour + the wine about the altar; but if any one does not offer a complete + sacrifice of animals, but brings fine flour only for a vow, he throws a + handful upon the altar as its first-fruits, while the priests take the + rest for their food, either boiled or mingled with oil, but made into + cakes of bread. But whatsoever it be that a priest himself offers, it must + of necessity be all burnt. Now the law forbids us to sacrifice any animal + at the same time with its dam; and, in other cases, not till the eighth + day after its birth. Other sacrifices there are also appointed for + escaping distempers, or for other occasions, in which meat-offerings are + consumed, together with the animals that are sacrificed; of which it is + not lawful to leave any part till the next day, only the priests are to + take their own share. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0010" id="link32HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. Concerning The Festivals; And How Each Day Of Such Festival Is + To Be Observed. + </h3> + <p> + 1. The law requires, that out of the public expenses a lamb of the first + year be killed every day, at the beginning and at the ending of the day; + but on the seventh day, which is called the Sabbath, they kill two, and + sacrifice them in the same manner. At the new moon, they both perform the + daily sacrifices, and slay two bulls, with seven lambs of the first year, + and a kid of the goats also, for the expiation of sins; that is, if they + have sinned through ignorance. + </p> + <p> + 2. But on the seventh month, which the Macedonians call Hyperberetaeus, + they make an addition to those already mentioned, and sacrifice a bull, a + ram, and seven lambs, and a kid of the goats, for sins. + </p> + <p> + 3. On the tenth day of the same lunar month, they fast till the evening; + and this day they sacrifice a bull, and two rams, and seven lambs, and a + kid of the goats, for sins. And, besides these, they bring two kids of the + goats; the one of which is sent alive out of the limits of the camp into + the wilderness for the scapegoat, and to be an expiation for the sins of + the whole multitude; but the other is brought into a place of great + cleanness, within the limits of the camp, and is there burnt, with its + skin, without any sort of cleansing. With this goat was burnt a bull, not + brought by the people, but by the high priest, at his own charges; which, + when it was slain, he brought of the blood into the holy place, together + with the blood of the kid of the goats, and sprinkled the ceiling with his + finger seven times, as also its pavement, and again as often toward the + most holy place, and about the golden altar: he also at last brings it + into the open court, and sprinkles it about the great altar. Besides this, + they set the extremities, and the kidneys, and the fat, with the lobe of + the liver, upon the altar. The high priest likewise presents a ram to God + as a burnt-offering. + </p> + <p> + 4. Upon the fifteenth day of the same month, when the season of the year + is changing for winter, the law enjoins us to pitch tabernacles in every + one of our houses, so that we preserve ourselves from the cold of that + time of the year; as also that when we should arrive at our own country, + and come to that city which we should have then for our metropolis, + because of the temple therein to be built, and keep a festival for eight + days, and offer burnt-offerings, and sacrifice thank-offerings, that we + should then carry in our hands a branch of myrtle, and willow, and a bough + of the palm-tree, with the addition of the pome citron: That the + burnt-offering on the first of those days was to be a sacrifice of + thirteen bulls, and fourteen lambs, and fifteen rams, with the addition of + a kid of the goats, as an expiation for sins; and on the following days + the same number of lambs, and of rams, with the kids of the goats; but + abating one of the bulls every day till they amounted to seven only. On + the eighth day all work was laid aside, and then, as we said before, they + sacrificed to God a bullock, a ram, and seven lambs, with a kid of the + goats, for an expiation of sins. And this is the accustomed solemnity of + the Hebrews, when they pitch their tabernacles.<a href="#link3note-24" name="link3noteref-24" + id="link3noteref-24"><small>24</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 5. In the month of Xanthicus, which is by us called Nisan, and is the + beginning of our year, on the fourteenth day of the lunar month, when the + sun is in Aries, [for in this month it was that we were delivered from + bondage under the Egyptians,] the law ordained that we should every year + slay that sacrifice which I before told you we slew when we came out of + Egypt, and which was called the Passover; and so we do celebrate this + passover in companies, leaving nothing of what we sacrifice till the day + following. The feast of unleavened bread succeeds that of the passover, + and falls on the fifteenth day of the month, and continues seven days, + wherein they feed on unleavened bread; on every one of which days two + bulls are killed, and one ram, and seven lambs. Now these lambs are + entirely burnt, besides the kid of the goats which is added to all the + rest, for sins; for it is intended as a feast for the priest on every one + of those days. But on the second day of unleavened bread, which is the + sixteenth day of the month, they first partake of the fruits of the earth, + for before that day they do not touch them. And while they suppose it + proper to honor God, from whom they obtain this plentiful provision, in + the first place, they offer the first-fruits of their barley, and that in + the manner following: They take a handful of the ears, and dry them, then + beat them small, and purge the barley from the bran; they then bring one + tenth deal to the altar, to God; and, casting one handful of it upon the + fire, they leave the rest for the use of the priest. And after this it is + that they may publicly or privately reap their harvest. They also at this + participation of the first-fruits of the earth, sacrifice a lamb, as a + burnt-offering to God. + </p> + <p> + 6. When a week of weeks has passed over after this sacrifice, [which weeks + contain forty and nine days,] on the fiftieth day, which is Pentecost, but + is called by the Hebrews Asartha, which signifies Pentecost, they bring to + God a loaf, made of wheat flour, of two tenth deals, with leaven; and for + sacrifices they bring two lambs; and when they have only presented them to + God, they are made ready for supper for the priests; nor is it permitted + to leave any thing of them till the day following. They also slay three + bullocks for a burnt-offering, and two rams; and fourteen lambs, with two + kids of the goats, for sins; nor is there anyone of the festivals but in + it they offer burnt-offerings; they also allow themselves to rest on every + one of them. Accordingly, the law prescribes in them all what kinds they + are to sacrifice, and how they are to rest entirely, and must slay + sacrifices, in order to feast upon them. + </p> + <p> + 7. However, out of the common charges, baked bread [was set on the table + of shew-bread], without leaven, of twenty-four tenth deals of flour, for + so much is spent upon this bread; two heaps of these were baked, they were + baked the day before the sabbath, but were brought into the holy place on + the morning of the sabbath, and set upon the holy table, six on a heap, + one loaf still standing over against another; where two golden cups full + of frankincense were also set upon them, and there they remained till + another sabbath, and then other loaves were brought in their stead, while + the loaves were given to the priests for their food, and the frankincense + was burnt in that sacred fire wherein all their offerings were burnt also; + and so other frankincense was set upon the loaves instead of what was + there before. The high priest also, of his own charges, offered a + sacrifice, and that twice every day. It was made of flour mingled with + oil, and gently baked by the fire; the quantity was one tenth deal of + flour; he brought the half of it to the fire in the morning, and the other + half at night. The account of these sacrifices I shall give more + accurately hereafter; but I think I have premised what for the present may + be sufficient concerning them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0011" id="link32HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. Of The Purifications. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Moses took out the tribe of Levi from communicating with the rest of + the people, and set them apart to be a holy tribe; and purified them by + water taken from perpetual springs, and with such sacrifices as were + usually offered to God on the like occasions. He delivered to them also + the tabernacle, and the sacred vessels, and the other curtains, which were + made for covering the tabernacle, that they might minister under the + conduct of the priests, who had been already consecrated to God. + </p> + <p> + 2. He also determined concerning animals; which of them might be used for + food, and which they were obliged to abstain from; which matters, when + this work shall give me occasion, shall be further explained; and the + causes shall be added by which he was moved to allot some of them to be + our food, and enjoined us to abstain from others. However, he entirely + forbade us the use of blood for food, and esteemed it to contain the soul + and spirit. He also forbade us to eat the flesh of an animal that died of + itself, as also the caul, and the fat of goats, and sheep, and bulls. + </p> + <p> + 3. He also ordered that those whose bodies were afflicted with leprosy, + and that had a gonorrhea, should not come into the city; nay, he removed + the women, when they had their natural purgations, till the seventh day; + after which he looked on them as pure, and permitted them to come in + again. The law permits those also who have taken care of funerals to come + in after the same manner, when this number of days is over; but if any + continued longer than that number of days in a state of pollution, the law + appointed the offering two lambs for a sacrifice; the one of which they + are to purge by fire, and for the other, the priests take it for + themselves. In the same manner do those sacrifice who have had the + gonorrhea. But he that sheds his seed in his sleep, if he go down into + cold water, has the same privilege with those that have lawfully + accompanied with their wives. And for the lepers, he suffered them not to + come into the city at all, nor to live with any others, as if they were in + effect dead persons; but if any one had obtained by prayer to God, the + recovery from that distemper, and had gained a healthful complexion again, + such a one returned thanks to God, with several sorts of sacrifices; + concerning which we will speak hereafter. + </p> + <p> + 4. Whence one cannot but smile at those who say that Moses was himself + afflicted with the leprosy when he fled out of Egypt, and that he became + the conductor of those who on that account left that country, and led them + into the land of Canaan; for had this been true, Moses would not have made + these laws to his own dishonor, which indeed it was more likely he would + have opposed, if others had endeavored to introduce them; and this the + rather, because there are lepers in many nations, who yet are in honor, + and not only free from reproach and avoidance, but who have been great + captains of armies, and been intrusted with high offices in the + commonwealth, and have had the privilege of entering into holy places and + temples; so that nothing hindered, but if either Moses himself, or the + multitude that was with him, had been liable to such a misfortune in the + color of his skin, he might have made laws about them for their credit and + advantage, and have laid no manner of difficulty upon them. Accordingly, + it is a plain case, that it is out of violent prejudice only that they + report these things about us. But Moses was pure from any such distemper, + and lived with countrymen who were pure of it also, and thence made the + laws which concerned others that had the distemper. He did this for the + honor of God. But as to these matters, let every one consider them after + what manner he pleases. + </p> + <p> + 5. As to the women, when they have born a child, Moses forbade them to + come into the temple, or touch the sacrifices, before forty days were + over, supposing it to be a boy; but if she hath born a girl, the law is + that she cannot be admitted before twice that number of days be over. And + when after the before-mentioned time appointed for them, they perform + their sacrifices, the priests distribute them before God. + </p> + <p> + 6. But if any one suspect that his wife has been guilty of adultery, he + was to bring a tenth deal of barley flour; they then cast one handful to + God and gave the rest of it to the priests for food. One of the priests + set the woman at the gates that are turned towards the temple, and took + the veil from her head, and wrote the name of God on parchment, and + enjoined her to swear that she had not at all injured her husband; and to + wish that, if she had violated her chastity, her right thigh might be put + out of joint; that her belly might swell; and that she might die thus: but + that if her husband, by the violence of his affection, and of the jealousy + which arose from it, had been rashly moved to this suspicion, that she + might bear a male child in the tenth month. Now when these oaths were + over, the priest wiped the name of God out of the parchment, and wrung the + water into a vial. He also took some dust out of the temple, if any + happened to be there, and put a little of it into the vial, and gave it + her to drink; whereupon the woman, if she were unjustly accused, conceived + with child, and brought it to perfection in her womb: but if she had + broken her faith of wedlock to her husband, and had sworn falsely before + God, she died in a reproachful manner; her thigh fell off from her, and + her belly swelled with a dropsy. And these are the ceremonies about + sacrifices, and about the purifications thereto belonging, which Moses + provided for his countrymen. He also prescribed the following laws to + them:— + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0012" id="link32HCH0012"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 12. Several Laws. + </h3> + <p> + 1. As for adultery, Moses forbade it entirely, as esteeming it a happy + thing that men should be wise in the affairs of wedlock; and that it was + profitable both to cities and families that children should be known to be + genuine. He also abhorred men's lying with their mothers, as one of the + greatest crimes; and the like for lying with the father's wife, and with + aunts, and sisters, and sons' wives, as all instances of abominable + wickedness. He also forbade a man to lie with his wife when she was + defiled by her natural purgation: and not to come near brute beasts; nor + to approve of the lying with a male, which was to hunt after unlawful + pleasures on account of beauty. To those who were guilty of such insolent + behavior, he ordained death for their punishment. + </p> + <p> + 2. As for the priests, he prescribed to them a double degree of purity <a + href="#link3note-25" name="link3noteref-25" id="link3noteref-25"><small>25</small></a> + for he restrained them in the instances above, and moreover forbade them + to marry harlots. He also forbade them to marry a slave, or a captive, and + such as got their living by cheating trades, and by keeping inns; as also + a woman parted from her husband, on any account whatsoever. Nay, he did + not think it proper for the high priest to marry even the widow of one + that was dead, though he allowed that to the priests; but he permitted him + only to marry a virgin, and to retain her. Whence it is that the high + priest is not to come near to one that is dead, although the rest are not + prohibited from coming near to their brethren, or parents, or children, + when they are dead; but they are to be unblemished in all respects. He + ordered that the priest who had any blemish, should have his portion + indeed among the priests, but he forbade him to ascend the altar, or to + enter into the holy house. He also enjoined them, not only to observe + purity in their sacred ministrations, but in their daily conversation, + that it might be unblamable also. And on this account it is that those who + wear the sacerdotal garments are without spot, and eminent for their + purity and sobriety: nor are they permitted to drink wine so long as they + wear those garments. <a href="#link3note-26" name="link3noteref-26" + id="link3noteref-26"><small>26</small></a> Moreover, they offer sacrifices + that are entire, and have no defect whatsoever. + </p> + <p> + 3. And truly Moses gave them all these precepts, being such as were + observed during his own lifetime; but though he lived now in the + wilderness, yet did he make provision how they might observe the same laws + when they should have taken the land of Canaan. He gave them rest to the + land from ploughing and planting every seventh year, as he had prescribed + to them to rest from working every seventh day; and ordered, that then + what grew of its own accord out of the earth should in common belong to + all that pleased to use it, making no distinction in that respect between + their own countrymen and foreigners: and he ordained, that they should do + the same after seven times seven years, which in all are fifty years; and + that fiftieth year is called by the Hebrews The Jubilee, wherein debtors + are freed from their debts, and slaves are set at liberty; which slaves + became such, though they were of the same stock, by transgressing some of + those laws the punishment of which was not capital, but they were punished + by this method of slavery. This year also restores the land to its former + possessors in the manner following:—When the Jubilee is come, which + name denotes liberty, he that sold the land, and he that bought it, meet + together, and make an estimate, on one hand, of the fruits gathered; and, + on the other hand, of the expenses laid out upon it. If the fruits + gathered come to more than the expenses laid out, he that sold it takes + the land again; but if the expenses prove more than the fruits, the + present possessor receives of the former owner the difference that was + wanting, and leaves the land to him; and if the fruits received, and the + expenses laid out, prove equal to one another, the present possessor + relinquishes it to the former owners. Moses would have the same law obtain + as to those houses also which were sold in villages; but he made a + different law for such as were sold in a city; for if he that sold it + tendered the purchaser his money again within a year, he was forced to + restore it; but in case a whole year had intervened, the purchaser was to + enjoy what he had bought. This was the constitution of the laws which + Moses learned of God when the camp lay under Mount Sinai, and this he + delivered in writing to the Hebrews. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now when this settlement of laws seemed to be well over, Moses thought + fit at length to take a review of the host, as thinking it proper to + settle the affairs of war. So he charged the heads of the tribes, + excepting the tribe of Levi, to take an exact account of the number of + those that were able to go to war; for as to the Levites, they were holy, + and free from all such burdens. Now when the people had been numbered, + there were found six hundred thousand that were able to go to war, from + twenty to fifty years of age, besides three thousand six hundred and + fifty. Instead of Levi, Moses took Manasseh, the son of Joseph, among the + heads of tribes; and Ephraim instead of Joseph. It was indeed the desire + of Jacob himself to Joseph, that he would give him his sons to be his own + by adoption, as I have before related. + </p> + <p> + 5. When they set up the tabernacle, they received it into the midst of + their camp, three of the tribes pitching their tents on each side of it; + and roads were cut through the midst of these tents. It was like a + well-appointed market; and every thing was there ready for sale in due + order; and all sorts of artificers were in the shops; and it resembled + nothing so much as a city that sometimes was movable, and sometimes fixed. + The priests had the first places about the tabernacle; then the Levites, + who, because their whole multitude was reckoned from thirty days old, were + twenty-three thousand eight hundred and eighty males; and during the time + that the cloud stood over the tabernacle, they thought proper to stay in + the same place, as supposing that God there inhabited among them; but when + that removed, they journeyed also. + </p> + <p> + 6. Moreover, Moses was the inventor of the form of their trumpet, which + was made of silver. Its description is this:—In length it was little + less than a cubit. It was composed of a narrow tube, somewhat thicker than + a flute, but with so much breadth as was sufficient for admission of the + breath of a man's mouth: it ended in the form of a bell, like common + trumpets. Its sound was called in the Hebrew tongue Asosra. Two of these + being made, one of them was sounded when they required the multitude to + come together to congregations. When the first of them gave a signal, the + heads of the tribes were to assemble, and consult about the affairs to + them properly belonging; but when they gave the signal by both of them, + they called the multitude together. Whenever the tabernacle was removed, + it was done in this solemn order:—At the first alarm of the trumpet, + those whose tents were on the east quarter prepared to remove; when the + second signal was given, those that were on the south quarter did the + like; in the next place, the tabernacle was taken to pieces, and was + carried in the midst of six tribes that went before, and of six that + followed, all the Levites assisting about the tabernacle; when the third + signal was given, that part which had their tents towards the west put + themselves in motion; and at the fourth signal those on the north did so + likewise. They also made use of these trumpets in their sacred + ministrations, when they were bringing their sacrifices to the altar as + well on the Sabbaths as on the rest of the [festival] days; and now it was + that Moses offered that sacrifice which was called the Passover in the + Wilderness, as the first he had offered after the departure out of Egypt. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0013" id="link32HCH0013"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 13. Moses Removed From Mount Sinai, And Conducted The People To + The Borders Of The Canaanites. + </h3> + <p> + A Little while afterwards he rose up, and went from Mount Sinai; and, + having passed through several mansions, of which we will speak he came to + a place called Hazeroth, where the multitude began again to be mutinous, + and to Moses for the misfortunes they had suffered their travels; and that + when he had persuaded to leave a good land, they at once had lost land, + and instead of that happy state he had them, they were still wandering in + their miserable condition, being already in want of water; and if the manna + should happen to fail, must then utterly perish. Yet while they spake many + and sore things against the there was one of them who exhorted them to be + unmindful of Moses, and of what great pains he had been at about their + common safety; not to despair of assistance from God. The multitude + thereupon became still more unruly, and mutinous against Moses than + before. Hereupon Moses, although he was so basely abused by them + encouraged them in their despairing conditioned and promised that he would + procure them a quantity of flesh-meat, and that not for a few days only, + but for many days. This they were not to believe; and when one of them + asked, whence he could obtain such vast plenty of what he promised, he + replied, "Neither God nor I, we hear such opprobrious language from will + leave off our labors for you; and this soon appear also." As soon as ever + he had said this, the whole camp was filled with quails, they stood round about + them, and gathered great numbers. However, it was not long ere God + punished the Hebrews for their insolence, those reproaches they had used + towards him, no small number of them died; and still to this day the place + retains the memory of this destruction and is named Kibrothhattaavah, + which is, Graves of Lust. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0014" id="link32HCH0014"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 14. How Moses Sent Some Persons To Search Out The Land Of The + Canaanites, And The Largeness Of Their Cities; And Further That When Those + Who Were Sent Were Returned, After Forty Days And Reported That They + Should Not Be A Match For Them, And Extolled The Strength Of The + Canaanites The Multitude Were Disturbed And Fell Into Despair; And Were + Resolved To Stone Moses, And To Return Back Again Into Egypt, And Serve + The Egyptians. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Moses had led the Hebrews away from thence to a place called + Paran, which was near to the borders of the Canaanites, and a place + difficult to be continued in, he gathered the multitude together to a + congregation; and standing in the midst of them, he said, "Of the two + things that God determined to bestow upon us, liberty, and the possession + of a Happy Country, the one of them ye already are partakers of, by the + gift of God, and the other you will quickly obtain; for we now have our + abode near the borders of the Canaanites, and nothing can hinder the + acquisition of it, when we now at last are fallen upon it: I say, not only + no king nor city, but neither the whole race of mankind, if they were all + gathered together, could do it. Let us therefore prepare ourselves for the + work, for the Canaanites will not resign up their land to us without + fighting, but it must be wrested from them by great struggles in war. Let + us then send spies, who may take a view of the goodness of the land, and + what strength it is of; but, above all things, let us be of one mind, and + let us honor God, who above all is our helper and assister." + </p> + <p> + 2. When Moses had said thus, the multitude requited him with marks of + respect; and chose twelve spies, of the most eminent men, one out of each + tribe, who, passing over all the land of Canaan, from the borders of + Egypt, came to the city Hamath, and to Mount Lebanon; and having learned + the nature of the land, and of its inhabitants, they came home, having + spent forty days in the whole work. They also brought with them of the + fruits which the land bare; they also showed them the excellency of those + fruits, and gave an account of the great quantity of the good things that + land afforded, which were motives to the multitude to go to war. But then + they terrified them again with the great difficulty there was in obtaining + it; that the rivers were so large and deep that they could not be passed + over; and that the hills were so high that they could not travel along for + them; that the cities were strong with walls, and their firm + fortifications round about them. They told them also, that they found at + Hebron the posterity of the giants. Accordingly these spies, who had seen + the land of Canaan, when they perceived that all these difficulties were + greater there than they had met with since they came out of Egypt, they + were affrighted at them themselves, and endeavored to affright the + multitude also. + </p> + <p> + 3. So they supposed, from what they had heard, that it was impossible to + get the possession of the country. And when the congregation was + dissolved, they, their wives and children, continued their lamentation, as + if God would not indeed assist them, but only promised them fair. They + also again blamed Moses, and made a clamor against him and his brother + Aaron, the high priest. Accordingly they passed that night very ill, and + with contumelious language against them; but in the morning they ran to a + congregation, intending to stone Moses and Aaron, and so to return back + into Egypt. + </p> + <p> + 4. But of the spies, there were Joshua the son of Nun, of the tribe of + Ephraim, and Caleb of the tribe of Judah, that were afraid of the + consequence, and came into the midst of them, and stilled the multitude, + and desired them to be of good courage; and neither to condemn God, as + having told them lies, nor to hearken to those who had affrighted them, by + telling them what was not true concerning the Canaanites, but to those + that encouraged them to hope for good success; and that they should gain + possession of the happiness promised them, because neither the height of + mountains, nor the depth of rivers, could hinder men of true courage from + attempting them, especially while God would take care of them beforehand, + and be assistant to them. "Let us then go," said they, "against our + enemies, and have no suspicion of ill success, trusting in God to conduct + us, and following those that are to be our leaders." Thus did these two + exhort them, and endeavor to pacify the rage they were in. But Moses and + Aaron fell on the ground, and besought God, not for their own deliverance, + but that he would put a stop to what the people were unwarily doing, and + would bring their minds to a quiet temper, which were now disordered by + their present passion. The cloud also did now appear, and stood over the + tabernacle, and declared to them the presence of God to be there. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32HCH0015" id="link32HCH0015"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 15. How Moses Was Displeased At This, And Foretold That God Was + Angry And That They Should Continue In The Wilderness For Forty Years And + Not, During That Time, Either Return Into Egypt Or Take Possession Of + Canaan. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Moses came now boldly to the multitude, and informed them that God was + moved at their abuse of him, and would inflict punishment upon them, not + indeed such as they deserved for their sins, but such as parents inflict + on their children, in order to their correction. For, he said, that when + he was in the tabernacle, and was bewailing with ears that destruction + which was coming upon them God put him in mind what things he had done for + them, and what benefits they had received from him, and yet how ungrateful + they had been to him that just now they had been induced, through the + timorousness of the spies, to think that their words were truer than his + own promise to them; and that on this account, though he would not indeed + destroy them all, nor utterly exterminate their nation, which he had + honored more than any other part of mankind, yet he would not permit them + to take possession of the land of Canaan, nor enjoy its happiness; but + would make them wander in the wilderness, and live without a fixed + habitation, and without a city, for forty years together, as a punishment + for this their transgression; but that he had promised to give that land + to our children, and that he would make them the possessors of those good + things which, by your ungoverned passions, you have deprived yourselves + of. + </p> + <p> + 2. When Moses had discoursed thus to them according to the direction of + God, the multitude grieved, and were in affliction; and entreated Most to + procure their reconciliation to God, and to permit them no longer to + wander in the wilderness, but bestow cities upon them. But he replied, + that God would not admit of any such trial, for that God was not moved to + this determination from any human levity or anger, but that he had + judicially condemned them to that punishment. Now we are not to disbelieve + that Moses, who was but a single person, pacified so many ten thousands + when they were in anger, and converted them to a mildness temper; for God + was with him, and prepared way to his persuasions of the multitude; and as + they had often been disobedient, they were now sensible that such + disobedience was disadvantageous to them and that they had still thereby + fallen into calamities. + </p> + <p> + 3. But this man was admirable for his virtue, and powerful in making men + give credit to what he delivered, not only during the time of his natural + life, but even there is still no one of the Hebrews who does not act even + now as if Moses were present, and ready to punish him if he should do any + thing that is indecent; nay, there is no one but is obedient to what laws + he ordained, although they might be concealed in their transgressions. + There are also many other demonstrations that his power was more than + human, for still some there have been, who have come from the parts beyond + Euphrates, a journey of four months, through many dangers, and at great + expenses, in honor of our temple; and yet, when they had offered their + oblations, could not partake of their own sacrifices, because Moses had + forbidden it, by somewhat in the law that did not permit them, or somewhat + that had befallen them, which our ancient customs made inconsistent + therewith; some of these did not sacrifice at all, and others left their + sacrifices in an imperfect condition; many were not able, even at first, + so much as to enter the temple, but went their ways in this as preferring + a submission to the laws of Moses before the fulfilling of their own + inclinations, they had no fear upon them that anybody could convict them, + but only out of a reverence to their own conscience. Thus this + legislation, which appeared to be divine, made this man to be esteemed as + one superior to his own nature. Nay, further, a little before the + beginning of this war, when Claudius was emperor of the Romans, and Ismael + was our high priest, and when so great a famine <a href="#link3note-27" + name="link3noteref-27" id="link3noteref-27"><small>27</small></a> was come + upon us, that one tenth deal [of wheat] was sold for four drachmae, and + when no less than seventy cori of flour were brought into the temple, at + the feast of unleavened bread, [these cori are thirty-one Sicilian, but + forty-one Athenian medimni,] not one of the priests was so hardy as to eat + one crumb of it, even while so great a distress was upon the land; and + this out of a dread of the law, and of that wrath which God retains + against acts of wickedness, even when no one can accuse the actors. Whence + we are not to wonder at what was then done, while to this very day the + writings left by Moses have so great a force, that even those that hate us + do confess, that he who established this settlement was God, and that it + was by the means of Moses, and of his virtue; but as to these matters, let + every one take them as he thinks fit. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32H_FOOT" id="link32H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES: + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link3note-1" id="link3note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link3noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ Dr. Bernard takes notice + here, that this place Mar, where the waters were bitter, is called by the + Syrians and Arabians Mariri, and by the Syrians sometimes Morath, all + derived from the Hebrew Mar. He also takes notice, that it is called The + Bitter Fountain by Pliny himself; which waters remain there to this day, + and are still bitter, as Thevenot assures us and that there are also + abundance of palm-trees. See his Travels, Part I. ch. 26. p. 166.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-2" id="link3note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link3noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ The additions here to + Moses's account of the sweetening of the waters at Marah, seem derived + from some ancient profane author, and he such an author also as looks less + authentic than are usually followed by Josephus. Philo has not a syllable + of these additions, nor any other ancienter writer that we know of. Had + Josephus written these his Antiquities for the use of Jews, he would + hardly have given them these very improbable circumstances; but writing to + Gentiles, that they might not complain of his omission of any accounts of + such miracles derived from Gentiles, he did not think proper to conceal + what he had met with there about this matter. Which procedure is perfectly + agreeable to the character and usage of Josephus upon many occasions. This + note is, I confess, barely conjectural; and since Josephus never tells us + when his own copy, taken out of the temple, had such additions, or when + any ancient notes supplied them; or indeed when they are derived from + Jewish, and when from Gentile antiquity,—we can go no further than + bare conjectures in such cases; only the notions of Jews were generally so + different from those of Gentiles, that we may sometimes make no improbable + conjectures to which sort such additions belong. See also somewhat like + these additions in Josephus's account of Elisha's making sweet the bitter + and barren spring near Jericho, War, B. IV. ch. 8. sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-3" id="link3note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link3noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ It seems to me, from what + Moses, Exodus 16:18, St. Paul, 2 Corinthians 8:15, and Josephus here say, + compared together, that the quantity of manna that fell daily, and did not + putrefy, was just so much as came to an omer apiece, through the whole + host of Israel, and no more.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-4" id="link3note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link3noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ This supposal, that the + sweet honey-dew or manna, so celebrated in ancient and modern authors, as + falling usually in Arabia, was of the very same sort with this manna sent + to the Israelites, savors more of Gentilism than of Judaism or + Christianity. It is not improbable that some ancient Gentile author, read + by Josephus, so thought; nor would he here contradict him; though just + before, and Antiq. B. IV. ch. 3. sect. 2, he seems directly to allow that + it had not been seen before. However, this food from heaven is here + described to be like snow; and in Artapanus, a heathen writer, it is + compared to meal, color like to snow, rained down by God," Essay on the + Old Test. Append. p. 239. But as to the derivation of the word manna, + whether from man, which Josephus says then signified What is it or from + mannah, to divide, i.e., a dividend or portion allotted to every one, it + is uncertain: I incline to the latter derivation. This manna is called + angels' food, Psalm 78:26, and by our Sacior, John 6:31, etc., as well as + by Josephus here and elsewhere, Antiq. B. III. ch. 5. sect. 3, said to be + sent the Jews from heaven.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-5" id="link3note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link3noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ This rock is there at this + day, as the travelers agree; and must be the same that was there in the + days of Moses, as being too large to be brought thither by our modern + carriages.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-6" id="link3note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link3noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ Note here, that the small + book of the principal laws of Moses is ever said to be laid up in the holy + house itself; but the larger Pentateuch, as here, some where within the + limits of the temple and its courts only. See Antiq. B. V. ch. 1. sect. + 17.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-7" id="link3note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link3noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ This eminent circumstance, + that while Moses's hands were lift up towards heaven, the Israelites + prevailed, and while they were let down towards the earth, the Amalekites + prevailed, seems to me the earliest intimation we have of the proper + posture, used of old, in solemn prayer, which was the stretching out of + the hands [and eyes] towards heaven, as other passages of the Old and New + Testament inform us. Nay, by the way, this posture seemed to have + continued in the Christian church, till the clergy, instead of learning + their prayers by heart, read them out of a book, which is in a great + measure inconsistent with such an elevated posture, and which seems to me + to have been only a later practice, introduced under the corrupt state of + the church; though the constant use of divine forms of prayer, praise, and + thanksgiving, appears to me to have been the practice of God's people, + patriarchs, Jews, and Christians, in all the past ages.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-8" id="link3note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link3noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ This manner of electing + the judges and officers of the Israelites by the testimonies and suffrages + of the people, before they were ordained by God, or by Moses, deserves to + be carefully noted, because it was the pattern of the like manner of the + choice and ordination of bishops, presbyters, and deacons, in the + Christian church.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-9" id="link3note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link3noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ Since this mountain, + Sinai, is here said to be the highest of all the mountains that are in + that country, it must be that now called St. Katherine's, which is + one-third higher than that within a mile of it, now called Sinai, as Mons. + Thevenot informs us, Travels, Part I. ch. 23. p. 168. The other name of + it, Horeb, is never used by Josephus, and perhaps was its name among the + Egyptians only, whence the Israelites were lately come, as Sinai was its + name among the Arabians, Canaanites, and other nations. Accordingly when + [1 Kings 9:8: the Scripture says that Elijah came to Horeb, the mount of + God, Josephus justly says, Antiq. B. VIII. ch. 13. sect. 7, that he came + to the mountain called Sinai: and Jerome, here cited by Dr. Hudson, says, + that he took this mountain to have two names, Sinai and Choreb. De Nomin. + Heb. p. 427.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-10" id="link3note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link3noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ Of this and another like + superstitious notion of the Pharisees, which Josephus complied with, see + the note on Antiq. B. II. ch. 12. sect. 4.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-11" id="link3note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link3noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ This other work of + Josephus, here referred to, seems to be that which does not appear to have + been ever published, which yet he intended to publish, about the reasons + of many of the laws of Moses; of which see the note on the Preface, sect. + 4.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-12" id="link3note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link3noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ Of this tabernacle of + Moses, with its several parts and furniture, see my description at large, + chap. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12., hereto belonging.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-13" id="link3note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link3noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ The use of these golden + bells at the bottom of the high priest's long garment, seems to me to have + been this: That by shaking his garment at the time of his offering incense + in the temple, on the great day of expiation, or at other proper periods + of his sacred ministrations there, on the great festivals, the people + might have notice of it, and might fall to their own prayers at the time + of incense, or other proper periods; and so the whole congregation might + at once offer those common prayers jointly with the high priest himself to + the Almighty See Luke 1:10; Revelation 8:3, 4. Nor probably is the son of + Sirach to be otherwise understood, when he says of Aaron, the first high + priest, Ecelus. 45:9, "And God encompassed Aaron with pomegranates, and + with many golden bells round about, that as he went there might be a + sound, and a noise made that might be heard in the temple, for a memorial + to the children of his people."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-14" id="link3note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link3noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ The reader ought to take + notice here, that the very Mosaic Petalon, or golden plate, for the + forehead of the Jewish high priest, was itself preserved, not only till + the days of Josephus, but of Origen; and that its inscription, Holiness to + the Lord, was in the Samaritan characters. See Antiq. B. VIII. ch. 3. + sect. 8, Essay on the Old Test. p. 154, and Reland, De pol. Templi, p. + 132.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-15" id="link3note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link3noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ When Josephus, both here + and ch. 6. sect. 4, supposes the tabernacle to have been parted into three + parts, he seems to esteem the bare entrance to be a third division, + distinct from the holy and the most holy places; and this the rather, + because in the temple afterward there was a real distinct third part, + which was called the Porch: otherwise Josephus would contradict his own + description of the tabernacle, which gives as a particular account of no + more than two parts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-16" id="link3note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link3noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ This explication of the + mystical meaning of the Jewish tabernacle and its vessels, with the + garments of the high priest, is taken out of Philo, and fitted to Gentile + philosophical notions. This may possibly be forgiven in Jews, greatly + versed in heathen learning and philosophy, as Philo had ever been, and as + Josephus had long been when he wrote these Antiquities. In the mean time, + it is not to be doubted, but in their education they must have both + learned more Jewish interpretations, such as we meet with in the Epistle + of Barnabas, in that to the Hebrews, and elsewhere among the old Jews. + Accordingly when Josephus wrote his books of the Jewish War, for the use + of the Jews, at which time he was comparatively young, and less used to + Gentile books, we find one specimen of such a Jewish interpretation; for + there [B. VII. ch. 5. sect. 5: he makes the seven branches of the + temple-candlestick, with their seven lamps, an emblem of the seven days of + creation and rest, which are here emblems of the seven planets. Nor + certainly ought ancient Jewish emblems to be explained any other way than + according to ancient Jewish, and not Gentile, notions. See of the War, B. + I. ch. 33. sect. 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-17" id="link3note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link3noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ It is well worth our + observation, that the two principal qualifications required in this + section for the constitution of the first high priest, [viz. that he + should have an excellent character for virtuous and good actions; as also + that he should have the approbation of the people,] are here noted by + Josephus, even where the nomination belonged to God himself; which are the + very same qualifications which the Christian religion requires in the + choice of Christian bishops, priests, and deacons; as the Apostolical + Constitutions inform us, B. II. ch. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-18" id="link3note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link3noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ This weight and value of + the Jewish shekel, in the days of Josephus, equal to about 2s. 10d. + sterling, is, by the learned Jews, owned to be one-fifth larger than were + their old shekels; which determination agrees perfectly with the remaining + shekels that have Samaritan inscriptions, coined generally by Simon the + Maccabee, about 230 years before Josephus published his Antiquities, which + never weigh more than 2s. 4d., and commonly but 2s. 4d. See Reland De + Nummis Samaritanorum, p. 138.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-19" id="link3note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link3noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ The incense was here + offered, according to Josephus's opinion, before sun-rising, and at + sun-setting; but in the days of Pompey, according to the same Josephus, + the sacrifices were offered in the morning, and at the ninth hour. Antiq. + B. XIV. ch. 4. sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-20" id="link3note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link3noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ Hence we may correct the + opinions of the modern Rabbins, who say that only one of the seven lamps + burned in the day-time; whereas our Josephus, an eyewitness, says there + were three.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-21" id="link3note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link3noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ Of this strange + expression, that Moses "left it to God to be present at his sacrifices + when he pleased, and when he pleased to be absent," see the note on B. II. + against Apion, sect. 16.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-22" id="link3note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link3noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ These answers by the + oracle of Urim and Thummim, which words signify, light and perfection, or, + as the Septuagint render them, revelation and truth, and denote nothing + further, that I see, but the shining stones themselves, which were used, + in this method of illumination, in revealing the will of God, after a + perfect and true manner, to his people Israel: I say, these answers were + not made by the shining of the precious stones, after an awkward manner, + in the high priest's breastplate, as the modern Rabbins vainly suppose; + for certainly the shining of the stones might precede or accompany the + oracle, without itself delivering that oracle, see Antiq. B. VI. ch. 6. + sect. 4; but rather by an audible voice from the mercy- seat between the + cherubims. See Prideaux's Connect. at the year 534. This oracle had been + silent, as Josephus here informs us, two hundred years before he wrote his + Antiquities, or ever since the days of the last good high priest of the + family of the Maccabees, John Hyrcanus. Now it is here very well worth our + observation, that the oracle before us was that by which God appeared to + be present with, and gave directions to, his people Israel as their King, + all the while they submitted to him in that capacity; and did not set over + them such independent kings as governed according to their own wills and + political maxims, instead of Divine directions. Accordingly we meet with + this oracle [besides angelic and prophetic admonitions] all along from the + days of Moses and Joshua to the anointing of Saul, the first of the + succession of the kings, Numbers 27:21; Joshua 6:6, etc.; 19:50; Judges + 1:1; 18:4-6, 30, 31; 20:18, 23, 26-28; 21:1, etc.; 1 Samuel 1:17, 18; 3. + per tot.; 4. per tot.; nay, till Saul's rejection of the Divine commands + in the war with Amalek, when he took upon him to act as he thought fit, 1 + Samuel 14:3, 18, 19, 36, 37, then this oracle left Saul entirely, [which + indeed he had seldom consulted before, 1 Samuel 14:35; 1 Chronicles 10:14; + 13:3; Antiq. B. 7 ch. 4 sect 2.] and accompanied David, who was anointed + to succeed him, and who consulted God by it frequently, and complied with + its directions constantly [1 Samuel 14:37, 41; 15:26; 22:13, 15; 23:9, 10; + 30:7, 8, 18; 2 Samuel 2:1; 5:19, 23; 21:1; 23:14; 1 Chronicles 14:10, 14; + Antiq. B IV ch. 12 sect. 5]. Saul, indeed, long after his rejection by + God, and when God had given him up to destruction for his disobedience, + did once afterwards endeavor to consult God when it was too late; but God + would not then answer him, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by + prophets, 1 Samuel 28:6. Nor did any of David's successors, the kings of + Judah, that we know of, consult God by this oracle, till the very + Babylonish captivity itself, when those kings were at an end; they taking + upon them, I suppose, too much of despotic power and royalty, and too + little owning the God of Israel for the supreme King of Israel, though a + few of them consulted the prophets sometimes, and were answered by them. + At the return of the two tribes, without the return of the kingly + government, the restoration of this oracle was expected, Nehemiah 7;63; 1 + Esd. 5:40; 1 Macc. 4:46; 14:41. And indeed it may seem to have been + restored for some time after the Babylonish captivity, at least in the + days of that excellent high priest, John Hyrcanus, whom Josephus esteemed + as a king, a priest, and a prophet; and who, he says, foretold several + things that came to pass accordingly; but about the time of his death, he + here implies, that this oracle quite ceased, and not before. The following + high priests now putting diadems on their heads, and ruling according to + their own will, and by their own authority, like the other kings of the + pagan countries about them; so that while the God of Israel was allowed to + be the supreme King of Israel, and his directions to be their authentic + guides, God gave them such directions as their supreme King and Governor, + and they were properly under a theocracy, by this oracle of Urim, but no + longer [see Dr. Bernard's notes here]; though I confess I cannot but + esteem the high priest Jaddus's divine dream, Antiq. B. XI. ch. 8. sect. + 4, and the high priest Caiaphas's most remarkable prophecy, John 11:47-52, + as two small remains or specimens of this ancient oracle, which properly + belonged to the Jewish high priests: nor perhaps ought we entirely to + forget that eminent prophetic dream of our Josephus himself, [Footnote one + next to a high priest, as of the family of the Asamoneans or Maccabees,] + as to the succession of Vespasian and Titus to the Roman empire, and that + in the days of Nero, and before either Galba, Otho, or Vitellius were + thought of to succeed him. Of the War, B. III. ch. 8. sect. 9. This, I + think, may well be looked on as the very last instance of any thing like + the prophetic Urim among the Jewish nation, and just preceded their fatal + desolation: but how it could possibly come to pass that such great men as + Sir John Marsham and Dr. Spenser, should imagine that this oracle of Urim + and Thummim with other practices as old or older than the law of Moses, + should have been ordained in imitation of somewhat like them among the + Egyptians, which we never hear of till the days of Diodorus Siculus, + Aelian, and Maimonides, or little earlier than the Christian era at the + highest, is almost unaccountable; while the main business of the law of + Moses was evidently to preserve the Israelites from the idolatrous and + superstitious practices of the neighboring pagan nations; and while it is + so undeniable, that the evidence for the great antiquity of Moses's law is + incomparably beyond that for the like or greater antiquity of such customs + in Egypt or other nations, which indeed is generally none at all, it is + most absurd to derive any of Moses's laws from the imitation of those + heathen practices, Such hypotheses demonstrate to us how far inclination + can prevail over evidence, in even some of the most learned part of + mankind.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-23" id="link3note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link3noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ What Reland well + observes here, out of Josephus, as compared with the law of Moses, + Leviticus 7:15, [that the eating of the sacrifice the same day it was + offered, seems to mean only before the morning of the next, although the + latter part, i.e. the night, be in strictness part of the next day, + according to the Jewish reckoning,] is greatly to be observed upon other + occasions also. The Jewish maxim in such cases, it seems, is this: That + the day goes before the night; and this appears to me to be the language + both of the Old and New Testament. See also the note on Antiq. B. IV. ch. + 4. sect. 4, and Reland's note on B. IV. ch. 8. sect. 28.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-24" id="link3note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link3noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ We may here note, that + Josephus frequently calls the camp the city, and the court of the Mosaic + tabernacle a temple, and the tabernacle itself a holy house, with allusion + to the latter city, temple, and holy house, which he knew so well long + afterwards.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-25" id="link3note-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#link3noteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ These words of Josephus + are remarkable, that the lawgiver of the Jews required of the priests a + double degree of parity, in comparison of that required of the people, of + which he gives several instances immediately. It was for certain the case + also among the first Christians, of the clergy, in comparison of the + laity, as the Apostolical Constitutions and Canons every where inform us.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-26" id="link3note-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#link3noteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ We must here note with + Reland, that the precept given to the priests of not drinking wine while + they wore the sacred garments, is equivalent; to their abstinence from it + all the while they ministered in the temple; because they then always, and + then only, wore those sacred garments, which were laid up there from one + time of ministration to another.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link3note-27" id="link3note-27"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#link3noteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ See Antiq, B. XX. ch. 2. + sect, 6. and Acts 11:28.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link42H_4_0001" id="link42H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK IV. Containing The Interval Of Thirty-Eight Years.—From + The Rejection Of That Generation To The Death Of Moses.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link42HCH0001" id="link42HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. Fight Of The Hebrews With The Canaanites Without The Consent Of + Moses; And Their Defeat. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now this life of the Hebrews in the wilderness was so disagreeable and + troublesome to them, and they were so uneasy at it, that although God had + forbidden them to meddle with the Canaanites, yet could they not be + persuaded to be obedient to the words of Moses, and to be quiet; but + supposing they should be able to beat their enemies, without his + approbation, they accused him, and suspected that he made it his business + to keep them in a distressed condition, that they might always stand in need of + his assistance. Accordingly they resolved to fight with the Canaanites, + and said that God gave them his assistance, not out of regard to Moses's + intercessions, but because he took care of their entire nation, on account + of their forefathers, whose affairs he took under his own conduct; as + also, that it was on account of their own virtue that he had formerly + procured them their liberty, and would be assisting to them, now they were + willing to take pains for it. They also said that they were possessed of + abilities sufficient for the conquest of their enemies, although Moses + should have a mind to alienate God from them; that, however, it was for + their advantage to be their own masters, and not so far to rejoice in + their deliverance from the indignities they endured under the Egyptians, + as to bear the tyranny of Moses over them, and to suffer themselves to be + deluded, and live according to his pleasure, as though God did only + foretell what concerns us out of his kindness to him, as if they were not + all the posterity of Abraham; that God made him alone the author of all + the knowledge we have, and we must still learn it from him; that it would + be a piece of prudence to oppose his arrogant pretenses, and to put their + confidence in God, and to resolve to take possession of that land which he + had promised them, and not to give ear to him, who on this account, and + under the pretense of Divine authority, forbade them so to do. + Considering, therefore, the distressed state they were in at present, and + that in those desert places they were still to expect things would be + worse with them, they resolved to fight with the Canaanites, as submitting + only to God, their supreme Commander, and not waiting for any assistance + from their legislator. + </p> + <p> + 2. When, therefore, they had come to this resolution, as being best for + them, they went against their enemies; but those enemies were not dismayed + either at the attack itself, or at the great multitude that made it, and + received them with great courage. Many of the Hebrews were slain; and the + remainder of the army, upon the disorder of their troops, were pursued, + and fled, after a shameful manner, to their camp. Whereupon this + unexpected misfortune made them quite despond; and they hoped for nothing + that was good; as gathering from it, that this affliction came from the + wrath of God, because they rashly went out to war without his approbation. + </p> + <p> + 3. But when Moses saw how deeply they were affected with this defeat, and + being afraid lest the enemies should grow insolent upon this victory, and + should be desirous of gaining still greater glory, and should attack them, + he resolved that it was proper to withdraw the army into the wilderness to + a further distance from the Canaanites: so the multitude gave themselves + up again to his conduct, for they were sensible that, without his care for + them, their affairs could not be in a good condition; and he caused the + host to remove, and he went further into the wilderness, as intending + there to let them rest, and not to permit them to fight the Canaanites + before God should afford them a more favorable opportunity. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link42HCH0002" id="link42HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. The Sedition Of Corah And Of The Multitude Against Moses, And + Against His Brother, Concerning The Priesthood. + </h3> + <p> + 1. That which is usually the case of great armies, and especially upon ill + success, to be hard to be pleased, and governed with difficulty, did now + befall the Jews; for they being in number six hundred thousand, and by + reason of their great multitude not readily subject to their governors, + even in prosperity, they at this time were more than usually angry, both + against one another and against their leader, because of the distress they + were in, and the calamities they then endured. Such a sedition overtook + them, as we have not the like example either among the Greeks or the + Barbarians, by which they were in danger of being all destroyed, but were + notwithstanding saved by Moses, who would not remember that he had been + almost stoned to death by them. Nor did God neglect to prevent their ruin; + but, notwithstanding the indignities they had offered their legislator and + the laws, and disobedience to the commandments which he had sent them by + Moses, he delivered them from those terrible calamities which, without his + providential care, had been brought upon them by this sedition. So I will + first explain the cause whence this sedition arose, and then will give an + account of the sedition itself; as also of what settlements made for their + government after it was over. + </p> + <p> + 2. Corah, a Hebrew of principal account, both by his family and by his + wealth, one that was also able to speak well, and one that could easily + persuade the people by his speeches, saw that Moses was in an exceeding + great dignity, and was at it, and envied him on that account, [he of the + same tribe with Moses, and of kin to him,] was particularly grieved, + because he thought he better deserved that honorable post on account of + great riches, and not inferior to him in his birth. So he raised a clamor + against him among the Levites, who were of the same tribe, and among his + kindred, saying, "That it was a very sad thing that they should overlook + Moses, while he hunted after and paved the way to glory for himself, and by + ill arts should obtain it, under the pretense of God's command, while, + contrary to laws, he had given the priesthood to Aaron, the common + suffrage of the multitude, but by his own vote, as bestowing dignities in + a way on whom he pleased." He added, "That this concealed way of imposing + on them was harder to be borne than if it had been done by an open force + upon them, because he did now not only usurp their power without their consent, + but even they were unapprised of his contrivances against them; for + whosoever is conscious to himself that he deserves any dignity, aims to + get it by persuasion, and not by an arrogant method of violence; those + that believe it impossible to obtain honors justly, make a show of + goodness, and do not introduce force, but by cunning tricks grow wickedly + powerful. That it was proper for the multitude to punish such men, even + while they think themselves concealed in their designs, and not suffer + them to gain strength till they have them for their open enemies. For what + account," added he, "is Moses able to give, why he has bestowed the + priesthood on Aaron and his sons? for if God had determined to bestow that + honor on one of the tribe of Levi, I am more worthy of it than he is; I + myself being equal to Moses by my family, and superior to him both in + riches and in age: but if God had determined to bestow it on the eldest + be, that of Reuben might have it most justly; and then Dathan, and Abiram, + and [On, the son of] Peleth, would have it; for these are the oldest men + of that tribe, and potent on account of their great wealth also." + </p> + <p> + 3. Now Corah, when he said this, had a mind to appear to take care of the + public welfare, but in reality he was endeavoring to procure to have that + dignity transferred by the multitude to himself. Thus did he, out of a + malignant design, but with plausible words, discourse to those of his own + tribe; when these words did gradually spread to more people, and when the + hearers still added to what tended to the scandals that were cast upon + Aaron, the whole army was full of them. Now of those that conspired with + Corah, there were two hundred and fifty, and those of the principal men + also, who were eager to have the priesthood taken away from Moses's + brother, and to bring him into disgrace: nay, the multitude themselves + were provoked to be seditious, and attempted to stone Moses, and gathered + themselves together after an indecent manner, with confusion and disorder. + And now all were, in a tumultuous manner, raising a clamour before the + tabernacle of God, to prosecute the tyrant, and to relieve the multitude + from their slavery under him who, under color of the Divine laid violent + injunctions upon them; for had it been God who chose one that was to + perform the office of a priest, he would have raised person to that + dignity, and would not have produced such a one as was inferior to many others + nor have given him that office; and that in he had judged it fit to bestow + it on Aaron, he would have permitted it to the multitude to bestow it, and + not have left it to be bestowed by his own brother. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now although Moses had a great while ago foreseen this calumny of + Corah, and had seen the people were irritated, yet was he not affrighted + at it; but being of good courage, because given them right advice about + their affairs, and knowing that his brother had been made partaker of the + priesthood at the command of God, and not by his own favor to him, he came + to the assembly; and as for the multitude, he said not a word to them, but + spake as loud to Corah as he could; and being very skillful in making + speeches, and having this natural talent, among others, that he could + greatly move the multitude with his discourses, he said, "O Corah, both + thou and all these with thee [pointing to the two hundred and fifty men] + seem to be worthy of this honor; nor do I pretend but that this whole + company may be worthy of the like dignity, although they may not be so + rich or so great as you are: nor have I taken and given this office to my + brother because he excelled others in riches, for thou exceedest us both + in the greatness of thy wealth; <a href="#link4note-1" + name="link4noteref-1" id="link4noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> nor indeed + because he was of an eminent family, for God, by giving us the same common + ancestor, has made our families equal: nay, nor was it out of brotherly + affection, which another might yet have justly done; for certainly, unless + I had bestowed this honor out of regard to God, and to his laws, I had not + passed by myself, and given it to another, as being nearer of kin to + myself than to my brother, and having a closer intimacy with myself than I + have with him; for surely it would not be a wise thing for me to expose + myself to the dangers of offending, and to bestow the happy employment on + this account upon another. But I am above such base practices: nor would + God have overlooked this matter, and seen himself thus despised; nor would + he have suffered you to be ignorant of what you were to do, in order to + please him; but he hath himself chosen one that is to perform that sacred + office to him, and thereby freed us from that care. So that it was not a + thing that I pretend to give, but only according to the determination of + God; I therefore propose it still to be contended for by such as please to + put in for it, only desiring that he who has been already preferred, and + has already obtained it, may be allowed now also to offer himself for a + candidate. He prefers your peace, and your living without sedition, to + this honorable employment, although in truth it was with your approbation + that he obtained it; for though God were the donor, yet do we not offend + when we think fit to accept it with your good-will; yet would it have been + an instance of impiety not to have taken that honorable employment when he + offered it; nay, it had been exceedingly unreasonable, when God had + thought fit any one should have it for all time to come, and had made it + secure and firm to him, to have refused it. However, he himself will judge + again who it shall be whom he would have to offer sacrifices to him, and + to have the direction of matters of religion; for it is absurd that Corah, + who is ambitious of this honor, should deprive God of the power of giving + it to whom he pleases. Put an end, therefore, to your sedition and + disturbance on this account; and tomorrow morning do every one of you that + desire the priesthood bring a censer from home, and come hither with + incense and fire: and do thou, O Corah, leave the judgment to God, and + await to see on which side he will give his determination upon this + occasion, but do not thou make thyself greater than God. Do thou also + come, that this contest about this honorable employment may receive + determination. And I suppose we may admit Aaron without offense, to offer + himself to this scrutiny, since he is of the same lineage with thyself, + and has done nothing in his priesthood that can be liable to exception. + Come ye therefore together, and offer your incense in public before all + the people; and when you offer it, he whose sacrifice God shall accept + shall be ordained to the priesthood, and shall be clear of the present + calumny on Aaron, as if I had granted him that favor because he was my + brother." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link42HCH0003" id="link42HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. How Those That Stirred Up This Sedition Were Destroyed, + According To The Will Of God; And How Aaron, Moses's Brother Both He And + His Posterity, Retained The Priesthood. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Moses had said this, the multitude left off the turbulent behavior + they had indulged, and the suspicion they had of Moses, and commended what + he had said; for those proposals were good, and were so esteemed of the + people. At that time therefore they dissolved the assembly. But on the + next day they came to the congregation, in order to be present at the + sacrifice, and at the determination that was to be made between the + candidates for the priesthood. Now this congregation proved a turbulent + one, and the multitude were in great suspense in expectation of what was + to be done; for some of them would have been pleased if Moses had been + convicted of evil practices, but the wiser sort desired that they might be + delivered from the present disorder and disturbance; for they were afraid, + that if this sedition went on, the good order of their settlement would + rather be destroyed; but the whole body of the people do naturally delight + in clamors against their governors, and, by changing their opinions upon + the harangues of every speaker, disturb the public tranquillity. And now + Moses sent messengers for Abiram and Dathan, and ordered them to come to + the assembly, and wait there for the holy offices that were to be + performed. But they answered the messenger, that they would not obey his + summons; nay, would not overlook Moses's behavior, who was growing too + great for them by evil practices. Now when Moses heard of this their + answer, he desired the heads of the people to follow him, and he went to + the faction of Dathan, not thinking it any frightful thing at all to go to + these insolent people; so they made no opposition, but went along with + him. But Dathan, and his associates, when they understood that Moses and + the principal of the people were coming to them, came out, with their + wives and children, and stood before their tents, and looked to see what + Moses would do. They had also their servants about them to defend + themselves, in case Moses should use force against them. + </p> + <p> + 2. But he came near, and lifted up his hands to heaven, and cried out with + a loud voice, in order to be heard by the whole multitude, and said, "O + Lord of the creatures that are in the heaven, in the earth, and in the + sea; for thou art the most authentic witness to what I have done, that it + has all been done by thy appointment, and that it was thou that affordedst + us assistance when we attempted any thing, and showedst mercy on the + Hebrews in all their distresses; do thou come now, and hear all that I + say, for no action or thought escapes thy knowledge; so that thou wilt not + disdain to speak what is true, for my vindication, without any regard to + the ungrateful imputations of these men. As for what was done before I was + born, thou knowest best, as not learning them by report, but seeing them, + and being present with them when they were done; but for what has been + done of late, and which these men, although they know them well enough, + unjustly pretend to suspect, be thou my witness. When I lived a private + quiet life, I left those good things which, by my own diligence, and by + thy counsel, I enjoyed with Raguel my father-in-law; and I gave myself up + to this people, and underwent many miseries on their account. I also bore + great labors at first, in order to obtain liberty for them, and now in + order to their preservation; and have always showed myself ready to assist + them in every distress of theirs. Now, therefore, since I am suspected by + those very men whose being is owing to my labors, come thou, as it is + reasonable to hope thou wilt; thou, I say, who showedst me that fire at + mount Sinai, and madest me to hear its voice, and to see the several + wonders which that place afforded thou who commandedst me to go to Egypt, + and declare thy will to this people; thou who disturbest the happy estate + of the Egyptians, and gavest us the opportunity of flying away from out + under them, and madest the dominion of Pharaoh inferior to my dominion; + thou who didst make the sea dry land for us, when we knew not whither to + go, and didst overwhelm the Egyptians with those destructive waves which + had been divided for us; thou who didst bestow upon us the security of + weapons when we were naked; thou who didst make the fountains that were + corrupted to flow, so as to be fit for drinking, and didst furnish us with + water that came out of the rocks, when we were in want of it; thou who + didst preserve our lives with [quails, which was] food from the sea, when + the fruits of the ground failed us; thou didst send us such food from + heaven as had never been seen before; thou who didst suggest to us the + knowledge of thy laws, and appoint to us a form of government,—come thou, + I say, O Lord of the whole world, and that as such a Judge and a Witness + to me as cannot be bribed, and show how I never admitted of any gift + against justice from any of the Hebrews; and have never condemned a man + that ought to have been acquitted, on account of one that was rich; and + have never attempted to hurt this commonwealth. I am now and am suspected + of a thing the remotest from my intentions, as if I had given the + preisthood to Aaron, not at thy command, but out own favor to him; do thou + at this time demonstrate that all things are administered by thy + providence and that nothing happens by chance, but is governed by thy + will, and thereby attains its end: as also demonstrate that thou takest + care that have done good to the Hebrews; demonstrate this, I say, by the + punishment of Abiram and Dathan, who condemn thee as an insensible Being, + and one overcome by my contrivances. This thou do by inflicting such an + open punishment on these men who so madly fly in the face of thy glory, as + will take them out of the world, not in an manner, but so that it may + appear they do die after the manner of other men: let that ground which + they tread upon open about them and consume them, with their families and + goods. This will be a demonstration of thy power to all and this method of + their sufferings will be an instruction of wisdom for those that entertain + profane sentiments of thee. By this means I shall be a good servant, in + the precepts thou hast given by me. But if the calumnies they have raised + against me be true, mayst thou preserve these men from every evil + accident, and bring all that destruction on me which I have imprecated + upon them. And when thou hast inflicted punishment on those that have + endeavored to deal unjustly with this people, bestow upon them concord and + peace. Save this multitude that follow thy commandments, and preserve them + free from harm, and let them not partake of the punishment of those that + have sinned; for thou knowest thyself it is not just, that for the + wickedness of those men the whole body of the Israelites should suffer + punishment." + </p> + <p> + 3. When Moses had said this, with tears in his eyes, the ground was moved + on a sudden; and the agitation that set it in motion was like that which + the wind produces in waves of the sea. The people were all affrighted; and + the ground that was about their tents sunk down at the great noise, with a + terrible sound, and carried whatsoever was dear to the seditious into + itself, who so entirely perished, that there was not the least appearance + that any man had ever been seen there, the earth that had opened itself + about them, closing again, and becoming entire as it was before, insomuch + that such as saw it afterward did not perceive that any such accident had + happened to it. Thus did these men perish, and become a demonstration of + the power of God. And truly, any one would lament them, not only on + account of this calamity that befell them, which yet deserves our + commiseration, but also because their kindred were pleased with their + sufferings; for they forgot the relation they bare to them, and at the + sight of this sad accident approved of the judgment given against them; + and because they looked upon the people about Dathan as pestilent men, + they thought they perished as such, and did not grieve for them. + </p> + <p> + 4. And now Moses called for those that contended about the priesthood, + that trial might be made who should be priest, and that he whose sacrifice + God was best pleased with might be ordained to that function. There + attended two hundred and fifty men, who indeed were honored by the people, + not only on account of the power of their ancestors, but also on account + of their own, in which they excelled the others: Aaron also and Corah came + forth, and they all offered incense, in those censers of theirs which they + brought with them, before the tabernacle. Hereupon so great a fire shone + out as no one ever saw in any that is made by the hand of man, neither in + those eruptions out of the earth that are caused by subterraneous + burn-rags, nor in such fires as arise of their own accord in the woods, + when the agitation is caused by the trees rubbing one against another: but + this fire was very bright, and had a terrible flame, such as is kindled at + the command of God; by whose irruption on them, all the company, and Corah + himself, were destroyed, <a href="#link4note-2" name="link4noteref-2" + id="link4noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> and this so entirely, that their + very bodies left no remains behind them. Aaron alone was preserved, and + not at all hurt by the fire, because it was God that sent the fire to burn + those only who ought to be burned. Hereupon Moses, after these men were + destroyed, was desirous that the memory of this judgment might be + delivered down to posterity, and that future ages might be acquainted with + it; and so he commanded Eleazar, the son of Aaron, to put their censers + near the brazen altar, that they might be a memorial to posterity of what + these men suffered, for supposing that the power of God might be eluded. + And thus Aaron was now no longer esteemed to have the priesthood by the + favor of Moses, but by the public judgment of God; and thus he and his + children peaceably enjoyed that honor afterward. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link42HCH0004" id="link42HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. What Happened To The Hebrews During Thirty-Eight Years In The + Wilderness. + </h3> + <p> + 1. However, this sedition was so far from ceasing upon this destruction, + that it grew much stronger, and became more intolerable. And the occasion + of its growing worse was of that nature, as made it likely the calamity + would never cease, but last for a long time; for the men, believing + already that nothing is done without the providence of God, would have it + that these things came thus to pass not without God's favor to Moses; they + therefore laid the blame upon him that God was so angry, and that this + happened not so much because of the wickedness of those that were + punished, as because Moses procured the punishment; and that these men had + been destroyed without any sin of theirs, only because they were zealous + about the Divine worship; as also, that he who had been the cause of this + diminution of the people, by destroying so many men, and those the most + excellent of them all, besides his escaping any punishment himself, had + now given the priesthood to his brother so firmly, that nobody could any + longer dispute it with him; for no one else, to be sure, could now put in + for it, since he must have seen those that first did so to have miserably + perished. Nay, besides this, the kindred of those that were destroyed made + great entreaties to the multitude to abate the arrogance of Moses, because + it would be safest for them so to do. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Moses, upon his hearing for a good while that the people were + tumultuous, was afraid that they would attempt some other innovation, and + that some great and sad calamity would be the consequence. He called the + multitude to a congregation, and patiently heard what apology they had to + make for themselves, without opposing them, and this lest he should + imbitter the multitude: he only desired the heads of the tribes to bring + their rods, <a href="#link4note-3" name="link4noteref-3" + id="link4noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> with the names of their tribes + inscribed upon them, and that he should receive the priesthood in whose + rod God should give a sign. This was agreed to. So the rest brought their + rods, as did Aaron also, who had written the tribe of Levi on his rod. + These rods Moses laid up in the tabernacle of God. On the next day he + brought out the rods, which were known from one another by those who + brought them, they having distinctly noted them, as had the multitude + also; and as to the rest, in the same form Moses had received them, in + that they saw them still; but they also saw buds and branches grown out of + Aaron's rod, with ripe fruits upon them; they were almonds, the rod having + been cut out of that tree. The people were so amazed at this strange + sight, that though Moses and Aaron were before under some degree of + hatred, they now laid that hatred aside, and began to admire the judgment + of God concerning them; so that hereafter they applauded what God had + decreed, and permitted Aaron to enjoy the priesthood peaceably. And thus + God ordained him priest three several times, and he retained that honor + without further disturbance. And hereby this sedition of the Hebrews, + which had been a great one, and had lasted a great while, was at last + composed. + </p> + <p> + 3. And now Moses, because the tribe of Levi was made free from war and + warlike expeditions, and was set apart for the Divine worship, lest they + should want and seek after the necessaries of life, and so neglect the + temple, commanded the Hebrews, according to the will of God, that when + they should gain the possession of the land of Canaan, they should assign + forty-eight good and fair cities to the Levites; and permit them to enjoy + their suburbs, as far as the limit of two thousand cubits would extend + from the walls of the city. And besides this, he appointed that the people + should pay the tithe of their annual fruits of the earth, both to the + Levites and to the priests. And this is what that tribe receives of the + multitude; but I think it necessary to set down what is paid by all, + peculiarly to the priests. + </p> + <p> + 4. Accordingly he commanded the Levites to yield up to the priests + thirteen of their forty-eight cities, and to set apart for them the tenth + part of the tithes which they every year receive of the people; as also, + that it was but just to offer to God the first-fruits of the entire + product of the ground; and that they should offer the first-born of those + four-footed beasts that are appointed for sacrifices, if it be a male, to + the priests, to be slain, that they and their entire families may eat them + in the holy city; but that the owners of those first-born which are not + appointed for sacrifices in the laws of our country, should bring a shekel + and a half in their stead: but for the first-born of a man, five shekels: + that they should also have the first-fruits out of the shearing of the + sheep; and that when any baked bread corn, and made loaves of it, they + should give somewhat of what they had baked to them. Moreover, when any + have made a sacred vow, I mean those that are called Nazarites, that + suffer their hair to grow long, and use no wine, when they consecrate + their hair, <a href="#link4note-4" name="link4noteref-4" + id="link4noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> and offer it for a sacrifice, + they are to allot that hair for the priests [to be thrown into the fire]. + Such also as dedicate themselves to God, as a corban, which denotes what + the Greeks call a gift, when they are desirous of being freed from that + ministration, are to lay down money for the priests; thirty shekels if it + be a woman, and fifty if it be a man; but if any be too poor to pay the + appointed sum, it shall be lawful for the priests to determine that sum as + they think fit. And if any slay beasts at home for a private festival, but + not for a religious one, they are obliged to bring the maw and the cheek, + [or breast,] and the right shoulder of the sacrifice, to the priests. With + these Moses contrived that the priests should be plentifully maintained, + besides what they had out of those offerings for sins which the people + gave them, as I have set it down in the foregoing book. He also ordered, + that out of every thing allotted for the priests, their servants, [their + sons,] their daughters, and their wives, should partake, as well as + themselves, excepting what came to them out of the sacrifices that were + offered for sins; for of those none but the males of the family of the + priests might eat, and this in the temple also, and that the same day they + were offered. + </p> + <p> + 5. When Moses had made these constitutions, after the sedition was over, + he removed, together with the whole army, and came to the borders of + Idumea. He then sent ambassadors to the king of the Idumeans, and desired + him to give him a passage through his country; and agreed to send him what + hostages he should desire, to secure him from an injury. He desired him + also, that he would allow his army liberty to buy provisions; and, if he + insisted upon it, he would pay down a price for the very water they should + drink. But the king was not pleased with this embassage from Moses: nor + did he allow a passage for the army, but brought his people armed to meet + Moses, and to hinder them, in case they should endeavor to force their + passage. Upon which Moses consulted God by the oracle, who would not have + him begin the war first; and so he withdrew his forces, and traveled round + about through the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + 6. Then it was that Miriam, the sister of Moses, came to her end, having + completed her fortieth year <a href="#link4note-5" name="link4noteref-5" + id="link4noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> since she left Egypt, on the + first <a href="#link4note-6" name="link4noteref-6" id="link4noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> + day of the lunar month Xanthicus. They then made a public funeral for her, + at a great expense. She was buried upon a certain mountain, which they + call Sin: and when they had mourned for her thirty days, Moses purified + the people after this manner: He brought a heifer that had never been used + to the plough or to husbandry, that was complete in all its parts, and + entirely of a red color, at a little distance from the camp, into a place + perfectly clean. This heifer was slain by the high priest, and her blood + sprinkled with his finger seven times before the tabernacle of God; after + this, the entire heifer was burnt in that state, together with its skin + and entrails; and they threw cedar-wood, and hyssop, and scarlet wool, + into the midst of the fire; then a clean man gathered all her ashes + together, and laid them in a place perfectly clean. When therefore any + persons were defiled by a dead body, they put a little of these ashes into + spring water, with hyssop, and, dipping part of these ashes in it, they + sprinkled them with it, both on the third day, and on the seventh, and + after that they were clean. This he enjoined them to do also when the + tribes should come into their own land. + </p> + <p> + 7. Now when this purification, which their leader made upon the mourning + for his sister, as it has been now described, was over, he caused the army + to remove and to march through the wilderness and through Arabia; and when + he came to a place which the Arabians esteem their metropolis, which was + formerly called Arce, but has now the name of Petra, at this place, which + was encompassed with high mountains, Aaron went up one of them in the + sight of the whole army, Moses having before told him that he was to die, + for this place was over against them. He put off his pontifical garments, + and delivered them to Eleazar his son, to whom the high priesthood + belonged, because he was the elder brother; and died while the multitude + looked upon him. He died in the same year wherein he lost his sister, + having lived in all a hundred twenty and three years. He died on the first + day of that lunar month which is called by the Athenians Hecatombaeon, by + the Macedonians Lous, but by the Hebrews Abba. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link42HCH0005" id="link42HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. How Moses Conquered Sihon And Og Kings Of The Amorites, And + Destroyed Their Whole Army And Then Divided Their Land By Lot To Two + Tribes And A Half Of The Hebrews. + </h3> + <p> + 1. The people mourned for Aaron thirty days, and when this mourning was + over, Moses removed the army from that place, and came to the river Arnon, + which, issuing out of the mountains of Arabia, and running through all + that wilderness, falls into the lake Asphaltitis, and becomes the limit + between the land of the Moabites and the land of the Amorites. This land + is fruitful, and sufficient to maintain a great number of men, with the + good things it produces. Moses therefore sent messengers to Sihon, the + king of this country, desiring that he would grant his army a passage, + upon what security he should please to require; he promised that he should + be no way injured, neither as to that country which Sihon governed, nor as + to its inhabitants; and that he would buy his provisions at such a price + as should be to their advantage, even though he should desire to sell them + their very water. But Sihon refused his offer, and put his army into + battle array, and was preparing every thing in order to hinder their + passing over Arnon. + </p> + <p> + 2. When Moses saw that the Amorite king was disposed to enter upon + hostilities with them, he thought he ought not to bear that insult; and, + determining to wean the Hebrews from their indolent temper, and prevent + the disorders which arose thence, which had been the occasion of their + former sedition, [nor indeed were they now thoroughly easy in their + minds,] he inquired of God, whether he would give him leave to fight? + which when he had done, and God also promised him the victory, he was + himself very courageous, and ready to proceed to fighting. Accordingly he + encouraged the soldiers; and he desired of them that they would take the + pleasure of fighting, now God gave them leave so to do. They then, upon + the receipt of this permission, which they so much longed for, put on + their whole armor, and set about the work without delay. But the Amorite + king was not now like to himself when the Hebrews were ready to attack + him; but both he himself was affrighted at the Hebrews, and his army, + which before had showed themselves to be of good courage, were then found + to be timorous: so they could not sustain the first onset, nor bear up + against the Hebrews, but fled away, as thinking this would afford them a + more likely way for their escape than fighting, for they depended upon + their cities, which were strong, from which yet they reaped no advantage + when they were forced to fly to them; for as soon as the Hebrews saw them + giving ground, they immediately pursued them close; and when they had + broken their ranks, they greatly terrified them, and some of them broke + off from the rest, and ran away to the cities. Now the Hebrews pursued + them briskly, and obstinately persevered in the labors they had already + undergone; and being very skillful in slinging, and very dexterous in + throwing of darts, or any thing else of that kind, and also having nothing + but light armor, which made them quick in the pursuit, they overtook their + enemies; and for those that were most remote, and could not be overtaken, + they reached them by their slings and their bows, so that many were slain; + and those that escaped the slaughter were sorely wounded, and these were + more distressed with thirst than with any of those that fought against + them, for it was the summer season; and when the greatest number of them + were brought down to the river out of a desire to drink, as also when + others fled away by troops, the Hebrews came round them, and shot at them; + so that, what with darts and what with arrows, they made a slaughter of + them all. Sihon their king was also slain. So the Hebrews spoiled the dead + bodies, and took their prey. The land also which they took was full of + abundance of fruits, and the army went all over it without fear, and fed + their cattle upon it; and they took the enemies prisoners, for they could + no way put a stop to them, since all the fighting men were destroyed. Such + was the destruction which overtook the Amorites, who were neither + sagacious in counsel, nor courageous in action. Hereupon the Hebrews took + possession of their land, which is a country situate between three rivers, + and naturally resembled an island: the river Arnon being its southern; the + river Jabbok determining its northern side, which running into Jordan + loses its own name, and takes the other; while Jordan itself runs along by + it, on its western coast. + </p> + <p> + 3. When matters were come to this state, Og, the king of Gilead and + Gaulanitis, fell upon the Israelites. He brought an army with him, and in + haste to the assistance of his friend Sihon: but though he found him + already slain, yet did he resolve still to come and fight the Hebrews, + supposing he should be too hard for them, and being desirous to try their + valor; but failing of his hope, he was both himself slain in the battle, + and all his army was destroyed. So Moses passed over the river Jabbok, and + overran the kingdom of Og. He overthrew their cities, and slew all their + inhabitants, who yet exceeded in riches all the men in that part of the + continent, on account of the goodness of the soil, and the great quantity + of their wealth. Now Og had very few equals, either in the largeness of + his body, or handsomeness of his appearance. He was also a man of great + activity in the use of his hands, so that his actions were not unequal to + the vast largeness and handsome appearance of his body. And men could + easily guess at his strength and magnitude when they took his bed at + Rabbath, the royal city of the Ammonites; its structure was of iron, its + breadth four cubits, and its length a cubit more than double thereto. + However, his fall did not only improve the circumstances of the Hebrews + for the present, but by his death he was the occasion of further good + success to them; for they presently took those sixty cities, which were + encompassed with excellent walls, and had been subject to him, and all got + both in general and in particular a great prey. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link42HCH0006" id="link42HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. Concerning Balaam The Prophet And What Kind Of Man He Was. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Moses, when he had brought his army to Jordan; pitched his camp in + the great plain over against Jericho. This city is a very happy situation, + and very fit for producing palm-trees and balsam. And now the Israelites + began to be very proud of themselves, and were very eager for fighting. + Moses then, after he had offered for a few days sacrifices of thanksgiving + to God, and feasted the people, sent a party of armed men to lay waste the + country of the Midianites, and to take their cities. Now the occasion + which he took for making war upon them was this that follows:— + </p> + <p> + 2. When Balak, the king of the Moabites, who had from his ancestors a + friendship and league with the Midianites, saw how great the Israelites + were grown, he was much affrighted on account of his own and his kingdom's + danger; for he was not acquainted with this, that the Hebrews would not + meddle with any other country, but were to be contented with the + possession of the land of Canaan, God having forbidden them to go any + farther <a href="#link4note-7" name="link4noteref-7" id="link4noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> + So he, with more haste than wisdom, resolved to make an attempt upon them + by words; but he did not judge it prudent to fight against them, after + they had such prosperous successes, and even became out of ill successes + more happy than before, but he thought to hinder them, if he could, from + growing greater, and so he resolved to send ambassadors to the Midianites + about them. Now these Midianites knowing there was one Balaam, who lived + by Euphrates, and was the greatest of the prophets at that time, and one + that was in friendship with them, sent some of their honorable princes + along with the ambassadors of Balak, to entreat the prophet to come to + them, that he might imprecate curses to the destruction of the Israelites. + So Balaam received the ambassadors, and treated them very kindly; and when + he had supped, he inquired what was God's will, and what this matter was + for which the Midianites entreated him to come to them. But when God + opposed his going, he came to the ambassadors, and told them that he was + himself very willing and desirous to comply with their request, but + informed them that God was opposite to his intentions, even that God who + had raised him to great reputation on account of the truth of his + predictions; for that this army, which they entreated him to come and + curse, was in the favor of God; on which account he advised them to go + home again, and not to persist in their enmity against the Israelites; and + when he had given them that answer, he dismissed the ambassadors. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now the Midianites, at the earnest request and fervent entreaties of + Balak, sent other ambassadors to Balaam, who, desiring to gratify the men, + inquired again of God; but he was displeased at [second] trial <a + href="#link4note-8" name="link4noteref-8" id="link4noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> + and bid him by no means to contradict the ambassadors. Now Balaam did not + imagine that God gave this injunction in order to deceive him, so he went + along with the ambassadors; but when the divine angel met him in the way, + when he was in a narrow passage, and hedged in with a wall on both sides, + the ass on which Balaam rode understood that it was a divine spirit that + met him, and thrust Balaam to one of the walls, without regard to the + stripes which Balaam, when he was hurt by the wall, gave her; but when the + ass, upon the angel's continuing to distress her, and upon the stripes + which were given her, fell down, by the will of God, she made use of the + voice of a man, and complained of Balaam as acting unjustly to her; that + whereas he had no fault to find with her in her former service to him, he now + inflicted stripes upon her, as not understanding that she was hindered + from serving him in what he was now going about, by the providence of God. + And when he was disturbed by reason of the voice of the ass, which was + that of a man, the angel plainly appeared to him, and blamed him for the + stripes he had given his ass; and informed him that the brute creature was + not in fault, but that he was himself come to obstruct his journey, as + being contrary to the will of God. Upon which Balaam was afraid, and was + preparing to return back again: yet did God excite him to go on his + intended journey, but added this injunction, that he should declare + nothing but what he himself should suggest to his mind. + </p> + <p> + 4. When God had given him this charge, he came to Balak; and when the king + had entertained him in a magnificent manner, he desired him to go to one + of the mountains to take a view of the state of the camp of the Hebrews. + Balak himself also came to the mountain, and brought the prophet along + with him, with a royal attendance. This mountain lay over their heads, and + was distant sixty furlongs from the camp. Now when he saw them, he desired + the king to build him seven altars, and to bring him as many bulls and + rams; to which desire the king did presently conform. He then slew the + sacrifices, and offered them as burnt-offerings, that he might observe + some signal of the flight of the Hebrews. Then said he, "Happy is this + people, on whom God bestows the possession of innumerable good things, and + grants them his own providence to be their assistant and their guide; so + that there is not any nation among mankind but you will be esteemed + superior to them in virtue, and in the earnest prosecution of the best + rules of life, and of such as are pure from wickedness, and will leave + those rules to your excellent children; and this out of the regard that + God bears to you, and the provision of such things for you as may render + you happier than any other people under the sun. You shall retain that + land to which he hath sent you, and it shall ever be under the command of + your children; and both all the earth, as well as the seas, shall be + filled with your glory: and you shall be sufficiently numerous to supply + the world in general, and every region of it in particular, with + inhabitants out of your stock. However, O blessed army! wonder that you + are become so many from one father: and truly, the land of Canaan can now + hold you, as being yet comparatively few; but know ye that the whole world + is proposed to be your place of habitation for ever. The multitude of your + posterity also shall live as well in the islands as on the continent, and + that more in number than are the stars of heaven. And when you are become + so many, God will not relinquish the care of you, but will afford you an + abundance of all good things in times of peace, with victory and dominion + in times of war. May the children of your enemies have an inclination to + fight against you; and may they be so hardy as to come to arms, and to + assault you in battle, for they will not return with victory, nor will + their return be agreeable to their children and wives. To so great a + degree of valor will you be raised by the providence of God, who is able + to diminish the affluence of some, and to supply the wants of others." + </p> + <p> + 5. Thus did Balaam speak by inspiration, as not being in his own power, + but moved to say what he did by the Divine Spirit. But then Balak was + displeased, and said he had broken the contract he had made, whereby he + was to come, as he and his confederates had invited him, by the promise of + great presents: for whereas he came to curse their enemies, he had made an + encomium upon them, and had declared that they were the happiest of men. + To which Balaam replied, "O Balak, if thou rightly considerest this whole + matter, canst thou suppose that it is in our power to be silent, or to say + any thing, when the Spirit of God seizes upon us?—for he puts such + words as he pleases in our mouths, and such discourses as we are not + ourselves conscious of. I well remember by what entreaties both you and + the Midianites so joyfully brought me hither, and on that account I took + this journey. It was my prayer, that I might not put any affront upon you, + as to what you desired of me; but God is more powerful than the purposes I + had made to serve you; for those that take upon them to foretell the + affairs of mankind, as from their own abilities, are entirely unable to do + it, or to forbear to utter what God suggests to them, or to offer violence + to his will; for when he prevents us and enters into us, nothing that we + say is our own. I then did not intend to praise this army, nor to go over + the several good things which God intended to do to their race; but since + he was so favorable to them, and so ready to bestow upon them a happy life + and eternal glory, he suggested the declaration of those things to me: but + now, because it is my desire to oblige thee thyself, as well as the + Midianites, whose entreaties it is not decent for me to reject, go to, let + us again rear other altars, and offer the like sacrifices that we did + before, that I may see whether I can persuade God to permit me to bind + these men with curses." Which, when Balak had agreed to, God would not, + even upon second sacrifices, consent to his cursing the Israelites. <a + href="#link4note-9" name="link4noteref-9" id="link4noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> + Then fell Balaam upon his face, and foretold what calamities would befall + the several kings of the nations, and the most eminent cities, some of + which of old were not so much as inhabited; which events have come to pass + among the several people concerned, both in the foregoing ages, and in + this, till my own memory, both by sea and by land. From which completion + of all these predictions that he made, one may easily guess that the rest + will have their completion in time to come. + </p> + <p> + 6. But Balak being very angry that the Israelites were not cursed, sent + away Balaam without thinking him worthy of any honor. Whereupon, when he + was just upon his journey, in order to pass the Euphrates, he sent for + Balak, and for the princes of the Midianites, and spake thus to them:—"O + Balak, and you Midianites that are here present, [for I am obliged even + without the will of God to gratify you,] it is true no entire destruction + can seize upon the nation of the Hebrews, neither by war, nor by plague, + nor by scarcity of the fruits of the earth, nor can any other unexpected + accident be their entire ruin; for the providence of God is concerned to + preserve them from such a misfortune; nor will it permit any such calamity + to come upon them whereby they may all perish; but some small misfortunes, + and those for a short time, whereby they may appear to be brought low, may + still befall them; but after that they will flourish again, to the terror + of those that brought those mischiefs upon them. So that if you have a + mind to gain a victory over them for a short space of time, you will + obtain it by following my directions:—Do you therefore set out the + handsomest of such of your daughters as are most eminent for beauty, <a + href="#link4note-10" name="link4noteref-10" id="link4noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> + and proper to force and conquer the modesty of those that behold them, and + these decked and trimmed to the highest degree able. Then do you send them + to be near camp, and give them in charge, that the young men of the + Hebrews desire their allow it them; and when they see they are enamored of + them, let them take leaves; and if they entreat them to stay, let give + their consent till they have persuaded leave off their obedience to their + own laws, the worship of that God who established them to worship the gods + of the Midianites and for by this means God will be angry at them <a + href="#link4note-11" name="link4noteref-11" id="link4noteref-11"><small>11</small></a>." + Accordingly, when Balaam had suggested counsel to them, he went his way. + </p> + <p> + 7. So when the Midianites had sent their daughters, as Balaam had exhorted + them, the Hebrew men were allured by their beauty, and came with them, and + besought them not to grudge them the enjoyment of their beauty, nor to + deny them their conversation. These daughters of Midianites received their + words gladly, and consented to it, and staid with them; but when they + brought them to be enamored of them, and their inclinations to them were + grown to ripeness, they began to think of departing from them: then it was + that these men became greatly disconsolate at the women's departure, and + they were urgent with them not to leave them, but begged they would + continue there, and become their wives; and they promised them they should + be owned as mistresses all they had. This they said with an oath, and + called God for the arbitrator of what they promised; and this with tears + in their eyes, and all such marks of concern, as might shew how miserable + they thought themselves without them, and so might move their compassion + for them. So the women, as soon as they perceived they had made their + slaves, and had caught them with their conservation began to speak thus to + them:— + </p> + <p> + 8. "O you illustrious young men! we have of our own at home, and great + plenty of good things there, together with the natural, affectionate + parents and friends; nor is it out of our want of any such things that we + came to discourse with you; nor did we admit of your invitation with + design to prostitute the beauty of our bodies for gain; but taking you for + brave and worthy men, we agreed to your request, that we might treat you + with such honors as hospitality required: and now seeing you say that you + have a great affection for us, and are troubled when you think we are + departing, we are not averse to your entreaties; and if we may receive + such assurance of your good-will as we think can be alone sufficient, we + will be glad to lead our lives with you as your wives; but we are afraid + that you will in time be weary of our company, and will then abuse us, and + send us back to our parents, after an ignominious manner." And they + desired that they would excuse them in their guarding against that danger. + But the young men professed they would give them any assurance they should + desire; nor did they at all contradict what they requested, so great was + the passion they had for them. "If then," said they, "this be your + resolution, since you make use of such customs and conduct of life as are + entirely different from all other men, <a href="#link4note-12" + name="link4noteref-12" id="link4noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> insomuch + that your kinds of food are peculiar to yourselves, and your kinds of + drink not common to others, it will be absolutely necessary, if you would + have us for your wives, that you do withal worship our gods. Nor can there + be any other demonstration of the kindness which you say you already have, + and promise to have hereafter to us, than this, that you worship the same + gods that we do. For has any one reason to complain, that now you are come + into this country, you should worship the proper gods of the same country? + especially while our gods are common to all men, and yours such as belong + to nobody else but yourselves." So they said they must either come into + such methods of divine worship as all others came into, or else they must + look out for another world, wherein they may live by themselves, according + to their own laws. + </p> + <p> + 9. Now the young men were induced by the fondness they had for these women + to think they spake very well; so they gave themselves up to what they + persuaded them, and transgressed their own laws, and supposing there were + many gods, and resolving that they would sacrifice to them according to + the laws of that country which ordained them, they both were delighted + with their strange food, and went on to do every thing that the women + would have them do, though in contradiction to their own laws; so far + indeed that this transgression was already gone through the whole army of + the young men, and they fell into a sedition that was much worse than the + former, and into danger of the entire abolition of their own institutions; + for when once the youth had tasted of these strange customs, they went + with insatiable inclinations into them; and even where some of the + principal men were illustrious on account of the virtues of their fathers, + they also were corrupted together with the rest. + </p> + <p> + 10. Even Zimri, the head of the tribe of Simeon accompanied with Cozbi, a + Midianitish women, who was the daughter of Sur, a man of authority in that + country; and being desired by his wife to disregard the laws of Moses, and + to follow those she was used to, he complied with her, and this both by + sacrificing after a manner different from his own, and by taking a + stranger to wife. When things were thus, Moses was afraid that matters + should grow worse, and called the people to a congregation, but then + accused nobody by name, as unwilling to drive those into despair who, by + lying concealed, might come to repentance; but he said that they did not + do what was either worthy of themselves, or of their fathers, by + preferring pleasure to God, and to the living according to his will; that + it was fit they should change their courses while their affairs were still + in a good state, and think that to be true fortitude which offers not + violence to their laws, but that which resists their lusts. And besides + that, he said it was not a reasonable thing, when they had lived soberly + in the wilderness, to act madly now when they were in prosperity; and that + they ought not to lose, now they have abundance, what they had gained when + they had little:— and so did he endeavor, by saying this, to correct + the young inert, and to bring them to repentance for what they had done. + </p> + <p> + 11. But Zimri arose up after him, and said, "Yes, indeed, Moses, thou art + at liberty to make use of such laws as thou art so fond of, and hast, by + accustoming thyself to them, made them firm; otherwise, if things had not + been thus, thou hadst often been punished before now, and hadst known that + the Hebrews are not easily put upon; but thou shalt not have me one of thy + followers in thy tyrannical commands, for thou dost nothing else hitherto, + but, under pretense of laws, and of God, wickedly impose on us slavery, + and gain dominion to thyself, while thou deprivest us of the sweetness of + life, which consists in acting according to our own wills, and is the + right of free-men, and of those that have no lord over them. Nay, indeed, + this man is harder upon the Hebrews then were the Egyptians themselves, as + pretending to punish, according to his laws, every one's acting what is + most agreeable to himself; but thou thyself better deservest to suffer + punishment, who presumest to abolish what every one acknowledges to be + what is good for him, and aimest to make thy single opinion to have more + force than that of all the rest; and what I now do, and think to be right, + I shall not hereafter deny to be according to my own sentiments. I have + married, as thou sayest rightly, a strange woman, and thou hearest what I + do from myself as from one that is free, for truly I did not intend to + conceal myself. I also own that I sacrificed to those gods to whom you do + not think it fit to sacrifice; and I think it right to come at truth by + inquiring of many people, and not like one that lives under tyranny, to + suffer the whole hope of my life to depend upon one man; nor shall any one + find cause to rejoice who declares himself to have more authority over my + actions than myself." + </p> + <p> + 12. Now when Zimri had said these things, about what he and some others + had wickedly done, the people held their peace, both out of fear of what + might come upon them, and because they saw that their legislator was not + willing to bring his insolence before the public any further, or openly to + contend with him; for he avoided that, lest many should imitate the + impudence of his language, and thereby disturb the multitude. Upon this + the assembly was dissolved. However, the mischievous attempt had proceeded + further, if Zimri had not been first slain, which came to pass on the + following occasion:—Phineas, a man in other respects better than the + rest of the young men, and also one that surpassed his contemporaries in + the dignity of his father, [for he was the son of Eleazar the high priest, + and the grandson of [Aaron] Moses's brother,] who was greatly troubled at + what was done by Zimri, he resolved in earnest to inflict punishment on + him, before his unworthy behavior should grow stronger by impunity, and in + order to prevent this transgression from proceeding further, which would + happen if the ringleaders were not punished. He was of so great + magnanimity, both in strength of mind and body, that when he undertook any + very dangerous attempt, he did not leave it off till he overcame it, and + got an entire victory. So he came into Zimri's tent, and slew him with his + javelin, and with it he slew Cozbi also, Upon which all those young men + that had a regard to virtue, and aimed to do a glorious action, imitated + Phineas's boldness, and slew those that were found to be guilty of the + same crime with Zimri. Accordingly many of those that had transgressed + perished by the magnanimous valor of these young men; and the rest all + perished by a plague, which distemper God himself inflicted upon them; so + that all those their kindred, who, instead of hindering them from such + wicked actions, as they ought to have done, had persuaded them to go on, + were esteemed by God as partners in their wickedness, and died. + Accordingly there perished out of the army no fewer than fourteen <a + href="#link4note-13" name="link4noteref-13" id="link4noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> + [twenty-four] thousand at this time. + </p> + <p> + 13. This was the cause why Moses was provoked to send an army to destroy + the Midianites, concerning which expedition we shall speak presently, when + we have first related what we have omitted; for it is but just not to pass + over our legislator's due encomium, on account of his conduct here, + because, although this Balaam, who was sent for by the Midianites to curse + the Hebrews, and when he was hindered from doing it by Divine Providence, + did still suggest that advice to them, by making use of which our enemies + had well nigh corrupted the whole multitude of the Hebrews with their + wiles, till some of them were deeply infected with their opinions; yet did + he do him great honor, by setting down his prophecies in writing. And + while it was in his power to claim this glory to himself, and make men + believe they were his own predictions, there being no one that could be a + witness against him, and accuse him for so doing, he still gave his + attestation to him, and did him the honor to make mention of him on this + account. But let every one think of these matters as he pleases. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link42HCH0007" id="link42HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. How The Hebrews Fought With The Midianites, And Overcame Them. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Moses sent an army against the land of Midian, for the causes + forementioned, in all twelve thousand, taking an equal number out of every + tribe, and appointed Phineas for their commander; of which Phineas we made + mention a little before, as he that had guarded the laws of the Hebrews, + and had inflicted punishment on Zimri when he had transgressed them. Now + the Midianites perceived beforehand how the Hebrews were coming, and would + suddenly be upon them: so they assembled their army together, and + fortified the entrances into their country, and there awaited the enemy's + coming. When they were come, and they had joined battle with them, an + immense multitude of the Midianites fell; nor could they be numbered, they + were so very many: and among them fell all their kings, five in number, + viz. Evi, Zur, Reba, Hur, and Rekem, who was of the same name with a city, + the chief and capital of all Arabia, which is still now so called by the + whole Arabian nation, Arecem, from the name of the king that built it; but + is by the Greeks called—Petra. Now when the enemies were + discomfited, the Hebrews spoiled their country, and took a great prey, and + destroyed the men that were its inhabitants, together with the women; only + they let the virgins alone, as Moses had commanded Phineas to do, who + indeed came back, bringing with him an army that had received no harm, and + a great deal of prey; fifty-two thousand beeves, seventy-five thousand six + hundred sheep, sixty thousand asses, with an immense quantity of gold and + silver furniture, which the Midianites made use of in their houses; for + they were so wealthy, that they were very luxurious. There were also led + captive about thirty-two thousand virgins. <a href="#link4note-14" + name="link4noteref-14" id="link4noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> So Moses + parted the prey into parts, and gave one fiftieth part to Eleazar and the + two priests, and another fiftieth part to the Levites; and distributed the + rest of the prey among the people. After which they lived happily, as + having obtained an abundance of good things by their valor, and there + being no misfortune that attended them, or hindered their enjoyment of + that happiness. + </p> + <p> + 2. But Moses was now grown old, and appointed Joshua for his successor, + both to receive directions from God as a prophet, and for a commander of + the army, if they should at any time stand in need of such a one; and this + was done by the command of God, that to him the care of the public should + be committed. Now Joshua had been instructed in all those kinds of + learning which concerned the laws and God himself, and Moses had been his + instructor. + </p> + <p> + 3. At this time it was that the two tribes of Gad and Reuben, and the half + tribe of Manasseh, abounded in a multitude of cattle, as well as in all + other kinds of prosperity; whence they had a meeting, and in a body came + and besought Moses to give them, as their peculiar portion, that land of + the Amorites which they had taken by right of war, because it was + fruitful, and good for feeding of cattle; but Moses, supposing that they + were afraid of fighting with the Canaanites, and invented this provision + for their cattle as a handsome excuse for avoiding that war, he called + them arrant cowards, and said they had only contrived a decent excuse for + that cowardice; and that they had a mind to live in luxury and ease, while + all the rest were laboring with great pains to obtain the land they were + desirous to have; and that they were not willing to march along, and + undergo the remaining hard service, whereby they were, under the Divine + promise, to pass over Jordan, and overcome those our enemies which God had + shown them, and so obtain their land. But these tribes, when they saw that + Moses was angry with them, and when they could not deny but he had a just + cause to be displeased at their petition, made an apology for themselves; + and said, that it was not on account of their fear of dangers, nor on + account of their laziness, that they made this request to him, but that + they might leave the prey they had gotten in places of safety, and thereby + might be more expedite, and ready to undergo difficulties, and to fight + battles. They added this also, that when they had built cities, wherein + they might preserve their children, and wives, and possessions, if he + would bestow them upon them, they would go along with the rest of the + army. Hereupon Moses was pleased with what they said; so he called for + Eleazar the high priest, and Joshua, and the chief of the tribes, and + permitted these tribes to possess the land of the Amorites; but upon this + condition, that they should join with their kinsmen in the war until all + things were settled. Upon which condition they took possession of the + country, and built them strong cities, and put into them their children + and their wives, and whatsoever else they had that might be an impediment + to the labors of their future marches. + </p> + <p> + 4. Moses also now built those ten cities which were to be of the number of + the forty-eight [for the Levites;]; three of which he allotted to those + that slew any person involuntarily, and fled to them; and he assigned the + same time for their banishment with that of the life of that high priest + under whom the slaughter and flight happened; after which death of the + high priest he permitted the slayer to return home. During the time of his + exile, the relations of him that was slain may, by this law, kill the + manslayer, if they caught him without the bounds of the city to which he + fled, though this permission was not granted to any other person. Now the + cities which were set apart for this flight were these: Bezer, at the + borders of Arabia; Ramoth, of the land of Gilead; and Golan, in the land + of Bashan. There were to be also, by Moses's command, three other cities + allotted for the habitation of these fugitives out of the cities of the + Levites, but not till after they should be in possession of the land of + Canaan. + </p> + <p> + 5. At this time the chief men of the tribe of Manasseh came to Moses, and + informed him that there was an eminent man of their tribe dead, whose name + was Zelophehad, who left no male children, but left daughters; and asked + him whether these daughters might inherit his land or not. He made this + answer, That if they shall marry into their own tribe, they shall carry + their estate along with them; but if they dispose of themselves in + marriage to men of another tribe, they shall leave their inheritance in + their father's tribe. And then it was that Moses ordained, that every + one's inheritance should continue in his own tribe. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link42HCH0008" id="link42HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. The Polity Settled By Moses; And How He Disappeared From Among + Mankind. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When forty years were completed, within thirty days, Moses gathered the + congregation together near Jordan, where the city Abila now stands, a + place full of palm-trees; and all the people being come together, he spake + thus to them:— + </p> + <p> + 2. "O you Israelites and fellow soldiers, who have been partners with me + in this long and uneasy journey; since it is now the will of God, and the + course of old age, at a hundred and twenty, requires it that I should + depart out of this life; and since God has forbidden me to be a patron or + an assistant to you in what remains to be done beyond Jordan; I thought it + reasonable not to leave off my endeavors even now for your happiness, but + to do my utmost to procure for you the eternal enjoyment of good things, + and a memorial for myself, when you shall be in the fruition of great + plenty and prosperity. Come, therefore, let me suggest to you by what + means you may be happy, and may leave an eternal prosperous possession + thereof to your children after you, and then let me thus go out of the + world; and I cannot but deserve to be believed by you, both on account of + the great things I have already done for you, and because, when souls are + about to leave the body, they speak with the sincerest freedom. O children + of Israel! there is but one source of happiness for all mankind, the favor + of God <a href="#link4note-15" name="link4noteref-15" id="link4noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> + for he alone is able to give good things to those that deserve them, and + to deprive those of them that sin against him; towards whom, if you behave + yourselves according to his will, and according to what I, who well + understand his mind, do exhort you to, you will both be esteemed blessed, + and will be admired by all men; and will never come into misfortunes, nor + cease to be happy: you will then preserve the possession of the good + things you already have, and will quickly obtain those that you are at + present in want of,—only do you be obedient to those whom God would + have you to follow. Nor do you prefer any other constitution of government + before the laws now given you; neither do you disregard that way of Divine + worship which you now have, nor change it for any other form: and if you + do this, you will be the most courageous of all men, in undergoing the + fatigues of war, and will not be easily conquered by any of your enemies; + for while God is present with you to assist you, it is to be expected that + you will be able to despise the opposition of all mankind; and great + rewards of virtue are proposed for you, if you preserve that virtue + through your whole lives. Virtue itself is indeed the principal and the + first reward, and after that it bestows abundance of others; so that your + exercise of virtue towards other men will make your own lives happy, and + render you more glorious than foreigners can be, and procure you an + undisputed reputation with posterity. These blessings you will be able to + obtain, in case you hearken to and observe those laws which, by Divine + revelation, I have ordained for you; that is, in case you withal meditate + upon the wisdom that is in them. I am going from you myself, rejoicing in + the good things you enjoy; and I recommend you to the wise conduct of your + law, to the becoming order of your polity, and to the virtues of your + commanders, who will take care of what is for your advantage. And that + God, who has been till now your Leader, and by whose goodwill I have + myself been useful to you, will not put a period now to his providence + over you, but as long as you desire to have him your Protector in your + pursuits after virtue, so long will you enjoy his care over you. Your high + priest also Eleazar, as well as Joshua, with the senate, and chief of your + tribes, will go before you, and suggest the best advices to you; by + following which advices you will continue to be happy: to whom do you give + ear without reluctance, as sensible that all such as know well how to be + governed, will also know how to govern, if they be promoted to that + authority themselves. And do not you esteem liberty to consist in opposing + such directions as your governors think fit to give you for your practice,—as + at present indeed you place your liberty in nothing else but abusing your + benefactors; which error if you can avoid for the time to come, your + affairs will be in a better condition than they have hitherto been. Nor do + you ever indulge such a degree of passion in these matters, as you have + oftentimes done when you have been very angry at me; for you know that I + have been oftener in danger of death from you than from our enemies. What + I now put you in mind of, is not done in order to reproach you; for I do + not think it proper, now I am going out of the world, to bring this to + your remembrance, in order to leave you offended at me, since, at the time + when I underwent those hardships from you, I was not angry at you; but I + do it in order to make you wiser hereafter, and to teach you that this + will be for your security; I mean, that you never be injurious to those + that preside over you, even when you are become rich, as you will be to a + great degree when you have passed over Jordan, and are in possession of + the land of Canaan. Since, when you shall have once proceeded so far by + your wealth, as to a contempt and disregard of virtue, you will also + forfeit the favor of God; and when you have made him your enemy, you will + be beaten in war, and will have the land which you possess taken away + again from you by your enemies, and this with great reproaches upon your + conduct. You will be scattered over the whole world, and will, as slaves, + entirely fill both sea and land; and when once you have had the experience + of what I now say, you will repent, and remember the laws you have broken, + when it is too late. Whence I would advise you, if you intend to preserve + these laws, to leave none of your enemies alive when you have conquered + them, but to look upon it as for your advantage to destroy them all, lest, + if you permit them to live, you taste of their manners, and thereby + corrupt your own proper institutions. I also do further exhort you, to + overthrow their altars, and their groves, and whatsoever temples they have + among them, and to burn all such, their nation, and their very memory with + fire; for by this means alone the safety of your own happy constitution + can be firmly secured to you. And in order to prevent your ignorance of + virtue, and the degeneracy of your nature into vice, I have also ordained + you laws, by Divine suggestion, and a form of government, which are so + good, that if you regularly observe them, you will be esteemed of all men + the most happy." + </p> + <p> + 3. When he had spoken thus, he gave them the laws and the constitution of + government written in a book. Upon which the people fell into tears, and + appeared already touched with the sense that they should have a great want + of their conductor, because they remembered what a number of dangers he + had passed through, and what care he had taken of their preservation: they + desponded about what would come upon them after he was dead, and thought + they should never have another governor like him; and feared that God + would then take less care of them when Moses was gone, who used to + intercede for them. They also repented of what they had said to him in the + wilderness when they were angry, and were in grief on those accounts, + insomuch that the whole body of the people fell into tears with such + bitterness, that it was past the power of words to comfort them in their + affliction. However, Moses gave them some consolation; and by calling them + off the thought how worthy he was of their weeping for him, he exhorted + them to keep to that form of government he had given them; and then the + congregation was dissolved at that time. + </p> + <p> + 4. Accordingly, I shall now first describe this form of government which + was agreeable to the dignity and virtue of Moses; and shall thereby inform + those that read these Antiquities, what our original settlements were, and + shall then proceed to the remaining histories. Now those settlements are + all still in writing, as he left them; and we shall add nothing by way of + ornament, nor any thing besides what Moses left us; only we shall so far + innovate, as to digest the several kinds of laws into a regular system; + for they were by him left in writing as they were accidentally scattered + in their delivery, and as he upon inquiry had learned them of God. On + which account I have thought it necessary to premise this observation + beforehand, lest any of my own countrymen should blame me, as having been + guilty of an offense herein. Now part of our constitution will include the + laws that belong to our political state. As for those laws which Moses + left concerning our common conversation and intercourse one with another, + I have reserved that for a discourse concerning our manner of life, and + the occasions of those laws; which I propose to myself, with God's + assistance, to write, after I have finished the work I am now upon. + </p> + <p> + 5. When you have possessed yourselves of the land of Canaan, and have + leisure to enjoy the good things of it, and when you have afterward + determined to build cities, if you will do what is pleasing to God, you + will have a secure state of happiness. Let there be then one city of the + land of Canaan, and this situate in the most agreeable place for its + goodness, and very eminent in itself, and let it be that which God shall + choose for himself by prophetic revelation. Let there also be one temple + therein, and one altar, not reared of hewn stones, but of such as you + gather together at random; which stones, when they are whited over with + mortar, will have a handsome appearance, and be beautiful to the sight. + Let the ascent to it be not by steps <a href="#link4note-16" + name="link4noteref-16" id="link4noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> but by + an acclivity of raised earth. And let there be neither an altar nor a + temple in any other city; for God is but one, and the nation of the + Hebrews is but one. + </p> + <p> + 6. He that blasphemeth God, let him be stoned; and let him hang upon a + tree all that day, and then let him be buried in an ignominious and + obscure manner. + </p> + <p> + 7. Let those that live as remote as the bounds of the land which the + Hebrews shall possess, come to that city where the temple shall be, and + this three times in a year, that they may give thanks to God for his + former benefits, and may entreat him for those they shall want hereafter; + and let them, by this means, maintain a friendly correspondence with one + another by such meetings and feastings together, for it is a good thing + for those that are of the same stock, and under the same institution of + laws, not to be unacquainted with each other; which acquaintance will be + maintained by thus conversing together, and by seeing and talking with one + another, and so renewing the memorials of this union; for if they do not + thus converse together continually, they will appear like mere strangers + to one another. + </p> + <p> + 8. Let there be taken out of your fruits a tenth, besides that which you + have allotted to give to the priests and Levites. This you may indeed sell + in the country, but it is to be used in those feasts and sacrifices that + are to be celebrated in the holy city; for it is fit that you should enjoy + those fruits of the earth which God gives you to possess, so as may be to + the honor of the donor. + </p> + <p> + 9. You are not to offer sacrifices out of the hire of a woman who is a + harlot <a href="#link4note-17" name="link4noteref-17" id="link4noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> + for the Deity is not pleased with any thing that arises from such abuses + of nature; of which sort none can be worse than this prostitution of the + body. In like manner no one may take the price of the covering of a bitch, + either of one that is used in hunting, or in keeping of sheep, and thence + sacrifice to God. + </p> + <p> + 10. Let no one blaspheme those gods which other cities esteem such; <a + href="#link4note-18" name="link4noteref-18" id="link4noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> + nor may any one steal what belongs to strange temples, nor take away the + gifts that are dedicated to any god. + </p> + <p> + 11. Let not any one of you wear a garment made of woolen and linen, for + that is appointed to be for the priests alone. + </p> + <p> + 12. When the multitude are assembled together unto the holy city for + sacrificing every seventh year, at the feast of tabernacles, let the high + priest stand upon a high desk, whence he may be heard, and let him read + the laws to all the people; and let neither the women nor the children be + hindered from hearing, no, nor the servants neither; for it is a good + thing that those laws should be engraven in their souls, and preserved in + their memories, that so it may not be possible to blot them out; for by + this means they will not be guilty of sin, when they cannot plead + ignorance of what the laws have enjoined them. The laws also will have a + greater authority among them, as foretelling what they will suffer if they + break them; and imprinting in their souls by this hearing what they + command them to do, that so there may always be within their minds that + intention of the laws which they have despised and broken, and have + thereby been the causes of their own mischief. Let the children also learn + the laws, as the first thing they are taught, which will be the best thing + they can be taught, and will be the cause of their future felicity. + </p> + <p> + 13. Let every one commemorate before God the benefits which he bestowed + upon them at their deliverance out of the land of Egypt, and this twice + every day, both when the day begins and when the hour of sleep comes on, + gratitude being in its own nature a just thing, and serving not only by + way of return for past, but also by way of invitation of future favors. + They are also to inscribe the principal blessings they have received from + God upon their doors, and show the same remembrance of them upon their + arms; as also they are to bear on their forehead and their arm those + wonders which declare the power of God, and his good-will towards them, + that God's readiness to bless them may appear every where conspicuous + about them. <a href="#link4note-19" name="link4noteref-19" + id="link4noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 14. Let there be seven men to judge in every city, <a href="#link4note-20" + name="link4noteref-20" id="link4noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> and + these such as have been before most zealous in the exercise of virtue and + righteousness. Let every judge have two officers allotted him out of the + tribe of Levi. Let those that are chosen to judge in the several cities be + had in great honor; and let none be permitted to revile any others when + these are present, nor to carry themselves in an insolent manner to them; + it being natural that reverence towards those in high offices among men + should procure men's fear and reverence towards God. Let those that judge + be permitted to determine according as they think to be right, unless any + one can show that they have taken bribes, to the perversion of justice, or + can allege any other accusation against them, whereby it may appear that + they have passed an unjust sentence; for it is not fit that causes should + be openly determined out of regard to gain, or to the dignity of the + suitors, but that the judges should esteem what is right before all other + things, otherwise God will by that means be despised, and esteemed + inferior to those, the dread of whose power has occasioned the unjust + sentence; for justice is the power of God. He therefore that gratifies + those in great dignity, supposes them more potent than God himself. But if + these judges be unable to give a just sentence about the causes that come + before them, [which case is not unfrequent in human affairs,] let them + send the cause undetermined to the holy city, and there let the high + priest, the prophet, and the sanhedrim, determine as it shall seem good to + them. + </p> + <p> + 15. But let not a single witness be credited, but three, or two at the + least, and those such whose testimony is confirmed by their good lives. + But let not the testimony of women be admitted, on account of the levity + and boldness of their sex <a href="#link4note-21" name="link4noteref-21" + id="link4noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> Nor let servants be admitted to + give testimony, on account of the ignobility of their soul; since it is + probable that they may not speak truth, either out of hope of gain, or + fear of punishment. But if any one be believed to have borne false + witness, let him, when he is convicted, suffer all the very same + punishments which he against whom he bore witness was to have suffered. + </p> + <p> + 16. If a murder be committed in any place, and he that did it be not + found, nor is there any suspicion upon one as if he had hated the man, and + so had killed him, let there be a very diligent inquiry made after the + man, and rewards proposed to any one who will discover him; but if still + no information can be procured, let the magistrates and senate of those + cities that lie near the place in which the murder was committed, assemble + together, and measure the distance from the place where the dead body + lies; then let the magistrates of the nearest city thereto purchase a + heifer, and bring it to a valley, and to a place therein where there is no + land ploughed or trees planted, and let them cut the sinews of the heifer; + then the priests and Levites, and the senate of that city, shall take + water and wash their hands over the head of the heifer; and they shall + openly declare that their hands are innocent of this murder, and that they + have neither done it themselves, nor been assisting to any that did it. + They shall also beseech God to be merciful to them, that no such horrid + act may any more be done in that land. + </p> + <p> + 17. Aristocracy, and the way of living under it, is the best constitution: + and may you never have any inclination to any other form of government; + and may you always love that form, and have the laws for your governors, + and govern all your actions according to them; for you need no supreme + governor but God. But if you shall desire a king, let him be one of your + own nation; let him be always careful of justice and other virtues + perpetually; let him submit to the laws, and esteem God's commands to be + his highest wisdom; but let him do nothing without the high priest and the + votes of the senators: let him not have a great number of wives, nor + pursue after abundance of riches, nor a multitude of horses, whereby he + may grow too proud to submit to the laws. And if he affect any such + things, let him be restrained, lest he become so potent that his state be + inconsistent with your welfare. + </p> + <p> + 18. Let it not be esteemed lawful to remove boundaries, neither our own, + nor of those with whom we are at peace. Have a care you do not take those + landmarks away which are, as it were, a divine and unshaken limitation of + rights made by God himself, to last for ever; since this going beyond + limits, and gaining ground upon others, is the occasion of wars and + seditions; for those that remove boundaries are not far off an attempt to + subvert the laws. + </p> + <p> + 19. He that plants a piece of land, the trees of which produce fruits + before the fourth year, is not to bring thence any first-fruits to God, + nor is he to make use of that fruit himself, for it is not produced in its + proper season; for when nature has a force put upon her at an unseasonable + time, the fruit is not proper for God, nor for the master's use; but let + the owner gather all that is grown on the fourth year, for then it is in + its proper season. And let him that has gathered it carry it to the holy + city, and spend that, together with the tithe of his other fruits, in + feasting with his friends, with the orphans, and the widows. But on the + fifth year the fruit is his own, and he may use it as he pleases. + </p> + <p> + 20. You are not to sow with seed a piece of land which is planted with + vines, for it is enough that it supply nourishment to that plant, and be + not harassed by ploughing also. You are to plough your land with oxen, and + not to oblige other animals to come under the same yoke with them; but to + till your land with those beasts that are of the same kind with each + other. The seeds are also to be pure, and without mixture, and not to be + compounded of two or three sorts, since nature does not rejoice in the + union of things that are not in their own nature alike; nor are you to + permit beasts of different kinds to gender together, for there is reason + to fear that this unnatural abuse may extend from beasts of different + kinds to men, though it takes its first rise from evil practices about + such smaller things. Nor is any thing to be allowed, by imitation whereof + any degree of subversion may creep into the constitution. Nor do the laws + neglect small matters, but provide that even those may be managed after an + unblamable manner. + </p> + <p> + 21. Let not those that reap, and gather in the corn that is reaped, gather + in the gleanings also; but let them rather leave some handfuls for those + that are in want of the necessaries of life, that it may be a support and + a supply to them, in order to their subsistence. In like manner when they + gather their grapes, let them leave some smaller bunches for the poor, and + let them pass over some of the fruits of the olive-trees, when they gather + them, and leave them to be partaken of by those that have none of their + own; for the advantage arising from the exact collection of all, will not + be so considerable to the owners as will arise from the gratitude of the + poor. And God will provide that the land shall more willingly produce what + shall be for the nourishment of its fruits, in case you do not merely take + care of your own advantage, but have regard to the support of others also. + Nor are you to muzzle the mouths of the oxen when they tread the ears of + corn in the thrashing-floor; for it is not just to restrain our + fellow-laboring animals, and those that work in order to its production, + of this fruit of their labors. Nor are you to prohibit those that pass by + at the time when your fruits are ripe to touch them, but to give them + leave to fill themselves full of what you have; and this whether they be + of your own country or strangers,—as being glad of the opportunity + of giving them some part of your fruits when they are ripe; but let it not + be esteemed lawful for them to carry any away. Nor let those that gather + the grapes, and carry them to the wine-presses, restrain those whom they + meet from eating of them; for it is unjust, out of envy, to hinder those + that desire it, to partake of the good things that come into the world + according to God's will, and this while the season is at the height, and + is hastening away as it pleases God. Nay, if some, out of bashfulness, are + unwilling to touch these fruits, let them be encouraged to take of them [I + mean, those that are Israelites] as if they were themselves the owners and + lords, on account of the kindred there is between them. Nay, let them + desire men that come from other countries, to partake of these tokens of + friendship which God has given in their proper season; for that is not to + be deemed as idly spent, which any one out of kindness communicates to + another, since God bestows plenty of good things on men, not only for + themselves to reap the advantage, but also to give to others in a way of + generosity; and he is desirous, by this means, to make known to others his + peculiar kindness to the people of Israel, and how freely he communicates + happiness to them, while they abundantly communicate out of their great + superfluities to even these foreigners also. But for him that acts + contrary to this law, let him be beaten with forty stripes save one <a + href="#link4note-22" name="link4noteref-22" id="link4noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> + by the public executioner; let him undergo this punishment, which is a + most ignominious one for a free-man, and this because he was such a slave + to gain as to lay a blot upon his dignity; for it is proper for you who + have had the experience of the afflictions in Egypt, and of those in the + wilderness, to make provision for those that are in the like + circumstances; and while you have now obtained plenty yourselves, through + the mercy and providence of God, to distribute of the same plenty, by the + like sympathy, to such as stand in need of it. + </p> + <p> + 22. Besides those two tithes, which I have already said you are to pay + every year, the one for the Levites, the other for the festivals, you are + to bring every third year a third tithe to be distributed to those that + want; <a href="#link4note-23" name="link4noteref-23" id="link4noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> + to women also that are widows, and to children that are orphans. But as to + the ripe fruits, let them carry that which is ripe first of all into the + temple; and when they have blessed God for that land which bare them, and + which he had given them for a possession, when they have also offered + those sacrifices which the law has commanded them to bring, let them give + the first-fruits to the priests. But when any one hath done this, and hath + brought the tithe of all that he hath, together with those first-fruits + that are for the Levites, and for the festivals, and when he is about to + go home, let him stand before the holy house, and return thanks to God, + that he hath delivered them from the injurious treatment they had in + Egypt, and hath given them a good land, and a large, and lets them enjoy + the fruits thereof; and when he hath openly testified that he hath fully + paid the tithes [and other dues] according to the laws of Moses, let him + entreat God that he will be ever merciful and gracious to him, and + continue so to be to all the Hebrews, both by preserving the good things + which he hath already given them, and by adding what it is still in his + power to bestow upon them. + </p> + <p> + 23. Let the Hebrews marry, at the age fit for it, virgins that are free, + and born of good parents. And he that does not marry a virgin, let him not + corrupt another man's wife, and marry her, nor grieve her former husband. + Nor let free men marry slaves, although their affections should strongly + bias any of them so to do; for it is decent, and for the dignity of the + persons themselves, to govern those their affections. And further, no one + ought to marry a harlot, whose matrimonial oblations, arising from the + prostitution of her body, God will not receive; for by these means the + dispositions of the children will be liberal and virtuous; I mean, when + they are not born of base parents, and of the lustful conjunction of such + as marry women that are not free. If any one has been espoused to a woman + as to a virgin, and does not afterward find her so to be, let him bring + his action, and accuse her, and let him make use of such indications <a + href="#link4note-24" name="link4noteref-24" id="link4noteref-24"><small>24</small></a> + to prove his accusation as he is furnished withal; and let the father or + the brother of the damsel, or some one that is after them nearest of kin + to her, defend her If the damsel obtain a sentence in her favor, that she + had not been guilty, let her live with her husband that accused her; and + let him not have any further power at all to put her away, unless she give + him very great occasions of suspicion, and such as can be no way + contradicted. But for him that brings an accusation and calumny against + his wife in an impudent and rash manner, let him be punished by receiving + forty stripes save one, and let him pay fifty shekels to her father: but + if the damsel be convicted, as having been corrupted, and is one of the + common people, let her be stoned, because she did not preserve her + virginity till she were lawfully married; but if she were the daughter of + a priest, let her be burnt alive. If any one has two wives, and if he + greatly respect and be kind to one of them, either out of his affection to + her, or for her beauty, or for some other reason, while the other is of + less esteem with him; and if the son of her that is beloved be the younger + by birth than another born of the other wife, but endeavors to obtain the + right of primogeniture from his father's kindness to his mother, and would + thereby obtain a double portion of his father's substance, for that double + portion is what I have allotted him in the laws,—let not this be + permitted; for it is unjust that he who is the elder by birth should be + deprived of what is due to him, on the father's disposition of his estate, + because his mother was not equally regarded by him. He that hath corrupted + a damsel espoused to another man, in case he had her consent, let both him + and her be put to death, for they are both equally guilty; the man, + because he persuaded the woman willingly to submit to a most impure + action, and to prefer it to lawful wedlock; the woman, because she was + persuaded to yield herself to be corrupted, either for pleasure or for + gain. However, if a man light on a woman when she is alone, and forces + her, where nobody was present to come to her assistance, let him only be + put to death. Let him that hath corrupted a virgin not yet espoused marry + her; but if the father of the damsel be not willing that she should be his + wife, let him pay fifty shekels as the price of her prostitution. He that + desires to be divorced from his wife for any cause <a href="#link4note-25" + name="link4noteref-25" id="link4noteref-25"><small>25</small></a> + whatsoever, [and many such causes happen among men,] let him in writing + give assurance that he will never use her as his wife any more; for by + this means she may be at liberty to marry another husband, although before + this bill of divorce be given, she is not to be permitted so to do: but if + she be misused by him also, or if, when he is dead, her first husband + would marry her again, it shall not be lawful for her to return to him. If + a woman's husband die, and leave her without children, let his brother + marry her, and let him call the son that is born to him by his brother's + name, and educate him as the heir of his inheritance, for this procedure + will be for the benefit of the public, because thereby families will not + fail, and the estate will continue among the kindred; and this will be for + the solace of wives under their affliction, that they are to be married to + the next relation of their former husbands. But if the brother will not + marry her, let the woman come before the senate, and protest openly that + this brother will not admit her for his wife, but will injure the memory + of his deceased brother, while she is willing to continue in the family, + and to bear him children. And when the senate have inquired of him for + what reason it is that he is averse to this marriage, whether he gives a + bad or a good reason, the matter must come to this issue, That the woman + shall loose the sandals of the brother, and shall spit in his face, and + say, He deserves this reproachful treatment from her, as having injured + the memory of the deceased. And then let him go away out of the senate, + and bear this reproach upon him all his life long; and let her marry to + whom she pleases, of such as seek her in marriage. But now, if any man + take captive, either a virgin, or one that hath been married, <a + href="#link4note-26" name="link4noteref-26" id="link4noteref-26"><small>26</small></a> + and has a mind to marry her, let him not be allowed to bring her to bed to + him, or to live with her as his wife, before she hath her head shaven, and + hath put on her mourning habit, and lamented her relations and friends + that were slain in the battle, that by this means she may give vent to her + sorrow for them, and after that may betake herself to feasting and + matrimony; for it is good for him that takes a woman, in order to have + children by her, to be complaisant to her inclinations, and not merely to + pursue his own pleasure, while he hath no regard to what is agreeable to + her. But when thirty days are past, as the time of mourning, for so many + are sufficient to prudent persons for lamenting the dearest friends, then + let them proceed to the marriage; but in case when he hath satisfied his + lust, he be too proud to retain her for his wife, let him not have it in + his power to make her a slave, but let her go away whither she pleases, + and have that privilege of a free woman. + </p> + <p> + 24. As to those young men that despise their parents, and do not pay them + honor, but offer them affronts, either because they are ashamed of them or + think themselves wiser than they,—in the first place, let their + parents admonish them in words, [for they are by nature of authority + sufficient for becoming their judges,] and let them say thus to them:—That + they cohabited together, not for the sake of pleasure, nor for the + augmentation of their riches, by joining both their stocks together, but + that they might have children to take care of them in their old age, and + might by them have what they then should want. And say further to him, + "That when thou wast born, we took thee up with gladness, and gave God the + greatest thanks for thee, and brought time up with great care, and spared + for nothing that appeared useful for thy preservation, and for thy + instruction in what was most excellent. And now, since it is reasonable to + forgive the sins of those that are young, let it suffice thee to have + given so many indications Of thy contempt of us; reform thyself, and act + more wisely for the time to come; considering that God is displeased with + those that are insolent towards their parents, because he is himself the + Father of the whole race of mankind, and seems to bear part of that + dishonor which falls upon those that have the same name, when they do not + meet with dire returns from their children. And on such the law inflicts + inexorable punishment; of which punishment mayst thou never have the + experience." Now if the insolence of young men be thus cured, let them + escape the reproach which their former errors deserved; for by this means + the lawgiver will appear to be good, and parents happy, while they never + behold either a son or a daughter brought to punishment. But if it happen + that these words and instructions, conveyed by them in order to reclaim + the man, appear to be useless, then the offender renders the laws + implacable enemies to the insolence he has offered his parents; let him + therefore be brought forth <a href="#link4note-27" name="link4noteref-27" + id="link4noteref-27"><small>27</small></a> by these very parents out of + the city, with a multitude following him, and there let him be stoned; and + when he has continued there for one whole day, that all the people may see + him, let him be buried in the night. And thus it is that we bury all whom + the laws condemn to die, upon any account whatsoever. Let our enemies that + fall in battle be also buried; nor let any one dead body lie above the + ground, or suffer a punishment beyond what justice requires. + </p> + <p> + 25. Let no one lend to any one of the Hebrews upon usury, neither usury of + what is eaten or what is drunken, for it is not just to make advantage of + the misfortunes of one of thy own countrymen; but when thou hast been + assistant to his necessities, think it thy gain if thou obtainest their + gratitude to thee; and withal that reward which will come to thee from + God, for thy humanity towards him. + </p> + <p> + 26. Those who have borrowed either silver or any sort of fruits, whether + dry or wet, [I mean this, when the Jewish affairs shall, by the blessing + of God, be to their own mind,] let the borrowers bring them again, and + restore them with pleasure to those who lent them, laying them up, as it + were, in their own treasuries, and justly expecting to receive them + thence, if they shall want them again. But if they be without shame, and + do not restore it, let not the lender go to the borrower's house, and take + a pledge himself, before judgment be given concerning it; but let him + require the pledge, and let the debtor bring it of himself, without the + least opposition to him that comes upon him under the protection of the + law. And if he that gave the pledge be rich, let the creditor retain it + till what he lent be paid him again; but if he be poor, let him that takes + it return it before the going down of the sun, especially if the pledge be + a garment, that the debtor may have it for a covering in his sleep, God + himself naturally showing mercy to the poor. It is also not lawful to take + a millstone, nor any utensil thereto belonging, for a pledge, that the + debtor, may not be deprived of instruments to get their food withal, and + lest they be undone by their necessity. + </p> + <p> + 27. Let death be the punishment for stealing a man; but he that hath + purloined gold or silver, let him pay double. If any one kill a man that + is stealing something out of his house, let him be esteemed guiltless, + although the man were only breaking in at the wall. Let him that hath + stolen cattle pay fourfold what is lost, excepting the case of an ox, for + which let the thief pay fivefold. Let him that is so poor that he cannot + pay what mulet is laid upon him, be his servant to whom he was adjudged to + pay it. + </p> + <p> + 28. If any one be sold to one of his own nation, let him serve him six + years, and on the seventh let him go free. But if he have a son by a woman + servant in his purchaser's house, and if, on account of his good-will to + his master, and his natural affection to his wife and children, he will be + his servant still, let him be set free only at the coming of the year of + jubilee, which is the fiftieth year, and let him then take away with him + his children and wife, and let them be free also. + </p> + <p> + 29. If any one find gold or silver on the road, let him inquire after him + that lost it, and make proclamation of the place where he found it, and + then restore it to him again, as not thinking it right to make his own + profit by the loss of another. And the same rule is to be observed in + cattle found to have wandered away into a lonely place. If the owner be + not presently discovered, let him that is the finder keep it with himself, + and appeal to God that he has not purloined what belongs to another. + </p> + <p> + 30. It is not lawful to pass by any beast that is in distress, when in a + storm it is fallen down in the mire, but to endeavor to preserve it, as + having a sympathy with it in its pain. + </p> + <p> + 31. It is also a duty to show the roads to those who do not know them, and + not to esteem it a matter for sport, when we hinder others' advantages, by + setting them in a wrong way. + </p> + <p> + 32. In like manner, let no one revile a person blind or dumb. + </p> + <p> + 33. If men strive together, and there be no instrument of iron, let him + that is smitten be avenged immediately, by inflicting the same punishment + on him that smote him: but if when he is carried home he lie sick many + days, and then die, let him that smote him not escape punishment; but if + he that is smitten escape death, and yet be at great expense for his cure, + the smiter shall pay for all that has been expended during the time of his + sickness, and for all that he has paid the physician. He that kicks a + woman with child, so that the woman miscarry, <a href="#link4note-28" + name="link4noteref-28" id="link4noteref-28"><small>28</small></a> let him + pay a fine in money, as the judges shall determine, as having diminished + the multitude by the destruction of what was in her womb; and let money + also be given the woman's husband by him that kicked her; but if she die + of the stroke, let him also be put to death, the law judging it equitable + that life should go for life. + </p> + <p> + 34. Let no one of the Israelites keep any poison <a href="#link4note-29" + name="link4noteref-29" id="link4noteref-29"><small>29</small></a> that may + cause death, or any other harm; but if he be caught with it, let him be + put to death, and suffer the very same mischief that he would have brought + upon them for whom the poison was prepared. + </p> + <p> + 35. He that maimeth any one, let him undergo the like himself, and be + deprived of the same member of which he hath deprived the other, unless he + that is maimed will accept of money instead of it <a href="#link4note-30" + name="link4noteref-30" id="link4noteref-30"><small>30</small></a> for the + law makes the sufferer the judge of the value of what he hath suffered, + and permits him to estimate it, unless he will be more severe. + </p> + <p> + 36. Let him that is the owner of an ox which pusheth with his horn, kill + him: but if he pushes and gores any one in the thrashing-floor, let him be + put to death by stoning, and let him not be thought fit for food: but if + his owner be convicted as having known what his nature was, and hath not + kept him up, let him also be put to death, as being the occasion of the + ox's having killed a man. But if the ox have killed a man-servant, or a + maid-servant, let him be stoned; and let the owner of the ox pay thirty + shekels <a href="#link4note-31" name="link4noteref-31" id="link4noteref-31"><small>31</small></a> + to the master of him that was slain; but if it be an ox that is thus + smitten and killed, let both the oxen, that which smote the other and that + which was killed, be sold, and let the owners of them divide their price + between them. + </p> + <p> + 37. Let those that dig a well or a pit be careful to lay planks over them, + and so keep them shut up, not in order to hinder any persons from drawing + water, but that there may be no danger of falling into them. But if any + one's beast fall into such a well or pit thus digged, and not shut up, and + perish, let the owner pay its price to the owner of the beast. Let there + be a battlement round the tops of your houses instead of a wall, that may + prevent any persons from rolling down and perishing. + </p> + <p> + 38. Let him that has received any thing in trust for another, take care to + keep it as a sacred and divine thing; and let no one invent any + contrivance whereby to deprive him that hath intrusted it with him of the + same, and this whether he be a man or a woman; no, not although he or she + were to gain an immense sum of gold, and this where he cannot be convicted + of it by any body; for it is fit that a man's own conscience, which knows + what he hath, should in all cases oblige him to do well. Let this + conscience be his witness, and make him always act so as may procure him + commendation from others; but let him chiefly have regard to God, from + whom no wicked man can lie concealed: but if he in whom the trust was + reposed, without any deceit of his own, lose what he was intrusted withal, + let him come before the seven judges, and swear by God that nothing hath + been lost willingly, or with a wicked intention, and that he hath not made + use of any part thereof, and so let him depart without blame; but if he + hath made use of the least part of what was committed to him, and it be + lost, let him be condemned to repay all that he had received. After the + same manner as in these trusts it is to be, if any one defraud those that + undergo bodily labor for him. And let it be always remembered, that we are + not to defraud a poor man of his wages, as being sensible that God has + allotted these wages to him instead of land and other possessions; nay, + this payment is not at all to be delayed, but to be made that very day, + since God is not willing to deprive the laborer of the immediate use of + what he hath labored for. + </p> + <p> + 39. You are not to punish children for the faults of their parents, but on + account of their own virtue rather to vouchsafe them commiseration, + because they were born of wicked parents, than hatred, because they were + born of bad ones. Nor indeed ought we to impute the sin of children to + their fathers, while young persons indulge themselves in many practices + different from what they have been instructed in, and this by their proud + refusal of such instruction. + </p> + <p> + 40. Let those that have made themselves eunuchs be had in detestation; and + do you avoid any conversation with them who have deprived themselves of + their manhood, and of that fruit of generation which God has given to men + for the increase of their kind: let such be driven away, as if they had + killed their children, since they beforehand have lost what should procure + them; for evident it is, that while their soul is become effeminate, they + have withal transfused that effeminacy to their body also. In like manner + do you treat all that is of a monstrous nature when it is looked on; nor + is it lawful to geld men or any other animals. <a href="#link4note-32" + name="link4noteref-32" id="link4noteref-32"><small>32</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 41. Let this be the constitution of your political laws in time of peace, + and God will be so merciful as to preserve this excellent settlement free + from disturbance: and may that time never come which may innovate any + thing, and change it for the contrary. But since it must needs happen that + mankind fall into troubles and dangers, either undesignedly or + intentionally, come let us make a few constitutions concerning them, that + so being apprised beforehand what ought to be done, you may have salutary + counsels ready when you want them, and may not then be obliged to go to + seek what is to be done, and so be unprovided, and fall into dangerous + circumstances. May you be a laborious people, and exercise your souls in + virtuous actions, and thereby possess and inherit the land without wars; + while neither any foreigners make war upon it, and so afflict you, nor any + internal sedition seize upon it, whereby you may do things that are + contrary to your fathers, and so lose the laws which they have + established. And may you continue in the observation of those laws which + God hath approved of, and hath delivered to you. Let all sort of warlike + operations, whether they befall you now in your own time, or hereafter in + the times of your posterity, be done out of your own borders: but when you + are about to go to war, send embassages and heralds to those who are your + voluntary enemies, for it is a right thing to make use of words to them + before you come to your weapons of war; and assure them thereby, that + although you have a numerous army, with horses and weapons, and, above + these, a God merciful to you, and ready to assist you, you do however + desire them not to compel you to fight against them, nor to take from them + what they have, which will indeed be our gain, but what they will have no + reason to wish we should take to ourselves. And if they hearken to you, it + will be proper for you to keep peace with them; but if they trust in their + own strength, as superior to yours, and will not do you justice, lead your + army against them, making use of God as your supreme Commander, but + ordaining for a lieutenant under him one that is of the greatest courage + among you; for these different commanders, besides their being an obstacle + to actions that are to be done on the sudden, are a disadvantage to those + that make use of them. Lead an army pure, and of chosen men, composed of + all such as have extraordinary strength of body and hardiness of soul; but + do you send away the timorous part, lest they run away in the time of + action, and so afford an advantage to your enemies. Do you also give leave + to those that have lately built them houses, and have not yet lived in + them a year's time; and to those that have planted them vineyards, and + have not yet been partakers of their fruits,—to continue in their + own country; as well as those also who have betrothed, or lately married + them wives, lest they have such an affection for these things that they be + too sparing of their lives, and, by reserving themselves for these + enjoyments, they become voluntary cowards, on account of their wives. + </p> + <p> + 42. When you have pitched your camp, take care that you do nothing that is + cruel. And when you are engaged in a siege; and want timber for the making + of warlike engines, do not you render the land naked by cutting down trees + that bear fruit, but spare them, as considering that they were made for + the benefit of men; and that if they could speak, they would have a just + plea against you, because, though they are not occasions of the war, they + are unjustly treated, and suffer in it, and would, if they were able, + remove themselves into another land. When you have beaten your enemies in + battle, slay those that have fought against you; but preserve the others + alive, that they may pay you tribute, excepting the nation of the + Canaanites; for as to that people, you must entirely destroy them. + </p> + <p> + 43, Take care, especially in your battles, that no woman use the habit of + a man, nor man the garment of a woman. + </p> + <p> + 44. This was the form of political government which was left us by Moses. + Moreover, he had already delivered laws in writing <a href="#link4note-33" + name="link4noteref-33" id="link4noteref-33"><small>33</small></a> in the + fortieth year [after they came out of Egypt], concerning which we will + discourse in another book. But now on the following days [for he called + them to assemble continually] he delivered blessings to them, and curses + upon those that should not live according to the laws, but should + transgress the duties that were determined for them to observe. After + this, he read to them a poetic song, which was composed in hexameter + verse, and left it to them in the holy book: it contained a prediction of + what was to come to pass afterward; agreeably whereto all things have + happened all along, and do still happen to us; and wherein he has not at + all deviated from the truth. Accordingly, he delivered these books to the + priest, <a href="#link4note-34" name="link4noteref-34" id="link4noteref-34"><small>34</small></a> + with the ark; into which he also put the ten commandments, written on two + tables. He delivered to them the tabernacle also, and exhorted the people, + that when they had conquered the land, and were settled in it, they should + not forget the injuries of the Amalekites, but make war against them, and + inflict punishment upon them for what mischief they did them when they + were in the wilderness; and that when they had got possession of the land + of the Canaanites, and when they had destroyed the whole multitude of its + inhabitants, as they ought to do, they should erect an altar that should + face the rising sun, not far from the city of Shechem, between the two + mountains, that of Gerizzim, situate on the right hand, and that called + Ebal, on the left; and that the army should be so divided, that six tribes + should stand upon each of the two mountains, and with them the Levites and + the priests. And that first, those that were upon Mount Gerizzim should + pray for the best blessings upon those who were diligent about the worship + of God, and the observation of his laws, and who did not reject what Moses + had said to them; while the other wished them all manner of happiness + also; and when these last put up the like prayers, the former praised + them. After this, curses were denounced upon those that should transgress + those laws, they, answering one another alternately, by way of + confirmation of what had been said. Moses also wrote their blessings and + their curses, that they might learn them so thoroughly, that they might + never be forgotten by length of time. And when he was ready to die, he + wrote these blessings and curses upon the altar, on each side of it; where + he says also the people stood, and then sacrificed and offered + burnt-offerings, though after that day they never offered upon it any + other sacrifice, for it was not lawful so to do. These are the + constitutions of Moses; and the Hebrew nation still live according to + them. + </p> + <p> + 45. On the next day, Moses called the people together, with the women and + children, to a congregation, so as the very slaves were present also, that + they might engage themselves to the observation of these laws by oath; and + that, duly considering the meaning of God in them, they might not, either + for favor of their kindred, or out of fear of any one, or indeed for any + motive whatsoever, think any thing ought to be preferred to these laws, + and so might transgress them. That in case any one of their own blood, or + any city, should attempt to confound or dissolve their constitution of + government, they should take vengeance upon them, both all in general, and + each person in particular; and when they had conquered them, should + overturn their city to the very foundations, and, if possible, should not + leave the least footsteps of such madness: but that if they were not able + to take such vengeance, they should still demonstrate that what was done + was contrary to their wills. So the multitude bound themselves by oath so + to do. + </p> + <p> + 46. Moses taught them also by what means their sacrifices might be the + most acceptable to God; and how they should go forth to war, making use of + the stones [in the high priest's breastplate] for their direction, <a + href="#link4note-35" name="link4noteref-35" id="link4noteref-35"><small>35</small></a> + as I have before signified. Joshua also prophesied while Moses was + present. And when Moses had recapitulated whatsoever he had done for the + preservation of the people, both in their wars and in peace, and had + composed them a body of laws, and procured them an excellent form of + government, he foretold, as God had declared to him that if they + transgressed that institution for the worship of God, they should + experience the following miseries:—Their land should be full of + weapons of war from their enemies, and their cities should be overthrown, + and their temple should be burnt that they should be sold for slaves, to + such men as would have no pity on them in their afflictions; that they + would then repent, when that repentance would no way profit them under + their sufferings. "Yet," said he, "will that God who founded your nation, + restore your cities to your citizens, with their temple also; and you + shall lose these advantages not once only, but often." + </p> + <p> + 47. Now when Moses had encouraged Joshua to lead out the army against the + Canaanites, by telling him that God would assist him in all his + undertakings, and had blessed the whole multitude, he said, "Since I am + going to my forefathers, and God has determined that this should be the + day of my departure to them, I return him thanks while I am still alive + and present with you, for that providence he hath exercised over you, + which hath not only delivered us from the miseries we lay under, but hath + bestowed a state of prosperity upon us; as also, that he hath assisted me + in the pains I took, and in all the contrivances I had in my care about + you, in order to better your condition, and hath on all occasions showed + himself favorable to us; or rather he it was who first conducted our + affairs, and brought them to a happy conclusion, by making use of me as a + vicarious general under him, and as a minister in those matters wherein he + was willing to do you good: on which account I think it proper to bless + that Divine Power which will take care of you for the time to come, and + this in order to repay that debt which I owe him, and to leave behind me a + memorial that we are obliged to worship and honor him, and to keep those + laws which are the most excellent gift of all those he hath already + bestowed upon us, or which, if he continue favorable to us, he will bestow + upon us hereafter. Certainly a human legislator is a terrible enemy when + his laws are affronted, and are made to no purpose. And may you never + experience that displeasure of God which will be the consequence of the + neglect of these his laws, which he, who is your Creator, hath given you." + </p> + <p> + 48. When Moses had spoken thus at the end of his life, and had foretold + what would befall to every one of their tribes <a href="#link4note-36" + name="link4noteref-36" id="link4noteref-36"><small>36</small></a> + afterward, with the addition of a blessing to them, the multitude fell + into tears, insomuch that even the women, by beating their breasts, made + manifest the deep concern they had when he was about to die. The children + also lamented still more, as not able to contain their grief; and thereby + declared, that even at their age they were sensible of his virtue and + mighty deeds; and truly there seemed to be a strife betwixt the young and + the old who should most grieve for him. The old grieved because they knew + what a careful protector they were to be deprived of, and so lamented + their future state; but the young grieved, not only for that, but also + because it so happened that they were to be left by him before they had + well tasted of his virtue. Now one may make a guess at the excess of this + sorrow and lamentation of the multitude, from what happened to the + legislator himself; for although he was always persuaded that he ought not + to be cast down at the approach of death, since the undergoing it was + agreeable to the will of God and the law of nature, yet what the people + did so overbore him, that he wept himself. Now as he went thence to the + place where he was to vanish out of their sight, they all followed after + him weeping; but Moses beckoned with his hand to those that were remote + from him, and bade them stay behind in quiet, while he exhorted those that + were near to him that they would not render his departure so lamentable. + Whereupon they thought they ought to grant him that favor, to let him + depart according as he himself desired; so they restrained themselves, + though weeping still towards one another. All those who accompanied him + were the senate, and Eleazar the high priest, and Joshua their commander. + Now as soon as they were come to the mountain called Abarim, [which is a + very high mountain, situate over against Jericho, and one that affords, to + such as are upon it, a prospect of the greatest part of the excellent land + of Canaan,] he dismissed the senate; and as he was going to embrace + Eleazar and Joshua, and was still discoursing with them, a cloud stood + over him on the sudden, and he disappeared in a certain valley, although + he wrote in the holy books that he died, which was done out of fear, lest + they should venture to say that, because of his extraordinary virtue, he + went to God. + </p> + <p> + 49. Now Moses lived in all one hundred and twenty years; a third part of + which time, abating one month, he was the people's ruler; and he died on + the last month of the year, which is called by the Macedonians Dystrus, + but by us Adar, on the first day of the month. He was one that exceeded + all men that ever were in understanding, and made the best use of what + that understanding suggested to him. He had a very graceful way of + speaking and addressing himself to the multitude; and as to his other + qualifications, he had such a full command of his passions, as if he + hardly had any such in his soul, and only knew them by their names, as + rather perceiving them in other men than in himself. He was also such a + general of an army as is seldom seen, as well as such a prophet as was + never known, and this to such a degree, that whatsoever he pronounced, you + would think you heard the voice of God himself. So the people mourned for + him thirty days: nor did ever any grief so deeply affect the Hebrews as + did this upon the death of Moses: nor were those that had experienced his + conduct the only persons that desired him, but those also that perused the + laws he left behind him had a strong desire after him, and by them + gathered the extraordinary virtue he was master of. And this shall suffice + for the declaration of the manner of the death of Moses. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_FOOT" id="link42H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES: + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link4note-1" id="link4note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link4noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ Reland here takes notice, + that although our Bibles say little or nothing of these riches of Corah, + yet that both the Jews and Mahommedans, as well as Josephus, are full of + it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-2" id="link4note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link4noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ It appears here, and from + the Samaritan Pentateuch, and, in effect, from the psalmist, as also from + the Apostolical Constitutions, from Clement's First Epistle to the + Corinthians, from Ignatius's Epistle to the Magnesians, and from Eusebius, + that Corah was not swallowed up with the Reubenites, but burned with the + Levites of his own tribe. See Essay on the Old Testament, p. 64, 65.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-3" id="link4note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link4noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ Concerning these twelve + rods of the twelve tribes of Israel, see St. Clement's account, much + larger than that in our Bibles, 1 Epist. sect. 45; as is Josephus's + present account in measure larger also.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-4" id="link4note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link4noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ Grotius, on Numbers 6:18, + takes notice that the Greeks also, aswell as the Jews, sometimes + consecrated the hair of their heads to the gods.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-5" id="link4note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link4noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus here uses this + phrase, "when the fortieth year was completed," for when it was begun; as + does St. Luke when the day of Pentecost was completed," Acts 2:1.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-6" id="link4note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link4noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ Whether Miriam died, as + Josephus's. Greek copies imply, on the first day of the month, may be + doubted, because the Latin copies say it was on the tenth, and so say the + Jewish calendars also, as Dr. Bernard assures us. It is said her sepulcher + is still extant near Petra, the old capital city of Arabia Petraea, at + this day; as also that of Aaron, not far off.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-7" id="link4note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link4noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ What Josephus here remarks + is well worth our remark in this place also; viz. that the Israelites were + never to meddle with the Moabites, or Ammonites, or any other people, but + those belonging to the land of Canaan, and the countries of Sihon and Og + beyond Jordan, as far as the desert and Euphrates, and that therefore no + other people had reason to fear the conquests of the Israelites; but that + those countries given them by God were their proper and peculiar portion + among the nations, and that all who endeavored to dispossess them might + ever be justly destroyed by them.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-8" id="link4note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link4noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ Note that Josephus never + supposes Balaam to be an idolater, nor to seek idolatrous enchantments, or + to prophesy falsely, but to be no other than an ill-disposed prophet of + the true God; and intimates that God's answer the second time, permitting + him to go, was ironical, and on design that he deceived [which sort of + deception, by way of punishment for former crimes, Josephus never scruples + to admit, as ever esteeming such wicked men justly and providentially + deceived]. But perhaps we had better keep here close to the text which + says Numbers 23:20, 21, that God only permitted Balaam to go along with + the ambassadors, in case they came and called him, or positively insisted + on his going along with them, on any terms; whereas Balaam seems out of + impatience to have risen up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and + rather to have called them, than staid for their calling him, so zealous + does he seem to have been for his reward of divination, his wages of + unrighteousness, Numbers 23:7, 17, 18, 37; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 5, 11; which + reward or wages the truly religious prophets of God never required nor + accepted, as our Josephus justly takes notice in the cases of Samuel, + Antiq. B. V. ch. 4. sect. 1, and Daniel, Antiq. B. X. ch. 11. sect. 3. See + also Genesis 14:22, 23; 2 Kings 5:15, 16, 26, 27; and Acts 8;17-24.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-9" id="link4note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link4noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ Whether Josephus had in + his copy but two attempts of Balaam in all to curse Israel; or whether by + this his twice offering sacrifice, he meant twice besides that first time + already mentioned, which yet is not very probable; cannot now be certainly + determined. In the mean time, all other copies have three such attempts of + Balaam to curse them in the present history.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-10" id="link4note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link4noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ Such a large and + distinct account of this perversion of the Israelites by the Midianite + women, of which our other copies give us but short intimations, Numbers + 31:16 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14, is preserved, as Reland + informs us, in the Samaritan Chronicle, in Philo, and in other writings of + the Jews, as well as here by Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-11" id="link4note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link4noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ This grand maxim, That + God's people of Israel could never be hurt nor destroyed, but by drawing + them to sin against God, appears to be true, by the entire history of that + people, both in the Bible and in Josephus; and is often taken notice of in + them both. See in particular a most remarkable Ammonite testimony to this + purpose, Judith 5:5-21.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-12" id="link4note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link4noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ What Josephus here puts + into the mouths of these Midianite women, who came to entice the + Israelites to lewdness and idolatry, viz. that their worship of the God of + Israel, in opposition to their idol gods, implied their living according + to the holy laws which the true God had given them by Moses, in opposition + to those impure laws which were observed under their false gods, well + deserves our consideration; and gives us a substantial reason for the + great concern that was ever shown under the law of Moses to preserve the + Israelites from idolatry, and in the worship of the true God; it being of + no less consequence than, Whether God's people should be governed by the + holy laws of the true God, or by the impure laws derived from demons, + under the pagan idolatry.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-13" id="link4note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link4noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ The mistake in all + Josephus's copies, Greek and Latin which have here fourteen thousand + instead of twenty-four thousand, is so flagrant, that our very learned + editors, Bernard and Hudson, have put the latter number directly into the + text. I choose rather to put it in brackets.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-14" id="link4note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link4noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ The slaughter of all the + Midianite women that had prostituted themselves to the lewd Israelites, + and the preservation of those that had not been guilty therein; the last + of which were no fewer than thirty-two thousand, both here and Numbers + 31:15-17, 35, 40, 46, and both by the particular command of God; are + highly remarkable, and show that, even in nations otherwise for their + wickedness doomed to destruction, the innocent were sometimes particularly + and providentially taken care of, and delivered from that destruction; + which directly implies, that it was the wickedness of the nations of + Canaan, and nothing else, that occasioned their excision. See Genesis + 15;16; 1 Samuel 15:18, 33; Apost. Constit. B. VIII. ch. 12. p. 402. In the + first of which places, the reason of the delay of the punishment of the + Amorites is given, because "their iniquity was not yet full." In the + secured, Saul is ordered to go and "destroy the sinners, the Amalekites;" + plainly implying that they were therefore to be destroyed, because they + were sinners, and not otherwise. In the third, the reason is given why + king Agag was not to be spared, viz. because of his former cruelty: "As + thy sword hath made the [Hebrew] women childless, so shall thy mother be + made childless among women by the Hebrews." In the last place, the + apostles, or their amanuensis Clement, gave this reason for the necessity + of the coming of Christ, that "men had formerly perverted both the + positive law, and that of nature; and had cast out of their mind the + memory of the Flood, the burning of Sodom, the plagues of the Egyptians, + and the slaughter of the inhabitants of Palestine," as signs of the most + amazing impenitence and insensibility, under the punishments of horrid + wickedness.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-15" id="link4note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link4noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus here, in this + one sentence, sums up his notion of Moses's very long and very serious + exhortations in the book of Deuteronomy; and his words are so true, and of + such importance, that they deserve to be had in constant remembrance.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-16" id="link4note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link4noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ This law, both here and + Exodus 20:25, 26, of not going up to God's altar by ladder-steps, but on + an acclivity, seems not to have belonged to the altar of the tabernacle, + which was in all but three cubits high, Exodus 27:4; nor to that of + Ezekiel, which was expressly to be gone up to by steps, ch. 43:17; but + rather to occasional altars of any considerable altitude and largeness; as + also probably to Solomon's altar, to which it is here applied by Josephus, + as well as to that in Zorobabel's and Herod's temple, which were, I think, + all ten cubits high. See 2 Chronicles 4:1, and Antiq. B. VIII. ch. 3. + sect. 7. The reason why these temples, and these only, were to have this + ascent on an acclivity, and not by steps, is obvious, that before the + invention of stairs, such as we now use, decency could not be otherwise + provided for in the loose garments which the priests wore, as the law + required. See Lamy of the Tabernacle and Temple, p. 444.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-17" id="link4note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link4noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ The hire of public or + secret harlots was given to Venus in Syria, as Lucian informs us, p. 878; + and against some such vile practice of the old idolaters this law seems to + have been made.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-18" id="link4note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link4noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ The Apostolical + Constitutions, B. II. ch. 26. sect. 31, expound this law of Moses, Exodus + 22. 28, "Thou shalt not revile or blaspheme the gods," or magistrates, + which is a much more probable exposition than this of Josephus, of heathen + gillis, as here, and against Apion, B. II. ch. 3. sect. 31. What book of + the law was thus publicly read, see the note on Antiq. B. X. ch. 5. sect. + 5, and 1 Esd. 9:8-55.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-19" id="link4note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link4noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ Whether these + phylacteries, and other Jewish memorials of the law here mentioned by + Josephus, and by Muses, [besides the fringes on the borders of their + garments, Numbers 15:37,] were literally meant by God, I much question. + That they have been long observed by the Pharisees and Rabbinical Jews is + certain; however, the Karaites, who receive not the unwritten traditions + of the elders, but keep close to the written law, with Jerome and Grotius, + think they were not literally to be understood; as Bernard and Reland here + take notice. Nor indeed do I remember that, either in the ancienter books + of the Old Testament, or in the books we call Apocrypha, there are any + signs of such literal observations appearing among the Jews, though their + real or mystical signification, i.e. the constant remembrance and + observation of the laws of God by Moses, be frequently inculcated in all + the sacred writings.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-20" id="link4note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link4noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ Here, as well as + elsewhere, sect. 38, of his Life, sect. 14, and of the War, B. II. ch. 20. + sect. 5, are but seven judges appointed for small cities, instead of + twenty-three in the modern Rabbins; which modern Rabbis are always but of + very little authority in comparison of our Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-21" id="link4note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link4noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ I have never observed + elsewhere, that in the Jewish government women were not admitted as legal + witnesses in courts of justice. None of our copies of the Pentateuch say a + word of it. It is very probable, however, that this was the exposition of + the scribes and Pharisees, and the practice of the Jews in the days of + Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-22" id="link4note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link4noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ This penalty of "forty + stripes save one," here mentioned, and sect. 23, was five times inflicted + on St. Paul himself by the Jews, 2 Corinthians 11:24] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-23" id="link4note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link4noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus's plain and + express interpretation of this law of Moses, Deuteronomy 14:28, 29; 26:12, + etc., that the Jews were bound every third year to pay three tithes, that + to the Levites, that for sacrifices at Jerusalem, and this for the + indigent, the widow, and the orphans, is fully confirmed by the practice + of good old Tobit, even when he was a captive in Assyria, against the + opinions of the Rabbins, Tobit 1:6-8.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-24" id="link4note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link4noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ These tokens of + virginity, as the Hebrew and Septuagint style them, Deuteronomy 22:15, 17, + 20, seem to me very different from what our later interpreters suppose. + They appear rather to have been such close linen garments as were never + put off virgins, after, a certain age, till they were married, but before + witnesses, and which, while they were entire, were certain evidences of + such virginity. See these, Antiq. B. VII. ch. 8. sect. 1; 2 Samuel 13:18; + Isaiah 6:1 Josephus here determines nothing what were these particular + tokens of virginity or of corruption: perhaps he thought he could not + easily describe them to the heathens, without saying what they might have + thought a breach of modesty; which seeming breach of modesty laws cannot + always wholly avoid.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-25" id="link4note-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#link4noteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ These words of Josephus + are very like those of the Pharisees to our Savior upon this very subject, + Matthew 19:3, "Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every + cause?"] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-26" id="link4note-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#link4noteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ Here it is supposed that + this captive's husband, if she were before a married woman, was dead + before, or rather was slain in this very battle, otherwise it would have + been adultery in him that married her.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-27" id="link4note-27"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#link4noteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ See Herod the Great + insisting on the execution of this law, with relation to two of his own + sons, before the judges at Berytus, Antiq. B. XVI. ch. 11. sect. 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-28" id="link4note-28"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#link4noteref-28">return</a>)<br /> [ Philo and others appear + to have understood this law, Exodus 21:22, 23, better than Josephus, who + seems to allow, that though the infant in the mother's womb, even after + the mother were quick, and so the infant had a rational soul, were killed + by the stroke upon the mother, yet if the mother escaped, the offender + should only be fined, and not put to death; while the law seems rather to + mean, that if the infant in that case be killed, though the mother escape, + the offender must be put to death, and not only when the mother is killed, + as Josephus understood it. It seems this was the exposition of the + Pharisees in the days of Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-29" id="link4note-29"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#link4noteref-29">return</a>)<br /> [ What we render a witch, + according to our modern notions of witchcraft, Exodus 22:15, Philo and + Josephus understood of a poisoner, or one who attempted by secret and + unlawful drugs or philtra, to take away the senses or the lives of men.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-30" id="link4note-30"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 30 (<a href="#link4noteref-30">return</a>)<br /> [ This permission of + redeeming this penalty with money is not in our copies, Exodus 21:24, 25; + Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-31" id="link4note-31"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 31 (<a href="#link4noteref-31">return</a>)<br /> [ We may here note, that + thirty shekels, the price our Savior was sold for by Judas to the Jews, + Matthew 26:15, and 27;3, was the old value of a bought servant or slave + among that people.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-32" id="link4note-32"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 32 (<a href="#link4noteref-32">return</a>)<br /> [ This law against + castration, even of brutes, is said to be so rigorous elsewhere, as to + inflict death on him that does it which seems only a Pharisaical + interpretation in the days of Josephus of that law, Leviticus 21:20, and + 22:24: only we may hence observe, that the Jews could then have no oxen + which are gelded, but only bulls and cows, in Judea.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-33" id="link4note-33"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 33 (<a href="#link4noteref-33">return</a>)<br /> [ These laws seem to be + those above-mentioned, sect, 4, of this chapter.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-34" id="link4note-34"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 34 (<a href="#link4noteref-34">return</a>)<br /> [ What laws were now + delivered to the priests, see the note on Antiq. B. III. ch. 1. sect. 7.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-35" id="link4note-35"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 35 (<a href="#link4noteref-35">return</a>)<br /> [ Of the exact place where + this altar was to be built, whether nearer Mount Gerizzim or Mount Ebal, + according to Josephus, see Essay on the Old Testament, p. 168—171. + Dr. Bernard well observes here, how unfortunate this neglect of consulting + the Urim was to Joshua himself, in the case of the Gibeonites, who put a + trick upon him, and ensnared him, together with the rest of the Jewish + rulers, with a solemn oath to preserve them, contrary to his commission to + extirpate all the Canaanites, root and branch; which oath he and the other + rulers never durst break. See Scripture Politics, p. 55, 56; and this + snare they were brought into because they "did not ask counsel at the + mouth of the Lord," Joshua 9:14.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4note-36" id="link4note-36"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 36 (<a href="#link4noteref-36">return</a>)<br /> [ Since Josephus assures + us here, as is most naturally to be supposed, and as the Septuagint gives + the text, Deuteronomy 33:6, that Moses blessed every one of the tribes of + Israel, it is evident that Simeon was not omitted in his copy, as it + unhappily now is, both in our Hebrew and Samaritan copies.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link52H_4_0001" id="link52H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK V. Containing The Interval Of Four Hundred And Seventy-Six + Years.—From The Death Of Moses To The Death Of Eli.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link52HCH0001" id="link52HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. How Joshua, The Commander Of The Hebrews, Made War With The + Canaanites, And Overcame Them, And Destroyed Them, And Divided Their Land + By Lot To The Tribes Of Israel. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Moses was taken away from among men, in the manner already + described, and when all the solemnities belonging to the mourning for him + were finished, and the sorrow for him was over, Joshua commanded the + multitude to get themselves ready for an expedition. He also sent spies to + Jericho to discover what forces they had, and what were their intentions; + but he put his camp in order, as intending soon to pass over Jordan at a + proper season. And calling to him the rulers of the tribe of Reuben, and + the governors of the tribe of Gad, and [the half tribe of] Manasseh, for + half of this tribe had been permitted to have their habitation in the + country of the Amorites, which was the seventh part of the land of Canaan, + <a href="#link5note-1" name="link5noteref-1" id="link5noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> + he put them in mind what they had promised Moses; and he exhorted them + that, for the sake of the care that Moses had taken of them who had never + been weary of taking pains for them no, not when he was dying, and for the + sake of the public welfare, they would prepare themselves, and readily + perform what they had promised; so he took fifty thousand of them who + followed him, and he marched from Abila to Jordan, sixty furlongs. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now when he had pitched his camp, the spies came to him immediately, + well acquainted with the whole state of the Canaanites; for at first, + before they were at all discovered, they took a full view of the city of + Jericho without disturbance, and saw which parts of the walls were strong, + and which parts were otherwise, and indeed insecure, and which of the + gates were so weak as might afford an entrance to their army. Now those + that met them took no notice of them when they saw them, and supposed they + were only strangers, who used to be very curious in observing everything + in the city, and did not take them for enemies; but at even they retired + to a certain inn that was near to the wall, whither they went to eat their + supper; which supper when they had done, and were considering how to get + away, information was given to the king as he was at supper, that there + were some persons come from the Hebrews' camp to view the city as spies, + and that they were in the inn kept by Rahab, and were very solicitous that + they might not be discovered. So he sent immediately some to them, and + commanded to catch them, and bring them to him, that he might examine them + by torture, and learn what their business was there. As soon as Rahab + understood that these messengers were coming, she hid the spies under + stalks of flax, which were laid to dry on the top of her house; and said + to the messengers that were sent by the king, that certain unknown + strangers had supped with her a little before sun-setting, and were gone + away, who might easily be taken, if they were any terror to the city, or + likely to bring any danger to the king. So these messengers being thus + deluded by the woman, <a href="#link5note-2" name="link5noteref-2" + id="link5noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> and suspecting no imposition, + went their ways, without so much as searching the inn; but they + immediately pursued them along those roads which they most probably + supposed them to have gone, and those particularly which led to the river, + but could hear no tidings of them; so they left off the pains of any + further pursuit. But when the tumult was over, Rahab brought the men down, + and desired them as soon as they should have obtained possession of the + land of Canaan, when it would be in their power to make her amends for her + preservation of them, to remember what danger she had undergone for their + sakes; for that if she had been caught concealing them, she could not have + escaped a terrible destruction, she and all her family with her, and so + bid them go home; and desired them to swear to her to preserve her and her + family when they should take the city, and destroy all its inhabitants, as + they had decreed to do; for so far she said she had been assured by those + Divine miracles of which she had been informed. So these spies + acknowledged that they owed her thanks for what she had done already, and + withal swore to requite her kindness, not only in words, but in deeds. But + they gave her this advice, That when she should perceive that the city was + about to be taken, she should put her goods, and all her family, by way of + security, in her inn, and to hang out scarlet threads before her doors, + [or windows,] that the commander of the Hebrews might know her house, and + take care to do her no harm; for, said they, we will inform him of this + matter, because of the concern thou hast had to preserve us: but if any + one of thy family fall in the battle, do not thou blame us; and we beseech + that God, by whom we have sworn, not then to be displeased with us, as + though we had broken our oaths. So these men, when they had made this + agreement, went away, letting themselves down by a rope from the wall, and + escaped, and came and told their own people whatsoever they had done in + their journey to this city. Joshua also told Eleazar the high priest, and + the senate, what the spies had sworn to Rahab, who continued what had been + sworn. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now while Joshua, the commander, was in fear about their passing over + Jordan, for the river ran with a strong current, and could not be passed + over with bridges, for there never had been bridges laid over it hitherto; + and while he suspected, that if he should attempt to make a bridge, that + their enemies would not afford him time to perfect it, and for ferry-boats + they had none,-God promised so to dispose of the river, that they might + pass over it, and that by taking away the main part of its waters. So + Joshua, after two days, caused the army and the whole multitude to pass + over in the manner following:—The priests went first of all, having + the ark with them; then went the Levites bearing the tabernacle and the + vessels which belonged to the sacrifices; after which the entire multitude + followed, according to their tribes, having their children and their wives + in the midst of them, as being afraid for them, lest they should be borne + away by the stream. But as soon as the priests had entered the river + first, it appeared fordable, the depth of the water being restrained and + the sand appearing at the bottom, because the current was neither so + strong nor so swift as to carry it away by its force; so they all passed + over the river without fear, finding it to be in the very same state as + God had foretold he would put it in; but the priests stood still in the + midst of the river till the multitude should be passed over, and should + get to the shore in safety; and when all were gone over, the priests came + out also, and permitted the current to run freely as it used to do before. + Accordingly the river, as soon as the Hebrews were come out of it, arose + again presently, and came to its own proper magnitude as before. + </p> + <p> + 4. So the Hebrews went on farther fifty furlongs, and pitched their camp + at the distance of ten furlongs from Jericho; but Joshua built an altar of + those stones which all the heads of the tribes, at the command of the + prophets, had taken out of the deep, to be afterwards a memorial of the + division of the stream of this river, and upon it offered sacrifice to + God; and in that place celebrated the passover, and had great plenty of + all the things which they wanted hitherto; for they reaped the corn of the + Canaanites, which was now ripe, and took other things as prey; for then it + was that their former food, which was manna, and of which they had eaten + forty years, failed them. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now while the Israelites did this, and the Canaanites did not attack + them, but kept themselves quiet within their own walls, Joshua resolved to + besiege them; so on the first day of the feast [of the passover], the + priests carried the ark round about, with some part of the armed men to be + a guard to it. These priests went forward, blowing with their seven + trumpets; and exhorted the army to be of good courage, and went round + about the city, with the senate following them; and when the priests had + only blown with the trumpets, for they did nothing more at all, they + returned to the camp. And when they had done this for six days, on the + seventh Joshua gathered the armed men and all the people together, and + told them these good tidings, That the city should now be taken, since God + would on that day give it them, by the falling down of the walls, and this + of their own accord, and without their labor. However, he charged them to + kill every one they should take, and not to abstain from the slaughter of + their enemies, either for weariness or for pity, and not to fall on the + spoil, and be thereby diverted from pursuing their enemies as they ran + away; but to destroy all the animals, and to take nothing for their own + peculiar advantage. He commanded them also to bring together all the + silver and gold, that it might be set apart as first-fruits unto God out + of this glorious exploit, as having gotten them from the city they first + took; only that they should save Rahab and her kindred alive, because of + the oath which the spies had sworn to her. + </p> + <p> + 6. When he had said this, and had set his army in order, he brought it + against the city: so they went round the city again, the ark going before + them, and the priests encouraging the people to be zealous in the work; + and when they had gone round it seven times, and had stood still a little, + the wall fell down, while no instruments of war, nor any other force, was + applied to it by the Hebrews. + </p> + <p> + 7. So they entered into Jericho, and slew all the men that were therein, + while they were affrighted at the surprising overthrow of the walls, and + their courage was become useless, and they were not able to defend + themselves; so they were slain, and their throats cut, some in the ways, + and others as caught in their houses; nothing afforded them assistance, + but they all perished, even to the women and the children; and the city + was filled with dead bodies, and not one person escaped. They also burnt + the whole city, and the country about it; but they saved alive Rahab, with + her family, who had fled to her inn. And when she was brought to him, + Joshua owned to her that they owed her thanks for her preservation of the + spies: so he said he would not appear to be behind her in his benefaction + to her; whereupon he gave her certain lands immediately, and had her in + great esteem ever afterwards. + </p> + <p> + 8. And if any part of the city escaped the fire, he overthrew it from the + foundation; and he denounced a curse <a href="#link5note-3" + name="link5noteref-3" id="link5noteref-3"><small>3</small></a>against its + inhabitants, if any should desire to rebuild it; how, upon his laying the + foundation of the walls, he should be deprived of his eldest son; and upon + finishing it, he should lose his youngest son. But what happened hereupon + we shall speak of hereafter. + </p> + <p> + 9. Now there was an immense quantity of silver and gold, and besides those + of brass also, that was heaped together out of the city when it was taken, + no one transgressing the decree, nor purloining for their own peculiar + advantage; which spoils Joshua delivered to the priests, to be laid up + among their treasures. And thus did Jericho perish. + </p> + <p> + 10. But there was one Achar, <a href="#link5note-4" name="link5noteref-4" + id="link5noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> the son [of Charmi, the son] of + Zebedias, of the tribe of Judah, who finding a royal garment woven + entirely of gold, and a piece of gold that weighed two hundred shekels; <a + href="#link5note-5" name="link5noteref-5" id="link5noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + and thinking it a very hard case, that what spoils he, by running some + hazard, had found, he must give away, and offer it to God, who stood in no + need of it, while he that wanted it must go without it,—made a deep + ditch in his own tent, and laid them up therein, as supposing he should + not only be concealed from his fellow soldiers, but from God himself also. + </p> + <p> + 11. Now the place where Joshua pitched his camp was called Gilgal, which + denotes liberty; <a href="#link5note-6" name="link5noteref-6" + id="link5noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> for since now they had passed + over Jordan, they looked on themselves as freed from the miseries which + they had undergone from the Egyptians, and in the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + 12. Now, a few days after the calamity that befell Jericho, Joshua sent + three thousand armed men to take Ai, a city situate above Jericho; but, + upon the sight of the people of Ai, with them they were driven back, and + lost thirty-six of their men. When this was told the Israelites, it made + them very sad, and exceeding disconsolate, not so much because of the + relation the men that were destroyed bare to them, though those that were + destroyed were all good men, and deserved their esteem, as by the despair + it occasioned; for while they believed that they were already, in effect, + in possession of the land, and should bring back the army out of the + battles without loss, as God had promised beforehand, they now saw + unexpectedly their enemies bold with success; so they put sackcloth over + their garments, and continued in tears and lamentation all the day, + without the least inquiry after food, but laid what had happened greatly + to heart. + </p> + <p> + 13. When Joshua saw the army so much afflicted, and possessed with + forebodings of evil as to their whole expedition, he used freedom with + God, and said, "We are not come thus far out of any rashness of our own, + as though we thought ourselves able to subdue this land with our own + weapons, but at the instigation of Moses thy servant for this purpose, + because thou hast promised us, by many signs, that thou wouldst give us + this land for a possession, and that thou wouldst make our army always + superior in war to our enemies, and accordingly some success has already + attended upon us agreeably to thy promises; but because we have now + unexpectedly been foiled, and have lost some men out of our army, we are + grieved at it, as fearing what thou hast promised us, and what Moses + foretold us, cannot be depended on by us; and our future expectation + troubles us the more, because we have met with such a disaster in this our + first attempt. But do thou, O Lord, free us from these suspicions, for + thou art able to find a cure for these disorders, by giving us victory, + which will both take away the grief we are in at present, and prevent our + distrust as to what is to come." + </p> + <p> + 14. These intercessions Joshua put up to God, as he lay prostrate on his + face: whereupon God answered him, That he should rise up, and purify his + host from the pollution that had got into it; that "things consecrated to + me have been impudently stolen from me," and that "this has been the + occasion why this defeat had happened to them;" and that when they should + search out and punish the offender, he would ever take care they should + have the victory over their enemies. This Joshua told the people; and + calling for Eleazar the high priest, and the men in authority, he cast + lots, tribe by tribe; and when the lot showed that this wicked action was + done by one of the tribe of Judah, he then again proposed the lot to the + several families thereto belonging; so the truth of this wicked action was + found to belong to the family of Zachar; and when the inquiry was made man + by man, they took Achar, who, upon God's reducing him to a terrible + extremity, could not deny the fact: so he confessed the theft, and + produced what he had taken in the midst of them, whereupon he was + immediately put to death; and attained no more than to be buried in the + night in a disgraceful manner, and such as was suitable to a condemned + malefactor. + </p> + <p> + 15. When Joshua had thus purified the host, he led them against Ai: and + having by night laid an ambush round about the city, he attacked the + enemies as soon as it was day; but as they advanced boldly against the + Israelites, because of their former victory, he made them believe he + retired, and by that means drew them a great way from the city, they still + supposing that they were pursuing their enemies, and despised them, as + though the case had been the same with that in the former battle; after + which Joshua ordered his forces to turn about, and placed them against + their front. He then made the signals agreed upon to those that lay in + ambush, and so excited them to fight; so they ran suddenly into the city, + the inhabitants being upon the walls, nay, others of them being in + perplexity, and coming to see those that were without the gates. + Accordingly, these men took the city, and slew all that they met with; but + Joshua forced those that came against him to come to a close fight, and + discomfited them, and made them run away; and when they were driven + towards the city, and thought it had not been touched, as soon as they saw + it was taken, and perceived it was burnt, with their wives and children, + they wandered about in the fields in a scattered condition, and were no + way able to defend themselves, because they had none to support them. Now + when this calamity was come upon the men of Ai, there were a great number + of children, and women, and servants, and an immense quantity of other + furniture. The Hebrews also took herds of cattle, and a great deal of + money, for this was a rich country. So when Joshua came to Gilgal, he + divided all these spoils among the soldiers. + </p> + <p> + 16. But the Gibeonites, who inhabited very near to Jerusalem, when they + saw what miseries had happened to the inhabitants of Jericho; and to those + of Ai, and suspected that the like sore calamity would come as far as + themselves, they did not think fit to ask for mercy of Joshua; for they + supposed they should find little mercy from him, who made war that he + might entirely destroy the nation of the Canaanites; but they invited the + people of Cephirah and Kiriathjearim, who were their neighbors, to join in + league with them; and told them that neither could they themselves avoid + the danger they were all in, if the Israelites should prevent them, and + seize upon them: so when they had persuaded them, they resolved to + endeavor to escape the forces of the Israelites. Accordingly, upon their + agreement to what they proposed, they sent ambassadors to Joshua to make a + league of friendship with him, and those such of the citizens as were best + approved of, and most capable of doing what was most advantageous to the + multitude. Now these ambassadors thought it dangerous to confess + themselves to be Canaanites, but thought they might by this contrivance + avoid the danger, namely, by saying that they bare no relation to the + Canaanites at all, but dwelt at a very great distance from them: and they + said further, that they came a long way, on account of the reputation he + had gained for his virtue; and as a mark of the truth of what they said, + they showed him the habit they were in, for that their clothes were new + when they came out, but were greatly worn by the length of thee they had + been on their journey; for indeed they took torn garments, on purpose that + they might make him believe so. So they stood in the midst of the people, + and said that they were sent by the people of Gibeon, and of the + circumjacent cities, which were very remote from the land where they now + were, to make such a league of friendship with them, and this on such + conditions as were customary among their forefathers; for when they + understood that, by the favor of God, and his gift to them, they were to + have the possession of the land of Canaan bestowed upon them, they said + that they were very glad to hear it, and desired to be admitted into the + number of their citizens. Thus did these ambassadors speak; and showing + them the marks of their long journey, they entreated the Hebrews to make a + league of friendship with them. Accordingly Joshua, believing what they + said, that they were not of the nation of the Canaanites, entered into + friendship with them; and Eleazar the high priest, with the senate, sware + to them that they would esteem them their friends and associates, and + would attempt nothing that should be unfair against them, the multitude + also assenting to the oaths that were made to them. So these men, having + obtained what they desired, by deceiving the Israelites, went home: but + when Joshua led his army to the country at the bottom of the mountains of + this part of Canaan, he understood that the Gibeonites dwelt not far from + Jerusalem, and that they were of the stock of the Canaanites; so he sent + for their governors, and reproached them with the cheat they had put upon + him; but they alleged, on their own behalf, that they had no other way to + save themselves but that, and were therefore forced to have recourse to + it. So he called for Eleazar the high priest, and for the senate, who + thought it right to make them public servants, that they might not break + the oath they had made to them; and they ordained them to be so. And this + was the method by which these men found safety and security under the + calamity that was ready to overtake them. + </p> + <p> + 17. But the king of Jerusalem took it to heart that the Gibeonites had + gone over to Joshua; so he called upon the kings of the neighboring + nations to join together, and make war against them. Now when the + Gibeonites saw these kings, which were four, besides the king of + Jerusalem, and perceived that they had pitched their camp at a certain + fountain not far from their city, and were getting ready for the siege of + it, they called upon Joshua to assist them; for such was their case, as to + expect to be destroyed by these Canaanites, but to suppose they should be + saved by those that came for the destruction of the Canaanites, because of + the league of friendship that was between them. Accordingly, Joshua made + haste with his whole army to assist them, and marching day and night, in + the morning he fell upon the enemies as they were going up to the siege; + and when he had discomfited them, he followed them, and pursued them down + the descent of the hills. The place is called Bethhoron; where he also + understood that God assisted him, which he declared by thunder and + thunderbolts, as also by the falling of hail larger than usual. Moreover, + it happened that the day was lengthened <a href="#link5note-7" + name="link5noteref-7" id="link5noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> that the + night might not come on too soon, and be an obstruction to the zeal of the + Hebrews in pursuing their enemies; insomuch that Joshua took the kings, + who were hidden in a certain cave at Makkedah, and put them to death. Now, + that the day was lengthened at this thee, and was longer than ordinary, is + expressed in the books laid up in the temple. + </p> + <p> + 18. These kings which made war with, and were ready to fight the + Gibeonites, being thus overthrown, Joshua returned again to the + mountainous parts of Canaan; and when he had made a great slaughter of the + people there, and took their prey, he came to the camp at Gilgal. And now + there went a great fame abroad among the neighboring people of the courage + of the Hebrews; and those that heard what a number of men were destroyed, + were greatly affrighted at it: so the kings that lived about Mount + Libanus, who were Canaanites, and those Canaanites that dwelt in the plain + country, with auxiliaries out of the land of the Philistines, pitched + their camp at Beroth, a city of the Upper Galilee, not far from Cadesh, + which is itself also a place in Galilee. Now the number of the whole army + was three hundred thousand armed footmen, and ten thousand horsemen, and + twenty thousand chariots; so that the multitude of the enemies affrighted + both Joshua himself and the Israelites; and they, instead of being full of + hopes of good success, were superstitiously timorous, with the great + terror with which they were stricken. Whereupon God upbraided them with + the fear they were in, and asked them whether they desired a greater help + than he could afford them; and promised them that they should overcome + their enemies; and withal charged them to make their enemies' horses + useless, and to burn their chariots. So Joshua became full of courage upon + these promises of God, and went out suddenly against the enemies; and + after five days' march he came upon them, and joined battle with them, and + there was a terrible fight, and such a number were slain as could not be + believed by those that heard it. He also went on in the pursuit a great + way, and destroyed the entire army of the enemies, few only excepted, and + all the kings fell in the battle; insomuch, that when there wanted men to + be killed, Joshua slew their horses, and burnt their chariots and passed + all over their country without opposition, no one daring to meet him in + battle; but he still went on, taking their cities by siege, and again + killing whatever he took. + </p> + <p> + 19. The fifth year was now past, and there was not one of the Canaanites + remained any longer, excepting some that had retired to places of great + strength. So Joshua removed his camp to the mountainous country, and + placed the tabernacle in the city of Shiloh, for that seemed a fit place + for it, because of the beauty of its situation, until such thee as their + affairs would permit them to build a temple; and from thence he went to + Shechem, together with all the people, and raised an altar where Moses had + beforehand directed; then did he divide the army, and placed one half of + them on Mount Gerizzim, and the other half on Mount Ebal, on which + mountain the altar was; he also placed there the tribe of Levi, and the + priests. And when they had sacrificed, and denounced the [blessings and + the] curses, and had left them engraven upon the altar, they returned to + Shiloh. + </p> + <p> + 20. And now Joshua was old, and saw that the cities of the Canaanites were + not easily to be taken, not only because they were situate in such strong + places, but because of the strength of the walls themselves, which being + built round about, the natural strength of the places on which the cities + stood, seemed capable of repelling their enemies from besieging them, and + of making those enemies despair of taking them; for when the Canaanites + had learned that the Israelites came out of Egypt in order to destroy + them, they were busy all that time in making their cities strong. So he + gathered the people together to a congregation at Shiloh; and when they, + with great zeal and haste, were come thither, he observed to them what + prosperous successes they had already had, and what glorious things had + been done, and those such as were worthy of that God who enabled them to + do those things, and worthy of the virtue of those laws which they + followed. He took notice also, that thirty-one of those kings that + ventured to give them battle were overcome, and every army, how great + soever it were, that confided in their own power, and fought with them, + was utterly destroyed; so that not so much as any of their posterity + remained. And as for the cities, since some of them were taken, but the + others must be taken in length of time, by long sieges, both on account of + the strength of their walls, and of the confidence the inhabitants had in + them thereby, he thought it reasonable that those tribes that came along + with them from beyond Jordan, and had partaken of the dangers they had + undergone, being their own kindred, should now be dismissed and sent home, + and should have thanks for the pains they had taken together with them. As + also, he thought it reasonable that they should send one man out of every + tribe, and he such as had the testimony of extraordinary virtue, who + should measure the land faithfully, and without any fallacy or deceit + should inform them of its real magnitude. + </p> + <p> + 21. Now Joshua, when he had thus spoken to them, found that the multitude + approved of his proposal. So he sent men to measure their country, and + sent with them some geometricians, who could not easily fail of knowing + the truth, on account of their skill in that art. He also gave them a + charge to estimate the measure of that part of the land that was most + fruitful, and what was not so good: for such is the nature of the land of + Canaan, that one may see large plains, and such as are exceeding fit to + produce fruit, which yet, if they were compared to other parts of the + country, might be reckoned exceedingly fruitful; yet, if it be compared + with the fields about Jericho, and to those that belong to Jerusalem, will + appear to be of no account at all; and although it so falls out that these + people have but a very little of this sort of land, and that it is, for + the main, mountainous also, yet does it not come behind other parts, on + account of its exceeding goodness and beauty; for which reason Joshua + thought the land for the tribes should be divided by estimation of its + goodness, rather than the largeness of its measure, it often happening + that one acre of some sort of land was equivalent to a thousand other + acres. Now the men that were sent, which were in number ten, traveled all + about, and made an estimation of the land, and in the seventh month came + to him to the city of Shiloh, where they had set up the tabernacle. + </p> + <p> + 22. So Joshua took both Eleazar and the senate, and with them the heads of + the tribes, and distributed the land to the nine tribes, and to the + half-tribe of Manasseh, appointing the dimensions to be according to the + largeness of each tribe. So when he had cast lots, Judah had assigned him + by lot the upper part of Judea, reaching as far as Jerusalem, and its + breadth extended to the Lake of Sodom. Now in the lot of this tribe there + were the cities of Askelon and Gaza. The lot of Simeon, which was the + second, included that part of Idumea which bordered upon Egypt and Arabia. + As to the Benjamites, their lot fell so, that its length reached from the + river Jordan to the sea, but in breadth it was bounded by Jerusalem and + Bethel; and this lot was the narrowest of all, by reason of the goodness + of the land, for it included Jericho and the city of Jerusalem. The tribe + of Ephraim had by lot the land that extended in length from the river + Jordan to Gezer; but in breadth as far as from Bethel, till it ended at + the Great Plain. The half-tribe of Manasseh had the land from Jordan to + the city of Dora; but its breadth was at Bethsham, which is now called + Scythopolis. And after these was Issachar, which had its limits in length, + Mount Carmel and the river, but its limit in breadth was Mount Tabor. The + tribe of Zebulon's lot included the land which lay as far as the Lake of + Genesareth, and that which belonged to Carmel and the sea. The tribe of + Aser had that part which was called the Valley, for such it was, and all + that part which lay over-against Sidon. The city Arce belonged to their + share, which is also named Actipus. The Naphthalites received the eastern + parts, as far as the city of Damascus and the Upper Galilee, unto Mount + Libanus, and the Fountains of Jordan, which rise out of that mountain; + that is, out of that part of it whose limits belong to the neighboring + city of Arce. The Danites' lot included all that part of the valley which + respects the sun-setting, and were bounded by Azotus and Dora; as also + they had all Jamnia and Gath, from Ekron to that mountain where the tribe + of Judah begins. + </p> + <p> + 23. After this manner did Joshua divide the six nations that bear the name + of the sons of Canaan, with their land, to be possessed by the nine tribes + and a half; for Moses had prevented him, and had already distributed the + land of the Amorites, which itself was so called also from one of the sons + of Canaan, to the two tribes and a half, as we have shown already. But the + parts about Sidon, as also those that belonged to the Arkites, and the + Amathites, and the Aradians, were not yet regularly disposed of. + </p> + <p> + 24. But now was Joshua hindered by his age from executing what he intended + to do [as did those that succeeded him in the government, take little care + of what was for the advantage of the public]; so he gave it in charge to + every tribe to leave no remainder of the race of the Canaanites in the + land that had been divided to them by lot; that Moses had assured them + beforehand, and they might rest fully satisfied about it, that their own + security and their observation of their own laws depended wholly upon it. + Moreover, he enjoined them to give thirty-eight cities to the Levites, for + they had already received ten in the country of the Amorites; and three of + these he assigned to those that fled from the man-slayers, who were to + inhabit there; for he was very solicitous that nothing should be neglected + which Moses had ordained. These cities were, of the tribe of Judah, + Hebron; of that of Ephraim, Shechem; and of that of Naphthali, Cadesh, + which is a place of the Upper Galilee. He also distributed among them the + rest of the prey not yet distributed, which was very great; whereby they + had an affluence of great riches, both all in general, and every one in + particular; and this of gold and of vestments, and of other furniture, + besides a multitude of cattle, whose number could not be told. + </p> + <p> + 25. After this was over, he gathered the army together to a congregation, + and spake thus to those tribes that had their settlement in the land of + the Amorites beyond Jordan,—for fifty thousand of them had armed + themselves, and had gone to the war along with them:—"Since that + God, who is the Father and Lord of the Hebrew nation, has now given us + this land for a possession, and promised to preserve us in the enjoyment + of it as our own for ever; and since you have with alacrity offered + yourselves to assist us when we wanted that assistance on all occasions, + according to his command; it is but just, now all our difficulties are + over, that you should be permitted to enjoy rest, and that we should + trespass on your alacrity to help us no longer; that so, if we should + again stand in need of it, we may readily have it on any future emergency, + and not tire you out so much now as may make you slower in assisting us + another time. We, therefore, return you our thanks for the dangers you + have undergone with us, and we do it not at this time only, but we shall + always be thus disposed; and be so good as to remember our friends, and to + preserve in mind what advantages we have had from them; and how you have + put off the enjoyments of your own happiness for our sakes, and have + labored for what we have now, by the goodwill of God, obtained, and + resolved not to enjoy your own prosperity till you had afforded us that + assistance. However, you have, by joining your labor with ours, gotten + great plenty of riches, and will carry home with you much prey, with gold + and silver, and, what is more than all these, our good-will towards you, + and a mind willingly disposed to make a requital of your kindness to us, + in what case soever you shall desire it, for you have not omitted any + thing which Moses beforehand required of you, nor have you despised him + because he was dead and gone from you, so that there is nothing to + diminish that gratitude which we owe to you. We therefore dismiss you + joyful to your own inheritances; and we entreat you to suppose, that there + is no limit to be set to the intimate relation that is between us; and + that you will not imagine, because this river is interposed between us, + that you are of a different race from us, and not Hebrews; for we are all + the posterity of Abraham, both we that inhabit here, and you that inhabit + there; and it is the same God that brought our forefathers and yours into + the world, whose worship and form of government we are to take care of, + which he has ordained, and are most carefully to observe; because while + you continue in those laws, God will also show himself merciful and + assisting to you; but if you imitate the other nations, and forsake those + laws, he will reject your nation." When Joshua had spoken thus, and + saluted them all, both those in authority one by one, and the whole + multitude in common, he himself staid where he was; but the people + conducted those tribes on their journey, and that not without tears in + their eyes; and indeed they hardly knew how to part one from the other. + </p> + <p> + 26. Now when the tribe of Reuben, and that of Gad, and as many of the + Manassites as followed them, were passed over the river, they built an + altar on the banks of Jordan, as a monument to posterity, and a sign of + their relation to those that should inhabit on the other side. But when + those on the other side heard that those who had been dismissed had built + an altar, but did not hear with what intention they built it, but supposed + it to be by way of innovation, and for the introduction of strange gods, + they did not incline to disbelieve it; but thinking this defamatory + report, as if it were built for divine worship, was credible, they + appeared in arms, as though they would avenge themselves on those that + built the altar; and they were about to pass over the river, and to punish + them for their subversion of the laws of their country; for they did not + think it fit to regard them on account of their kindred or the dignity of + those that had given the occasion, but to regard the will of God, and the + manner wherein he desired to be worshipped; so these men put themselves in + array for war. But Joshua, and Eleazar the high priest, and the senate, + restrained them; and persuaded them first to make trial by words of their + intention, and afterwards, if they found that their intention was evil, + then only to proceed to make war upon them. Accordingly, they sent as + ambassadors to them Phineas the son of Eleazar, and ten more persons that + were in esteem among the Hebrews, to learn of them what was in their mind, + when, upon passing over the river, they had built an altar upon its banks. + And as soon as these ambassadors were passed over, and were come to them, + and a congregation was assembled, Phineas stood up and said, That the + offense they had been guilty of was of too heinous a nature to be punished + by words alone, or by them only to be amended for the future; yet that + they did not so look at the heinousness of their transgression as to have + recourse to arms, and to a battle for their punishment immediately, but + that, on account of their kindred, and the probability there was that they + might be reclaimed, they took this method of sending an ambassage to them: + "That when we have learned the true reasons by which you have been moved + to build this altar, we may neither seem to have been too rash in + assaulting you by our weapons of war, if it prove that you made the altar + for justifiable reasons, and may then justly punish you if the accusation + prove true; for we can hardly hardly suppose that you, have been + acquainted with the will of God and have been hearers of those laws which + he himself hath given us, now you are separated from us, and gone to that + patrimony of yours, which you, through the grace of God, and that + providence which he exercises over you, have obtained by lot, can forget + him, and can leave that ark and that altar which is peculiar to us, and + can introduce strange gods, and imitate the wicked practices of the + Canaanites. Now this will appear to have been a small crime if you repent + now, and proceed no further in your madness, but pay a due reverence to, + and keep in mind the laws of your country; but if you persist in your + sins, we will not grudge our pains to preserve our laws; but we will pass + over Jordan and defend them, and defend God also, and shall esteem of you + as of men no way differing from the Canaanites, but shall destroy you in + the like manner as we destroyed them; for do not you imagine that, because + you are got over the river, you are got out of the reach of God's power; + you are every where in places that belong to him, and impossible it is to + overrun his power, and the punishment he will bring on men thereby: but if + you think that your settlement here will be any obstruction to your + conversion to what is good, nothing need hinder us from dividing the land + anew, and leaving this old land to be for the feeding of sheep; but you + will do well to return to your duty, and to leave off these new crimes; + and we beseech you, by your children and wives, not to force us to punish + you. Take therefore such measures in this assembly, as supposing that your + own safety, and the safety of those that are dearest to you, is therein + concerned, and believe that it is better for you to be conquered by words, + than to continue in your purpose, and to experience deeds and war + therefore." + </p> + <p> + 27. When Phineas had discoursed thus, the governors of the assembly, and + the whole multitude, began to make an apology for themselves, concerning + what they were accused of; and they said, That they neither would depart + from the relation they bare to them, nor had they built the altar by way + of innovation; that they owned one and the same common God with all the + Hebrews, and that brazen altar which was before the tabernacle, on which + they would offer their sacrifices; that as to the altar they had raised, + on account of which they were thus suspected, it was not built for + worship, "but that it might be a sign and a monument of our relation to + you for ever, and a necessary caution to us to act wisely, and to continue + in the laws of our country, but not a handle for transgressing them, as + you suspect: and let God be our authentic witness, that this was the + occasion of our building this altar: whence we beg you will have a better + opinion of us, and do not impute such a thing to us as would render any of + the posterity of Abraham well worthy of perdition, in case they attempt to + bring in new rites, and such as are different from our usual practices." + </p> + <p> + 28. When they had made this answer, and Phineas had commended them for it, + he came to Joshua, and explained before the people what answer they had + received. Now Joshua was glad that he was under no necessity of setting + them in array, or of leading them to shed blood, and make war against men + of their own kindred; and accordingly he offered sacrifices of + thanksgiving to God for the same. So Joshua after that dissolved this + great assembly of the people, and sent them to their own inheritances, + while he himself lived in Shechem. But in the twentieth year after this, + when he was very old, he sent for those of the greatest dignity in the + several cities, with those in authority, and the senate, and as many of + the common people as could be present; and when they were come, he put + them in mind of all the benefits God had bestowed on them, which could not + but be a great many, since from a low estate they were advanced to so + great a degree of glory and plenty; and exhorted them to take notice of + the intentions of God, which had been so gracious towards them; and told + them that the Deity would continue their friend by nothing else but their + piety; and that it was proper for him, now that he was about to depart out + of this life, to leave such an admonition to them; and he desired that + they would keep in memory this his exhortation to them. + </p> + <p> + 29. So Joshua, when he had thus discoursed to them, died, having lived a + hundred and ten years; forty of which he lived with Moses, in order to + learn what might be for his advantage afterwards. He also became their + commander after his death for twenty-five years. He was a man that wanted + not wisdom nor eloquence to declare his intentions to the people, but very + eminent on both accounts. He was of great courage and magnanimity in + action and in dangers, and very sagacious in procuring the peace of the + people, and of great virtue at all proper seasons. He was buried in the + city of Timnab, of the tribe of Ephraim <a href="#link5note-9" + name="link5noteref-9" id="link5noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> About the + same time died Eleazar the high priest, leaving the high priesthood to his + son Phineas. His monument also, and sepulcher, are in the city of Gabatha. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link52HCH0002" id="link52HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. How, After The Death Of Joshua Their Commander, The Israelites + Transgressed The Laws Of Their Country, And Experienced Great Afflictions; + And When There Was A Sedition Arisen, The Tribe Of Benjamin Was Destroyed + Excepting Only Six Hundred Men. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After the death of Joshua and Eleazar, Phineas prophesied, <a + href="#link5note-10" name="link5noteref-10" id="link5noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> + that according to God's will they should commit the government to the + tribe of Judah, and that this tribe should destroy the race of the + Canaanites; for then the people were concerned to learn what was the will + of God. They also took to their assistance the tribe of Simeon; but upon + this condition, that when those that had been tributary to the tribe of + Judah should be slain, they should do the like for the tribe of Simeon. + </p> + <p> + 2. But the affairs of the Canaanites were at this time in a flourishing + condition, and they expected the Israelites with a great army at the city + Bezek, having put the government into the hands of Adonibezek, which name + denotes the Lord of Bezek, for Adoni in the Hebrew tongue signifies Lord. + Now they hoped to have been too hard for the Israelites, because Joshua + was dead; but when the Israelites had joined battle with them, I mean the + two tribes before mentioned, they fought gloriously, and slew above ten + thousand of them, and put the rest to flight; and in the pursuit they took + Adonibezek, who, when his fingers and toes were cut off by them, said, + "Nay, indeed, I was not always to lie concealed from God, as I find by + what I now endure, while I have not been ashamed to do the same to + seventy-two kings." <a href="#link5note-11" name="link5noteref-11" + id="link5noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> So they carried him alive as + far as Jerusalem; and when he was dead, they buried him in the earth, and + went on still in taking the cities: and when they had taken the greatest + part of them, they besieged Jerusalem; and when they had taken the lower + city, which was not under a considerable time, they slew all the + inhabitants; but the upper city was not to be taken without great + difficulty, through the strength of its walls, and the nature of the + place. + </p> + <p> + 3. For which reason they removed their camp to Hebron; and when they had + taken it, they slew all the inhabitants. There were till then left the + race of giants, who had bodies so large, and countenances so entirely + different from other men, that they were surprising to the sight, and + terrible to the hearing. The bones of these men are still shown to this + very day, unlike to any credible relations of other men. Now they gave + this city to the Levites as an extraordinary reward, with the suburbs of + two thousand cities; but the land thereto belonging they gave as a free + gift to Caleb, according to the injunctions of Moses. This Caleb was one + of the spies which Moses sent into the land of Canaan. They also gave land + for habitation to the posterity of Jethro, the Midianite, who was the + father-in-law to Moses; for they had left their own country, and followed + them, and accompanied them in the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now the tribes of Judah and Simeon took the cities which were in the + mountainous part of Canaan, as also Askelon and Ashdod, of those that lay + near the sea; but Gaza and Ekron escaped them, for they, lying in a flat + country, and having a great number of chariots, sorely galled those that + attacked them. So these tribes, when they were grown very rich by this + war, retired to their own cities, and laid aside their weapons of war. + </p> + <p> + 5. But the Benjamites, to whom belonged Jerusalem, permitted its + inhabitants to pay tribute. So they all left off, the one to kill, and the + other to expose themselves to danger, and had time to cultivate the + ground. The rest of the tribes imitated that of Benjamin, and did the + same; and, contenting themselves with the tributes that were paid them, + permitted the Canaanites to live in peace. + </p> + <p> + 6. However, the tribe of Ephraim, when they besieged Bethel, made no + advance, nor performed any thing worthy of the time they spent, and of the + pains they took about that siege; yet did they persist in it, still + sitting down before the city, though they endured great trouble thereby: + but, after some time, they caught one of the citizens that came to them to + get necessaries, and they gave him some assurances that, if he would + deliver up the city to them, they would preserve him and his kindred; so + he aware that, upon those terms, he would put the city into their hands. + Accordingly, he that, thus betrayed the city was preserved with his + family; and the Israelites slew all the inhabitants, and retained the city + for themselves. + </p> + <p> + 7. After this, the Israelites grew effeminate as to fighting any more + against their enemies, but applied themselves to the cultivation of the + land, which producing them great plenty and riches, they neglected the + regular disposition of their settlement, and indulged themselves in luxury + and pleasures; nor were they any longer careful to hear the laws that + belonged to their political government: whereupon God was provoked to + anger, and put them in mind, first, how, contrary to his directions, they + had spared the Canaanites; and, after that, how those Canaanites, as + opportunity served, used them very barbarously. But the Israelites, though + they were in heaviness at these admonitions from God, yet were they still + very unwilling to go to war; and since they got large tributes from the + Canaanites, and were indisposed for taking pains by their luxury, they + suffered their aristocracy to be corrupted also, and did not ordain + themselves a senate, nor any other such magistrates as their laws had + formerly required, but they were very much given to cultivating their + fields, in order to get wealth; which great indolence of theirs brought a + terrible sedition upon them, and they proceeded so far as to fight one + against another, from the following occasion:— + </p> + <p> + 8. There was a Levite <a href="#link5note-12" name="link5noteref-12" + id="link5noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> a man of a vulgar family, that + belonged to the tribe of Ephraim, and dwelt therein: this man married a + wife from Bethlehem, which is a place belonging to the tribe of Judah. Now + he was very fond of his wife, and overcome with her beauty; but he was + unhappy in this, that he did not meet with the like return of affection + from her, for she was averse to him, which did more inflame his passion + for her, so that they quarreled one with another perpetually; and at last + the woman was so disgusted at these quarrels, that she left her husband, + and went to her parents in the fourth month. The husband being very uneasy + at this her departure, and that out of his fondness for her, came to his + father and mother-in-law, and made up their quarrels, and was reconciled + to her, and lived with them there four days, as being kindly treated by + her parents. On the fifth day he resolved to go home, and went away in the + evening; for his wife's parents were loath to part with their daughter, + and delayed the time till the day was gone. Now they had one servant that + followed them, and an ass on which the woman rode; and when they were near + Jerusalem, having gone already thirty furlongs, the servant advised them + to take up their lodgings some where, lest some misfortune should befall + them if they traveled in the night, especially since they were not far off + enemies, that season often giving reason for suspicion of dangers from + even such as are friends; but the husband was not pleased with this + advice, nor was he willing to take up his lodging among strangers, for the + city belonged to the Canaanites, but desired rather to go twenty furlongs + farther, and so to take their lodgings in some Israelite city. + Accordingly, he obtained his purpose, and came to Gibeah, a city of the + tribe of Benjamin, when it was just dark; and while no one that lived in + the market-place invited him to lodge with him, there came an old man out + of the field, one that was indeed of the tribe of Ephraim, but resided in + Gibeah, and met him, and asked him who he was, and for what reason he came + thither so late, and why he was looking out for provisions for supper when + it was dark? To which he replied, that he was a Levite, and was bringing + his wife from her parents, and was going home; but he told him his + habitation was in the tribe of Ephraim: so the old man, as well because of + their kindred as because they lived in the same tribe, and also because + they had thus accidentally met together, took him in to lodge with him. + Now certain young men of the inhabitants of Gibeah, having seen the woman + in the market-place, and admiring her beauty, when they understood that + she lodged with the old man, came to the doors, as contemning the weakness + and fewness of the old man's family; and when the old man desired them to + go away, and not to offer any violence or abuse there, they desired him to + yield them up the strange woman, and then he should have no harm done to + him: and when the old man alleged that the Levite was of his kindred, and + that they would be guilty of horrid wickedness if they suffered themselves + to be overcome by their pleasures, and so offend against their laws, they + despised his righteous admonition, and laughed him to scorn. They also + threatened to kill him if he became an obstacle to their inclinations; + whereupon, when he found himself in great distress, and yet was not + willing to overlook his guests, and see them abused, he produced his own + daughter to them; and told them that it was a smaller breach of the law to + satisfy their lust upon her, than to abuse his guests, supposing that he + himself should by this means prevent any injury to be done to those + guests. When they no way abated of their earnestness for the strange + woman, but insisted absolutely on their desires to have her, he entreated + them not to perpetrate any such act of injustice; but they proceeded to + take her away by force, and indulging still more the violence of their + inclinations, they took the woman away to their house, and when they had + satisfied their lust upon her the whole night, they let her go about + daybreak. So she came to the place where she had been entertained, under + great affliction at what had happened; and was very sorrowful upon + occasion of what she had suffered, and durst not look her husband in the + face for shame, for she concluded that he would never forgive her for what + she had done; so she fell down, and gave up the ghost: but her husband + supposed that his wife was only fast asleep, and, thinking nothing of a + more melancholy nature had happened, endeavored to raise her up, resolving + to speak comfortably to her, since she did not voluntarily expose herself + to these men's lust, but was forced away to their house; but as soon as he + perceived she was dead, he acted as prudently as the greatness of his + misfortunes would admit, and laid his dead wife upon the beast, and + carried her home; and cutting her, limb by limb, into twelve pieces, he + sent them to every tribe, and gave it in charge to those that carried + them, to inform the tribes of those that were the causes of his wife's + death, and of the violence they had offered to her. + </p> + <p> + 9. Upon this the people were greatly disturbed at what they saw, and at + what they heard, as never having had the experience of such a thing + before; so they gathered themselves to Shiloh, out of a prodigious and a + just anger, and assembling in a great congregation before the tabernacle, + they immediately resolved to take arms, and to treat the inhabitants of + Gibeah as enemies; but the senate restrained them from doing so, and + persuaded them, that they ought not so hastily to make war upon people of + the same nation with them, before they discoursed them by words concerning + the accusation laid against them; it being part of their law, that they + should not bring an army against foreigners themselves, when they appear + to have been injurious, without sending an ambassage first, and trying + thereby whether they will repent or not: and accordingly they exhorted + them to do what they ought to do in obedience to their laws, that is, to + send to the inhabitants of Gibeah, to know whether they would deliver up + the offenders to them, and if they deliver them up, to rest satisfied with + the punishment of those offenders; but if they despised the message that + was sent them, to punish them by taking, up arms against them. Accordingly + they sent to the inhabitants of Gibeah, and accused the young men of the + crimes committed in the affair of the Levite's wife, and required of them + those that had done what was contrary to the law, that they might be + punished, as having justly deserved to die for what they had done; but the + inhabitants of Gibeah would not deliver up the young men, and thought it + too reproachful to them, out of fear of war, to submit to other men's + demands upon them; vaunting themselves to be no way inferior to any in + war, neither in their number nor in courage. The rest of their tribe were + also making great preparation for war, for they were so insolently mad as + also to resolve to repel force by force. + </p> + <p> + 10. When it was related to the Israelites what the inhabitants of Gibeah + had resolved upon, they took their oath that no one of them would give his + daughter in marriage to a Benjamite, but make war with greater fury + against them than we have learned our forefathers made war against the + Canaanites; and sent out presently an army of four hundred thousand + against them, while the Benjamites' army-was twenty-five thousand and six + hundred; five hundred of whom were excellent at slinging stones with their + left hands, insomuch that when the battle was joined at Gibeah the + Benjamites beat the Israelites, and of them there fell two thousand men; + and probably more had been destroyed had not the night came on and + prevented it, and broken off the fight; so the Benjamites returned to the + city with joy, and the Israelites returned to their camp in a great fright + at what had happened. On the next day, when they fought again, the + Benjamites beat them; and eighteen thousand of the Israelites were slain, + and the rest deserted their camp out of fear of a greater slaughter. So + they came to Bethel, <a href="#link5note-13" name="link5noteref-13" + id="link5noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> a city that was near their + camp, and fasted on the next day; and besought God, by Phineas the high + priest, that his wrath against them might cease, and that he would be + satisfied with these two defeats, and give them the victory and power over + their enemies. Accordingly God promised them so to do, by the prophesying + of Phineas. + </p> + <p> + 11. When therefore they had divided the army into two parts, they laid the + one half of them in ambush about the city Gibeah by night, while the other + half attacked the Benjamites, who retiring upon the assault, the + Benjamites pursued them, while the Hebrews retired by slow degrees, as + very desirous to draw them entirely from the city; and the other followed + them as they retired, till both the old men and the young men that were + left in the city, as too weak to fight, came running out together with + them, as willing to bring their enemies under. However, when they were a + great way from the city the Hebrews ran away no longer, but turned back to + fight them, and lifted up the signal they had agreed on to those that lay + in ambush, who rose up, and with a great noise fell upon the enemy. Now, + as soon as ever they perceived themselves to be deceived, they knew not + what to do; and when they were driven into a certain hollow place which + was in a valley, they were shot at by those that encompassed them, till + they were all destroyed, excepting six hundred, which formed themselves + into a close body of men, and forced their passage through the midst of + their enemies, and fled to the neighboring mountains, and, seizing upon + them, remained there; but the rest of them, being about twenty-five + thousand, were slain. Then did the Israelites burn Gibeah, and slew the + women, and the males that were under age; and did the same also to the + other cities of the Benjamites; and, indeed, they were enraged to that + degree, that they sent twelve thousand men out of the army, and gave them + orders to destroy Jabesh Gilead, because it did not join with them in + fighting against the Benjamites. Accordingly, those that were sent slew + the men of war, with their children and wives, excepting four hundred + virgins. To such a degree had they proceeded in their anger, because they + not only had the suffering of the Levite's wife to avenge, but the + slaughter of their own soldiers. + </p> + <p> + 12. However, they afterward were sorry for the calamity they had brought + upon the Benjamites, and appointed a fast on that account, although they + supposed those men had suffered justly for their offense against the laws; + so they recalled by their ambassadors those six hundred which had escaped. + These had seated themselves on a certain rock called Rimmon, which was in + the wilderness. So the ambassadors lamented not only the disaster that had + befallen the Benjamites, but themselves also, by this destruction of their + kindred; and persuaded them to take it patiently; and to come and unite + with them, and not, so far as in them lay, to give their suffrage to the + utter destruction of the tribe of Benjamin; and said to them, "We give you + leave to take the whole land of Benjamin to yourselves, and as much prey + as you are able to carry away with you." So these men with sorrow + confessed, that what had been done was according to the decree of God, and + had happened for their own wickedness; and assented to those that invited + them, and came down to their own tribe. The Israelites also gave them the + four hundred virgins of Jabesh Gilead for wives; but as to the remaining + two hundred, they deliberated about it how they might compass wives enough + for them, and that they might have children by them; and whereas they had, + before the war began, taken an oath, that no one would give his daughter + to wife to a Benjamite, some advised them to have no regard to what they + had sworn, because the oath had not been taken advisedly and judiciously, + but in a passion, and thought that they should do nothing against God, if + they were able to save a whole tribe which was in danger of perishing; and + that perjury was then a sad and dangerous thing, not when it is done out + of necessity, but when it is done with a wicked intention. But when the + senate were affrighted at the very name of perjury, a certain person told + them that he could show them a way whereby they might procure the + Benjamites wives enough, and yet keep their oath. They asked him what his + proposal was. He said, "That three times in a year, when we meet in + Shiloh, our wives and our daughters accompany us: let then the Benjamites + be allowed to steal away, and marry such women as they can catch, while we + will neither incite them nor forbid them; and when their parents take it + ill, and desire us to inflict punishment upon them, we will tell them, + that they were themselves the cause of what had happened, by neglecting to + guard their daughters, and that they ought not to be over angry at the + Benjamites, since that anger was permitted to rise too high already." So + the Israelites were persuaded to follow this advice, and decreed, That the + Benjamites should be allowed thus to steal themselves wives. So when the + festival was coming on, these two hundred Benjamites lay in ambush before + the city, by two and three together, and waited for the coming of the + virgins, in the vineyards and other places where they could lie concealed. + Accordingly the virgins came along playing, and suspected nothing of what + was coming upon them, and walked after an unguarded manner, so those that + laid scattered in the road, rose up, and caught hold of them: by this + means these Benjamites got them wives, and fell to agriculture, and took + good care to recover their former happy state. And thus was this tribe of + the Benjamites, after they had been in danger of entirely perishing, saved + in the manner forementioned, by the wisdom of the Israelites; and + accordingly it presently flourished, and soon increased to be a multitude, + and came to enjoy all other degrees of happiness. And such was the + conclusion of this war. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link52HCH0003" id="link52HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. How The Israelites After This Misfortune Grew Wicked And Served + The Assyrians; And How God Delivered Them By Othniel, Who Ruled Over The + Forty Years. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now it happened that the tribe of Dan suffered in like manner with the + tribe of Benjamin; and it came to do so on the occasion following:—When + the Israelites had already left off the exercise of their arms for war, + and were intent upon their husbandry, the Canaanites despised them, and + brought together an army, not because they expected to suffer by them, but + because they had a mind to have a sure prospect of treating the Hebrews + ill when they pleased, and might thereby for the time to come dwell in + their own cities the more securely; they prepared therefore their + chariots, and gathered their soldiery together, their cities also combined + together, and drew over to them Askelon and Ekron, which were within the + tribe of Judah, and many more of those that lay in the plain. They also + forced the Danites to fly into the mountainous country, and left them not + the least portion of the plain country to set their foot on. Since then + these Danites were not able to fight them, and had not land enough to + sustain them, they sent five of their men into the midland country, to + seek for a land to which they might remove their habitation. So these men + went as far as the neighborhood of Mount Libanus, and the fountains of the + Lesser Jordan, at the great plain of Sidon, a day's journey from the city; + and when they had taken a view of the land, and found it to be good and + exceeding fruitful, they acquainted their tribe with it, whereupon they + made an expedition with the army, and built there the city Dan, of the + same name with the son of Jacob, and of the same name with their own + tribe. + </p> + <p> + 2. The Israelites grew so indolent, and unready of taking pains, that + misfortunes came heavier upon them, which also proceeded in part from + their contempt of the Divine worship; for when they had once fallen off + from the regularity of their political government, they indulged + themselves further in living according to their own pleasure, and + according to their own will, till they were full of the evil doings that + were common among the Canaanites. God therefore was angry with them, and + they lost that their happy state which they had obtained by innumerable + labors, by their luxury; for when Chushan, king of the Assyrians, had made + war against them, they lost many of their soldiers in the battle, and when + they were besieged, they were taken by force; nay, there were some who, + out of fear, voluntarily submitted to him, and though the tribute laid + upon them was more than they could bear, yet did they pay it, and + underwent all sort of oppression for eight years; after which time they + were freed from them in the following manner:— + </p> + <p> + 3. There was one whose name was Othniel, the son of Kenaz, of the tribe of + Judah, an active man and of great courage. He had an admonition from God + not to overlook the Israelites in such a distress as they were now in, but + to endeavor boldly to gain them their liberty; so when he had procured + some to assist him in this dangerous undertaking, [and few they were, who, + either out of shame at their present circumstances, or out of a desire of + changing them, could be prevailed on to assist him,] he first of all + destroyed that garrison which Chushan had set over them; but when it was + perceived that he had not failed in his first attempt, more of the people + came to his assistance; so they joined battle with the Assyrians, and + drove them entirely before them, and compelled them to pass over + Euphrates. Hereupon Othniel, who had given such proofs of his valor, + received from the multitude authority to judge the people; and when he had + ruled over them forty years, he died. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link52HCH0004" id="link52HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. How Our People Served The Moabites Eighteen Years, And Were + Then Delivered From Slavery By One Ehud Who Retained The Dominion Eighty + Years. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Othniel was dead, the affairs of the Israelites fell again into + disorder: and while they neither paid to God the honor due to him, nor + were obedient to the laws, their afflictions increased, till Eglon, king + of the Moabites, did so greatly despise them on account of the disorders + of their political government, that he made war upon them, and overcame + them in several battles, and made the most courageous to submit, and + entirely subdued their army, and ordered them to pay him tribute. And when + he had built him a royal palace at Jericho, <a href="#link5note-14" + name="link5noteref-14" id="link5noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> he + omitted no method whereby he might distress them; and indeed he reduced + them to poverty for eighteen years. But when God had once taken pity of + the Israelites, on account of their afflictions, and was moved to + compassion by their supplications put up to him, he freed them from the + hard usage they had met with under the Moabites. This liberty he procured + for them in the following manner;— + </p> + <p> + 2. There was a young man of the tribe of Benjamin, whose name was Ehud, + the son of Gera, a man of very great courage in bold undertakings, and of + a very strong body, fit for hard labor, but best skilled in using his left + hand, in which was his whole strength; and he also dwelt at Jericho. Now + this man became familiar with Eglon, and that by means of presents, with + which he obtained his favor, and insinuated himself into his good opinion; + whereby he was also beloved of those that were about the king. Now, when + on a time he was bringing presents to the king, and had two servants with + him, he put a dagger on his right thigh secretly, and went in to him: it + was then summer time, and the middle of the day, when the guards were not + strictly on their watch, both because of the heat, and because they were + gone to dinner. So the young man, when he had offered his presents to the + king, who then resided in a small parlor that stood conveniently to avoid + the heat, fell into discourse with him, for they were now alone, the king + having bid his servants that attended him to go their ways, because he had + a mind to talk with Ehud. He was now sitting on his throne; and fear + seized upon Ehud lest he should miss his stroke, and not give him a deadly + wound; so he raised himself up, and said he had a dream to impart to him + by the command of God; upon which the king leaped out of his throne for + joy of the dream; so Ehud smote him to the heart, and leaving his dagger + in his body, he went out and shut the door after him. Now the king's + servants were very still, as supposing that the king had composed himself + to sleep. + </p> + <p> + 3. Hereupon Ehud informed the people of Jericho privately of what he had + done, and exhorted them to recover their liberty; who heard him gladly, + and went to their arms, and sent messengers over the country, that should + sound trumpets of rams' horns; for it was our custom to call the people + together by them. Now the attendants of Eglon were ignorant of what + misfortune had befallen him for a great while; but, towards the evening, + fearing some uncommon accident had happened, they entered into his parlor, + and when they found him dead, they were in great disorder, and knew not + what to do; and before the guards could be got together, the multitude of + the Israelites came upon them, so that some of them were slain + immediately, and some were put to flight, and ran away toward the country + of Moab, in order to save themselves. Their number was above ten thousand. + The Israelites seized upon the ford of Jordan, and pursued them, and slew + them, and many of them they killed at the ford, nor did one of them escape + out of their hands; and by this means it was that the Hebrews freed + themselves from slavery under the Moabites. Ehud also was on this account + dignified with the government over all the multitude, and died after he + had held the government eighty years <a href="#link5note-15" + name="link5noteref-15" id="link5noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> He was a + man worthy of commendation, even besides what he deserved for the + forementioned act of his. After him Shamgat, the son of Anath, was elected + for their governor, but died in the first year of his government. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link52HCH0005" id="link52HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. How The Canaanites Brought The Israelites Under Slavery For + Twenty Years; After Which They Were Delivered By Barak And Deborah, Who + Ruled Over Them For Forty Years. + </h3> + <p> + 1. And now it was that the Israelites, taking no warning by their former + misfortunes to amend their manners, and neither worshipping God nor + submitting to the laws, were brought under slavery by Jabin, the king of + the Canaanites, and that before they had a short breathing time after the + slavery under the Moabites; for this Jabin out of Hazor, a city that was + situate over the Semechonitis, and had in pay three hundred footmen, and + ten thousand horsemen, with fewer than three thousand chariots. Sisera was + commander of all his army, and was the principal person in the king's + favor. He so sorely beat the Israelites when they fought with him, that he + ordered them to pay tribute. + </p> + <p> + 2. So they continued to that hardship for twenty years, as not good enough + of themselves to grow wise by their misfortunes. God was willing also + hereby the more to subdue their obstinacy and ingratitude towards himself: + so when at length they were become penitent, and were so wise as to learn + that their calamities arose from their contempt of the laws, they besought + Deborah, a certain prophetess among them, [which name in the Hebrew tongue + signifies a Bee,] to pray to God to take pity on them, and not to overlook + them, now they were ruined by the Canaanites. So God granted them + deliverance, and chose them a general, Barak, one that was of the tribe of + Naphtali. Now Barak, in the Hebrew tongue, signifies Lightning. + </p> + <p> + 3. So Deborah sent for Barak, and bade him choose out ten thousand young + men to go against the enemy, because God had said that that number was + sufficient, and promised them victory. But when Barak said that he would + not be the general unless she would also go as a general with him, she had + indignation at what he said "Thou, O Barak, deliverest up meanly that + authority which God hath given thee into the hand of a woman, and I do not + reject it!" So they collected ten thousand men, and pitched their camp at + Mount Tabor, where, at the king's command, Sisera met them, and pitched + his camp not far from the enemy; whereupon the Israelites, and Barak + himself, were so affrighted at the multitude of those enemies, that they + were resolved to march off, had not Deborah retained them, and commanded + them to fight the enemy that very day, for that they should conquer them, + and God would be their assistance. + </p> + <p> + 4. So the battle began; and when they were come to a close fight, there + came down from heaven a great storm, with a vast quantity of rain and + hail, and the wind blew the rain in the face of the Canaanites, and so + darkened their eyes, that their arrows and slings were of no advantage to + them, nor would the coldness of the air permit the soldiers to make use of + their swords; while this storm did not so much incommode the Israelites, + because it came in their backs. They also took such courage, upon the + apprehension that God was assisting them, that they fell upon the very + midst of their enemies, and slew a great number of them; so that some of + them fell by the Israelites, some fell by their own horses, which were put + into disorder, and not a few were killed by their own chariots. At last + Sisera, as soon as he saw himself beaten, fled away, and came to a woman + whose name was Jael, a Kenite, who received him, when he desired to be + concealed; and when he asked for somewhat to drink, she gave him sour + milk, of which he drank so unmeasurably that he fell asleep; but when he + was asleep, Jael took an iron nail, and with a hammer drove it through his + temples into the floor; and when Barak came a little afterward, she showed + Sisera nailed to the ground: and thus was this victory gained by a woman, + as Deborah had foretold. Barak also fought with Jabin at Hazor; and when + he met with him, he slew him: and when the general was fallen, Barak + overthrew the city to the foundation, and was the commander of the + Israelites for forty years. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link52HCH0006" id="link52HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. How The Midianites And Other Nations Fought Against The + Israelites And Beat Them, And Afflicted Their Country For Seven Years, How + They Were Delivered By Gideon, Who Ruled Over The Multitude For Forty + Years. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when Barak and Deborah were dead, whose deaths happened about the + same time, afterwards the Midianites called the Amalekites and Arabians to + their assistance, and made war against the Israelites, and were too hard + for those that fought against them; and when they had burnt the fruits of + the earth, they carried off the prey. Now when they had done this for + three years, the multitude of the Israelites retired to the mountains, and + forsook the plain country. They also made themselves hollows under ground, + and caverns, and preserved therein whatsoever had escaped their enemies; + for the Midianites made expeditions in harvest-time, but permitted them to + plough the land in winter, that so, when the others had taken the pains, + they might have fruits for them to carry away. Indeed, there ensued a + famine and a scarcity of food; upon which they betook themselves to their + supplications to God, and besought him to save them. + </p> + <p> + 2. Gideon also, the son of Joash, one of the principal persons of the + tribe of Manasseh, brought his sheaves of corn privately, and thrashed + them at the wine-press; for he was too fearful of their enemies to thrash + them openly in the thrashing-floor. At this time somewhat appeared to him + in the shape of a young man, and told him that he was a happy man, and + beloved of God. To which he immediately replied, "A mighty indication of + God's favor to me, that I am forced to use this wine-press instead of a + thrashing-floor!" But the appearance exhorted him to be of good courage, + and to make an attempt for the recovery of their liberty. He answered, + that it was impossible for him to recover it, because the tribe to which + he belonged was by no means numerous; and because he was but young + himself, and too inconsiderable to think of such great actions. But the + other promised him, that God would supply what he was defective in, and + would afford the Israelites victory under his conduct. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now, therefore, as Gideon was relating this to some young men, they + believed him, and immediately there was an army of ten thousand men got + ready for fighting. But God stood by Gideon in his sleep, and told him + that mankind were too fond of themselves, and were enemies to such as + excelled in virtue. Now that they might not pass God over, but ascribe the + victory to him, and might not fancy it obtained by their own power, + because they were a great many, and able of themselves to fight their + enemies, but might confess that it was owing to his assistance, he advised + him to bring his army about noon, in the violence of the heat, to the + river, and to esteem those that bent down on their knees, and so drank, to + be men of courage; but for all those that drank tumultuously, that he + should esteem them to do it out of fear, and as in dread of their enemies. + And when Gideon had done as God had suggested to him, there were found + three hundred men that took water with their hands tumultuously; so God + bid him take these men, and attack the enemy. Accordingly they pitched + their camp at the river Jordan, as ready the next day to pass over it. + </p> + <p> + 4. But Gideon was in great fear, for God had told him beforehand that he + should set upon his enemies in the night-time; but God, being willing to + free him from his fear, bid him take one of his soldiers, and go near to + the Midianites' tents, for that he should from that very place have his + courage raised, and grow bold. So he obeyed, and went and took his servant + Phurah with him; and as he came near to one of the tents, he discovered + that those that were in it were awake, and that one of them was telling to + his fellow soldier a dream of his own, and that so plainly that Gideon + could hear him. The dream was this:—He thought he saw a barley-cake, + such a one as could hardly be eaten by men, it was so vile, rolling + through the camp, and overthrowing the royal tent, and the tents of all + the soldiers. Now the other soldier explained this vision to mean the + destruction of the army; and told them what his reason was which made him + so conjecture, viz. That the seed called barley was all of it allowed to + be of the vilest sort of seed, and that the Israelites were known to be + the vilest of all the people of Asia, agreeably to the seed of barley, and + that what seemed to look big among the Israelites was this Gideon and the + army that was with him; "and since thou sayest thou didst see the cake + overturning our tents, I am afraid lest God hath granted the victory over + us to Gideon." + </p> + <p> + 5. When Gideon had heard this dream, good hope and courage came upon him; + and he commanded his soldiers to arm themselves, and told them of this + vision of their enemies. They also took courage at what was told them, and + were ready to perform what he should enjoin them. So Gideon divided his + army into three parts, and brought it out about the fourth watch of the + night, each part containing a hundred men: they all bare empty pitchers + and lighted lamps in their hands, that their onset might not be discovered + by their enemies. They had also each of them a ram's horn in his right + hand, which he used instead of a trumpet. The enemy's camp took up a large + space of ground, for it happened that they had a great many camels; and as + they were divided into different nations, so they were all contained in + one circle. Now when the Hebrews did as they were ordered beforehand, upon + their approach to their enemies, and, on the signal given, sounded with + their rams' horns, and brake their pitchers, and set upon their enemies + with their lamps, and a great shout, and cried, "Victory to Gideon, by + God's assistance," a disorder and a fright seized upon the other men while + they were half asleep, for it was night-time, as God would have it; so + that a few of them were slain by their enemies, but the greatest part by + their own soldiers, on account of the diversity of their language; and + when they were once put into disorder, they killed all that they met with, + as thinking them to be enemies also. Thus there was a great slaughter + made. And as the report of Gideon's victory came to the Israelites, they + took their weapons and pursued their enemies, and overtook them in a + certain valley encompassed with torrents, a place which these could not + get over; so they encompassed them, and slew them all, with their kings, + Oreb and Zeeb. But the remaining captains led those soldiers that were + left, which were about eighteen thousand, and pitched their camp a great + way off the Israelites. However, Gideon did not grudge his pains, but + pursued them with all his army, and joining battle with them, cut off the + whole enemies' army, and took the other leaders, Zeba and Zalmuna, and + made them captives. Now there were slain in this battle of the Midianites, + and of their auxiliaries the Arabians, about a hundred and twenty + thousand; and the Hebrews took a great prey, gold, and silver, and + garments, and camels, and asses. And when Gideon was come to his own + country of Ophrah, he slew the kings of the Midianites. + </p> + <p> + 6. However, the tribe of Ephraim was so displeased at the good success of + Gideon, that they resolved to make war against him, accusing him because + he did not tell them of his expedition against their enemies. But Gideon, + as a man of temper, and that excelled in every virtue, pleaded, that it + was not the result of his own authority or reasoning, that made him attack + the enemy without them; but that it was the command of God, and still the + victory belonged to them as well as those in the army. And by this method + of cooling their passions, he brought more advantage to the Hebrews, than + by the success he had against these enemies, for he thereby delivered them + from a sedition which was arising among them; yet did this tribe + afterwards suffer the punishment of this their injurious treatment of + Gideon, of which we will give an account in due time. + </p> + <p> + 7. Hereupon Gideon would have laid down the government, but was + over-persuaded to take it, which he enjoyed forty years, and distributed + justice to them, as the people came to him in their differences; and what + he determined was esteemed valid by all. And when he died, he was buried + in his own country of Ophrah. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link52HCH0007" id="link52HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. That The Judges Who Succeeded Gideon Made War With The + Adjoining Nations For A Long Time. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Gideon had seventy sons that were legitimate, for he had many + wives; but he had also one that was spurious, by his concubine Drumah, + whose name was Abimelech, who, after his father's death, retired to + Shechem to his mother's relations, for they were of that place: and when + he had got money of such of them as were eminent for many instances of + injustice, he came with them to his father's house, and slew all his + brethren, except Jotham, for he had the good fortune to escape and be + preserved; but Abimelech made the government tyrannical, and constituted + himself a lord, to do what he pleased, instead of obeying the laws; and he + acted most rigidly against those that were the patrons of justice. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now when, on a certain time, there was a public festival at Shechem, + and all the multitude was there gathered together, Jotham his brother, + whose escape we before related, went up to Mount Gerizzim, which hangs + over the city Shechem, and cried out so as to be heard by the multitude, + who were attentive to him. He desired they would consider what he was + going to say to them: so when silence was made, he said, That when the + trees had a human voice, and there was an assembly of them gathered + together, they desired that the fig-tree would rule over them; but when + that tree refused so to do, because it was contented to enjoy that honor + which belonged peculiarly to the fruit it bare, and not that which should + be derived to it from abroad, the trees did not leave off their intentions + to have a ruler, so they thought proper to make the offer of that honor to + the vine; but when the vine was chosen, it made use of the same words + which the fig-tree had used before, and excused itself from accepting the + government: and when the olive-tree had done the same, the brier, whom the + trees had desired to take the kingdom, [it is a sort of wood good for + firing,] it promised to take the government, and to be zealous in the + exercise of it; but that then they must sit down under its shadow, and if + they should plot against it to destroy it, the principle of fire that was + in it should destroy them. He told them, that what he had said was no + laughing matter; for that when they had experienced many blessings from + Gideon, they overlooked Abimelech, when he overruled all, and had joined + with him in slaying his brethren; and that he was no better than a fire + himself. So when he had said this, he went away, and lived privately in + the mountains for three years, out of fear of Abimelech. + </p> + <p> + 3. A little while after this festival, the Shechemites, who had now + repented themselves of having slain the sons of Gideon, drove Abimelech + away, both from their city and their tribe; whereupon he contrived how he + might distress their city. Now at the season of vintage, the people were + afraid to go out and gather their fruits, for fear Abimelech should do + them some mischief. Now it happened that there had come to them a man of + authority, one Gaal, that sojourned with them, having his armed men and + his kinsmen with him; so the Shechemites desired that he would allow them + a guard during their vintage; whereupon he accepted of their desires, and + so the people went out, and Gaal with them at the head of his soldiery. So + they gathered their fruit with safety; and when they were at supper in + several companies, they then ventured to curse Abimelech openly; and the + magistrates laid ambushes in places about the city, and caught many of + Abimelech's followers, and destroyed them. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now there was one Zebul, a magistrate of the Shechemites, that had + entertained Abimelech. He sent messengers, and informed him how much Gaal + had irritated the people against him, and excited him to lay ambushes + before the city, for that he would persuade Gaal to go out against him, + which would leave it in his power to be revenged on him; and when that was + once done, he would bring him to be reconciled to the city. So Abimelech + laid ambushes, and himself lay with them. Now Gaal abode in the suburbs, + taking little care of himself; and Zebul was with him. Now as Gaal saw the + armed men coming on, he said to Zebul, That some armed men were coming; + but the other replied, They were only shadows of huge stones: and when + they were come nearer, Gaal perceived what was the reality, and said, They + were not shadows, but men lying in ambush. Then said Zebul, "Didst not + thou reproach Abimelech for cowardice? why dost thou not then show how + very courageous thou art thyself, and go and fight him?" So Gaal, being in + disorder, joined battle with Abimelech, and some of his men fell; + whereupon he fled into the city, and took his men with him. But Zebul + managed his matters so in the city, that he procured them to expel Gaal + out of the city, and this by accusing him of cowardice in this action with + the soldiers of Ahimelech. But Abimelech, when he had learned that the + Shechemites were again coming out to gather their grapes, placed ambushes + before the city, and when they were coming out, the third part of his army + took possession of the gates, to hinder the citizens from returning in + again, while the rest pursued those that were scattered abroad, and so + there was slaughter every where; and when he had overthrown the city to + the very foundations, for it was not able to bear a siege, and had sown + its ruins with salt, he proceeded on with his army till all the + Shechemites were slain. As for those that were scattered about the + country, and so escaped the danger, they were gathered together unto a + certain strong rock, and settled themselves upon it, and prepared to build + a wall about it: and when Abimelech knew their intentions, he prevented + them, and came upon them with his forces, and laid faggots of dry wood + round the place, he himself bringing some of them, and by his example + encouraging the soldiers to do the same. And when the rock was encompassed + round about with these faggots, they set them on fire, and threw in + whatsoever by nature caught fire the most easily: so a mighty flame was + raised, and nobody could fly away from the rock, but every man perished, + with their wives and children, in all about fifteen hundred men, and the + rest were a great number also. And such was the calamity which fell upon + the Shechemites; and men's grief on their account had been greater than it + was, had they not brought so much mischief on a person who had so well + deserved of them, and had they not themselves esteemed this as a + punishment for the same. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now Abimelech, when he had affrighted the Israelites with the miseries + he had brought upon the Shechemites, seemed openly to affect greater + authority than he now had, and appeared to set no bounds to his violence, + unless it were with the destruction of all. Accordingly he marched to + Thebes, and took the city on the sudden; and there being a great tower + therein, whereunto the whole multitude fled, he made preparation to + besiege it. Now as he was rushing with violence near the gates, a woman + threw a piece of a millstone upon his head, upon which Abimelech fell + down, and desired his armor-bearer to kill him lest his death should be + thought to be the work of a woman:—who did what he was bid to do. So + he underwent this death as a punishment for the wickedness he had + perpetrated against his brethren, and his insolent barbarity to the + Shechemites. Now the calamity that happened to those Shechemites was + according to the prediction of Jotham, However, the army that was with + Abimelech, upon his fall, was scattered abroad, and went to their own + homes. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now it was that Jair the Gileadite, <a href="#link5note-16" + name="link5noteref-16" id="link5noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> of the + tribe of Manasseh, took the government. He was a man happy in other + respects also, but particularly in his children, who were of a good + character. They were thirty in number, and very skillful in riding on + horses, and were intrusted with the government of the cities of Gilead. He + kept the government twenty-two years, and died an old man; and he was + buried in Camon, a city of Gilead. + </p> + <p> + 7. And now all the affairs of the Hebrews were managed uncertainly, and + tended to disorder, and to the contempt of God and of the laws. So the + Ammonites and Philistines had them in contempt, and laid waste the country + with a great army; and when they had taken all Perea, they were so + insolent as to attempt to gain the possession of all the rest. But the + Hebrews, being now amended by the calamities they had undergone, betook + themselves to supplications to God; and brought sacrifices to him, + beseeching him not to be too severe upon them, but to be moved by their + prayers to leave off his anger against them. So God became more merciful + to them, and was ready to assist them. + </p> + <p> + 8. When the Ammonites had made an expedition into the land of Gilead, the + inhabitants of the country met them at a certain mountain, but wanted a + commander. Now there was one whose name was Jephtha, who, both on account + of his father's virtue, and on account of that army which he maintained at + his own expenses, was a potent man: the Israelites therefore sent to him, + and entreated him to come to their assistance, and promised him the + dominion over them all his lifetime. But he did not admit of their + entreaty; and accused them, that they did not come to his assistance when + he was unjustly treated, and this in an open manner by his brethren; for + they cast him off, as not having the same mother with the rest, but born + of a strange mother, that was introduced among them by his father's + fondness; and this they did out of a contempt of his inability [to + vindicate himself]. So he dwelt in the country of Gilead, as it is called, + and received all that came to him, let them come from what place soever, + and paid them wages. However, when they pressed him to accept the + dominion, and sware they would grant him the government over them all his + life, he led them to the war. + </p> + <p> + 9. And when Jephtha had taken immediate care of their affairs, he placed + his army at the city Mizpeh, and sent a message to the Ammonite [king], + complaining of his unjust possession of their land. But that king sent a + contrary message; and complained of the exodus of the Israelites out of + Egypt, and desired him to go out of the land of the Amorites, and yield it + up to him, as at first his paternal inheritance. But Jephtha returned this + answer: That he did not justly complain of his ancestors about the land of + the Amorites, and ought rather to thank them that they left the land of + the Ammonites to them, since Moses could have taken it also; and that + neither would he recede from that land of their own, which God had + obtained for them, and they had now inhabited [above] three hundred years, + but would fight with them about it. + </p> + <p> + 10. And when he had given them this answer, he sent the ambassadors away. + And when he had prayed for victory, and had vowed to perform sacred + offices, and if he came home in safety, to offer in sacrifice what living + creature soever should first meet him, <a href="#link5note-17" + name="link5noteref-17" id="link5noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> he + joined battle with the enemy, and gained a great victory, and in his + pursuit slew the enemies all along as far as the city of Minnith. He then + passed over to the land of the Ammonites, and overthrew many of their + cities, and took their prey, and freed his own people from that slavery + which they had undergone for eighteen years. But as he came back, he fell + into a calamity no way correspondent to the great actions he had done; for + it was his daughter that came to meet him; she was also an only child and + a virgin: upon this Jephtha heavily lamented the greatness of his + affliction, and blamed his daughter for being so forward in meeting him, + for he had vowed to sacrifice her to God. However, this action that was to + befall her was not ungrateful to her, since she should die upon occasion + of her father's victory, and the liberty of her fellow citizens: she only + desired her father to give her leave, for two months, to bewail her youth + with her fellow citizens; and then she agreed, that at the forementioned + time he might do with her according to his vow. Accordingly, when that + time was over, he sacrificed his daughter as a burnt-offering, offering + such an oblation as was neither conformable to the law nor acceptable to + God, not weighing with himself what opinion the hearers would have of such + a practice. + </p> + <p> + 11. Now the tribe of Ephraim fought against him, because he did not take + them along with him in his expedition against the Ammonites, but because + he alone had the prey, and the glory of what was done to himself. As to + which he said, first, that they were not ignorant how his kindred had + fought against him, and that when they were invited, they did not come to + his assistance, whereas they ought to have come quickly, even before they + were invited. And in the next place, that they were going to act unjustly; + for while they had not courage enough to fight their enemies, they came + hastily against their own kindred: and he threatened them that, with God's + assistance, he would inflict a punishment upon them, unless they would + grow wiser. But when he could not persuade them, he fought with them with + those forces which he sent for out of Gilead, and he made a great + slaughter among them; and when they were beaten, he pursued them, and + seized on the passages of Jordan by a part of his army which he had sent + before, and slew about forty-two thousand of them. + </p> + <p> + 12. So when Jephtha had ruled six years, he died, and was buried in his + own country, Sebee, which is a place in the land of Gilead. + </p> + <p> + 13. Now when Jephtha was dead, Ibzan took the government, being of the + tribe of Judah, and of the city of Bethlehem. He had sixty children, + thirty of them sons, and the rest daughters; all whom he left alive behind + him, giving the daughters in marriage to husbands, and taking wives for + his sons. He did nothing in the seven years of his administration that was + worth recording, or deserved a memorial. So he died an old man, and was + buried in his own country. + </p> + <p> + 14. When Ibzan was dead after this manner, neither did Helon, who + succeeded him in the government, and kept it ten years, do any thing + remarkable: he was of the tribe of Zebulon. + </p> + <p> + 15. Abdon also, the son of Hilel, of the tribe of Ephraim, and born at the + city Pyrathon, was ordained their supreme governor after Helon. He is only + recorded to have been happy in his children; for the public affairs were + then so peaceable, and in such security, that neither did he perform any + glorious action. He had forty sons, and by them left thirty grandchildren; + and he marched in state with these seventy, who were all very skillful in + riding horses; and he left them all alive after him. He died an old man, + and obtained a magnificent burial in Pyrathon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link52HCH0008" id="link52HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. Concerning The Fortitude Of Samson, And What Mischiefs He + Brought Upon The Philistines. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After Abdon was dead, the Philistines overcame the Israelites, and + received tribute of them for forty years; from which distress they were + delivered after this manner:— + </p> + <p> + 2. There was one Manoah, a person of such great virtue, that he had few + men his equals, and without dispute the principal person of his country. + He had a wife celebrated for her beauty, and excelling her contemporaries. + He had no children; and, being uneasy at his want of posterity, he + entreated God to give them seed of their own bodies to succeed them; and + with that intent he came constantly into the suburbs <a + href="#link5note-18" name="link5noteref-18" id="link5noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> + together with his wife; which suburbs were in the Great Plain. Now he was + fond of his wife to a degree of madness, and on that account was + unmeasurably jealous of her. Now, when his wife was once alone, an + apparition was seen by her: it was an angel of God, and resembled a young + man beautiful and tall, and brought her the good news that she should have + a son, born by God's providence, that should be a goodly child, of great + strength; by whom, when he was grown up to man's estate, the Philistines + should be afflicted. He exhorted her also not to poll his hair, and that + he should avoid all other kinds of drink, [for so had God commanded,] and + be entirely contented with water. So the angel, when he had delivered that + message, went his way, his coming having been by the will of God. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now the wife informed her husband when he came home of what the angel + had said, who showed so great an admiration of the beauty and tallness of + the young man that had appeared to her, that her husband was astonished, + and out of himself for jealousy, and such suspicions as are excited by + that passion: but she was desirous of having her husband's unreasonable + sorrow taken away; accordingly she entreated God to send the angel again, + that he might be seen by her husband. So the angel came again by the favor + of God, while they were in the suburbs, and appeared to her when she was + alone without her husband. She desired the angel to stay so long till she + might bring her husband; and that request being granted, she goes to call + Manoah. When he saw the angel he was not yet free from suspicion, and he + desired him to inform him of all that he had told his wife; but when he + said it was sufficient that she alone knew what he had said, he then + requested of him to tell who he was, that when the child was born they + might return him thanks, and give him a present. He replied that he did + not want any present, for that he did not bring them the good news of the + birth of a son out of the want of any thing. And when Manoah had entreated + him to stay, and partake of his hospitality, he did not give his consent. + However he was persuaded, at the earnest request of Manoah to stay so long + as while he brought him one mark of his hospitality; so he slew a kid of + the goats, and bid his wife boil it. When all was ready, the angel + enjoined him to set the loaves and the flesh, but without the vessels, + upon the rock; which when they had done, he touched the flesh with the rod + which he had in his hand, which, upon the breaking out of a flame, was + consumed, together with the loaves; and the angel ascended openly, in + their sight, up to heaven, by means of the smoke, as by a vehicle. Now + Manoah was afraid that some danger would come to them from this sight of + God; but his wife bade him be of good courage, for that God appeared to + them for their benefit. + </p> + <p> + 4. So the woman proved with child, and was careful to observe the + injunctions that were given her; and they called the child, when he was + born, Samson, which name signifies one that is strong. So the child grew + apace; and it appeared evidently that he would be a prophet, <a + href="#link5note-19" name="link5noteref-19" id="link5noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> + both by the moderation of his diet, and the permission of his hair to + grow. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now when he once came with his parents to Timhath, a city of the + Philistines, when there was a great festival, he fell in love with a maid + of that country, and he desired of his parents that they would procure him + the damsel for his wife: but they refused so to do, because she was not of + the stock of Israel; yet because this marriage was of God, who intended to + convert it to the benefit of the Hebrews, he over-persuaded them to + procure her to be espoused to him. And as he was continually coming to her + parents, he met a lion, and though he was naked, he received his onset, + and strangled him with his hands, and cast the wild beast into a woody + piece of ground on the inside of the road. + </p> + <p> + 6. And when he was going another time to the damsel, he lit upon a swarm + of bees making their combs in the breast of that lion; and taking three + honey-combs away, he gave them, together with the rest of his presents, to + the damsel. Now the people of Timhath, out of a dread of the young man's + strength, gave him during the time of the wedding-feast [for he then + feasted them all] thirty of the most stout of their youth, in pretense to + be his companions, but in reality to be a guard upon him, that he might + not attempt to give them any disturbance. Now as they were drinking + merrily and playing, Samson said, as was usual at such times, "Come, if I + propose you a riddle, and you can expound it in these seven days' time, I + will give you every one a linen shirt and a garment, as the reward of your + wisdom." So they being very ambitious to obtain the glory of wisdom, + together with the gains, desired him to propose his riddle. He, "That a + devourer produced sweet food out of itself, though itself were very + disagreeable." And when they were not able, in three days' time, to find + out the meaning of the riddle, they desired the damsel to discover it by + the means of her husband, and tell it them; and they threatened to burn + her if she did not tell it them. So when the damsel entreated Samson to + tell it her, he at first refused to do it; but when she lay hard at him, + and fell into tears, and made his refusal to tell it a sign of his + unkindness to her, he informed her of his slaughter of a lion, and how he + found bees in his breast, and carried away three honey-combs, and brought + them to her. Thus he, suspecting nothing of deceit, informed her of all, + and she revealed it to those that desired to know it. Then on the seventh + day, whereon they were to expound the riddle proposed to them, they met + together before sun-setting, and said, "Nothing is more disagreeable than + a lion to those that light on it, and nothing is sweeter than honey to + those that make use of it." To which Samson made this rejoinder: "Nothing + is more deceitful than a woman for such was the person that discovered my + interpretation to you." Accordingly he gave them the presents he had + promised them, making such Askelonites as met him upon the road his prey, + who were themselves Philistines also. But he divorced this his wife; and + the girl despised his anger, and was married to his companion, who made + the former match between them. + </p> + <p> + 7. At this injurious treatment Samson was so provoked, that he resolved to + punish all the Philistines, as well as her: so it being then summer-time, + and the fruits of the land being almost ripe enough for reaping, he caught + three hundred foxes, and joining lighted torches to their tails, he sent + them into the fields of the Philistines, by which means the fruits of the + fields perished. Now when the Philistines knew that this was Samson's + doing, and knew also for what cause he did it, they sent their rulers to + Timhath, and burnt his former wife, and her relations, who had been the + occasion of their misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + 8. Now when Samson had slain many of the Philistines in the plain country, + he dwelt at Etam, which is a strong rock of the tribe of Judah; for the + Philistines at that time made an expedition against that tribe: but the + people of Judah said that they did not act justly with them, in inflicting + punishments upon them while they paid their tribute, and this only on + account of Samson's offenses. They answered, that in case they would not + be blamed themselves, they must deliver up Samson, and put him into their + power. So they being desirous not to be blamed themselves, came to the + rock with three thousand armed men, and complained to Samson of the bold + insults he had made upon the Philistines, who were men able to bring + calamity upon the whole nation of the Hebrews; and they told him they were + come to take him, and to deliver him up to them, and put him into their + power; so they desired him to bear this willingly. Accordingly, when he + had received assurance from them upon oath, that they would do him no + other harm than only to deliver him into his enemies' hands, he came down + from the rock, and put himself into the power of his countrymen. Then did + they bind him with two cords, and lead him on, in order to deliver him to + the Philistines; and when they came to a certain place, which is now + called the Jaw-bone, on account of the great action there performed by + Samson, though of old it had no particular name at all, the Philistines, + who had pitched their camp not far off, came to meet them with joy and + shouting, as having done a great thing, and gained what they desired; but + Samson broke his bonds asunder, and catching up the jaw-bone of an ass + that lay down at his feet, fell upon his enemies, and smiting them with + his jaw-bone, slew a thousand of them, and put the rest to flight and into + great disorder. + </p> + <p> + 9. Upon this slaughter Samson was too proud of what he had performed, and + said that this did not come to pass by the assistance of God, but that his + success was to be ascribed to his own courage; and vaunted himself, that + it was out of a dread of him that some of his enemies fell and the rest + ran away upon his use of the jaw-bone; but when a great thirst came upon + him, he considered that human courage is nothing, and bare his testimony + that all is to be ascribed to God, and besought him that he would not be + angry at any thing he had said, nor give him up into the hands of his + enemies, but afford him help under his affliction, and deliver him from + the misfortune he was under. Accordingly God was moved with his + entreaties, and raised him up a plentiful fountain of sweet water at a + certain rock whence it was that Samson called the place the Jaw-bone, <a + href="#link5note-20" name="link5noteref-20" id="link5noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> + and so it is called to this day. + </p> + <p> + 10. After this fight Samson held the Philistines in contempt, and came to + Gaza, and took up his lodgings in a certain inn. When the rulers of Gaza + were informed of his coming thither, they seized upon the gates, and + placed men in ambush about them, that he might not escape without being + perceived; but Samson, who was acquainted with their contrivances against + him, arose about midnight, and ran by force upon the gates, with their + posts and beams, and the rest of their wooden furniture, and carried them + away on his shoulders, and bare them to the mountain that is over Hebron, + and there laid them down. + </p> + <p> + 11. However, he at length <a href="#link5note-21" name="link5noteref-21" + id="link5noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> transgressed the laws of his + country, and altered his own regular way of living, and imitated the + strange customs of foreigners, which thing was the beginning of his + miseries; for he fell in love with a woman that was a harlot among the + Philistines: her name was Delilah, and he lived with her. So those that + administered the public affairs of the Philistines came to her, and, with + promises, induced her to get out of Samson what was the cause of that his + strength, by which he became unconquerable to his enemies. Accordingly, + when they were drinking, and had the like conversation together, she + pretended to admire the actions he had done, and contrived to get out of + him by subtlety, by what means he so much excelled others in strength. + Samson, in order to delude Delilah, for he had not yet lost his senses, + replied, that if he were bound with seven such green withs of a vine as + might still be wreathed, he should be weaker than any other man. The woman + said no more then, but told this to the rulers of the Philistines, and hid + certain of the soldiers in ambush within the house; and when he was + disordered in drink and asleep, she bound him as fast as possible with the + withs; and then upon her awakening him, she told him some of the people + were upon him; but he broke the withs, and endeavored to defend himself, + as though some of the people were upon him. Now this woman, in the + constant conversation Samson had with her, pretended that she took it very + ill that he had such little confidence in her affections to him, that he + would not tell her what she desired, as if she would not conceal what she + knew it was for his interest to have concealed. However, he deluded her + again, and told her, that if they bound him with seven cords, he should + lose his strength. And when, upon doing this, she gained nothing, he told + her the third time, that his hair should be woven into a web; but when, + upon doing this, the truth was not yet discovered, at length Samson, upon + Delilah's prayer, [for he was doomed to fall into some affliction,] was + desirous to please her, and told her that God took care of him, and that + he was born by his providence, and that "thence it is that I suffer my + hair to grow, God having charged me never to poll my head, and thence my + strength is according to the increase and continuance of my hair." When + she had learned thus much, and had deprived him of his hair, she delivered + him up to his enemies, when he was not strong enough to defend himself + from their attempts upon him; so they put out his eyes, and bound him, and + had him led about among them. + </p> + <p> + 12. But in process of time Samson's hair grew again. And there was a + public festival among the Philistines, when the rulers, and those of the + most eminent character, were feasting together; [now the room wherein they + were had its roof supported by two pillars;] so they sent for Samson, and + he was brought to their feast, that they might insult him in their cups. + Hereupon he, thinking it one of the greatest misfortunes, if he should not + be able to revenge himself when he was thus insulted, persuaded the boy + that led him by the hand, that he was weary and wanted to rest himself, + and desired he would bring him near the pillars; and as soon as he came to + them, he rushed with force against them, and overthrew the house, by + overthrowing its pillars, with three thousand men in it, who were all + slain, and Samson with them. And such was the end of this man, when he had + ruled over the Israelites twenty years. And indeed this man deserves to be + admired for his courage and strength, and magnanimity at his death, and + that his wrath against his enemies went so far as to die himself with + them. But as for his being ensnared by a woman, that is to be ascribed to + human nature, which is too weak to resist the temptations to that sin; but + we ought to bear him witness, that in all other respects he was one of + extraordinary virtue. But his kindred took away his body, and buried it in + Sarasat his own country, with the rest of his family. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link52HCH0009" id="link52HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. How Under Eli's Government Of The Israelites Booz Married Ruth, + From Whom Came Obed The Grandfather Of David. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now after the death of Samson, Eli the high priest was governor of the + Israelites. Under him, when the country was afflicted with a famine, + Elimelech of Bethlehem, which is a city of the tribe of Judah, being not + able to support his family under so sore a distress, took with him Naomi + his wife, and the children that were born to him by her, Chillon and + Mahlon, and removed his habitation into the land of Moab; and upon the + happy prosperity of his affairs there, he took for his sons wives of the + Moabites, Orpah for Chillon, and Ruth for Mahlon. But in the compass of + ten years, both Elimelech, and a little while after him, the sons, died; + and Naomi being very uneasy at these accidents, and not being able to bear + her lonesome condition, now those that were dearest to her were dead, on + whose account it was that she had gone away from her own country, she + returned to it again, for she had been informed it was now in a + flourishing condition. However, her daughters-in-law were not able to + think of parting with her; and when they had a mind to go out of the + country with her, she could not dissuade them from it; but when they + insisted upon it, she wished them a more happy wedlock than they had with + her sons, and that they might have prosperity in other respects also; and + seeing her own affairs were so low, she exhorted them to stay where they + were, and not to think of leaving their own country, and partaking with + her of that uncertainty under which she must return. Accordingly Orpah + staid behind; but she took Ruth along with her, as not to be persuaded to + stay behind her, but would take her fortune with her, whatsoever it should + prove. + </p> + <p> + 2. When Ruth was come with her mother-in-law to Bethlehem, Booz, who was + near of kin to Elimelech, entertained her; and when Naomi was so called by + her fellow citizens, according to her true name, she said, "You might more + truly call me Mara." Now Naomi signifies in the Hebrew tongue happiness, + and Mara, sorrow. It was now reaping time; and Ruth, by the leave of her + mother-in-law, went out to glean, that they might get a stock of corn for + their food. Now it happened that she came into Booz's field; and after + some time Booz came thither, and when he saw the damsel, he inquired of + his servant that was set over the reapers concerning the girl. The servant + had a little before inquired about all her circumstances, and told them to + his master, who kindly embraced her, both on account of her affection to + her mother-in-law, and her remembrance of that son of hers to whom she had + been married, and wished that she might experience a prosperous condition; + so he desired her not to glean, but to reap what she was able, and gave + her leave to carry it home. He also gave it in charge to that servant who + was over the reapers, not to hinder her when she took it away, and bade + him give her her dinner, and make her drink when he did the like to the + reapers. Now what corn Ruth received of him she kept for her + mother-in-law, and came to her in the evening, and brought the ears of + corn with her; and Naomi had kept for her a part of such food as her + neighbors had plentifully bestowed upon her. Ruth also told her + mother-in-law what Booz had said to her; and when the other had informed + her that he was near of kin to them, and perhaps was so pious a man as to + make some provision for them, she went out again on the days following, to + gather the gleanings with Booz's maidservants. + </p> + <p> + 3. It was not many days before Booz, after the barley was winnowed, slept + in his thrashing-floor. When Naomi was informed of this circumstance she + contrived it so that Ruth should lie down by him, for she thought it might + be for their advantage that he should discourse with the girl. Accordingly + she sent the damsel to sleep at his feet; who went as she bade her, for + she did not think it consistent with her duty to contradict any command of + her mother-in-law. And at first she lay concealed from Booz, as he was + fast asleep; but when he awaked about midnight, and perceived a woman + lying by him, he asked who she was;—and when she told him her name, + and desired that he whom she owned for her lord would excuse her, he then + said no more; but in the morning, before the servants began to set about + their work, he awaked her, and bid her take as much barley as she was able + to carry, and go to her mother-in-law before any body there should see + that she had lain down by him, because it was but prudent to avoid any + reproach that might arise on that account, especially when there had been + nothing done that was ill. But as to the main point she aimed at, the + matter should rest here,—"He that is nearer of kin than I am, shall + be asked whether he wants to take thee to wife: if he says he does, thou + shalt follow him; but if he refuse it, I will marry thee, according to the + law." + </p> + <p> + 4. When she had informed her mother-in-law of this, they were very glad of + it, out of the hope they had that Booz would make provision for them. Now + about noon Booz went down into the city, and gathered the senate together, + and when he had sent for Ruth, he called for her kinsman also; and when he + was come, he said, "Dost not thou retain the inheritance of Elimelech and + his sons?" He confessed that he did retain it, and that he did as he was + permitted to do by the laws, because he was their nearest kinsman. Then + said Booz, "Thou must not remember the laws by halves, but do every thing + according to them; for the wife of Mahlon is come hither, whom thou must + marry, according to the law, in case thou wilt retain their fields." So + the man yielded up both the field and the wife to Booz, who was himself of + kin to those that were dead, as alleging that he had a wife already, and + children also; so Booz called the senate to witness, and bid the woman to + loose his shoe, and spit in his face, according to the law; and when this + was done, Booz married Ruth, and they had a son within a year's time. + Naomi was herself a nurse to this child; and by the advice of the women, + called him Obed, as being to be brought up in order to be subservient to + her in her old age, for Obed in the Hebrew dialect signifies a servant. + The son of Obed was Jesse, and David was his son, who was king, and left + his dominions to his sons for one and twenty generations. I was therefore + obliged to relate this history of Ruth, because I had a mind to + demonstrate the power of God, who, without difficulty, can raise those + that are of ordinary parentage to dignity and splendor, to which he + advanced David, though he were born of such mean parents. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link52HCH0010" id="link52HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. Concerning The Birth Of Samuel; And How He Foretold The + Calamity That Befell The Sons Of Eli. + </h3> + <p> + 1. And now upon the ill state of the affairs of the Hebrews, they made war + again upon the Philistines. The occasion was this: Eli, the high priest, + had two sons, Hophni and Phineas. These sons of Eli were guilty of + injustice towards men, and of impiety towards God, and abstained from no + sort of wickedness. Some of their gifts they carried off, as belonging to + the honorable employment they had; others of them they took away by + violence. They also were guilty of impurity with the women that came to + worship God at the tabernacle, obliging some to submit to their lust by + force, and enticing others by bribes; nay, the whole course of their lives + was no better than tyranny. Their father therefore was angry at them for + such their wickedness, and expected that God would suddenly inflict his + punishments upon them for what they had done. The multitude took it + heinously also. And as soon as God had foretold what calamity would befall + Eli's sons, which he did both to Eli himself and to Samuel the prophet, + who was yet but a child, he openly showed his sorrow for his sons' + destruction. + </p> + <p> + 2. I will first despatch what I have to say about the prophet Samuel, and + after that will proceed to speak of the sons of Eli, and the miseries they + brought on the whole people of the Hebrews. Elcanah, a Levite, one of a + middle condition among his fellow citizens, and one that dwelt at + Ramathaim, a city of the tribe of Ephraim, married two wives, Hannah and + Peninnah. He had children by the latter; but he loved the other best, + although she was barren. Now Elcanah came with his wives to the city + Shiloh to sacrifice, for there it was that the tabernacle of God was + fixed, as we have formerly said. Now when, after he had sacrificed, he + distributed at that festival portions of the flesh to his wives and + children, and when Hannah saw the other wife's children sitting round + about their mother, she fell into tears, and lamented herself on account + of her barrenness and lonesomeness; and suffering her grief to prevail + over her husband's consolations to her, she went to the tabernacle to + beseech God to give her seed, and to make her a mother; and to vow to + consecrate the first son she should bear to the service of God, and this + in such a way, that his manner of living should not be like that of + ordinary men. And as she continued at her prayers a long time, Eli, the + high priest, for he sat there before the tabernacle, bid her go away, + thinking she had been disordered with wine; but when she said she had + drank water, but was in sorrow for want of children, and was beseeching + God for them, he bid her be of good cheer, and told her that God would + send her children. + </p> + <p> + 3. So she came to her husband full of hope, and ate her meal with + gladness. And when they had returned to their own country she found + herself with child, and they had a son born to them, to whom they gave the + name of Samuel, which may be styled one that was asked of God. They + therefore came to the tabernacle to offer sacrifice for the birth of the + child, and brought their tithes with them; but the woman remembered the + vows she had made concerning her son, and delivered him to Eli, dedicating + him to God, that he might become a prophet. Accordingly his hair was + suffered to grow long, and his drink was water. So Samuel dwelt and was + brought up in the temple. But Elcanah had other sons by Hannah, and three + daughters. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now when Samuel was twelve years old, he began to prophesy: and once + when he was asleep, God called to him by his name; and he, supposing he + had been called by the high priest, came to him: but when the high priest + said he did not call him, God did so thrice. Eli was then so far + illuminated, that he said to him, "Indeed, Samuel, I was silent now as + well as before: it is God that calls thee; do thou therefore signify it to + him, and say, I am here ready." So when he heard God speak again, he + desired him to speak, and to deliver what oracles he pleased to him, for + he would not fail to perform any ministration whatsoever he should make + use of him in;—to which God replied, "Since thou art here ready, + learn what miseries are coming upon the Israelites,—such indeed as + words cannot declare, nor faith believe; for the sons of Eli shall die on + one day, and the priesthood shall be transferred into the family of + Eleazar; for Eli hath loved his sons more than he hath loved my worship, + and to such a degree as is not for their advantage." Which message Eli + obliged the prophet by oath to tell him, for otherwise he had no + inclination to afflict him by telling it. And now Eli had a far more sure + expectation of the perdition of his sons; but the glory of Samuel + increased more and more, it being found by experience that whatsoever he + prophesied came to pass accordingly. <a href="#link5note-22" + name="link5noteref-22" id="link5noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link52HCH0011" id="link52HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. Herein Is Declared What Befell The Sons Of Eli, The Ark, And + The People And How Eli Himself Died Miserably. + </h3> + <p> + 1. About this time it was that the Philistines made war against the + Israelites, and pitched their camp at the city Aphek. Now when the + Israelites had expected them a little while, the very next day they joined + battle, and the Philistines were conquerors, and slew above four thousand + of the Hebrews, and pursued the rest of their multitude to their camp. + </p> + <p> + 2. So the Hebrews being afraid of the worst, sent to the senate, and to + the high priest, and desired that they would bring the ark of God, that by + putting themselves in array, when it was present with them, they might be + too hard for their enemies, as not reflecting that he who had condemned + them to endure these calamities was greater than the ark, and for whose + sake it was that this ark came to be honored. So the ark came, and the + sons of the high priest with it, having received a charge from their + father, that if they pretended to survive the taking of the ark, they + should come no more into his presence, for Phineas officiated already as + high priest, his father having resigned his office to him, by reason of + his great age. So the Hebrews were full of courage, as supposing that, by + the coming of the ark, they should be too hard for their enemies: their + enemies also were greatly concerned, and were afraid of the ark's coming + to the Israelites: however, the upshot did not prove agreeable to the + expectation of both sides, but when the battle was joined, that victory + which the Hebrews expected was gained by the Philistines, and that defeat + the Philistines were afraid of fell to the lot of the Israelites, and + thereby they found that they had put their trust in the ark in vain, for + they were presently beaten as soon as they came to a close fight with + their enemies, and lost about thirty thousand men, among whom were the + sons of the high priest; but the ark was carried away by the enemies. + </p> + <p> + 3. When the news of this defeat came to Shiloh, with that of the captivity + of the ark, [for a certain young man, a Benjamite, who was in the action, + came as a messenger thither,] the whole city was full of lamentations. And + Eli, the high priest, who sat upon a high throne at one of the gates, + heard their mournful cries, and supposed that some strange thing had + befallen his family. So he sent for the young man; and when he understood + what had happened in the battle, he was not much uneasy as to his sons, or + what was told him withal about the army, as having beforehand known by + Divine revelation that those things would happen, and having himself + declared them beforehand,—for what sad things come unexpectedly they + distress men the most; but as soon as [he heard] the ark was carried + captive by their enemies, he was very much grieved at it, because it fell + out quite differently from what he expected; so he fell down from his + throne and died, having in all lived ninety-eight years, and of them + retained the government forty. + </p> + <p> + 4. On the same day his son Phineas's wife died also, as not able to + survive the misfortune of her husband; for they told her of her husband's + death as she was in labor. However, she bare a son at seven months, who + lived, and to whom they gave the name of Icabod, which name signifies + disgrace,—and this because the army received a disgrace at this + time. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now Eli was the first of the family of Ithamar, the other son of Aaron, + that had the government; for the family of Eleazar officiated as high + priest at first, the son still receiving that honor from the father which + Eleazar bequeathed to his son Phineas; after whom Abiezer his son took the + honor, and delivered it to his son, whose name was Bukki, from whom his + son Ozi received it; after whom Eli, of whom we have been speaking, had + the priesthood, and so he and his posterity until the time of Solomon's + reign; but then the posterity of Eleazar reassumed it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_FOOT" id="link52H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link5note-1" id="link5note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link5noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ The Amorites were one of + the seven nations of Canaan. Hence Reland is willing to suppose that + Josephus did not here mean that their land beyond Jordan was a seventh + part of the whole land of Canaan, but meant the Arnorites as a seventh + nation. His reason is, that Josephus, as well as our Bible, generally + distinguish the land beyond Jordan from the land of Canaan; nor can it be + denied, that in strictness they were all forgot: yet after two tribes and + a half of the twelve tribes came to inherit it, it might in a general way + altogether be well included under the land of Canaan, or Palestine, or + Judea, of which we have a clear example here before us in Josephus, whose + words evidently imply, that taking the whole land of Canaan, or that + inhabited by all the twelve tribes together, and parting it into seven + parts, the part beyond Jordan was in quantity of ground one seventh part + of the whole. And this well enough agrees to Reland's own map of that + country, although this land beyond Jordan was so peculiarly fruitful, and + good for pasturage, as the two tribes and a half took notice, Numbers + 32:1, 4, 16, that it maintained about a fifth part of the whole people.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-2" id="link5note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link5noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ It plainly appears by the + history of these spies, and the innkeeper Rahab's deception of the king of + Jericho's messengers, by telling them what was false in order to save the + lives of the spies, and yet the great commendation of her faith and good + works in the New Testament, Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25, as well as by many + other parallel examples, both in the Old Testament and in Josephus, that + the best men did not then scruple to deceive those public enemies who + might justly be destroyed; as also might deceive ill men in order to save + life, and deliver themselves from the tyranny of their unjust oppressors, + and this by telling direct falsehoods; I mean, all this where no oath was + demanded of them, otherwise they never durst venture on such a procedure. + Nor was Josephus himself of any other opinion or practice, as I shall + remark in the note on Antiq. B. IX. ch. 4. sect. 3. And observe, that I + still call this woman Rahab, an innkeeper, not a harlot, the whole + history, both in our copies, and especially in Josephus, implying no more. + It was indeed so frequent a thing, that women who were innkeepers were + also harlots, or maintainers of harlots, that the word commonly used for + real harlots was usually given them. See Dr. Bernard's note here, and + Judges 11:1, and Antiq. B. V. ch. 7. sect. 8.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-3" id="link5note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link5noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ Upon occasion of this + devoting of Jericho to destruction, and the exemplary punishment of Achar, + who broke that duerein or anathema, and of the punishment of the future + breaker of it, Hiel, 1 Kings 16:34, as also of the punishment of Saul, for + breaking the like chefera or anathema, against the Amalekites, 1 Samuel + 15., we may observe what was the true meaning of that law, Leviticus + 27:28: "None devoted which shall be devoted of shall be redeemed; but + shall be put to death;" i.e. whenever any of the Jews' public enemies had + been, for their wickedness, solemnly devoted to destruction, according to + the Divine command, as were generally the seven wicked nations of Canaan, + and those sinners the Amalekites, 1 Samuel 15:18, it was utterly unlawful + to permit those enemies to be redeemed; but they were to be all utterly + destroyed. See also Numbers 23:2, 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-4" id="link5note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link5noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ That the name of this + chief was not Achan, as in the common copies, but Achar, as here in + Josephus, and in the Apostolical Constit. B. VII. ch. 2., and elsewhere, + is evident by the allusion to that name in the curse of Joshua, "Why hast + thou troubled us?—the Lord shall trouble thee;" where the Hebrew + word alludes only to the name Achar, but not to Achan. Accordingly, this + Valley of Achar, or Achor, was and is a known place, a little north of + Gilgal, so called from the days of Joshua till this day. See Joshua 7:26; + Isaiah 65:10; Hosea 2:15; and Dr. Bernard's notes here.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-5" id="link5note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link5noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ Here Dr. Bernard very + justly observes, that a few words are dropped out of Josephus's copies, on + account of the repetition of the word shekels, and that it ought to be + read thus:—"A piece of gold that weighed fifty shekels, and one of + silver that weighed two hundred shekels," as in our other copies, Joshua + 7:21.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-6" id="link5note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link5noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ I agree here with Dr. + Bernard, and approve of Josephus's interpretation of Gilgal for liberty. + See Joshua 5:9.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-7" id="link5note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link5noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ Whether this lengthening + of the day, by the standing still of the sun and moon, were physical and + real, by the miraculous stoppage of the diurnal motion of the earth for + about half a revolution, or whether only apparent, by aerial phosphori + imitating the sun and moon as stationary so long, while clouds and the + night hid the real ones, and this parhelion or mock sun affording + sufficient light for Joshua's pursuit and complete victory, [which aerial + phosphori in other shapes have been more than ordinarily common of late + years,] cannot now be determined: philosophers and astronomers will + naturally incline to this latter hypothesis. In the mean time, the fact + itself was mentioned in the book of Jasher, now lost, Joshua 10:13, and is + confirmed by Isaiah, 28:21, Habakkuk, 3:11, and by the son of Sirach, + Ecclus. 46:4. In the 18th Psalm of Solomon, yet it is also said of the + luminaries, with relation, no doubt, to this and the other miraculous + standing still and going back, in the days of Joshua and Hezekiah, "They + have not wandered, from the day that he created them; they have not + forsaken their way, from ancient generations, unless it were when God + enjoined them [so to do] by the command of his servants." See Authent. + Rec. part i. p. 154. [8: Of the books laid up in the temple, see the note + on Antiq. B. III. ch. 1. sect. 7.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-9" id="link5note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link5noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ Since not only Procopius + and Suidas, but an earlier author, Moses Chorenensis, p. 52, 53, and + perhaps from his original author Mariba Carina, one as old as Alexander + the Great, sets down the famous inscription at Tangier concerning the old + Canaanites driven out of Palestine by Joshua, take it here in that + author's own words: "We are those exiles that were governors of the + Canaanites, but have been driven away by Joshua the robber, and are come + to inhabit here." See the note there. Nor is it unworthy of our notice + what Moses Chorenensis adds, p. 53, and this upon a diligent examination, + viz. that "one of those eminent men among the Canaanites came at the same + time into Armenia, and founded the Genthuniaa family, or tribe; and that + this was confirmed by the manners of the same family or tribe, as being + like those of the Canaanites."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-10" id="link5note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link5noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ By prophesying, when + spoken of a high priest, Josephus, both here and frequently elsewhere, + means no more than consulting God by Urim, which the reader is still to + bear in mind upon all occasions. And if St. John, who was contemporary + with Josephus, and of the same country, made use of this style, when he + says that "Caiaphas being high priest that year, prophesied that Jesus + should die for that nation, and not for that nation only, but that also he + should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered + abroad," chap. 11;51, 52, he may possibly mean, that this was revealed to + the high priest by an extraordinary voice from between the cherubims, when + he had his breastplate, or Urim and Thummim, on before; or the most holy + place of the temple, which was no other than the oracle of Urim and + Thummim. Of which above, in the note on Antiq. B. III. ch. 8. sect. 9.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-11" id="link5note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link5noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ This great number of + seventy-two reguli, or small kings, over whom Adonibezek had tyrannized, + and for which he was punished according to the lex talionis, as well as + the thirty-one kings of Canaan subdued by Joshua, and named in one + chapter, Joshua 12., and thirty-two kings, or royal auxiliaries to + Benhadad king of Syria, 1 Kings 20:1; Antiq. B. VIII. ch. 14. sect. 1, + intimate to us what was the ancient form of government among several + nations before the monarchies began, viz. that every city or large town, + with its neighboring villages, was a distinct government by itself; which + is the more remarkable, because this was certainly the form of + ecclesiastical government that was settled by the apostles, and preserved + throughout the Christian church in the first ages of Christianity. Mr. + Addison is of opinion, that "it would certainly be for the good of mankind + to have all the mighty empires and monarchies of the world cantoned out + into petty states and principalities, which, like so many large families, + might lie under the observation of their proper governors, so that the + care of the prince might extend itself to every individual person under + his protection; though he despairs of such a scheme being brought about, + and thinks that if it were, it would quickly be destroyed." Remarks on + Italy, 4to, p. 151. Nor is it unfit to be observed here, that the Armenian + records, though they give us the history of thirty-nine of their + ancientest heroes or governors after the Flood, before the days of + Sardanapalus, had no proper king till the fortieth, Parerus. See Moses + Chorehensis, p. 55. And that Almighty God does not approve of such + absolute and tyrannical monarchies, any one may learn that reads + Deuteronomy 17:14-20, and 1 Samuel 8:1-22; although, if such kings are set + up as own him for their supreme King, and aim to govern according to his + laws, he hath admitted of them, and protected them and their subjects in + all generations.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-12" id="link5note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link5noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus's early date of + this history before the beginning of the Judges, or when there was no king + in Israel, Judges 19;1, is strongly confirmed by the large number of + Benjamites, both in the days of Asa and Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 14:8, + and 16:17, who yet were here reduced to six hundred men; nor can those + numbers be at all supposed genuine, if they were reduced so late as the + end of the Judges, where our other copies place this reduction.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-13" id="link5note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link5noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus seems here to + have made a small mistake, when he took the Hebrew word Bethel, which + denotes the house of God, or the tabernacle, Judges 20:18, for the proper + name of a place, Bethel, it no way appearing that the tabernacle was ever + at Bethel; only so far it is true, that Shiloh, the place of the + tabernacle in the days of the Judges, was not far from Bethel.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-14" id="link5note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link5noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ It appears by the sacred + history, Judges 1:16; 3:13, that Eglon's pavilion or palace was at the + City of Palm-Trees, as the place where Jericho had stood is called after + its destruction by Joshua, that is, at or near the demolished city. + Accordingly, Josephus says it was at Jericho, or rather in that fine + country of palm-trees, upon, or near to, the same spot of ground on which + Jericho had formerly stood, and on which it was rebuilt by Hiel, 1 Kings + 16:31. Our other copies that avoid its proper name Jericho, and call it + the City of Palm-Trees only, speak here more accurately than Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-15" id="link5note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link5noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ These eighty years for + the government of Ehud are necessary to Josephus's usual large numbers + between the exodus and the building of the temple, of five hundred and + ninety-two or six hundred and twelve years, but not to the smallest number + of four hundred and eighty years, 1 Kings 6:1; which lesser number + Josephus seems sometimes to have followed. And since in the beginning of + the next chapter it is said by Josephus, that there was hardly a breathing + time for the Israelites before Jabin came and enslaved them, it is highly + probable that some of the copies in his time had here only eight years + instead of eighty; as had that of Theophilus of Antioch, Ad Autolye. 1. + iii., and this most probably from his copy of Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-16" id="link5note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link5noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ Our present copies of + Josephus all omit Tola among the judges, though the other copies have him + next after Abimelech, and allot twenty-three years to his administration, + Judges 10:1, 2; yet do all Josephus's commentators conclude, that in + Josephus's sum of the years of the judges, his twenty-three years are + included; hence we are to confess, that somewhat has been here lost out of + his copies.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-17" id="link5note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link5noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus justly condemns + Jephtha, as do the Apostolical Constitutions, B. VII. ch. 37., for his + rash vow, whether it were for sacrificing his daughter, as Josephus + thought, or for dedicating her, who was his only child, to perpetual + virginity, at the tabernacle or elsewhere, which I rather suppose. If he + had vowed her for a sacrifice, she ought to have been redeemed, Leviticus + 27:1-8; but of the sense of ver. 28, 29, as relating not to things vowed + to. God, but devoted to destruction, see the note on Antiq. B. V. ch. 1. + sect. 8.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-18" id="link5note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link5noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ I can discover no reason + why Manoah and his wife came so constantly into these suburbs to pray for + children, but because there was a synagogue or place of devotion in those + suburbs.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-19" id="link5note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link5noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ Here, by a prophet, + Josephus seems only to mean one that was born by a particular providence, + lived after the manner of a Nazarite devoted to God, and was to have an + extraordinary commission and strength from God for the judging and + avenging his people Israel, without any proper prophetic revelations at + all.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-20" id="link5note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link5noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ This fountain, called + Lehi, or the Jaw-bone, is still in being, as travelers assure us, and was + known by this very name in the days of Josephus, and has been known by the + same name in all those past ages. See Antiq. B. VII. ch. 12. sect. 4.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-21" id="link5note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link5noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ See this justly observed + in the Apostolical Constitutions, B. VII. ch. 37., that Samson's prayer + was heard, but that it was before this his transgression.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5note-22" id="link5note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link5noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ Although there had been + a few occasional prophets before, yet was this Samuel the first of a + constant succession of prophets in the Jewish nation, as is implied in St. + Peter's words, Acts 3:24 "Yea, and all the prophets, from Samuel, and + those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of + those days." See also Acts 13:20. The others were rather sometime called + righteous men, Matthew 10:41; 13:17.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link62H_4_0001" id="link62H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK VI. Containing The Interval Of Thirty-Two Years.—From The + Death Of Eli To The Death Of Saul.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0001" id="link62HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. The Destruction That Came Upon The Philistines, And Upon Their + Land, By The Wrath Of Go On Account Of Their Having Carried The Ark Away + Captive; And After What Manner They Sent It Back To The Hebrews. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When the Philistines had taken the ark of the Hebrews captive, as I + said a little before, they carried it to the city of Ashdod, and put it by + their own god, who was called Dagon, <a href="#link6note-1" + name="link6noteref-1" id="link6noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> as one of + their spoils; but when they went into his temple the next morning to + worship their god, they found him paying the same worship to the ark, for + he lay along, as having fallen down from the basis whereon he had stood: + so they took him up, and set him on his basis again, and were much + troubled at what had happened; and as they frequently came to Dagon and + found him still lying along, in a posture of adoration to the ark, they + were in very great distress and confusion. At length God sent a very + destructive disease upon the city and country of Ashdod, for they died of + the dysentery or flux, a sore distemper, that brought death upon them very + suddenly; for before the soul could, as usual in easy deaths, be well + loosed from the body, they brought up their entrails, and vomited up what + they had eaten, and what was entirely corrupted by the disease. And as to + the fruits of their country, a great multitude of mice arose out of the + earth and hurt them, and spared neither the plants nor the fruits. Now + while the people of Ashdod were under these misfortunes, and were not able + to support themselves under their calamities, they perceived that they + suffered thus because of the ark, and that the victory they had gotten, + and their having taken the ark captive, had not happened for their good; + they therefore sent to the people of Askelon, and desired that they would + receive the ark among them. This desire of the people of Ashdod was not + disagreeable to those of Askelon, so they granted them that favor. But + when they had gotten the ark, they were in the same miserable condition; + for the ark carried along with it the disasters that the people of Ashdod + had suffered, to those who received it from them. Those of Askelon also + sent it away from themselves to others: nor did it stay among those others + neither; for since they were pursued by the same disasters, they still + sent it to the neighboring cities; so that the ark went round, after this + manner, to the five cities of the Philistines, as though it exacted these + disasters as a tribute to be paid it for its coming among them. + </p> + <p> + 2. When those that had experienced these miseries were tired out with + them, and when those that heard of them were taught thereby not to admit + the ark among them, since they paid so dear a tribute for it, at length + they sought for some contrivance and method how they might get free from + it: so the governors of the five cities, Gath, and Ekron, and Askelon, as + also of Gaza, and Ashdod, met together, and considered what was fit to be + done; and at first they thought proper to send the ark back to its own + people, as allowing that God had avenged its cause; that the miseries they + had undergone came along with it, and that these were sent on their cities + upon its account, and together with it. However, there were those that + said they should not do so, nor suffer themselves to be deluded, as + ascribing the cause of their miseries to it, because it could not have + such power and force upon them; for, had God had such a regard to it, it + would not have been delivered into the hands of men. So they exhorted them + to be quiet, and to take patiently what had befallen them, and to suppose + there was no other cause of it but nature, which, at certain revolutions + of time, produces such mutations in the bodies of men, in the earth, in + plants, and in all things that grow out of the earth. But the counsel that + prevailed over those already described, was that of certain men, who were + believed to have distinguished themselves in former times for their + understanding and prudence, and who, in their present circumstances, + seemed above all the rest to speak properly. These men said it was not + right either to send the ark away, or to retain it, but to dedicate five + golden images, one for every city, as a thank-offering to God, on account + of his having taken care of their preservation, and having kept them alive + when their lives were likely to be taken away by such distempers as they + were not able to bear up against. They also would have them make five + golden mice like to those that devoured and destroyed their country <a + href="#link6note-2" name="link6noteref-2" id="link6noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> + to put them in a bag, and lay them upon the ark; to make them a new cart + also for it, and to yoke milch kine to it <a href="#link6note-3" + name="link6noteref-3" id="link6noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> but to shut + up their calves, and keep them from them, lest, by following after them, + they should prove a hinderance to their dams, and that the dams might + return the faster out of a desire of those calves; then to drive these + milch kine that carried the ark, and leave it at a place where three ways + met, and So leave it to the kine to go along which of those ways they + pleased; that in case they went the way to the Hebrews, and ascended to + their country, they should suppose that the ark was the cause of their + misfortunes; but if they turned into another road, they said, "We will + pursue after it, and conclude that it has no such force in it." + </p> + <p> + 3. So they determined that these men spake well; and they immediately + confirmed their opinion by doing accordingly. And when they had done as + has been already described, they brought the cart to a place where three + ways met, and left it there and went their ways; but the kine went the + right way, and as if some persons had driven them, while the rulers of the + Philistines followed after them, as desirous to know where they would + stand still, and to whom they would go. Now there was a certain village of + the tribe of Judah, the name of which was Bethshemesh, and to that village + did the kine go; and though there was a great and good plain before them + to proceed in, they went no farther, but stopped the cart there. This was + a sight to those of that village, and they were very glad; for it being + then summer-time, and all the inhabitants being then in the fields + gathering in their fruits, they left off the labors of their hands for + joy, as soon as they saw the ark, and ran to the cart, and taking the ark + down, and the vessel that had the images in it, and the mice, they set + them upon a certain rock which was in the plain; and when they had offered + a splendid sacrifice to God, and feasted, they offered the cart and the + kine as a burnt-offering: and when the lords of the Philistines saw this, + they returned back. + </p> + <p> + 4. But now it was that the wrath of God overtook them, and struck seventy + persons of the village of Bethshemesh dead, who, not being priests, and so + not worthy to touch the ark, had approached to it. <a href="#link6note-4" + name="link6noteref-4" id="link6noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> Those of + that village wept for these that had thus suffered, and made such a + lamentation as was naturally to be expected on so great a misfortune that + was sent from God; and every one mourned for his own relation. And since + they acknowledged themselves unworthy of the ark's abode with them, they + sent to the public senate of the Israelites, and informed them that the + ark was restored by the Philistines; which when they knew, they brought it + away to Kirjathjearim, a city in the neighborhood of Bethshemesh. In this + city lived one Abinadab, by birth a Levite, and who was greatly commended + for his righteous and religious course of life; so they brought the ark to + his house, as to a place fit for God himself to abide in, since therein + did inhabit a righteous man. His sons also ministered to the Divine + service at the ark, and were the principal curators of it for twenty + years; for so many years it continued in Kirjathjearim, having been but + four months with the Philistines. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0002" id="link62HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. The Expedition Of The Philistines Against The Hebrews And The + Hebrews' Victory Under The Conduct Of Samuel The Prophet, Who Was Their + General. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now while the city of Kirjathjearim had the ark with them, the whole + body of the people betook themselves all that time to offer prayers and + sacrifices to God, and appeared greatly concerned and zealous about his + worship. So Samuel the prophet, seeing how ready they were to do their + duty, thought this a proper time to speak to them, while they were in this + good disposition, about the recovery of their liberty, and of the + blessings that accompanied the same. Accordingly he used such words to + them as he thought were most likely to excite that inclination, and to + persuade them to attempt it: "O you Israelites," said he, "to whom the + Philistines are still grievous enemies, but to whom God begins to be + gracious, it behooves you not only to be desirous of liberty, but to take + the proper methods to obtain it. Nor are you to be contented with an + inclination to get clear of your lords and masters, while you still do + what will procure your continuance under them. Be righteous then, and cast + wickedness out of your souls, and by your worship supplicate the Divine + Majesty with all your hearts, and persevere in the honor you pay to him; + for if you act thus, you will enjoy prosperity; you will be freed from + your slavery, and will get the victory over your enemies: which blessings + it is not possible you should attain, either by weapons of war, or by the + strength of your bodies, or by the multitude of your assistants; for God + has not promised to grant these blessings by those means, but by being + good and righteous men; and if you will be such, I will be security to you + for the performance of God's promises." When Samuel had said thus, the + multitude applauded his discourse, and were pleased with his exhortation + to them, and gave their consent to resign themselves up to do what was + pleasing to God. So Samuel gathered them together to a certain city called + Mizpeh, which, in the Hebrew tongue, signifies a watch-tower; there they + drew water, and poured it out to God, and fasted all day, and betook + themselves to their prayers. + </p> + <p> + 2. This their assembly did not escape the notice of the Philistines: so + when they had learned that so large a company had met together, they fell + upon the Hebrews with a great army and mighty forces, as hoping to assault + them when they did not expect it, nor were prepared for it. This thing + affrighted the Hebrews, and put them into disorder and terror; so they + came running to Samuel, and said that their souls were sunk by their + fears, and by the former defeat they had received, and "that thence it was + that we lay still, lest we should excite the power of our enemies against + us. Now while thou hast brought us hither to offer up our prayers and + sacrifices, and take oaths [to be obedient], our enemies are making an + expedition against us, while we are naked and unarmed; wherefore we have + no other hope of deliverance but that by thy means, and by the assistance + God shall afford us upon thy prayers to him, we shall obtain deliverance + from the Philistines." Hereupon Samuel bade them be of good cheer, and + promised them that God would assist them; and taking a sucking lamb, he + sacrificed it for the multitude, and besought God to hold his protecting + hand over them when they should fight with the Philistines, and not to + overlook them, nor suffer them to come under a second misfortune. + Accordingly God hearkened to his prayers, and accepting their sacrifice + with a gracious intention, and such as was disposed to assist them, he + granted them victory and power over their enemies. Now while the altar had + the sacrifice of God upon it, and had not yet consumed it wholly by its + sacred fire, the enemy's army marched out of their camp, and was put in + order of battle, and this in hope that they should be conquerors, since + the Jews <a href="#link6note-5" name="link6noteref-5" id="link6noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + were caught in distressed circumstances, as neither having their weapons + with them, nor being assembled there in order to fight. But things so fell + out, that they would hardly have been credited though they had been + foretold by anybody: for, in the first place, God disturbed their enemies + with an earthquake, and moved the ground under them to such a degree, that + he caused it to tremble, and made them to shake, insomuch that by its + trembling, he made some unable to keep their feet, and made them fall + down, and by opening its chasms, he caused that others should be hurried + down into them; after which he caused such a noise of thunder to come + among them, and made fiery lightning shine so terribly round about them, + that it was ready to burn their faces; and he so suddenly shook their + weapons out of their hands, that he made them fly and return home naked. + So Samuel with the multitude pursued them to Bethcar, a place so called; + and there he set up a stone as a boundary of their victory and their + enemies' flight, and called it the Stone of Power, as a signal of that + power God had given them against their enemies. + </p> + <p> + 3. So the Philistines, after this stroke, made no more expeditions against + the Israelites, but lay still out of fear, and out of remembrance of what + had befallen them; and what courage the Philistines had formerly against + the Hebrews, that, after this victory, was transferred to the Hebrews. + Samuel also made an expedition against the Philistines, and slew many of + them, and entirely humbled their proud hearts, and took from them that + country, which, when they were formerly conquerors in battle, they had cut + off from the Jews, which was the country that extended from the borders of + Gath to the city of Ekron: but the remains of the Canaanites were at this + time in friendship with the Israelites. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0003" id="link62HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. How Samuel When He Was So Infirm With Old Age That He Could Not + Take Care Of The Public Affairs Intrusted Them To His Sons; And How Upon + The Evil Administration Of The Government By Them The Multitude Were So + Angry, That They Required To Have A King To Govern Them, Although Samuel + Was Much Displeased Thereat. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But Samuel the prophet, when he had ordered the affairs of the people + after a convenient manner, and had appointed a city for every district of + them, he commanded them to come to such cities, to have the controversies + that they had one with another determined in them, he himself going over + those cities twice in a year, and doing them justice; and by that means he + kept them in very good order for a long time. + </p> + <p> + 2. But afterwards he found himself oppressed with old age, and not able to + do what he used to do, so he committed the government and the care of the + multitude to his sons,—the elder of whom was called Joel, and the + name of the younger was Abiah. He also enjoined them to reside and judge + the people, the one at the city of Bethel, and the other at Beersheba, and + divided the people into districts that should be under the jurisdiction of + each of them. Now these men afford us an evident example and demonstration + how some children are not of the like dispositions with their parents; but + sometimes perhaps good and moderate, though born of wicked parents; and + sometimes showing themselves to be wicked, though born of good parents: + for these men turning aside from their father's good courses, and taking a + course that was contrary to them, perverted justice for the 'filthy lucre + of gifts and bribes, and made their determinations not according to truth, + but according to bribery, and turned aside to luxury, and a costly way of + living; so that as, in the first place, they practiced what was contrary + to the will of God, so did they, in the second place, what was contrary to + the will of the prophet their father, who had taken a great deal of care, + and made a very careful provision that the multitude should be righteous. + </p> + <p> + 3. But the people, upon these injuries offered to their former + constitution and government by the prophet's sons, were very uneasy at + their actions, and came running to the prophet, who then lived at the city + Ramah, and informed him of the transgressions of his sons; and said, That + as he was himself old already, and too infirm by that age of his to + oversee their affairs in the manner he used to do, so they begged of him, + and entreated him, to appoint some person to be king over them, who might + rule over the nation, and avenge them of the Philistines, who ought to be + punished for their former oppressions. These words greatly afflicted + Samuel, on account of his innate love of justice, and his hatred to kingly + government, for he was very fond of an aristocracy, as what made the men + that used it of a divine and happy disposition; nor could he either think + of eating or sleeping, out of his concern and torment of mind at what they + had said, but all the night long did he continue awake and revolved these + notions in his mind. + </p> + <p> + 4. While he was thus disposed, God appeared to him, and comforted him, + saying, That he ought not to be uneasy at what the multitude desired, + because it was not he, but Himself whom they so insolently despised, and + would not have to be alone their king; that they had been contriving these + things from the very day that they came out of Egypt; that however in no + long time they would sorely repent of what they did, which repentance yet + could not undo what was thus done for futurity; that they would be + sufficiently rebuked for their contempt, and the ungrateful conduct they + have used towards me, and towards thy prophetic office. "So I command thee + to ordain them such a one as I shall name beforehand to be their king, + when thou hast first described what mischiefs kingly government will bring + upon them, and openly testified before them into what a great change of + affairs they are hasting." + </p> + <p> + 5. When Samuel had heard this, he called the Jews early in the morning, + and confessed to them that he was to ordain them a king; but he said that + he was first to describe to them what would follow, what treatment they + would receive from their kings, and with how many mischiefs they must + struggle. "For know ye," said he, "that, in the first place, they will + take your sons away from you, and they will command some of them to be + drivers of their chariots, and some to be their horsemen, and the guards + of their body, and others of them to be runners before them, and captains + of thousands, and captains of hundreds; they will also make them their + artificers, makers of armor, and of chariots, and of instruments; they + will make them their husbandmen also, and the curators of their own + fields, and the diggers of their own vineyards; nor will there be any + thing which they will not do at their commands, as if they were slaves + bought with money. They will also appoint your daughters to be + confectioners, and cooks, and bakers; and these will be obliged to do all + sorts of work which women slaves, that are in fear of stripes and + torments, submit to. They will, besides this, take away your possessions, + and bestow them upon their eunuchs, and the guards of their bodies, and + will give the herds of your cattle to their own servants: and to say + briefly all at once, you, and all that is yours, will be servants to your + king, and will become no way superior to his slaves; and when you suffer + thus, you will thereby be put in mind of what I now say. And when you + repent of what you have done, you will beseech God to have mercy upon you, + and to grant you a quick deliverance from your kings; but he will not + accept your prayers, but will neglect you, and permit you to suffer the + punishment your evil conduct has deserved." + </p> + <p> + 6. But the multitude was still so foolish as to be deaf to these + predictions of what would befall them; and too peevish to suffer a + determination which they had injudiciously once made, to be taken out of + their mind; for they could not be turned from their purpose, nor did they + regard the words of Samuel, but peremptorily insisted on their resolution, + and desired him to ordain them a king immediately, and not trouble himself + with fears of what would happen hereafter, for that it was necessary they + should have with them one to fight their battles, and to avenge them of + their enemies, and that it was no way absurd, when their neighbors were + under kingly government, that they should have the same form of government + also. So when Samuel saw that what he had said had not diverted them from + their purpose, but that they continued resolute, he said, "Go you every + one home for the present; when it is fit I will send for you, as soon as I + shall have learned from God who it is that he will give you for your + king." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0004" id="link62HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. The Appointment Of A King Over The Israelites, Whose Name Was + Saul; And This By The Command Of God. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Ther was one of the tribe of Benjamin, a man of a good family, and of a + virtuous disposition; his name was Kish. He had a son, a young man of a + comely countenance, and of a tall body, but his understanding and his mind + were preferable to what was visible in him: they called him Saul. Now this + Kish had some fine she-asses that were wandered out of the pasture wherein + they fed, for he was more delighted with these than with any other cattle + he had; so he sent out his son, and one servant with him, to search for + the beasts; but when he had gone over his own tribe in search after the + asses, he went to other tribes, and when he found them not there neither, + he determined to go his way home, lest he should occasion any concern to + his father about himself. But when his servant that followed him told him + as they were near the city of Ramah, that there was a true prophet in that + city, and advised him to go to him, for that by him they should know the + upshot of the affair of their asses, he replied, That if they should go to + him, they had nothing to give him as a reward for his prophecy, for their + subsistence money was spent. The servant answered, that he had still the + fourth part of a shekel, and he would present him with that; for they were + mistaken out of ignorance, as not knowing that the prophet received no + such reward <a href="#link6note-6" name="link6noteref-6" + id="link6noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> So they went to him; and when + they were before the gates, they lit upon certain maidens that were going + to fetch water, and they asked them which was the prophet's house. They + showed them which it was; and bid them make haste before he sat down to + supper, for he had invited many guests to a feast, and that he used to sit + down before those that were invited. Now Samuel had then gathered many + together to feast with him on this very account; for while he every day + prayed to God to tell him beforehand whom he would make king, he had + informed him of this man the day before, for that he would send him a + certain young man out of the tribe of Benjamin about this hour of the day; + and he sat on the top of the house in expectation of that time's being + come. And when the time was completed, he came down and went to supper; so + he met with Saul, and God discovered to him that this was he who should + rule over them. Then Saul went up to Samuel and saluted him, and desired + him to inform him which was the prophet's house; for he said he was a + stranger and did not know it. When Samuel had told him that he himself was + the person, he led him in to supper, and assured him that the asses were + found which he had been to seek, and that the greatest of good things were + assured to him: he replied, "I am too inconsiderable to hope for any such + thing, and of a tribe to small to have kings made out of it, and of a + family smaller than several other families; but thou tellest me this in + jest, and makest me an object of laughter, when thou discoursest with me + of greater matters than what I stand in need of." However, the prophet led + him in to the feast, and made him sit down, him and his servant that + followed him, above the other guests that were invited, which were seventy + in number <a href="#link6note-7" name="link6noteref-7" id="link6noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> + and he gave orders to the servants to set the royal portion before Saul. + And when the time of going to bed was come, the rest rose up, and every + one of them went home; but Saul staid with the prophet, he and his + servant, and slept with him. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now as soon as it was day, Samuel raised up Saul out of his bed, and + conducted him homeward; and when he was out of the city, he desired him to + cause his servant to go before, but to stay behind himself, for that he + had somewhat to say to him when nobody else was present. Accordingly, Saul + sent away his servant that followed him; then did the prophet take a + vessel of oil, and poured it upon the head of the young man, and kissed + him, and said, "Be thou a king, by the ordination of God, against the + Philistines, and for avenging the Hebrews for what they have suffered by + them; of this thou shalt have a sign, which I would have thee take notice + of:—As soon as thou art departed hence, thou will find three men + upon the road, going to worship God at Bethel; the first of whom thou wilt + see carrying three loaves of bread, the second carrying a kid of the + goats, and the third will follow them carrying a bottle of wine. These + three men will salute thee, and speak kindly to thee, and will give thee + two of their loaves, which thou shalt accept of. And thence thou shalt + come to a place called Rachel's Monument, where thou shalt meet with those + that will tell thee thy asses are found; after this, when thou comest to + Gabatha, thou shalt overtake a company of prophets, and thou shalt be + seized with the Divine Spirit, <a href="#link6note-8" name="link6noteref-8" + id="link6noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> and prophesy along with them, + till every one that sees thee shall be astonished, and wonder, and say, + Whence is it that the son of Kish has arrived at this degree of happiness? + And when these signs have happened to thee, know that God is with thee; + then do thou salute thy father and thy kindred. Thou shalt also come when + I send for thee to Gilgal, that we may offer thank-offerings to God for + these blessings." When Samuel had said this, and foretold these things, he + sent the young man away. Now all things fell out to Saul according to the + prophecy of Samuel. + </p> + <p> + 3. But as soon as Saul came into the house of his kinsman Abner, whom + indeed he loved better than the rest of his relations, he was asked by him + concerning his journey, and what accidents happened to him therein; and he + concealed none of the other things from him, no, not his coming to Samuel + the prophet, nor how he told him the asses were found; but he said nothing + to him about the kingdom, and what belonged thereto, which he thought + would procure him envy, and when such things are heard, they are not + easily believed; nor did he think it prudent to tell those things to him, + although he appeared very friendly to him, and one whom he loved above the + rest of his relations, considering, I suppose, what human nature really + is, that no one is a firm friend, neither among our intimates, nor of our + kindred; nor do they preserve that kind disposition when God advances men + to great prosperity, but they are still ill-natured and envious at those + that are in eminent stations. + </p> + <p> + 4. Then Samuel called the people together to the city Mizpeh, and spake to + them in the words following, which he said he was to speak by the command + of God:—That when he had granted them a state of liberty, and + brought their enemies into subjection, they were become unmindful of his + benefits, and rejected God that he should not be their King, as not + considering that it would be most for their advantage to be presided over + by the best of beings, for God is the best of beings, and they chose to + have a man for their king; while kings will use their subjects as beasts, + according to the violence of their own wills and inclinations, and other + passions, as wholly carried away with the lust of power, but will not + endeavor so to preserve the race of mankind as his own workmanship and + creation, which, for that very reason, God would take cake of. "But since + you have come to a fixed resolution, and this injurious treatment of God + has quite prevailed over you, dispose yourselves by your tribes and + scepters, and cast lots." + </p> + <p> + 5. When the Hebrews had so done, the lot fell upon the tribe of Benjamin; + and when the lot was cast for the families of this tribe, that which was + called Matri was taken; and when the lot was cast for the single persons + of that family, Saul, the son of Kish, was taken for their king. When the + young man knew this, he prevented [their sending for him], and immediately + went away and hid himself. I suppose that it was because he would not have + it thought that he willingly took the government upon him; nay, he showed + such a degree of command over himself, and of modesty, that while the + greatest part are not able to contain their joy, even in the gaining of + small advantages, but presently show themselves publicly to all men, this + man did not only show nothing of that nature, when he was appointed to be + the lord of so many and so great tribes, but crept away and concealed + himself out of the sight of those he was to reign over, and made them seek + him, and that with a good deal of trouble. So when the people were at a + loss, and solicitous, because Saul disappeared, the prophet besought God + to show where the young man was, and to produce him before them. So when + they had learned of God the place where Saul was hidden, they sent men to + bring him; and when he was come, they set him in the midst of the + multitude. Now he was taller than any of them, and his stature was very + majestic. + </p> + <p> + 6. Then said the prophet, "God gives you this man to be your king: see how + he is higher than any of the people, and worthy of this dominion." So as + soon as the people had made acclamation, God save the king, the prophet + wrote down what would come to pass in a book, and read it in the hearing + of the king, and laid up the book in the tabernacle of God, to be a + witness to future generations of what he had foretold. So when Samuel had + finished this matter, he dismissed the multitude, and came himself to the + city Rainah, for it was his own country. Saul also went away to Gibeah, + where he was born; and many good men there were who paid him the respect + that was due to him; but the greater part were ill men, who despised him + and derided the others, who neither did bring him presents, nor did they + in affection, or even in words, regard to please him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0005" id="link62HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. Saul's Expedition Against The Nation Of The Ammonites And + Victory Over Them And The Spoils He Took From Them. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After one month, the war which Saul had with Nahash, the king of the + Ammonites, obtained him respect from all the people; for this Nahash had + done a great deal of mischief to the Jews that lived beyond Jordan by the + expedition he had made against them with a great and warlike army. He also + reduced their cities into slavery, and that not only by subduing them for + the present, which he did by force and violence, but by weakening them by + subtlety and cunning, that they might not be able afterward to get clear + of the slavery they were under to him; for he put out the right eyes <a + href="#link6note-9" name="link6noteref-9" id="link6noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> + of those that either delivered themselves to him upon terms, or were taken + by him in war; and this he did, that when their left eyes were covered by + their shields, they might be wholly useless in war. Now when the king of + the Ammonites had served those beyond Jordan in this manner, he led his + army against those that were called Gileadites, and having pitched his + camp at the metropolis of his enemies, which was the city of Jabesh, he + sent ambassadors to them, commanding them either to deliver themselves up, + on condition to have their right eyes plucked out, or to undergo a siege, + and to have their cities overthrown. He gave them their choice, whether + they would cut off a small member of their body, or universally perish. + However, the Gileadites were so affrighted at these offers, that they had + not courage to say any thing to either of them, neither that they would + deliver themselves up, nor that they would fight him. But they desired + that he would give them seven days' respite, that they might send + ambassadors to their countrymen, and entreat their assistance; and if they + came to assist them, they would fight; but if that assistance were + impossible to be obtained from them, they said they would deliver + themselves up to suffer whatever he pleased to inflict upon them. + </p> + <p> + 2. So Nabash, contemning the multitude of the Gileadites and the answer + they gave, allowed them a respite, and gave them leave to send to + whomsoever they pleased for assistance. So they immediately sent to the + Israelites, city by city, and informed them what Nabash had threatened to + do to them, and what great distress they were in. Now the people fell into + tears and grief at the hearing of what the ambassadors from Jabesh said; + and the terror they were in permitted them to do nothing more. But when + the messengers were come to the city of king Saul, and declared the + dangers in which the inhabitants of Jabesh were, the people were in the + same affliction as those in the other cities, for they lamented the + calamity of those related to them. And when Saul was returned from his + husbandry into the city, he found his fellow citizens weeping; and when, + upon inquiry, he had learned the cause of the confusion and sadness they + were in, he was seized with a divine fury, and sent away the ambassadors + from the inhabitants of Jabesh, and promised them to come to their + assistance on the third day, and to beat their enemies before sun-rising, + that the sun upon its rising might see that they had already conquered, + and were freed from the fears they were under: but he bid some of them + stay to conduct them the right way to Jabesh. + </p> + <p> + 3. So being desirous to turn the people to this war against the Ammonites + by fear of the losses they should otherwise undergo, and that they might + the more suddenly be gathered together, he cut the sinews of his oxen, and + threatened to do the same to all such as did not come with their armor to + Jordan the next day, and follow him and Samuel the prophet whithersoever + they should lead them. So they came together, out of fear of the losses + they were threatened with, at the appointed time. And the multitude were + numbered at the city Bezek. And he found the number of those that were + gathered together, besides that of the tribe of Judah, to be seven hundred + thousand, while those of that tribe were seventy thousand. So he passed + over Jordan, and proceeded in marching all that night, thirty furlongs, + and came to Jabesh before sun-rising. So he divided the army into three + companies; and fell upon their enemies on every side on the sudden, and + when they expected no such thing; and joining battle with them, they slew + a great many of the Ammonites, as also their king Nabash. This glorious + action was done by Saul, and was related with great commendation of him to + all the Hebrews; and he thence gained a wonderful reputation for his + valor: for although there were some of them that contemned him before, + they now changed their minds, and honored him, and esteemed him as the + best of men: for he did not content himself with having saved the + inhabitants of Jabesh only, but he made an expedition into the country of + the Ammonites, and laid it all waste, and took a large prey, and so + returned to his own country most gloriously. So the people were greatly + pleased at these excellent performances of Saul, and rejoiced that they + had constituted him their king. They also made a clamor against those that + pretended he would be of no advantage to their affairs; and they said, + Where now are these men?—let them be brought to punishment, with all + the like things that multitudes usually say when they are elevated with + prosperity, against those that lately had despised the authors of it. But + Saul, although he took the good-will and the affection of these men very + kindly, yet did he swear that he would not see any of his countrymen slain + that day, since it was absurd to mix this victory, which God had given + them, with the blood and slaughter of those that were of the same lineage + with themselves; and that it was more agreeable to be men of a friendly + disposition, and so to betake themselves to feasting. + </p> + <p> + 4. And when Samuel had told them that he ought to confirm the kingdom to + Saul by a second ordination of him, they all came together to the city of + Gilgal, for thither did he command them to come. So the prophet anointed + Saul with the holy oil in the sight of the multitude, and declared him to + be king the second time. And so the government of the Hebrews was changed + into a regal government; for in the days of Moses, and his disciple + Joshua, who was their general, they continued under an aristocracy; but + after the death of Joshua, for eighteen years in all, the multitude had no + settled form of government, but were in an anarchy; after which they + returned to their former government, they then permitting themselves to be + judged by him who appeared to be the best warrior and most courageous, + whence it was that they called this interval of their government the + Judges. + </p> + <p> + 5. Then did Samuel the prophet call another assembly also, and said to + them, "I solemnly adjure you by God Almighty, who brought those excellent + brethren, I mean Moses and Aaron, into the world, and delivered our + fathers from the Egyptians, and from the slavery they endured under them, + that you will not speak what you say to gratify me, nor suppress any thing + out of fear of me, nor be overborne by any other passion, but say, What + have I ever done that was cruel or unjust? or what have I done out of + lucre or covetousness, or to gratify others? Bear witness against me, if I + have taken an ox or a sheep, or any such thing, which yet when they are + taken to support men, it is esteemed blameless; or have I taken an ass for + mine own use of any one to his grief?—lay some one such crime to my + charge, now we are in your king's presence." But they cried out, that no + such thing had been done by him, but that he had presided over the nation + after a holy and righteous manner. + </p> + <p> + 6. Hereupon Samuel, when such a testimony had been given him by them all, + said, "Since you grant that you are not able to lay any ill thing to my + charge hitherto, come on now, and do you hearken while I speak with great + freedom to you. You have been guilty of great impiety against God, in + asking you a king. It behoves you to remember that our grandfather Jacob + came down into Egypt, by reason of a famine, with seventy souls only of + our family, and that their posterity multiplied there to many ten + thousands, whom the Egyptians brought into slavery and hard oppression; + that God himself, upon the prayers of our fathers, sent Moses and Aaron, + who were brethren, and gave them power to deliver the multitude out of + their distress, and this without a king. These brought us into this very + land which you now possess: and when you enjoyed these advantages from + God, you betrayed his worship and religion; nay, moreover, when you were + brought under the hands of your enemies, he delivered you, first by + rendering you superior to the Assyrians and their forces, he then made you + to overcome the Ammonites and the Moabites, and last of all the + Philistines; and these things have been achieved under the conduct of + Jephtha and Gideon. What madness therefore possessed you to fly from God, + and to desire to be under a king?—yet have I ordained him for king + whom he chose for you. However, that I may make it plain to you that God + is angry and displeased at your choice of kingly government, I will so + dispose him that he shall declare this very plainly to you by strange + signals; for what none of you ever saw here before, I mean a winter storm + in the midst of harvest, <a href="#link6note-10" name="link6noteref-10" + id="link6noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> I will entreat of God, and will + make it visible to you." Now, as soon as he had said this, God gave such + great signals by thunder and lightning, and the descent of hail, as + attested the truth of all that the prophet had said, insomuch that they + were amazed and terrified, and confessed they had sinned, and had fallen + into that sin through ignorance; and besought the prophet, as one that was + a tender and gentle father to them, to render God so merciful as to + forgive this their sin, which they had added to those other offenses + whereby they had affronted him and transgressed against him. So he + promised them that he would beseech God, and persuade him to forgive them + these their sins. However, he advised them to be righteous, and to be + good, and ever to remember the miseries that had befallen them on account + of their departure from virtue: as also to remember the strange signs God + had shown them, and the body of laws that Moses had given them, if they + had any desire of being preserved and made happy with their king. But he + said, that if they should grow careless of these things, great judgments + would come from God upon them, and upon their king. And when Samuel had + thus prophesied to the Hebrews, he dismissed them to their own homes, + having confirmed the kingdom to Saul the second time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0006" id="link62HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. How The Philistines Made Another Expedition Against The Hebrews + And Were Beaten. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Saul chose out of the multitude about three thousand men, and he + took two thousand of them to be the guards of his own body, and abode in + the city Bethel, but he gave the rest of them to Jonathan his son, to be + the guards of his body; and sent him to Gibeah, where he besieged and took + a certain garrison of the Philistines, not far from Gilgal; for the + Philistines of Gibeah had beaten the Jews, and taken their weapons away, + and had put garrisons into the strongest places of the country, and had + forbidden them to carry any instrument of iron, or at all to make use of + any iron in any case whatsoever. And on account of this prohibition it was + that the husbandmen, if they had occasion to sharpen any of their tools, + whether it were the coulter or the spade, or any instrument of husbandry, + they came to the Philistines to do it. Now as soon as the Philistines + heard of this slaughter of their garrison, they were in a rage about it, + and, looking on this contempt as a terrible affront offered them, they + made war against the Jews, with three hundred thousand footmen, and thirty + thousand chariots, and six thousand horses; and they pitched their camp at + the city Michmash. When Saul, the king of the Hebrews, was informed of + this, he went down to the city Gilgal, and made proclamation over all the + country, that they should try to regain their liberty; and called them to + the war against the Philistines, diminishing their forces, and despising + them as not very considerable, and as not so great but they might hazard a + battle with them. But when the people about Saul observed how numerous the + Philistines were, they were under a great consternation; and some of them + hid themselves in caves and in dens under ground, but the greater part + fled into the land beyond Jordan, which belonged to Gad and Reuben. + </p> + <p> + 2. But Saul sent to the prophet, and called him to consult with him about + the war and the public affairs; so he commanded him to stay there for him, + and to prepare sacrifices, for he would come to him within seven days, + that they might offer sacrifices on the seventh day, and might then join + battle with their enemies. So he waited <a href="#link6note-11" + name="link6noteref-11" id="link6noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> as the + prophet sent to him to do; yet did not he, however, observe the command + that was given him, but when he saw that the prophet tarried longer than + he expected, and that he was deserted by the soldiers, he took the + sacrifices and offered them; and when he heard that Samuel was come, he + went out to meet him. But the prophet said he had not done well in + disobeying the injunctions he had sent to him, and had not staid till his + coming, which being appointed according to the will of God, he had + prevented him in offering up those prayers and those sacrifices that he + should have made for the multitude, and that he therefore had performed + Divine offices in an ill manner, and had been rash in performing them. + Hereupon Saul made an apology for himself, and said that he had waited as + many days as Samuel had appointed him; that he had been so quick in + offering his sacrifices, upon account of the necessity he was in, and + because his soldiers were departing from him, out of their fear of the + enemy's camp at Michmash, the report being gone abroad that they were + coming down upon him of Gilgal. To which Samuel replied, "Nay, certainly, + if thou hadst been a righteous man, <a href="#link6note-12" + name="link6noteref-12" id="link6noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> and + hadst not disobeyed me, nor slighted the commands which God suggested to + me concerning the present state of affairs, and hadst not acted more + hastily than the present circumstances required, thou wouldst have been + permitted to reign a long time, and thy posterity after thee." So Samuel, + being grieved at what happened, returned home; but Saul came to the city + Gibeah, with his son Jonathan, having only six hundred men with him; and + of these the greater part had no weapons, because of the scarcity of iron + in that country, as well as of those that could make such weapons; for, as + we showed a little before, the Philistines had not suffered them to have + such iron or such workmen. Now the Philistines divided their army into + three companies, and took as many roads, and laid waste the country of the + Hebrews, while king Saul and his son Jonathan saw what was done, but were + not able to defend the land, having no more than six hundred men with + them. But as he, and his son, and Abiah the high priest, who was of the + posterity of Eli the high priest, were sitting upon a pretty high hill, + and seeing the land laid waste, they were mightily disturbed at it. Now + Saul's son agreed with his armor-bearer, that they would go privately to + the enemy's camp, and make a tumult and a disturbance among them. And when + the armor-bearer had readily promised to follow him whithersoever he + should lead him, though he should be obliged to die in the attempt, + Jonathan made use of the young man's assistance, and descended from the + hill, and went to their enemies. Now the enemy's camp was upon a precipice + which had three tops, that ended in a small but sharp and long extremity, + while there was a rock that surrounded them, like lines made to prevent + the attacks of an enemy. There it so happened, that the out-guards of the + camp were neglected, because of the security that here arose from the + situation of the place, and because they thought it altogether impossible, + not only to ascend up to the camp on that quarter, but so much as to come + near it. As soon, therefore, as they came to the camp, Jonathan encouraged + his armor-bearer, and said to him, "Let us attack our enemies; and if, + when they see us, they bid us come up to them, take that for a signal of + victory; but if they say nothing, as not intending to invite us to come + up, let us return back again." So when they were approaching to the + enemy's camp, just after break of day, and the Philistines saw them, they + said one to another, "The Hebrews come out of their dens and caves:" and + they said to Jonathan and to his armor-bearer, "Come on, ascend up to us, + that we may inflict a just punishment upon you, for your rash attempt upon + us." So Saul's son accepted of that invitation, as what signified to him + victory, and he immediately came out of the place whence they were seen by + their enemies: so he changed his place, and came to the rock, which had + none to guard it, because of its own strength; from thence they crept up + with great labor and difficulty, and so far overcame by force the nature + of the place, till they were able to fight with their enemies. So they + fell upon them as they were asleep, and slew about twenty of them, and + thereby filled them with disorder and surprise, insomuch that some of them + threw away their entire armor and fled; but the greatest part, not knowing + one another, because they were of different nations, suspected one another + to be enemies, [for they did not imagine there were only two of the + Hebrews that came up,] and so they fought one against another; and some of + them died in the battle, and some, as they were flying away, were thrown + down from the rock headlong. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now Saul's watchmen told the king that the camp of the Philistines was + in confusion; then he inquired whether any body was gone away from the + army; and when he heard that his son, and with him his armor-bearer, were + absent, he bade the high priest take the garments of his high priesthood, + and prophesy to him what success they should have; who said that they + should get the victory, and prevail against their enemies. So he went out + after the Philistines, and set upon them as they were slaying one another. + Those also who had fled to dens and caves, upon hearing that Saul was + gaining a victory, came running to him. When, therefore, the number of the + Hebrews that came to Saul amounted to about ten thousand, he pursued the + enemy, who were scattered all over the country; but then he fell into an + action, which was a very unhappy one, and liable to be very much blamed; + for, whether out of ignorance or whether out of joy for a victory gained + so strangely, [for it frequently happens that persons so fortunate are not + then able to use their reason consistently,] as he was desirous to avenge + himself, and to exact a due punishment of the Philistines, he denounced a + curse <a href="#link6note-13" name="link6noteref-13" id="link6noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> + upon the Hebrews: That if any one put a stop to his slaughter of the + enemy, and fell on eating, and left off the slaughter or the pursuit + before the night came on, and obliged them so to do, he should be + accursed. Now after Saul had denounced this curse, since they were now in + a wood belonging to the tribe of Ephraim, which was thick and full of + bees, Saul's son, who did not hear his father denounce that curse, nor + hear of the approbation the multitude gave to it, broke off a piece of a + honey-comb, and ate part of it. But, in the mean time, he was informed + with what a curse his father had forbidden them to taste any thing before + sun-setting: so he left off eating, and said his father had not done well + in this prohibition, because, had they taken some food, they had pursued + the enemy with greater rigor and alacrity, and had both taken and slain + many more of their enemies. + </p> + <p> + 4. When, therefore, they had slain many ten thousands of the Philistines, + they fell upon spoiling the camp of the Philistines, but not till late in + the evening. They also took a great deal of prey and cattle, and killed + them, and ate them with their blood. This was told to the king by the + scribes, that the multitude were sinning against God as they sacrificed, + and were eating before the blood was well washed away, and the flesh was + made clean. Then did Saul give order that a great stone should be rolled + into the midst of them, and he made proclamation that they should kill + their sacrifices upon it, and not feed upon the flesh with the blood, for + that was not acceptable to God. And when all the people did as the king + commanded them, Saul erected an altar there, and offered burnt-offerings + upon it to God <a href="#link6note-14" name="link6noteref-14" + id="link6noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> This was the first altar that + Saul built. + </p> + <p> + 5. So when Saul was desirous of leading his men to the enemy's camp before + it was day, in order to plunder it, and when the soldiers were not + unwilling to follow him, but indeed showed great readiness to do as he + commanded them, the king called Ahitub the high priest, and enjoined him + to know of God whether he would grant them the favor and permission to go + against the enemy's camp, in order to destroy those that were in it. And + when the priest said that God did not give any answer, Saul replied, "And + not without some cause does God refuse to answer what we inquire of him, + while yet a little while ago he declared to us all that we desired + beforehand, and even prevented us in his answer. To be sure there is some + sin against him that is concealed from us, which is the occasion of his + silence. Now I swear by him himself, that though he that hath committed + this sin should prove to be my own son Jonathan, I will slay him, and by + that means will appease the anger of God against us, and that in the very + same manner as if I were to punish a stranger, and one not at all related + to me, for the same offense." So when the multitude cried out to him so to + do, he presently set all the rest on one side, and he and his son stood on + the other side, and he sought to discover the offender by lot. Now the lot + appeared to fall upon Jonathan himself. So when he was asked by his father + what sin he had been guilty of, and what he was conscious of in the course + of his life that might be esteemed instances of guilt or profaneness, his + answer was this, "O father, I have done nothing more than that yesterday, + without knowing of the curse and oath thou hadst denounced, while I was in + pursuit of the enemy, I tasted of a honey-comb." But Saul sware that he + would slay him, and prefer the observation of his oath before all the ties + of birth and of nature. And Jonathan was not dismayed at this threatening + of death, but, offering himself to it generously and undauntedly, he said, + "Nor do I desire you, father, to spare me: death will be to me very + acceptable, when it proceeds from thy piety, and after a glorious victory; + for it is the greatest consolation to me that I leave the Hebrews + victorious over the Philistines." Hereupon all the people were very sorry, + and greatly afflicted for Jonathan; and they sware that they would not + overlook Jonathan, and see him die, who was the author of their victory. + By which means they snatched him out of the danger he was in from his + father's curse, while they made their prayers to God also for the young + man, that he would remit his sin. + </p> + <p> + 6. So Saul, having slain about sixty thousand of the enemy, returned home + to his own city, and reigned happily: and he also fought against the + neighboring nations, and subdued the Ammonites, and Moabites, and + Philistines, and Edomites, and Amalekites, as also the king of Zobah. He + had three male children, Jonathan, and Isui, and Melchishua; with Merab + and Michal his daughters. He had also Abner, his uncle's son, for the + captain of his host: that uncle's name was Ner. Now Ner, and Kish the + father of Saul, were brothers. Saul had also a great many chariots and + horsemen, and against whomsoever he made war he returned conqueror, and + advanced the affairs of the Hebrews to a great degree of success and + prosperity, and made them superior to other nations; and he made such of + the young men as were remarkable for tallness and comeliness the guards of + his body. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0007" id="link62HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. Saul's War With The Amalekites, And Conquest Of Them. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Samuel came unto Saul, and said to him, that he was sent by God to + put him in mind that God had preferred him before all others, and ordained + him king; that he therefore ought to be obedient to him, and to submit to + his authority, as considering, that though he had the dominion over the + other tribes, yet that God had the dominion over him, and over all things. + That accordingly God said to him, that "because the Amalekites did the + Hebrews a great deal of mischief while they were in the wilderness, and + when, upon their coming out of Egypt, they were making their way to that + country which is now their own, I enjoin thee to punish the Amalekites, by + making war upon them; and when thou hast subdued them, to leave none of + them alive, but to pursue them through every age, and to slay them, + beginning with the women and the infants, and to require this as a + punishment to be inflicted upon them for the mischief they did to our + forefathers; to spare nothing, neither asses nor other beasts, nor to + reserve any of them for your own advantage and possession, but to devote + them universally to God, and, in obedience to the commands of Moses, to + blot out the name of Amalek entirely." <a href="#link6note-15" + name="link6noteref-15" id="link6noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 2. So Saul promised to do what he was commanded; and supposing that his + obedience to God would be shown, not only in making war against the + Amalekites, but more fully in the readiness and quickness of his + proceedings, he made no delay, but immediately gathered together all his + forces; and when he had numbered them in Gilgal, he found them to be about + four hundred thousand of the Israelites, besides the tribe of Judah, for + that tribe contained by itself thirty thousand. Accordingly, Saul made an + irruption into the country of the Amalekites, and set many men in several + parties in ambush at the river, that so he might not only do them a + mischief by open fighting, but might fall upon them unexpectedly in the + ways, and might thereby compass them round about, and kill them. And when + he had joined battle with the enemy, he beat them; and pursuing them as + they fled, he destroyed them all. And when that undertaking had succeeded, + according as God had foretold, he set upon the cities of the Amalekites; + he besieged them, and took them by force, partly by warlike machines, + partly by mines dug under ground, and partly by building walls on the + outsides. Some they starved out with famine, and some they gained by other + methods; and after all, he betook himself to slay the women and the + children, and thought he did not act therein either barbarously or + inhumanly; first, because they were enemies whom he thus treated, and, in + the next place, because it was done by the command of God, whom it was + dangerous not to obey. He also took Agag, the enemies' king, captive,—the + beauty and tallness of whose body he admired so much, that he thought him + worthy of preservation. Yet was not this done however according to the + will of God, but by giving way to human passions, and suffering himself to + be moved with an unseasonable commiseration, in a point where it was not + safe for him to indulge it; for God hated the nation of the Amalekites to + such a degree, that he commanded Saul to have no pity on even those + infants which we by nature chiefly compassionate; but Saul preserved their + king and governor from the miseries which the Hebrews brought on the + people, as if he preferred the fine appearance of the enemy to the memory + of what God had sent him about. The multitude were also guilty, together + with Saul; for they spared the herds and the flocks, and took them for a + prey, when God had commanded they should not spare them. They also carried + off with them the rest of their wealth and riches; but if there were any + thing that was not worthy of regard, that they destroyed. + </p> + <p> + 3. But when Saul had conquered all these Amalekites that reached from + Pelusium of Egypt to the Red Sea, he laid waste all the rest of the + enemy's country: but for the nation of the Shechemites, he did not touch + them, although they dwelt in the very middle of the country of Midian; for + before the battle, Saul had sent to them, and charged them to depart + thence, lest they should be partakers of the miseries of the Amalekites; + for he had a just occasion for saving them, since they were of the kindred + of Raguel, Moses's father-in-law. + </p> + <p> + 4. Hereupon Saul returned home with joy, for the glorious things he had + done, and for the conquest of his enemies, as though he had not neglected + any thing which the prophet had enjoined him to do when he was going to + make war with the Amalekites, and as though he had exactly observed all + that he ought to have done. But God was grieved that the king of the + Amalekites was preserved alive, and that the multitude had seized on the + cattle for a prey, because these things were done without his permission; + for he thought it an intolerable thing that they should conquer and + overcome their enemies by that power which he gave them, and then that he + himself should be so grossly despised and disobeyed by them, that a mere + man that was a king would not bear it. He therefore told Samuel the + prophet, that he repented that he had made Saul king, while he did nothing + that he had commanded him, but indulged his own inclinations. When Samuel + heard that, he was in confusion, and began to beseech God all that night + to be reconciled to Saul, and not to be angry with him; but he did not + grant that forgiveness to Saul which the prophet asked for, as not deeming + it a fit thing to grant forgiveness of [such] sins at his entreaties, + since injuries do not otherwise grow so great as by the easy tempers of + those that are injured; or while they hunt after the glory of being + thought gentle and good-natured, before they are aware they produce other + sins. As soon therefore as God had rejected the intercession of the + prophet, and it plainly appeared he would not change his mind, at break of + day Samuel came to Saul at Gilgal. When the king saw him, he ran to him, + and embraced him, and said, "I return thanks to God, who hath given me the + victory, for I have performed every thing that he hath commanded me." To + which Samuel replied, "How is it then that I hear the bleating of the + sheep and the lowing of the greater cattle in the camp?" Saul made answer, + That the people had reserved them for sacrifices; but that, as to the + nation of the Amalekites, it was entirely destroyed, as he had received it + in command to see done, and that no one man was left; but that he had + saved alive the king alone, and brought him to him, concerning whom, he + said, they would advise together what should be done with him. But the + prophet said, "God is not delighted with sacrifices, but with good and + with righteous men, who are such as follow his will and his laws, and + never think that any thing is well done by them but when they do it as God + had commanded them; that he then looks upon himself as affronted, not when + any one does not sacrifice, but when any one appears to be disobedient to + him. But that from those who do not obey him, nor pay him that duty which + is the alone true and acceptable worship, he will not kindly accept their + oblations, be those they offer ever so many and so fat, and be the + presents they make him ever so ornamental, nay, though they were made of + gold and silver themselves, but he will reject them, and esteem them + instances of wickedness, and not of piety. And that he is delighted with + those that still bear in mind this one thing, and this only, how to do + that, whatsoever it be, which God pronounces or commands for them to do, + and to choose rather to die than to transgress any of those commands; nor + does he require so much as a sacrifice from them. And when these do + sacrifice, though it be a mean oblation, he better accepts of it as the + honor of poverty, than such oblations as come from the richest men that + offer them to him. Wherefore take notice, that thou art under the wrath of + God, for thou hast despised and neglected what he commanded thee. How dost + thou then suppose that he will respect a sacrifice out of such things as + he hath doomed to destruction? unless perhaps thou dost imagine that it is + almost all one to offer it in sacrifice to God as to destroy it. Do thou + therefore expect that thy kingdom will be taken from thee, and that + authority which thou hast abused by such insolent behavior, as to neglect + that God who bestowed it upon thee." Then did Saul confess that he had + acted unjustly, and did not deny that he had sinned, because he had + transgressed the injunctions of the prophet; but he said that it was out + of a dread and fear of the soldiers, that he did not prohibit and restrain + them when they seized on the prey. "But forgive me," said he, "and be + merciful to me, for I will be cautious how I offend for the time to come." + He also entreated the prophet to go back with him, that he might offer his + thank-offerings to God; but Samuel went home, because he saw that God + would not be reconciled to him. + </p> + <p> + 5. But then Saul was so desirous to retain Samuel, that he took hold of + his cloak, and because the vehemence of Samuel's departure made the motion + to be violent, the cloak was rent. Upon which the prophet said, that after + the same manner should the kingdom be rent from him, and that a good and a + just man should take it; that God persevered in what he had decreed about + him; that to be mutable and changeable in what is determined, is agreeable + to human passions only, but is not agreeable to the Divine Power. Hereupon + Saul said that he had been wicked, but that what was done could not be + undone: he therefore desired him to honor him so far, that the multitude + might see that he would accompany him in worshipping God. So Samuel + granted him that favor, and went with him and worshipped God. Agag also, + the king of the Amalekites, was brought to him; and when the king asked, + How bitter death was? Samuel said, "As thou hast made many of the Hebrew + mothers to lament and bewail the loss of their children, so shalt thou, by + thy death, cause thy mother to lament thee also." Accordingly, he gave + order to slay him immediately at Gilgal, and then went away to the city + Ramah. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0008" id="link62HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. How, Upon Saul's Transgression Of The Prophet's Commands, + Samuel Ordained Another Person To Be King Privately, Whose Name Was David, + As God Commanded Him. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Saul being sensible of the miserable condition he had brought + himself into, and that he had made God to be his enemy, he went up to his + royal palace at Gibeah, which name denotes a hill, and after that day he + came no more into the presence of the prophet. And when Samuel mourned for + him, God bid him leave off his concern for him, and to take the holy oil, + and go to Bethlehem, to Jesse the son of Obed, and to anoint such of his + sons as he should show him for their future king. But Samuel said, he was + afraid lest Saul, when he came to know of it, should kill him, either by + some private method or even openly. But upon God's suggesting to him a + safe way of going thither, he came to the forementioned city; and when + they all saluted him, and asked what was the occasion of his coming, he + told them he came to sacrifice to God. When, therefore, he had gotten the + sacrifice ready, he called Jesse and his sons to partake of those + sacrifices; and when he saw his eldest son to be a tall and handsome man, + he guessed by his comeliness that he was the person who was to be their + future king. But he was mistaken in judging about God's providence; for + when Samuel inquired of God whether he should anoint this youth, whom he + so admired, and esteemed worthy of the kingdom, God said, "Men do not see + as God seeth. Thou indeed hast respect to the fine appearance of this + youth, and thence esteemest him worthy of the kingdom, while I propose the + kingdom as a reward, not of the beauty of bodies, but of the virtue of + souls, and I inquire after one that is perfectly comely in that respect; I + mean one who is beautiful in piety, and righteousness, and fortitude, and + obedience, for in them consists the comeliness of the soul." When God had + said this, Samuel bade Jesse to show him all his sons. So he made five + others of his sons to come to him; of all of whom Eliab was the eldest, + Aminadab the second, Shammall the third, Nathaniel the fourth, Rael the + fifth, and Asam the sixth. And when the prophet saw that these were no way + inferior to the eldest in their countenances, he inquired of God which of + them it was whom he chose for their king. And when God said it was none of + them, he asked Jesse whether he had not some other sons besides these; and + when he said that he had one more, named David, but that he was a + shepherd, and took care of the flocks, Samuel bade them call him + immediately, for that till he was come they could not possibly sit down to + the feast. Now, as soon as his father had sent for David, and he was come, + he appeared to be of a yellow complexion, of a sharp sight, and a comely + person in other respects also. This is he, said Samuel privately to + himself, whom it pleases God to make our king. So he sat down to the + feast, and placed the youth under him, and Jesse also, with his other + sons; after which he took oil in the presence of David, and anointed him, + and whispered him in the ear, and acquainted him that God chose him to be + their king; and exhorted him to be righteous, and obedient to his + commands, for that by this means his kingdom would continue for a long + time, and that his house should be of great splendor, and celebrated in + the world; that he should overthrow the Philistines; and that against what + nations soever he should make war, he should be the conqueror, and survive + the fight; and that while he lived he should enjoy a glorious name, and + leave such a name to his posterity also. + </p> + <p> + 2. So Samuel, when he had given him these admonitions, went away. But the + Divine Power departed from Saul, and removed to David; who, upon this + removal of the Divine Spirit to him, began to prophesy. But as for Saul, + some strange and demoniacal disorders came upon him, and brought upon him + such suffocations as were ready to choke him; for which the physicians + could find no other remedy but this, That if any person could charm those + passions by singing, and playing upon the harp, they advised them to + inquire for such a one, and to observe when these demons came upon him and + disturbed him, and to take care that such a person might stand over him, + and play upon the harp, and recite hymns to him. <a href="#link6note-16" + name="link6noteref-16" id="link6noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> + Accordingly Saul did not delay, but commanded them to seek out such a man. + And when a certain stander-by said that he had seen in the city of + Bethlehem a son of Jesse, who was yet no more than a child in age, but + comely and beautiful, and in other respects one that was deserving of + great regard, who was skillful in playing on the harp, and in singing of + hymns, [and an excellent soldier in war,] he sent to Jesse, and desired + him to take David away from the flocks, and send him to him, for he had a + mind to see him, as having heard an advantageous character of his + comeliness and his valor. So Jesse sent his son, and gave him presents to + carry to Saul. And when he was come, Saul was pleased with him, and made + him his armor-bearer, and had him in very great esteem; for he charmed his + passion, and was the only physician against the trouble he had from the + demons, whensoever it was that it came upon him, and this by reciting of + hymns, and playing upon the harp, and bringing Saul to his right mind + again. However, he sent to Jesse, the father of the child, and desired him + to permit David to stay with him, for that he was delighted with his sight + and company; which stay, that he might not contradict Saul, he granted. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0009" id="link62HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. How The Philistines Made Another Expedition Against The Hebrews + Under The Reign Of Saul; And How They Were Overcome By David's Slaying + Goliath In Single Combat. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now the Philistines gathered themselves together again no very long + time afterward; and having gotten together a great army, they made war + against the Israelites; and having seized a place between Shochoh and + Azekah, they there pitched their camp. Saul also drew out his army to + oppose them; and by pitching his own camp on a certain hill, he forced the + Philistines to leave their former camp, and to encamp themselves upon such + another hill, over-against that on which Saul's army lay, so that a + valley, which was between the two hills on which they lay, divided their + camps asunder. Now there came down a man out of the camp of the + Philistines, whose name was Goliath, of the city of Gath, a man of vast + bulk, for he was of four cubits and a span in tallness, and had about him + weapons suitable to the largeness of his body, for he had a breastplate on + that weighed five thousand shekels: he had also a helmet and greaves of + brass, as large as you would naturally suppose might cover the limbs of so + vast a body. His spear was also such as was not carried like a light thing + in his right hand, but he carried it as lying on his shoulders. He had + also a lance of six hundred shekels; and many followed him to carry his + armor. Wherefore this Goliath stood between the two armies, as they were + in battle array, and sent out aloud voice, and said to Saul and the + Hebrews, "I will free you from fighting and from dangers; for what + necessity is there that your army should fall and be afflicted? Give me a + man of you that will fight with me, and he that conquers shall have the + reward of the conqueror and determine the war; for these shall serve those + others to whom the conqueror shall belong; and certainly it is much + better, and more prudent, to gain what you desire by the hazard of one man + than of all." When he had said this, he retired to his own camp; but the + next day he came again, and used the same words, and did not leave off for + forty days together, to challenge the enemy in the same words, till Saul + and his army were therewith terrified, while they put themselves in array + as if they would fight, but did not come to a close battle. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now while this war between the Hebrews and the Philistines was going + on, Saul sent away David to his father Jesse, and contented himself with + those three sons of his whom he had sent to his assistance, and to be + partners in the dangers of the war: and at first David returned to feed + his sheep and his flocks; but after no long time he came to the camp of + the Hebrews, as sent by his father, to carry provisions to his brethren, + and to know what they were doing. While Goliath came again, and challenged + them, and reproached them, that they had no man of valor among them that + durst come down to fight him; and as David was talking with his brethren + about the business for which his father had sent him, he heard the + Philistine reproaching and abusing the army, and had indignation at it, + and said to his brethren, "I am ready to fight a single combat with this + adversary." Whereupon Eliab, his eldest brother, reproved him, and said + that he spoke too rashly and improperly for one of his age, and bid him go + to his flocks, and to his father. So he was abashed at his brother's + words, and went away, but still he spake to some of the soldiers that he + was willing to fight with him that challenged them. And when they had + informed Saul what was the resolution of the young man, the king sent for + him to come to him: and when the king asked what he had to say, he + replied, "O king, be not cast down, nor afraid, for I will depress the + insolence of this adversary, and will go down and fight with him, and will + bring him under me, as tall and as great as he is, till he shall be + sufficiently laughed at, and thy army shall get great glory, when he shall + be slain by one that is not yet of man's estate, neither fit for fighting, + nor capable of being intrusted with the marshalling an army, or ordering a + battle, but by one that looks like a child, and is really no elder in age + than a child." + </p> + <p> + 3. Now Saul wondered at the boldness and alacrity of David, but durst not + presume on his ability, by reason of his age; but said he must on that + account be too weak to fight with one that was skilled in the art of war. + "I undertake this enterprise," said David, "in dependence on God's being + with me, for I have had experience already of his assistance; for I once + pursued after and caught a lion that assaulted my flocks, and took away a + lamb from them; and I snatched the lamb out of the wild beast's mouth, and + when he leaped upon me with violence, I took him by the tail, and dashed + him against the ground. In the same manner did I avenge myself on a bear + also; and let this adversary of ours be esteemed like one of these wild + beasts, since he has a long while reproached our army, and blasphemed our + God, who yet will reduce him under my power." + </p> + <p> + 4. However, Saul prayed that the end might be, by God's assistance, not + disagreeable to the alacrity and boldness of the child; and said, "Go thy + way to the fight." So he put about him his breastplate, and girded on his + sword, and fitted the helmet to his head, and sent him away. But David was + burdened with his armor, for he had not been exercised to it, nor had he + learned to walk with it; so he said, "Let this armor be thine, O king, who + art able to bear it; but give me leave to fight as thy servant, and as I + myself desire." Accordingly he laid by the armor, and taking his staff + with him, and putting five stones out of the brook into a shepherd's bag, + and having a sling in his right hand, he went towards Goliath. But the + adversary seeing him come in such a manner, disdained him, and jested upon + him, as if he had not such weapons with him as are usual when one man + fights against another, but such as are used in driving away and avoiding + of dogs; and said, "Dost thou take me not for a man, but a dog?" To which + he replied, "No, not for a dog, but for a creature worse than a dog." This + provoked Goliath to anger, who thereupon cursed him by the name of God, + and threatened to give his flesh to the beasts of the earth, and to the + fowls of the air, to be torn in pieces by them. To whom David answered, + "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a breastplate; + but I have God for my armor in coming against thee, who will destroy thee + and all thy army by my hands for I will this day cut off thy head, and + cast the other parts of thy body to the dogs, and all men shall learn that + God is the protector of the Hebrews, and that our armor and our strength + is in his providence; and that without God's assistance, all other warlike + preparations and power are useless." So the Philistine being retarded by + the weight of his armor, when he attempted to meet David in haste, came on + but slowly, as despising him, and depending upon it that he should slay + him, who was both unarmed and a child also, without any trouble at all. + </p> + <p> + 5. But the youth met his antagonist, being accompanied with an invisible + assistant, who was no other than God himself. And taking one of the stones + that he had out of the brook, and had put into his shepherd's bag, and + fitting it to his sling, he slang it against the Philistine. This stone + fell upon his forehead, and sank into his brain, insomuch that Goliath was + stunned, and fell upon his face. So David ran, and stood upon his + adversary as he lay down, and cut off his head with his own sword; for he + had no sword himself. And upon the fall of Goliath the Philistines were + beaten, and fled; for when they saw their champion prostrate on the + ground, they were afraid of the entire issue of their affairs, and + resolved not to stay any longer, but committed themselves to an + ignominious and indecent flight, and thereby endeavored to save themselves + from the dangers they were in. But Saul and the entire army of the Hebrews + made a shout, and rushed upon them, and slew a great number of them, and + pursued the rest to the borders of Garb, and to the gates of Ekron; so + that there were slain of the Philistines thirty thousand, and twice as + many wounded. But Saul returned to their camp, and pulled their + fortification to pieces, and burnt it; but David carried the head of + Goliath into his own tent, but dedicated his sword to God [at the + tabernacle]. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0010" id="link62HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. Saul Envies David For His Glorious Success, And Takes An + Occasion Of Entrapping Him, From The Promise He Made Him Of Giving Him His + Daughter In Marriage; But This Upon Condition Of His Bringing Him Six + Hundred Heads Of The Philistines. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now the women were an occasion of Saul's envy and hatred to David; for + they came to meet their victorious army with cymbals, and drums, and all + demonstrations of joy, and sang thus: The wives said, that "Saul had slain + his many thousands of the Philistines." The virgins replied, that "David + had slain his ten thousands." Now, when the king heard them singing thus, + and that he had himself the smallest share in their commendations, and the + greater number, the ten thousands, were ascribed to the young man; and + when he considered with himself that there was nothing more wanting to + David, after such a mighty applause, but the kingdom; he began to be + afraid and suspicious of David. Accordingly he removed him from the + station he was in before, for he was his armor-bearer, which, out of fear, + seemed to him much too near a station for him; and so he made him captain + over a thousand, and bestowed on him a post better indeed in itself, but, + as he thought, more for his own security; for he had a mind to send him + against the enemy, and into battles, as hoping he would be slain in such + dangerous conflicts. + </p> + <p> + 2. But David had God going along with him whithersoever he went, and + accordingly he greatly prospered in his undertakings, and it was visible + that he had mighty success, insomuch that Saul's daughter, who was still a + virgin, fell in love with him; and her affection so far prevailed over + her, that it could not be concealed, and her father became acquainted with + it. Now Saul heard this gladly, as intending to make use of it for a snare + against David, and he hoped that it would prove the cause of destruction + and of hazard to him; so he told those that informed him of his daughter's + affection, that he would willingly give David the virgin in marriage, and + said, "I engage myself to marry my daughter to him if he will bring me six + hundred heads of my enemies <a href="#link6note-17" name="link6noteref-17" + id="link6noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> supposing that when a reward so + ample was proposed to him, and when he should aim to get him great glory, + by undertaking a thing so dangerous and incredible, he would immediately + set about it, and so perish by the Philistines; and my designs about him + will succeed finely to my mind, for I shall be freed from him, and get him + slain, not by myself, but by another man." So he gave order to his + servants to try how David would relish this proposal of marrying the + damsel. Accordingly, they began to speak thus to him: That king Saul loved + him, as well as did all the people, and that he was desirous of his + affinity by the marriage of this damsel. To which he gave this answer:—"Seemeth + it to you a light thing to be made the king's son-in-law? It does not seem + so to me, especially when I am one of a family that is low, and without + any glory or honor." Now when Saul was informed by his servants what + answer David had made, he said,—"Tell him that I do not want any + money nor dowry from him, which would be rather to set my daughter to sale + than to give her in marriage; but I desire only such a son-in-law as hath + in him fortitude, and all other kinds of virtue," of which he saw David + was possessed, and that his desire was to receive of him, on account of + his marrying his daughter, neither gold nor silver, nor that he should + bring such wealth out of his father's house, but only some revenge on the + Philistines, and indeed six hundred of their heads, than which a more + desirable or a more glorious present could not be brought him, and that he + had much rather obtain this, than any of the accustomed dowries for his + daughter, viz. that she should be married to a man of that character, and + to one who had a testimony as having conquered his enemies. + </p> + <p> + 3. When these words of Saul were brought to David, he was pleased with + them, and supposed that Saul was really desirous of this affinity with + him; so that without bearing to deliberate any longer, or casting about in + his mind whether what was proposed was possible, or was difficult or not, + he and his companions immediately set upon the enemy, and went about doing + what was proposed as the condition of the marriage. Accordingly, because + it was God who made all things easy and possible to David, he slew many + [of the Philistines], and cut off the heads of six hundred of them, and + came to the king, and by showing him these heads of the Philistines, + required that he might have his daughter in marriage. Accordingly, Saul + having no way of getting off his engagements, as thinking it a base thing + either to seem a liar when he promised him this marriage, or to appear to + have acted treacherously by him, in putting him upon what was in a manner + impossible, in order to have him slain, he gave him his daughter in + marriage: her name was Michal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0011" id="link62HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. How David, Upon Saul's Laying Snares For Him, Did Yet Escape + The Dangers He Was In By The Affection And Care Of Jonathan And The + Contrivances Of His Wife Michal: And How He Came To Samuel The Prophet. + </h3> + <p> + 1. However, Saul was not disposed to persevere long in the state wherein + he was, for when he saw that David was in great esteem, both with God and + with the multitude, he was afraid; and being not able to conceal his fear + as concerning great things, his kingdom and his life, to be deprived of + either of which was a very great calamity, he resolved to have David + slain, and commanded his son Jonathan and his most faithful servants to + kill him: but Jonathan wondered at his father's change with relation to + David, that it should be made to so great a degree, from showing him no + small good-will, to contrive how to have him killed. Now, because he loved + the young man, and reverenced him for his virtue, he informed him of the + secret charge his father had given, and what his intentions were + concerning him. However, he advised him to take care and be absent the + next day, for that he would salute his father, and, if he met with a + favorable opportunity, he would discourse with him about him, and learn + the cause of his disgust, and show how little ground there was for it, and + that for it he ought not to kill a man that had done so many good things + to the multitude, and had been a benefactor to himself, on account of + which he ought in reason to obtain pardon, had he been guilty of the + greatest crimes; and "I will then inform thee of my father's resolution." + Accordingly David complied with such an advantageous advice, and kept + himself then out of the king's sight. + </p> + <p> + 2. On the next day Jonathan came to Saul, as soon as he saw him in a + cheerful and joyful disposition, and began to introduce a discourse about + David: "What unjust action, O father, either little or great, hast thou + found so exceptionable in David, as to induce thee to order us to slay a + man who hath been of great advantage to thy own preservation, and of still + greater to the punishment of the Philistines? A man who hath delivered the + people of the Hebrews from reproach and derision, which they underwent for + forty days together, when he alone had courage enough to sustain the + challenge of the adversary, and after that brought as many heads of our + enemies as he was appointed to bring, and had, as a reward for the same, + my sister in marriage; insomuch that his death would be very sorrowful to + us, not only on account of his virtue, but on account of the nearness of + our relation; for thy daughter must be injured at the same time that he is + slain, and must be obliged to experience widowhood, before she can come to + enjoy any advantage from their mutual conversation. Consider these things, + and change your mind to a more merciful temper, and do no mischief to a + man, who, in the first place, hath done us the greatest kindness of + preserving thee; for when an evil spirit and demons had seized upon thee, + he cast them out, and procured rest to thy soul from their incursions: + and, in the second place, hath avenged us of our enemies; for it is a base + thing to forget such benefits." So Saul was pacified with these words, and + sware to his son that he would do David no harm, for a righteous discourse + proved too hard for the king's anger and fear. So Jonathan sent for David, + and brought him good news from his father, that he was to be preserved. He + also brought him to his father; and David continued with the king as + formerly. + </p> + <p> + 3. About this time it was that, upon the Philistines making a new + expedition against the Hebrews, Saul sent David with an army to fight with + them; and joining battle with them he slew many of them, and after his + victory he returned to the king. But his reception by Saul was not as he + expected upon such success, for he was grieved at his prosperity, because + he thought he would be more dangerous to him by having acted so + gloriously: but when the demoniacal spirit came upon him, and put him into + disorder, and disturbed him, he called for David into his bed-chamber + wherein he lay, and having a spear in his hand, he ordered him to charm + him with playing on his harp, and with singing hymns; which when David did + at his command, he with great force threw the spear at him; but David was + aware of it before it came, and avoided it, and fled to his own house, and + abode there all that day. + </p> + <p> + 4. But at night the king sent officers, and commanded that he should be + watched till the morning, lest he should get quite away, that he might + come into the judgment-hall, and so might be delivered up, and condemned + and slain. But when Michal, David's wife, the king's daughter, understood + what her father designed, she came to her husband, as having small hopes + of his deliverance, and as greatly concerned about her own life also, for + she could not bear to live in case she were deprived of him; and she said, + "Let not the sun find thee here when it rises, for if it do, that will be + the last time it will see thee: fly away then while the night may afford + thee opportunity, and may God lengthen it for thy sake; for know this, + that if my father find thee, thou art a dead man." So she let him down by + a cord out of the window, and saved him: and after she had done so, she + fitted up a bed for him as if he were sick, and put under the bed-clothes + a goat's liver <a href="#link6note-18" name="link6noteref-18" + id="link6noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> and when her father, as soon as + it was day, sent to seize David, she said to those that were there, That + he had not been well that night, and showed them the bed covered, and made + them believe, by the leaping of the liver, which caused the bed-clothes to + move also, that David breathed like one that was asthmatic. So when those + that were sent told Saul that David had not been well in the night he + ordered him to be brought in that condition, for he intended to kill him. + Now when they came and uncovered the bed, and found out the woman's + contrivance, they told it to the king; and when her father complained of + her that she had saved his enemy, and had put a trick upon himself, she + invented this plausible defense for herself, and said, That when he had + threatened to kill her, she lent him her assistance for his preservation, + out of fear; for which her assistance she ought to be forgiven, because it + was not done of her own free choice, but out of necessity: "For," said + she, "I do not suppose that thou wast so zealous to kill thy enemy, as + thou wast that I should be saved." Accordingly Saul forgave the damsel; + but David, when he had escaped this danger, came to the prophet Samuel to + Ramah, and told him what snares the king had laid for him, and how he was + very near to death by Saul's throwing a spear at him, although he had been + no way guilty with relation to him, nor had he been cowardly in his + battles with his enemies, but had succeeded well in them all, by God's + assistance; which thing was indeed the cause of Saul's hatred to David. + </p> + <p> + 5. When the prophet was made acquainted with the unjust proceedings of the + king, he left the city Ramah, and took David with him, to a certain place + called Naioth, and there he abode with him. But when it was told Saul that + David was with the prophet, he sent soldiers to him, and ordered them to + take him, and bring him to him: and when they came to Samuel, and found + there a congregation of prophets, they became partakers of the Divine + Spirit, and began to prophesy; which when Saul heard of, he sent others to + David, who prophesying in like manner as did the first, he again sent + others; which third sort prophesying also, at last he was angry, and went + thither in great haste himself; and when he was just by the place, Samuel, + before he saw him, made him prophesy also. And when Saul came to him, he + was disordered in mind <a href="#link6note-19" name="link6noteref-19" + id="link6noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> and under the vehement + agitation of a spirit; and, putting off his garments, <a + href="#link6note-20" name="link6noteref-20" id="link6noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> + he fell down, and lay on the ground all that day and night, in the + presence of Samuel and David. + </p> + <p> + 6. And David went thence, and came to Jonathan, the son of Saul, and + lamented to him what snares were laid for him by his father; and said, + that though he had been guilty of no evil, nor had offended against him, + yet he was very zealous to get him killed. Hereupon Jonathan exhorted him + not to give credit to such his own suspicions, nor to the calumnies of + those that raised those reports, if there were any that did so, but to + depend on him, and take courage; for that his father had no such + intention, since he would have acquainted him with that matter, and have + taken his advice, had it been so, as he used to consult with him in common + when he acted in other affairs. But David sware to him that so it was; and + he desired him rather to believe him, and to provide for his safety, than + to despise what he, with great sincerity, told him: that he would believe + what he said, when he should either see him killed himself, or learn it + upon inquiry from others: and that the reason why his father did not tell + him of these things, was this, that he knew of the friendship and + affection that he bore towards him. + </p> + <p> + 7. Hereupon, when Jonathan found that this intention of Saul was so well + attested, he asked him what he would have him do for him. To which David + replied, "I am sensible that thou art willing to gratify me in every + thing, and procure me what I desire. Now tomorrow is the new moon, and I + was accustomed to sit down then with the king at supper: now, if it seem + good to thee, I will go out of the city, and conceal myself privately + there; and if Saul inquire why I am absent, tell him that I am gone to my + own city Bethlehem, to keep a festival with my own tribe; and add this + also, that thou gavest me leave so to do. And if he say, as is usually + said in the case of friends that are gone abroad, It is well that he went, + then assure thyself that no latent mischief or enmity may be feared at his + hand; but if he answer otherwise, that will be a sure sign that he hath + some designs against me, Accordingly thou shalt inform me of thy father's + inclinations; and that out of pity to my case and out of thy friendship + for me, as instances of which friendship thou hast vouchsafed to accept of + the assurances of my love to thee, and to give the like assurances to me, + that is, those of a master to his servant; but if thou discoverest any + wickedness in me, do thou prevent thy father, and kill me thyself." + </p> + <p> + 8. But Jonathan heard these last words with indignation, and promised to + do what he desired of him, and to inform him if his father's answers + implied any thing of a melancholy nature, and any enmity against him. And + that he might the more firmly depend upon him, he took him out into the + open field, into the pure air, and sware that he would neglect nothing + that might tend to the preservation of David; and he said, "I appeal to + that God, who, as thou seest, is diffused every where, and knoweth this + intention of mine, before I explain it in words, as the witness of this my + covenant with thee, that I will not leave off to make frequent trims of + the purpose of my father till I learn whether there be any lurking + distemper in the most secret parts of his soul; and when I have learnt it, + I will not conceal it from thee, but will discover it to thee, whether he + be gently or peevishly disposed; for this God himself knows, that I pray + he may always be with thee, for he is with thee now, and will not forsake + thee, and will make thee superior to thine enemies, whether my father be + one of them, or whether I myself be such. Do thou only remember what we + now do; and if it fall out that I die, preserve my children alive, and + requite what kindness thou hast now received to them." When he had thus + sworn, he dismissed David, bidding him go to a certain place of that plain + wherein he used to perform his exercises; for that, as soon as he knew the + mind of his father, he would come thither to him, with one servant only; + "and if," says he, "I shoot three darts at the mark, and then bid my + servant to carry these three darts away, for they are before him, know + thou that there is no mischief to be feared from my father; but if thou + hearest me say the contrary, expect the contrary from the king. However, + thou shalt gain security by my means, and shalt by no means suffer any + harm; but see thou dost not forget what I have desired of thee in the time + of thy prosperity, and be serviceable to my children." Now David, when he + had received these assurances from Jonathan, went his way to the place + appointed. + </p> + <p> + 9. But on the next day, which was the new moon, the king, when he had + purified himself, as the custom was, came to supper; and when there sat by + him his son Jonathan on his right hand, and Abner, the captain of his + host, on the other hand, he saw David's seat was empty, but said nothing, + supposing that he had not purified himself since he had accompanied with + his wife, and so could not be present; but when he saw that he was not + there the second day of the month neither, he inquired of his son Jonathan + why the son of Jesse did not come to the supper and the feast, neither the + day before nor that day. So Jonathan said, That he was gone, according to + the agreement between them, to his own city, where his tribe kept a + festival, and that by his permission: that he also invited him to come to + their sacrifice; "and," says Jonathan, "if thou wilt give me leave, I Will + go thither, for thou knowest the good-will that I bear him." And then it + was that Jonathan understood his father's hatred to David, and plainly saw + his entire disposition; for Saul could not restrain his anger, but + reproached Jonathan, and called him the son of a runagate, and an enemy; + and said he was a partner with David, and his assistant, and that by his + behavior he showed he had no regard to himself, or to his mother, and + would not be persuaded of this,—that while David is alive, their + kingdom was not secure to them; yet did he bid him send for him, that he + might be punished. And when Jonathan said, in answer, "What hath he done + that thou wilt punish him?" Saul no longer contented himself to express + his anger in bare words, but snatched up his spear, and leaped upon him, + and was desirous to kill him. He did not indeed do what he intended, + because he was hindered by his friends; but it appeared plainly to his son + that he hated David, and greatly desired to despatch him, insomuch that he + had almost slain his son with his own hands on his account. + </p> + <p> + 10. And then it was that the king's son rose hastily from supper; and + being unable to admit any thing into his mouth for grief, he wept all + night, both because he had himself been near destruction, and because the + death of David was determined: but as soon as it was day, he went out into + the plain that was before the city, as going to perform his exercises, but + in reality to inform his friend what disposition his father was in towards + him, as he had agreed with him to do; and when Jonathan had done what had + been thus agreed, he dismissed his servant that followed him, to return to + the city; but he himself went into the desert, and came into his presence, + and communed with him. So David appeared and fell at Jonathan's feet, and + bowed down to him, and called him the preserver of his soul; but he lifted + him up from the earth, and they mutually embraced one another, and made a + long greeting, and that not without tears. They also lamented their age, + and that familiarity which envy would deprive them of, and that separation + which must now be expected, which seemed to them no better than death + itself. So recollecting themselves at length from their lamentation, and + exhorting one another to be mindful of the oaths they had sworn to each + other, they parted asunder. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0012" id="link62HCH0012"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 12. How David Fled To Ahimelech And Afterwards To The Kings Of The + Philistines And Of The Moabites, And How Saul Slew Ahimelech And His + Family. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But David fled from the king, and that death he was in danger of by + him, and came to the city Nob, to Ahimelech the priest, who, when he saw + him coming all alone, and neither a friend nor a servant with him, he + wondered at it, and desired to learn of him the cause why there was nobody + with him. To which David answered, That the king had commanded him to do a + certain thing that was to be kept secret, to which, if he had a mind to + know so much, he had no occasion for any one to accompany him; "however, I + have ordered my servants to meet me at such and such a place." So he + desired him to let him have somewhat to eat; and that in case he would + supply him, he would act the part of a friend, and be assisting to the + business he was now about: and when he had obtained what he desired, he + also asked him whether he had any weapons with him, either sword or spear. + Now there was at Nob a servant of Saul, by birth a Syrian, whose name was + Doeg, one that kept the king's mules. The high priest said that he had no + such weapons; but, he added, "Here is the sword of Goliath, which, when + thou hadst slain the Philistine, thou didst dedicate to God." + </p> + <p> + 2. When David had received the sword, he fled out of the country of the + Hebrews into that of the Philistines, over which Achish reigned; and when + the king's servants knew him, and he was made known to the king himself, + the servants informing him that he was that David who had killed many ten + thousands of the Philistines, David was afraid lest the king should put + him to death, and that he should experience that danger from him which he + had escaped from Saul; so he pretended to be distracted and mad, so that + his spittle ran out of his mouth; and he did other the like actions before + the king of Gath, which might make him believe that they proceeded from + such a distemper. Accordingly the king was very angry at his servants that + they had brought him a madman, and he gave orders that they should eject + David immediately [out of the city]. + </p> + <p> + 3. So when David had escaped in this manner out of Gath, he came to the + tribe of Judah, and abode in a cave by the city of Adullam. Then it was + that he sent to his brethren, and informed them where he was, who then + came to him with all their kindred, and as many others as were either in + want or in fear of king Saul, came and made a body together, and told him + they were ready to obey his orders; they were in all about four hundred. + Whereupon he took courage, now such a force and assistance was come to + him; so he removed thence and came to the king of the Moabites, and + desired him to entertain his parents in his country, while the issue of + his affairs were in such an uncertain condition. The king granted him this + favor, and paid great respect to David's parents all the time they were + with him. + </p> + <p> + 4. As for himself, upon the prophet's commanding him to leave the desert, + and to go into the portion of the tribe of Judah, and abide there, he + complied therewith; and coming to the city Hareth, which was in that + tribe, he remained there. Now when Saul heard that David had been seen + with a multitude about him, he fell into no small disturbance and trouble; + but as he knew that David was a bold and courageous man, he suspected that + somewhat extraordinary would appear from him, and that openly also, which + would make him weep and put him into distress; so he called together to + him his friends, and his commanders, and the tribe from which he was + himself derived, to the hill where his palace was; and sitting upon a + place called Aroura, his courtiers that were in dignities, and the guards + of his body, being with him, he spake thus to them:—"You that are + men of my own tribe, I conclude that you remember the benefits that I have + bestowed upon you, and that I have made some of you owners of land, and + made you commanders, and bestowed posts of honor upon you, and set some of + you over the common people, and others over the soldiers; I ask you, + therefore, whether you expect greater and more donations from the son of + Jesse? for I know that you are all inclinable to him; [even my own son + Jonathan himself is of that opinion, and persuades you to be of the same]; + for I am not unacquainted with the oaths and the covenants that are + between him and David, and that Jonathan is a counselor and an assistant + to those that conspire against me, and none of you are concerned about + these things, but you keep silence and watch, to see what will be the + upshot of these things." When the king had made this speech, not one of + the rest of those that were present made any answer; but Doeg the Syrian, + who fed his mules, said, that he saw David when he came to the city Nob to + Ahimelech the high priest, and that he learned future events by his + prophesying; that he received food from him, and the sword of Goliath, and + was conducted by him with security to such as he desired to go to. + </p> + <p> + 5. Saul therefore sent for the high priest, and for all his kindred; and + said to them, "What terrible or ungrateful tiring hast thou suffered from + me, that thou hast received the son of Jesse, and hast bestowed on him + both food and weapons, when he was contriving to get the kingdom? And + further, why didst thou deliver oracles to him concerning futurities? For + thou couldst not be unacquainted that he was fled away from me, and that + he hated my family." But the high priest did not betake himself to deny + what he had done, but confessed boldly that he had supplied him with these + things, not to gratify David, but Saul himself: and he said, "I did not + know that he was thy adversary, but a servant of thine, who was very + faithful to thee, and a captain over a thousand of thy soldiers, and, what + is more than these, thy son-in-law, and kinsman. Men do not choose to + confer such favors on their adversaries, but on those who are esteemed to + bear the highest good-will and respect to them. Nor is this the first time + that I prophesied for him, but I have done it often, and at other times as + well as now. And when he told me that he was sent by thee in great haste + to do somewhat, if I had furnished him with nothing that he desired I + should have thought that it was rather in contradiction to thee than to + him; wherefore do not thou entertain any ill opinion of me, nor do thou + have a suspicion of what I then thought an act of humanity, from what is + now told thee of David's attempts against thee, for I did then to him as + to thy friend and son-in-law, and captain of a thousand, and not as to + thine adversary." + </p> + <p> + 6. When the high priest had spoken thus, he did not persuade Saul, his + fear was so prevalent, that he could not give credit to an apology that + was very just. So he commanded his armed men that stood about him to kill + him, and all his kindred; but as they durst not touch the high priest, but + were more afraid of disobeying God than the king, he ordered Doeg the + Syrian to kill them. Accordingly, he took to his assistance such wicked + men as were like himself, and slew Ahimelech and all his family, who were + in all three hundred and eighty-five. Saul also sent to Nob, <a + href="#link6note-21" name="link6noteref-21" id="link6noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> + the city of the priests, and slew all that were there, without sparing + either women or children, or any other age, and burnt it; only there was + one son of Ahimelech, whose name was Abiathar, who escaped. However, these + things came to pass as God had foretold to Eli the high priest, when he + said that his posterity should be destroyed, on account of the + transgression of his two sons. + </p> + <p> + 7. <a href="#link6note-22" name="link6noteref-22" id="link6noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> + Now this king Saul, by perpetrating so barbarous a crime, and murdering + the whole family of the high-priestly dignity, by having no pity of the + infants, nor reverence for the aged, and by overthrowing the city which + God had chosen for the property, and for the support of the priests and + prophets which were there, and had ordained as the only city allotted for + the education of such men, gives all to understand and consider the + disposition of men, that while they are private persons, and in a low + condition, because it is not in their power to indulge nature, nor to + venture upon what they wish for, they are equitable and moderate, and + pursue nothing but what is just, and bend their whole minds and labors + that way; then it is that they have this belief about God, that he is + present to all the actions of their lives, and that he does not only see + the actions that are done, but clearly knows those their thoughts also, + whence those actions do arise. But when once they are advanced into power + and authority, then they put off all such notions, and, as if they were no + other than actors upon a theater, they lay aside their disguised parts and + manners, and take up boldness, insolence, and a contempt of both human and + Divine laws, and this at a time when they especially stand in need of + piety and righteousness, because they are then most of all exposed to + envy, and all they think, and all they say, are in the view of all men; + then it is that they become so insolent in their actions, as though God + saw them no longer, or were afraid of them because of their power: and + whatsoever it is that they either are afraid of by the rumors they hear, + or they hate by inclination, or they love without reason, these seem to + them to be authentic, and firm, and true, and pleasing both to men and to + God; but as to what will come hereafter, they have not the least regard to + it. They raise those to honor indeed who have been at a great deal of + pains for them, and after that honor they envy them; and when they have + brought them into high dignity, they do not only deprive them of what they + had obtained, but also, on that very account, of their lives also, and + that on wicked accusations, and such as on account of their extravagant + nature, are incredible. They also punish men for their actions, not such + as deserve condemnation, but from calumnies and accusations without + examination; and this extends not only to such as deserve to be punished, + but to as many as they are able to kill. This reflection is openly + confirmed to us from the example of Saul, the son of Kish, who was the + first king who reigned after our aristocracy and government under the + judges were over; and that by his slaughter of three hundred priests and + prophets, on occasion of his suspicion about Ahimelech, and by the + additional wickedness of the overthrow of their city, and this is as he + were endeavoring in some sort to render the temple [tabernacle] destitute + both of priests and prophets, which endeavor he showed by slaying so many + of them, and not suffering the very city belonging to them to remain, that + so others might succeed them. + </p> + <p> + 8. But Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, who alone could be saved out of the + family of priests slain by Saul, fled to David, and informed him of the + calamity that had befallen their family, and of the slaughter of his + father; who hereupon said, He was not unapprised of what would follow with + relation to them when he saw Doeg there; for he had then a suspicion that + the high priest would be falsely accused by him to the king, and he blamed + himself as having been the cause of this misfortune. But he desired him to + stay there, and abide with him, as in a place where he might be better + concealed than any where else. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0013" id="link62HCH0013"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 13. How David, When He Had Twice The Opportunity Of Killing Saul + Did Not Kill Him. Also Concerning The Death Of Samuel And Nabal. + </h3> + <p> + 1. About this time it was that David heard how the Philistines had made an + inroad into the country of Keilah, and robbed it; so he offered himself to + fight against them, if God, when he should be consulted by the prophet, + would grant him the victory. And when the prophet said that God gave a + signal of victory, he made a sudden onset upon the Philistines with his + companions, and he shed a great deal of their blood, and carried off their + prey, and staid with the inhabitants of Keilah till they had securely + gathered in their corn and their fruits. However, it was told Saul the + king that David was with the men of Keilah; for what had been done and the + great success that had attended him, were not confined among the people + where the things were done, but the fame of it went all abroad, and came + to the hearing of others, and both the fact as it stood, and the author of + the fact, were carried to the king's ears. Then was Saul glad when he + heard David was in Keilah; and he said, "God hath now put him into my + hands, since he hath obliged him to come into a city that hath walls, and + gates, and bars." So he commanded all the people suddenly, and when they + had besieged and taken it to kill David. But when David perceived this, + and learned of God that if he staid there the men of Keilah would deliver + him up to Saul, he took his four hundred men and retired into a desert + that was over against a city called Engedi. So that when the king heard he + was fled away from the men of Keilah, he left off his expedition against + him. + </p> + <p> + 2. Then David removed thence, and came to a certain place called the New + Place, belonging to Ziph; where Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to him, + and saluted him, and exhorted him to be of good courage, and to hope well + as to his condition hereafter, and not to despond at his present + circumstances, for that he should be king, and have all the forces of the + Hebrews under him: he told him that such happiness uses to come with great + labor and pains: they also took oaths, that they would, all their lives + long, continue in good-will and fidelity one to another; and he called God + to witness, as to what execrations he had made upon himself if he should + transgress his covenant, and should change to a contrary behavior. So + Jonathan left him there, having rendered his cares and fears somewhat + lighter, and returned home. Now the men of Ziph, to gratify Saul, informed + him that David abode with them, and [assured him] that if he would come to + them, they would deliver him up, for that if the king would seize on the + Straits of Ziph, David would not escape to any other people. So the king + commended them, and confessed that he had reason to thank them, because + they had given him information of his enemy; and he promised them, that it + should not be long ere he would requite their kindness. He also sent men + to seek for David, and to search the wilderness wherein he was; and he + promised that he himself would follow them. Accordingly they went before + the king, to hunt for and to catch David, and used endeavors, not only to + show their good-will to Saul, by informing him where his enemy was, but to + evidence the same more plainly by delivering him up into his power. But + these men failed of those their unjust and wicked desires, who, while they + underwent no hazard by not discovering such an ambition of revealing this + to Saul, yet did they falsely accuse and promise to deliver up a man + beloved of God, and one that was unjustly sought after to be put to death, + and one that might otherwise have lain concealed, and this out of + flattery, and expectation of gain from the king; for when David was + apprized of the malignant intentions of the men of Ziph, and the approach + of Saul, he left the Straits of that country, and fled to the great rock + that was in the wilderness of Maon. + </p> + <p> + 3. Hereupon Saul made haste to pursue him thither; for, as he was + marching, he learned that David was gone away from the Straits of Ziph, + and Saul removed to the other side of the rock. But the report that the + Philistines had again made an incursion into the country of the Hebrews, + called Saul another way from the pursuit of David, when he was ready to be + caught; for he returned back again to oppose those Philistines, who were + naturally their enemies, as judging it more necessary to avenge himself of + them, than to take a great deal of pains to catch an enemy of his own, and + to overlook the ravage that was made in the land. + </p> + <p> + 4. And by this means David unexpectedly escaped out of the danger he was + in, and came to the Straits of Engedi; and when Saul had driven the + Philistines out of the land, there came some messengers, who told him that + David abode within the bounds of Engedi: so he took three thousand chosen + men that were armed, and made haste to him; and when he was not far from + those places, he saw a deep and hollow cave by the way-side; it was open + to a great length and breadth, and there it was that David with his four + hundred men were concealed. When therefore he had occasion to ease nature, + he entered into it by himself alone; and being seen by one of David's + companions, and he that saw him saying to him, that he had now, by God's + providence, an opportunity of avenging himself of his adversary; and + advising him to cut off his head, and so deliver himself out of that + tedious, wandering condition, and the distress he was in; he rose up, and + only cut off the skirt of that garment which Saul had on: but he soon + repented of what he had done; and said it was not right to kill him that + was his master, and one whom God had thought worthy of the kingdom; "for + that although he were wickedly disposed towards us, yet does it not + behoove me to be so disposed towards him." But when Saul had left the + cave, David came near and cried out aloud, and desired Saul to hear him; + whereupon the king turned his face back, and David, according to custom, + fell down on his face before the king, and bowed to him; and said, "O + king, thou oughtest not to hearken to wicked men, nor to such as forge + calumnies, nor to gratify them so far as to believe what they say, nor to + entertain suspicions of such as are your best friends, but to judge of the + dispositions of all men by their actions; for calumny deludes men, but + men's own actions are a clear demonstration of their kindness. Words + indeed, in their own nature, may be either true or false, but men's + actions expose their intentions nakedly to our view. By these, therefore + it will be well for thee to believe me, as to my regard to thee and to thy + house, and not to believe those that frame such accusations against me as + never came into my mind, nor are possible to be executed, and do this + further by pursuing after my life, and have no concern either day or + night, but how to compass my life and to murder me, which thing I think + thou dost unjustly prosecute; for how comes it about, that thou hast + embraced this false opinion about me, as if I had a desire to kill thee? + Or how canst thou escape the crime of impiety towards God, when thou + wishest thou couldst kill, and deemest thine adversary, a man who had it + in his power this day to avenge himself, and to punish thee, but would not + do it? nor make use of such an opportunity, which, if it had fallen out to + thee against me, thou hadst not let it slip, for when I cut off the skirt + of thy garment, I could have done the same to thy head." So he showed him + the piece of his garment, and thereby made him agree to what he said to be + true; and added, "I, for certain, have abstained from taking a just + revenge upon thee, yet art thou not ashamed to prosecute me with unjust + hatred. <a href="#link6note-23" name="link6noteref-23" id="link6noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> + May God do justice, and determine about each of our dispositions."—But + Saul was amazed at the strange delivery he had received; and being greatly + affected with the moderation and the disposition of the young man, he + groaned; and when David had done the same, the king answered that he had + the justest occasion to groan, "for thou hast been the author of good to + me, as I have been the author of calamity to thee; and thou hast + demonstrated this day, that thou possessest the righteousness of the + ancients, who determined that men ought to save their enemies, though they + caught them in a desert place. I am now persuaded that God reserves the + kingdom for thee, and that thou wilt obtain the dominion over all the + Hebrews. Give me then assurances upon oath, That thou wilt not root out my + family, nor, out of remembrance of what evil I have done thee, destroy my + posterity, but save and preserve my house." So David sware as he desired, + and sent back Saul to his own kingdom; but he, and those that were with + him, went up the Straits of Mastheroth. + </p> + <p> + 5. About this time Samuel the prophet died. He was a man whom the Hebrews + honored in an extraordinary degree: for that lamentation which the people + made for him, and this during a long time, manifested his virtue, and the + affection which the people bore for him; as also did the solemnity and + concern that appeared about his funeral, and about the complete + observation of all his funeral rites. They buried him in his own city of + Ramah; and wept for him a very great number of days, not looking on it as + a sorrow for the death of another man, but as that in which they were + every one themselves concerned. He was a righteous man, and gentle in his + nature; and on that account he was very dear to God. Now he governed and + presided over the people alone, after the death of Eli the high priest, + twelve years, and eighteen years together with Saul the king. And thus we + have finished the history of Samuel. + </p> + <p> + 6. There was a man that was a Ziphite, of the city of Maon, who was rich, + and had a vast number of cattle; for he fed a flock of three thousand + sheep, and another flock of a thousand goats. Now David had charged his + associates to keep these flocks without hurt and without damage, and to do + them no mischief, neither out of covetousness, nor because they were in + want, nor because they were in the wilderness, and so could not easily be + discovered, but to esteem freedom from injustice above all other motives, + and to look upon the touching of what belonged to another man as a + horrible crime, and contrary to the will of God. These were the + instructions he gave, thinking that the favors he granted this man were + granted to a good man, and one that deserved to have such care taken of + his affairs. This man was Nabal, for that was his name,—a harsh man, + and of a very wicked life, being like a cynic in the course of his + behavior, but still had obtained for his wife a woman of a good character, + wise and handsome. To this Nabal, therefore, David sent ten men of his + attendants at the time when he sheared his sheep, and by them saluted him; + and also wished he might do what he now did for many years to come, but + desired him to make him a present of what he was able to give him, since + he had, to be sure, learned from his shepherds that we had done them no + injury, but had been their guardians a long time together, while we + continued in the wilderness; and he assured him he should never repent of + giving any thing to David. When the messengers had carried this message to + Nabal, he accosted them after an inhuman and rough manner; for he asked + them who David was? and when he heard that he was the son of Jesse, he + said, "Now is the time that fugitives grow insolent, and make a figure, + and leave their masters." When they told David this, he was wroth, and + commanded four hundred armed men to follow him, and left two hundred to + take care of the stuff, [for he had already six hundred, <a + href="#link6note-24" name="link6noteref-24" id="link6noteref-24"><small>24</small></a>] + and went against Nabal: he also swore that he would that night utterly + destroy the whole house and possessions of Nabal; for that he was grieved, + not only that he had proved ungrateful to them, without making any return + for the humanity they had shown him, but that he had also reproached them, + and used ill language to them, when he had received no cause of disgust + from them. + </p> + <p> + 7. Hereupon one of those that kept the flocks of Nabal, said to his + mistress, Nabal's wife, that when David sent to her husband he had + received no civil answer at all from him; but that her husband had + moreover added very reproachful language, while yet David had taken + extraordinary care to keep his flocks from harm, and that what had passed + would prove very pernicious to his master. When the servant had said this, + Abigail, for that was his wife's name, saddled her asses, and loaded them + with all sorts of presents; and, without telling her husband any thing of + what she was about, [for he was not sensible on account of his + drunkenness,] she went to David. She was then met by David as she was + descending a hill, who was coming against Nabal with four hundred men. + When the woman saw David, she leaped down from her ass, and fell on her + face, and bowed down to the ground; and entreated him not to bear in mind + the words of Nabal, since he knew that he resembled his name. Now Nabal, + in the Hebrew tongue, signifies folly. So she made her apology, that she + did not see the messengers whom he sent. "Forgive me, therefore," said + she, "and thank God, who hath hindered thee from shedding human blood; for + so long as thou keepest thyself innocent, he will avenge thee of wicked + men, <a href="#link6note-25" name="link6noteref-25" id="link6noteref-25"><small>25</small></a> + for what miseries await Nabal, they will fall upon the heads of thine + enemies. Be thou gracious to me, and think me so far worthy as to accept + of these presents from me; and, out of regard to me, remit that wrath and + that anger which thou hast against my husband and his house, for mildness + and humanity become thee, especially as thou art to be our king." + Accordingly, David accepted her presents, and said, "Nay, but, O woman, it + was no other than God's mercy which brought thee to us today, for, + otherwise, thou hadst never seen another day, I having sworn to destroy + Nabal's house this very night, and to leave alive not one of you who + belonged to a man that was wicked and ungrateful to me and my companions; + but now hast thou prevented me, and seasonably mollified my anger, as + being thyself under the care of God's providence: but as for Nabal, + although for thy sake he now escape punishment, he will not always avoid + justice; for his evil conduct, on some other occasion, will be his ruin." + <a href="#link6note-26" name="link6noteref-26" id="link6noteref-26"><small>26</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 8. When David had said this, he dismissed the woman. But when she came + home and found her husband feasting with a great company, and oppressed + with wine, she said nothing to him then about what had happened; but on + the next day, when he was sober, she told him all the particulars, and + made his whole body to appear like that of a dead man by her words, and by + that grief which arose from them; so Nabal survived ten days, and no more, + and then died. And when David heard of his death, he said that God had + justly avenged him of this man, for that Nabal had died by his own + wickedness, and had suffered punishment on his account, while he had kept + his own hands clean. At which time he understood that the wicked are + prosecuted by God; that he does not overlook any man, but bestows on the + good what is suitable to them, and inflicts a deserved punishment on the + wicked. So he sent to Nabal's wife, and invited her to come to him, to + live with him, and to be his wife. Whereupon she replied to those that + came, that she was not worthy to touch his feet; however, she came, with + all her servants, and became his wife, having received that honor on + account of her wise and righteous course of life. She also obtained the + same honor partly on account of her beauty. Now David had a wife before, + whom he married from the city Abesar; for as to Michal, the daughter of + king Saul, who had been David's wife, her father had given her in marriage + to Phalti, the son of Laish, who was of the city of Gallim. + </p> + <p> + 9. After this came certain of the Ziphites, and told Saul that David was + come again into their country, and if he would afford them his assistance, + they could catch him. So he came to them with three thousand armed men; + and upon the approach of night, he pitched his camp at a certain place + called Hachilah. But when David heard that Saul was coming against him, he + sent spies, and bid them let him know to what place of the country Saul + was already come; and when they told him that he was at Hachilah, he + concealed his going away from his companions, and came to Saul's camp, + having taken with him Abishai, his sister Zeruiah's son, and Ahimelech the + Hittite. Now Saul was asleep, and the armed men, with Abner their + commander, lay round about him in a circle. Hereupon David entered into + the king's tent; but he did neither kill Saul, though he knew where he + lay, by the spear that was stuck down by him, nor did he give leave to + Abishai, who would have killed him, and was earnestly bent upon it so to + do; for he said it was a horrid crime to kill one that was ordained king + by God, although he was a wicked man; for that he who gave him the + dominion would in time inflict punishment upon him. So he restrained his + eagerness; but that it might appear to have been in his power to have + killed him when he refrained from it, he took his spear, and the cruse of + water which stood by Saul as he lay asleep, without being perceived by any + in the camp, who were all asleep, and went securely away, having performed + every thing among the king's attendants that the opportunity afforded, and + his boldness encouraged him to do. So when he had passed over a brook, and + was gotten up to the top of a hill, whence he might be sufficiently heard, + he cried aloud to Saul's soldiers, and to Abner their commander, and + awaked them out of their sleep, and called both to him and to the people. + Hereupon the commander heard him, and asked who it was that called him. To + whom David replied, "It is I, the son of Jesse, whom you make a vagabond. + But what is the matter? Dost thou, that art a man of so great dignity, and + of the first rank in the king's court, take so little care of thy master's + body? and is sleep of more consequence to thee than his preservation, and + thy care of him? This negligence of yours deserves death, and punishment + to be inflicted on you, who never perceived when, a little while ago, some + of us entered into your camp, nay, as far as to the king himself, and to + all the rest of you. If thou look for the king's spear and his cruse of + water, thou wilt learn what a mighty misfortune was ready to overtake you + in your very camp without your knowing it." Now when Saul knew David's + voice, and understood that when he had him in his power while he was + asleep, and his guards took no care of him, yet did not he kill him, but + spared him, when he might justly have cut him off, he said that he owed + him thanks for his preservation; and exhorted him to be of good courage, + and not be afraid of suffering any mischief from him any more, and to + return to his own home, for he was now persuaded that he did not love + himself so well as he was loved by him: that he had driven away him that + could guard him, and had given many demonstrations of his good-will to + him: that he had forced him to live so long in a state of banishment, and + in great fears of his life, destitute of his friends and his kindred, + while still he was often saved by him, and frequently received his life + again when it was evidently in danger of perishing. So David bade them + send for the spear and the cruse of water, and take them back; adding this + withal, That God would be the judge of both their dispositions, and of the + actions that flowed from the same, "who knows that then it was this day in + my power to have killed thee I abstained from it." + </p> + <p> + 10. Thus Saul having escaped the hands of David twice, he went his way to + his royal palace, and his own city: but David was afraid, that if he staid + there he should be caught by Saul; so he thought it better to go up into + the land of the Philistines, and abide there. Accordingly, he came with + the six hundred men that were with him to Achish, the king of Gath, which + was one of their five cities. Now the king received both him and his men, + and gave them a place to inhabit in. He had with him also his two wives, + Ahinoam and Abigail, and he dwelt in Gath. But when Saul heard this, he + took no further care about sending to him, or going after him, because he + had been twice, in a manner, caught by him, while he was himself + endeavoring to catch him. However, David had no mind to continue in the + city of Gath, but desired the king, that since he had received him with + such humanity, that he would grant him another favor, and bestow upon him + some place of that country for his habitation, for he was ashamed, by + living in the city, to be grievous and burdensome to him. So Achish gave + him a certain village called Ziklag; which place David and his sons were + fond of when he was king, and reckoned it to be their peculiar + inheritance. But about those matters we shall give the reader further + information elsewhere. Now the time that David dwelt in Ziklag, in the + land of the Philistines, was four months and twenty days. And now he + privately attacked those Geshurites and Amalekites that were neighbors to + the Philistines, and laid waste their country, and took much prey of their + beasts and camels, and then returned home; but David abstained from the + men, as fearing they should discover him to king Achish; yet did he send + part of the prey to him as a free gift. And when the king inquired whom + they had attacked when they brought away the prey, he said, those that lay + to the south of the Jews, and inhabited in the plain; whereby he persuaded + Achish to approve of what he had done, for he hoped that David had fought + against his own nation, and that now he should have him for his servant + all his life long, and that he would stay in his country. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62HCH0014" id="link62HCH0014"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 14. How Saul Upon God's Not Answering Him Concerning The Fight + With The Philistines Desired A Necromantic Woman To Raise Up The Soul Of + Samuel To Him; And How He Died, With His Sons Upon The Overthrow Of The + Hebrews In Battle. + </h3> + <p> + 1. About the same time the Philistines resolved to make war against the + Israelites, and sent to all their confederates that they would go along + with them to the war to Reggan, [near the city Shunem,] whence they might + gather themselves together, and suddenly attack the Hebrews. Then did + Achish, the king of Gath, desire David to assist them with his armed men + against the Hebrews. This he readily promised; and said that the time was + now come wherein he might requite him for his kindness and hospitality. So + the king promised to make him the keeper of his body, after the victory, + supposing that the battle with the enemy succeeded to their mind; which + promise of honor and confidence he made on purpose to increase his zeal + for his service. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Saul, the king of the Hebrews, had cast out of the country the + fortune-tellers, and the necromancers, and all such as exercised the like + arts, excepting the prophets. But when he heard that the Philistines were + already come, and had pitched their camp near the city Shunem, situate in + the plain, he made haste to oppose them with his forces; and when he was + come to a certain mountain called Gilboa, he pitched his camp over-against + the enemy; but when he saw the enemy's army he was greatly troubled, + because it appeared to him to be numerous, and superior to his own; and he + inquired of God by the prophets concerning the battle, that he might know + beforehand what would be the event of it. And when God did not answer him, + Saul was under a still greater dread, and his courage fell, foreseeing, as + was but reasonable to suppose, that mischief would befall him, now God was + not there to assist him; yet did he bid his servants to inquire out for + him some woman that was a necromancer and called up the souls of the dead, + that So he might know whether his affairs would succeed to his mind; for + this sort of necromantic women that bring up the souls of the dead, do by + them foretell future events to such as desire them. And one of his + servants told him that there was such a woman in the city Endor, but was + known to nobody in the camp; hereupon Saul put off his royal apparel, and + took two of those his servants with him, whom he knew to be most faithful + to him, and came to Endor to the woman, and entreated her to act the part + of a fortune-teller, and to bring up such a soul to him as he should name + to her. But when the woman opposed his motion, and said she did not + despise the king, who had banished this sort of fortune- tellers, and that + he did not do well himself, when she had done him no harm, to endeavor to + lay a snare for her, and to discover that she exercised a forbidden art, + in order to procure her to be punished, he sware that nobody should know + what she did; and that he would not tell any one else what she foretold, + but that she should incur no danger. As soon as he had induced her by this + oath to fear no harm, he bid her bring up to him the soul of Samuel. She, + not knowing who Samuel was, called him out of Hades. When he appeared, and + the woman saw one that was venerable, and of a divine form, she was in + disorder; and being astonished at the sight, she said, "Art not thou king + Saul?" for Samuel had informed her who he was. When he had owned that to + be true, and had asked her whence her disorder arose, she said that she + saw a certain person ascend, who in his form was like to a god. And when + he bid her tell him what he resembled, in what habit he appeared, and of + what age he was, she told him he was an old man already, and of a glorious + personage, and had on a sacerdotal mantle. So the king discovered by these + signs that he was Samuel; and he fell down upon the ground, and saluted + and worshipped him. And when the soul of Samuel asked him why he had + disturbed him, and caused him to be brought up, he lamented the necessity + he was under; for he said, that his enemies pressed heavily upon him; that + he was in distress what to do in his present circumstances; that he was + forsaken of God, and could obtain no prediction of what was coming, + neither by prophets nor by dreams; and that "these were the reasons why I + have recourse to time, who always took great care of me." But <a + href="#link6note-27" name="link6noteref-27" id="link6noteref-27"><small>27</small></a> + Samuel, seeing that the end of Saul's life was come, said, "It is in vain + for thee to desire to learn of me any thing future, when God hath forsaken + thee: however, hear what I say, that David is to be king, and to finish + this war with good success; and thou art to lose thy dominion and thy + life, because thou didst not obey God in the war with the Amalekites, and + hast not kept his commandments, as I foretold thee while I was alive. + Know, therefore, that the people shall be made subject to their enemies, + and that thou, with thy sons, shall fall in the battle tomorrow, and thou + shalt then be with me [in Hades]." + </p> + <p> + 3. When Saul heard this, he could not speak for grief, and fell down on + the floor, whether it were from the sorrow that arose upon what Samuel had + said, or from his emptiness, for he had taken no food the foregoing day + nor night, he easily fell quite down: and when with difficulty he had + recovered himself, the woman would force him to eat, begging this of him + as a favor on account of her concern in that dangerous instance of + fortune-telling, which it was not lawful for her to have done, because of + the fear she was under of the king, while she knew not who he was, yet did + she undertake it, and go through with it; on which account she entreated + him to admit that a table and food might be set before him, that he might + recover his strength, and so get safe to his own camp. And when he opposed + her motion, and entirely rejected it, by reason of his anxiety, she forced + him, and at last persuaded him to it. Now she had one calf that she was + very fond of, and one that she took a great deal of care of, and fed it + herself; for she was a woman that got her living by the labor of her own + hands, and had no other possession but that one calf; this she killed, and + made ready its flesh, and set it before his servants and himself. So Saul + came to the camp while it was yet night. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now it is but just to recommend the generosity of this woman, <a + href="#link6note-28" name="link6noteref-28" id="link6noteref-28"><small>28</small></a> + because when the king had forbidden her to use that art whence her + circumstances were bettered and improved, and when she had never seen the + king before, she still did not remember to his disadvantage that he had + condemned her sort of learning, and did not refuse him as a stranger, and + one that she had had no acquaintance with; but she had compassion upon + him, and comforted him, and exhorted him to do what he was greatly averse + to, and offered him the only creature she had, as a poor woman, and that + earnestly, and with great humanity, while she had no requital made her for + her kindness, nor hunted after any future favor from him, for she knew he + was to die; whereas men are naturally either ambitious to please those + that bestow benefits upon them, or are very ready to serve those from whom + they may receive some advantage. It would be well therefore to imitate the + example and to do kindnesses to all such as are in want and to think that + nothing is better, nor more becoming mankind, than such a general + beneficence, nor what will sooner render God favorable, and ready to + bestow good things upon us. And so far may suffice to have spoken + concerning this woman. But I shall speak further upon another subject, + which will afford me all opportunity of discoursing on what is for the + advantage of cities, and people, and nations, and suited to the taste of + good men, and will encourage them all in the prosecution of virtue; and is + capable of showing them the desirability of acquiring glory, and an everlasting fame; + and of imprinting in the kings of nations, and the rulers of cities, great + inclination and diligence of doing well; as also of encouraging them to + undergo dangers, and to die for their countries, and of instructing them + how to despise all the most terrible adversities: and I have a fair + occasion offered me to enter on such a discourse by Saul the king of the + Hebrews; for although he knew what was coming upon him, and that he was to + die immediately, by the prediction of the prophet, he did not resolve to + fly from death, nor so far to indulge the love of life as to betray his + own people to the enemy, or to bring a disgrace on his royal dignity; but + exposing himself, as well as all his family and children, to dangers, he + thought it a brave thing to fall together with them, as he was fighting + for his subjects, and that it was better his sons should die thus, showing + their courage, than to leave them to their uncertain conduct afterward, + while, instead of succession and posterity, they gained commendation and a + lasting name. Such a one alone seems to me to be a just, a courageous, and + a prudent man; and when any one has arrived at these dispositions, or + shall hereafter arrive at them, he is the man that ought to be by all + honored with the testimony of a virtuous or courageous man: for as to + those that go out to war with hopes of success, and that they shall return + safe, supposing they should have performed some glorious action, I think + those do not do well who call these valiant men, as so many historians and + other writers who treat of them are wont to do, although I confess those + do justly deserve some commendation also; but those only may be styled + courageous and bold in great undertakings, and despisers of adversities, + who imitate Saul: for as for those that do not know what the event of war + will be as to themselves, and though they do not faint in it, but deliver + themselves up to uncertain futurity, and are tossed this way and that way, + this is not so very eminent an instance of a generous mind, although they + happen to perform many great exploits; but when men's minds expect no good + event, but they know beforehand they must die, and that they must undergo + that death in the battle also, after this neither to be affrighted, nor to + be astonished at the terrible fate that is coming, but to go directly upon + it, when they know it beforehand, this it is that I esteem the character + of a man truly courageous. Accordingly this Saul did, and thereby + demonstrated that all men who desire fame after they are dead are so to + act as they may obtain the same: this especially concerns kings, who ought + not to think it enough in their high stations that they are not wicked in + the government of their subjects, but to be no more than moderately good + to them. I could say more than this about Saul and his courage, the + subject affording matter sufficient; but that I may not appear to run out + improperly in his commendation, I return again to that history from which + I made this digression. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now when the Philistines, as I said before, had pitched their camp, and + had taken an account of their forces, according to their nations, and + kingdoms, and governments, king Achish came last of all with his own army; + after whom came David with his six hundred armed men. And when the + commanders of the Philistines saw him, they asked the king whence these + Hebrews came, and at whose invitation. He answered that it was David, who + was fled away from his master Saul, and that he had entertained him when + he came to him, and that now he was willing to make him this requital for + his favors, and to avenge himself upon Saul, and so was become his + confederate. The commanders complained of this, that he had taken him for + a confederate who was an enemy; and gave him counsel to send him away, + lest he should unawares do his friends a great deal of mischief by + entertaining him, for that he afforded him an opportunity of being + reconciled to his master by doing a mischief to our army. They thereupon + desired him, out of a prudent foresight of this, to send him away, with + his six hundred armed men, to the place he had given him for his + habitation; for that this was that David whom the virgins celebrated in + their hymns, as having destroyed many ten thousands of the Philistines. + When the king of Gath heard this, he thought they spake well; so he called + David, and said to him, "As for myself, I can bear witness that thou hast + shown great diligence and kindness about me, and on that account it was + that I took thee for my confederate; however, what I have done does not + please the commanders of the Philistines; go therefore within a day's time + to the place I have given thee, without suspecting any harm, and there + keep my country, lest any of our enemies should make an incursion upon it, + which will be one part of that assistance which I expect from thee." So + David came to Ziklag, as the king of Gath bade him; but it happened, that + while he was gone to the assistance of the Philistines, the Amalekites had + made an incursion, and taken Ziklag before, and had burnt it; and when + they had taken a great deal of other prey out of that place, and out of + the other parts of the Philistines' country, they departed. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now when David found that Ziklag was laid waste, and that it was all + spoiled, and that as well his own wives, who were two, as the wives of his + companions, with their children, were made captives, he presently rent his + clothes, weeping and lamenting, together with his friends; and indeed he + was so cast down with these misfortunes, that at length tears themselves + failed him. He was also in danger of being stoned to death by his + companions, who were greatly afflicted at the captivity of their wives and + children, for they laid the blame upon him of what had happened. But when + he had recovered himself out of his grief, and had raised up his mind to + God, he desired the high priest Abiathar to put on his sacerdotal + garments, and to inquire of God, and to prophesy to him, whether God would + grant; that if he pursued after the Amalekites, he should overtake them, + and save their wives and their children, and avenge himself on the + enemies. And when the high priest bade him to pursue after them, he + marched apace, with his four hundred men, after the enemy; and when he was + come to a certain brook called Besor, and had lighted upon one that was + wandering about, an Egyptian by birth, who was almost dead with want and + famine, [for he had continued wandering about without food in the + wilderness three days,] he first of all gave him sustenance, both meat and + drink, and thereby refreshed him. He then asked him to whom he belonged, + and whence he came. Whereupon the man told him he was an Egyptian by + birth, and was left behind by his master, because he was so sick and weak + that he could not follow him. He also informed him that he was one of + those who had burnt and plundered, not only other parts of Judea, but + Ziklag itself also. So David made use of him as a guide to find oat the + Amalekites; and when he had overtaken them, as they lay scattered about on + the ground, some at dinner, some disordered, and entirely drunk with wine, + and in the fruition of their spoils and their prey, he fell upon them on + the sudden, and made a great slaughter among them; for they were naked, + and expected no such thing, but had betaken themselves to drinking and + feasting; and so they were all easily destroyed. Now some of them that + were overtaken as they lay at the table were slain in that posture, and + their blood brought up with it their meat and their drink. They slew + others of them as they were drinking to one another in their cups, and + some of them when their full bellies had made them fall asleep; and for so + many as had time to put on their armor, they slew them with the sword, + with no less ease than they did those that were naked; and for the + partisans of David, they continued also the slaughter from the first hour + of the day to the evening, so that there were, not above four hundred of + the Amalekites left; and they only escaped by getting upon their + dromedaries and camels. Accordingly David recovered not only all the other + spoils which the enemy had carried away, but his wives also, and the wives + of his companions. But when they were come to the place where they had + left the two hundred men, which were not able to follow them, but were + left to take care of the stuff, the four hundred men did not think fit to + divide among them any other parts of what they had gotten, or of the prey, + since they did not accompany them, but pretended to be feeble, and did not + follow them in pursuit of the enemy, but said they should be contented to + have safely recovered their wives; yet did David pronounce that this + opinion of theirs was evil and unjust, and that when God had granted them + such a favor, that they had avenged themselves on their enemies, and had + recovered all that belonged to themselves, they should make an equal + distribution of what they had gotten to all, because the rest had tarried + behind to guard their stuff; and from that time this law obtained among + them, that those who guarded the stuff, should receive an equal share with + those that fought in the battle. Now when David was come to Ziklag, he + sent portions of the spoils to all that had been familiar with him, and to + his friends in the tribe of Judah. And thus ended the affairs of the + plundering of Ziklag, and of the slaughter of the Amalekites. + </p> + <p> + 7. Now upon the Philistines joining battle, there followed a sharp + engagement, and the Philistine, became the conquerors, and slew a great + number of their enemies; but Saul the king of Israel, and his sons, fought + courageously, and with the utmost alacrity, as knowing that their entire + glory lay in nothing else but dying honorably, and exposing themselves to + the utmost danger from the enemy [for they had nothing else to hope for]; + so they brought upon themselves the whole power of the enemy, till they + were encompassed round and slain, but not before they had killed many of + the Philistines Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Abinadab, and + Malchisua; and when these were slain the multitude of the Hebrews were put + to flight, and all was disorder, and confusion, and slaughter, upon the + Philistines pressing in upon them. But Saul himself fled, having a strong + body of soldiers about him; and upon the Philistines sending after them + those that threw javelins and shot arrows, he lost all his company except + a few. As for himself, he fought with great bravery; and when he had + received so many wounds, that he was not able to bear up nor to oppose any + longer, and yet was not able to kill himself, he bade his armor-bearer + draw his sword, and run him through, before the enemy should take him + alive. But his armor-bearer not daring to kill his master, he drew his own + sword, and placing himself over against its point, he threw himself upon + it; and when he could neither run it through him, nor, by leaning against + it, make the sword pass through him, he turned him round, and asked a + certain young man that stood by who he was; and when he understood that he + was an Amalekite, he desired him to force the sword through him, because + he was not able to do it with his own hands, and thereby to procure him + such a death as he desired. This the young man did accordingly; and he + took the golden bracelet that was on Saul's arm, and his royal crown that + was on his head, and ran away. And when Saul's armor-bearer saw that he + was slain, he killed himself; nor did any of the king's guards escape, but + they all fell upon the mountain called Gilboa. But when those Hebrews that + dwelt in the valley beyond Jordan, and those who had their cities in the + plain, heard that Saul and his sons were fallen, and that the multitude + about them were destroyed, they left their own cities, and fled to such as + were the best fortified and fenced; and the Philistines, finding those + cities deserted, came and dwelt in them. + </p> + <p> + 8. On the next day, when the Philistines came to strip their enemies that + were slain, they got the bodies of Saul and of his sons, and stripped + them, and cut off their heads; and they sent messengers all about their + country, to acquaint them that their enemies were fallen; and they + dedicated their armor in the temple of Astarte, but hung their bodies on + crosses at the walls of the city Bethshun, which is now called + Scythepolls. But when the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead heard that they had + dismembered the dead bodies of Saul and of his sons, they deemed it so + horrid a thing to overlook this barbarity, and to suffer them to be + without funeral rites, that the most courageous and hardy among them [and + indeed that city had in it men that were very stout both in body and mind] + journeyed all night, and came to Bethshun, and approached to the enemy's + wall, and taking down the bodies of Saul and of his sons, they carried + them to Jabesh, while the enemy were not able enough nor bold enough to + hinder them, because of their great courage. So the people of Jabesh wept + all in general, and buried their bodies in the best place of their + country, which was named Areurn; and they observed a public mourning for + them seven days, with their wives and children, beating their breasts, and + lamenting the king and his sons, without either tasting meat or drink <a + href="#link6note-29" name="link6noteref-29" id="link6noteref-29"><small>29</small></a> + [till the evening.] + </p> + <p> + 9. To this his end did Saul come, according to the prophecy of Samuel, + because he disobeyed the commands of God about the Amalekites, and on the + account of his destroying the family of Ahimelech the high priest, with + Ahimelech himself, and the city of the high priests. Now Saul, when he had + reigned eighteen years while Samuel was alive, and after his death two + [and twenty], ended his life in this manner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_FOOT" id="link62H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES: + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link6note-1" id="link6note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link6noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ Dagon, a famous maritime + god or idol, is generally supposed to have been like a man above the + navel, and like a fish beneath it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-2" id="link6note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link6noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ Spanheim informs us here, + that upon the coins of Tenedos, and those of other cities, a field-mouse + is engraven, together with Apollo Smintheus, or Apollo, the driver away of + field-mice, on account of his being supposed to have freed certain tracts + of ground from those mice; which coins show how great a judgment such mice + have sometimes been, and how the deliverance from them was then esteemed + the effect of a divine power; which observations are highly suitable to + this history.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-3" id="link6note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link6noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ This device of the + Philistines, of having a yoke of kine to draw this cart, into which they + put the ark of the Hebrews, is greatly illustrated by Sanchoniatho's + account, under his ninth generation, that Agrouerus, or Agrotes, the + husbandman, had a much-worshipped statue and temple, carried about by one + or more yoke of oxen, or kine, in Phoenicia, in the neighborhood of these + Philistines. See Cumberland's Sanchoniatho, p. 27 and 247; and Essay on + the Old Testament, Append. p. 172.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-4" id="link6note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link6noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ These seventy men, being + not so much as Levites, touched the ark in a rash or profane manner, and + were slain by the hand of God for such their rashness and profaneness, + according to the Divine threatenings, Numbers 4:15, 20; but how other + copies come to add such an incredible number as fifty thousand in this one + town, or small city, I know not. See Dr. Wall's Critical Notes on 1 Samuel + 6:19.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-5" id="link6note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link6noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ This is the first place, + so far as I remember, in these Antiquities, where Josephus begins to call + his nation Jews, he having hitherto usually, if not constantly, called + them either Hebrews or Israelites. The second place soon follows; see also + ch. 3. sect. 5.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-6" id="link6note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link6noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ Of this great mistake of + Saul and his servant, as if true prophet of God would accept of a gift or + present, for foretelling what was desired of him, see the note on B. IV. + ch. 6. sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-7" id="link6note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link6noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ It seems to me not + improbable that these seventy guests of Samuel, as here, with himself at + the head of them, were a Jewish sanhedrim, and that hereby Samuel + intimated to Saul that these seventy-one were to be his constant + counselors, and that he was to act not like a sole monarch, but with the + advice and direction of these seventy-one members of that Jewish sanhedrim + upon all occasions, which yet we never read that he consulted afterward.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-8" id="link6note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link6noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ An instance of this Divine + fury we have after this in Saul, ch. 5. sect. 2, 3; 1 Samuel 11:6. See the + like, Judges 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 13:25; and 14:6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-9" id="link6note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link6noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ Take here Theodoret's + note, cited by Dr. Hudson:—"He that exposes his shield to the enemy + with his left hand, thereby hides his left eye, and looks at the enemy + with his right eye: he therefore that plucks out that eye, makes men + useless in war."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-10" id="link6note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link6noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ Mr. Reland observes + here, and proves elsewhere in his note on Antiq. B. III. ch. 1. sect. 6, + that although thunder and lightning with us usually happen in summer, yet + in Palestine and Syria they are chiefly confined to winter. Josephus takes + notice of the same thing again, War, B. IV. ch. 4. sect. 5.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-11" id="link6note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link6noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ Saul seems to have staid + till near the time of the evening sacrifice, on the seventh day, which + Samuel the prophet of God had appointed him, but not till the end of that + day, as he ought to have done; and Samuel appears, by delaying to come to + the full time of the evening sacrifice on that seventh day, to have tried + him [who seems to have been already for some time declining from his + strict and bounden subordination to God and his prophet; to have taken + life-guards for himself and his son, which was entirely a new thing in + Israel, and savored of a distrust of God's providence; and to have + affected more than he ought that independent authority which the pagan + kings took to themselves]; Samuel, I say, seems to have here tried Saul + whether he would stay till the priest came, who alone could lawfully offer + the sacrifices, nor would boldly and profanely usurp the priest's office, + which he venturing upon, was justly rejected for his profaneness. See + Apost. Constit. B. II. ch. 27. And, indeed, since Saul had accepted kingly + power, which naturally becomes ungovernable and tyrannical, as God + foretold, and the experience of all ages has shown, the Divine settlement + by Moses had soon been laid aside under the kings, had not God, by keeping + strictly to his laws, and severely executing the threatenings therein + contained, restrained Saul and other kings in some degree of obedience to + himself; nor was even this severity sufficient to restrain most of the + future kings of Israel and Judah from the grossest idolatry and impiety. + Of the advantage of which strictness, in the observing Divine laws, and + inflicting their threatened penalties, see Antiq. B. VI. ch. 12. sect. 7; + and Against Apion, B. II. sect. 30, where Josephus speaks of that matter; + though it must be noted that it seems, at least in three instances, that + good men did not always immediately approve of such Divine severity. There + seems to be one instance, 1 Samuel 6:19, 20; another, 1 Samuel 15:11; and + a third, 2 Samuel 6:8, 9; Antiq. B. VI. ch. 7. sect. 2; though they all at + last acquiesced in the Divine conduct, as knowing that God is wiser than + men.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-12" id="link6note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link6noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ By this answer of + Samuel, and that from a Divine commission, which is fuller in l Samuel + 13:14, and by that parallel note in the Apostolical Constitutions just now + quoted, concerning the great wickedness of Saul in venturing, even under a + seeming necessity of affairs, to usurp the priest's office, and offer + sacrifice without the priest, we are in some degree able to answer that + question, which I have ever thought a very hard one, viz. Whether, if + there were a city or country of lay Christians without any clergymen, it + were lawful for the laity alone to baptize, or celebrate the eucharist, + etc., or indeed whether they alone could ordain themselves either bishops, + priests, or deacons, for the due performance of such sacerdotal + ministrations; or whether they ought not rather, till they procure + clergymen to come among them, to confine themselves within those bounds of + piety and Christianity which belong alone to the laity; such particularly + as are recommended in the first book of the Apostolical Constitutions, + which peculiarly concern the laity, and are intimated in Clement's + undoubted epistle, sect. 40. To which latter opinion I incline.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-13" id="link6note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link6noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ This rash vow or curse + of Saul, which Josephus says was confirmed by the people, and yet not + executed, I suppose principally because Jonathan did not know of it, is + very remarkable; it being of the essence of the obligation of all laws, + that they be sufficiently known and promulgated, otherwise the conduct of + Providence, as to the sacredness of solemn oaths and vows, in God's + refusing to answer by Urim till this breach of Saul's vow or curse was + understood and set right, and God propitiated by public prayer, is here + very remarkable, as indeed it is every where else in the Old Testament.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-14" id="link6note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link6noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ Here we have still more + indications of Saul's affectation of despotic power, and of his + entrenching upon the priesthood, and making and endeavoring to execute a + rash vow or curse, without consulting Samuel or the sanhedrim. In this + view it is also that I look upon this erection of a new altar by Saul, and + his offering of burnt-offerings himself upon it, and not as any proper + instance of devotion or religion, with other commentators.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-15" id="link6note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link6noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ The reason of this + severity is distinctly given, 1 Samuel 15:18, "Go and utterly destroy the + sinners the Amalekites:" nor indeed do we ever meet with these Amalekites + but as very cruel and bloody people, and particularly seeking to injure + and utterly to destroy the nation of Israel. See Exodus 17:8-16; Numbers + 14:45; Deuteronomy 25:17-19; Judges 6:3, 6; 1 Samuel 15:33; Psalms 83:7; + and, above all, the most barbarous of all cruelties, that of Haman the + Agagite, or one of the posterity of Agag, the old king of the Amalekites, + Esther 3:1-15.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-16" id="link6note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link6noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ Spanheim takes notice + here that the Greeks had such singers of hymns; and that usually children + or youths were picked out for that service; as also, that those called + singers to the harp, did the same that David did here, i.e. join their own + vocal and instrumental music together.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-17" id="link6note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link6noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus says thrice in + this chapter, and twice afterwards, ch. 11. sect. 2, and B. VII. ch. 1. + sect. 4, i.e. five times in all, that Saul required not a bare hundred of + the foreskins of the Philistines, but six hundred of their heads. The + Septuagint have 100 foreskins, but the Syriac and Arabic 200. Now that + these were not foreskins, with our other copies, but heads, with + Josephus's copy, seems somewhat probable, from 1 Samuel 29:4, where all + copies say that it was with the heads of such Philistines that David might + reconcile himself to his master, Saul.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-18" id="link6note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link6noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ Since the modern Jews + have lost the signification of the Hebrew word here used, cebr; and since + the LXX., as well as Josephus, reader it the liver of the goat, and since + this rendering, and Josephus's account, are here so much more clear and + probable than those of others, it is almost unaccountable that our + commentators should so much as hesitate about its true interpretation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-19" id="link6note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link6noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ These violent and wild + agitations of Saul seem to me to have been no other than demoniacal; and + that the same demon which used to seize him, since he was forsaken of God, + and which the divine hymns and psalms which were sung to the harp by David + used to expel, was now in a judicial way brought upon him, not only in + order to disappoint his intentions against innocent David, but to expose + him to the laughter and contempt of all that saw him, or heard of those + agitations; such violent and wild agitations being never observed in true + prophets, when they were under the inspiration of the Spirit of God. Our + other copies, which say the Spirit of God came him, seem not so here copy, + which mentions nothing of God at all. Nor does Josephus seem to ascribe + this impulse and ecstasy of Saul to any other than to his old demoniacal + spirit, which on all accounts appears the most probable. Nor does the + former description of Saul's real inspiration by the Divine Spirit, 1 + Samuel 10:9- 12; Antiq. B. VI. ch. 4. sect. 2, which was before he was + become wicked, well agree with the descriptions before us.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-20" id="link6note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link6noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ What is meant by Saul's + lying down naked all that day, and all that night, 1 Samuel 19:4, and + whether any more than laying aside his royal apparel, or upper garments, + as Josephus seems to understand it, is by no means certain. See the note + on Antiq. B. VIII. ch. 14. sect. 2. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-21" id="link6note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link6noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ This city Nob was not a + city allotted to the priests, nor had the prophets, that we know of, any + particular cities allotted them. It seems the tabernacle was now at Nob, + and probably a school of the prophets was here also. It was full two days' + journey on foot from Jerusalem, 1 Samuel 21:5. The number of priests here + slain in Josephus is three hundred and eighty-five, and but eighty-five in + our Hebrew copies; yet are they three hundred and five in the Septuagint. + I prefer Josephus's number, the Hebrew having, I suppose, only dropped the + hundreds, the other the tens. This city Nob seems to have been the chief, + or perhaps the only seat of the family of Ithamar, which here perished, + according to God's former terrible threatenings to Eli, 1 Samuel 2:27-36; + 3:11-18. See ch. 14. sect. D, hereafter.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-22" id="link6note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link6noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ This section contains an + admirable reflection of Josephus concerning the general wickedness of men + in great authority, and the danger they are in of rejecting that regard to + justice and humanity, to Divine Providence and the fear of God, which they + either really had, or pretended to have, while they were in a lower + condition. It can never be too often perused by kings and great men, nor + by those who expect to obtain such elevated dignities among mankind. See + the like reflections of our Josephus, Antiq. B. VII. ch. 1. sect. 5, at + the end; and B. VIII. ch. 10. sect. 2, at the beginning. They are to the + like purport with one branch of Agur's prayer: "One thing have I required + of thee, deny it me not before I die: Give me not riches, lest I be full, + and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord?" Proverbs 30:7-9.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-23" id="link6note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link6noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ The phrase in David's + speech to Saul, as set down in Josephus, that he had abstained from just + revenge, puts me in mind of the like words in the Apostolical + Constitutions, B. VII. ch. 2., "That revenge is not evil, but that + patience is more honorable."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-24" id="link6note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link6noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ The number of men that + came first to David, are distinctly in Josephus, and in our common copies, + but four hundred. When he was at Keilah still but four hundred, both in + Josephus and in the LXXX.; but six hundred in our Hebrew copies, 1 Samuel + 23:3; see 30:9, 10. Now the six hundred there mentioned are here estimated + by Josephus to have been so many, only by an augmentation of two hundred + afterward, which I suppose is the true solution of this seeming + disagreement.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-25" id="link6note-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#link6noteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ In this and the two next + sections, we may perceive how Josephus, nay, how Abigail herself, would + understand, the "not avenging ourselves, but heaping coals of fire on the + head of the injurious," Proverbs 25:22; Romans 12:20, not as we do now, of + them into but of leaving them to the judgment of God, "to whom vengeance + belongeth," Deuteronomy 32:35; Psalms 94:1; Hebrews 10:30, and who will + take vengeance on the wicked. And since all God's judgments are just, and + all fit to be executed, and all at length for the good of the persons + punished, I incline to think that to be the meaning of this phrase of + "heaping coals of fire on their heads."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-26" id="link6note-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#link6noteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ We may note here, that + how sacred soever an oath was esteemed among the people of God in old + times, they did not think it obligatory where the action was plainly + unlawful. For so we see it was in this case of David, who, although he had + sworn to destroy Nabal and his family, yet does he here, and 1 Samuel + 25:32-41, bless God for preventing his keeping his oath, and shedding of + blood, which he had swore to do.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-27" id="link6note-27"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#link6noteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ This history of Saul's + consultation, not with a witch, as we render the Hebrew word here, but + with a necromancer, as the whole history shows, is easily understood, + especially if we consult the Recognitions of Clement, B. I. ch. 5. at + large, and more briefly, and nearer the days of Samuel Ecclus. 46:20, + "Samuel prophesied after his death, and showed the king his end, and lift + up his voice from the earth in prophecy," to blot out "the wickedness of + the people." Nor does the exactness of the accomplishment of this + prediction, the very next day, permit us to suppose any imposition upon + Saul in the present history; for as to all modern hypotheses against the + natural sense of such ancient and authentic histories, I take them to be + of very small value or consideration.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-28" id="link6note-28"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#link6noteref-28">return</a>)<br /> [ These great + commendations of this necromantic woman of Endor, and of Saul's martial + courage, when yet he knew he should die in the battle, are somewhat + unusual digressions in Josephus. They seem to me extracted from some + speeches or declamations of his composed formerly, in the way of oratory, + that lay by him, and which he thought fit to insert upon this occasion. + See before on Antiq. B. I. ch. 6 sect. 8.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6note-29" id="link6note-29"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#link6noteref-29">return</a>)<br /> [ This way of speaking in + Josephus, of fasting "seven days without meat or drink," is almost like + that of St. Paul, Acts 27:33, "This day is the fourteenth day that ye have + tarried, and continued fasting, having taken nothing:" and as the nature + of the thing, and the impossibility of strictly fasting so long, require + us here to understand both Josephus and the sacred author of this history, + 1 Samuel 30:13, from whom he took it, of only fasting fill the evening; so + must we understand St. Paul, either that this was really the fourteenth + day that they had taken nothing till the evening, or else that this was + the fourteenth day of their tempestuous weather in the Adriatic Sea, as + ver. 27, and that on this fourteenth day alone they had continued fasting, + and had taken nothing before that evening. The mention of their long + abstinence, ver. 21, inclines me to believe the former explication to be + the truth, and that the case was then for a fortnight what it was here for + a week, that they kept all those days entirely as lasts till the evening, + but not longer. See Judges 20:26; 21:2; 1 Samuel 14:24; 2 Samuel 1:12; + Antiq. B. VII. ch. 7. sect. 4.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link72H_4_0001" id="link72H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK VII. Containing The Interval Of Forty Years.—From The + Death Of Saul To The Death Of David.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0001" id="link72HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. How David Reigned Over One Tribe At Hebron While The Son Of + Saul Reigned Over The Rest Of The Multitude; And How, In The Civil War + Which Then Arose Asahel And Abner Were Slain. + </h3> + <p> + 1. This fight proved to be on the same day whereon David was come back to + Ziklag, after he had overcome the Amalekites. Now when he had been already + two days at Ziklag, there came to him the man who slew Saul, which was the + third day after the fight. He had escaped out of the battle which the + Israelites had with the Philistines, and had his clothes rent, and ashes + upon his head. And when he made his obeisance to David, he inquired of him + whence he came. He replied, from the battle of the Israelites; and he + informed him that the end of it was unfortunate, many ten thousands of the + Israelites having been cut off, and Saul, together with his sons, slain. + He also said that he could well give him this information, because he was + present at the victory gained over the Hebrews, and was with the king when + he fled. Nor did he deny that he had himself slain the king, when he was + ready to be taken by the enemy, and he himself exhorted him to do it, + because, when he was fallen on his sword, his great wounds had made him so + weak that he was not able to kill himself. He also produced demonstrations + that the king was slain, which were the golden bracelets that had been on + the king's arms, and his crown, which he had taken away from Saul's dead + body, and had brought them to him. So David having no longer any room to + call in question the truth of what he said, but seeing most evident marks + that Saul was dead, he rent his garments, and continued all that day with + his companions in weeping and lamentation. This grief was augmented by the + consideration of Jonathan; the son of Saul, who had been his most faithful + friend, and the occasion of his own deliverance. He also demonstrated + himself to have such great virtue, and such great kindness for Saul, as + not only to take his death to heart, though he had been frequently in + danger of losing his life by his means, but to punish him that slew him; + for when David had said to him that he was become his own accuser, as the + very man who had slain the king, and when he had understood that he was + the son of an Amalekite, he commanded him to be slain. He also committed + to writing some lamentations and funeral commendations of Saul and + Jonathan, which have continued to my own age. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now when David had paid these honors to the king, he left off his + mourning, and inquired of God by the prophet which of the cities of the + tribe of Judah he would bestow upon him to dwell in; who answered that he + bestowed upon him Hebron. So he left Ziklag, and came to Hebron, and took + with him his wives, who were in number two, and his armed men; whereupon + all the people of the forementioned tribe came to him, and ordained him + their king. But when he heard that the inhabitants of Jabesh- gilead had + buried Saul and his sons [honorably], he sent to them and commended them, + and took what they had done kindly, and promised to make them amends for + their care of those that were dead; and at the same time he informed them + that the tribe of Judah had chosen him for their king. + </p> + <p> + 3. But as soon as Abner, the son of Ner, who was general of Saul's army, + and a very active man, and good-natured, knew that the king, and Jonathan, + and his two other sons, were fallen in the battle, he made haste into the + camp; and taking away with him the remaining son of Saul, whose name was + Ishbosheth, he passed over to the land beyond Jordan, and ordained him the + king of the whole multitude, excepting the tribe of Judah; and made his + royal seat in a place called in our own language Mahanaim, but in the + language of the Grecians, The Camps; from whence Abner made haste with a + select body of soldiers, to fight with such of the tribe of Judah as were + disposed to it, for he was angry that this tribe had set up David for + their king. But Joab, whose father was Suri, and his mother Zeruiah, + David's sister, who was general of David's army, met him, according to + David's appointment. He had with him his brethren, Abishai and Asahel, as + also all David's armed men. Now when he met Abner at a certain fountain, + in the city of Gibeon, he prepared to fight. And when Abner said to him, + that he had a mind to know which of them had the more valiant soldiers, it + was agreed between them that twelve soldiers of each side should fight + together. So those that were chosen out by both the generals for this + fight came between the two armies, and throwing their lances one against + the other, they drew their swords, and catching one another by the head, + they held one another fast, and ran each other's swords into their sides + and groins, until they all, as it were by mutual agreement, perished + together. When these were fallen down dead, the rest of the army came to a + sore battle, and Abner's men were beaten; and when they were beaten, Joab + did not leave off pursuing them, but he pressed upon them, and excited the + soldiers to follow them close, and not to grow weary of killing them. His + brethren also pursued them with great alacrity, especially the younger, + Asahel, who was the most eminent of them. He was very famous for his + swiftness of foot, for he could not only be too hard for men, but is + reported to have overrun a horse, when they had a race together. This + Asahel ran violently after Abner, and would not turn in the least out of + the straight way, either to the one side or to the other. Hereupon Abner + turned back, and attempted artfully to avoid his violence. Sometimes he + bade him leave off the pursuit, and take the armor of one of his soldiers; + and sometimes, when he could not persuade him so to do, he exhorted him to + restrain himself, and not to pursue him any longer, lest he should force + him to kill him, and he should then not be able to look his brother in the + face: but when Asahel would not admit of any persuasions, but still + continued to pursue him, Abner smote him with his spear, as he held it in + his flight, and that by a back-stroke, and gave him a deadly wound, so + that he died immediately; but those that were with him pursuing Abner, + when they came to the place where Asahel lay, they stood round about the + dead body, and left off the pursuit of the enemy. However, both Joab <a + href="#link7note-1" name="link7noteref-1" id="link7noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> + himself, and his brother Abishai, ran past the dead corpse, and making + their anger at the death of Asahel an occasion of greater zeal against + Abner, they went on with incredible haste and alacrity, and pursued Abner + to a certain place called Ammah: it was about sun-set. Then did Joab + ascend a certain hill, as he stood at that place, having the tribe of + Benjamin with him, whence he took a view of them, and of Abner also. + Hereupon Abner cried aloud, and said that it was not fit that they should + irritate men of the same nation to fight so bitterly one against another; + that as for Asahel his brother, he was himself in the wrong, when he would + not be advised by him not to pursue him any farther, which was the + occasion of his wounding and death. So Joab consented to what he said, and + accepted these his words as an excuse [about Asahel], and called the + soldiers back with the sound of the trumpet, as a signal for their + retreat, and thereby put a stop to any further pursuit. After which Joab + pitched his camp there that night; but Abner marched all that night, and + passed over the river Jordan, and came to Ishbosheth, Saul's son, to + Mahanaim. On the next day Joab counted the dead men, and took care of all + their funerals. Now there were slain of Abner's soldiers about three hundred + and sixty; but of those of David nineteen, and Asahel, whose body Joab and + Abishai carried to Bethlehem; and when they had buried him in the + sepulcher of their fathers, they came to David to Hebron. From this time + therefore there began an intestine war, which lasted a great while, in + which the followers of David grew stronger in the dangers they underwent, + and the servants and subjects of Saul's sons did almost every day become + weaker. + </p> + <p> + 4. About this time David was become the father of six sons, born of as + many mothers. The eldest was by Ahinoam, and he was called Arenon; the + second was Daniel, by his wife Abigail; the name of the third was Absalom, + by Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; the fourth he named + Adonijah, by his wife Haggith; the fifth was Shephatiah, by Abital; the + sixth he called Ithream, by Eglah. Now while this intestine war went on, + and the subjects of the two kings came frequently to action and to + fighting, it was Abner, the general of the host of Saul's son, who, by his + prudence, and the great interest he had among the multitude, made them all + continue with Ishbosheth; and indeed it was a considerable time that they + continued of his party; but afterwards Abner was blamed, and an accusation + was laid against him, that he went in unto Saul's concubine: her name was + Rispah, the daughter of Aiah. So when he was complained of by Ishbosheth, + he was very uneasy and angry at it, because he had not justice done him by + Ishbosheth, to whom he had shown the greatest kindness; whereupon he + threatened to transfer the kingdom to David, and demonstrate that he did + not rule over the people beyond Jordan by his own abilities and wisdom, + but by his warlike conduct and fidelity in leading his army. So he sent + ambassadors to Hebron to David, and desired that he would give him + security upon oath that he would esteem him his companion and his friend, + upon condition that he should persuade the people to leave Saul's son, and + choose him king of the whole country; and when David had made that league + with Abner, for he was pleased with his message to him, he desired that he + would give this as the first mark of performance of the present league, + that he might have his wife Michal restored to him, as her whom he had + purchased with great hazards, and with those six hundred heads of the + Philistines which he had brought to Saul her father. So Abner took Michal + from Phaltiel, who was then her husband, and sent her to David, Ishbosheth + himself affording him his assistance, for David had written to him that of + right he ought to have this his wife restored to him. Abner also called + together the elders of the multitude, the commanders and captains of + thousands, and spake thus to them: That he had formerly dissuaded them + from their own resolution, when they were ready to forsake Ishbosheth, and + to join themselves to David; that, however, he now gave them leave so to + do, if they had a mind to it, for they knew that God had appointed David + to be king of all the Hebrews by Samuel the prophet; and had foretold that + he should punish the Philistines, and overcome them, and bring them under. + Now when the elders and rulers heard this, and understood that Abner was + come over to those sentiments about the public affairs which they were of + before, they changed their measures, and came in to David. When these men + had agreed to Abner's proposal, he called together the tribe of Benjamin, + for all of that tribe were the guards of Ishbosheth's body, and he spake + to them to the same purpose. And when he saw that they did not in the + least oppose what he said, but resigned themselves up to his opinion, he + took about twenty of his friends and came to David, in order to receive + himself security upon oath from him; for we may justly esteem those things + to be firmer which every one of us do by ourselves, than those which we do + by another. He also gave him an account of what he had said to the rulers, + and to the whole tribe of Benjamin; and when David had received him in a + courteous manner, and had treated him with great hospitality for many + days, Abner, when he was dismissed, desired him to bring the multitude + with him, that he might deliver up the government to him, when David + himself was present, and a spectator of what was done. + </p> + <p> + 5. When David had sent Abner away, Joab, the of his army, came immediately + to Hebron; he had understood that Abner had been with David, and had + parted with him a little before under leagues and agreements that the + government should be delivered up to David, he feared lest David should + place Abner, who had assisted him to gain the kingdom, in the first rank + of dignity, especially since he was a shrewd man in other respects, in + understanding affairs, and in managing them artfully, as proper seasons + should require, and that he should himself be put lower, and be deprived + of the command of the army; so he took a knavish and a wicked course. In + the first place, he endeavored to calumniate Abner to the king, exhorting + him to have a care of him, and not to give attention to what he had + engaged to do for him, because all he did tended to confirm the government + to Saul's son; that he came to him deceitfully and with guile, and was + gone away in hopes of gaining his purpose by this management: but when he + could not thus persuade David, nor saw him at all exasperated, he betook + himself to a project bolder than the former:—he determined to kill + Abner; and in order thereto, he sent some messengers after him, to whom he + gave in charge, that when they should overtake him they should recall him + in David's name, and tell him that he had somewhat to say to him about his + affairs, which he had not remembered to speak of when he was with him. Now + when Abner heard what the messengers said, [for they overtook him in a + certain place called Besira, which was distant from Hebron twenty + furlongs,] he suspected none of the mischief which was befalling him, and + came back. Hereupon Joab met him in the gate, and received him in the + kindest manner, as if he were Abner's most benevolent acquaintance and + friend; for such as undertake the vilest actions, in order to prevent the + suspicion of any private mischief intended, do frequently make the + greatest pretenses to what really good men sincerely do. So he took him + aside from his own followers, as if he would speak with him in private, + and brought him into a void place of the gate, having himself nobody with + him but his brother Abishai; then he drew his sword, and smote him in the + groin; upon which Abner died by this treachery of Joab, which, as he said + himself, was in the way of punishment for his brother Asahel, whom Abner + smote and slew as he was pursuing after him in the battle of Hebron, but + as the truth was, out of his fear of losing his command of the army, and + his dignity with the king, and lest he should be deprived of those + advantages, and Abner should obtain the first rank in David's court. By + these examples any one may learn how many and how great instances of + wickedness men will venture upon for the sake of getting money and + authority, and that they may not fail of either of them; for as when they + are desirous of obtaining the same, they acquire them by ten thousand evil + practices; so when they are afraid of losing them, they get them confirmed + to them by practices much worse than the former, as if no other calamity + so terrible could befall them as the failure of acquiring so exalted an + authority; and when they have acquired it, and by long custom found the + sweetness of it, the losing it again: and since this last would be the + heaviest of all afflictions they all of them contrive and venture upon the + most difficult actions, out of the fear of losing the same. But let it + suffice that I have made these short reflections upon that subject. + </p> + <p> + 6. When David heard that Abner was slain, it grieved his soul; and he + called all men to witness, with stretching out his hands to God, and + crying out that he was not a partaker in the murder of Abner, and that his + death was not procured by his command or approbation. He also wished the + heaviest curses might light upon him that slew him and upon his whole + house; and he devoted those that had assisted him in this murder to the + same penalties on its account; for he took care not to appear to have had + any hand in this murder, contrary to the assurances he had given and the + oaths he had taken to Abner. However, he commanded all the people to weep + and lament this man, and to honor his dead body with the usual + solemnities; that is, by rending their garments, and putting on sackcloth, + and that things should be the habit in which they should go before the + bier; after which he followed it himself, with the elders and those that + were rulers, lamenting Abner, and by his tears demonstrating his good-will + to him while he was alive, and his sorrow for him now he was dead, and + that he was not taken off with his consent. So he buried him at Hebron in + a magnificent manner, and indited funeral elegies for him; he also stood + first over the monument weeping, and caused others to do the same; nay, so + deeply did the death of Abner disorder him, that his companions could by + no means force him to take any food, but he affirmed with an oath that he + would taste nothing till the sun was set. This procedure gained him the + good-will of the multitude; for such as had an affection for Abner were + mightily satisfied with the respect he paid him when he was dead, and the + observation of that faith he had plighted to him, which was shown in his + vouchsafing him all the usual ceremonies, as if he had been his kinsman + and his friend, and not suffering him to be neglected and injured with a + dishonorable burial, as if he had been his enemy; insomuch that the entire + nation rejoiced at the king's gentleness and mildness of disposition, + every one being ready to suppose that the king would have taken the same + care of them in the like circumstances, which they saw be showed in the + burial of the dead body of Abner. And indeed David principally intended to + gain a good reputation, and therefore he took care to do what was proper + in this case, whence none had any suspicion that he was the author of + Abner's death. He also said this to the multitude, that he was greatly + troubled at the death of so good a man; and that the affairs of the + Hebrews had suffered great detriment by being deprived of him, who was of + so great abilities to preserve them by his excellent advice, and by the + strength of his hands in war. But he added, that "God, who hath a regard + to all men's actions, will not suffer this man [Joab] to go off + unrevenged; but know ye, that I am not able to do any thing to these sons + of Zeruiah, Joab and Abishai, who have more power than I have; but God + will requite their insolent attempts upon their own heads." And this was + the fatal conclusion of the life of Abner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0002" id="link72HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. That Upon The Slaughter Of Ishbosheth By The Treachery Of His + Friends, David Received The Whole Kingdom. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, had heard of the death of Abner, he + took it to heart to be deprived of a man that was of his kindred, and had + indeed given him the kingdom, but was greatly afflicted, and Abner's death + very much troubled him; nor did he himself outlive any long time, but was + treacherously set upon by the sons of Rimmon, [Baanah and Rechab were + their names,] and was slain by them; for these being of a family of the + Benjamites, and of the first rank among them, thought that if they should + slay Ishbosheth, they should obtain large presents from David, and be made + commanders by him, or, however, should have some other trust committed to + them. So when they once found him alone, and asleep at noon, in an upper + room, when none of his guards were there, and when the woman that kept the + door was not watching, but was fallen asleep also, partly on account of + the labor she had undergone, and partly on account of the heat of the day, + these men went into the room in which Ishbosheth, Saul's son, lay asleep, + and slew him; they also cut off his head, and took their journey all that + night, and the next day, as supposing themselves flying away from those + they had injured, to one that would accept of this action as a favor, and + would afford them security. So they came to Hebron, and showed David the + head of Ishbosheth, and presented themselves to him as his well-wishers, + and such as had killed one that was his enemy and antagonist. Yet David + did not relish what they had done as they expected, but said to them, "You + vile wretches, you shall immediately receive the punishment you deserve. + Did not you know what vengeance I executed on him that murdered Saul, and + brought me his crown of gold, and this while he who made this slaughter + did it as a favor to him, that he might not be caught by his enemies? Or + do you imagine that I am altered in my disposition, and suppose that I am + not the same man I then was, but am pleased with men that are wicked + doers, and esteem your vile actions, when you are become murderers of your + master, as grateful to me, when you have slain a righteous man upon his + bed, who never did evil to any body, and treated you with great good-will + and respect? Wherefore you shall suffer the punishment due on his account, + and the vengeance I ought to inflict upon you for killing Ishbosheth, and + for supposing that I should take his death kindly at your hands; for you + could not lay a greater blot on my honor, than by making such a supposal." + When David had said this, he tormented them with all sorts of torments, + and then put them to death; and he bestowed all accustomed rites on the + burial of the head of Ishbosheth, and laid it in the grave of Abner. + </p> + <p> + 2. When these things were brought to this conclusion, all the principal + men of the Hebrew people came to David to Hebron, with the heads of + thousands, and other rulers, and delivered themselves up to him, putting + him in mind of the good-will they had borne to him in Saul's lifetime, and + the respect they then had not ceased to pay him when he was captain of a + thousand, as also that he was chosen of God by Samuel the prophet, he and + his sons; <a href="#link7note-2" name="link7noteref-2" id="link7noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> + and declaring besides, how God had given him power to save the land of the + Hebrews, and to overcome the Philistines. Whereupon he received kindly + this their alacrity on his account; and exhorted them to continue in it, + for that they should have no reason to repent of being thus disposed to + him. So when he had feasted them, and treated them kindly, he sent them + out to bring all the people to him; upon which came to him about six + thousand and eight hundred armed men of the tribe of Judah, who bare + shields and spears for their weapons, for these had [till now] continued + with Saul's son, when the rest of the tribe of Judah had ordained David + for their king. There came also seven thousand and one hundred out of the + tribe of Simeon. Out of the tribe of Levi came four thousand and seven + hundred, having Jehoiada for their leader. After these came Zadok the high + priest, with twenty-two captains of his kindred. Out of the tribe of + Benjamin the armed men were four thousand; but the rest of the tribe + continued, still expecting that some one of the house of Saul should reign + over them. Those of the tribe of Ephraim were twenty thousand and eight + hundred, and these mighty men of valor, and eminent for their strength. + Out of the half tribe of Manasseh came eighteen thousand, of the most + potent men. Out of the tribe of Issachar came two hundred, who foreknew + what was to come hereafter, <a href="#link7note-3" name="link7noteref-3" + id="link7noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> but of armed men twenty thousand. + Of the tribe of Zebulon fifty thousand chosen men. This was the only tribe + that came universally in to David, and all these had the same weapons with + the tribe of Gad. Out of the tribe of Naphtali the eminent men and rulers + were one thousand, whose weapons were shields and spears, and the tribe + itself followed after, being [in a manner] innumerable [thirty- seven + thousand]. Out of the tribe of Dan there were of chosen men twenty-seven + thousand and six hundred. Out of the tribe of Asher were forty thousand. + Out of the two tribes that were beyond Jordan, and the rest of the tribe + of Manasseh, such as used shields, and spears, and head-pieces, and + swords, were a hundred and twenty thousand. The rest of the tribes also + made use of swords. This multitude came together to Hebron to David, with + a great quantity of corn, and wine, and all other sorts of food, and + established David in his kingdom with one consent. And when the people had + rejoiced for three days in Hebron, David and all the people removed and + came to Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0003" id="link72HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. How David Laid Siege To Jerusalem; And When He Had Taken The + City, He Cast The Canaanites Out Of It, And Brought In The Jews To Inhabit + Therein. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now the Jebusites, who were the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and were by + extraction Canaanites, shut their gates, and placed the blind, and the + lame, and all their maimed persons, upon the wall, in way of derision of + the king, and said that the very lame themselves would hinder his entrance + into it. This they did out of contempt of his power, and as depending on + the strength of their walls. David was hereby enraged, and began the siege + of Jerusalem, and employed his utmost diligence and alacrity therein, as + intending by the taking of this place to demonstrate his power, and to + intimidate all others that might be of the like [evil] disposition towards + him. So he took the lower city by force, but the citadel held out still; + <a href="#link7note-4" name="link7noteref-4" id="link7noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> + whence it was that the king, knowing that the proposal of dignities and + rewards would encourage the soldiers to greater actions, promised that he + who should first go over the ditches that were beneath the citadel, and + should ascend to the citadel itself and take it, should have the command + of the entire people conferred upon him. So they all were ambitious to + ascend, and thought no pains too great in order to ascend thither, out of + their desire of the chief command. However, Joab, the son of Zeruiah, + prevented the rest; and as soon as he was got up to the citadel, cried out + to the king, and claimed the chief command. + </p> + <p> + 2. When David had cast the Jebusites out of the citadel, he also rebuilt + Jerusalem, and named it The City of David, and abode there all the time of + his reign; but for the time that he reigned over the tribe of Judah only + in Hebron, it was seven years and six months. Now when he had chosen + Jerusalem to be his royal city, his affairs did more and more prosper, by + the providence of God, who took care that they should improve and be + augmented. Hiram also, the king of the Tyrians, sent ambassadors to him, + and made a league of mutual friendship and assistance with him. He also + sent him presents, cedar-trees, and mechanics, and men skillful in + building and architecture, that they might build him a royal palace at + Jerusalem. Now David made buildings round about the lower city: he also + joined the citadel to it, and made it one body; and when he had + encompassed all with walls, he appointed Joab to take care of them. It was + David, therefore, who first cast the Jebusites out of Jerusalem, and + called it by his own name, The City of David: for under our forefather + Abraham it was called [Salem, or] Solyma; <a href="#link7note-5" + name="link7noteref-5" id="link7noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> but after + that time, some say that Homer mentions it by that name of Solyma, [for he + named the temple Solyma, according to the Hebrew language, which denotes + security.] Now the whole time from the warfare under Joshua our general + against the Canaanites, and from that war in which he overcame them, and + distributed the land among the Hebrews, [nor could the Israelites ever + cast the Canaanites out of Jerusalem until this time, when David took it + by siege,] this whole time was five hundred and fifteen years. + </p> + <p> + 3. I shall now make mention of Araunah, who was a wealthy man among the + Jebusites, but was not slain by David in the siege of Jerusalem, because + of the good-will he bore to the Hebrews, and a particular benignity and + affection which he had to the king himself; which I shall take a more + seasonable opportunity to speak of a little afterwards. Now David married + other wives over and above those which he had before: he had also + concubines. The sons whom he had were in number eleven, whose names were + Amnon, Emnos, Eban, Nathan, Solomon, Jeban, Elien, Phalna, Ennaphen, + Jenae, Eliphale; and a daughter, Tamar. Nine of these were born of + legitimate wives, but the two last-named of concubines; and Tamar had the + same mother with Absalom. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0004" id="link72HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. That When David Had Conquered The Philistines Who Made War + Against Him At Jerusalem, He Removed The Ark To Jerusalem And Had A Mind + To Build A Temple. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When the Philistines understood that David was made king of the + Hebrews, they made war against him at Jerusalem; and when they had seized + upon that valley which is called The Valley of the Giants, and is a place + not far from the city, they pitched their camp therein; but the king of + the Jews, who never permitted himself to do any thing without prophecy, <a + href="#link7note-6" name="link7noteref-6" id="link7noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> + and the command of God and without depending on him as a security for the + time to come, bade the high priest to foretell to him what was the will of + God, and what would be the event of this battle. And when he foretold that + he should gain the victory and the dominion, he led out his army against + the Philistines; and when the battle was joined, he came himself behind, + and fell upon the enemy on the sudden, and slew some of them, and put the + rest to flight. And let no one suppose that it was a small army of the + Philistines that came against the Hebrews, as guessing so from the + suddenness of their defeat, and from their having performed no great + action, or that was worth recording, from the slowness of their march, and + want of courage; but let him know that all Syria and Phoenicia, with many + other nations besides them, and those warlike nations also, came to their + assistance, and had a share in this war, which thing was the only cause + why, when they had been so often conquered, and had lost so many ten + thousands of their men, they still came upon the Hebrews with greater + armies; nay, indeed, when they had so often failed of their purpose in + these battles, they came upon David with an army three times as numerous + as before, and pitched their camp on the same spot of ground as before. + The king of Israel therefore inquired of God again concerning the event of + the battle; and the high priest prophesied to him, that he should keep his + army in the groves, called the Groves of Weeping, which were not far from + the enemy's camp, and that he should not move, nor begin to fight, till + the trees of the grove should be in motion without the wind's blowing; but + as soon as these trees moved, and the time foretold to him by God was + come, he should, without delay, go out to gain what was an already + prepared and evident victory; for the several ranks of the enemy's army + did not sustain him, but retreated at the first onset, whom he closely + followed, and slew them as he went along, and pursued them to the city + Gaza [which is the limit of their country]: after this he spoiled their + camp, in which he found great riches; and he destroyed their gods. + </p> + <p> + 2. When this had proved the event of the battle, David thought it proper, + upon a consultation with the elders, and rulers, and captains of + thousands, to send for those that were in the flower of their age out of + all his countrymen, and out of the whole land, and withal for the priests + and the Levites, in order to their going to Kirjathjearim, to bring up the + ark of God out of that city, and to carry it to Jerusalem, and there to + keep it, and offer before it those sacrifices and those other honors with + which God used to be well-pleased; for had they done thus in the reign of + Saul, they had not undergone any great misfortunes at all. So when the + whole body of the people were come together, as they had resolved to do, + the king came to the ark, which the priest brought out of the house of + Aminadab, and laid it upon a new cart, and permitted their brethren and + their children to draw it, together with the oxen. Before it went the + king, and the whole multitude of the people with him, singing hymns to + God, and making use of all sorts of songs usual among them, with variety + of the sounds of musical instruments, and with dancing and singing of + psalms, as also with the sounds of trumpets and of cymbals, and so brought + the ark to Jerusalem. But as they were come to the threshing-floor of + Chidon, a place so called, Uzzah was slain by the anger of God; for as the + oxen shook the ark, he stretched out his hand, and would needs take hold + of it. Now, because he was not a priest <a href="#link7note-7" + name="link7noteref-7" id="link7noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> and yet + touched the ark, God struck him dead. Hereupon both the king and the + people were displeased at the death of Uzzah; and the place where he died + is still called the Breach of Uzzah unto this day. So David was afraid; + and supposing that if he received the ark to himself into the city, he + might suffer in the like manner as Uzzah had suffered, who, upon his bare + putting out his hand to the ark, died in the manner already mentioned, he + did not receive it to himself into the city, but he took it aside unto a + certain place belonging to a righteous man, whose name was Obededom, who + was by his family a Levite, and deposited the ark with him; and it + remained there three entire months. This augmented the house of Obededom, + and conferred many blessings upon it. And when the king heard what had + befallen Obededom, how he was become, of a poor man in a low estate, + exceeding happy, and the object of envy to all those that saw or inquired + after his house, he took courage, and, hoping that he should meet with no + misfortune thereby, he transferred the ark to his own house; the priests + carrying it, while seven companies of singers, who were set in that order + by the king, went before it, and while he himself played upon the harp, + and joined in the music, insomuch, that when his wife Michel, the daughter + of Saul, who was our first king, saw him so doing, she laughed at him. But + when they had brought in the ark, they placed it under the tabernacle + which David had pitched for it, and he offered costly sacrifices and + peace-offerings, and treated the whole multitude, and dealt both to the + women, and the men, and the infants a loaf of bread and a cake, and + another cake baked in a pan, with the portion of the sacrifice. So when he + had thus feasted the people, he sent them away, and he himself returned to + his own house. + </p> + <p> + 3. But when Michal his wife, the daughter of Saul, came and stood by him, + she wished him all other happiness, and entreated that whatsoever he + should further desire, to the utmost possibility, might be given him by + God, and that he might be favorable to him; yet did she blame him, that so + great a king as he was should dance after an unseemly manner, and in his + dancing, uncover himself among the servants and the handmaidens. But he + replied, that he was not ashamed to do what was acceptable to God, who had + preferred him before her father, and before all others; that he would play + frequently, and dance, without any regard to what the handmaidens and she + herself thought of it. So this Michal, who was David's wife, had no + children; however, when she was afterward married to him to whom Saul her + father had given her, [for at this time David had taken her away from him, + and had her himself,] she bare five children. But concerning those matters + I shall discourse in a proper place. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now when the king saw that his affairs grew better almost every day, by + the will of God, he thought he should offend him, if, while he himself + continued in houses made of cedar, such as were of a great height, and had + the most curious works of architecture in them, he should overlook the ark + while it was laid in a tabernacle, and was desirous to build a temple to + God, as Moses had predicted such a temple should be built. <a + href="#link7note-8" name="link7noteref-8" id="link7noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> + And when he had discoursed with Nathan the prophet about these things, and + had been encouraged by him to do whatsoever he had a mind to do, as having + God with him, and his helper in all things, he was thereupon the more + ready to set about that building. But God appeared to Nathan that very + night, and commanded him to say to David, <a href="#link7note-9" + name="link7noteref-9" id="link7noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> that he + took his purpose and his desires kindly, since nobody had before now taken + it into their head to build him a temple, although upon his having such a + notion he would not permit him to build him that temple, because he had + made many wars, and was defiled with the slaughter of his enemies; that, + however, after his death, in his old age, and when he had lived a long + life, there should be a temple built by a son of his, who should take the + kingdom after him, and should be called Solomon, whom he promised to + provide for, as a father provides for his son, by preserving the kingdom + for his son's posterity, and delivering it to them; but that he would + still punish him, if he sinned, with diseases and barrenness of land. When + David understood this from the prophet, and was overjoyful at this + knowledge of the sure continuance of the dominion to his posterity, and + that his house should be splendid, and very famous, he came to the ark, + and fell down on his face, and began to adore God, and to return thanks to + him for all his benefits, as well for those that he had already bestowed + upon him in raising him from a low state, and from the employment of a + shepherd, to so great dignity of dominion and glory; as for those also + which he had promised to his posterity; and besides, for that providence + which he had exercised over the Hebrews in procuring them the liberty they + enjoyed. And when he had said thus, and had sung a hymn of praise to God, + he went his way. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0005" id="link72HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. How David Brought Under The Philistines, And The Moabites, And + The Kings Of Sophene And Of Damascus, And Of The Syrians As Also The + Idumeans, In War; And How He Made A League With The King Of Hamath; And + Was Mindful Of The Friendship That Jonathan, The Son Of Saul, Had Borne + Him. + </h3> + <p> + 1. A Litlle while after this, he considered that he ought to make war + against the Philistines, and not to see any idleness or laziness permitted + in his management, that so it might prove, as God had foretold to him, + that when he had overthrown his enemies, he should leave his posterity to + reign in peace afterward: so he called together his army again, and when + he had charged them to be ready and prepared for war, and when he thought + that all things in his army were in a good state, he removed from + Jerusalem, and came against the Philistines; and when he had overcome them + in battle, and had cut off a great part of their country, and adjoined it + to the country of the Hebrews, he transferred the war to the Moabites; and + when he had overcome two parts of their army in battle, he took the + remaining part captive, and imposed tribute upon them, to be paid + annually. He then made war against Iadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of + Sophene; <a href="#link7note-10" name="link7noteref-10" + id="link7noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> and when he had joined battle + with him at 'the river Euphrates, he destroyed twenty thousand of his + footmen, and about seven thousand of his horsemen. He also took a thousand + of his chariots, and destroyed the greatest part of them, and ordered that + no more than one hundred should be kept. <a href="#link7note-11" + name="link7noteref-11" id="link7noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 2. Now when Hadad, king of Damascus and of Syria, heard that David fought + against Hadadezer, who was his friend, he came to his assistance with a + powerful army, in hopes to rescue him; and when he had joined battle with + David at the river Euphrates, he failed of his purpose, and lost in the + battle a great number of his soldiers; for there were slain of the army of + Hadad twenty thousand, and all the rest fled. Nicelens also [of Damascus] + makes mention of this king in the fourth book of his histories; where he + speaks thus: "A great while after these things had happened, there was one + of that country whose name was Hadad, who was become very potent; he + reigned over Damascus, and, the other parts of Syria, excepting Phoenicia. + He made war against David, the king of Judea, and tried his fortune in + many battles, and particularly in the last battle at Euphrates, wherein he + was beaten. He seemed to have been the most excellent of all their kings + in strength and manhood," Nay, besides this, he says of his posterity, + that "they succeeded one another in his kingdom, and in his name;" where + he thus speaks: "When Hadad was dead, his posterity reigned for ten + generations, each of his successors receiving from his father that his + dominion, and this his name; as did the Ptolemies in Egypt. But the third + was the most powerful of them all, and was willing to avenge the defeat + his forefather had received; so he made an expedition against the Jews, + and laid waste the city which is now called Samaria." Nor did he err from + the truth; for this is that Hadad who made the expedition against Samaria, + in the reign of Ahab, king of Israel, concerning whom we shall speak in + due place hereafter. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now when David had made an expedition against Damascus, and the other + parts of Syria, and had brought it all into subjection, and had placed + garrisons in the country, and appointed that they should pay tribute, he + returned home. He also dedicated to God at Jerusalem the golden quivers, + the entire armor which the guards of Hadad used to wear; which Shishak, + the king of Egypt, took away when he fought with David's grandson, + Rehoboam, with a great deal of other wealth which he carried out of + Jerusalem. However, these things will come to be explained in their proper + places hereafter. Now as for the king of the Hebrews, he was assisted by + God, who gave him great success in his wars, and he made all expedition + against the best cities of Hadadezer, Betah and Machen; so he took them by + force, and laid them waste. Therein was found a very great quantity of + gold and silver, besides that sort of brass which is said to be more + valuable than gold; of which brass Solomon made that large vessel which + was called The [Brazen] Sea, and those most curious lavers, when he built + the temple for God. + </p> + <p> + 4. But when the king of Hamath was informed of the ill success of + Hadadezer, and had heard of the ruin of his army, he was afraid on his own + account, and resolved to make a league of friendship and fidelity with + David before he should come against him; so he sent to him his son Joram, + and professed that he owed him thanks for fighting against Hadadezer, who + was his enemy, and made a league with him of mutual assistance and + friendship. He also sent him presents, vessels of ancient workmanship, + both of gold, of silver, and of brass. So when David had made this league + of mutual assistance with Toi, [for that was the name of the king of + Hamath,] and had received the presents he sent him, he dismissed his son + with that respect which was due on both sides; but then David brought + those presents that were sent by him, as also the rest of the gold and + silver which he had taken of the cities whom he had conquered, and + dedicated them to God. Nor did God give victory and success to him only + when he went to the battle himself, and led his own army, but he gave + victory to Abishai, the brother of Joab, general of his forces, over the + Idumeans, <a href="#link7note-12" name="link7noteref-12" + id="link7noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> and by him to David, when he + sent him with an army into Idumea: for Abishai destroyed eighteen thousand + of them in the battle; whereupon the king [of Israel] placed garrisons + through all Idumea, and received the tribute of the country, and of every + head among them. Now David was in his nature just, and made his + determination with regard to truth. He had for the general of his whole + army Joab; and he made Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, recorder. He also + appointed Zadok, of the family of Phinehas, to be high priest, together + with Abiathar, for he was his friend. He also made Seisan the scribe, and + committed the command over the guards of his body to Benaiah; the son of + Jehoiada. His elder sons were near his body, and had the care of it also. + </p> + <p> + 5. He also called to mind the covenants and the oaths he had made with + Jonathan, the son of Saul, and the friendship and affection Jonathan had + for him; for besides all the rest of his excellent qualities with which he + was endowed, he was also exceeding mindful of such as had at other times + bestowed benefits upon him. He therefore gave order that inquiry should be + made, whether any of Jonathan's lineage were living, to whom he might make + return of that familiar acquaintance which Jonathan had had with him, and + for which he was still debtor. And when one of Saul's freed men was + brought to him, who was acquainted with those of his family that were + still living, he asked him whether he could tell him of any one belonging + to Jonathan that was now alive, and capable of a requital of the benefits + which he had received from Jonathan. And he said, that a son of his was + remaining, whose name was Mephibosheth, but that he was lame of his feet; + for that when his nurse heard that the father and grandfather of the child + were fallen in the battle, she snatched him up, and fled away, and let him + fall from her shoulders, and his feet were lamed. So when he had learned + where and by whom he was brought up, he sent messengers to Machir, to the + city of Lodebar, for with him was the son of Jonathan brought up, and sent + for him to come to him. So when Mephibosheth came to the king, he fell on + his face and worshipped him; but David encouraged him, bade him be of good + cheer, and expect better times. So he gave him his father's house, and all + the estate which his grandfather Saul was in possession of, and bade him + come and diet with him at his own table, and never to be absent one day + from that table. And when the youth had worshipped him on account of his + words and gifts given to him, he called for Ziba, and told him that he had + given the youth his father's house, and all Saul's estate. He also ordered + that Ziba should cultivate his land, and take care of it, and bring him + the profits of all to Jerusalem. Accordingly, David brought him to his + table every day, and bestowed upon the youth, Ziba and his sons, who were + in number fifteen, and his servants, who were in number twenty. When the + king had made these appointments, and Ziba had worshipped him, and + promised to do all that he had bidden him, he went his way; so that this + son of Jonathan dwelt at Jerusalem, and dieted at the king's table, and + had the same care that a son could claim taken of him. He also had himself + a son, whom he named Micha. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0006" id="link72HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. How The War Was Waged Against The Ammonites And Happily + Concluded. + </h3> + <p> + 1. This were the honors that such as were left of Saul's and Jonathan's + lineage received from David. About this time died Nahash, the king of the + Ammonites, who was a friend of David's; and when his son had succeeded his + father in the kingdom, David sent ambassadors to him to comfort him; and + exhorted him to take his father's death patiently, and to expect that he + would continue the same kindness to himself which he had shown to his + father. But the princes of the Ammonites took this message in evil part, + and not as David's kind dispositions gave reason to take it; and they + excited the king to resent it; and said that David had sent men to spy out + the country, and what strength it had, under the pretense of humanity and + kindness. They further advised him to have a care, and not to give heed to + David's words, lest he should be deluded by him, and so fall into an + inconsolable calamity. Accordingly Nahash's [son], the king of the + Ammonites, thought these princes spake what was more probable than the + truth would admit, and so abused the ambassadors after a very harsh + manner; for he shaved the one half of their beards, and cut off one half + of their garments, and sent his answer, not in words, but in deeds. When + the king of Israel saw this, he had indignation at it, and showed openly + that he would not overlook this injurious and contumelious treatment, but + would make war with the Ammonites, and would avenge this wicked treatment + of his ambassadors on their king. So that king's intimate friends and + commanders, understanding that they had violated their league, and were + liable to be punished for the same, made preparations for war; they also + sent a thousand talents to the Syrian king of Mesopotamia, and endeavored + to prevail with him to assist them for that pay, and Shobach. Now these + kings had twenty thousand footmen. They also hired the king of the country + called Maacah, and a fourth king, by name Ishtob; which last had twelve + thousand armed men. + </p> + <p> + 2. But David was under no consternation at this confederacy, nor at the + forces of the Ammonites; and putting his trust in God, because he was + going to war in a just cause, on account of the injurious treatment he had + met with, he immediately sent Joab, the captain of his host, against them, + and gave him the flower of his army, who pitched his camp by Rabbah, the + metropolis of the Ammonites; whereupon the enemy came out, and set + themselves in array, not all of them together, but in two bodies; for the + auxiliaries were set in array in the plain by themselves, but the army of + the Ammonites at the gates over against the Hebrews. When Joab saw this, + he opposed one stratagem against another, and chose out the most hardy + part of his men, and set them in opposition to the king of Syria, and the + kings that were with him, and gave the other part to his brother Abishai, + and bid him set them in opposition to the Ammonites; and said to him, that + in case he should see that the Syrians distressed him, and were too hard + for him, he should order his troops to turn about and assist him; and he + said that he himself would do the same to him, if he saw him in the like + distress from the Ammonites. So he sent his brother before, and encouraged + him to do every thing courageously and with alacrity, which would teach + them to be afraid of disgrace, and to fight manfully; and so he dismissed + him to fight with the Ammonites, while he fell upon the Syrians. And + though they made a strong opposition for a while, Joab slew many of them, + but compelled the rest to betake themselves to flight; which, when the + Ammonites saw, and were withal afraid of Abishai and his army, they staid + no longer, but imitated their auxiliaries, and fled to the city. So Joab, + when he had thus overcome the enemy, returned with great joy to Jerusalem + to the king. + </p> + <p> + 3. This defeat did not still induce the Ammonites to be quiet, nor to own + those that were superior to them to be so, and be still, but they sent to + Chalaman, the king of the Syrians, beyond Euphrates, and hired him for an + auxiliary. He had Shobach for the captain of his host, with eighty + thousand footmen, and ten thousand horsemen. Now when the king of the + Hebrews understood that the Ammonites had again gathered so great an army + together, he determined to make war with them no longer by his generals, + but he passed over the river Jordan himself with all his army; and when he + met them he joined battle with them, and overcame them, and slew forty + thousand of their footmen, and seven thousand of their horsemen. He also + wounded Shobach, the general of Chalaman's forces, who died of that + stroke; but the people of Mesopotamia, upon such a conclusion of the + battle, delivered themselves up to David, and sent him presents, who at + winter time returned to Jerusalem. But at the beginning of the spring he + sent Joab, the captain of his host, to fight against the Ammonites, who + overran all their country, and laid it waste, and shut them up in their + metropolis Rabbah, and besieged them therein. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0007" id="link72HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. How David Fell In Love With Bathsheba, And Slew Her Husband + Uriah, For Which He Is Reproved By Nathan. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But David fell now into a very grievous sin, though he were otherwise + naturally a righteous and a religious man, and one that firmly observed + the laws of our fathers; for when late in an evening he took a view round + him from the roof of his royal palace, where he used to walk at that hour, + he saw a woman washing herself in her own house: she was one of + extraordinary beauty, and therein surpassed all other women; her name was + Bathsheba. So he was overcome by that woman's beauty, and was not able to + restrain his desires, but sent for her, and lay with her. Hereupon she + conceived with child, and sent to the king, that he should contrive some + way for concealing her sin [for, according to the laws of their fathers, + she who had been guilty of adultery ought to be put to death]. So the king + sent for Joab's armor-bearer from the siege, who was the woman's husband, + and his name was Uriah. And when he was come, the king inquired of him + about the army, and about the siege; and when he had made answer that all + their affairs went according to their wishes, the king took some portions + of meat from his supper, and gave them to him, and bade him go home to his + wife, and take his rest with her. Uriah did not do so, but slept near the + king with the rest of his armor-bearers. When the king was informed of + this, he asked him why he did not go home to his house, and to his wife, + after so long an absence; which is the natural custom of all men, when + they come from a long journey. He replied, that it was not right, while + his fellow soldiers, and the general of the army, slept upon the ground, + in the camp, and in an enemy's country, that he should go and take his + rest, and solace himself with his wife. So when he had thus replied, the + king ordered him to stay there that night, that he might dismiss him the + next day to the general. So the king invited Uriah to supper, and after a + cunning and dexterous manlier plied him with drink at supper, till he was + thereby disordered; yet did he nevertheless sleep at the king's gates + without any inclination to go to his wife. Upon this the king was very + angry at him; and wrote to Joab, and commanded him to punish Uriah, for he + told him that he had offended him; and he suggested to him the manner in + which he would have him punished, that it might not be discovered that he + was himself the author of this his punishment; for he charged him to set + him over against that part of the enemy's army where the attack would be + most hazardous, and where he might be deserted, and be in the greatest + jeopardy, for he bade him order his fellow soldiers to retire out of the + fight. When he had written thus to him, and sealed the letter with his own + seal, he gave it to Uriah to carry to Joab. When Joab had received it, and + upon reading it understood the king's purpose, he set Uriah in that place + where he knew the enemy would be most troublesome to them; and gave him + for his partners some of the best soldiers in the army; and said that he + would also come to their assistance with the whole army, that if possible + they might break down some part of the wall, and enter the city. And he + desired him to be glad of the opportunity of exposing himself to such + great pains, and not to be displeased at it, since he was a valiant + soldier, and had a great reputation for his valor, both with the king and + with his countrymen. And when Uriah undertook the work he was set upon + with alacrity, he gave private orders to those who were to be his + companions, that when they saw the enemy make a sally, they should leave + him. When, therefore, the Hebrews made an attack upon the city, the + Ammonites were afraid that the enemy might prevent them, and get up into + the city, and this at the very place whither Uriah was ordered; so they + exposed their best soldiers to be in the forefront, and opened their gates + suddenly, and fell upon the enemy with great vehemence, and ran violently + upon them. When those that were with Uriah saw this, they all retreated + backward, as Joab had directed them beforehand; but Uriah, as ashamed to + run away and leave his post, sustained the enemy, and receiving the + violence of their onset, he slew many of them; but being encompassed + round, and caught in the midst of them, he was slain, and some other of + his companions were slain with him. + </p> + <p> + 2. When this was done, Joab sent messengers to the king, and ordered them + to tell him that he did what he could to take the city soon; but that, as + they made an assault on the wall, they had been forced to retire with + great loss; and bade them, if they saw the king was angry at it, to add + this, that Uriah was slain also. When the king had heard this of the + messengers, he took it heinously, and said that they did wrong when they + assaulted the wall, whereas they ought, by undermining and other + stratagems of war, to endeavor the taking of the city, especially when + they had before their eyes the example of Abimelech, the son of Gideon, + who would needs take the tower in Thebes by force, and was killed by a + large stone thrown at him by an old woman; and although he was a man of + great prowess, he died ignominiously by the dangerous manner of his + assault: that they should remember this accident, and not come near the + enemy's wall, for that the best method of making war with success was to + call to mind the accidents of former wars, and what good or bad success + had attended them in the like dangerous cases, that so they might imitate + the one, and avoid the other. But when the king was in this disposition, + the messenger told him that Uriah was slain also; whereupon he was + pacified. So he bade the messenger go back to Joab and tell him that this + misfortune is no other than what is common among mankind, and that such is + the nature, and such the accidents of war, insomuch that sometimes the + enemy will have success therein, and sometimes others; but that he ordered + him to go on still in his care about the siege, that no ill accident might + befall him in it hereafter; that they should raise bulwarks and use + machines in besieging the city; and when they have gotten it, to overturn + its very foundations, and to destroy all those that are in it. Accordingly + the messenger carried the king's message with which he was charged, and + made haste to Joab. But Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, when she was + informed of the death of her husband, mourned for his death many days; and + when her mourning was over, and the tears which she shed for Uriah were + dried up, the king took her to wife presently; and a son was born to him + by her. + </p> + <p> + 3. With this marriage God was not well pleased, but was thereupon angry at + David; and he appeared to Nathan the prophet in his sleep, and complained + of the king. Now Nathan was a fair and prudent man; and considering that + kings, when they fall into a passion, are guided more by that passion than + they are by justice, he resolved to conceal the threatenings that + proceeded from God, and made a good-natured discourse to him, and this + after the manner following:—He desired that the king would give him + his opinion in the following case:—"There were," said he, "two men + inhabiting the same city, the one of them was rich, and [the other poor]. + The rich man had a great many flocks of cattle, of sheep, and of kine; but + the poor man had but one ewe lamb. This he brought up with his children, + and let her eat her food with them; and he had the same natural affection + for her which any one might have for a daughter. Now upon the coming of a + stranger to the rich man, he would not vouchsafe to kill any of his own + flocks, and thence feast his friend; but he sent for the poor man's lamb, + and took her away from him, and made her ready for food, and thence + feasted the stranger." This discourse troubled the king exceedingly; and + he denounced to Nathan, that "this man was a wicked man who could dare to + do such a thing; and that it was but just that he should restore the lamb + fourfold, and be punished with death for it also." Upon this Nathan + immediately said that he was himself the man who ought to suffer those + punishments, and that by his own sentence; and that it was he who had + perpetrated this 'great and horrid crime.' He also revealed to him, and + laid before him, the anger of God against him, who had made him king over + the army of the Hebrews, and lord of all the nations, and those many and + great nations round about him; who had formerly delivered him out of the + hands of Saul, and had given him such wives as he had justly and legally + married; and now this God was despised by him, and affronted by his + impiety, when he had married, and now had, another man's wife; and by + exposing her husband to the enemy, had really slain him; that God would + inflict punishments upon him on account of those instances of wickedness; + that his own wives should be forced by one of his sons; and that he should + be treacherously supplanted by the same son; and that although he had + perpetrated his wickedness secretly, yet should that punishment which he + was to undergo be inflicted publicly upon him; "that, moreover," said he, + "the child which was born to thee of her shall soon die." When the king + was troubled at these messages, and sufficiently confounded, and said with + tears and sorrow that he had sinned, [for he was without controversy a + pious man, and guilty of no sin at all in his whole life, excepting those + in the matter of Uriah,] God had compassion on him, and was reconciled to + him, and promised that he would preserve to him both his life and his + kingdom; for he said that, seeing he repented of the things he had done, + he was no longer displeased with him. So Nathan, when he had delivered + this prophecy to the king, returned home. + </p> + <p> + 4. However, God sent a dangerous distemper upon the child that was born to + David of the wife of Uriah, at which the king was troubled, and did not + take any food for seven days, although his servants almost forced him to + take it; but he clothed himself in a black garment, and fell down, and lay + upon the ground in sackcloth, entrusting God for the recovery of the + child, for he vehemently loved the child's mother; but when, on the + seventh day, the child was dead, the king's servants durst not tell him of + it, as supposing that when he knew it, he would still less admit of food, + and other care of himself, by reason of his grief at the death of his son, + since when the child was only sick, he so greatly afflicted himself, and + grieved for him: but when the king perceived that his servants were in + disorder, and seemed to be affected, as those who are very desirous to + conceal something, he understood that the child was dead; and when he had + called one of his servants to him, and discovered that so it was, he arose + up and washed himself, and took a white garment, and came into the + tabernacle of God. He also commanded them to set supper before him, and + thereby greatly surprised his kindred and servants, while he did nothing + of this when the child was sick, but did it all when he was dead. + Whereupon having first begged leave to ask him a question, they besought + him to tell them the reason of this his conduct; he then called them + unskillful people, and instructed them how he had hopes of the recovery of + the child while it was alive, and accordingly did all that was proper for + him to do, as thinking by such means to render God propitious to him; but + that when the child was dead, there was no longer any occasion for grief, + which was then to no purpose. When he had said this, they commended the + king's wisdom and understanding. He then went in unto Bathsheba his wife, + and she conceived and bare a son; and by the command of Nathan the prophet + called his name Solomon. + </p> + <p> + 5. But Joab sorely distressed the Ammonites in the siege, by cutting off + their waters, and depriving them of other means of subsistence, till they + were in the greatest want of meat and drink, for they depended only on one + small well of water, and this they durst not drink of too freely, lest the + fountain should entirely fail them. So he wrote to the king, and informed + him thereof; and persuaded him to come himself to take the city, that he + might have the honor of the victory. Upon this letter of Joab's, the king + accepted of his good-will and fidelity, and took with him his army, and + came to the destruction of Rabbah; and when he had taken it by force, he + gave it to his soldiers to plunder it; but he himself took the king of the + Ammonites' crown, whose weight was a talent of gold; <a + href="#link7note-13" name="link7noteref-13" id="link7noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> + and it had in its middle a precious stone called a sardonyx; which crown + David ever after wore on his own head. He also found many other vessels in + the city, and those both splendid and of great price; but as for the men, + he tormented them, <a href="#link7note-14" name="link7noteref-14" + id="link7noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> and then destroyed them; and + when he had taken the other cities of the Ammonites by force, he treated + them after the same manner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0008" id="link72HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. How Absalom Murdered Amnon, Who Had Forced His Own Sister; And + How He Was Banished And Afterwards Recalled By David. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When the king was returned to Jerusalem, a sad misfortune befell his + house, on the occasion following: He had a daughter, who was yet a virgin, + and very handsome, insomuch that she surpassed all the most beautiful + women; her name was Tamar; she had the same mother with Absalom. Now + Amnon, David's eldest son, fell in love with her, and being not able to + obtain his desires, on account of her virginity, and the custody she was + under, was so much out of order, nay, his grief so eat up his body, that + he grew lean, and his color was changed. Now there was one Jenadab, a + kinsman and friend of his, who discovered this his passion, for he was an + extraordinary wise man, and of great sagacity of mind. When, therefore, he + saw that every morning Amnon was not in body as he ought to be, he came to + him, and desired him to tell him what was the cause of it: however, he + said that he guessed that it arose from the passion of love. Amnon + confessed his passion, that he was in love with a sister of his, who had + the same father with himself. So Jenadab suggested to him by what method + and contrivance he might obtain his desires; for he persuaded him to + pretend sickness, and bade him, when his father should come to him, to beg + of him that his sister might come and minister to him; for if that were + done, he should be better, and should quickly recover from his distemper. + So Amnon lay down on his bed, and pretended to be sick, as Jonadab had + suggested. When his father came, and inquired how he did, he begged of him + to send his sister to him. Accordingly, he presently ordered her to be + brought to him; and when she was come, Amnon bade her make cakes for him, + and fry them in a pan, and do it all with her own hands, because he should + take them better from her hand [than from any one's else]. So she kneaded + the flour in the sight of her brother, and made him cakes, and baked them + in a pan, and brought them to him; but at that time he would not taste + them, but gave order to his servants to send all that were there out of + his chamber, because he had a mind to repose himself, free from tumult and + disturbance. As soon as what he had commanded was done, he desired his + sister to bring his supper to him into the inner parlor; which, when the + damsel had done, he took hold of her, and endeavored to persuade her to + lie with him. Whereupon the damsel cried out, and said, "Nay, brother, do + not force me, nor be so wicked as to transgress the laws, and bring upon + thyself the utmost confusion. Curb this thy unrighteous and impure lust, + from which our house will get nothing but reproach and disgrace." She also + advised him to speak to his father about this affair; for he would permit + him [to marry her]. This she said, as desirous to avoid her brother's + violent passion at present. But he would not yield to her; but, inflamed + with love and blinded with the vehemency of his passion, he forced his + sister: but as soon as Amnon had satisfied his lust, he hated her + immediately, and giving her reproachful words, bade her rise up and be + gone. And when she said that this was a more injurious treatment than the + former, if, now he had forced her, he would not let her stay with him till + the evening, but bid her go away in the day- time, and while it was light, + that she might meet with people that would be witnesses of her shame,—he + commanded his servant to turn her out of his house. Whereupon she was + sorely grieved at the injury and violence that had been offered to her, + and rent her loose coat, [for the virgins of old time wore such loose + coats tied at the hands, and let down to the ankles, that the inner coats + might not be seen,] and sprinkled ashes on her head; and went up the + middle of the city, crying out and lamenting for the violence that had + been offered her. Now Absalom, her brother, happened to meet her, and + asked her what sad thing had befallen her, that she was in that plight; + and when she had told him what injury had been offered her, he comforted + her, and desired her to be quiet, and take all patiently, and not to + esteem her being corrupted by her brother as an injury. So she yielded to + his advice, and left off her crying out, and discovering the force offered + her to the multitude; and she continued as a widow with her brother + Absalom a long time. + </p> + <p> + 2. When David his father knew this, he was grieved at the actions of + Amnon; but because he had an extraordinary affection for him, for he was + his eldest son, he was compelled not to afflict him; but Absalom watched + for a fit opportunity of revenging this crime upon him, for he thoroughly + hated him. Now the second year after this wicked affair about his sister + was over, and Absalom was about to go to shear his own sheep at Baalhazor, + which is a city in the portion of Ephraim, he besought his father, as well + as his brethren, to come and feast with him: but when David excused + himself, as not being willing to be burdensome to him, Absalom desired he + would however send his brethren; whom he did send accordingly. Then + Absalom charged his own servants, that when they should see Amnon + disordered and drowsy with wine, and he should give them a signal, they + should fear nobody, but kill him. + </p> + <p> + 3. When they had done as they were commanded, the rest of his brethren + were astonished and disturbed, and were afraid for themselves, so they + immediately got on horseback, and rode away to their father; but somebody + there was who prevented them, and told their father they were all slain by + Absalom; whereupon he was overcome with sorrow, as for so many of his sons + that were destroyed at once, and that by their brother also; and by this + consideration, that it was their brother that appeared to have slain them, + he aggravated his sorrow for them. So he neither inquired what was the + cause of this slaughter, nor staid to hear any thing else, which yet it + was but reasonable to have done, when so very great, and by that greatness + so incredible, a misfortune was related to him: he rent his clothes and + threw himself upon the ground, and there lay lamenting the loss of all his + sons, both those who, as he was informed, were slain, and of him who slew + them. But Jonadab, the son of his brother Shemeah, entreated him not to + indulge his sorrow so far, for as to the rest of his sons he did not + believe that they were slain, for he found no cause for such a suspicion; + but he said it might deserve inquiry as to Amnon, for it was not unlikely + that Absalom might venture to kill him on account of the injury he had + offered to Tamar. In the mean time, a great noise of horses, and a tumult + of some people that were coming, turned their attention to them; they were + the king's sons, who were fled away from the feast. So their father met + them as they were in their grief, and he himself grieved with them; but it + was more than he expected to see those his sons again, whom he had a + little before heard to have perished. However, their were tears on both + sides; they lamenting their brother who was killed, and the king lamenting + his son, who was killed also; but Absalom fled to Geshur, to his + grandfather by his mother's side, who was king of that country, and he + remained with him three whole years. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now David had a design to send to Absalom, not that he should come to + be punished, but that he might be with him, for the effects of his anger + were abated by length of time. It was Joab, the captain of his host, that + chiefly persuaded him so to do; for he suborned an ordinary woman, that + was stricken in age, to go to the king in mourning apparel, who said thus + to him:—That two of her sons, in a coarse way, had some difference + between them, and that in the progress of that difference they came to an + open quarrel, and that one was smitten by the other, and was dead; and she + desired him to interpose in this case, and to do her the favor to save + this her son from her kindred, who were very zealous to have him that had + slain his brother put to death, that so she might not be further deprived + of the hopes she had of being taken care of in her old age by him; and + that if he would hinder this slaughter of her son by those that wished for + it, he would do her a great favor, because the kindred would not be + restrained from their purpose by any thing else than by the fear of him. + And when the king had given his consent to what the woman had begged of + him, she made this reply to him:—"I owe thee thanks for thy + benignity to me in pitying my old age, and preventing the loss of my only + remaining child; but in order to assure me of this thy kindness, be first + reconciled to thine own son, and cease to be angry with him; for how shall + I persuade myself that thou hast really bestowed this favor upon me, while + thou thyself continuest after the like manner in thy wrath to thine own + son? for it is a foolish thing to add willfully another to thy dead son, + while the death of the other was brought about without thy consent." And + now the king perceived that this pretended story was a subornation derived + from Joab, and was of his contrivance; and when, upon inquiry of the old + woman, he understood it to be so in reality, he called for Joab, and told + him he had obtained what he requested according to his own mind; and he + bid him bring Absalom back, for he was not now displeased, but had already + ceased to be angry with him. So Joab bowed himself down to the king, and + took his words kindly, and went immediately to Geshur, and took Absalom + with him, and came to Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + 5. However, the king sent a message to his son beforehand, as he was + coming, and commanded him to retire to his own house, for he was not yet + in such a disposition as to think fit at present to see him. Accordingly, + upon the father's command, he avoided coming into his presence, and + contented himself with the respects paid him by his own family only. Now + his beauty was not impaired, either by the grief he had been under, or by + the want of such care as was proper to be taken of a king's son, for he + still surpassed and excelled all men in the tallness of his body, and was + more eminent [in a fine appearance] than those that dieted the most + luxuriously; and indeed such was the thickness of the hair of his head, + that it was with difficulty that he was polled every eighth day; and his + hair weighed two hundred shekels <a href="#link7note-15" + name="link7noteref-15" id="link7noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> which + are five pounds. However, he dwelt in Jerusalem two years, and became the + father of three sons, and one daughter; which daughter was of very great + beauty, and which Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, took to wife afterward, + and had by her a son named Abijah. But Absalom sent to Joab, and desired + him to pacify his father entirely towards him; and to beseech him to give + him leave to come to him to see him, and speak with him. But when Joab + neglected so to do, he sent some of his own servants, and set fire to the + field adjoining to him; which, when Joab understood, he came to Absalom, + and accused him of what he had done; and asked him the reason why he did + so. To which Absalom replied, that "I have found out this stratagem that + might bring thee to us, while thou hast taken no care to perform the + injunction I laid upon thee, which was this, to reconcile my father to me; + and I really beg it of thee, now thou art here, to pacify my father as to + me, since I esteem my coming hither to be more grievous than my + banishment, while my father's wrath against me continues." Hereby Joab was + persuaded, and pitied the distress that Absalom was in, and became an + intercessor with the king for him. And when he had discoursed with his + father, he soon brought him to that amicable disposition towards Absalom, + that he presently sent for him to come to him; and when he had cast + himself down upon the ground, and had begged for the forgiveness of his + offenses, the king raised him up, and promised him to forget what he had + formerly done. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0009" id="link72HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Insurrection Of Absalom Against David And + Concerning Ahithophel And Hushai; And Concerning Ziba And Shimei; And How + Ahithophel Hanged Himself. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Absalom, upon this his success with the king, procured to himself a + great many horses, and many chariots, and that in a little time also. He + had moreover fifty armor-bearers that were about him; and he came early + every day to the king's palace, and spake what was agreeable to such as + came for justice and lost their causes, as if that happened for want of + good counselors about the king, or perhaps because the judges mistook in + that unjust sentence they gave; whereby he gained the good-will of them + all. He told them, that had he but such authority committed to him, he + would distribute justice to them in a most equitable manner. When he had + made himself so popular among the multitude, he thought he had already the + good-will of the people secured to him; but when four years <a + href="#link7note-16" name="link7noteref-16" id="link7noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> + had passed since his father's reconciliation to him, he came to him, and + besought him to give him leave to go to Hebron, and pay a sacrifice to + God, because he vowed it to him when he fled out of the country. So when + David had granted his request, he went thither, and great multitudes came + running together to him, for he had sent to a great number so to do. + </p> + <p> + 2. Among them came Ahithophel the Gilonite, a counsellor of David's, and + two hundred men out of Jerusalem itself, who knew not his intentions, but + were sent for as to a sacrifice. So he was appointed king by all of them, + which he obtained by this stratagem. As soon as this news was brought to + David, and he was informed of what he did not expect from his son, he was + affrighted at this his impious and bold undertaking, and wondered that he + was so far from remembering how his offense had been so lately forgiven + him, that he undertook much worse and more wicked enterprises; first, to + deprive him of that kingdom which was given him of God; and secondly, to + take away his own father's life. He therefore resolved to fly to the parts + beyond Jordan: so he called his most intimate friends together, and + communicated to them all that he had heard of his son's madness. He + committed himself to God, to judge between them about all their actions; + and left the care of his royal palace to his ten concubines, and went away + from Jerusalem, being willingly accompanied by the rest of the multitude, + who went hastily away with him, and particularly by those six hundred + armed men, who had been with him from his first flight in the days of + Saul. But he persuaded Abiathar and Zadok, the high priests, who had + determined to go away with him, as also all the Levites, who were with the + ark, to stay behind, as hoping that God would deliver him without its + removal; but he charged them to let him know privately how all things went + on; and he had their sons, Ahimmaz the son of Zadok, and Jonathan the son + of Abiathar, for faithful ministers in all things; but Ittai the Gitrite + went out with him whether David would let him or not, for he would have + persuaded him to stay, and on that account he appeared the more friendly + to him. But as he was ascending the Mount of Olives barefooted, and all + his company were in tears, it was told him that Ahithophel was with + Absalom, and was of his side. This hearing augmented his grief; and he + besought God earnestly to alienate the mind of Absalom from Ahithophel, + for he was afraid that he should persuade him to follow his pernicious + counsel, for he was a prudent man, and very sharp in seeing what was + advantageous. When David was gotten upon the top of the mountain, he took + a view of the city; and prayed to God with abundance of tears, as having + already lost his kingdom; and here it was that a faithful friend of his, + whose name was Hushai, met him. When David saw him with his clothes rent, + and having ashes all over his head, and in lamentation for the great + change of affairs, he comforted him, and exhorted him to leave off + grieving; nay, at length he besought him to go back to Absalom, and appear + as one of his party, and to fish out the secretest counsels of his mind, + and to contradict the counsels of Ahithophel, for that he could not do him + so much good by being with him as he might by being with Absalom. So he + was prevailed on by David, and left him, and came to Jerusalem, whither + Absalom himself came also a little while afterward. + </p> + <p> + 3. When David was gone a little farther, there met him Ziba, the servant + of Mephibosheth, [whom he had sent to take care of the possessions which + had been given him, as the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul,] with a + couple of asses, loaden with provisions, and desired him to take as much + of them as he and his followers stood in need of. And when the king asked + him where he had left Mephibosheth, he said he had left him in Jerusalem, + expecting to be chosen king in the present confusions, in remembrance of + the benefits Saul had conferred upon them. At this the king had great + indignation, and gave to Ziba all that he had formerly bestowed on + Mephibosheth; for he determined that it was much fitter that he should + have them than the other; at which Ziba greatly rejoiced. + </p> + <p> + 4. When David was at Bahurim, a place so called, there came out a kinsman + of Saul's, whose name was Shimei, and threw stones at him, and gave him + reproachful words; and as his friends stood about the king and protected + him, he persevered still more in his reproaches, and called him a bloody + man, and the author of all sorts of mischief. He bade him also go out of + the land as an impure and accursed wretch; and he thanked God for + depriving him of his kingdom, and causing him to be punished for what + injuries he had done to his master [Saul], and this by the means of his + own son. Now when they were all provoked against him, and angry at him, + and particularly Abishai, who had a mind to kill Shimei, David restrained + his anger. "Let us not," said he, "bring upon ourselves another fresh + misfortune to those we have already, for truly I have not the least regard + nor concern for this dog that raves at me: I submit myself to God, by + whose permission this man treats me in such a wild manner; nor is it any + wonder that I am obliged to undergo these abuses from him, while I + experience the like from an impious son of my own; but perhaps God will + have some commiseration upon us; if it be his will we shall overcome + them." So he went on his way without troubling himself with Shimei, who + ran along the other side of the mountain, and threw out his abusive + language plentifully. But when David was come to Jordan, he allowed those + that were with him to refresh themselves; for they were weary. + </p> + <p> + 5. But when Absalom, and Ahithophel his counselor, were come to Jerusalem, + with all the people, David's friend, Hushai, came to them; and when he had + worshipped Absalom, he withal wished that his kingdom might last a long + time, and continue for all ages. But when Absalom said to him, "How comes + this, that he who was so intimate a friend of my father's, and appeared + faithful to him in all things, is not with him now, but hath left him, and + is come over to me?" Hushai's answer was very pertinent and prudent; for + he said, "We ought to follow God and the multitude of the people; while + these, therefore, my lord and master, are with thee, it is fit that I + should follow them, for thou hast received the kingdom from God. I will + therefore, if thou believest me to be thy friend, show the same fidelity + and kindness to thee, which thou knowest I have shown to thy father; nor + is there any reason to be in the least dissatisfied with the present state + of affairs, for the kingdom is not transferred into another, but remains + still in the same family, by the son's receiving it after his father." + This speech persuaded Absalom, who before suspected Hushai. And now he + called Ahithophel, and consulted with him what he ought to do: he + persuaded him to go in unto his father's concubines; for he said that "by + this action the people would believe that thy difference with thy father + is irreconcilable, and will thence fight with great alacrity against thy + father, for hitherto they are afraid of taking up open enmity against him, + out of an expectation that you will be reconciled again." Accordingly, + Absalom was prevailed on by this advice, and commanded his servants to + pitch him a tent upon the top of the royal palace, in the sight of the + multitude; and he went in and lay with his father's concubines. Now this + came to pass according to the prediction of Nathan, when he prophesied and + signified to him that his son would rise up in rebellion against him. + </p> + <p> + 6. And when Absalom had done what he was advised to by Ahithophel, he + desired his advice, in the second place, about the war against his father. + Now Ahithophel only asked him to let him have ten thousand chosen men, and + he promised he would slay his father, and bring the soldiers back again in + safety; and he said that then the kingdom would be firm to him when David + was dead [but not otherwise]. Absalom was pleased with this advice, and + called for Hushai, David's friend [for so did he style him]; and informing + him of the opinion of Ahithophel, he asked, further, what was his opinion + concerning that matter. Now he was sensible that if Ahithophel's counsel + were followed, David would be in danger of being seized on, and slain; so + he attempted to introduce a contrary opinion, and said, "Thou art not + unacquainted, O king, with the valor of thy father, and of those that are + now with him; that he hath made many wars, and hath always come off with + victory, though probably he now abides in the camp, for he is very + skillful in stratagems, and in foreseeing the deceitful tricks of his + enemies; yet will he leave his own soldiers in the evening, and will + either hide himself in some valley, or will place an ambush at some rock; + so that when our army joins battle with him, his soldiers will retire for + a little while, but will come upon us again, as encouraged by the king's + being near them; and in the mean time your father will show himself + suddenly in the time of the battle, and will infuse courage into his own + people when they are in danger, but bring consternation to thine. + Consider, therefore, my advice, and reason upon it, and if thou canst not + but acknowledge it to be the best, reject the opinion of Ahithophel. Send + to the entire country of the Hebrews, and order them to come and fight + with thy father; and do thou thyself take the army, and be thine own + general in this war, and do not trust its management to another; then + expect to conquer him with ease, when thou overtakest him openly with his + few partisans, but hast thyself many ten thousands, who will be desirous + to demonstrate to thee their diligence and alacrity. And if thy father + shall shut himself up in some city, and bear a siege, we will overthrow + that city with machines of war, and by undermining it." When Hushai had + said this, he obtained his point against Ahithophel, for his opinion was + preferred by Absalom before the other's: however, it was no other than God + <a href="#link7note-17" name="link7noteref-17" id="link7noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> + who made the counsel of Hushai appear best to the mind of Absalom. + </p> + <p> + 7. So Hushai made haste to the high priests, Zadok and Abiathar, and told + them the opinion of Ahithophel, and his own, and that the resolution was + taken to follow this latter advice. He therefore bade them send to David, + and tell him of it, and to inform him of the counsels that had been taken; + and to desire him further to pass quickly over Jordan, lest his son should + change his mind, and make haste to pursue him, and so prevent him, and + seize upon him before he be in safety. Now the high priests had their sons + concealed in a proper place out of the city, that they might carry news to + David of what was transacted. Accordingly, they sent a maid-servant, whom + they could trust, to them, to carry the news of Absalom's counsels, and + ordered them to signify the same to David with all speed. So they made no + excuse nor delay, but taking along with them their fathers' injunctions, + because pious and faithful ministers, and judging that quickness and + suddenness was the best mark of faithful service, they made haste to meet + with David. But certain horsemen saw them when they were two furlongs from + the city, and informed Absalom of them, who immediately sent some to take + them; but when the sons of the high priest perceived this, they went out + of the road, and betook themselves to a certain village; that village was + called Bahurim; there they desired a certain woman to hide them, and + afford them security. Accordingly she let the young men down by a rope + into a well, and laid fleeces of wool over them; and when those that + pursued them came to her, and asked her whether she saw them, she did not + deny that she had seen them, for that they staid with her some time, but + she said they then went their ways; and she foretold that, however, if + they would follow them directly, they would catch them; but when after a + long pursuit they could not catch them, they came back again; and when the + woman saw those men were returned, and that there was no longer any fear + of the young men's being caught by them, she drew them up by the rope, and + bade them go on their journey accordingly, they used great diligence in + the prosecution of that journey, and came to David, and informed him + accurately of all the counsels of Absalom. So he commanded those that were + with him to pass over Jordan while it was night, and not to delay at all + on that account. + </p> + <p> + 8. But Ahithophel, on rejection of his advice, got upon his ass, and rode + away to his own country, Gilon; and, calling his family together, he told + them distinctly what advice he had given Absalom; and since he had not + been persuaded by it, he said he would evidently perish, and this in no + long time, and that David would overcome him, and return to his kingdom + again; so he said it was better that he should take his own life away with + freedom and magnanimity, than expose himself to be punished by David, in + opposition to whom he had acted entirely for Absalom. When he had + discoursed thus to them, he went into the inmost room of his house, and + hanged himself; and thus was the death of Ahithophel, who was + self-condemned; and when his relations had taken him down from the halter, + they took care of his funeral. Now, as for David, he passed over Jordan, + as we have said already, and came to Mahanaim, every fine and very strong + city; and all the chief men of the country received him with great + pleasure, both out of the shame they had that he should be forced to flee + away [from Jerusalem], and out of the respect they bare him while he was + in his former prosperity. These were Barzillai the Gileadite, and Siphar + the ruler among the Ammonites, and Machir the principal man of Gilead; and + these furnished him with plentiful provisions for himself and his + followers, insomuch that they wanted no beds nor blankets for them, nor + loaves of bread, nor wine; nay, they brought them a great many cattle for + slaughter, and afforded them what furniture they wanted for their + refreshment when they were weary, and for food, with plenty of other + necessaries. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0010" id="link72HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. How, When Absalom Was Beaten, He Was Caught In A Tree By His + Hair And Was Slain + </h3> + <p> + 1. And this was the state of David and his followers: but Absalom got + together a vast army of the Hebrews to oppose his father, and passed + therewith over the river Jordan, and sat down not far off Mahanaim, in the + country of Gilead. He appointed Amasa to be captain of all his host, + instead of Joab his kinsman: his father was Ithra and his mother Abigail: + now she and Zeruiah, the mother of Joab, were David's sisters. But when + David had numbered his followers, and found them to be about four + thousand, he resolved not to tarry till Absalom attacked him, but set over + his men captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, and divided his + army into three parts; the one part he committed to Joab, the next to + Abishai, Joab's brother, and the third to Ittai, David's companion and + friend, but one that came from the city Gath; and when he was desirous of + fighting himself among them, his friends would not let him: and this + refusal of theirs was founded upon very wise reasons: "For," said they, + "if we be conquered when he is with us, we have lost all good hopes of + recovering ourselves; but if we should be beaten in one part of our army, + the other parts may retire to him, and may thereby prepare a greater + force, while the enemy will naturally suppose that he hath another army + with him." So David was pleased with this their advice, and resolved + himself to tarry at Mahanaim; and as he sent his friends and commanders to + the battle, he desired them to show all possible alacrity and fidelity, + and to bear in mind what advantages they had received from him, which, + though they had not been very great, yet had they not been quite + inconsiderable; and he begged of them to spare the young man Absalom, lest + some mischief should befall himself, if he should be killed; and thus did + he send out his army to the battle, and wished them victory therein. + </p> + <p> + 2. Then did Joab put his army in battle-array over against the enemy in + the Great Plain, where he had a wood behind him. Absalom also brought his + army into the field to oppose him. Upon the joining of the battle, both + sides showed great actions with their hands and their boldness; the one + side exposing themselves to the greatest hazards, and using their utmost + alacrity, that David might recover his kingdom; and the other being no way + deficient, either in doing or suffering, that Absalom might not be + deprived of that kingdom, and be brought to punishment by his father for + his impudent attempt against him. Those also that were the most numerous + were solicitous that they might not be conquered by those few that were + with Joab, and with the other commanders, because that would be the + greater disgrace to them; while David's soldiers strove greatly to + overcome so many ten thousands as the enemy had with them. Now David's men + were conquerors, as superior in strength and skill in war; so they + followed the others as they fled away through the forests and valleys; + some they took prisoners, and many they slew, and more in the flight than + in the battle for there fell about twenty thousand that day. But all + David's men ran violently upon Absalom, for he was easily known by his + beauty and tallness. He was himself also afraid lest his enemies should + seize on him, so he got upon the king's mule, and fled; but as he was + carried with violence, and noise, and a great motion, as being himself + light, he entangled his hair greatly in the large boughs of a knotty tree + that spread a great way, and there he hung, after a surprising manner; and + as for the beast, it went on farther, and that swiftly, as if his master + had been still upon his back; but he, hanging in the air upon the boughs, + was taken by his enemies. Now when one of David's soldiers saw this, he + informed Joab of it; and when the general said, that if he had shot at and + killed Absalom, he would have given him fifty shekels,—he replied, + "I would not have killed my master's son if thou wouldst have given me a + thousand shekels, especially when he desired that the young man might be + spared in the hearing of us all." But Joab bade him show him where it was + that he saw Absalom hang; whereupon he shot him to the heart, and slew + him, and Joab's armor-bearers stood round the tree, and pulled down his + dead body, and cast it into a great chasm that was out of sight, and laid + a heap of stones upon him, till the cavity was filled up, and had both the + appearance and the bigness of a grave. Then Joab sounded a retreat, and + recalled his own soldiers from pursuing the enemy's army, in order to + spare their countrymen. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now Absalom had erected for himself a marble pillar in the king's dale, + two furlongs distant from Jerusalem, which he named Absalom's Hand, + saying, that if his children were killed, his name would remain by that + pillar; for he had three sons and one daughter, named Tamar, as we said + before, who when she was married to David's grandson, Rehoboam, bare a + son, Abijah by name, who succeeded his father in the kingdom; but of these + we shall speak in a part of our history which will be more proper. After + the death of Absalom, they returned every one to their own homes + respectively. + </p> + <p> + 4. But now Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok the high priest, went to Joab, and + desired he would permit him to go and tell David of this victory, and to + bring him the good news that God had afforded his assistance and his + providence to him. However, he did not grant his request, but said to him, + "Wilt thou, who hast always been the messenger of good news, now go and + acquaint the king that his son is dead?" So he desired him to desist. He + then called Cushi, and committed the business to him, that he should tell + the king what he had seen. But when Ahimaaz again desired him to let him + go as a messenger, and assured him that he would only relate what + concerned the victory, but not concerning the death of Absalom, he gave + him leave to go to David. Now he took a nearer road than the former did, + for nobody knew it but himself, and he came before Cushi. Now as David was + sitting between the gates, <a href="#link7note-18" name="link7noteref-18" + id="link7noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> and waiting to see when + somebody would come to him from the battle, and tell him how it went, one + of the watchmen saw Ahimaaz running, and before he could discern who he + was, he told David that he saw somebody coming to him, who said he was a + good messenger. A little while after, he informed him that another + messenger followed him; whereupon the king said that he also was a good + messenger: but when the watchman saw Ahimaaz, and that he was already very + near, he gave the king notice that it was the son of Zadok the high priest + who came running. So David was very glad, and said he was a messenger of + good tidings, and brought him some such news from the battle as he desired + to hear. + </p> + <p> + 5. While the king was saying thus, Ahimaaz appeared, and worshipped the + king. And when the king inquired of him about the battle, he said he + brought him the good news of victory and dominion. And when he inquired + what he had to say concerning his son, he said that he came away on the + sudden as soon as the enemy was defeated, but that he heard a great noise + of those that pursued Absalom, and that he could learn no more, because of + the haste he made when Joab sent him to inform him of the victory. But + when Cushi was come, and had worshipped him, and informed him of the + victory, he asked him about his son, who replied, "May the like misfortune + befall thine enemies as hath befallen Absalom." That word did not permit + either himself or his soldiers to rejoice for the victory, though it was a + very great one; but David went up to the highest part of the city, <a + href="#link7note-19" name="link7noteref-19" id="link7noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> + and wept for his son, and beat his breast, tearing [the hair of] his head, + tormenting himself all manner of ways, and crying out, "O my son! I wish + that I had died myself, and ended my days with thee!" for he was of a + tender natural affection, and had extraordinary compassion for this son in + particular. But when the army and Joab heard that the king mourned for his + son, they were ashamed to enter the city in the habit of conquerors, but + they all came in as cast down, and in tears, as if they had been beaten. + Now while the king covered himself, and grievously lamented his son, Joab + went in to him, and comforted him, and said, "O my lord the king, thou art + not aware that thou layest a blot on thyself by what thou now doest; for + thou seemest to hate those that love thee, and undergo dangers for thee + nay, to hate thyself and thy family, and to love those that are thy bitter + enemies, and to desire the company of those that are no more, and who have + been justly slain; for had Absalom gotten the victory, and firmly settled + himself in the kingdom, there had been none of us left alive, but all of + us, beginning with thyself and thy children, had miserably perished, while + our enemies had not wept for his, but rejoiced over us, and punished even + those that pitied us in our misfortunes; and thou art not ashamed to do + this in the case of one that has been thy bitter enemy, who, while he was + thine own son hath proved so wicked to thee. Leave off, therefore, thy + unreasonable grief, and come abroad and be seen of thy soldiers, and + return them thanks for the alacrity they showed in the fight; for I myself + will this day persuade the people to leave thee, and to give the kingdom + to another, if thou continuest to do thus; and then I shall make thee to + grieve bitterly and in earnest." Upon Joab's speaking thus to him, he made + the king leave off his sorrow, and brought him to the consideration of his + affairs. So David changed his habit, and exposed himself in a manner fit + to be seen by the multitude, and sat at the gates; whereupon all the + people heard of it, and ran together to him, and saluted him. And this was + the present state of David's affairs. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0011" id="link72HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. How David, When He Had Recovered His Kingdom, Was Reconciled + To Shimei, And To Ziba; And Showed A Great Affection To Barzillai; And + How, Upon The Rise Of A Sedition, He Made Amasa Captain Of His Host, In + Order To Pursue Seba; Which Amasa Was Slain By Joab. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now those Hebrews that had been With Absalom, and had retired out of + the battle, when they were all returned home, sent messengers to every + city to put them in mind of what benefits David had bestowed upon them, + and of that liberty which he had procured them, by delivering them from + many and great wars. But they complained, that whereas they had ejected + him out of his kingdom, and committed it to another governor, which other + governor, whom they had set up, was already dead, they did not now beseech + David to leave off his anger at them, and to become friends with them, + and, as he used to do, to resume the care of their affairs, and take the + kingdom again. This was often told to David. And, this notwithstanding, + David sent to Zadok and Abiathar the high priests, that they should speak + to the rulers of the tribe of Judah after the manner following: That it + would be a reproach upon them to permit the other tribes to choose David + for their king before their tribe, "and this," said he, "while you are + akin to him, and of the same common blood." He commanded them also to say + the same to Amasa the captain of their forces, That whereas he was his + sister's son, he had not persuaded the multitude to restore the kingdom to + David; that he might expect from him not only a reconciliation, for that + was already granted, but that supreme command of the army also which + Absalom had bestowed upon him. Accordingly the high priests, when they had + discoursed with the rulers of the tribe, and said what the king had + ordered them, persuaded Amasa to undertake the care of his affairs. So he + persuaded that tribe to send immediately ambassadors to him, to beseech + him to return to his own kingdom. The same did all the Israelites, at the + like persuasion of Amasa. + </p> + <p> + 2. When the ambassadors came to him, he came to Jerusalem; and the tribe + of Judah was the first that came to meet the king at the river Jordan. And + Shimei, the son of Gera, came with a thousand men, which he brought with + him out of the tribe of Benjamin; and Ziba, the freed-man of Saul, with + his sons, fifteen in number, and with his twenty servants. All these, as + well as the tribe of Judah, laid a bridge [of boats] over the river, that + the king, and those that were with him, might with ease pass over it. Now + as soon as he was come to Jordan, the tribe of Judah saluted him. Shimei + also came upon the bridge, and took hold of his feet, and prayed him to + forgive him what he had offended, and not to be too bitter against him, + nor to think fit to make him the first example of severity under his new + authority; but to consider that he had repented of his failure of duty, + and had taken care to come first of all to him. While he was thus + entreating the king, and moving him to compassion, Abishai, Joab's + brother, said, "And shall not this man die for this, that he hath cursed + that king whom God hath appointed to reign over us?" But David turned + himself to him, and said, "Will you never leave off, ye sons of Zeruiah? + Do not you, I pray, raise new troubles and seditions among us, now the + former are over; for I would not have you ignorant that I this day begin + my reign, and therefore swear to remit to all offenders their punishments, + and not to animadvert on any one that has sinned. Be thou, therefore," + said he, "O Shimei, of good courage, and do not at all fear being put to + death." So he worshipped him, and went on before him. + </p> + <p> + 3. Mephibosheth also, Saul's grandson, met David, clothed in a sordid + garment, and having his hair thick and neglected; for after David was fled + away, he was in such grief that he had not polled his head, nor had he + washed his clothes, as dooming himself to undergo such hardships upon + occasion of the change-of the king's affairs. Now he had been unjustly + calumniated to the king by Ziba, his steward. When he had saluted the + king, and worshipped him, the king began to ask him why he did not go out + of Jerusalem with him, and accompany him during his flight. He replied, + that this piece of injustice was owing to Ziba; because, when he was + ordered to get things ready for his going out with him, he took no care of + it, but regarded him no more than if he had been a slave; "and, indeed, + had I had my feet sound and strong, I had not deserted thee, for I could + then have made use of them in my flight: but this is not all the injury + that Ziba has done me, as to my duty to thee, my lord and master, but he + hath calumniated me besides, and told lies about me of his own invention; + but I know thy mind will not admit of such calumnies, but is righteously + disposed, and a lover of truth, which it is also the will of God should + prevail. For when thou wast in the greatest danger of suffering by my + grandfather, and when, on that account, our whole family might justly have + been destroyed, thou wast moderate and merciful, and didst then especially + forget all those injuries, when, if thou hadst remembered them, thou hadst + the power of punishing us for them; but thou hast judged me to be thy + friend, and hast set me every day at thine own table; nor have I wanted + any thing which one of thine own kinsmen, of greatest esteem with thee, + could have expected." When he had said this, David resolved neither to + punish Mephibosheth, nor to condemn Ziba, as having belied his master; but + said to him, that as he had [before] granted all his estate to Ziba, + because he did not come along with him, so he [now] promised to forgive + him, and ordered that the one half of his estate should be restored to + him. <a href="#link7note-20" name="link7noteref-20" id="link7noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> + Whereupon Mephibosheth said, "Nay, let Ziba take all; it suffices me that + thou hast recovered thy kingdom." + </p> + <p> + 4. But David desired Barzillai the Gileadite, that great and good man, and + one that had made a plentiful provision for him at Mahanaim, and had + conducted him as far as Jordan, to accompany him to Jerusalem, for he + promised to treat him in his old age with all manner of respect—to + take care of him, and provide for him. But Barzillai was so desirous to + live at home, that he entreated him to excuse him from attendance on him; + and said that his age was too great to enjoy the pleasures [of a court,] + since he was fourscore years old, and was therefore making provision for + his death and burial: so he desired him to gratify him in this request, + and dismiss him; for he had no relish of his meat, or his drink, by reason + of his age; and that his ears were too much shut up to hear the sound of + pipes, or the melody of other musical instruments, such as all those that + live with kings delight in. When he entreated for this so earnestly, the + king said, "I dismiss thee, but thou shalt grant me thy son Chimham, and + upon him I will bestow all sorts of good things." So Barzillai left his + son with him, and worshipped the king, and wished him a prosperous + conclusion of all his affairs according to his own mind, and then returned + home; but David came to Gilgal, having about him half the people [of + Israel], and the [whole] tribe of Judah. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now the principal men of the country came to Gilgal to him with a great + multitude, and complained of the tribe of Judah, that they had come to him + in a private manner; whereas they ought all conjointly, and with one and + the same intention, to have given him the meeting. But the rulers of the + tribe of Judah desired them not to be displeased, if they had been + prevented by them; for, said they, "We are David's kinsmen, and on that + account we the rather took care of him, and loved him, and so came first + to him;" yet had they not, by their early coming, received any gifts from + him, which might give them who came last any uneasiness. When the rulers + of the tribe of Judah had said this, the rulers of the other tribes were + not quiet, but said further, "O brethren, we cannot but wonder at you when + you call the king your kinsman alone, whereas he that hath received from + God the power over all of us in common ought to be esteemed a kinsman to + us all; for which reason the whole people have eleven parts in him, and + you but one part <a href="#link7note-21" name="link7noteref-21" + id="link7noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> we are also elder than you; + wherefore you have not done justly in coming to the king in this private + and concealed manner." + </p> + <p> + 6. While these rulers were thus disputing one with another, a certain + wicked man, who took a pleasure in seditious practices, [his name was + Sheba, the son of Bichri, of the tribe of Benjamin,] stood up in the midst + of the multitude, and cried aloud, and spake thus to them: "We have no + part in David, nor inheritance in the son of Jesse." And when he had used + those words, he blew with a trumpet, and declared war against the king; + and they all left David, and followed him; the tribe of Judah alone staid + with him, and settled him in his royal palace at Jerusalem. But as for his + concubines, with whom Absalom his son had accompanied, truly he removed + them to another house, and ordered those that had the care of them to make + a plentiful provision for them, but he came not near them any more. He + also appointed Amasa for the captain of his forces, and gave him the same + high office which Joab before had; and he commanded him to gather + together, out of the tribe of Judah, as great an army as he could, and + come to him within three days, that he might deliver to him his entire + army, and might send him to fight against [Sheba] the son of Bichri. Now + while Amasa was gone out, and made some delay in gathering the army + together, and so was not yet returned, on the third day the king said to + Joab, "It is not fit we should make any delay in this affair of Sheba, + lest he get a numerous army about him, and be the occasion of greater + mischief, and hurt our affairs more than did Absalom himself; do not thou + therefore wait any longer, but take such forces as thou hast at hand, and + that [old] body of six hundred men, and thy brother Abishai, with thee, + and pursue after our enemy, and endeavor to fight him wheresoever thou + canst overtake him. Make haste to prevent him, lest he seize upon some + fenced cities, and cause us great labor and pains before we take him." + </p> + <p> + 7. So Joab resolved to make no delay, but taking with him his brother, and + those six hundred men, and giving orders that the rest of the army which + was at Jerusalem should follow him, he marched with great speed against + Sheba; and when he was come to Gibeon, which is a village forty furlongs + distant from Jerusalem, Amasa brought a great army with him, and met Joab. + Now Joab was girded with a sword, and his breastplate on; and when Amasa + came near him to salute him, he took particular care that his sword should + fall out, as it were, of its own accord: so he took it up from the ground, + and while he approached Amasa, who was then near him, as though he would + kiss him, he took hold of Amasa's beard with his other hand, and he smote + him in his belly when he did not foresee it, and slew him. This impious + and altogether profane action Joab did to a good young man, and his + kinsman, and one that had done him no injury, and this out of jealousy + that he would obtain the chief command of the army, and be in equal + dignity with himself about the king; and for the same cause it was that he + killed Abner. But as to that former wicked action, the death of his + brother Asahel, which he seemed to revenge, afforded him a decent + pretense, and made that crime a pardonable one; but in this murder of + Amasa there was no such covering for it. Now when Joab had killed this + general, he pursued after Sheba, having left a man with the dead body, who + was ordered to proclaim aloud to the army, that Amasa was justly slain, + and deservedly punished. "But," said he, "if you be for the king, follow + Joab his general, and Abishai, Joab's brother:" but because the body lay + on the road, and all the multitude came running to it, and, as is usual + with the multitude, stood wondering a great while at it, he that guarded + it removed it thence, and carried it to a certain place that was very + remote from the road, and there laid it, and covered it with his garment. + When this was done, all the people followed Joab. Now as he pursued Sheba + through all the country of Israel, one told him that he was in a strong + city, called Abelbeth-maachah. Hereupon Joab went thither, and set about + it with his army, and cast up a bank round it, and ordered his soldiers to + undermine the walls, and to overthrow them; and since the people in the + city did not admit him, he was greatly displeased at them. + </p> + <p> + 8. Now there was a woman of small account, and yet both wise and + intelligent, who seeing her native city lying at the last extremity, + ascended upon the wall, and, by means of the armed men, called for Joab; + and when he came to her, she began to say, That "God ordained kings and + generals of armies, that they might cut off the enemies of the Hebrews, + and introduce a universal peace among them; but thou art endeavoring to + overthrow and depopulate a metropolis of the Israelites, which hath been + guilty of no offense." But he replied, "God continue to be merciful unto + me: I am disposed to avoid killing any one of the people, much less would + I destroy such a city as this; and if they will deliver me up Sheba, the + son of Bichri, who hath rebelled against the king, I will leave off the + siege, and withdraw the army from the place." Now as soon as the woman + heard what Joab said, she desired him to intermit the siege for a little + while, for that he should have the head of his enemy thrown out to him + presently. So she went down to the citizens, and said to them, "Will you + be so wicked as to perish miserably, with your children and wives, for the + sake of a vile fellow, and one whom nobody knows who he is? And will you + have him for your king instead of David, who hath been so great a + benefactor to you, and oppose your city alone to such a mighty and strong + army?" So she prevailed with them, and they cut off the head of Sheba, and + threw it into Joab's army. When this was done, the king's general sounded + a retreat, and raised the siege. And when he was come to Jerusalem, he was + again appointed to be general of all the people. The king also constituted + Benaiah captain of the guards, and of the six hundred men. He also set + Adoram over the tribute, and Sabathes and Achilaus over the records. He + made Sheva the scribe, and appointed Zadok and Abiathar the high priests. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0012" id="link72HCH0012"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 12. How The Hebrews Were Delivered From A Famine When The + Gibeonites Had Caused Punishment To Be Inflicted For Those Of Them That + Had Been Slain: As Also, What Great Actions Were Performed Against The + Philistines By David, And The Men Of Valor About Him. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After this, when the country was greatly afflicted with a famine, David + besought God to have mercy on the people, and to discover to him what was + the cause of it, and how a remedy might be found for that distemper. And + when the prophets answered, that God would have the Gibeonites avenged + whom Saul the king was so wicked as to betray to slaughter, and had not + observed the oath which Joshua the general and the senate had sworn to + them: If, therefore, said God, the king would permit such vengeance to be + taken for those that were slain as the Gibeonites should desire, he + promised that he would be reconciled to them, and free the multitude from + their miseries. As soon therefore as the king understood that this it was + which God sought, he sent for the Gibeonites, and asked them what it was + they should have; and when they desired to have seven sons of Saul + delivered to them to be punished, he delivered them up, but spared + Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan. So when the Gibeonites had received the + men, they punished them as they pleased; upon which God began to send + rain, and to recover the earth to bring forth its fruits as usual, and to + free it from the foregoing drought, so that the country of the Hebrews + flourished again. A little afterward the king made war against the + Philistines; and when he had joined battle with them, and put them to + flight, he was left alone, as he was in pursuit of them; and when he was + quite tired down, he was seen by one of the enemy, his name was Achmon, + the son of Araph, he was one of the sons of the giants. He had a spear, + the handle of which weighed three hundred shekels, and a breastplate of + chain-work, and a sword. He turned back, and ran violently to slay [David] + their enemy's king, for he was quite tired out with labor; but Abishai, + Joab's brother, appeared on the sudden, and protected the king with his + shield, as he lay down, and slew the enemy. Now the multitude were very + uneasy at these dangers of the king, and that he was very near to be + slain; and the rulers made him swear that he would no more go out with + them to battle, lest he should come to some great misfortune by his + courage and boldness, and thereby deprive the people of the benefits they + now enjoyed by his means, and of those that they might hereafter enjoy by + his living a long time among them. + </p> + <p> + 2. When the king heard that the Philistines were gathered together at the + city Gazara, he sent an army against them, when Sibbechai the Hittite, one + of David's most courageous men, behaved himself so as to deserve great + commendation, for he slew many of those that bragged they were the + posterity of the giants, and vaunted themselves highly on that account, + and thereby was the occasion of victory to the Hebrews. After which + defeat, the Philistines made war again; and when David had sent an army + against them, Nephan his kinsman fought in a single combat with the + stoutest of all the Philistines, and slew him, and put the rest to flight. + Many of them also were slain in the fight. Now a little while after this, + the Philistines pitched their camp at a city which lay not far off the + bounds of the country of the Hebrews. They had a man who was six cubits + tall, and had on each of his feet and hands one more toe and finger than + men naturally have. Now the person who was sent against them by David out + of his army was Jonathan, the son of Shimea, who fought this man in a + single combat, and slew him; and as he was the person who gave the turn to + the battle, he gained the greatest reputation for courage therein. This + man also vaunted himself to be of the sons of the giants. But after this + fight the Philistines made war no more against the Israelites. + </p> + <p> + 3. And now David being freed from wars and dangers, and enjoying for the + future a profound peace, <a href="#link7note-22" name="link7noteref-22" + id="link7noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> composed songs and hymns to God + of several sorts of metre; some of those which he made were trimeters, and + some were pentameters. He also made instruments of music, and taught the + Levites to sing hymns to God, both on that called the sabbath day, and on + other festivals. Now the construction of the instruments was thus: The + viol was an instrument of ten strings, it was played upon with a bow; the + psaltery had twelve musical notes, and was played upon by the fingers; the + cymbals were broad and large instruments, and were made of brass. And so + much shall suffice to be spoken by us about these instruments, that the + readers may not be wholly unacquainted with their nature. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now all the men that were about David were men of courage. Those that + were most illustrious and famous of them for their actions were + thirty-eight; of five of whom I will only relate the performances, for + these will suffice to make manifest the virtues of the others also; for + these were powerful enough to subdue countries, and conquer great nations. + First, therefore, was Jessai, the son of Achimaas, who frequently leaped + upon the troops of the enemy, and did not leave off fighting till he + overthrew nine hundred of them. After him was Eleazar, the son of Dodo, + who was with the king at Arasam. This man, when once the Israelites were + under a consternation at the multitude of the Philistines, and were + running away, stood alone, and fell upon the enemy, and slew many of them, + till his sword clung to his hand by the blood he had shed, and till the + Israelites, seeing the Philistines retire by his means, came down from the + mountains and pursued them, and at that time won a surprising and a famous + victory, while Eleazar slew the men, and the multitude followed and + spoiled their dead bodies. The third was Sheba, the son of Ilus. Now this + man, when, in the wars against the Philistines, they pitched their camp at + a place called Lehi, and when the Hebrews were again afraid of their army, + and did not stay, he stood still alone, as an army and a body of men; and + some of them he overthrew, and some who were not able to abide his + strength and force he pursued. These are the works of the hands, and of + fighting, which these three performed. Now at the time when the king was + once at Jerusalem, and the army of the Philistines came upon him to fight + him, David went up to the top of the citadel, as we have already said, to + inquire of God concerning the battle, while the enemy's camp lay in the + valley that extends to the city Bethlehem, which is twenty furlongs + distant from Jerusalem. Now David said to his companions, "We have + excellent water in my own city, especially that which is in the pit near + the gate," wondering if any one would bring him some of it to drink; but + he said that he would rather have it than a great deal of money. When + these three men heard what he said, they ran away immediately, and burst + through the midst of their enemy's camp, and came to Bethlehem; and when + they had drawn the water, they returned again through the enemy's camp to + the king, insomuch that the Philistines were so surprised at their + boldness and alacrity, that they were quiet, and did nothing against them, + as if they despised their small number. But when the water was brought to + the king, he would not drink it, saying, that it was brought by the danger + and the blood of men, and that it was not proper on that account to drink + it. But he poured it out to God, and gave him thanks for the salvation of + the men. Next to these was Abishai, Joab's brother; for he in one day slew + six hundred. The fifth of these was Benaiah, by lineage a priest; for + being challenged by [two] eminent men in the country of Moab, he overcame + them by his valor, Moreover, there was a man, by nation an Egyptian, who + was of a vast bulk, and challenged him, yet did he, when he was unarmed, + kill him with his own spear, which he threw at him; for he caught him by + force, and took away his weapons while he was alive and fighting, and slew + him with his own weapons. One may also add this to the forementioned + actions of the same man, either as the principal of them in alacrity, or + as resembling the rest. When God sent a snow, there was a lion who slipped + and fell into a certain pit, and because the pit's mouth was narrow it was + evident he would perish, being enclosed with the snow; so when he saw no + way to get out and save himself, he roared. When Benaiah heard the wild + beast, he went towards him, and coming at the noise he made, he went down + into the mouth of the pit and smote him, as he struggled, with a stake + that lay there, and immediately slew him. The other thirty-three were like + these in valor also. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0013" id="link72HCH0013"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 13. That When David Had Numbered the People, They Were Punished; + and How the Divine Compassion Restrained That Punishment. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now king David was desirous to know how many ten thousands there were + of the people, but forgot the commands of Moses, <a href="#link7note-23" + name="link7noteref-23" id="link7noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> who told + them beforehand, that if the multitude were numbered, they should pay half + a shekel to God for every head. Accordingly the king commanded Joab, the + captain of his host, to go and number the whole multitude; but when he + said there was no necessity for such a numeration, he was not persuaded + [to countermand it], but he enjoined him to make no delay, but to go about + the numbering of the Hebrews immediately. So Joab took with him the heads + of the tribes, and the scribes, and went over the country of the + Israelites, and took notice how numerous the multitude were, and returned + to Jerusalem to the king, after nine months and twenty days; and he gave + in to the king the number of the people, without the tribe of Benjamin, + for he had not yet numbered that tribe, no more than the tribe of Levi, + for the king repented of his having sinned against God. Now the number of + the rest of the Israelites was nine hundred thousand men, who were able to + bear arms and go to war; but the tribe of Judah, by itself, was four + hundred thousand men. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now when the prophets had signified to David that God was angry at him, + he began to entreat him, and to desire he would be merciful to him, and + forgive his sin. But God sent Nathan the prophet to him, to propose to him + the election of three things, that he might choose which he liked best: + Whether he would have famine come upon the country for seven years, or + would have a war, and be subdued three months by his enemies? or, whether + God should send a pestilence and a distemper upon the Hebrews for three + days? But as he was fallen to a fatal choice of great miseries, he was in + trouble, and sorely confounded; and when the prophet had said that he must + of necessity make his choice, and had ordered him to answer quickly, that + he might declare what he had chosen to God, the king reasoned with + himself, that in case he should ask for famine, he would appear to do it + for others, and without danger to himself, since he had a great deal of + corn hoarded up, but to the harm of others; that in case he should choose + to be overcome [by his enemies] for three months, he would appear to have + chosen war, because he had valiant men about him, and strong holds, and + that therefore he feared nothing therefrom: so he chose that affliction + which is common to kings and to their subjects, and in which the fear was + equal on all sides; and said this beforehand, that it was much better to + fall into the hands of God, than into those of his enemies. + </p> + <p> + 3. When the prophet had heard this, he declared it to God; who thereupon + sent a pestilence and a mortality upon the Hebrews; nor did they die after + one and the same manner, nor so that it was easy to know what the + distemper was. Now the miserable disease was one indeed, but it carried + them off by ten thousand causes and occasions, which those that were + afflicted could not understand; for one died upon the neck of another, and + the terrible malady seized them before they were aware, and brought them + to their end suddenly, some giving up the ghost immediately with very + great pains and bitter grief, and some were worn away by their distempers, + and had nothing remaining to be buried, but as soon as ever they fell were + entirely macerated; some were choked, and greatly lamented their case, as + being also stricken with a sudden darkness; some there were who, as they + were burying a relation, fell down dead, without finishing the rites of + the funeral. Now there perished of this disease, which began with the + morning, and lasted till the hour of dinner, seventy thousand. Nay, the + angel stretched out his hand over Jerusalem, as sending this terrible + judgment upon it. But David had put on sackcloth, and lay upon the ground, + entreating God, and begging that the distemper might now cease, and that + he would be satisfied with those that had already perished. And when the + king looked up into the air, and saw the angel carried along thereby into + Jerusalem, with his sword drawn, he said to God, that he might justly be + punished, who was their shepherd, but that the sheep ought to be + preserved, as not having sinned at all; and he implored God that he would + send his wrath upon him, and upon all his family, but spare the people. + </p> + <p> + 4. When God heard his supplication, he caused the pestilence to cease, and + sent Gad the prophet to him, and commanded him to go up immediately to the + thrashing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite, and build an altar there to God, + and offer sacrifices. When David heard that, he did not neglect his duty, + but made haste to the place appointed him. Now Araunah was thrashing + wheat; and when he saw the king and all his servants coming to him, he ran + before, and came to him and worshipped him: he was by his lineage a + Jebusite, but a particular friend of David's; and for that cause it was + that, when he overthrew the city, he did him no harm, as we informed the + reader a little before. Now Araunah inquired, "Wherefore is my lord come + to his servant?" He answered, to buy of him the thrashing-floor, that he + might therein build an altar to God, and offer a sacrifice. He replied, + that he freely gave him both the thrashing-floor and the ploughs and the + oxen for a burnt-offering; and he besought God graciously to accept his + sacrifice. But the king made answer, that he took his generosity and + magnanimity loudly, and accepted his good-will, but he desired him to take + the price of them all, for that it was not just to offer a sacrifice that + cost nothing. And when Araunah said he would do as he pleased, he bought + the thrashing-floor of him for fifty shekels. And when he had built an + altar, he performed Divine service, and brought a burnt-offering, and + offered peace-offerings also. With these God was pacified, and became + gracious to them again. Now it happened that Abraham <a + href="#link7note-24" name="link7noteref-24" id="link7noteref-24"><small>24</small></a>came + and offered his son Isaac for a burnt-offering at that very place; and + when the youth was ready to have his throat cut, a ram appeared on a + sudden, standing by the altar, which Abraham sacrificed in the stead of + his son, as we have before related. Now when king David saw that God had + heard his prayer, and had graciously accepted of his sacrifice, he + resolved to call that entire place The Altar of all the People, and to + build a temple to God there; which words he uttered very appositely to + what was to be done afterward; for God sent the prophet to him, and told + him that there should his son build him an altar, that son who was to take + the kingdom after him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0014" id="link72HCH0014"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 14. That David Made Great Preparations For The House Of God; And + That, Upon Adonijah's Attempt To Gain The Kingdom, He Appointed Solomon To + Reign. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After the delivery of this prophecy, the king commanded the strangers + to be numbered; and they were found to be one hundred and eighty thousand; + of these he appointed fourscore thousand to be hewers of stone, and the + rest of the multitude to carry the stones, and of them he set over the + workmen three thousand and five hundred. He also prepared a great quantity + of iron and brass for the work, with many [and those exceeding large] + cedar trees; the Tyrians and Sidonians sending them to him, for he had + sent to them for a supply of those trees. And he told his friends that + these things were now prepared, that he might leave materials ready for + the building of the temple to his son, who was to reign after him, and + that he might not have them to seek then, when he was very young, and by + reason of his age unskillful in such matters, but might have them lying by + him, and so might the more readily complete the work. + </p> + <p> + 2. So David called his son Solomon, and charged him, when he had received + the kingdom, to build a temple to God, and said, "I was willing to build + God a temple myself, but he prohibited me, because I was polluted with + blood and wars; but he hath foretold that Solomon, my youngest son, should + build him a temple, and should be called by that name; over whom he hath + promised to take the like care as a father takes over his son; and that he + would make the country of the Hebrews happy under him, and that, not only + in other respects, but by giving it peace and freedom from wars, and from + internal seditions, which are the greatest of all blessings. Since, + therefore," says he, "thou wast ordained king by God himself before thou + wast born, endeavor to render thyself worthy of this his providence, as in + other instances, so particularly in being religious, and righteous, and + courageous. Keep thou also his commands and his laws, which he hath given + us by Moses, and do not permit others to break them. Be zealous also to + dedicate to God a temple, which he hath chosen to be built under thy + reign; nor be thou affrighted by the vastness of the work, nor set about + it timorously, for I will make all things ready before I die: and take + notice, that there are already ten thousand talents of gold, and a hundred + thousand talents of silver <a href="#link7note-25" name="link7noteref-25" + id="link7noteref-25"><small>25</small></a> collected together. I have also + laid together brass and iron without number, and an immense quantity of + timber and of stones. Moreover, thou hast many ten thousand stone-cutters + and carpenters; and if thou shalt want any thing further, do thou add + somewhat of thine own. Wherefore, if thou performest this work, thou wilt + be acceptable to God, and have him for thy patron." David also further + exhorted the rulers of the people to assist his son in this building, and + to attend to the Divine service, when they should be free from all their + misfortunes, for that they by this means should enjoy, instead of them, + peace and a happy settlement, with which blessings God rewards such men as + are religious and righteous. He also gave orders, that when the temple + should be once built, they should put the ark therein, with the holy + vessels; and he assured them that they ought to have had a temple long + ago, if their fathers had not been negligent of God's commands, who had + given it in charge, that when they had got the possession of this land, + they should build him a temple. Thus did David discourse to the governors, + and to his son. + </p> + <p> + 3. David was now in years, and his body, by length of time, was become + cold, and benumbed, insomuch that he could get no heat by covering himself + with many clothes; and when the physicians came together, they agreed to + this advice, that a beautiful virgin, chosen out of the whole country, + should sleep by the king's side, and that this damsel would communicate + heat to him, and be a remedy against his numbness. Now there was found in + the city one woman, of a superior beauty to all other women, [her name was + Abishag,] who, sleeping with the king, did no more than communicate warmth + to him, for he was so old that he could not know her as a husband knows + his wife. But of this woman we shall speak more presently. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now the fourth son of David was a beautiful young man, and tall, born + to him of Haggith his wife. He was named Adonijah, and was in his + disposition like to Absalom; and exalted himself as hoping to be king, and + told his friends that he ought to take the government upon him. He also + prepared many chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. When + his father saw this, he did not reprove him, nor restrain him from his + purpose, nor did he go so far as to ask wherefore he did so. Now Adonijah + had for his assistants Joab the captain of the army, and Abiathar the high + priest; and the only persons that opposed him were Zadok the high priest, + and the prophet Nathan, and Benaiah, who was captain of the guards, and + Shimei, David's friend, with all the other most mighty men. Now Adonijah + had prepared a supper out of the city, near the fountain that was in the + king's paradise, and had invited all his brethren except Solomon, and had + taken with him Joab the captain of the army, and: Abiathar, and the rulers + of the tribe of Judah, but had not invited to this feast either Zadok the + high priest, or Nathan the prophet, or Benaiah the captain of the guards, + nor any of those of the contrary party. This matter was told by Nathan the + prophet to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, that Adonijah was king, and that + David knew nothing of it; and he advised her to save herself and her son + Solomon, and to go by herself to David, and say to him, that he had indeed + sworn that Solomon should reign after him, but that in the mean time + Adonijah had already taken the kingdom. He said that he, the prophet + himself, would come after her, and when she had spoken thus to the king, + would confirm what she had said. Accordingly Bathsheba agreed with Nathan, + and went in to the king and worshipped him, and when she had desired leave + to speak with him, she told him all things in the manner that Nathan had + suggested to her; and related what a supper Adonijah had made, and who + they were whom he had invited; Abiathar the and Joab the general, and + David's sons, excepting Solomon and his intimate friends. She also said + that all the people had their eyes upon him, to know whom he would choose + for their king. She desired him also to consider how, after his departure, + Adonijah, if he were king, would slay her and her son Solomon. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now, as Bathsheba was speaking, the keeper of the king's chambers told + him that Nathan desired to see him. And when the king had commanded that + he should be admitted, he came in, and asked him whether he had ordained + Adonijah to be king, and delivered the government to him, or not; for that + he had made a splendid supper, and invited all his sons, except Solomon; + as also that he had invited Joab, the captain of his host, [and Abiathar + the high priest,] who are feasting with applauses, and many joyful sounds + of instruments, and wish that his kingdom may last for ever; but he hath + not invited me, nor Zadok the high priest, nor Benaiah the captain of the + guards; and it is but fit that all should know whether this be done by thy + approbation or not. When Nathan had said thus, the king commanded that + they should call Bathsheba to him, for she had gone out of the room when + the prophet came. And when Bathsheba was come, David said, "I swear by + Almighty God, that thy son Solomon shall certainly he king, as I formerly + swore; and that he shall sit upon my throne, and that this very day also." + So Bathsheba worshipped him, and wished him a long life; and the king sent + for Zadok the high priest, and Benaiah the captain of the guards; and when + they were come, he ordered them to take with them Nathan the prophet, and + all the armed men about the palace, and to set his son Solomon upon the + king's mule, and to carry him out of the city to the fountain called + Gihon, and to anoint him there with the holy oil, and to make him king. + This he charged Zadok the high priest, and Nathan the prophet, to do, and + commanded them to follow Solomon through the midst of the city, and to + sound the trumpets, and wish aloud that Solomon the king may sit upon the + royal throne for ever, that so all the people may know that he is ordained + king by his father. He also gave Solomon a charge concerning his + government, to rule the whole nation of the Hebrews, and particularly the + tribe of Judah, religiously and righteously. And when Benaiah had prayed + to God to be favorable to Solomon, without any delay they set Solomon upon + the mule, and brought him out of the city to the fountain, and anointed + him with oil, and brought him into the city again, with acclamations and + wishes that his kingdom might continue a long time: and when they had + introduced him into the king's house, they set him upon the throne; + whereupon all the people betook themselves to make merry, and to celebrate + a festival, dancing and delighting themselves with musical pipes, till + both the earth and the air echoed with the multitude of the instruments of + music. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now when Adonijah and his guests perceived this noise, they were in + disorder; and Joab the captain of the host said he was not pleased with + these echoes, and the sound of these trumpets. And when supper was set + before them, nobody tasted of it, but they were all very thoughtful what + would be the matter. Then Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the high priest, + came running to them; and when Adonijah saw the young man gladly, and said + to him that he was a good messenger, he declared to them the whole matter + about Solomon, and the determination of king David: hereupon both Adonijah + and all the guests rose hastily from the feast, and every one fled to + their own homes. Adonijah also, as afraid of the king for what he had + done, became a supplicant to God, and took hold of the horns of the altar, + which were prominent. It was also told Solomon that he had so done; and + that he desired to receive assurances from him that he would not remember + the injury he had done, and not inflict any severe punishment for it. + Solomon answered very mildly and prudently, that he forgave him this his + offense; but said withal, that if he were found out in any attempt for new + innovations, that he would be the author of his own punishment. So he sent + to him, and raised him up from the place of his supplication. And when he + was come to the king, and had worshipped him, the king bid him go away to + his own house, and have no suspicion of any harm; and desired him to show + himself a worthy man, as what would tend to his own advantage. + </p> + <p> + 7. But David, being desirous of ordaining his son king of all the people, + called together their rulers to Jerusalem, with the priests and the + Levites; and having first numbered the Levites, he found them to be + thirty-eight thousand, from thirty years old to fifty; out of which he + appointed twenty-three thousand to take care of the building of the + temple, and out of the same, six thousand to be judges of the people and + scribes, four thousand for porters to the house of God, and as many for + singers, to sing to the instruments which David had prepared, as we have + said already. He divided them also into courses: and when he had separated + the priests from them, he found of these priests twenty-four courses, + sixteen of the house of Eleazar, and eight of that of Ithamar; and he + ordained that one course should minister to God eight days, from sabbath + to sabbath. And thus were the courses distributed by lot, in the presence + of David, and Zadok and Abiathar the high priests, and of all the rulers; + and that course which came up first was written down as the first, and + accordingly the second, and so on to the twenty-fourth; and this partition + hath remained to this day. He also made twenty-four parts of the tribe of + Levi; and when they cast lots, they came up in the same manner for their + courses of eight days. He also honored the posterity of Moses, and made + them the keepers of the treasures of God, and of the donations which the + kings dedicated. He also ordained that all the tribe of Levi, as well as + the priests, should serve God night and day, as Moses had enjoined them. + </p> + <p> + 8. After this he parted the entire army into twelve parts, with their + leaders [and captains of hundreds] and commanders. Now every part had + twenty-four thousand, which were ordered to wait on Solomon, by thirty + days at a time, from the first day till the last, with the captains of + thousands and captains of hundreds. He also set rulers over every part, + such as he knew to be good and righteous men. He set others also to take + charge of the treasures, and of the villages, and of the fields, and of + the beasts, whose names I do not think it necessary to mention. When David + had ordered all these officers after the manner before mentioned, he + called the rulers of the Hebrews, and their heads of tribes, and the + officers over the several divisions, and those that were appointed over + every work, and every possession; and standing upon a high pulpit, he said + to the multitude as follows: "My brethren and my people, I would have you + know that I intended to build a house for God, and prepared a large + quantity of gold, and a hundred thousand talents of silver; but God + prohibited me by the prophet Nathan, because of the wars I had on your + account, and because my right hand was polluted with the slaughter of our + enemies; but he commanded that my son, who was to succeed me in the + kingdom, should build a temple for him. Now therefore, since you know that + of the twelve sons whom Jacob our forefather had Judah was appointed to be + king, and that I was preferred before my six brethren, and received the + government from God, and that none of them were uneasy at it, so do I also + desire that my sons be not seditious one against another, now Solomon has + received the kingdom, but to bear him cheerfully for their lord, as + knowing that God hath chosen him; for it is not a grievous thing to obey + even a foreigner as a ruler, if it be God's will, but it is fit to rejoice + when a brother hath obtained that dignity, since the rest partake of it + with him. And I pray that the promises of God may be fulfilled; and that + this happiness which he hath promised to bestow upon king Solomon, over + all the country, may continue therein for all time to come. And these + promises O son, will be firm, and come to a happy end, if thou showest + thyself to be a religious and a righteous man, and an observer of the laws + of thy country; but if not, expect adversity upon thy disobedience to + them." + </p> + <p> + 9. Now when the king had said this, he left off; but gave the description + and pattern of the building of the temple in the sight of them all to + Solomon: of the foundations and of the chambers, inferior and superior; + how many they were to be, and how large in height and in breadth; as also + he determined the weight of the golden and silver vessels: moreover, he + earnestly excited them with his words to use the utmost alacrity about the + work; he exhorted the rulers also, and particularly the tribe of Levi, to + assist him, both because of his youth, and because God had chosen him to + take care of the building of the temple, and of the government of the + kingdom. He also declared to them that the work would be easy, and not + very laborious to them, because he had prepared for it many talents of + gold, and more of silver, with timber, and a great many carpenters and + stone-cutters, and a large quantity of emeralds, and all sorts of precious + stones; and he said, that even now he would give of the proper goods of + his own dominion two hundred talents, and three hundred other talents of + pure gold, for the most holy place, and for the chariot of God, the + cherubim, which are to stand over and cover the ark. Now when David had + done speaking, there appeared great alacrity among the rulers, and the + priests, and the Levites, who now contributed and made great and splendid + promises for a future Contribution; for they undertook to bring of gold + five thousand talents, and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand + talents, and many ten thousand talents of iron; and if any one had a + precious stone he brought it, and bequeathed it to be put among the + treasures; of which Jachiel, one of the posterity of Moses, had the care. + </p> + <p> + 10. Upon this occasion all the people rejoiced, as in particular did + David, when he saw the zeal and forward ambition of the rulers, and the + priests, and of all the rest; and he began to bless God with a loud voice, + calling him the Father and Parent of the universe, and the Author of human + and divine things, with which he had adorned Solomon, the patron and + guardian of the Hebrew nation, and of its happiness, and of that kingdom + which he hath given his son. Besides this, he prayed for happiness to all + the people; and to Solomon his son, a sound and a righteous mind, and + confirmed in all sorts of virtue; and then he commanded the multitude to + bless God; upon which they all fell down upon the ground and worshipped + him. They also gave thanks to David, on account of all the blessings which + they had received ever since he had taken the kingdom. On the next day he + presented sacrifices to God, a thousand bullocks, and as many lambs, which + they offered for burnt-offerings. They also offered peace-offerings, and + slew many ten thousand sacrifices; and the king feasted all day, together + with all the people; and they anointed Solomon a second time with the oil, + and appointed him to be king, and Zadok to be the high priest of the whole + multitude. And when they had brought Solomon to the royal palace, and had + set him upon his father's throne, they were obedient to him from that day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72HCH0015" id="link72HCH0015"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 15. What Charge David Gave To his Son Solomon At The Approach Of + His Death, And How Many Things He Left Him For The Building Of The Temple. + </h3> + <p> + 1. A Little afterward David also fell into a distemper, by reason of his + age; and perceiving that he was near to death, he called his son Solomon, + and discoursed to him thus: "I am now, O my son, going to my grave, and to + my fathers, which is the common way which all men that now are, or shall + be hereafter, must go; from which way it is no longer possible to return, + and to know any thing that is done in this world. On which account I + exhort thee, while I am still alive, though already very near to death, in + the same manner as I have formerly said in my advice to thee, to be + righteous towards thy subjects, and religious towards God, that hath given + thee thy kingdom; to observe his commands and his laws, which he hath sent + us by Moses; and neither do thou out of favor nor flattery allow any lust + or other passion to weigh with thee to disregard them; for if thou + transgressest his laws, thou wilt lose the favor of God, and thou wilt + turn away his providence from thee in all things; but if thou behave + thyself so as it behooves thee, and as I exhort thee, thou wilt preserve + our kingdom to our family, and no other house will bear rule over the + Hebrews but we ourselves for all ages. Be thou also mindful of the + transgressions of Joab, <a href="#link7note-26" name="link7noteref-26" + id="link7noteref-26"><small>26</small></a> the captain of the host, who + hath slain two generals out of envy, and those righteous and good men, + Abner the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of Jether; whose death do thou + avenge as shall seem good to thee, since Joab hath been too hard for me, + and more potent than myself, and so hath escaped punishment hitherto. I + also commit to thee the son of Barzillai the Gileadite, whom, in order to + gratify me, thou shalt have in great honor, and take great care of; for we + have not done good to him first, but we only repay that debt which we owe + to his father for what he did to me in my flight. There is also Shimei the + son of Gera, of the tribe of Benjamin, who, after he had cast many + reproaches upon me, when, in my flight, I was going to Mahanaim, met me at + Jordan, and received assurances that he should then suffer nothing. Do + thou now seek out for some just occasion, and punish him." + </p> + <p> + 2. When David had given these admonitions to his son about public affairs, + and about his friends, and about those whom he knew to deserve punishment, + he died, having lived seventy years, and reigned seven years and six + months in Hebron over the tribe of Judah, and thirty-three years in + Jerusalem over all the country. This man was of an excellent character, + and was endowed with all virtues that were desirable in a king, and in one + that had the preservation of so many tribes committed to him; for he was a + man of valor in a very extraordinary degree, and went readily and first of + all into dangers, when he was to fight for his subjects, as exciting the + soldiers to action by his own labors, and fighting for them, and not by + commanding them in a despotic way. He was also of very great abilities in + understanding, and apprehension of present and future circumstances, when + he was to manage any affairs. He was prudent and moderate, and kind to + such as were under any calamities; he was righteous and humane, which are + good qualities, peculiarly fit for kings; nor was he guilty of any offense + in the exercise of so great an authority, but in the business of the wife + of Uriah. He also left behind him greater wealth than any other king, + either of the Hebrews or, of other nations, ever did. + </p> + <p> + 3. He was buried by his son Solomon, in Jerusalem, with great + magnificence, and with all the other funeral pomp which kings used to be + buried with; moreover, he had great and immense wealth buried with him, + the vastness of which may be easily conjectured at by what I shall now + say; for a thousand and three hundred years afterward Hyrcanus the high + priest, when he was besieged by Antiochus, that was called the Pious, the + son of Demetrius, and was desirous of giving him money to get him to raise + the siege and draw off his army, and having no other method of compassing + the money, opened one room of David's sepulcher, and took out three + thousand talents, and gave part of that sum to Antiochus; and by this + means caused the siege to be raised, as we have informed the reader + elsewhere. Nay, after him, and that many years, Herod the king opened + another room, and took away a great deal of money, and yet neither of them + came at the coffins of the kings themselves, for their bodies were buried + under the earth so artfully, that they did not appear to even those that + entered into their monuments. But so much shall suffice us to have said + concerning these matters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_FOOT" id="link72H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link7note-1" id="link7note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link7noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ It ought to be here noted, + that Joab, Abishai, and Asahel were all three David's nephews, the sons of + his sister Zeraiah, as 1 Chronicles 2:16; and that Amasa was also his + nephew by his other sister Abigail, ver. 17.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-2" id="link7note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link7noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ This may be a true + observation of Josephus's, that Samuel by command from God entailed the + crown on David and his posterity; for no further did that entail ever + reach, Solomon himself having never had any promise made him that his + posterity should always have the right to it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-3" id="link7note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link7noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ These words of Josephus + concerning the tribe of Issachar, who foreknew what was to come + hereafter," are best paraphrased by the parallel text. 1 Chronicles 12:32, + "Who had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do;" that + is, who had so much knowledge in astronomy as to make calendars for the + Israelites, that they might keep their festivals, and plough and sow, and + gather in their harvests and vintage, in due season.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-4" id="link7note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link7noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ What our other copies say + of Mount Sion, as alone properly called the city of David, 2 Samuel 5:6-9, + and of this its siege and conquest now by David, Josephus applies to the + whole city Jerusalem, though including the citadel also; by what authority + we do not now know perhaps, after David had united them together, or + joined the citadel to the lower city, as sect. 2, Josephus esteemed them + as one city. However, this notion seems to be confirmed by what the same + Josephus says concerning David's and many other kings of Judah's + sepulchers, which as the authors of the books of Kings and Chronicles say + were in the city of David, so does Josephus still say they were in + Jerusalem. The sepulcher of David seems to have been also a known place in + the several days of Hyrcanus, of Herod, and of St. Peter, Antiq. B. XIII. + ch. 8. sect. 4 B. XVI. ch. 8. sect. 1; Acts 2:29. Now no such royal + sepulchers have been found about Mount Sion, but are found close by the + north wall of Jerusalem, which I suspect, therefore, to be these very + sepulchers. See the note on ch. 15. sect. 3. In the meantime, Josephus's + explication of the lame, and the blind, and the maimed, as set to keep + this city or citadel, seems to be the truth, and gives the best light to + that history in our Bible. Mr. Ottius truly observes, [up. Hayercamp, p. + 305,] that Josephus never mentions Mount Sion by that name, as taking it + for an appellative, as I suppose, and not for a proper name; he still + either styles it The Citadel, or The Upper City; nor do I see any reason + for Mr. Ottius's evil suspicions about this procedure of Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-5" id="link7note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link7noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ Some copies of Josephus + have here Solyma, or Salem; and others Hierosolyma, or Jerusalem. The + latter best agree to what Josephus says elsewhere, [Of the War, B. VI. ch. + 10.,] that this city was called Solyma, or Salem, before the days of + Melchisedec, but was by him called Hierosolyma, or Jerusalem. I rather + suppose it to have been so called after Abraham had received that oracle + Jehovah Jireh, "The Lord will see, or provide," Genesis 22;14. The latter + word, Jireh, with a little alteration, prefixed to the old name Salem, + Peace, will be Jerusalem; and since that expression, "God will see," or + rather, "God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt-offering," ver. 8, + 14, is there said to have been proverbial till the days of Moses, this + seems to me the most probable derivation of that name, which will then + denote that God would provide peace by that "Lamb of God which was to take + away the sins of the world." However, that which is put into brackets can + hardly be supposed the genuine words of Josephus, as Dr. Hudson well + judges.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-6" id="link7note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link7noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ It deserves here to be + remarked, that Saul very rarely, and David very frequently, consulted God + by Urim; and that David aimed always to depend, not on his own prudence or + abilities but on the Divine direction, contrary to Saul's practice. See + sect. 2, and the note on Antiq. B. III. ch. 8. sect. 9; and when Saul's + daughter, [but David's wife,] Michal, laughed at David's dancing before + the ark, 2 Samuel 6:16, &c., and here, sect. l, 2, 3, it is probable + she did so, because her father Saul did not use to pay such a regard to + the ark, to the Urim there inquired by, or to God's worship before it, and + because she thought it beneath the dignity of a king to be so religious.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-7" id="link7note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link7noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus seems to be + partly in the right, when he observes here that Uzzah was no priest, + [though perhaps he might be a Levite,] and was therefore struck dead for + touching the ark, contrary to the law, and for which profane rashness + death was the penalty by that law, Numbers 4:15, 20. See the like before, + Antiq. B. VI. ch. 1. sect. 4. It is not improbable that the putting this + ark in a cart, when it ought to have been carried by the priests or + Levites, as it was presently here in Josephus so carried from Obededom's + house to David's, might be also an occasion of the anger of God on that + breach of his law. See Numbers 4:15; 1 Chronicles 15:13.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-8" id="link7note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link7noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus here informs us, + that, according to his understanding of the sense of his copy of the + Pentateuch, Moses had himself foretold the building of the temple, which + yet is no where, that I know of, in our present copies. And that this is + not a mistake set down by him unwarily, appears by what he observed + before, on Antiq. B. IV. ch. 8. sect. 46, how Moses foretold that, upon + the Jews' future disobedience, their temple should be burnt and rebuilt, + and that not once only, but several times afterward. See also Josephus's + mention of God's former commands to build such a temple presently, ch. 14. + sect. 2, contrary to our other copies, or at least to our translation of + the Hebrew, 2 Samuel 7:6, 7; 1 Chronicles 17:5, 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-9" id="link7note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link7noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus seems, in this + place, with our modern interpreters to confound the two distinct + predictions which God made to David and to Nathan, concerning the building + him a temple by one of David's posterity; the one belongeth to Solomon, + the other to the Messiah; the distinction between which is of the greatest + consequence to the Christian religion.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-10" id="link7note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link7noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ Whether Syria Zobah, 2 + Samuel 3:8; 1 Chronicles 18:3-8, be Sophene, as Josephus here supposes; + which yet Ptolemy places beyond Euphrates, as Dr. Hudson observes here, + whereas Zobah was on this side; or whether Josephus was not here guilty of + a mistake in his geography; I cannot certainly determine.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-11" id="link7note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link7noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ David's reserving only + one hundred chariots for himself out of one thousand he had taken from + Hadadezer, was most probably in compliance with the law of Moses, which + forbade a king of Israel "to multiply horses to himself," Deuteronomy + 17:16; one of the principal uses of horses in Judea at that time being for + drawing their chariots. See Joshua 12:6; and Antiq. B. V. ch. 1. sect. 18. + It deserves here to be remarked, that this Hadad, being a very great king, + was conquered by David, whose posterity yet for several generations were + called Benhadad, or the son of Hadad, till the days of Hazael, whose son + Adar or Ader is also in our Hebrew copy [2 Kings 13:24: written Benhadad, + but in Josephus Adad or Adar. And strange it is, that the son of Hazael, + said to be such in the same text, and in Josephus, Antiq. B. IX. ch. 8. + sect. 7, should still be called the son of Hadad. I would, therefore, here + correct our Hebrew copy from Josephus's, which seems to have the true + reading, nor does the testimony of Nicolaus of Damascus, produced in this + place by Josephus, seem to be faultless, when it says that he was the + third of the Hadads, or second of the Benhadads, who besieged Samaria in + the days of Ahab. He must rather have been the seventh or eighth, if there + were ten in all of that name, as we are assured there were. For this + testimony makes all the Hadads or Benhadads of the same line, and to have + immediately succeeded one another; whereas Hazael was not of that line, + nor is he called Hadad or Benhadad in any copy. And note, that from this + Hadad, in the days of David, to the beginning of Hazael, were near two + hundred years, according to the exactest chronology of Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-12" id="link7note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link7noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ By this great victory + over the Idameans or Edomites, the posterity of Esau, and by the + consequent tribute paid by that nation to the Jews, were the prophecies + delivered to Rebecca before Jacob and Esau were born, and by old Isaac + before his death, that the elder, Esau, [or the Edomites,] should serve + and the younger, Jacob, [or the Israelites,] and Jacob [or the Israelites] + should be Esau's [or the Edomites'] lord, remarkably fulfilled. See Antiq. + B. VIII. ch 7. sect. 6; Genesis 25;9,3; and the notes on Antiq. B. I. ch. + 18. sect. 5, 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-13" id="link7note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link7noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ That a talent of gold + was about seven pounds weight, see the description of the temple ch. 13. + Nor could Josephus well estimate it higher, since he here says that David + wore it on his head perpetually.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-14" id="link7note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link7noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ Whether Josephus saw the + words of our copies, 2 Samuel 12:31, and 1 Chronicles 20:3, that David put + the inhabitants, or at least the garrison of Rabbah, and of the other + Ammonite cities, which he besieged and took, under, or cut them with saws, + and under, or with harrows of iron, and under, or with axes of iron, and + made them pass through the brick-kiln, is not here directly expressed. If + he saw them, as is most probable he did, he certainly expounded them of + tormenting these Ammonites to death, who were none of those seven nations + of Canaan whose wickedness had rendered them incapable of mercy; otherwise + I should be inclinable to think that the meaning, at least as the words + are in Samuel, might only be this: That they were made the lowest slaves, + to work in sawing of timber or stone, in harrowing the fields, in hewing + timber, in making and burning bricks, and the like hard services, but + without taking away their lives. We never elsewhere, that I remember, meet + with such methods of cruelty in putting men to death in all the Bible, or + in any other ancient history whatsoever; nor do the words in Samuel seem + naturally to refer to any such thing.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-15" id="link7note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link7noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ Of this weight of + Absalom's hair, how in twenty or thirty years it might well amount to two + hundred shekels, or to somewhat above six pounds avoirdupois, see the + Literal Accomplishment of Prophecies, p. 77, 78. But a late very judicious + author thinks that the LXXX. meant not its weight, but its value, Was + twenty shekels.—Dr. Wall's Critical Notes on the Old Testament, upon + 2 Samuel 14:26. It does not appear what was Josephus's opinion: he sets + the text down honestly as he found it in his copies, only he thought that + "at the end of days," when Absalom polled or weighed his hair, was once a + week.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-16" id="link7note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link7noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ This is one of the best + corrections that Josephus's copy affords us of a text that in our ordinary + copies is grossly corrupted. They say that this rebellion of Absalom was + forty years after what went before, [Footnote of his reconciliation to his + father,] whereas the series of the history shows it could not be more than + four years after it, as here in Josephus; whose number is directly + confirmed by that copy of the Septuagint version whence the Armenian + translation was made, which gives us the small number of four years.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-17" id="link7note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link7noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ This reflection of + Josephus's, that God brought to nought the dangerous counsel of + Ahithophel, and directly infatuated wicked Absalom to reject it, [which + infatuation is what the Scripture styles the judicial hardening the hearts + and blinding the eyes of men, who, by their former voluntary wickedness, + have justly deserved to be destroyed, and are thereby brought to + destruction,] is a very just one, and in him not unfrequent. Nor does + Josephus ever puzzle himself, or perplex his readers, with subtle + hypotheses as to the manner of such judicial infatuations by God, while + the justice of them is generally so obvious. That peculiar manner of the + Divine operations, or permissions, or the means God makes use of in such + cases, is often impenetrable by us. "Secret things belong to the Lord our + God; but those things that are revealed belong to us, and to our children + for ever, that we may do all the words of this law," Deuteronomy 29:29. + Nor have all the subtleties of the moderns, as far as I see, given any + considerable light in this, and many other the like points of difficulty + relating either to Divine or human operations.—See the notes on + Antiq. B. V ch. 1. sect. 2; and Antiq. B. IX. ch. 4. sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-18" id="link7note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link7noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ Those that take a view + of my description of the gates of the temple, will not be surprised at + this account of David's throne, both here and 2 Samuel 18:21, that it was + between two gates or portals. Gates being in cities, as well as at the + temple, large open places, with a portal at the entrance, and another at + the exit, between which judicial causes were heard, and public + consultations taken, as is well known from several places of Scripture, 2 + Chronicles 31:2; Psalm 9:14; 137:5; Proverbs 1:21; 8:3, 31; 31:23, and + often elsewhere.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-19" id="link7note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link7noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ Since David was now in + Mahanairn, and in the open place of that city gate, which seems still to + have been built the highest of any part of the wall, and since our other + copies say he went up to the chamber over the gate, 2 Samuel 18:33, I + think we ought to correct our present reading in Josephus, and for city, + should read gate, i.e. instead of the highest part of the city, should say + the highest part of the gate. Accordingly we find David presently, in + Josephus, as well as in our other copies, 2 Samuel 19:8, sitting as + before, in the gate of the city.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-20" id="link7note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link7noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ By David's disposal of + half Mephibosheth's estate to Ziba, one would imagine that he was a good + deal dissatisfied, and doubtful whether Mephibosheth's story were entirely + true or not; nor does David now invite him to diet with him, as he did + before, but only forgives him, if he had been at all guilty. Nor is this + odd way of mourning that Mephibosheth made use of here, and 2 Samuel + 19:24, wholly free from suspicion by hypocrisy. If Ziba neglected or + refused to bring Mephibosheh an ass of his own, on which he might ride to + David, it is half to suppose that so great a man as he was should not be + able to procure some other beast for the same purpose.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-21" id="link7note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link7noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ I clearly prefer + Josephus's reading here, when it supposes eleven tribes, including + Benjamin, to be on the one side, and the tribe of Judah alone on the + other, since Benjamin, in general, had been still father of the house of + Saul, and less firm to David hitherto, than any of the rest, and so cannot + be supposed to be joined with Judah at this time, to make it double, + especially when the following rebellion was headed by a Benjamite. See + sect. 6, and 2 Samuel 20:2, 4.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-22" id="link7note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link7noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ This section is a very + remarkable one, and shows that, in the opinion of Josephus, David composed + the Book of Psalms, not at several times before, as their present + inscriptions frequently imply, but generally at the latter end of his + life, or after his wars were over. Nor does Josephus, nor the authors of + the known books of the Old and New Testament, nor the Apostolical + Constitutions, seem to have ascribed any of them to any other author than + to David himself. See Essay on the Old Testament, pages 174, 175. Of these + metres of the Psalms, see the note on Antiq. B. II. ch. 16. sect. 4.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-23" id="link7note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link7noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ The words of God by + Moses, Exodus 30:12, sufficiently satisfy the reason here given by + Josephus for the great plague mentioned in this chapter:—"When thou + takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall + they give a ransom for his soul unto the Lord, when thou numberest them; + that there be no plague amongst them, when numberest them." Nor indeed + could David's or the neglect of executing this law at this numeration of + half a shekel apiece with them, when they came numbered. The great reason + why nations are so committed by and with their wicked kings and governors + that they almost constantly comply with them in their of or disobedience + to the Divine laws, and suffer Divine laws to go into disuse or contempt, + in order to kings and governors; and that they sub-political laws and + commands of those governors, instead of the righteous laws of God, which + all mankind ought ever to obey, let their kings and governors say what + they please to the contrary; this preference of human before Divine laws + seeming to me the principal character of idolatrous or antichristian + nations. Accordingly, Josephus well observes, Antiq. B. IV. ch. 8. sect. + 17, that it was the duty of the people of Israel to take care that their + kings, when they should have them, did not exceed their proper limits of + power, and prove ungovernable by the laws of God, which would certainly be + a most pernicious thing to their Divine settlement. Nor do I think that + negligence peculiar to the Jews: those nations which are called + Christians, are sometimes indeed very solicitous to restrain their kings + and governors from breaking the human laws of their several kingdoms, but + without the like care for restraining them from breaking the laws of God. + "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto men more than to + God, judge ye," Acts 4:19. "We ought to obey God rather than men," ver. + 29.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-24" id="link7note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link7noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ What Josephus adds here + is very remarkable, that this Mount Moriah was not only the very place + where Abraham offered up Isaac long ago, but that God had foretold to + David by a prophet, that here his son should build him a temple, which is + not directly in any of our other copies, though very agreeable to what is + in them, particularly in 1 Chronicles 21:25, 28; 22:1, to which places I + refer the reader.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-25" id="link7note-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#link7noteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ Of the quantity of gold + and silver expended in the building of Solomon's temple, and whence it + arose, see the description of ch. 13.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7note-26" id="link7note-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#link7noteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ David is here greatly + blamed by some for recommending Joab and Shimei to be punished by Solomon, + if he could find a proper occasion, after he had borne with the first a + long while, and seemed to have pardoned the other entirely, which Solomon + executed accordingly; yet I cannot discern any fault either in David or + Solomon in these cases. Joab's murder of Abner and Amasa were very + barbarous, and could not properly be forgiven either by David or Solomon; + for a dispensing power in kings for the crime of willful murder is + warranted by no law of God, nay, is directly against it every where; nor + is it, for certain, in the power of men to grant such a prerogative to any + of their kings; though Joab was so nearly related to David, and so potent + in the army under a warlike administration, that David durst not himself + put him to death, 2 Samuel 3:39; 19:7. Shimei's cursing the Lord's + anointed, and this without any just cause, was the highest act of treason + against God and his anointed king, and justly deserved death; and though + David could forgive treason against himself, yet had he done no more in + the case of Shimei than promised him that he would not then, on the day of + his return and reinauguration, or upon that occasion, himself put him to + death, 2 Samuel 19:22; and he swore to him no further, ver. 23, as the + words are in Josephus, than that he would not then put him to death, which + he performed; nor was Solomon under any obligation to spare such a + traitor.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <b><a href="#link82H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK VIII. Containing The Interval Of One + Hundred And Sixty-Three Years.—From The Death Of David To The Death + Of Ahab.</b> </a></b> + </h3> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. How Solomon, When He Had Received The + Kingdom Took Off His Enemies. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2. Concerning The Wife Of Solomon; + Concerning His Wisdom And Riches; And Concerning What He Obtained Of Hiram + For The Building Of The Temple. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3. Of The Building Of This Temple </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4. How Solomon Removed The Ark Into The + Temple How He Made Supplication To God, And Offered Public Sacrifices To + Him. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5. How Solomon Built Himself A Royal + Palace, Very Costly And Splendid; And How He Solved The Riddles Which Were + Sent Him By Hiram. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6. How Solomon Fortified The City Of + Jerusalem, And Built Great Cities; And How He Brought Some Of The + Canaanites Into Subjection, And Entertained The Queen Of Egypt And Of + Ethiopia. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7. How Solomon Grew Rich, And Fell + Desperately In Love With Women And How God, Being Incensed At It, Raised + Up Ader And Jeroboam Against Him. Concerning The Death Of Solomon. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8. How, Upon The Death Of Solomon The + People Forsook His Son Rehoboam, And Ordained Jeroboam King Over The Ten + Tribes. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9. How Jadon The Prophet Was Persuaded + By Another Lying Prophet And Returned [To Bethel,] And Was Afterwards + Slain By A Lion. As Also What Words The Wicked Prophet Made Use Of To + Persuade The King, And Thereby Alienated His Mind From God. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10. Concerning Rehoboam, And How God + Inflicted Punishment Upon Him For His Impiety By Shishak [King Of Egypt]. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11. Concerning The Death Of A Son Of + Jeroboam. How Jeroboam Was Beaten By Abijah Who Died A Little Afterward + And Was Succeeded In His Kingdom By Asa. And Also How, After The Death Of + Jeroboam Baasha Destroyed His Son Nadab And All The House Of Jeroboam.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12. How Zerah, King Of The Ethiopians, + Was Beaten By Asa; And How Asa, Upon Baasha's Making War Against Him, + Invited The King Of The Damascens To Assist Him; And How, On The + Destruction Of The House Of Baasha Zimri Got The Kingdom As Did His Son + Ahab After Him.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13. How Ahab When He Had Taken Jezebel + To Wife Became More Wicked Than All The Kings That Had Been Before Him; Of + The Actions Of The Prophet Elijah, And What Befell Naboth. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0014"> CHAPTER 14. How Hadad King Of Damascus And Of + Syria, Made Two Expeditions Against Ahab And Was Beaten. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82HCH0015"> CHAPTER 15. Concerning Jehoshaphat The King Of + Jerusalem And How Ahab Made An Expedition Against The Syrians And Was + Assisted Therein By Jehoshaphat, But Was Himself Overcome In Battle And + Perished Therein. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link82H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES: </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link82H_4_0001" id="link82H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK VIII. Containing The Interval Of One Hundred And Sixty-Three + Years.—From The Death Of David To The Death Of Ahab.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0001" id="link82HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. How Solomon, When He Had Received The Kingdom Took Off His + Enemies. + </h3> + <p> + 1. We have already treated of David, and his virtue, and of the benefits + he was the author of to his countrymen; of his wars also and battles, + which he managed with success, and then died an old man, in the foregoing + book. And when Solomon his son, who was but a youth in age, had taken the + kingdom, and whom David had declared, while he was alive, the lord of that + people, according to God's will; when he sat upon the throne, the whole + body of the people made joyful acclamations to him, as is usual at the + beginning of a reign; and wished that all his affairs might come to a + blessed conclusion; and that he might arrive at a great age, and at the + most happy state of affairs possible. + </p> + <p> + 2. But Adonijah, who, while his father was living, attempted to gain + possession of the government, came to the king's mother Bathsheba, and + saluted her with great civility; and when she asked him, whether he came + to her as desiring her assistance in any thing or not, and bade him tell + her if that were the case, for that she would cheerfully afford it him; he + began to say, that she knew herself that the kingdom was his, both on + account of his elder age, and of the disposition of the multitude, and + that yet it was transferred to Solomon her son, according to the will of + God. He also said that he was contented to be a servant under him, and was + pleased with the present settlement; but he desired her to be a means of + obtaining a favor from his brother to him, and to persuade him to bestow + on him in marriage Abishag, who had indeed slept by his father, but, + because his father was too old, he did not lie with her, and she was still + a virgin. So Bathsheba promised him to afford him her assistance very + earnestly, and to bring this marriage about, because the king would be + willing to gratify him in such a thing, and because she would press it to + him very earnestly. Accordingly he went away in hopes of succeeding in + this match. So Solomon's mother went presently to her son, to speak to him + about what she had promised, upon Adonijah's supplication to her. And when + her son came forward to meet her, and embraced her, and when he had + brought her into the house where his royal throne was set, he sat thereon, + and bid them set another throne on the right hand for his mother. When + Bathsheba was set down, she said, "O my son, grant me one request that I + desire of thee, and do not any thing to me that is disagreeable or + ungrateful, which thou wilt do if thou deniest me." And when Solomon bid + her to lay her commands upon him, because it was agreeable to his duty to + grant her every thing she should ask, and complained that she did not at + first begin her discourse with a firm expectation of obtaining what she + desired, but had some suspicion of a denial, she entreated him to grant + that his brother Adonijah might marry Abishag. + </p> + <p> + 3. But the king was greatly offended at these words, and sent away his + mother, and said that Adonijah aimed at great things; and that he wondered + that she did not desire him to yield up the kingdom to him, as to his + elder brother, since she desired that he might marry Abishag; and that he + had potent friends, Joab the captain of the host, and Abiathar the priest. + So he called for Benaiah, the captain of the guards, and ordered him to + slay his brother Adonijah. He also called for Abiathar the priest, and + said to him, "I will not put thee to death because of those other + hardships which thou hast endured with my father, and because of the ark + which thou hast borne along with him; but I inflict this following + punishment upon thee, because thou wast among Adonijah's followers, and + wast of his party. Do not thou continue here, nor come any more into my + sight, but go to thine own town, and live on thy own fields, and there + abide all thy life; for thou hast offended so greatly, that it is not just + that thou shouldst retain thy dignity any longer." For the forementioned + cause, therefore, it was that the house of Ithamar was deprived of the + sacerdotal dignity, as God had foretold to Eli, the grandfather of + Abiathar. So it was transferred to the family of Phineas, to Zadok. Now + those that were of the family of Phineas, but lived privately during the + time that the high priesthood was transferred to the house of Ithamar, [of + which family Eli was the first that received it,]were these that follow: + Bukki, the son of Abishua the high priest; his son was Joatham; Joatham's + son was Meraioth; Meraioth's son was Arophseus; Aropheus's son was Ahitub; + and Ahitub's son was Zadok, who was first made high priest in the reign of + David. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now when Joab the captain of the host heard of the slaughter of + Adonijah, he was greatly afraid, for he was a greater friend to him than + to Solomon; and suspecting, not without reason, that he was in danger, on + account of his favor to Adonijah, he fled to the altar, and supposed he + might procure safety thereby to himself, because of the king's piety + towards God. But when some told the king what Joab's supposal was, he sent + Benaiah, and commanded him to raise him up from the altar, and bring him + to the judgment-seat, in order to make his defense. However, Joab said he + would not leave the altar, but would die there rather than in another + place. And when Benaiah had reported his answer to the king, Solomon + commanded him to cut off his head there <a href="#link8note-1" + name="link8noteref-1" id="link8noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> and let him + take that as a punishment for those two captains of the host whom he had + wickedly slain, and to bury his body, that his sins might never leave his + family, but that himself and his father, by Joab's death, might be + guiltless. And when Benaiah had done what he was commanded to do, he was + himself appointed to be captain of the whole army. The king also made + Zadok to be alone the high priest, in the room of Abiathar, whom he had + removed. + </p> + <p> + 5. But as to Shimei, Solomon commanded that he should build him a house, + and stay at Jerusalem, and attend upon him, and should not have authority + to go over the brook Cedron; and that if he disobeyed that command, death + should be his punishment. He also threatened him so terribly, that he + compelled him to take all oath that he would obey. Accordingly Shimei said + that he had reason to thank Solomon for giving him such an injunction; and + added an oath, that he would do as he bade him; and leaving his own + country, he made his abode in Jerusalem. But three years afterwards, when + he heard that two of his servants were run away from him, and were in + Gath, he went for his servants in haste; and when he was come back with + them, the king perceived it, and was much displeased that he had contemned + his commands, and, what was more, had no regard to the oaths he had sworn + to God; so he called him, and said to him, "Didst not thou swear never to + leave me, nor to go out of this city to another? Thou shalt not therefore + escape punishment for thy perjury, but I will punish thee, thou wicked + wretch, both for this crime, and for those wherewith thou didst abuse my + father when he was in his flight, that thou mayst know that wicked men + gain nothing at last, although they be not punished immediately upon their + unjust practices; but that in all the time wherein they think themselves + secure, because they have yet suffered nothing, their punishment + increases, and is heavier upon them, and that to a greater degree than if + they had been punished immediately upon the commission of their crimes." + So Benaiah, on the king's command, slew Shimei. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0002" id="link82HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. Concerning The Wife Of Solomon; Concerning His Wisdom And + Riches; And Concerning What He Obtained Of Hiram For The Building Of The + Temple. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Solomon having already settled himself firmly in his kingdom, and + having brought his enemies to punishment, he married the daughter of + Pharaoh king of Egypt, and built the walls of Jerusalem much larger and + stronger than those that had been before, <a href="#link8note-2" + name="link8noteref-2" id="link8noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> and + thenceforward he managed public affairs very peaceably. Nor was his youth + any hinderance in the exercise of justice, or in the observation of the + laws, or in the remembrance of what charges his father had given him at + his death; but he discharged every duty with great accuracy, that might + have been expected from such as are aged, and of the greatest prudence. He + now resolved to go to Hebron, and sacrifice to God upon the brazen altar + that was built by Moses. Accordingly he offered there burnt-offerings, in + number a thousand; and when he had done this, he thought he had paid great + honor to God; for as he was asleep that very night God appeared to him, + and commanded him to ask of him some gifts which he was ready to give him + as a reward for his piety. So Solomon asked of God what was most + excellent, and of the greatest worth in itself, what God would bestow with + the greatest joy, and what it was most profitable for man to receive; for + he did not desire to have bestowed upon him either gold or silver, or any + other riches, as a man and a youth might naturally have done, for these + are the things that generally are esteemed by most men, as alone of the + greatest worth, and the best gifts of God; but, said he, "Give me, O Lord, + a sound mind, and a good understanding, whereby I may speak and judge the + people according to truth and righteousness." With these petitions God was + well pleased; and promised to give him all those things that he had not + mentioned in his option, riches, glory, victory over his enemies; and, in + the first place, understanding and wisdom, and this in such a degree as no + other mortal man, neither kings nor ordinary persons, ever had. He also + promised to preserve the kingdom to his posterity for a very long time, if + he continued righteous and obedient to him, and imitated his father in + those things wherein he excelled. When Solomon heard this from God, he + presently leaped out of his bed; and when he had worshipped him, he + returned to Jerusalem; and after he had offered great sacrifices before + the tabernacle, he feasted all his own family. + </p> + <p> + 2. In these days a hard cause came before him in judgment, which it was + very difficult to find any end of; and I think it necessary to explain the + fact about which the contest was, that such as light upon my writings may + know what a difficult cause Solomon was to determine, and those that are + concerned in such matters may take this sagacity of the king for a + pattern, that they may the more easily give sentence about such questions. + There were two women, who were harlots in the course of their lives, that + came to him; of whom she that seemed to be injured began to speak first, + and said, "O king, I and this other woman dwell together in one room. Now + it came to pass that we both bore a son at the same hour of the same day; + and on the third day this woman overlaid her son, and killed it, and then + took my son out of my bosom, and removed him to herself, and as I was + asleep she laid her dead son in my arms. Now, when in the morning I was + desirous to give the breast to the child, I did not find my own, but saw + the woman's dead child lying by me; for I considered it exactly, and found + it so to be. Hence it was that I demanded my son, and when I could not + obtain him, I have recourse, my lord, to thy assistance; for since we were + alone, and there was nobody there that could convict her, she cares for + nothing, but perseveres in the stout denial of the fact." When this woman + had told this her story, the king asked the other woman what she had to + say in contradiction to that story. But when she denied that she had done + what was charged upon her, and said that it was her child that was living, + and that it was her antagonist's child that was dead, and when no one + could devise what judgment could be given, and the whole court were blind + in their understanding, and could not tell how to find out this riddle, + the king alone invented the following way how to discover it. He bade them + bring in both the dead child and the living child; and sent one of his + guards, and commanded him to fetch a sword, and draw it, and to cut both + the children into two pieces, that each of the women might have half the + living and half the dead child. Hereupon all the people privately laughed + at the king, as no more than a youth. But, in the mean time, she that was + the real mother of the living child cried out that he should not do so, + but deliver that child to the other woman as her own, for she would be + satisfied with the life of the child, and with the sight of it, although + it were esteemed the other's child; but the other woman was ready to see + the child divided, and was desirous, moreover, that the first woman should + be tormented. When the king understood that both their words proceeded + from the truth of their passions, he adjudged the child to her that cried + out to save it, for that she was the real mother of it; and he condemned + the other as a wicked woman, who had not only killed her own child, but + was endeavoring to see her friend's child destroyed also. Now the + multitude looked on this determination as a great sign and demonstration + of the king's sagacity and wisdom, and after that day attended to him as + to one that had a divine mind. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now the captains of his armies, and officers appointed over the whole + country, were these: over the lot of Ephraim was Ures; over the toparchy + of Bethlehem was Dioclerus; Abinadab, who married Solomon's daughter, had + the region of Dora and the sea-coast under him; the Great Plain was under + Benaiah, the son of Achilus; he also governed all the country as far as + Jordan; Gabaris ruled over Gilead and Gaulanitis, and had under him the + sixty great and fenced cities [of Og]; Achinadab managed the affairs of + all Galilee as far as Sidon, and had himself also married a daughter of + Solomon's, whose name was Basima; Banacates had the seacoast about Arce; + as had Shaphat Mount Tabor, and Carmel, and [the Lower] Galilee, as far as + the river Jordan; one man was appointed over all this country; Shimei was + intrusted with the lot of Benjamin; and Gabares had the country beyond + Jordan, over whom there was again one governor appointed. Now the people + of the Hebrews, and particularly the tribe of Judah, received a wonderful + increase when they betook themselves to husbandry, and the cultivation of + their grounds; for as they enjoyed peace, and were not distracted with + wars and troubles, and having, besides, an abundant fruition of the most + desirable liberty, every one was busy in augmenting the product of their + own lands, and making them worth more than they had formerly been. + </p> + <p> + 4. The king had also other rulers, who were over the land of Syria and of + the Philistines, which reached from the river Euphrates to Egypt, and + these collected his tributes of the nations. Now these contributed to the + king's table, and to his supper every day <a href="#link8note-3" + name="link8noteref-3" id="link8noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> thirty cori + of fine flour, and sixty of meal; as also ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen + out of the pastures, and a hundred fat lambs; all these were besides what + were taken by hunting harts and buffaloes, and birds and fishes, which + were brought to the king by foreigners day by day. Solomon had also so + great a number of chariots, that the stalls of his horses for those + chariots were forty thousand; and besides these he had twelve thousand + horsemen, the one half of which waited upon the king in Jerusalem, and the + rest were dispersed abroad, and dwelt in the royal villages; but the same + officer who provided for the king's expenses supplied also the fodder for + the horses, and still carried it to the place where the king abode at that + time. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now the sagacity and wisdom which God had bestowed on Solomon was so + great, that he exceeded the ancients; insomuch that he was no way inferior + to the Egyptians, who are said to have been beyond all men in + understanding; nay, indeed, it is evident that their sagacity was very + much inferior to that of the king's. He also excelled and distinguished + himself in wisdom above those who were most eminent among the Hebrews at + that time for shrewdness; those I mean were Ethan, and Heman, and Chalcol, + and Darda, the sons of Mahol. He also composed books of odes and songs a + thousand and five, of parables and similitudes three thousand; for he + spake a parable upon every sort of tree, from the hyssop to the cedar; and + in like manner also about beasts, about all sorts of living creatures, + whether upon the earth, or in the seas, or in the air; for he was not + unacquainted with any of their natures, nor omitted inquiries about them, + but described them all like a philosopher, and demonstrated his exquisite + knowledge of their several properties. God also enabled him to learn that + skill which expels demons, <a href="#link8note-4" name="link8noteref-4" + id="link8noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> which is a science useful and + sanative to men. He composed such incantations also by which distempers + are alleviated. And he left behind him the manner of using exorcisms, by + which they drive away demons, so that they never return; and this method + of cure is of great force unto this day; for I have seen a certain man of + my own country, whose name was Eleazar, releasing people that were + demoniacal in the presence of Vespasian, and his sons, and his captains, + and the whole multitude of his soldiers. The manner of the cure was this: + He put a ring that had a Foot of one of those sorts mentioned by Solomon + to the nostrils of the demoniac, after which he drew out the demon through + his nostrils; and when the man fell down immediately, he abjured him to + return into him no more, making still mention of Solomon, and reciting the + incantations which he composed. And when Eleazar would persuade and + demonstrate to the spectators that he had such a power, he set a little + way off a cup or basin full of water, and commanded the demon, as he went + out of the man, to overturn it, and thereby to let the spectators know + that he had left the man; and when this was done, the skill and wisdom of + Solomon was shown very manifestly: for which reason it is, that all men + may know the vastness of Solomon's abilities, and how he was beloved of + God, and that the extraordinary virtues of every kind with which this king + was endowed may not be unknown to any people under the sun for this + reason, I say, it is that we have proceeded to speak so largely of these + matters. + </p> + <p> + 6. Moreover Hiram, king of Tyre, when he had heard that Solomon succeeded + to his father's kingdom, was very glad of it, for he was a friend of + David's. So he sent ambassadors to him, and saluted him, and congratulated + him on the present happy state of his affairs. Upon which Solomon sent him + an epistle, the contents of which here follow: + </p> + <p> + Solomon To King Hiram. + </p> + <p> + "<a href="#link8note-5" name="link8noteref-5" id="link8noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + Know thou that my father would have built a temple to God, but was + hindered by wars, and continual expeditions; for he did not leave off to + overthrow his enemies till he made them all subject to tribute. But I give + thanks to God for the peace I at present enjoy, and on that account I am + at leisure, and design to build a house to God, for God foretold to my + father that such a house should be built by me; wherefore I desire thee to + send some of thy subjects with mine to Mount Lebanon to cut down timber, + for the Sidonians are more skillful than our people in cutting of wood. As + for wages to the hewers of wood, I will pay whatsoever price thou shalt + determine." + </p> + <p> + 7. When Hiram had read this epistle, he was pleased with it; and wrote + back this answer to Solomon. + </p> + <p> + Hiram To King Solomon. + </p> + <p> + "It is fit to bless God that he hath committed thy father's government to + thee, who art a wise man, and endowed with all virtues. As for myself, I + rejoice at the condition thou art in, and will be subservient to thee in + all that thou sendest to me about; for when by my subjects I have cut down + many and large trees of cedar and cypress wood, I will send them to sea, + and will order my subjects to make floats of them, and to sail to what + place soever of thy country thou shalt desire, and leave them there, after + which thy subjects may carry them to Jerusalem. But do thou take care to + procure us corn for this timber, which we stand in need of, because we + inhabit in an island." + </p> + <p> + 8. The copies of these epistles remain at this day, and are preserved not + only in our books, but among the Tyrians also; insomuch that if any one + would know the certainty about them, he may desire of the keepers of the + public records of Tyre to show him them, and he will find what is there + set down to agree with what we have said. I have said so much out of a + desire that my readers may know that we speak nothing but the truth, and + do not compose a history out of some plausible relations, which deceive + men and please them at the same time, nor attempt to avoid examination, + nor desire men to believe us immediately; nor are we at liberty to depart + from speaking truth, which is the proper commendation of an historian, and + yet be blameless: but we insist upon no admission of what we say, unless + we be able to manifest its truth by demonstration, and the strongest + vouchers. + </p> + <p> + 9. Now king Solomon, as soon as this epistle of the king of Tyre was + brought him, commended the readiness and good-will he declared therein, + and repaid him in what he desired, and sent him yearly twenty thousand + cori of wheat, and as many baths of oil: now the bath is able to contain + seventy-two sextaries. He also sent him the same measure of wine. So the + friendship between Hiram and Solomon hereby increased more and more; and + they swore to continue it for ever. And the king appointed a tribute to be + laid on all the people, of thirty thousand laborers, whose work he + rendered easy to them by prudently dividing it among them; for he made ten + thousand cut timber in Mount Lebanon for one month; and then to come home, + and rest two months, until the time when the other twenty thousand had + finished their task at the appointed time; and so afterward it came to + pass that the first ten thousand returned to their work every fourth + month: and it was Adoram who was over this tribute. There were also of the + strangers who were left by David, who were to carry the stones and other + materials, seventy thousand; and of those that cut the stones, eighty + thousand. Of these three thousand and three hundred were rulers over the + rest. He also enjoined them to cut out large stones for the foundations of + the temple, and that they should fit them and unite them together in the + mountain, and so bring them to the city. This was done not only by our own + country workmen, but by those workmen whom Hiram sent also. <a + href="#link8note-6" name="link8noteref-6" id="link8noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0003" id="link82HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. Of The Building Of This Temple + </h3> + <p> + 1. Solomon began to build the temple in the fourth year of his reign, on + the second month, which the Macedonians call Artemisius, and the Hebrews + Jur, five hundred and ninety-two years after the Exodus out of Egypt; but + one thousand and twenty years from Abraham's coming out of Mesopotamia + into Canaan, and after the deluge one thousand four hundred and forty + years; and from Adam, the first man who was created, until Solomon built + the temple, there had passed in all three thousand one hundred and two + years. Now that year on which the temple began to be built was already the + eleventh year of the reign of Hiram; but from the building of Tyre to the + building of the temple, there had passed two hundred and forty years. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now, therefore, the king laid the foundations of the temple very deep + in the ground, and the materials were strong stones, and such as would + resist the force of time; these were to unite themselves with the earth, + and become a basis and a sure foundation for that superstructure which was + to be erected over it; they were to be so strong, in order to sustain with + ease those vast superstructures and precious ornaments, whose own weight + was to be not less than the weight of those other high and heavy buildings + which the king designed to be very ornamental and magnificent. They + erected its entire body, quite up to the roof, of white stone; its height + was sixty cubits, and its length was the same, and its breadth twenty. + There was another building erected over it, equal to it in its measures; + so that the entire altitude of the temple was a hundred and twenty cubits. + Its front was to the east. As to the porch, they built it before the + temple; its length was twenty cubits, and it was so ordered that it might + agree with the breadth of the house; and it had twelve cubits in latitude, + and its height was raised as high as a hundred and twenty cubits. He also + built round about the temple thirty small rooms, which might include the + whole temple, by their closeness one to another, and by their number and + outward position round it. He also made passages through them, that they + might come into on through another. Every one of these rooms had five + cubits in breadth, <a href="#link8note-7" name="link8noteref-7" + id="link8noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> and the same in length, but in + height twenty. Above these there were other rooms, and others above them, + equal, both in their measures and number; so that these reached to a + height equal to the lower part of the house; for the upper part had no + buildings about it. The roof that was over the house was of cedar; and + truly every one of these rooms had a roof of their own, that was not + connected with the other rooms; but for the other parts, there was a + covered roof common to them all, and built with very long beams, that + passed through the rest, and through the whole building, that so the middle + walls, being strengthened by the same beams of timber, might be thereby + made firmer: but as for that part of the roof that was under the beams, it + was made of the same materials, and was all made smooth, and had ornaments + proper for roofs, and plates of gold nailed upon them. And as he enclosed + the walls with boards of cedar, so he fixed on them plates of gold, which + had sculptures upon them; so that the whole temple shined, and dazzled the + eyes of such as entered, by the splendor of the gold that was on every + side of them, Now the whole structure of the temple was made with great + skill of polished stones, and those laid together so very harmoniously and + smoothly, that there appeared to the spectators no sign of any hammer, or + other instrument of architecture; but as if, without any use of them, the + entire materials had naturally united themselves together, that the + agreement of one part with another seemed rather to have been natural, + than to have arisen from the force of tools upon them. The king also had a + fine contrivance for an ascent to the upper room over the temple, and that + was by steps in the thickness of its wall; for it had no large door on the + east end, as the lower house had, but the entrances were by the sides, + through very small doors. He also overlaid the temple, both within and + without, with boards of cedar, that were kept close together by thick + chains, so that this contrivance was in the nature of a support and a + strength to the building. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now when the king had divided the temple into two parts, he made the + inner house of twenty cubits [every way], to be the most secret chamber, + but he appointed that of forty cubits to be the sanctuary; and when he had + cut a door-place out of the wall, he put therein doors of Cedar, and + overlaid them with a great deal of gold, that had sculptures upon it. He + also had veils of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and the brightest and + softest linen, with the most curious flowers wrought upon them, which were + to be drawn before those doors. He also dedicated for the most secret + place, whose breadth was twenty cubits, and length the same, two cherubims + of solid gold; the height of each of them was five cubits <a + href="#link8note-8" name="link8noteref-8" id="link8noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> + they had each of them two wings stretched out as far as five cubits; + wherefore Solomon set them up not far from each other, that with one wing + they might touch the southern wall of the secret place, and with another + the northern: their other wings, which joined to each other, were a + covering to the ark, which was set between them; but nobody can tell, or + even conjecture, what was the shape of these cherubims. He also laid the + floor of the temple with plates of gold; and he added doors to the gate of + the temple, agreeable to the measure of the height of the wall, but in + breadth twenty cubits, and on them he glued gold plates. And, to say all + in one word, he left no part of the temple, neither internal nor external, + but what was covered with gold. He also had curtains drawn over these + doors in like manner as they were drawn over the inner doors of the most + holy place; but the porch of the temple had nothing of that sort. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now Solomon sent for an artificer out of Tyre, whose name was Hiram; he + was by birth of the tribe of Naphtali, on the mother's side, [for she was + of that tribe,] but his father was Ur, of the stock of the Israelites. + This man was skillful in all sorts of work; but his chief skill lay in + working in gold, and silver, and brass; by whom were made all the + mechanical works about the temple, according to the will of Solomon. + Moreover, this Hiram made two [hollow] pillars, whose outsides were of + brass, and the thickness of the brass was four fingers' breadth, and the + height of the pillars was eighteen cubits and their circumference twelve + cubits; but there was cast with each of their chapiters lily-work that + stood upon the pillar, and it was elevated five cubits, round about which + there was net-work interwoven with small palms, made of brass, and covered + the lily-work. To this also were hung two hundred pomegranates, in two + rows. The one of these pillars he set at the entrance of the porch on the + right hand, and called it Jachin <a href="#link8note-9" + name="link8noteref-9" id="link8noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> and the + other at the left hand, and called it Booz. + </p> + <p> + 5. Solomon also cast a brazen sea, whose figure was that of a hemisphere. + This brazen vessel was called a sea for its largeness, for the laver was + ten feet in diameter, and cast of the thickness of a palm. Its middle part + rested on a short pillar that had ten spirals round it, and that pillar + was ten cubits in diameter. There stood round about it twelve oxen, that + looked to the four winds of heaven, three to each wind, having their + hinder parts depressed, that so the hemispherical vessel might rest upon + them, which itself was also depressed round about inwardly. Now this sea + contained three thousand baths. + </p> + <p> + 6. He also made ten brazen bases for so many quadrangular lavers; the + length of every one of these bases was five cubits, and the breadth four + cubits, and the height six cubits. This vessel was partly turned, and was + thus contrived: There were four small quadrangular pillars that stood one + at each corner; these had the sides of the base fitted to them on each + quarter; they were parted into three parts; every interval had a border + fitted to support [the laver]; upon which was engraven, in one place a + lion, and in another place a bull, and an eagle. The small pillars had the + same animals engraven that were engraven on the sides. The whole work was + elevated, and stood upon four wheels, which were also cast, which had also + naves and felloes, and were a foot and a half in diameter. Any one who saw + the spokes of the wheels, how exactly they were turned, and united to the + sides of the bases, and with what harmony they agreed to the felloes, + would wonder at them. However, their structure was this: Certain shoulders + of hands stretched out held the corners above, upon which rested a short + spiral pillar, that lay under the hollow part of the laver, resting upon + the fore part of the eagle and the lion, which were adapted to them, + insomuch that those who viewed them would think they were of one piece: + between these were engravings of palm trees. This was the construction of + the ten bases. He also made ten large round brass vessels, which were the + lavers themselves, each of which contained forty baths; <a + href="#link8note-10" name="link8noteref-10" id="link8noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> + for it had its height four cubits, and its edges were as much distant from + each other. He also placed these lavers upon the ten bases that were + called Mechonoth; and he set five of the lavers on the left side of the + temple <a href="#link8note-11" name="link8noteref-11" id="link8noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> + which was that side towards the north wind, and as many on the right side, + towards the south, but looking towards the east; the same [eastern] way he + also set the sea. Now he appointed the sea to be for washing the hands and + the feet of the priests, when they entered into the temple and were to + ascend the altar, but the lavers to cleanse the entrails of the beasts + that were to be burnt-offerings, with their feet also. + </p> + <p> + 7. He also made a brazen altar, whose length was twenty cubits, and its + breadth the same, and its height ten, for the burnt-offerings. He also + made all its vessels of brass, the pots, and the shovels, and the basons; + and besides these, the snuffers and the tongs, and all its other vessels, + he made of brass, and such brass as was in splendor and beauty like gold. + The king also dedicated a great number of tables, but one that was large + and made of gold, upon which they set the loaves of God; and he made ten + thousand more that resembled them, but were done after another manner, + upon which lay the vials and the cups; those of gold were twenty thousand, + those of silver were forty thousand. He also made ten thousand + candlesticks, according to the command of Moses, one of which he dedicated + for the temple, that it might burn in the day time, according to the law; + and one table with loaves upon it, on the north side of the temple, over + against the candlestick; for this he set on the south side, but the golden + altar stood between them. All these vessels were contained in that part of + the holy house, which was forty cubits long, and were before the veil of + that most secret place wherein the ark was to be set. + </p> + <p> + 8. The king also made pouring vessels, in number eighty thousand, and a + hundred thousand golden vials, and twice as many silver vials: of golden + dishes, in order therein to offer kneaded fine flour at the altar, there + were eighty thousand, and twice as many of silver. Of large basons also, + wherein they mixed fine flour with oil, sixty thousand of gold, and twice + as many of silver. Of the measures like those which Moses called the Hin + and the Assaron, [a tenth deal,] there were twenty thousand of gold, and + twice as many of silver. The golden censers, in which they carried the + incense to the altar, were twenty thousand; the other censers, in which + they carried fire from the great altar to the little altar, within the + temple, were fifty thousand. The sacerdotal garments which belonged to the + high priest, with the long robes, and the oracle, and the precious stones, + were a thousand. But the crown upon which Moses wrote [the name of + God] was only one, and hath remained to this very day. He also made ten + thousand sacerdotal garments of fine linen, with purple girdles for every + priest; and two hundred thousand trumpets, according to the command of + Moses; also two hundred thousand garments of fine linen for the singers, + that were Levites. And he made musical instruments, and such as were + invented for singing of hymns, called Nablee and Cindree, [psalteries and + harps,] which were made of electrum, [the finest brass,] forty thousand. + </p> + <p> + 9. Solomon made all these things for the honor of God, with great variety + and magnificence, sparing no cost, but using all possible liberality in + adorning the temple; and these things he dedicated to the treasures of + God. He also placed a partition round about the temple, which in our + tongue we call Gison, but it is called Thrigcos by the Greeks, and he + raised it up to the height of three cubits; and it was for the exclusion + of the multitude from coming into the temple, and showing that it was a + place that was free and open only for the priests. He also built beyond + this court a temple, whose figure was that of a quadrangle, and erected + for it great and broad cloisters; this was entered into by very high + gates, each of which had its front exposed to one of the [four] winds, and + were shut by golden doors. Into this temple all the people entered that + were distinguished from the rest by being pure and observant of the laws. + But he made that temple which was beyond this a wonderful one indeed, and + such as exceeds all description in words; nay, if I may so say, is hardly + believed upon sight; for when he had filled up great valleys with earth, + which, on account of their immense depth, could not be looked on, when you + bended down to see them, without pain, and had elevated the ground four + hundred cubits, he made it to be on a level with the top of the mountain, + on which the temple was built, and by this means the outmost temple, which + was exposed to the air, was even with the temple itself. He encompassed + this also with a building of a double row of cloisters, which stood on + high upon pillars of native stone, while the roofs were of cedar, and were + polished in a manner proper for such high roofs; but he made all the doors + of this temple of silver. <a href="#link8note-12" name="link8noteref-12" + id="link8noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0004" id="link82HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. How Solomon Removed The Ark Into The Temple How He Made + Supplication To God, And Offered Public Sacrifices To Him. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When king Solomon had finished these works, these large and beautiful + buildings, and had laid up his donations in the temple, and all this in + the interval of seven years, and had given a demonstration of his riches + and alacrity therein, insomuch that any one who saw it would have thought + it must have been an immense time ere it could have been finished; and + would be surprised that so much should be finished in so short a time; + short, I mean, if compared with the greatness of the work: he also wrote + to the rulers and elders of the Hebrews, and ordered all the people to + gather themselves together to Jerusalem, both to see the temple which he + had built, and to remove the ark of God into it; and when this invitation + of the whole body of the people to come to Jerusalem was every where + carried abroad, it was the seventh month before they came together; which + month is by our countrymen called Thisri, but by the Macedonians + Hyperberetoets. The feast of tabernacles happened to fall at the same + time, which was celebrated by the Hebrews as a most holy and most eminent + feast. So they carried the ark and the tabernacle which Moses had pitched, + and all the vessels that were for ministration, to the sacrifices of God, + and removed them to the temple. <a href="#link8note-13" + name="link8noteref-13" id="link8noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> The king + himself, and all the people and the Levites, went before, rendering the + ground moist with sacrifices, and drink-offerings, and the blood of a + great number of oblations, and burning an immense quantity of incense, and + this till the very air itself every where round about was so full of these + odors, that it met, in a most agreeable manner, persons at a great + distance, and was an indication of God's presence; and, as men's opinion + was, of his habitation with them in this newly built and consecrated + place, for they did not grow weary, either of singing hymns or of dancing, + until they came to the temple; and in this manner did they carry the ark. + But when they should transfer it into the most secret place, the rest of + the multitude went away, and only those priests that carried it set it + between the two cherubims, which embracing it with their wings, [for so + were they framed by the artificer,] they covered it, as under a tent, or a + cupola. Now the ark contained nothing else but those two tables of stone + that preserved the ten commandments, which God spake to Moses in Mount + Sinai, and which were engraved upon them; but they set the candlestick, + and the table, and the golden altar in the temple, before the most secret + place, in the very same places wherein they stood till that time in the + tabernacle. So they offered up the daily sacrifices; but for the brazen + altar, Solomon set it before the temple, over against the door, that when + the door was opened, it might be exposed to sight, and the sacred + solemnities, and the richness of the sacrifices, might be thence seen; and + all the rest of the vessels they gathered together, and put them within + the temple. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now as soon as the priests had put all things in order about the ark, + and were gone out, there came down a thick cloud, and stood there, and + spread itself, after a gentle manner, into the temple; such a cloud it was + as was diffused and temperate, not such a rough one as we see full of rain + in the winter season. This cloud so darkened the place, that one priest + could not discern another, but it afforded to the minds of all a visible + image and glorious appearance of God's having descended into this temple, + and of his having gladly pitched his tabernacle therein. So these men were + intent upon this thought. But Solomon rose up, [for he was sitting + before,] and used such words to God as he thought agreeable to the Divine + nature to receive, and fit for him to give; for he said, "Thou hast an + eternal house, O Lord, and such a one as thou hast created for thyself out + of thine own works; we know it to be the heaven, and the air, and the + earth, and the sea, which thou pervadest, nor art thou contained within + their limits. I have indeed built this temple to thee, and thy name, that + from thence, when we sacrifice, and perform sacred operations, we may send + our prayers up into the air, and may constantly believe that thou art + present, and art not remote from what is thine own; for neither when thou + seest all things, and hearest all things, nor now, when it pleases thee to + dwell here, dost thou leave the care of all men, but rather thou art very + near to them all, but especially thou art present to those that address + themselves to thee, whether by night or by day." When he had thus solemnly + addressed himself to God, he converted his discourse to the multitude, and + strongly represented the power and providence of God to them;—how he + had shown all things that were come to pass to David his father, as many + of those things had already come to pass, and the rest would certainly + come to pass hereafter; and how he had given him his name, and told to + David what he should be called before he was born; and foretold, that when + he should be king after his father's death, he should build him a temple, + which since they saw accomplished, according to his prediction, he + required them to bless God, and by believing him, from the sight of what + they had seen accomplished, never to despair of any thing that he had + promised for the future, in order to their happiness, or suspect that it + would not come to pass. + </p> + <p> + 3. When the king had thus discoursed to the multitude, he looked again + towards the temple, and lifting up his right hand to the multitude, he + said, "It is not possible by what men can do to return sufficient thanks + to God for his benefits bestowed upon them, for the Deity stands in need + of nothing, and is above any such requital; but so far as we have been + made superior, O Lord, to other animals by thee, it becomes us to bless + thy Majesty, and it is necessary for us to return thee thanks for what + thou hast bestowed upon our house, and on the Hebrew people; for with what + other instrument can we better appease thee when thou art angry at us, or + more properly preserve thy favor, than with our voice? which, as we have + it from the air, so do we know that by that air it ascends upwards + [towards thee]. I therefore ought myself to return thee thanks thereby, in + the first place, concerning my father, whom thou hast raised from + obscurity unto so great joy; and, in the next place, concerning myself, + since thou hast performed all that thou hast promised unto this very day. + And I beseech thee for the time to come to afford us whatsoever thou, O + God, hast power to bestow on such as thou dost esteem; and to augment our + house for all ages, as thou hast promised to David my father to do, both + in his lifetime and at his death, that our kingdom shall continue, and + that his posterity should successively receive it to ten thousand + generations. Do not thou therefore fail to give us these blessings, and to + bestow on my children that virtue in which thou delightest. And besides + all this, I humbly beseech thee that thou wilt let some portion of thy + Spirit come down and inhabit in this temple, that thou mayst appear to be + with us upon earth. As to thyself, the entire heavens, and the immensity + of the things that are therein, are but a small habitation for thee, much + more is this poor temple so; but I entreat thee to keep it as thine own + house, from being destroyed by our enemies for ever, and to take care of + it as thine own possession: but if this people be found to have sinned, + and be thereupon afflicted by thee with any plague, because of their sin, + as with dearth or pestilence, or any other affliction which thou usest to + inflict on those that transgress any of thy holy laws, and if they fly all + of them to this temple, beseeching thee, and begging of time to deliver + them, then do thou hear their prayers, as being within thine house, and + have mercy upon them, and deliver them from their afflictions. Nay, + moreover, this help is what I implore of thee, not for the Hebrews only, + when they are in distress, but when any shall come hither from any ends of + the world whatsoever, and shall return from their sins and implore thy + pardon, do thou then pardon them, and hear their prayer. For hereby all + shall learn that thou thyself wast pleased with the building of this house + for thee; and that we are not ourselves of an unsociable nature, nor + behave ourselves like enemies to such as are not of our own people; but + are willing that thy assistance should be communicated by thee to all men + in common, and that they may have the enjoyment of thy benefits bestowed + upon them." + </p> + <p> + 4. When Solomon had said this, and had cast himself upon the ground, and + worshipped a long time, he rose up, and brought sacrifices to the altar; + and when he had filled it with unblemished victims, he most evidently + discovered that God had with pleasure accepted of all that he had + sacrificed to him, for there came a fire running out of the air, and + rushed with violence upon the altar, in the sight of all, and caught hold + of and consumed the sacrifices. Now when this Divine appearance was seen, + the people supposed it to be a demonstration of God's abode in the temple, + and were pleased with it, and fell down upon the ground and worshipped. + Upon which the king began to bless God, and exhorted the multitude to do + the same, as now having sufficient indications of God's favorable + disposition to them; and to pray that they might always have the like + indications from him, and that he would preserve in them a mind pure from + all wickedness, in righteousness and religious worship, and that they + might continue in the observation of those precepts which God had given + them by Moses, because by that means the Hebrew nation would be happy, and + indeed the most blessed of all nations among all mankind. He exhorted them + also to be mindful, that by what methods they had attained their present + good things, by the same they must preserve them sure to themselves, and + make them greater and more than they were at present; for that it was not + sufficient for them to suppose they had received them on account of their + piety and righteousness, but that they had no other way of preserving them + for the time to come; for that it is not so great a thing for men to + acquire somewhat which they want, as to preserve what they have acquired, + and to be guilty of no sin whereby it may be hurt. + </p> + <p> + 5. So when the king had spoken thus to the multitude, he dissolved the + congregation, but not till he had completed his oblations, both for + himself and for the Hebrews, insomuch that he sacrificed twenty and two + thousand oxen, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep; for then it was + that the temple did first of all taste of the victims, and all the + Hebrews, with their wives and children, feasted therein: nay, besides + this, the king then observed splendidly and magnificently the feast which + is called the Feast of Tabernacles, before the temple, for twice seven + days; and he then feasted together with all the people. + </p> + <p> + 6. When all these solemnities were abundantly satisfied, and nothing was + omitted that concerned the Divine worship, the king dismissed them; and + they every one went to their own homes, giving thanks to the king for the + care he had taken of them, and the works he had done for them; and praying + to God to preserve Solomon to be their king for a long time. They also + took their journey home with rejoicing, and making merry, and singing + hymns to God. And indeed the pleasure they enjoyed took away the sense of + the pains they all underwent in their journey home. So when they had + brought the ark into the temple, and had seen its greatness, and how fine + it was, and had been partakers of the many sacrifices that had been + offered, and of the festivals that had been solemnized, they every one + returned to their own cities. But a dream that appeared to the king in his + sleep informed him that God had heard his prayers; and that he would not + only preserve the temple, but would always abide in it; that is, in case + his posterity and the whole multitude would be righteous. And for himself, + it said, that if he continued according to the admonitions of his father, + he would advance him to an immense degree of dignity and happiness, and + that then his posterity should be kings of that country, of the tribe of + Judah, for ever; but that still, if he should be found a betrayer of the + ordinances of the law, and forget them, and turn away to the worship of + strange gods, he would cut him off by the roots, and would neither suffer + any remainder of his family to continue, nor would overlook the people of + Israel, or preserve them any longer from afflictions, but would utterly + destroy them with ten thousand wars and misfortunes; would cast them out + of the land which he had given their fathers, and make them sojourners in + strange lands; and deliver that temple which was now built to be burnt and + spoiled by their enemies, and that city to be utterly overthrown by the + hands of their enemies; and make their miseries deserve to be a proverb, + and such as should very hardly be credited for their stupendous magnitude, + till their neighbors, when they should hear of them, should wonder at + their calamities, and very earnestly inquire for the occasion, why the + Hebrews, who had been so far advanced by God to such glory and wealth, + should be then so hated by him? and that the answer that should be made by + the remainder of the people should be, by confessing their sins, and their + transgression of the laws of their country. Accordingly we have it + transmitted to us in writing, that thus did God speak to Solomon in his + sleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0005" id="link82HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. How Solomon Built Himself A Royal Palace, Very Costly And + Splendid; And How He Solved The Riddles Which Were Sent Him By Hiram. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After the building of the temple, which, as we have before said, was + finished in seven years, the king laid the foundation of his palace, which + he did not finish under thirteen years, for he was not equally zealous in + the building of this palace as he had been about the temple; for as to + that, though it was a great work, and required wonderful and surprising + application, yet God, for whom it was made, so far co-operated therewith, + that it was finished in the forementioned number of years: but the palace, + which was a building much inferior in dignity to the temple, both on + account that its materials had not been so long beforehand gotten ready, + nor had been so zealously prepared, and on account that this was only a + habitation for kings, and not for God, it was longer in finishing. + However, this building was raised so magnificently, as suited the happy + state of the Hebrews, and of the king thereof. But it is necessary that I + describe the entire structure and disposition of the parts, that so those + that light upon this book may thereby make a conjecture, and, as it were, + have a prospect of its magnitude. + </p> + <p> + 2. This house was a large and curious building, and was supported by many + pillars, which Solomon built to contain a multitnde for hearing causes, + and taking cognizance of suits. It was sufficiently capacious to contain a + great body of men, who would come together to have their causes + determined. It was a hundred cubits long, and fifty broad, and thirty + high, supported by quadrangular pillars, which were all of cedar; but its + roof was according to the Corinthian order, <a href="#link8note-14" + name="link8noteref-14" id="link8noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> with + folding doors, and their adjoining pillars of equal magnitude, each fluted + with three cavities; which building as at once firm, and very ornamental. + There was also another house so ordered, that its entire breadth was + placed in the middle; it was quadrangular, and its breadth was thirty + cubits, having a temple over against it, raised upon massy pillars; in + which temple there was a large and very glorious room, wherein the king + sat in judgment. To this was joined another house that was built for his + queen. There were other smaller edifices for diet, and for sleep, after + public matters were over; and these were all floored with boards of cedar. + Some of these Solomon built with stones of ten cubits, and wainscoted the + walls with other stones that were sawed, and were of great value, such as + are dug out of the earth for the ornaments of temples, and to make fine + prospects in royal palaces, and which make the mines whence they are dug + famous. Now the contexture of the curious workmanship of these stones was + in three rows, but the fourth row would make one admire its sculptures, + whereby were represented trees, and all sorts of plants; with the shades + that arose from their branches, and leaves that hung down from them. Those + trees and plants covered the stone that was beneath them, and their + leaves were wrought so prodigious thin and subtile, that you would think + they were in motion; but the other part up to the roof, was plastered + over, and, as it were, embroidered with colors and pictures. He, moreover, + built other edifices for pleasure; as also very long cloisters, and those + situate in an agreeable place of the palace; and among them a most + glorious dining room, for feastings and compotations, and full of gold, + and such other furniture as so fine a room ought to have for the + conveniency of the guests, and where all the vessels were made of gold. + Now it is very hard to reckon up the magnitude and the variety of the + royal apartments; how many rooms there were of the largest sort, how many + of a bigness inferior to those, and how many that were subterraneous and + invisible; the curiosity of those that enjoyed the fresh air; and the + groves for the most delightful prospect, for the avoiding the heat, and + covering of their bodies. And, to say all in brief, Solomon made the whole + building entirely of white stone, and cedar wood, and gold, and silver. He + also adorned the roofs and walls with stones set in gold, and beautified + them thereby in the same manner as he had beautified the temple of God + with the like stones. He also made himself a throne of prodigious bigness, + of ivory, constructed as a seat of justice, and having six steps to it; on + every one of which stood, on each end of the step two lions, two other + lions standing above also; but at the sitting place of the throne hands + came out and received the king; and when he sat backward, he rested on + half a bullock, that looked towards his back; but still all was fastened + together with gold. + </p> + <p> + 3. When Solomon had completed all this in twenty years' time, because + Hiram king of Tyre had contributed a great deal of gold, and more silver + to these buildings, as also cedar wood and pine wood, he also rewarded + Hiram with rich presents; corn he sent him also year by year, and wine and + oil, which were the principal things that he stood in need of, because he + inhabited an island, as we have already said. And besides these, he + granted him certain cities of Galilee, twenty in number, that lay not far + from Tyre; which, when Hiram went to, and viewed, and did not like the + gift, he sent word to Solomon that he did not want such cities as they + were; and after that time these cities were called the land of Cabul; + which name, if it be interpreted according to the language of the + Phoenicians, denotes what does not please. Moreover, the king of Tyre sent + sophisms and enigmatical sayings to Solomon, and desired he would solve + them, and free them from the ambiguity that was in them. Now so sagacious + and understanding was Solomon, that none of these problems were too hard + for him; but he conquered them all by his reasonings, and discovered their + hidden meaning, and brought it to light. Menander also, one who translated + the Tyrian archives out of the dialect of the Phoenicians into the Greek + language, makes mention of these two kings, where he says thus: "When + Abibalus was dead, his son Hiram received the kingdom from him, who, when + he had lived fifty-three years, reigned thirty-four. He raised a bank in + the large place, and dedicated the golden pillar which is in Jupiter's + temple. He also went and cut down materials of timber out of the mountain + called Libanus, for the roof of temples; and when he had pulled down the + ancient temples, he both built the temple of Hercules and that of Astarte; + and he first set up the temple of Hercules in the month Peritius; he also + made an expedition against the Euchii, or Titii, who did not pay their + tribute, and when he had subdued them to himself he returned. Under this + king there was Abdemon, a very youth in age, who always conquered the + difficult problems which Solomon, king of Jerusalem, commanded him to + explain. Dius also makes mention of him, where he says thus: 'When + Abibalus was dead, his son Hiram reigned. He raised the eastern parts of + the city higher, and made the city itself larger. He also joined the + temple of Jupiter, which before stood by itself, to the city, by raising a + bank in the middle between them; and he adorned it with donations of gold. + Moreover, he went up to Mount Libanus, and cut down materials of wood for + the building of the temples.' He says also, that Solomon, who was then + king of Jerusalem, sent riddles to Hiram, and desired to receive the like + from him, but that he who could not solve them should pay money to them + that did solve them, and that Hiram accepted the conditions; and when he + was not able to solve the riddles proposed by Solomon, he paid a great + deal of money for his fine; but that he afterward did solve the proposed + riddles by means of Abdemon, a man of Tyre; and that Hiram proposed other + riddles, which, when Solomon could not solve, he paid back a great deal of + money to Hiram." This it is which Dius wrote. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0006" id="link82HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. How Solomon Fortified The City Of Jerusalem, And Built Great + Cities; And How He Brought Some Of The Canaanites Into Subjection, And + Entertained The Queen Of Egypt And Of Ethiopia. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when the king saw that the walls of Jerusalem stood in need of + being better secured, and made stronger, [for he thought the wails that + encompassed Jerusalem ought to correspond to the dignity of the city,] he + both repaired them, and made them higher, with great towers upon them; he + also built cities which might be counted among the strongest, Hazor and + Megiddo, and the third Gezer, which had indeed belonged to the + Philistines; but Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, had made an expedition + against it, and besieged it, and taken it by force; and when he had slain + all its inhabitants, he utterly overthrew it, and gave it as a present to + his daughter, who had been married to Solomon; for which reason the king + rebuilt it, as a city that was naturally strong, and might be useful in + wars, and the mutations of affairs that sometimes happen. Moreover, he + built two other cities not far from it, Beth-horon was the name of one of + them, and Baalath of the other. He also built other cities that lay + conveniently for these, in order to the enjoyment of pleasures and + delicacies in them, such as were naturally of a good temperature of the + air, and agreeable for fruits ripe in their proper seasons, and well + watered with springs. Nay, Solomon went as far as the desert above Syria, + and possessed himself of it, and built there a very great city, which was + distant two days' journey from Upper Syria, and one day's journey from + Euphrates, and six long days' journey from Babylon the Great. Now the + reason why this city lay so remote from the parts of Syria that are + inhabited is this, that below there is no water to be had, and that it is + in that place only that there are springs and pits of water. When he had + therefore built this city, and encompassed it with very strong walls, he + gave it the name of Tadmor, and that is the name it is still called by at + this day among the Syrians, but the Greeks name it Palmyra. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Solomon the king was at this time engaged in building these cities. + But if any inquire why all the kings of Egypt from Menes, who built + Memphis, and was many years earlier than our forefather Abraham, until + Solomon, where the interval was more than one thousand three hundred + years, were called Pharaohs, and took it from one Pharaoh that lived after + the kings of that interval, I think it necessary to inform them of it, and + this in order to cure their ignorance, and to make the occasion of that + name manifest. Pharaoh, in the Egyptian tongue, signifies a king <a + href="#link8note-15" name="link8noteref-15" id="link8noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> + but I suppose they made use of other names from their childhood; but when + they were made kings, they changed them into the name which in their own + tongue denoted their authority; for thus it was also that the kings of + Alexandria, who were called formerly by other names, when they took the + kingdom, were named Ptolemies, from their first king. The Roman emperors + also were from their nativity called by other names, but are styled + Cæsars, their empire and their dignity imposing that name upon them, and + not suffering them to continue in those names which their fathers gave + them. I suppose also that Herodotus of Halicarnassus, when he said there + were three hundred and thirty kings of Egypt after Menes, who built + Memphis, did therefore not tell us their names, because they were in + common called Pharaohs; for when after their death there was a queen + reigned, he calls her by her name Nicaule, as thereby declaring, that + while the kings were of the male line, and so admitted of the same nature, + while a woman did not admit the same, he did therefore set down that her + name, which she could not naturally have. As for myself, I have discovered + from our own books, that after Pharaoh, the father-in-law of Solomon, no + other king of Egypt did any longer use that name; and that it was after + that time when the forenamed queen of Egypt and Ethiopia came to Solomon, + concerning whom we shall inform the reader presently; but I have now made + mention of these things, that I may prove that our books and those of the + Egyptians agree together in many things. + </p> + <p> + 3. But king Solomon subdued to himself the remnant of the Canaanites that + had not before submitted to him; those I mean that dwelt in Mount Lebanon, + and as far as the city Hamath; and ordered them to pay tribute. He also + chose out of them every year such as were to serve him in the meanest + offices, and to do his domestic works, and to follow husbandry; for none + of the Hebrews were servants [in such low employments]: nor was it + reasonable, that when God had brought so many nations under their power, + they should depress their own people to such mean offices of life, rather + than those nations; while all the Israelites were concerned in warlike + affairs, and were in armor; and were set over the chariots and the horses, + rather than leading the life of slaves. He appointed also five hundred and + fifty rulers over those Canaanites who were reduced to such domestic + slavery, who received the entire care of them from the king, and + instructed them in those labors and operations wherein he wanted their + assistance. + </p> + <p> + 4. Moreover, the king built many ships in the Egyptian Bay of the Red Sea, + in a certain place called Ezion-geber: it is now called Berenice, and is + not far from the city Eloth. This country belonged formerly to the Jews, + and became useful for shipping from the donations of Hiram king of Tyre; + for he sent a sufficient number of men thither for pilots, and such as + were skillful in navigation, to whom Solomon gave this command: That they + should go along with his own stewards to the land that was of old called + Ophir, but now the Aurea Chersonesus, which belongs to India, to fetch him + gold. And when they had gathered four hundred talents together, they + returned to the king again. + </p> + <p> + 5. There was then a woman queen of Egypt and Ethiopia; <a + href="#link8note-16" name="link8noteref-16" id="link8noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> + she was inquisitive into philosophy, and one that on other accounts also + was to be admired. When this queen heard of the virtue and prudence of + Solomon, she had a great mind to see him; and the reports that went every + day abroad induced her to come to him, she being desirous to be satisfied + by her own experience, and not by a bare hearing; [for reports thus heard + are likely enough to comply with a false opinion, while they wholly depend + on the credit of the relators;] so she resolved to come to him, and that + especially in order to have a trial of his wisdom, while she proposed + questions of very great difficulty, and entreated that he would solve + their hidden meaning. Accordingly she came to Jerusalem with great + splendor and rich furniture; for she brought with her camels laden with + gold, with several sorts of sweet spices, and with precious stones. Now, + upon the king's kind reception of her, he both showed a great desire to + please her, and easily comprehending in his mind the meaning of the + curious questions she propounded to him, he resolved them sooner than any + body could have expected. So she was amazed at the wisdom of Solomon, and + discovered that it was more excellent upon trial than what she had heard + by report beforehand; and especially she was surprised at the fineness and + largeness of his royal palace, and not less so at the good order of the + apartments, for she observed that the king had therein shown great wisdom; + but she was beyond measure astonished at the house which was called the + Forest of Lebanon, as also at the magnificence of his daily table, and the + circumstances of its preparation and ministration, with the apparel of his + servants that waited, and the skillful and decent management of their + attendance: nor was she less affected with those daily sacrifices which + were offered to God, and the careful management which the priests and + Levites used about them. When she saw this done every day, she was in the + greatest admiration imaginable, insomuch that she was not able to contain + the surprise she was in, but openly confessed how wonderfully she was + affected; for she proceeded to discourse with the king, and thereby owned + that she was overcome with admiration at the things before related; and + said, "All things indeed, O king, that came to our knowledge by report, + came with uncertainty as to our belief of them; but as to those good + things that to thee appertain, both such as thou thyself possessest, I + mean wisdom and prudence, and the happiness thou hast from thy kingdom, + certainly the same that came to us was no falsity; it was not only a true + report, but it related thy happiness after a much lower manner than I now + see it to be before my eyes. For as for the report, it only attempted to + persuade our hearing, but did not so make known the dignity of the things + themselves as does the sight of them, and being present among them. I + indeed, who did not believe what was reported, by reason of the multitude + and grandeur of the things I inquired about, do see them to be much more + numerous than they were reported to be. Accordingly I esteem the Hebrew + people, as well as thy servants and friends, to be happy, who enjoy thy + presence and hear thy wisdom every day continually. One would therefore + bless God, who hath so loved this country, and those that inhabit therein, + as to make thee king over them." + </p> + <p> + 6. Now when the queen had thus demonstrated in words how deeply the king + had affected her, her disposition was known by certain presents, for she + gave him twenty talents of gold, and an immense quantity of spices and + precious stones. (They say also that we possess the root of that balsam + which our country still bears by this woman's gift.) <a + href="#link8note-17" name="link8noteref-17" id="link8noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> + Solomon also repaid her with many good things, and principally by + bestowing upon her what she chose of her own inclination, for there was + nothing that she desired which he denied her; and as he was very generous + and liberal in his own temper, so did he show the greatness of his soul in + bestowing on her what she herself desired of him. So when this queen of + Ethiopia had obtained what we have already given an account of, and had + again communicated to the king what she brought with her, she returned to + her own kingdom. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0007" id="link82HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. How Solomon Grew Rich, And Fell Desperately In Love With Women + And How God, Being Incensed At It, Raised Up Ader And Jeroboam Against + Him. Concerning The Death Of Solomon. + </h3> + <p> + 1. About the same time there were brought to the king from the Aurea + Chersonesus, a country so called, precious stones, and pine trees, and + these trees he made use of for supporting the temple and the palace, as + also for the materials of musical instruments, the harps and the + psalteries, that the Levites might make use of them in their hymns to God. + The wood which was brought to him at this time was larger and finer than + any that had ever been brought before; but let no one imagine that these + pine trees were like those which are now so named, and which take that + their denomination from the merchants, who so call them, that they may + procure them to be admired by those that purchase them; for those we speak + of were to the sight like the wood of the fig tree, but were whiter, and + more shining. Now we have said thus much, that nobody may be ignorant of + the difference between these sorts of wood, nor unacquainted with the + nature of the genuine pine tree; and we thought it both a seasonable and + humane thing, when we mentioned it, and the uses the king made of it, to + explain this difference so far as we have done. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now the weight of gold that was brought him was six hundred and + sixty-six talents, not including in that sum what was brought by the + merchants, nor what the toparchs and kings of Arabia gave him in presents. + He also cast two hundred targets of gold, each of them weighing six + hundred shekels. He also made three hundred shields, every one weighing + three pounds of gold, and he had them carried and put into that house + which was called The Forest of Lebanon. He also made cups of gold, and of + [precious] stones, for the entertainment of his guests, and had them + adorned in the most artificial manner; and he contrived that all his other + furniture of vessels should be of gold, for there was nothing then to be + sold or bought for silver; for the king had many ships which lay upon the + sea of Tarsus, these he commanded to carry out all sorts of merchandise + unto the remotest nations, by the sale of which silver and gold were + brought to the king, and a great quantity of ivory, and Ethiopians, and + apes; and they finished their voyage, going and returning, in three years' + time. + </p> + <p> + 3. Accordingly there went a great fame all around the neighboring + countries, which proclaimed the virtue and wisdom of Solomon, insomuch + that all the kings every where were desirous to see him, as not giving + credit to what was reported, on account of its being almost incredible: + they also demonstrated the regard they had for him by the presents they + made him; for they sent him vessels of gold, and silver, and purple + garments, and many sorts of spices, and horses, and chariots, and as many + mules for his carriages as they could find proper to please the king's + eyes, by their strength and beauty. This addition that he made to those + chariots and horses which he had before from those that were sent him, + augmented the number of his chariots by above four hundred, for he had a + thousand before, and augmented the number of his horses by two thousand, + for he had twenty thousand before. These horses also were so much + exercised, in order to their making a fine appearance, and running + swiftly, that no others could, upon the comparison, appear either finer or + swifter; but they were at once the most beautiful of all others, and their + swiftness was incomparable also. Their riders also were a further ornament + to them, being, in the first place, young men in the most delightful + flower of their age, and being eminent for their largeness, and far taller + than other men. They had also very long heads of hair hanging down, and + were clothed in garments of Tyrian purple. They had also dust of gold + every day sprinkled on their hair, so that their heads sparkled with the + reflection of the sun-beams from the gold. The king himself rode upon a + chariot in the midst of these men, who were still in armor, and had their + bows fitted to them. He had on a white garment, and used to take his + progress out of the city in the morning. There was a certain place about + fifty furlongs distant from Jerusalem, which is called Etham, very + pleasant it is in fine gardens, and abounding in rivulets of water; <a + href="#link8note-18" name="link8noteref-18" id="link8noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> + thither did he use to go out in the morning, sitting on high [in his + chariot.] + </p> + <p> + 4. Now Solomon had a divine sagacity in all things, and was very diligent + and studious to have things done after an elegant manner; so he did not + neglect the care of the ways, but he laid a causeway of black stone along + the roads that led to Jerusalem, which was the royal city, both to render + them easy for travelers, and to manifest the grandeur of his riches and + government. He also parted his chariots, and set them in a regular order, + that a certain number of them should be in every city, still keeping a few + about him; and those cities he called the cities of his chariots. And the + king made silver as plentiful in Jerusalem as stones in the street; and so + multiplied cedar trees in the plains of Judea, which did not grow there + before, that they were like the multitude of common sycamore trees. He + also ordained the Egyptian merchants that brought him their merchandise to + sell him a chariot, with a pair of horses, for six hundred drachmae of + silver, and he sent them to the kings of Syria, and to those kings that + were beyond Euphrates. + </p> + <p> + 5. But although Solomon was become the most glorious of kings, and the + best beloved by God, and had exceeded in wisdom and riches those that had + been rulers of the Hebrews before him, yet did not he persevere in this + happy state till he died. Nay, he forsook the observation of the laws of + his fathers, and came to an end no way suitable to our foregoing history + of him. He grew mad in his love of women, and laid no restraint on himself + in his lusts; nor was he satisfied with the women of his country alone, + but he married many wives out of foreign nations; Sidontans, and Tyrians, + and Ammonites, and Edomites; and he transgressed the laws of Moses, which + forbade Jews to marry any but those that were of their own people. He also + began to worship their gods, which he did in order to the gratification of + his wives, and out of his affection for them. This very thing our + legislator suspected, and so admonished us beforehand, that we should not + marry women of other countries, lest we should be entangled with foreign + customs, and apostatize from our own; lest we should leave off to honor + our own God, and should worship their gods. But Solomon was Gllen headlong + into unreasonable pleasures, and regarded not those admonitions; for when + he had married seven hundred wives, <a href="#link8note-19" + name="link8noteref-19" id="link8noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> the + daughters of princes and of eminent persons, and three hundred concubines, + and those besides the king of Egypt's daughter, he soon was governed by + them, till he came to imitate their practices. He was forced to give them + this demonstration of his kindness and affection to them, to live + according to the laws of their countries. And as he grew into years, and + his reason became weaker by length of time, it was not sufficient to + recall to his mind the institutions of his own country; so he still more + and more contemned his own God, and continued to regard the gods that his + marriages had introduced nay, before this happened, he sinned, and fell + into an error about the observation of the laws, when he made the images + of brazen oxen that supported the brazen sea, <a href="#link8note-20" + name="link8noteref-20" id="link8noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> and the + images of lions about his own throne; for these he made, although it was + not agreeable to piety so to do; and this he did, notwithstanding that he + had his father as a most excellent and domestic pattern of virtue, and + knew what a glorious character he had left behind him, because of his + piety towards God. Nor did he imitate David, although God had twice + appeared to him in his sleep, and exhorted him to imitate his father. So + he died ingloriously. There came therefore a prophet to him, who was sent + by God, and told him that his wicked actions were not concealed from God; + and threatened him that he should not long rejoice in what he had done; + that, indeed, the kingdom should not be taken from him while he was alive, + because God had promised to his father David that he would make him his + successor, but that he would take care that this should befall his son + when he was dead; not that he would withdraw all the people from him, but + that he would give ten tribes to a servant of his, and leave only two + tribes to David's grandson for his sake, because he loved God, and for the + sake of the city of Jerusalem, wherein he should have a temple. + </p> + <p> + 6. When Solomon heard this he was grieved, and greatly confounded, upon + this change of almost all that happiness which had made him to be admired, + into so bad a state; nor had there much time passed after the prophet had + foretold what was coming before God raised up an enemy against him, whose + name was Ader, who took the following occasion of his enmity to him. He + was a child of the stock of the Edomites, and of the blood royal; and when + Joab, the captain of David's host, laid waste the land of Edom, and + destroyed all that were men grown, and able to bear arms, for six months' + time, this Hadad fled away, and came to Pharaoh the king of Egypt, who + received him kindly, and assigned him a house to dwell in, and a country + to supply him with food; and when he was grown up he loved him + exceedingly, insomuch that he gave him his wife's sister, whose name was + Tahpenes, to wife, by whom he had a son; who was brought up with the + king's children. When Hadad heard in Egypt that both David and Joab were + dead, he came to Pharaoh, and desired that he would permit him to go to + his own country; upon which the king asked what it was that he wanted, and + what hardship he had met with, that he was so desirous to leave him. And + when he was often troublesome to him, and entreated him to dismiss him, he + did not then do it; but at the time when Solomon's affairs began to grow + worse, on account of his forementioned transgressions <a + href="#link8note-21" name="link8noteref-21" id="link8noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> + and God's anger against him for the same, Hadad, by Pharaoh's permission, + came to Edom; and when he was not able to make the people forsake Solomon, + for it was kept under by many garrisons, and an innovation was not to be + made with safety, he removed thence, and came into Syria; there he lighted + upon one Rezon, who had run away from Hadadezer, king of Zobah, his + master, and was become a robber in that country, and joined friendship + with him, who had already a band of robbers about him. So he went up, and + seized upon that part of Syria, and was made king thereof. He also made + incursions into the land of Israel, and did it no small mischief, and + spoiled it, and that in the lifetime of Solomon. And this was the calamity + which the Hebrews suffered by Hadad. + </p> + <p> + 7. There was also one of Solomon's own nation that made an attempt against + him, Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had an expectation of rising, from a + prophecy that had been made to him long before. He was left a child by his + father, and brought up by his mother; and when Solomon saw that he was of + an active and bold disposition, he made him the curator of the walls which + he built round about Jerusalem; and he took such care of those works, that + the king approved of his behavior, and gave him, as a reward for the same, + the charge of the tribe of Joseph. And when about that time Jeroboam was + once going out of Jerusalem, a prophet of the city Shilo, whose name was + Ahijah, met him and saluted him; and when he had taken him a little aside + to a place out of the way, where there was not one other person present, + he rent the garment he had on into twelve pieces, and bid Jeroboam take + ten of them; and told him beforehand, that "this is the will of God; he + will part the dominion of Solomon, and give one tribe, with that which is + next it, to his son, because of the promise made to David for his + succession, and will have ten tribes to thee, because Solomon hath sinned + against him, and delivered up himself to women, and to their gods. Seeing + therefore thou knowest the cause for which God hath changed his mind, and + is alienated from Solomon, be thou...." + </p> + <p> + 8. So Jeroboam was elevated by these words of the prophet; and being a + young man, <a href="#link8note-22" name="link8noteref-22" + id="link8noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> of a warm temper, and ambitious + of greatness, he could not be quiet; and when he had so great a charge in + the government, and called to mind what had been revealed to him by + Ahijah, he endeavored to persuade the people to forsake Solomon, to make a + disturbance, and to bring the government over to himself. But when Solomon + understood his intention and treachery, he sought to catch him and kill + him; but Jeroboam was informed of it beforehand, and fled to Shishak, the + king of Egypt, and there abode till the death of Solomon; by which means + he gained these two advantages to suffer no harm from Solomon, and to be + preserved for the kingdom. So Solomon died when he was already an old man, + having reigned eighty years, and lived ninety-four. He was buried in + Jerusalem, having been superior to all other kings in happiness, and + riches, and wisdom, excepting that when he was growing into years he was + deluded by women, and transgressed the law; concerning which + transgressions, and the miseries which befell the Hebrews thereby, I think + proper to discourse at another opportunity. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0008" id="link82HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. How, Upon The Death Of Solomon The People Forsook His Son + Rehoboam, And Ordained Jeroboam King Over The Ten Tribes. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when Solomon was dead, and his son Rehoboam [who was born of an + Ammonite wife; whose name was Naamah] had succeeded him in the kingdom, + the rulers of the multitude sent immediately into Egypt, and called back + Jeroboam; and when he was come to them, to the city Shethem, Rehoboam came + to it also, for he had resolved to declare himself king to the Israelites + while they were there gathered together. So the rulers of the people, as + well as Jeroboam, came to him, and besought him, and said that he ought to + relax, and to be gentler than his father, in the servitude he had imposed + on them, because they had borne a heavy yoke, and that then they should be + better affected to him, and be well contented to serve him under his + moderate government, and should do it more out of love than fear. But + Rehoboam told them they should come to him again in three days' time, when + he would give an answer to their request. This delay gave occasion to a + present suspicion, since he had not given them a favorable answer to their + mind immediately; for they thought that he should have given them a humane + answer off-hand, especially since he was but young. However, they thought + that this consultation about it, and that he did not presently give them a + denial, afforded them some good hope of success. + </p> + <p> + 2. Rehoboam now called his father's friends, and advised with them what + sort of answer he ought to give to the multitude; upon which they gave him + the advice which became friends, and those that knew the temper of such a + multitude. They advised him to speak in a way more popular than suited the + grandeur of a king, because he would thereby oblige them to submit to him + with goodwill, it being most agreeable to subjects that their kings should + be almost upon the level with them. But Rehoboam rejected this so good, + and in general so profitable, advice, [it was such, at least, at that time + when he was to be made king,] God himself, I suppose, causing what was + most advantageous to be condemned by him. So he called for the young men + who were brought up with him, and told them what advice the elders had + given him, and bade them speak what they thought he ought to do. They + advised him to give the following answer to the people [for neither their + youth nor God himself suffered them to discern what was best]: That his + little finger should be thicker than his father's loins; and if they had + met with hard usage from his father, they should experience much rougher + treatment from him; and if his father had chastised them with whips, they + must expect that he would do it with scorpions. <a href="#link8note-23" + name="link8noteref-23" id="link8noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> The king + was pleased with this advice, and thought it agreeable to the dignity of + his government to give them such an answer. Accordingly, when the + multitude was come together to hear his answer on the third day, all the + people were in great expectation, and very intent to hear what the king + would say to them, and supposed they should hear somewhat of a kind + nature; but he passed by his friends, and answered as the young men had + given him counsel. Now this was done according to the will of God, that + what Ahijah had foretold might come to pass. + </p> + <p> + 3. By these words the people were struck as it were by an iron hammer, + and were so grieved at the words, as if they had already felt the effects + of them; and they had great indignation at the king; and all cried out + aloud, and said, "We will have no longer any relation to David or his + posterity after this day." And they said further, "We only leave to + Rehoboam the temple which his father built;" and they threatened to + forsake him. Nay, they were so bitter, and retained their wrath so long, + that when he sent Adoram, which was over the tribute, that he might pacify + them, and render them milder, and persuade them to forgive him, if he had + said any thing that was rash or grievous to them in his youth, they would + not hear it, but threw stones at him, and killed him. When Rehoboam saw + this, he thought himself aimed at by those stones with which they had + killed his servant, and feared lest he should undergo the last of + punishments in earnest; so he got immediately into his chariot, and fled + to Jerusalem, where the tribe of Judah and that of Benjamin ordained him + king; but the rest of the multitude forsook the sons of David from that + day, and appointed Jeroboam to be the ruler of their public affairs. Upon + this Rehoboam, Solomon's son, assembled a great congregation of those two + tribes that submitted to him, and was ready to take a hundred and eighty + thousand chosen men out of the army, to make an expedition against + Jeroboam and his people, that he might force them by war to be his + servants; but he was forbidden of God by the prophet [Shemaiah] to go to + war, for that it was not just that brethren of the same country should + fight one against another. He also said that this defection of the + multitude was according to the purpose of God. So he did not proceed in + this expedition. And now I will relate first the actions of Jeroboam the + king of Israel, after which we will relate what are therewith connected, + the actions of Rehoboam, the king of the two tribes; by this means we + shall preserve the good order of the history entire. + </p> + <p> + 4. When therefore Jeroboam had built him a palace in the city Shechem, he + dwelt there. He also built him another at Penuel, a city so called. And + now the feast of tabernacles was approaching in a little time, Jeroboam + considered, that if he should permit the multitude to go to worship God at + Jerusalem, and there to celebrate the festival, they would probably repent + of what they had done, and be enticed by the temple, and by the worship of + God there performed, and would leave him, and return to their first kings; + and if so, he should run the risk of losing his own life; so he invented + this contrivance; He made two golden heifers, and built two little temples + for them, the one in the city Bethel, and the other in Dan, which last was + at the fountains of the Lesser Jordan <a href="#link8note-24" + name="link8noteref-24" id="link8noteref-24"><small>24</small></a> and he + put the heifers into both the little temples, in the forementioned cities. + And when he had called those ten tribes together over whom he ruled, he + made a speech to the people in these words: "I suppose, my countrymen, + that you know this, that every place hath God in it; nor is there any one + determinate place in which he is, but he every where hears and sees those + that worship him; on which account I do not think it right for you to go + so long a journey to Jerusalem, which is an enemy's city, to worship him. + It was a man that built the temple: I have also made two golden heifers, + dedicated to the same God; and the one of them I have consecrated in the + city Bethel, and the other in Dan, to the end that those of you that dwell + nearest those cities may go to them, and worship God there; and I will + ordain for you certain priests and Levites from among yourselves, that you + may have no want of the tribe of Levi, or of the sons of Aaron; but let + him that is desirous among you of being a priest, bring to God a bullock + and a ram, which they say Aaron the first priest brought also." When + Jeroboam had said this, he deluded the people, and made them to revolt + from the worship of their forefathers, and to transgress their laws. This + was the beginning of miseries to the Hebrews, and the cause why they were + overcome in war by foreigners, and so fell into captivity. But we shall + relate those things in their proper places hereafter. + </p> + <p> + 5. When the feast [of tabernacles] was just approaching, Jeroboam was + desirous to celebrate it himself in Bethel, as did the two tribes + celebrate it in Jerusalem. Accordingly he built an altar before the + heifer, and undertook to be high priest himself. So he went up to the + altar, with his own priests about him; but when he was going to offer the + sacrifices and the burnt-offerings, in the sight of all the people, a + prophet, whose name was Jadon, was sent by God, and came to him from + Jerusalem, who stood in the midst of the multitude, and in the 'hearing + of' the king, and directing his discourse to the altar, said thus: "God + foretells that there shall be a certain man of the family of David, Josiah + by name, who shall slay upon thee those false priests that shall live at + that time, and upon thee shall burn the bones of those deceivers of the + people, those impostors' and wicked wretches. However, that this people + may believe that these things shall so come to pass, I foretell a sign to + them that shall also come to pass. This altar shall be broken to pieces + immediately, and all the fat of the sacrifices that is upon it shall be + poured upon the ground." When the prophet had said this, Jeroboam fell + into a passion, and stretched out his hand, and bid them lay hold of him; + but that hand which he stretched out was enfeebled, and he was not able to + pull it in again to him, for it was become withered, and hung down, as if + it were a dead hand. The altar also was broken to pieces, and all that was + upon it was poured out, as the prophet had foretold should come to pass. + So the king understood that he was a man of veracity, and had a Divine + foreknowledge; and entreated him to pray to God that he would restore his + right hand. Accordingly the prophet did pray to God to grant him that + request. So the king, having his hand recovered to its natural state, + rejoiced at it, and invited the prophet to sup with him; but Jadon said + that he could not endure to come into his house, nor to taste of bread or + water in this city, for that was a thing God had forbidden him to do; as + also to go back by the same way which he came, but he said he was to + return by another way. So the king wondered at the abstinence of the man, + but was himself in fear, as suspecting a change of his affairs for the + worse, from what had been said to him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0009" id="link82HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. How Jadon The Prophet Was Persuaded By Another Lying Prophet + And Returned [To Bethel,] And Was Afterwards Slain By A Lion. As Also What + Words The Wicked Prophet Made Use Of To Persuade The King, And Thereby + Alienated His Mind From God. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now there was a certain wicked man in that city, who was a false + prophet, whom Jeroboam had in great esteem, but was deceived by him and + his flattering words. This man was bedrid, by reason or the infirmities of + old age: however, he was informed by his sons concerning the prophet that + was come from Jerusalem, and concerning the signs done by him; and how, + when Jeroboam's right hand had been enfeebled, at the prophet's prayer he + had it revived again. Whereupon he was afraid that this stranger and + prophet should be in better esteem with the king than himself, and obtain + greater honor from him: and he gave orders to his sons to saddle his ass + presently, and make all ready that he might go out. Accordingly they made + haste to do what they were commanded, and he got upon the ass and followed + after the prophet; and when he had overtaken him, as he was resting + himself under a very large oak tree that was thick and shady, he at first + saluted him, but presently he complained of him, because he had not come + into his house, and partaken of his hospitality. And when the other said + that God had forbidden him to taste of any one's provision in that city, + he replied, that "for certain God had not forbidden that I should set food + before thee, for I am a prophet as thou art, and worship God in the same + manner that thou dost; and I am now come as sent by him, in order to bring + thee into my house, and make thee my guest." Now Jadon gave credit to this + lying prophet, and returned back with him. But when they were at dinner, + and merry together, God appeared to Jadon, and said that he should suffer + punishment for transgressing his commands,—and he told him what that + punishment should be for he said that he should meet with a lion as he was + going on his way, by which lion he should be torn in pieces, and be + deprived of burial in the sepulchers of his fathers; which things came to + pass, as I suppose, according to the will of God, that so Jeroboam might + not give heed to the words of Jadon as of one that had been convicted of + lying. However, as Jadon was again going to Jerusalem, a lion assaulted + him, and pulled him off the beast he rode on, and slew him; yet did he not + at all hurt the ass, but sat by him, and kept him, as also the prophet's + body. This continued till some travelers that saw it came and told it in + the city to the false prophet, who sent his sons, and brought the body + unto the city, and made a funeral for him at great expense. He also + charged his sons to bury himself with him and said that all which he had + foretold against that city, and the altar, and priests, and false + prophets, would prove true; and that if he were buried with him, he should + receive no injurious treatment after his death, the bones not being then + to be distinguished asunder. But now, when he had performed those funeral + rites to the prophet, and had given that charge to his sons, as he was a + wicked and an impious man, he goes to Jeroboam, and says to him, "And + wherefore is it now that thou art disturbed at the words of this silly + fellow?" And when the king had related to him what had happened about the + altar, and about his own hand, and gave him the names of divine man, and + an excellent prophet, he endeavored by a wicked trick to weaken that his + opinion; and by using plausible words concerning what had happened, he + aimed to injure the truth that was in them; for he attempted to persuade + him that his hand was enfeebled by the labor it had undergone in + supporting the sacrifices, and that upon its resting awhile it returned to + its former nature again; and that as to the altar, it was but new, and had + borne abundance of sacrifices, and those large ones too, and was + accordingly broken to pieces, and fallen down by the weight of what had + been laid upon it. He also informed him of the death of him that had + foretold those things, and how he perished; [whence he concluded that] he + had not any thing in him of a prophet, nor spake any thing like one. When + he had thus spoken, he persuaded the king, and entirely alienated his mind + from God, and from doing works that were righteous and holy, and + encouraged him to go on in his impious practices <a href="#link8note-25" + name="link8noteref-25" id="link8noteref-25"><small>25</small></a> and + accordingly he was to that degree injurious to God, and so great a + transgressor, that he sought for nothing else every day but how he might + be guilty of some new instances of wickedness, and such as should be more + detestable than what he had been so insolent as to do before. And so much + shall at present suffice to have said concerning Jeroboam. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0010" id="link82HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. Concerning Rehoboam, And How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him + For His Impiety By Shishak [King Of Egypt]. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, who, as we said before, was king of + the two tribes, built strong and large cities, Bethlehem, and Etare, and + Tekoa, and Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam, and Ipan, and Maresha, and + Ziph, and Adorlam, and Lachlsh, and Azekah, and Zorah, and Aijalon, and + Hebron; these he built first of all in the tribe of Judah. He also built + other large cities in the tribe of Benjamin, and walled them about, and + put garrisons in them all, and captains, and a great deal of corn, and + wine, and oil, and he furnished every one of them plentifully with other + provisions that were necessary for sustenance; moreover, he put therein + shields and spears for many ten thousand men. The priests also that were + in all Israel, and the Levites, and if there were any of the multitude + that were good and righteous men, they gathered themselves together to + him, having left their own cities, that they might worship God in + Jerusalem; for they were not willing to be forced to worship the heifers + which Jeroboam had made; and they augmented the kingdom of Rehoboam for + three years. And after he had married a woman of his own kindred, and had + by her three children born to him, he married also another of his own + kindred, who was daughter of Absalom by Tamar, whose name was Maachah, and + by her he had a son, whom he named Abijah. He had moreover many other + children by other wives, but he loved Maachah above them all. Now he had + eighteen legitimate wives, and thirty concubines; and he had born to him + twenty-eight sons and threescore daughters; but he appointed Abijah, whom + he had by Maachah, to be his successor in the kingdom, and intrusted him + already with the treasures and the strongest cities. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now I cannot but think that the greatness of a kingdom, and its change + into prosperity, often become the occasion of mischief and of + transgression to men; for when Rehoboam saw that his kingdom was so much + increased, he went out of the right way unto unrighteous and irreligious + practices, and he despised the worship of God, till the people themselves + imitated his wicked actions: for so it usually happens, that the manners + of subjects are corrupted at the same time with those of their governors, + which subjects then lay aside their own sober way of living, as a reproof + of their governors' intemperate courses, and follow their wickedness as if + it were virtue; for it is not possible to show that men approve of the + actions of their kings, unless they do the same actions with them. + Agreeable whereto it now happened to the subjects of Rehoboam; for when he + was grown impious, and a transgressor himself, they endeavored not to + offend him by resolving still to be righteous. But God sent Shishak, king + of Egypt, to punish them for their unjust behavior towards him, concerning + whom Herodotus was mistaken, and applied his actions to Sesostris; for + this Shishak, <a href="#link8note-26" name="link8noteref-26" + id="link8noteref-26"><small>26</small></a> in the fifth year of the reign + of Rehoboam, made an expedition [into Judea] with many ten thousand men; + for he had one thousand two hundred chariots in number that followed him, + and threescore thousand horsemen, and four hundred thousand footmen. These + he brought with him, and they were the greatest part of them Libyans and + Ethiopians. Now therefore when he fell upon the country of the Hebrews, he + took the strongest cities of Rehoboam's kingdom without fighting; and when + he had put garrisons in them, he came last of all to Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now when Rehoboam, and the multitude with him, were shut up in + Jerusalem by the means of the army of Shishak, and when they besought God + to give them victory and deliverance, they could not persuade God to be on + their side. But Shemaiah the prophet told them, that God threatened to + forsake them, as they had themselves forsaken his worship. When they heard + this, they were immediately in a consternation of mind; and seeing no way + of deliverance, they all earnestly set themselves to confess that God + might justly overlook them, since they had been guilty of impiety towards + him, and had let his laws lie in confusion. So when God saw them in that + disposition, and that they acknowledge their sins, he told the prophet + that he would not destroy them, but that he would, however, make them + servants to the Egyptians, that they may learn whether they will suffer + less by serving men or God. So when Shishak had taken the city without + fighting, because Rehoboam was afraid, and received him into it, yet did + not Shishak stand to the covenants he had made, but he spoiled the temple, + and emptied the treasures of God, and those of the king, and carried off + innumerable ten thousands of gold and silver, and left nothing at all + behind him. He also took away the bucklers of gold, and the shields, which + Solomon the king had made; nay, he did not leave the golden quivers which + David had taken from the king of Zobah, and had dedicated to God; and when + he had thus done, he returned to his own kingdom. Now Herodotus of + Halicarnassus mentions this expedition, having only mistaken the king's + name; and [in saying that] he made war upon many other nations also, and + brought Syria of Palestine into subjection, and took the men that were + therein prisoners without fighting. Now it is manifest that he intended to + declare that our nation was subdued by him; for he saith that he left + behind him pillars in the land of those that delivered themselves up to + him without fighting, and engraved upon them the secret parts of women. + Now our king Rehoboam delivered up our city without fighting. He says + withal <a href="#link8note-27" name="link8noteref-27" id="link8noteref-27"><small>27</small></a> + that the Ethiopians learned to circumcise their privy parts from the + Egyptians, with this addition, that the Phoenicians and Syrians that live + in Palestine confess that they learned it of the Egyptians. Yet it is + evident that no other of the Syrians that live in Palestine, besides us + alone, are circumcised. But as to such matters, let every one speak what + is agreeable to his own opinion. + </p> + <p> + 4. When Shishak was gone away, king Rehoboam made bucklers and shields of + brass, instead of those of gold, and delivered the same number of them to + the keepers of the king's palace. So, instead of warlike expeditions, and + that glory which results from those public actions, he reigned in great + quietness, though not without fear, as being always an enemy to Jeroboam, + and he died when he had lived fifty-seven years, and reigned seventeen. He + was in his disposition a proud and a foolish man, and lost [part of his] + dominions by not hearkening to his father's friends. He was buried in + Jerusalem, in the sepulchers of the kings; and his son Abijah succeeded + him in the kingdom, and this in the eighteenth year of Jeroboam's reign + over the ten tribes; and this was the conclusion of these affairs. It must + be now our business to relate the affairs of Jeroboam, and how he ended + his life; for he ceased not nor rested to be injurious to God, but every + day raised up altars upon high mountains, and went on making priests out + of the multitude. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0011" id="link82HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. Concerning The Death Of A Son Of Jeroboam. How Jeroboam Was + Beaten By Abijah Who Died A Little Afterward And Was Succeeded In His + Kingdom By Asa. And Also How, After The Death Of Jeroboam Baasha Destroyed + His Son Nadab And All The House Of Jeroboam. + </h3> + <p> + 1. However, God was in no long time ready to return Jeroboam's wicked + actions, and the punishment they deserved, upon his own head, and upon the + heads of all his house. And whereas a son of his lay sick at that time, + who was called Abijah, he enjoined his wife to lay aside her robes, and to + take the garments belonging to a private person, and to go to Abijah the + prophet, for that he was a wonderful man in foretelling futurities, it + having been he who told me that I should be king. He also enjoined her, + when she came to him, to inquire concerning the child, as if she were a + stranger, whether he should escape this distemper. So she did as her + husband bade her, and changed her habit, and came to the city Shiloh, for + there did Ahijah live. And as she was going into his house, his eyes being + then dim with age, God appeared to him, and informed him of two things; + that the wife of Jeroboam was come to him, and what answer he should make + to her inquiry. Accordingly, as the woman was coming into the house like a + private person and a stranger, he cried out, "Come in, O thou wife of + Jeroboam! Why concealest thou thyself? Thou art not concealed from God, + who hath appeared to me, and informed me that thou wast coming, and hath + given me in command what I shall say to thee." So he said that she should + go away to her husband, and speak to him thus: "Since I made thee a great + man when thou wast little, or rather wast nothing, and rent the kingdom + from the house of David, and gave it to thee, and thou hast been unmindful + of these benefits, hast left off my worship, hast made thee molten gods + and honored them, I will in like manner cast thee down again, and will + destroy all thy house, and make them food for the dogs and the fowls; for + a certain king is rising up, by appointment, over all this people, who + shall leave none of the family of Jeroboam remaining. The multitude also + shall themselves partake of the same punishment, and shall be cast out of + this good land, and shall be scattered into the places beyond Euphrates, + because they have followed the wicked practices of their king, and have + worshipped the gods that he made, and forsaken my sacrifices. But do thou, + O woman, make haste back to thy husband, and tell him this message; but + thou shalt then find thy son dead, for as thou enterest the city he shall + depart this life; yet shall he be buried with the lamentation of all the + multitude, and honored with a general mourning, for he was the only person + of goodness of Jeroboam's family." When the prophet had foretold these + events, the woman went hastily away with a disordered mind, and greatly + grieved at the death of the forenamed child. So she was in lamentation as + she went along the road, and mourned for the death of her son, that was + just at hand. She was indeed in a miserable condition at the unavoidable + misery of his death, and went apace, but in circumstances very + unfortunate, because of her son: for the greater haste she made, she would + the sooner see her son dead, yet was she forced to make such haste on + account of her husband. Accordingly, when she was come back, she found + that the child had given up the ghost, as the prophet had said; and she + related all the circumstances to the king. + </p> + <p> + 2. Yet did not Jeroboam lay any of these things to heart, but he brought + together a very numerous army, and made a warlike expedition against + Abijah, the son of Rehoboam, who had succeeded his father in the kingdom + of the two tribes; for he despised him because of his age. But when he + heard of the expedition of Jeroboam, he was not affrighted at it, but + proved of a courageous temper of mind, superior both to his youth and to + the hopes of his enemy; so he chose him an army out of the two tribes, and + met Jeroboam at a place called Mount Zemaraim, and pitched his camp near + the other, and prepared everything necessary for the fight. His army + consisted of four hundred thousand, but the army of Jeroboam was double to + it. Now as the armies stood in array, ready for action and dangers, and + were just going to fight, Abijah stood upon an elevated place, and + beckoning with his hand, he desired the multitude and Jeroboam himself to + hear first with silence what he had to say. And when silence was made, he + began to speak, and told them,—"God had consented that David and his + posterity should be their rulers for all time to come, and this you + yourselves are not unacquainted with; but I cannot but wonder how you + should forsake my father, and join yourselves to his servant Jeroboam, and + are now here with him to fight against those who, by God's own + determination, are to reign, and to deprive them of that dominion which + they have still retained; for as to the greater part of it, Jeroboam is + unjustly in possession of it. However, I do not suppose he will enjoy it + any longer; but when he hath suffered that punishment which God thinks due + to him for what is past, he will leave off the transgressions he hath been + guilty of, and the injuries he hath offered to him, and which he hath + still continued to offer and hath persuaded you to do the same: yet when + you were not any further unjustly treated by my father, than that he did + not speak to you so as to please you, and this only in compliance with the + advice of wicked men, you in anger forsook him, as you pretended, but, in + reality, you withdrew yourselves from God, and from his laws, although it + had been right for you to have forgiven a man that was young in age, and + not used to govern people, not only some disagreeable words, but if his + youth and unskilfulness in affairs had led him into some unfortunate + actions, and that for the sake of his father Solomon, and the benefits you + received from him; for men ought to excuse the sins of posterity on + account of the benefactions of parent; but you considered nothing of all + this then, neither do you consider it now, but come with so great an army + against us. And what is it you depend upon for victory? Is it upon these + golden heifers, and the altars that you have on high places, which are + demonstrations of your impiety, and not of religious worship? Or is it the + exceeding multitude of your army which gives you such good hopes? Yet + certainly there is no strength at all in an army of many ten thousands, + when the war is unjust; for we ought to place our surest hopes of success + against our enemies in righteousness alone, and in piety towards God; + which hope we justly have, since we have kept the laws from the beginning, + and have worshipped our own God, who was not made by hands out of + corruptible matter; nor was he formed by a wicked king, in order to + deceive the multitude; but who is his own workmanship, <a + href="#link8note-28" name="link8noteref-28" id="link8noteref-28"><small>28</small></a> + and the beginning and end of all things. I therefore give you counsel even + now to repent, and to take better advice, and to leave off the prosecution + of the war; to call to mind the laws of your country, and to reflect what + it hath been that hath advanced you to so happy a state as you are now + in." + </p> + <p> + 3. This was the speech which Abijah made to the multitude. But while he + was still speaking Jeroboam sent some of his soldiers privately to + encompass Abijab round about, on certain parts of the camp that were not + taken notice of; and when he was thus within the compass of the enemy, his + army was affrighted, and their courage failed them; but Abijah encouraged + them, and exhorted them to place their hopes on God, for that he was not + encompassed by the enemy. So they all at once implored the Divine + assistance, while the priests sounded with the trumpet, and they made a + shout, and fell upon their enemies, and God brake the courage and cast + down the force of their enemies, and made Ahijah's army superior to them; + for God vouchsafed to grant them a wonderful and very famous victory; and + such a slaughter was now made of Jeroboam's army <a href="#link8note-29" + name="link8noteref-29" id="link8noteref-29"><small>29</small></a> as is + never recorded to have happened in any other war, whether it were of the + Greeks or of the Barbarians, for they overthrew [and slew] five hundred + thousand of their enemies, and they took their strongest cities by force, + and spoiled them; and besides those, they did the same to Bethel and her + towns, and Jeshanah and her towns. And after this defeat Jeroboam never + recovered himself during the life of Abijah, who yet did not long survive, + for he reigned but three years, and was buried in Jerusalem in the + sepulchers of his forefathers. He left behind him twenty-two sons, and + sixteen daughters; and he had also those children by fourteen wives; and + Asa his son succeeded in the kingdom; and the young man's mother was + Michaiah. Under his reign the country of the Israelites enjoyed peace for + ten years. + </p> + <p> + 4. And so far concerning Abijah, the son of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, + as his history hath come down to us. But Jeroboam, the king of the ten + tribes, died when he had governed them two and twenty years; whose son + Nadab succeeded him, in the second year of the reign of Asa. Now + Jeroboam's son governed two years, and resembled his father in impiety and + wickedness. In these two years he made an expedition against Gibbethon, a + city of the Philistines, and continued the siege in order to take it; but + he was conspired against while he was there by a friend of his, whose name + was Baasha, the son of Ahijah, and was slain; which Baasha took the + kingdom after the other's death, and destroyed the whole house of + Jeroboam. It also came to pass, according as God had foretold, that some + of Jeroboam's kindred that died in the city were torn to pieces and + devoured by dogs, and that others of them that died in the fields were + torn and devoured by the fowls. So the house of Jeroboam suffered the just + punishment of his impiety, and of his wicked actions. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0012" id="link82HCH0012"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 12. How Zerah, King Of The Ethiopians, Was Beaten By Asa; And How + Asa, Upon Baasha's Making War Against Him, Invited The King Of The + Damascens To Assist Him; And How, On The Destruction Of The House Of + Baasha Zimri Got The Kingdom As Did His Son Ahab After Him. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Asa, the king of Jerusalem, was of an excellent character, and had + a regard to God, and neither did nor designed any thing but what had + relation to the observation of the laws. He made a reformation of his + kingdom, and cut off whatsoever was wicked therein, and purified it from + every impurity. Now he had an army of chosen men that were armed with + targets and spears; out of the tribe of Judah three hundred thousand; and + out of the tribe of Benjamin, that bore shields and drew bows, two hundred + and fifty thousand. But when he had already reigned ten years, Zerah, king + of Ethiopia, <a href="#link8note-30" name="link8noteref-30" + id="link8noteref-30"><small>30</small></a> made an expedition against him, + with a great army, of nine hundred thousand footmen, and one hundred + thousand horsemen, and three hundred chariots, and came as far as + Mareshah, a city that belonged to the tribe of Judah. Now when Zerah had + passed so far with his own army, Asa met him, and put his army in array + over against him, in a valley called Zephathah, not far from the city; and + when he saw the multitude of the Ethiopians, he cried out, and besought + God to give him the victory, and that he might kill many ten thousands of + the enemy: "For," said he, <a href="#link8note-31" name="link8noteref-31" + id="link8noteref-31"><small>31</small></a> "I depend on nothing else but + that assistance which I expect from thee, which is able to make the fewer + superior to the more numerous, and the weaker to the stronger; and thence + it is alone that I venture to meet Zerah, and fight him." + </p> + <p> + 2. While Asa was saying this, God gave him a signal of victory, and + joining battle cheerfully on account of what God had foretold about it, he + slew a great many of the Ethiopians; and when he had put them to flight, + he pursued them to the country of Gerar; and when they left off killing + their enemies, they betook themselves to spoiling them, [for the city + Gerar was already taken,] and to spoiling their camp, so that they carried + off much gold, and much silver, and a great deal of [other] prey, and + camels, and great cattle, and flocks of sheep. Accordingly, when Asa and + his army had obtained such a victory, and such wealth from God, they + returned to Jerusalem. Now as they were coming, a prophet, whose name was + Azariah, met them on the road, and bade them stop their journey a little; + and began to say to them thus: That the reason why they had obtained this + victory from God was this, that they had showed themselves righteous and + religious men, and had done every thing according to the will of God; that + therefore, he said, if they persevered therein, God would grant that they + should always overcome their enemies, and live happily; but that if they + left off his worship, all things shall fall out on the contrary; and a + time should come, wherein no true prophet shall be left in your whole + multitude, nor a priest who shall deliver you a true answer from the + oracle; but your cities shall be overthrown, and your nation scattered + over the whole earth, and live the life of strangers and wanderers. So he + advised them, while they had time, to be good, and not to deprive + themselves of the favor of God. When the king and the people heard this, + they rejoiced; and all in common, and every one in particular, took great + care to behave themselves righteously. The king also sent some to take + care that those in the country should observe the laws also. + </p> + <p> + 3. And this was the state of Asa, king of the two tribes. I now return to + Baasha, the king of the multitude of the Israelites, who slew Nadab, the + son of Jeroboam, and retained the government. He dwelt in the city Tirzah, + having made that his habitation, and reigned twenty-four years. He became + more wicked and impious than Jeroboam or his son. He did a great deal of + mischief to the multitude, and was injurious to God, who sent the prophet + Jehu, and told him beforehand that his whole family should be destroyed, + and that he would bring the same miseries on his house which had brought + that of Jeroboam to ruin; because when he had been made king by him, he + had not requited his kindness, by governing the multitude righteously and + religiously; which things, in the first place, tended to their own + happiness, and, in the next place, were pleasing to God: that he had + imitated this very wicked king Jeroboam; and although that man's soul had + perished, yet did he express to the life his wickedness; and he said that + he should therefore justly experience the like calamity with him, since he + had been guilty of the like wickedness. But Baasha, though he heard + beforehand what miseries would befall him and his whole family for their + insolent behavior, yet did not he leave off his wicked practices for the + time to come, nor did he care to appear other than worse and worse till he + died; nor did he then repent of his past actions, nor endeavor to obtain + pardon of God for them, but did as those do who have rewards proposed to + them, when they have once in earnest set about their work, they do not + leave off their labors; for thus did Baasha, when the prophet foretold to + him what would come to pass, grow worse, as if what were threatened, the + perdition of his family, and the destruction of his house, [which are + really among the greatest of evils,] were good things; and, as if he were + a combatant for wickedness, he every day took more and more pains for it: + and at last he took his army and assaulted a certain considerable city + called Ramah, which was forty furlongs distant from Jerusalem; and when he + had taken it, he fortified it, having determined beforehand to leave a + garrison in it, that they might thence make excursions, and do mischief to + the kingdom of Asa. + </p> + <p> + 4. Whereupon Asa was afraid of the attempts the enemy might make upon him; + and considering with himself how many mischiefs this army that was left in + Ramah might do to the country over which he reigned, he sent ambassadors + to the king of the Damascenes, with gold and silver, desiring his + assistance, and putting him in mind that we have had a friendship together + from the times of our forefathers. So he gladly received that sum of + money, and made a league with him, and broke the friendship he had with + Baasha, and sent the commanders of his own forces unto the cities that + were under Baasha's dominion, and ordered them to do them mischief. So + they went and burnt some of them, and spoiled others; Ijon, and Dan, and + Abelmain <a href="#link8note-32" name="link8noteref-32" + id="link8noteref-32"><small>32</small></a> and many others. Now when the + king of Israel heard this, he left off building and fortifying Ramah, and + returned presently to assist his own people under the distresses they were + in; but Asa made use of the materials that were prepared for building that + city, for building in the same place two strong cities, the one of which + was called Geba, and the other Mizpah; so that after this Baasha had no + leisure to make expeditions against Asa, for he was prevented by death, + and was buried in the city Tirzah; and Elah his son took the kingdom, who, + when he had reigned two years, died, being treacherously slain by Zimri, + the captain of half his army; for when he was at Arza, his steward's + house, he persuaded some of the horsemen that were under him to assault + Elah, and by that means he slew him when he was without his armed men and + his captains, for they were all busied in the siege of Gibbethon, a city + of the Philistines. + </p> + <p> + 5. When Zimri, the captain of the army, had killed Elah, he took the + kingdom himself, and, according to Jehu's prophecy, slew all the house of + Baasha; for it came to pass that Baasha's house utterly perished, on + account of his impiety, in the same manner as we have already described + the destruction of the house of Jeroboam. But the army that was besieging + Gibbethon, when they heard what had befallen the king, and that when Zimri + had killed him, he had gained the kingdom, they made Omri their general + king, who drew off his army from Gibbethon, and came to Tirzah, where the + royal palace was, and assaulted the city, and took it by force. But when + Zimri saw that the city had none to defend it, he fled into the inmost + part of the palace, and set it on fire, and burnt himself with it, when he + had reigned only seven days. Upon which the people of Israel were + presently divided, and part of them would have Tibni to be king, and part + Omri; but when those that were for Omri's ruling had beaten Tibni, Omri + reigned over all the multitude. Now it was in the thirtieth year of the + reign of Asa that Omri reigned for twelve years; six of these years he + reigned in the city Tirzah, and the rest in the city called Semareon, but + named by the Greeks Samaria; but he himself called it Semareon, from + Semer, who sold him the mountain whereon he built it. Now Omri was no way + different from those kings that reigned before him, but that he grew worse + than they, for they all sought how they might turn the people away from + God by their daily wicked practices; and on that account it was that God + made one of them to be slain by another, and that no one person of their + families should remain. This Omri also died in Samaria and Ahab his son + succeeded him. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now by these events we may learn what concern God hath for the affairs + of mankind, and how he loves good men, and hates the wicked, and destroys + them root and branch; for many of these kings of Israel, they and their + families, were miserably destroyed, and taken away one by another, in a + short time, for their transgression and wickedness; but Asa, who was king + of Jerusalem, and of the two tribes, attained, by God's blessing, a long + and a blessed old age, for his piety and righteousness, and died happily, + when he had reigned forty and one years; and when he was dead, his son + Jehoshaphat succeeded him in the government. He was born of Asa's wife + Azubah. And all men allowed that he followed the works of David his + forefather, and this both in courage and piety; but we are not obliged now + to speak any more of the affairs of this king. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0013" id="link82HCH0013"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 13. How Ahab When He Had Taken Jezebel To Wife Became More Wicked + Than All The Kings That Had Been Before Him; Of The Actions Of The Prophet + Elijah, And What Befell Naboth. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Ahab the king of Israel dwelt in Samaria, and held the government + for twenty-two years; and made no alteration in the conduct of the kings + that were his predecessors, but only in such things as were of his own + invention for the worse, and in his most gross wickedness. He imitated + them in their wicked courses, and in their injurious behavior towards God, + and more especially he imitated the transgression of Jeroboam; for he + worshipped the heifers that he had made; and he contrived other absurd + objects of worship besides those heifers: he also took to wife the + daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Tyrians and Sidonians, whose name was + Jezebel, of whom he learned to worship her own gods. This woman was active + and bold, and fell into so great a degree of impurity and madness, that + she built a temple to the god of the Tyrians, Which they call Belus, and + planted a grove of all sorts of trees; she also appointed priests and + false prophets to this god. The king also himself had many such about him, + and so exceeded in madness and wickedness all [the kings] that went before + him. + </p> + <p> + 2. There was now a prophet of God Almighty, of Thesbon, a country in + Gilead, that came to Ahab, and said to him, that God foretold he would not + send rain nor dew in those years upon the country but when he should + appear. And when he had confirmed this by an oath, he departed into the + southern parts, and made his abode by a brook, out of which he had water + to drink; for as for his food, ravens brought it to him every day: but + when that river was dried up for want of rain, he came to Zarephath, a + city not far from Sidon and Tyre, for it lay between them, and this at the + command of God, for [God told him] that he should there find a woman who + was a widow that should give him sustenance. So when he was not far off + the city, he saw a woman that labored with her own hands, gathering of + sticks: so God informed him that this was the woman who was to give him + sustenance. So he came and saluted her, and desired her to bring him some + water to drink; but as she was going so to do, he called to her, and would + have her to bring him a loaf of bread also; whereupon she affirmed upon + oath that she had at home nothing more than one handful of meal, and a + little oil, and that she was going to gather some sticks, that she might + knead it, and make bread for herself and her son; after which, she said, + they must perish, and be consumed by the famine, for they had nothing for + themselves any longer. Hereupon he said, "Go on with good courage, and + hope for better things; and first of all make me a little cake, and bring + it to me, for I foretell to thee that this vessel of meal and this cruse + of oil shall not fail until God send rain." When the prophet had said + this, she came to him, and made him the before-named cake; of which she + had part for herself, and gave the rest to her son, and to the prophet + also; nor did any thing of this fall until the drought ceased. Now + Menander mentions this drought in his account of the acts of Ethbaal, king + of the Tyrians; where he says thus: "Under him there was a want of rain + from the month Hyperberetmus till the month Hyperberetmus of the year + following; but when he made supplications, there came great thunders. This + Ethbaal built the city Botrys in Phoenicia, and the city Auza in Libya." + By these words he designed the want of rain that was in the days of Ahab, + for at that time it was that Ethbaal also reigned over the Tyrians, as + Menander informs us. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now this woman, of whom we spake before, that sustained the prophet, + when her son was fallen into a distemper till he gave up the ghost, and + appeared to be dead, came to the prophet weeping, and beating her breasts + with her hands, and sending out such expressions as her passions dictated + to her, and complained to him that he had come to her to reproach her for + her sins, and that on this account it was that her son was dead. But he + bid her be of good cheer, and deliver her son to him, for that he would + deliver him again to her alive. So when she had delivered her son up to + him, he carried him into an upper room, where he himself lodged, and laid + him down upon the bed, and cried unto God, and said, that God had not done + well, in rewarding the woman who had entertained him and sustained him, by + taking away her son; and he prayed that he would send again the soul of + the child into him, and bring him to life again. Accordingly God took pity + on the mother, and was willing to gratify the prophet, that he might not + seem to have come to her to do her a mischief, and the child, beyond all + expectation, came to life again. So the mother returned the prophet + thanks, and said she was then clearly satisfied that God did converse with + him. + </p> + <p> + 4. After a little while Elijah came to king Ahab, according to God's will, + to inform him that rain was coming. Now the famine had seized upon the + whole country, and there was a great want of what was necessary for + sustenance, insomuch that it was after the recovery of the widow's son of + Sarepta, God sent not only men that wanted it, but the earth itself also, + which did not produce enough for the horse and the other beasts of what + was useful for them to feed on, by reason of the drought. So the king + called for Obadiah, who was steward over his cattle, and said to him, that + he would have him go to the fountains of water, and to the brooks, that if + any herbs could be found for them, they might mow it down, and reserve it + for the beasts. And when he had sent persons all over the habitable earth + <a href="#link8note-33" name="link8noteref-33" id="link8noteref-33"><small>33</small></a> + to discover the prophet Elijah, and they could not find him, he bade + Obadiah accompany him. So it was resolved they should make a progress, and + divide the ways between them; and Obadiah took one road, and the king + another. Now it happened that the same time when queen Jezebel slew the + prophets, that this Obadiah had hidden a hundred prophets, and had fed + them with nothing but bread and water. But when Obadiah was alone, and + absent from the king, the prophet Elijah met him; and Obadiah asked him + who he was; and when he had learned it from him, he worshipped him. Elijah + then bid him go to the king, and tell him that I am here ready to wait on + him. But Obadiah replied, "What evil have I done to thee, that thou + sendest me to one who seeketh to kill thee, and hath sought over all the + earth for thee? Or was he so ignorant as not to know that the king had + left no place untouched unto which he had not sent persons to bring him + back, in order, if they could take him, to have him put to death?" For he + told him he was afraid lest God should appear to him again, and he should + go away into another place; and that when the king should send him for + Elijah, and he should miss of him, and not be able to find him any where + upon earth, he should be put to death. He desired him therefore to take + care of his preservation; and told him how diligently he had provided for + those of his own profession, and had saved a hundred prophets, when + Jezebel slew the rest of them, and had kept them concealed, and that they + had been sustained by him. But Elijah bade him fear nothing, but go to the + king; and he assured him upon oath that he would certainly show himself to + Ahab that very day. + </p> + <p> + 5. So when Obadiah had informed the king that Elijah was there, Ahab met + him, and asked him, in anger, if he were the man that afflicted the people + of the Hebrews, and was the occasion of the drought they lay under? But + Elijah, without any flattery, said that he was himself the man, he and his + house, which brought such sad afflictions upon them, and that by + introducing strange gods into their country, and worshipping them, and by + leaving their own, who was the only true God, and having no manner of + regard to him. However, he bade him go his way, and gather together all + the people to him to Mount Carmel, with his own prophets, and those of his + wife, telling him how many there were of them, as also the prophets of the + groves, about four hundred in number. And as all the men whom Ahab sent + for ran away to the forenamed mountain, the prophet Elijah stood in the + midst of them, and said, "How long will you live thus in uncertainty of + mind and opinion?" He also exhorted them, that in case they esteemed their + own country God to be the true and the only God, they would follow him and + his commandments; but in case they esteemed him to be nothing, but had an + opinion of the strange gods, and that they ought to worship them, his + counsel was, that they should follow them. And when the multitude made no + answer to what he said, Elijah desired that, for a trial of the power of + the strange gods, and of their own God, he, who was his only prophet, + while they had four hundred, might take a heifer and kill it as a + sacrifice, and lay it upon pieces of wood, and not kindle any fire, and + that they should do the same things, and call upon their own gods to set + the wood on fire; for if that were done, they would thence learn the + nature of the true God. This proposal pleased the people. So Elijah bade + the prophets to choose out a heifer first, and kill it, and to call on + their gods. But when there appeared no effect of the prayer or invocation + of the prophets upon their sacrifice, Elijah derided them, and bade them + call upon their gods with a loud voice, for they might either be on a + journey, or asleep; and when these prophets had done so from morning till + noon, and cut themselves with swords and lances, <a href="#link8note-34" + name="link8noteref-34" id="link8noteref-34"><small>34</small></a> + according to the customs of their country, and he was about to offer his + sacrifice, he bade [the prophets] go away, but bade [the people] come near + and observe what he did, lest he should privately hide fire among the + pieces of wood. So, upon the approach of the multitude, he took twelve + stones, one for each tribe of the people of the Hebrews, and built an + altar with them, and dug a very deep trench; and when he had laid the + pieces of wood upon the altar, and upon them had laid the pieces of the + sacrifices, he ordered them to fill four barrels with the water of the + fountain, and to pour it upon the altar, till it ran over it, and till the + trench was filled with the water poured into it. When he had done this, he + began to pray to God, and to invocate him to make manifest his power to a + people that had already been in an error a long time; upon which words a + fire came on a sudden from heaven in the sight of the multitude, and fell + upon the altar, and consumed the sacrifice, till the very water was set on + fire, and the place was become dry. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now when the Israelites saw this, they fell down upon the ground, and + worshipped one God, and called him The great and the only true God; but + they called the others mere names, framed by the evil and vile opinions of + men. So they caught their prophets, and, at the command of Elijah, slew + them. Elijah also said to the king, that he should go to dinner without + any further concern, for that in a little time he would see God send them + rain. Accordingly Ahab went his way. But Elijah went up to the highest top + of Mount Carmel, and sat down upon the ground, and leaned his head upon + his knees, and bade his servant go up to a certain elevated place, and + look towards the sea, and when he should see a cloud rising any where, he + should give him notice of it, for till that time the air had been clear. + When the Servant had gone up, and had said many times that he saw nothing, + at the seventh time of his going up, he said that he saw a small black + thing in the sky, not larger than a man's foot. When Elijah heard that, he + sent to Ahab, and desired him to go away to the city before the rain came + down. So he came to the city Jezreel; and in a little time the air was all + obscured, and covered with clouds, and a vehement storm of wind came upon + the earth, and with it a great deal of rain; and the prophet was under a + Divine fury, and ran along with the king's chariot unto Jezreel a city of + Izar <a href="#link8note-35" name="link8noteref-35" id="link8noteref-35"><small>35</small></a> + [Issaachar]. + </p> + <p> + 7. When Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, understood what signs Elijah had + wrought, and how he had slain her prophets, she was angry, and sent + messengers to him, and by them threatened to kill him, as he had destroyed + her prophets. At this Elijah was affrighted, and fled to the city called + Beersheba, which is situate at the utmost limits of the country belonging + to the tribe of Judah, towards the land of Edom; and there he left his + servant, and went away into the desert. He prayed also that he might die, + for that he was not better than his fathers, nor need he be very desirous + to live, when they were dead; and he lay and slept under a certain tree; + and when somebody awakened him, and he was risen up, he found food set by + him and water: so when he had eaten, and recovered his strength by that + his food, he came to that mountain which is called Sinai, where it is + related that Moses received his laws from God; and finding there a certain + hollow cave, he entered into it, and continued to make his abode in it. + But when a certain voice came to him, but from whence he knew not, and + asked him, why he was come thither, and had left the city? he said, that + because he had slain the prophets of the foreign gods, and had persuaded + the people that he alone whom they had worshipped from the beginning was + God, he was sought for by the king's wife to be punished for so doing. And + when he had heard another voice, telling him that he should come out the + next day into the open air, and should thereby know what he was to do, he + came out of the cave the next day accordingly, When he both heard an + earthquake, and saw the bright splendor of a fire; and after a silence + made, a Divine voice exhorted him not to be disturbed with the + circumstances he was in, for that none of his enemies should have power + over him. The voice also commanded him to return home, and to ordain Jehu, + the son of Nimshi, to be king over their own multitude; and Hazael, of + Damascus, to be over the Syrians; and Elisha, of the city Abel, to be a + prophet in his stead; and that of the impious multitude, some should be + slain by Hazael, and others by Jehu. So Elijah, upon hearing this charge, + returned into the land of the Hebrews. And when he found Elisha, the son + of Shaphat, ploughing, and certain others with him, driving twelve yoke of + oxen, he came to him, and cast his own garment upon him; upon which Elisha + began to prophesy presently, and leaving his oxen, he followed Elijah. And + when he desired leave to salute his parents, Elijah gave him leave so to + do; and when he had taken his leave of them, he followed him, and became + the disciple and the servant of Elijah all the days of his life. And thus + have I despatched the affairs in which this prophet was concerned. + </p> + <p> + 8. Now there was one Naboth, of the city Izar, [Jezreel,] who had a field + adjoining to that of the king: the king would have persuaded him to sell + him that his field, which lay so near to his own lands, at what price he + pleased, that he might join them together, and make them one farm; and if + he would not accept of money for it, he gave him leave to choose any of + his other fields in its stead. But Naboth said he would not do so, but + would keep the possession of that land of his own, which he had by + inheritance from his father. Upon this the king was grieved, as if he had + received an injury, when he could not get another man's possession, and he + would neither wash himself, nor take any food: and when Jezebel asked him + what it was that troubled him, and why he would neither wash himself, nor + eat either dinner or supper, he related to her the perverseness of Naboth, + and how, when he had made use of gentle words to him, and such as were + beneath the royal authority, he had been affronted, and had not obtained + what he desired. However, she persuaded him not to be cast down at this + accident, but to leave off his grief, and return to the usual care of his + body, for that she would take care to have Naboth punished; and she + immediately sent letters to the rulers of the Israelites [Jezreelites] in + Ahab's name, and commanded them to fast and to assemble a congregation, + and to set Naboth at the head of them, because he was of an illustrious + family, and to have three bold men ready to bear witness that he had + blasphemed God and the king, and then to stone him, and slay him in that + manner. Accordingly, when Naboth had been thus testified against, as the + queen had written to them, that he had blasphemed against God and Ahab the + king, she desired him to take possession of Naboth's vineyard on free + cost. So Ahab was glad at what had been done, and rose up immediately from + the bed whereon he lay to go to see Naboth's vineyard; but God had great + indignation at it, and sent Elijah the prophet to the field of Naboth, to + speak to Ahab, and to say to him, that he had slain the true owner of that + field unjustly. And as soon as he came to him, and the king had said that + he might do with him what he pleased, [for he thought it a reproach to him + to be thus caught in his sin,] Elijah said, that in that very place in + which the dead body of Naboth was eaten by dogs both his own blood and + that of his wife's should be shed, and that all his family should perish, + because he had been so insolently wicked, and had slain a citizen + unjustly, and contrary to the laws of his country. Hereupon Ahab began to + be sorry for the things he had done, and to repent of them; and he put on + sackcloth, and went barefoot <a href="#link8note-36" name="link8noteref-36" + id="link8noteref-36"><small>36</small></a> and would not touch any food; + he also confessed his sins, and endeavored thus to appease God. But God + said to the prophet, that while Ahab was living he would put off the + punishment of his family, because he repented of those insolent crimes he + had been guilty of, but that still he would fulfill his threatening under + Ahab's son; which message the prophet delivered to the king. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0014" id="link82HCH0014"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 14. How Hadad King Of Damascus And Of Syria, Made Two Expeditions + Against Ahab And Was Beaten. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When the affairs of Ahab were thus, at that very time the son of Hadad, + [Benhadad,] who was king of the Syrians and of Damascus, got together an + army out of all his country, and procured thirty-two kings beyond + Euphrates to be his auxiliaries: so he made an expedition against Ahab; + but because Ahab's army was not like that of Benhadad, he did not set it + in array to fight him, but having shut up every thing that was in the + country in the strongest cities he had, he abode in Samaria himself, for + the walls about it were very strong, and it appeared to be not easily to + be taken in other respects also. So the king of Syria took his army with + him, and came to Samaria, and placed his army round about the city, and + besieged it. He also sent a herald to Ahab, and desired he would admit the + ambassadors he would send him, by whom he would let him know his pleasure. + So, upon the king of Israel's permission for him to send, those + ambassador's came, and by their king's command spake thus: That Ahab's + riches, and his children, and his wives were Benhadad's, and if he would + make an agreement, and give him leave to take as much of what he had as he + pleased, he would withdraw his army, and leave off the siege. Upon this + Ahab bade the ambassadors to go back, and tell their king, that both he + himself and all that he hath are his possessions. And when these + ambassadors had told this to Benhadad, he sent them to him again, and desired, + since he confessed that all he had was his, that he would admit those + servants of his which he should send the next day; and he commanded him to + deliver to those whom he should send whatsoever, upon their searching his + palace, and the houses of his friends and kindred, they should find to be + excellent in its kind, but that what did not please them they should leave + to him. At this second embassage of the king of Syria, Ahab was surprised, + and gathered together the multitude to a congregation, and told them that, + for himself, he was ready, for their safety and peace, to give up his own + wives and children to the enemy, and to yield to him all his own + possessions, for that was what the Syrian king required at his first + embassage; but that now he desires to send his servants to search all + their houses, and in them to leave nothing that is excellent in its kind, + seeking an occasion of fighting against him, "as knowing that I would not + spare what is mine own for your sakes, but taking a handle from the + disagreeable terms he offers concerning you to bring a war upon us; + however, I will do what you shall resolve is fit to be done." But the + multitude advised him to hearken to none of his proposals, but to despise + him, and be in readiness to fight him. Accordingly, when he had given the + ambassadors this answer to be reported, that he still continued in the + mind to comply with what terms he at first desired, for the safety of the + citizens; but as for his second desires, he cannot submit to them,—he + dismissed them. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now when Benhadad heard this, he had indignation, and sent ambassadors + to Ahab the third time, and threatened that his army would raise a bank + higher than those walls, in confidence of whose strength he despised him, + and that by only each man of his army taking a handful of earth; hereby + making a show of the great number of his army, and aiming to affright him. + Ahab answered, that he ought not to vaunt himself when he had only put on + his armor, but when he should have conquered his enemies in the battle. So + the ambassadors came back, and found the king at supper with his + thirty-two kings, and informed him of Ahab's answer; who then immediately + gave order for proceeding thus: To make lines round the city, and raise a + bulwark, and to prosecute the siege all manner of ways. Now, as this was + doing, Ahab was in a great agony, and all his people with him; but he took + courage, and was freed from his fears, upon a certain prophet coming to + him, and saying to him, that God had promised to subdue so many ten + thousands of his enemies under him. And when he inquired by whose means + the victory was to be obtained, he said, "By the sons of the princes; but + under thy conduct as their leader, by reason of their unskilfulness [in + war]." Upon which he called for the sons of the princes, and found them to + be two hundred and thirty-two persons. So when he was informed that the + king of Syria had betaken himself to feasting and repose, he opened the + gates, and sent out the princes' sons. Now when the sentinels told + Benhadad of it, he sent some to meet them, and commanded them, that if + these men were come out for fighting, they should bind them, and bring + them to him; and that if they came out peaceably, they should do the same. + Now Ahab had another army ready within the walls, but the sons of the + princes fell upon the out-guard, and slew many of them, and pursued the + rest of them to the camp; and when the king of Israel saw that these had + the upper hand, he sent out all the rest of his army, which, falling + suddenly upon the Syrians, beat them, for they did not think they would + have come out; on which account it was that they assaulted them when they + were naked <a href="#link8note-37" name="link8noteref-37" + id="link8noteref-37"><small>37</small></a> and drunk, insomuch that they + left all their armor behind them when they fled out of the camp, and the + king himself escaped with difficulty, by fleeing away on horseback. But + Ahab went a great way in pursuit of the Syrians; and when he had spoiled + their camp, which contained a great deal of wealth, and moreover a large + quantity of gold and silver, he took Benhadad's chariots and horses, and + returned to the city; but as the prophet told him he ought to have his + army ready, because the Syrian king would make another expedition against + him the next year, Ahab was busy in making provision for it accordingly. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now Benhadad, when he had saved himself, and as much of his army as he + could, out of the battle, he consulted with his friends how he might make + another expedition against the Israelites. Now those friends advised him + not to fight with them on the hills, because their God was potent in such + places, and thence it had come to pass that they had very lately been + beaten; but they said, that if they joined battle with them in the plain, + they should beat them. They also gave him this further advice, to send + home those kings whom he had brought as his auxiliaries, but to retain + their army, and to set captains over it instead of the kings, and to raise + an army out of their country, and let them be in the place of the former + who perished in the battle, together with horses and chariots. So he + judged their counsel to be good, and acted according to it in the + management of the army. + </p> + <p> + 4. At the beginning of the spring, Benhadad took his army with him, and + led it against the Hebrews; and when he was come to a certain city which + was called Aphek, he pitched his camp in the great plain. Ahab also went + to meet him with his army, and pitched his camp over against him, although + his army was a very small one, if it were compared with the enemy's; but + the prophet came again to him, and told him, that God would give him the + victory, that he might demonstrate his own power to be, not only on the + mountains, but on the plains also; which it seems was contrary to the + opinion of the Syrians. So they lay quiet in their camp seven days; but on + the last of those days, when the enemies came out of their camp, and put + themselves in array in order to fight, Ahab also brought out his own army; + and when the battle was joined, and they fought valiantly, he put the + enemy to flight, and pursued them, and pressed upon them, and slew them; + nay, they were destroyed by their own chariots, and by one another; nor + could any more than a few of them escape to their own city Aphek, who were + also killed by the walls falling upon them, being in number twenty-seven + thousand. <a href="#link8note-38" name="link8noteref-38" + id="link8noteref-38"><small>38</small></a> Now there were slain in this + battle a hundred thousand more; but Benhadad, the king of the Syrians, + fled away, with certain others of his most faithful servants, and hid + himself in a cellar under ground; and when these told him that the kings + of Israel were humane and merciful men, and that they might make use of + the usual manner of supplication, and obtain deliverance from Ahab, in + case he would give them leave to go to him, he gave them leave + accordingly. So they came to Ahab, clothed in sackcloth, with ropes about + their heads, (for this was the ancient manner of supplication among the + Syrians,) <a href="#link8note-39" name="link8noteref-39" + id="link8noteref-39"><small>39</small></a> and said, that Benhadad desired + he would save him, and that he would ever be a servant to him for that + favor. Ahab replied he was glad that he was alive, and not hurt in the + battle; and he further promised him the same honor and kindness that a man + would show to his brother. So they received assurances upon oath from him, + that when he came to him he should receive no harm from him, and then went + and brought him out of the cellar wherein he was hid, and brought him to + Ahab as he sat in his chariot. So Benhadad worshipped him; and Ahab gave + him his hand, and made him come up to him into his chariot, and kissed + him, and bid him be of good cheer, and not to expect that any mischief + should be done to him. So Benhadad returned him thanks, and professed + that he also would remember his kindness to him all the days of his life; and + promised he would restore those cities of the Israelites which the former + kings had taken from them, and grant that he should have leave to come to + Damascus, as his forefathers had to come to Samaria. So they confirmed + their covenant by oaths, and Ahab made him many presents, and sent him + back to his own kingdom. And this was the conclusion of the war that + Benhadad made against Ahab and the Israelites. + </p> + <p> + 5. But a certain prophet, whose name was Micaiah, <a href="#link8note-40" + name="link8noteref-40" id="link8noteref-40"><small>40</small></a> came to + one of the Israelites, and bid him smite him on the head, for by so doing + he would please God; but when he would not do so, he foretold to him, that + since he disobeyed the commands of God, he should meet with a lion, and be + destroyed by him. When that sad accident had befallen the man, the prophet + came again to another, and gave him the same injunction; so he smote him, + and wounded his skull; upon which he bound up his head, and came to the + king, and told him that he had been a soldier of his, and had the custody + of one of the prisoners committed to him by an officer, and that the + prisoner being run away, he was in danger of losing his own life by the + means of that officer, who had threatened him, that if the prisoner + escaped he would kill him. And when Ahab had said that he would justly + die, he took off the binding about his head, and was known by the king to + be Micaiah the prophet, who made use of this artifice as a prelude to his + following words; for he said that God would punish him who had suffered + Benhadad, a blasphemer against him, to escape punishment; and that he + would so bring it about, that he should die by the other's means <a + href="#link8note-41" name="link8noteref-41" id="link8noteref-41"><small>41</small></a> + and his people by the other's army. Upon which Ahab was very angry at the + prophet, and gave commandment that he should be put in prison, and there + kept; but for himself, he was in confusion at the words of Micaiah, and + returned to his own house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82HCH0015" id="link82HCH0015"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 15. Concerning Jehoshaphat The King Of Jerusalem And How Ahab Made + An Expedition Against The Syrians And Was Assisted Therein By Jehoshaphat, + But Was Himself Overcome In Battle And Perished Therein. + </h3> + <p> + 1. And these were the circumstances in which Ahab was. But I now return to + Jehoshaphat, the king of Jerusalem, who, when he had augmented his + kingdom, had set garrisons in the cities of the countries belonging to his + subjects, and had put such garrisons no less into those cities which were + taken out of the tribe of Ephraim by his grandfather Abijah, when Jeroboam + reigned over the ten tribes [than he did into the other]. But then he had + God favorable and assisting to him, as being both righteous and religious, + and seeking to do somewhat every day that should be agreeable and + acceptable to God. The kings also that were round about him honored him + with the presents they made him, till the riches that he had acquired were + immensely great, and the glory he had gained was of a most exalted nature. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now, in the third year of this reign, he called together the rulers of + the country, and the priests, and commanded them to go round the land, and + teach all the people that were under him, city by city, the laws of Moses, + and to keep them, and to be diligent in the worship of God. With this the + whole multitude was so pleased, that they were not so eagerly set upon or + affected with any thing so much as the observation of the laws. The + neighboring nations also continued to love Jehoshaphat, and to be at peace + with him. The Philistines paid their appointed tribute, and the Arabians + supplied him every year with three hundred and sixty lambs, and as many + kids of the goats. He also fortified the great cities, which were many in + number, and of great consequence. He prepared also a mighty army of + soldiers and weapons against their enemies. Now the army of men that wore + their armor, was three hundred thousand of the tribe of Judah, of whom + Adnah was the chief; but John was chief of two hundred thousand. The same + man was chief of the tribe of Benjamin, and had two hundred thousand + archers under him. There was another chief, whose name was Jehozabad, who + had a hundred and fourscore thousand armed men. This multitude was + distributed to be ready for the king's service, besides those whom he sent + to the best fortified cities. + </p> + <p> + 3. Jehoshaphat took for his son Jehoram to wife the daughter of Ahab, the + king of the ten tribes, whose name was Athaliah. And when, after some + time, he went to Samaria, Ahab received him courteously, and treated the + army that followed him in a splendid manner, with great plenty of corn and + wine, and of slain beasts; and desired that he would join with him in his + war against the king of Syria, that he might recover from him the city + Ramoth, in Gilead; for though it had belonged to his father, yet had the + king of Syria's father taken it away from him; and upon Jehoshaphat's + promise to afford him his assistance, [for indeed his army was not + inferior to the other,] and his sending for his army from Jerusalem to + Samaria, the two kings went out of the city, and each of them sat on his + own throne, and each gave their orders to their several armies. Now + Jehoshaphat bid them call some of the prophets, if there were any there, + and inquire of them concerning this expedition against the king of Syria, + whether they would give them counsel to make that expedition at this time, + for there was peace at that time between Ahab and the king of Syria, which + had lasted three years, from the time he had taken him captive till that + day. + </p> + <p> + 4. So Ahab called his own prophets, being in number about four hundred, + and bid them inquire of God whether he would grant him the victory, if he + made an expedition against Benhadad, and enable him to overthrow that + city, for whose sake it was that he was going to war. Now these prophets + gave their counsel for making this expedition, and said that he would beat + the king of Syria, and, as formerly, would reduce him under his power. But + Jehoshaphat, understanding by their words that they were false prophets, + asked Ahab whether there were not some other prophet, and he belonging to + the true God, that we may have surer information concerning futurities. + Hereupon Ahab said there was indeed such a one, but that he hated him, as + having prophesied evil to him, and having foretold that he should be + overcome and slain by the king of Syria, and that for this cause he had + him now in prison, and that his name was Micaiah, the son of Imlah. But + upon Jehoshaphat's desire that he might be produced, Ahab sent a eunuch, + who brought Micaiah to him. Now the eunuch had informed him by the way, + that all the other prophets had foretold that the king should gain the + victory; but he said, that it was not lawful for him to lie against God, + but that he must speak what he should say to him about the king, + whatsoever it were. When he came to Ahab, and he had adjured him upon oath + to speak the truth to him, he said that God had shown to him the + Israelites running away, and pursued by the Syrians, and dispersed upon + the mountains by them, as flocks of sheep are dispersed when their + shepherd is slain. He said further, that God signified to him, that those + Israelites should return in peace to their own home, and that he only + should fall in the battle. When Micaiah had thus spoken, Ahab said to + Jehoshaphat, "I told thee a little while ago the disposition of the man + with regard to me, and that he uses to prophesy evil to me." Upon which + Micaiah replied, that he ought to hear all, whatsoever it be, that God + foretells; and that in particular, they were false prophets that + encouraged him to make this war in hope of victory, whereas he must fight + and be killed. Whereupon the king was in suspense with himself: but + Zedekiah, one of those false prophets, came near, and exhorted him not to + hearken to Micaiah, for he did not at all speak truth; as a demonstration + of which he instanced in what Elijah had said, who was a better prophet in + foretelling futurities than Micaiah <a href="#link8note-42" + name="link8noteref-42" id="link8noteref-42"><small>42</small></a> for he + foretold that the dogs should lick his blood in the city of Jezreel, in + the field of Naboth, as they licked the blood of Naboth, who by his means + was there stoned to death by the multitude; that therefore it was plain + that this Micaiah was a liar, as contradicting a greater prophet than + himself, and saying that he should be slain at three days' journey + distance: "and [said he] you shall soon know whether he be a true prophet, + and hath the power of the Divine Spirit; for I will smite him, and let him + then hurt my hand, as Jadon caused the hand of Jeroboam the king to wither + when he would have caught him; for I suppose thou hast certainly heard of + that accident." So when, upon his smiting Micaiah, no harm happened to + him, Ahab took courage, and readily led his army against the king of + Syria; for, as I suppose, fate was too hard for him, and made him believe + that the false prophets spake truer than the true one, that it might take + an occasion of bringing him to his end. However, Zedekiah made horns of + iron, and said to Ahab, that God made those horns signals, that by them he + should overthrow all Syria. But Micaiah replied, that Zedekiah, in a few + days, should go from one secret chamber to another to hide himself, that + he might escape the punishment of his lying. Then did the king give orders + that they should take Micaiah away, and guard him to Amon, the governor of + the city, and to give him nothing but bread and water. + </p> + <p> + 5. Then did Ahab, and Jehoshaphat the king of Jerusalem, take their + forces, and marched to Ramoth a city of Gilead; and when the king of Syria + heard of this expedition, he brought out his army to oppose them, and + pitched his camp not far from Ramoth. Now Ahab and Jehoshaphat had agreed + that Ahab should lay aside his royal robes, but that the king of Jerusalem + should put on his [Ahab's] proper habit, and stand before the army, in + order to disprove, by this artifice, what Micaiah had foretold. <a + href="#link8note-43" name="link8noteref-43" id="link8noteref-43"><small>43</small></a> + But Ahab's fate found him out without his robes; for Benhadad, the king of + Assyria, had charged his army, by the means of their commanders, to kill + nobody else but only the king of Israel. So when the Syrians, upon their + joining battle with the Israelites, saw Jehoshaphat stand before the army, + and conjectured that he was Ahab, they fell violently upon him, and + encompassed him round; but when they were near, and knew that it was not + he, they all returned back; and while the fight lasted from the morning + till late in the evening, and the Syrians were conquerors, they killed + nobody, as their king had commanded them. And when they sought to kill + Ahab alone, but could not find him, there was a young nobleman belonging + to king Benhadad, whose name was Naaman; he drew his bow against the + enemy, and wounded the king through his breastplate, in his lungs. Upon + this Ahab resolved not to make his mischance known to his army, lest they + should run away; but he bid the driver of his chariot to turn it back, and + carry him out of the battle, because he was sorely and mortally wounded. + However, he sat in his chariot and endured the pain till sunset, and then + he fainted away and died. + </p> + <p> + 6. And now the Syrian army, upon the coming on of the night, retired to + their camp; and when the herald belonging to the camp gave notice that + Ahab was dead, they returned home; and they took the dead body of Ahab to + Samaria, and buried it there; but when they had washed his chariot in the + fountain of Jezreel, which was bloody with the dead body of the king, they + acknowledged that the prophecy of Elijah was true, for the dogs licked his + blood, and the harlots continued afterwards to wash themselves in that + fountain; but still he died at Ramoth, as Micaiah had foretold. And as + what things were foretold should happen to Ahab by the two prophets came + to pass, we ought thence to have high notions of God, and every where to + honor and worship him, and never to suppose that what is pleasant and + agreeable is worthy of belief before what is true, and to esteem nothing + more advantageous than the gift of prophecy <a href="#link8note-44" + name="link8noteref-44" id="link8noteref-44"><small>44</small></a> and that + foreknowledge of future events which is derived from it, since God shows + men thereby what we ought to avoid. We may also guess, from what happened + to this king, and have reason to consider the power of fate; that there is + no way of avoiding it, even when we know it. It creeps upon human souls, + and flatters them with pleasing hopes, till it leads them about to the + place where it will be too hard for them. Accordingly Ahab appears to have + been deceived thereby, till he disbelieved those that foretold his defeat; + but, by giving credit to such as foretold what was grateful to him, was + slain; and his son Ahaziah succeeded him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82H_FOOT" id="link82H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES: + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link8note-1" id="link8note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link8noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ This execution upon Joab, + as a murderer, by slaying him, even when he had taken sanctuary at God's + altar, is perfectly agreeable to the law of Moses, which enjoins, that "if + a man come presumptuously upon his neighbor to slay him with guile, thou + shalt take him from mine altar that he die," Exodus 21:14.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-2" id="link8note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link8noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ This building of the walls + of Jerusalem, soon after David's death, illustrates the conclusion of the + 51st Psalm, where David prays, "Build thou the walls of Jerusalem;" they + being, it seems, unfinished or imperfect at that time. See ch. 6. sect. 1; + and ch. 1. sect. 7; also 1 Kings 9:15.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-3" id="link8note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link8noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ It may not be amiss to + compare the daily furniture of king Solomon's table, here set down, and 1 + Kings 4;22, 23, with the like daily furniture of Nehemiah the governor's + table, after the Jews were come back from Babylon; and to remember withal, + that Nehemiah was now building the walls of Jerusalem, and maintained, + more than usual, above a hundred and fifty considerable men every day, and + that, because the nation was then very poor, at his own charges also, + without laying any burden upon the people at all. "Now that which was + prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were + prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine; and yet + for all this required not the bread of the governor, because the bondage + was heavy upon this people," Nehemiah 5:18: see the whole context, ver. + 14-19. Nor did the governor's usual allowance of forty shekels of silver + a-day, ver. 15, amount to 45 a day, nor to 1800 a-year. Nor does it indeed + appear that, under the judges, or under Samuel the prophet, there was any + such public allowance to those governors at all. Those great charges upon + the public for maintaining courts came in with kings, as God foretold they + would, 1 Samuel 8:11-18. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-4" id="link8note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link8noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ Some pretended fragments + of these books of conjuration of Solomon are still extant in Fabricius's + Cod. Pseudepigr. Vet. Test. page 1054, though I entirely differ from + Josephus in this his supposal, that such books and arts of Solomon were + parts of that wisdom which was imparted to him by God in his younger days; + they must rather have belonged to such profane but curious arts as we find + mentioned Acts 19:13-20, and had been derived from the idolatry and + superstition of his heathen wives and concubines in his old age, when he + had forsaken God, and God had forsaken him, and given him up to demoniacal + delusions. Nor does Josephus's strange account of the root Baara [Of the + War, B. VIII. ch. 6. sect. 3: seem to be other than that of its magical + use in such conjurations. As for the following history, it confirms what + Christ says, Matthew 12;27 "If I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do + your Sons cast them out?"] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-5" id="link8note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link8noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ These epistles of Solomon + and Hiram are those in 1 Kings 5:3-9, and, as enlarged, in 2 Chronicles + 2:3-16, but here given us by Josephus in his own words.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-6" id="link8note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link8noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ What Josephus here puts + into his copy of Hiram's epistle to Solomon, and repeats afterwards, ch. + 5. sect. 3, that Tyre was now an island, is not in any of the three other + copies, viz. that of the Kings, Chronicles, or Eusebius; nor is it any + other, I suppose, than his own conjectural paraphrase; for when I, many + years ago, inquired into this matter, I found the state of this famous + city, and of the island whereupon it stood, to have been very different at + different times. The result of my inquiries in this matter, with the + addition of some later improvements, stands thus: That the best + testimonies hereto relating, imply, that Paketyrus, or Oldest Tyre, was no + other than that most ancient smaller fort or city Tyre, situated on the + continent, and mentioned in Joshua 19:29, out of which the Canaanite or + Phoenician inhabitants were driven into a large island, that lay not far + off in the sea, by Joshua: that this island was then joined to the + continent at the present remains of Paketyrus, by a neck of land over + against Solomon's cisterns, still so called; and the city's fresh water, + probably, was carried along in pipes by that neck of land; and that this + island was therefore, in strictness, no other than a peninsula, having + villages in its fields, Ezekiel 26:6, and a wall about it, Amos 1:10, and + the city was not of so great reputation as Sitlon for some ages: that it + was attacked both by sea and land by Salmanasser, as Josephus informs us, + Antiq. B. IX. ch. 14. sect. 2, and afterwards came to be the metropolis of + Phoenicia; and was afterwards taken and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, + according to the numerous Scripture prophecies thereto relating, Isaiah + 23.; Jeremiah 25:22; 27:3; 47:4; Ezekiel 26., 27., 28.: that seventy years + after that destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, this city was in some measure + revived and rebuilt, Isaiah 23:17, 18, but that, as the prophet Ezekiel + had foretold, chap. 26:3-5, 14; 27: 34, the sea arose higher than before, + till at last it over flowed, not only the neck of land, but the main + island or peninsula itself, and destroyed that old and famous city for + ever: that, however, there still remained an adjoining smaller island, + once connected to Old Tyre itself by Hiram, which was afterwards + inhabited; to which Alexander the Great, with incredible pains, raised a + new bank or causeway: and that it plainly appears from Ifaundreh, a most + authentic eye-witness, that the old large and famous city, on the original + large island, is now laid so generally under water, that scarce more than + forty acres of it, or rather of that adjoining small island remain at this + day; so that, perhaps, not above a hundredth part of the first island and + city is now above water. This was foretold in the same prophecies of + Ezekiel; and according to them, as Mr. Maundrell distinctly observes, + these poor remains of Old Tyre are now "become like the top of a rock, a + place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-7" id="link8note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link8noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ Of the temple of Solomon + here described by Josephus, in this and the following sections of this + chapter, see my description of the temples belonging to this work, ch. 13, + These small rooms, or side chambers, seem to have been, by Josephus's + description, no less than twenty cubits high a piece, otherwise there must + have been a large interval between one and the other that was over it; and + this with double floors, the one of six cubits distance from the floor + beneath it, as 1 Kings 6:5] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-8" id="link8note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link8noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus says here that + the cherubims were of solid gold, and only five cubits high, while our + Hebrew copies [1 Kings 6;23, 28: say they were of the olive tree, and the + LXXX. of the cypress tree, and only overlaid with gold; and both agree + they were ten cubits high. I suppose the number here is falsely + transcribed, and that Josephus wrote ten cubits also.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-9" id="link8note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link8noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ As for these two famous + pillars, Jachin and Booz, their height could be no more than eighteen + cubits, as here, and 1 Kings 7:15; 2 Kings 25:17; Jeremiah 3:21; those + thirty-five cubits in 2 Chronicles 3:15, being contrary to all the rules + of architecture in the world.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-10" id="link8note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link8noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ The round or cylindrical + lavers of four cubits in diameter, and four in height, both in our copies, + 1 Kings 7:38, 39, and here in Josephus, must have contained a great deal + more than these forty baths, which are always assigned them. Where the + error lies is hard to say: perhaps Josephus honestly followed his copies + here, though they had been corrupted, and he was not able to restore the + true reading. In the mean time, the forty baths are probably the true + quantity contained in each laver, since they went upon wheels, and were to + be drawn by the Levites about the courts of the priests for the washings + they were designed for; and had they held much more, they would have been + too heavy to have been so drawn.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-11" id="link8note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link8noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ Here Josephus gives us a + key to his own language, of right and left hand in the tabernacle and + temple; that by the right hand he means what is against our left, when we + suppose ourselves going up from the east gate of the courts towards the + tabernacle or temple themselves, and so vice versa; whence it follows, + that the pillar Jachin, on the right hand of the temple was on the south, + against our left hand; and Booz on the north, against our right hand. Of + the golden plate on the high priest's forehead that was in being in the + days of Josephus, and a century or two at least later, seethe note on + Antiq. B. III. ch. 7. sect. 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-12" id="link8note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link8noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ When Josephus here says + that the floor of the outmost temple or court of the Gentiles was with + vast labor raised to be even, or of equal height, with the floor of the + inner, or court of the priests, he must mean this in a gross estimation + only; for he and all others agree, that the inner temple, or court of the + priests, was a few cubits more elevated than the middle court, the court + of Israel, and that much more was the court of the priests elevated + several cubits above that outmost court, since the court of Israel was + lower than the one and higher than the other. The Septuagint say that + "they prepared timber and stones to build the temple for three years," 1 + Kings 5:18; and although neither our present Hebrew copy, nor Josephus, + directly name that number of years, yet do they both say the building + itself did not begin till Solomon's fourth year; and both speak of the + preparation of materials beforehand, 1 Kings v. 18; Antiq. B. VIII. ch. 5. + sect. 1. There is no reason, therefore, to alter the Septuagint's number; + but we are to suppose three years to have been the just time of the + preparation, as I have done in my computation of the expense in building + that temple.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-13" id="link8note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link8noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ This solemn removal of + the ark from Mount Sion to Mount Moriah, at the distance of almost three + quarters of a mile, confutes that notion of the modern Jews, and followed + by many Christians also, as if those two were after a sort one and the + same mountain, for which there is, I think, very little foundation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-14" id="link8note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link8noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ This mention of the + Corinthian ornaments of architecture in Solomon's palace by Josephus seems + to be here set down by way of prophecy although it appears to me that the + Grecian and Roman most ancient orders of architecture were taken from + Solomon's temple, as from their original patterns, yet it is not so clear + that the last and most ornamental order of the Corinthian was so ancient, + although what the same Josephus says, [Of the War, B. V. ch. 5. sect. 3,] + that one of the gates of Herod's temple was built according to the rules + of this Corinthian order, is no way improbable, that order being, without + dispute, much older than the reign of Herod. However, upon some trial, I + confess I have not hitherto been able fully to understand the structure of + this palace of Solomon, either as described in our Bibles, or even with + the additional help of this description here by Josephus; only the reader + may easily observe with me, that the measures of this first building in + Josephus, a hundred cubits long, and fifty cubits broad, are the very same + with the area of the cart of the tabernacle of Moses, and just hall' an + Egyptian orout, or acre.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-15" id="link8note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link8noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ This signification of + the name Pharaoh appears to be true. But what Josephus adds presently, + that no king of Egypt was called Pharaoh after Solomon's father-in-law, + does hardly agree to our copies, which have long afterwards the names of + Pharaoh Neehob, and Pharaoh Hophrah, 2 Kings 23:29; Jeremiah 44:30, + besides the frequent mention of that name Pharaoh in the prophets. + However, Josephus himself, in his own speech to the Jews, Of the War, B. + V. ch. 9. sect. 4, speaks of Neehao, who was also called Pharaoh, as the + name of that king of Egypt with whom Abraham was concerned; of which name + Neehao yet we have elsewhere no mention till the days of Josiah, but only + of Pharaoh. And, indeed, it must be conceded, that here, and sect. 5, we + have more mistakes made by Josephus, and those relating to the kings of + Egypt, and to that queen of Egypt and Ethiopia, whom he supposes to have + come to see Solomon, than almost any where else in all his Antiquities.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-16" id="link8note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link8noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ That this queen of Sheba + was a queen of Sabea in South Arabia, and not of Egypt and Ethiopia, as + Josephus here asserts, is, I suppose, now generally agreed. And since + Sabea is well known to be a country near the sea in the south of Arabia + Felix, which lay south from Judea also; and since our Savior calls this + queen, "the queen of the south," and says, "she came from the utmost parts + of the earth," Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31, which descriptions agree better + to this Arabia than to Egypt and Ethiopia; there is little occasion for + doubting in this matter.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-17" id="link8note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link8noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ Some blame Josephus for + supposing that the balsam tree might be first brought out of Arabia, or + Egypt, or Ethiopia, into Judea, by this queen of Sheba, since several have + said that of old no country bore this precious balsam but Judea; yet it is + not only false that this balsam was peculiar to Judea but both Egypt and + Arabia, and particularly Sabea; had it; which last was that very country + whence Josephus, if understood not of Ethiopia, but of Arabia, intimates + this queen might bring it first into Judea. Nor are we to suppose that the + queen of Sabaea could well omit such a present as this balsam tree would + be esteemed by Solomon, in case it were then almost peculiar to her own + country. Nor is the mention of balm or balsam, as carried by merchants, + and sent as a present out of Judea by Jacob, to the governor of Egypt, + Genesis 37:25; 43:11, to be alleged to the contrary, since what we there + render balm or balsam, denotes rather that turpentine which we now call + turpentine of Chio, or Cyprus, the juice of the turpentine tree, than this + precious balm. This last is also the same word that we elsewhere render by + the same mistake balm of Gilead; it should be rendered, the turpentine of + Gilead, Jeremiah 8:22.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-18" id="link8note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link8noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ Whether these fine + gardens and rivulets of Etham, about six miles from Jerusalem, whither + Solomon rode so often in state, be not those alluded to, Ecclesiastes 2:5, + 6, where he says, "He made him gardens and orchards, and planted trees in + them of all kinds of fruits: he made him pools of water, to water the wood + that bringeth forth trees;" and to the finest part whereof he seems to + allude, when, in the Canticles, he compares his spouse to a garden + "enclosed," to a "spring shut up," to a "fountain sealed," ch. 4. 12 [part + of which from rains are still extant, as Mr. Matmdrell informs us, page + 87, 88]; cannot now be certainly determined, but may very probably be + conjectured. But whether this Etham has any relation to those rivers of + Etham, which Providence once dried up in a miraculous manner, Psalm 74:15, + in the Septuagint, I cannot say.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-19" id="link8note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link8noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ These seven hundred + wives, or the daughters of great men, and the three hundred concubines, + the daughters of the ignoble, make one thousand in all; and are, I + suppose, those very one thousand women intimated elsewhere by Solomon + himself, when he speaks of his not having found one [good] woman among + that very number, Ecclesiastes 7:28.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-20" id="link8note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link8noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus is here + certainly too severe upon Solomon, who, in making the cherubims, and these + twelve brazen oxen, seems to have done no more than imitate the patterns + left him by David, which were all given David by Divine inspiration. See + my description of the temples, ch. 10. And although God gave no direction + for the lions that adorned his throne, yet does not Solomon seem therein + to have broken any law of Moses; for although the Pharisees and latter + Rabbins have extended the second commandment, to forbid the very making of + any image, though without any intention to have it worshipped, yet do not + I suppose that Solomon so understood it, nor that it ought to be so + understood. The making any other altar for worship but that at the + tabernacle was equally forbidden by Moses, Antiq. B. IV. ch. 8. sect. 5; + yet did not the two tribes and a half offend when they made an altar for a + memorial only, Joshua 22; Antiq. B. V. ch. 1. sect. 26, 27.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-21" id="link8note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link8noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ Since the beginning of + Solomon's evil life and adversity was the time when Hadad or Ader, who was + born at least twenty or thirty years before Solomon came to the crown, in + the days of David, began to give him disturbance, this implies that + Solomon's evil life began early, and continued very long, which the + multitude of his wives and concubines does imply also; I suppose when he + was not fifty years of age.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-22" id="link8note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link8noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ This youth of Jeroboam, + when Solomon built the walls of righteous and keep the laws, because he + hath proposed to thee the greatest of all rewards for thy piety, and the + honor thou shalt pay to God, namely, to be as greatly exalted as thou + knowest David to have been." Jerusalem, not very long after he had + finished his twenty years building of the temple and his own palace, or + not very long after the twenty-fourth of his reign, 1 Kings 9:24; 2 + Chronicles 8:11, and his youth here still mentioned, when Solomon's + wickedness was become intolerable, fully confirm my former observation, + that such his wickedness began early, and continued very long. See Ecclus. + 47:14.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-23" id="link8note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link8noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ That by scorpions is not + here meant that small animal so called, which was never used in + corrections, but either a shrub, furze bush, or else some terrible sort of + whip of the like nature see Hudson's and Spanheim's notes here.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-24" id="link8note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link8noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ Whether these "fountains + of the Lesser Jordan" were near a place called Dan, and the fountains of + the Greater near a place called Jor, before their conjunction; or whether + there was only one fountain, arising at the lake Phiala, at first sinking + under ground, and then arising near the mountain Paneum, and thence + running through the lake Scmochonitis to the Sea of Galilee, and so far + called the Lesser Jordan; is hardly certain, even in Josephus himself, + though the latter account be the most probable. However, the northern + idolatrous calf, set up by Jeroboam, was where Little Jordan fell into + Great Jordan, near a place called Daphnae, as Josephus elsewhere informs + us, Of the War, B. IV. ch. 1. sect. 1: see the note there.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-25" id="link8note-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#link8noteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ How much a larger and + better copy Josephus had in this remarkable history of the true prophet of + Judea, and his concern with Jeroboam, and with the false prophet of + Bethel, than our other copies have, is evident at first sight. The + prophet's very name, Jadon, or, as the Constitutions call him, Adonias, is + wanting in our other copies; and it is there, with no little absurdity, + said that God revealed Jadon the true prophet's death, not to himself as + here, but to the false prophet. Whether the particular account of the + arguments made use of, after all, by the false prophet against his own + belief and his own conscience, in order to persuade Jeroboam to persevere + in his idolatry and wickedness, than which more plausible could not be + invented, was intimated in Josephus's copy, or in some other ancient book, + cannot now be determined; our other copies say not one word of it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-26" id="link8note-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#link8noteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ That this Shishak was + not the same person with the famous Sesostris, as some have very lately, + in contradiction to all antiquity, supposed, and that our Josephus did not + take him to be the same, as they pretend, but that Sesostris was many + centuries earlier than Shishak, see Authent. Records, part II. page 1024.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-27" id="link8note-27"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#link8noteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ Herodotus, as here + quoted by Josephus, and as this passage still stands in his present + copies, B. II. ch. 14., affirms, that "the Phoenicians and Syrians in + Palestine [which last are generally supposed to denote the Jews] owned + their receiving circumcision from the Egyptians;" whereas it is abundantly + evident that the Jews received their circumcision from the patriarch + Abraham, Genesis 17:9-14; John 7:22, 23, as I conclude the Egyptian + priests themselves did also. It is not therefore very unlikely that + Herodotus, because the Jews had lived long in Egypt, and came out of it + circumcised, did thereupon think they had learned that circumcision in + Egypt, and had it not broke. Manetho, the famous Egyptian chronologer and + historian, who knew the history of his own country much better than + Herodotus, complains frequently of his mistakes about their affairs, as + does Josephus more than once in this chapter. Nor indeed does Herodotus + seem at all acquainted with the affairs of the Jews; for as he never names + them, so little or nothing of what he says about them, their country, or + maritime cities, two of which he alone mentions, Cadytus and Jenysus, + proves true; nor indeed do there appear to have ever been any such cities + on their coast.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-28" id="link8note-28"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#link8noteref-28">return</a>)<br /> [ This is a strange + expression in Josephus, that God is his own workmanship, or that he made + himself, contrary to common sense and to catholic Christianity; perhaps he + only means that he was not made by one, but was unoriginated.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-29" id="link8note-29"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#link8noteref-29">return</a>)<br /> [ By this terrible and + perfectly unparalleled slaughter of five hundred thousand men of the newly + idolatrous and rebellious ten tribes, God's high displeasure and + indignation against that idolatry and rebellion fully appeared; the + remainder were thereby seriously cautioned not to persist in them, and a + kind of balance or equilibrium was made between the ten and the two tribes + for the time to come; while otherwise the perpetually idolatrous and + rebellious ten tribes would naturally have been too powerful for the two + tribes, which were pretty frequently free both from such idolatry and + rebellion; nor is there any reason to doubt of the truth of the prodigious + number upmost: signal an occasion.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-30" id="link8note-30"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 30 (<a href="#link8noteref-30">return</a>)<br /> [ The reader is to + remember that Cush is not Ethiopia, but Arabia. See Bochart, B. IV. ch. + 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-31" id="link8note-31"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 31 (<a href="#link8noteref-31">return</a>)<br /> [ Here is a very great + error in our Hebrew copy in this place, 2 Chronicles 15:3-6, as applying + what follows to times past, and not to times future; whence that text is + quite misapplied by Sir Isaac Newton.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-32" id="link8note-32"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 32 (<a href="#link8noteref-32">return</a>)<br /> [ This Abelmain, or, in + Josephus's copy, Abellane, that belonged to the land of Israel, and + bordered on the country of Damascus, is supposed, both by Hudson and + Spanheim, to be the same with Abel, or Ahila, whence came Abilene. This + may be that city so denominated from Abel the righteous, there buried, + concerning the shedding of whose blood within the compass of the land of + Israel, I understand our Savior's words about the fatal war and overthrow + of Judea by Titus and his Roman army; "That upon you may come all the + righteous blood shed upon the land, from the blood of righteous Abel to + the blood of Zacharias son of Barnchins, whom ye slew between the temple + and the altar. Verily, I say unto you, all these things shall come upon + this generation," Matthew 23;35, 36; Luke 11:51.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-33" id="link8note-33"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 33 (<a href="#link8noteref-33">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus, in his present + copies, says, that a little while rain upon the earth; whereas, in our + other copies, it is after many days, 1 Kings 18:1. Several years are also + intimated there, and in Josephus, sect. 2, as belonging to this drought + and famine; nay, we have the express mention of the third year, which I + suppose was reckoned from the recovery of the widow's son, and the ceasing + of this drought in Phmuiela [Footnote which, as Menander informs us here, + lasted one whole year]; and both our Savior and St. James affirm, that + this drought lasted in all three years and six months, as their copies of + the Old Testament then informed them, Luke 4:25; James 5:17. Josephus here + seems to mean, that this drought affected all the habitable earth, and + presently all the earth, as our Savior says it was upon all the earth, + Luke 4:25. They who restrain these expressions to the land of Judea alone, + go without sufficient authority or examples.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-34" id="link8note-34"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 34 (<a href="#link8noteref-34">return</a>)<br /> [ Mr. Spanheim takes + notice here, that in the worship of Mithra [the god of the Persians] the + priests cut themselves in the same manner as did these priests in their + invocation of Baal [the god of the Phoenicians].] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-35" id="link8note-35"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 35 (<a href="#link8noteref-35">return</a>)<br /> [ For Izar we may here + read [with Hudson and Cocceius] Isachar, i.e of the tribe of Isachar, for + to that tribe did Jezreel belong; and presently at the beginning of sect. + 8, as also ch. 15. sect. 4, we may read for Iar, with one MS. nearly, and + the Scripture, Jezreel, for that was the city meant in the history of + Naboth.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-36" id="link8note-36"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 36 (<a href="#link8noteref-36">return</a>)<br /> [ "The Jews weep to this + day," [says Jerome, here cited by Reland,] "and roll themselves upon + sackcloth, in ashes, barefoot, upon such occasions." To which Spanheim + adds, "that after the same manner Bernice, when his life was in danger, + stood at the tribunal of Florus barefoot." Of the War, B. II. ch. 15. + sect. 1. See the like of David, 2 Samuel 15:30; Antiq. B. VII. ch. 9. + sect. 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-37" id="link8note-37"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 37 (<a href="#link8noteref-37">return</a>)<br /> [ Mr. Reland notes here + very truly, that the word naked does not always signify entirely naked, + but sometimes without men's usual armor, without heir usual robes or upper + garments; as when Virgil bids the husbandman plough naked, and sow naked; + when Josephus says [Antiq. B. IV. ch. 3. sect. 2: that God had given the + Jews the security of armor when they were naked; and when he here says + that Ahab fell on the Syrians when they were naked and drunk; when [Antiq. + B. XI. ch. 5. sect. 8: he says that Nehemiah commanded those Jews that + were building the walls of Jerusalem to take care to have their armor on + upon occasion, that the enemy might not fall upon them naked. I may add, + that the case seems to be the same in the Scripture, when it says that + Saul lay down naked among the prophets, 1 Samuel 19:24; when it says that + Isaiah walked naked and barefoot, Isaiah 20:2, 3; and when it says that + Peter, before he girt his fisher's coat to him, was naked, John 21:7. What + is said of David also gives light to this, who was reproached by Michal + for "dancing before the ark, and uncovering himself in the eyes of his + handmaids, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself," 2 + Samuel 6:14, 20; yet it is there expressly said [ver. 14: that "David was + girded with a linen ephod," i.e. he had laid aside his robes of state, and + put on the sacerdotal, Levitical, or sacred garments, proper for such a + solemnity.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-38" id="link8note-38"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 38 (<a href="#link8noteref-38">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus's number, two + myriads and seven thousand, agrees here with that in our other copies, as + those that were slain by the falling down of the walls of Aphek; but I + suspected at first that this number in Josephus's present copies could not + be his original number, because he calls them "oligoi," a few, which could + hardly be said of so many as twenty-seven thousand, and because of the + improbability of the fall of a particular wall killing so many; yet when I + consider Josephus's next words, how the rest which were slain in the + battle were "ten other myriads," that twenty-seven thousand are but a few + in comparison of a hundred thousand, and that it was not "a wall," as in + our English version, but "the walls" or "the entire walls" of the city + that fell down, as in all the originals, I lay aside that suspicion, and + firmly believe that Josephus himself hath, with the rest, given us the + just number, twenty-seven thousand.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-39" id="link8note-39"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 39 (<a href="#link8noteref-39">return</a>)<br /> [ This manner of + supplication for men's lives among the Syrians, with ropes or halters + about their heads or necks, is, I suppose, no strange thing in later ages, + even in our own country.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-40" id="link8note-40"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 40 (<a href="#link8noteref-40">return</a>)<br /> [ It is here remarkable, + that in Josephus's copy this prophet, whose severe denunciation of a + disobedient person's slaughter by a lion had lately come to pass, was no + other than Micaiah, the son of Imlah, who, as he now denounced God's + judgment on disobedient Ahab, seems directly to have been that very + prophet whom the same Ahab, in 1 Kings 22:8, 18, complains of, "as one + whom he hated, because he did not prophesy good concerning him, but evil," + and who in that chapter openly repeats his denunciations against him; all + which came to pass accordingly; nor is there any reason to doubt but this + and the former were the very same prophet.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-41" id="link8note-41"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 41 (<a href="#link8noteref-41">return</a>)<br /> [ What is most remarkable + in this history, and in many histories on other occasions in the Old + Testament, is this, that during the Jewish theocracy God acted entirely as + the supreme King of Israel, and the supreme General of their armies, and + always expected that the Israelites should be in such absolute subjection + to him, their supreme and heavenly King, and General of their armies, as + subjects and soldiers are to their earthly kings and generals, and that + usually without knowing the particular reasons of their injunctions.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-42" id="link8note-42"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 42 (<a href="#link8noteref-42">return</a>)<br /> [ These reasonings of + Zedekiah the false prophet, in order to persuade Ahab not to believe + Micaiah the true prophet, are plausible; but being omitted in our other + copies, we cannot now tell whence Josephus had them, whether from his own + temple copy, from some other original author, or from certain ancient + notes. That some such plausible objection was now raised against Micaiah + is very likely, otherwise Jehoshaphat, who used to disbelieve all such + false prophets, could never have been induced to accompany Ahab in these + desperate circumstances.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-43" id="link8note-43"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 43 (<a href="#link8noteref-43">return</a>)<br /> [ This reading of + Josephus, that Jehoshaphat put on not his own, but Ahab's robes, in order + to appear to be Ahab, while Ahab was without any robes at all, and hoped + thereby to escape his own evil fate, and disprove Micaiah's prophecy + against him, is exceeding probable. It gives great light also to this + whole history; and shows, that although Ahab hoped Jehoshaphat would be + mistaken for him, and run the only risk of being slain in the battle, yet + he was entirely disappointed, while still the escape of the good man + Jehoshaphat, and the slaughter of the bad man Ahab, demonstrated the great + distinction that Divine providence made betwixt them.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8note-44" id="link8note-44"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 44 (<a href="#link8noteref-44">return</a>)<br /> [ We have here a very wise + reflection of Josephus about Divine Providence, and what is derived from + it, prophecy, and the inevitable certainty of its accomplishment; and that + when wicked men think they take proper methods to elude what is denounced + against them, and to escape the Divine judgments thereby threatened them, + without repentance, they are ever by Providence infatuated to bring about + their own destruction, and thereby withal to demonstrate the perfect + veracity of that God whose predictions they in vain endeavored to elude.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link92H_4_0001" id="link92H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK IX. Containing The Interval Of One Hundred And Fifty-Seven + Years.—From The Death Of Ahab To The Captivity Of The Ten Tribes. + </big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0001" id="link92HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. Concerning Jehoshaphat Again; How He Constituted Judges And, By + God's Assistance Overcame His Enemies. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Jehoshaphat the king was come to Jerusalem, from the assistance he + had afforded Ahab, the king of Israel, when he fought with Benhadad, king + of Syria, the prophet Jehu met him, and accused him for assisting Ahab, a + man both impious and wicked; and said to him, that God was displeased with + him for so doing, but that he delivered him from the enemy, + notwithstanding he had sinned, because of his own proper disposition, + which was good. Whereupon the king betook himself to thanksgivings and + sacrifices to God; after which he presently went over all that country + which he ruled round about, and taught the people, as well the laws which + God gave them by Moses, as that religious worship that was due to him. He + also constituted judges in every one of the cities of his kingdom; and + charged them to have regard to nothing so much in judging the multitude as + to do justice, and not to be moved by bribes, nor by the dignity of men + eminent for either their riches or their high birth, but to distribute + justice equally to all, as knowing that God is conscious of every secret + action of theirs. When he had himself instructed them thus, and gone over + every city of the two tribes, he returned to Jerusalem. He there also + constituted judges out of the priests and the Levites, and principal + persons of the multitude, and admonished them to pass all their sentences + with care and justice <a href="#link9note-1" name="link9noteref-1" + id="link9noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> And that if any of the people of + his country had differences of great consequence, they should send them + out of the other cities to these judges, who would be obliged to give + righteous sentences concerning such causes; and this with the greater + care, because it is proper that the sentences which are given in that city + wherein the temple of God is, and wherein the king dwells, be given with + great care and the utmost justice. Now he set over them Amariah the + priest, and Zebadiah, [both] of the tribe of Judah; and after this manner + it was that the king ordered these affairs. + </p> + <p> + 2. About the same time the Moabites and Ammonites made an expedition + against Jehoshaphat, and took with them a great body of Arabians, and + pitched their camp at Engedi, a city that is situate at the lake + Asphaltiris, and distant three hundred furlongs from Jerusalem. In that + place grows the best kind of palm trees, and the opobalsamum. <a + href="#link9note-2" name="link9noteref-2" id="link9noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> + Now Jehoshaphat heard that the enemies had passed over the lake, and had + made an irruption into that country which belonged to his kingdom; at + which news he was affrighted, and called the people of Jerusalem to a + congregation in the temple, and standing over against the temple itself, + he called upon God to afford him power and strength, so as to inflict + punishment on those that made this expedition against them [for that those + who built this his temple had prayed, that he would protect that city, and + take vengeance on those that were so bold as to come against it]; for they + are come to take from us that land which thou hast given us for a + possession. When he had prayed thus, he fell into tears; and the whole + multitude, together with their wives and children, made their + supplications also: upon which a certain prophet, Jahaziel by name, came + into the midst of the assembly, and cried out, and spake both to the + multitude and to the king, that God heard their prayers, and promised to + fight against their enemies. He also gave order that the king should draw + his forces out the next day, for that he should find them between + Jerusalem and the ascent of Engedi, at a place called The Eminence, and + that he should not fight against them, but only stand still, and see how + God would fight against them. When the prophet had said this, both the + king and the multitude fell upon their faces, and gave thanks to God, and + worshipped him; and the Levites continued singing hymns to God with their + instruments of music. + </p> + <p> + 3. As soon as it was day, and the king was come into that wilderness which + is under the city of Tekoa, he said to the multitude, "that they ought to + give credit to what the prophet had said, and not to set themselves in + array for fighting; but to set the priests with their trumpets, and the + Levites with the singers of hymns, to give thanks to God, as having + already delivered our country from our enemies." This opinion of the king + pleased [the people], and they did what he advised them to do. So God + caused a terror and a commotion to arise among the Ammonites, who thought + one another to be enemies, and slew one another, insomuch that not one man + out of so great an army escaped; and when Jehoshaphat looked upon that + valley wherein their enemies had been encamped, and saw it full of dead + men, he rejoiced at so surprising an event, as was this assistance of God, + while he himself by his own power, and without their labor, had given them + the victory. He also gave his army leave to take the prey of the enemy's + camp, and to spoil their dead bodies; and indeed so they did for three + days together, till they were weary, so great was the number of the slain; + and on the fourth day, all the people were gathered together unto a + certain hollow place or valley, and blessed God for his power and + assistance, from which the place had this name given it, the Valley of + [Berachah, or] Blessing. + </p> + <p> + 4. And when the king had brought his army back to Jerusalem, he betook + himself to celebrate festivals, and offer sacrifices, and this for many + days. And indeed, after this destruction of their enemies, and when it + came to the ears of the foreign nations, they were all greatly affrighted, + as supposing that God would openly fight for him hereafter. So Jehoshaphat + from that time lived in great glory and splendor, on account of his + righteousness and his piety towards God. He was also in friendship with + Ahab's son, who was king of Israel; and he joined with him in the building + of ships that were to sail to Pontus, and the traffic cities of Thrace <a + href="#link9note-3" name="link9noteref-3" id="link9noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> + but he failed of his gains, for the ships were destroyed by being so great + [and unwieldy]; on which account he was no longer concerned about + shipping. And this is the history of Jehoshaphat, the king of Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0002" id="link92HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. Concerning Ahaziah; The King Of Israel; And Again Concerning + The Prophet Elijah. + </h3> + <p> + 1. And now Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, reigned over Israel, and made his + abode in Samaria. He was a wicked man, and in all respects like to both + his parents and to Jeroboam, who first of all transgressed, and began to + deceive the people. In the second year of his reign, the king of Moab fell + off from his obedience, and left off paying those tributes which he before + paid to his father Ahab. Now it happened that Ahaziah, as he was coming + down from the top of his house, fell down from it, and in his sickness + sent to the Fly, which was the god of Ekron, for that was this god's name, + to inquire about his recovery <a href="#link9note-4" name="link9noteref-4" + id="link9noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> but the God of the Hebrews + appeared to Elijah the prophet, and commanded him to go and meet the + messengers that were sent, and to ask them, whether the people of Israel + had not a God of their own, that the king sent to a foreign god to inquire + about his recovery? and to bid them return and tell the king that he would + not escape this disease. And when Elijah had performed what God had + commanded him, and the messengers had heard what he said, they returned to + the king immediately; and when the king wondered how they could return so + soon, and asked them the reason of it, they said that a certain man met + them, and forbade them to go on any farther; but to return and tell thee, + from the command of the God of Israel, that this disease will have a bad + end. And when the king bid them describe the man that said this to them, + they replied that he was a hairy man, and was girt about with a girdle of + leather. So the king understood by this that the man who was described by + the messengers was Elijah; whereupon he sent a captain to him, with fifty + soldiers, and commanded them to bring Elijah to him; and when the captain + that was sent found Elijah sitting upon the top of a hill, he commanded + him to come down, and to come to the king, for so had he enjoined; but + that in case he refused, they would carry him by force. Elijah said to + him, "That you may have a trial whether I be a true prophet, I will pray + that fire may fall from heaven, and destroy both the soldiers and + yourself." <a href="#link9note-5" name="link9noteref-5" id="link9noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + So he prayed, and a whirlwind of fire fell [from heaven], and destroyed + the captain, and those that were with him. And when the king was informed + of the destruction of these men, he was very angry, and sent another + captain with the like number of armed men that were sent before. And when + this captain also threatened the prophet, that unless he came down of his + own accord, he would take him and carry him away, upon his prayer against + him, the fire [from heaven] slew this captain as well the other. And when, + upon inquiry, the king was informed of what happened to him, he sent out a + third captain. But when this captain, who was a wise man, and of a mild + disposition, came to the place where Elijah happened to be, and spake + civilly to him; and said that he knew that it was without his own consent, + and only in submission to the king's command that he came to him; and that + those that came before did not come willingly, but on the same account;—he + therefore desired him to have pity on those armed men that were with him, + and that he would come down and follow him to the king. So Elijah accepted + of his discreet words and courteous behavior, and came down and followed + him. And when he came to the king, he prophesied to him and told him that + God said, "Since thou hast despised him as not being God, and so unable to + foretell the truth about thy distemper, but hast sent to the god of Ekron + to inquire of him what will be the end of this thy distemper, know this, + that thou shalt die." + </p> + <p> + 2. Accordingly the king in a very little time died, as Elijah had + foretold; but Jehoram his brother succeeded him in the kingdom, for he + died without children: but for this Jehoram, he was like his father Ahab + in wickedness, and reigned twelve years, indulging himself in all sorts of + wickedness and impiety towards God, for, leaving off his worship, he + worshipped foreign gods; but in other respects he was an active man. Now + at this time it was that Elijah disappeared from among men, and no one + knows of his death to this very day; but he left behind him his disciple + Elisha, as we have formerly declared. And indeed, as to Elijah, and as to + Enoch, who was before the deluge, it is written in the sacred books that + they disappeared, but so that nobody knew that they died. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0003" id="link92HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. How Joram And Jehoshaphat Made An Expedition Against The + Moabites; As Also Concerning The Wonders Of Elisha; And The Death Of + Jehoshaphat. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Joram had taken upon him the kingdom, he determined to make an + expedition against the king of Moab, whose name was Mesha; for, as we told + you before, he was departed from his obedience to his brother [Ahaziah], + while he paid to his father Ahab two hundred thousand sheep, with their + fleeces of wool. When therefore he had gathered his own army together, he + sent also to Jehoshaphat, and entreated him, that since he had from the + beginning been a friend to his father, he would assist him in the war that + he was entering into against the Moabites, who had departed from their + obedience, who not only himself promised to assist him, but would also + oblige the king of Edom, who was under his authority, to make the same + expedition also. When Joram had received these assurances of assistance + from Jehoshaphat, he took his army with him, and came to Jerusalem; and + when he had been sumptuously entertained by the king of Jerusalem, it was + resolved upon by them to take their march against their enemies through + the wilderness of Edom. And when they had taken a compass of seven days' + journey, they were in distress for want of water for the cattle, and for + the army, from the mistake of their roads by the guides that conducted + them, insomuch that they were all in an agony, especially Joram; and cried + to God, by reason of their sorrow, and [desired to know] what wickedness + had been committed by them that induced him to deliver three kings + together, without fighting, unto the king of Moab. But Jehoshaphat, who + was a righteous man, encouraged him, and bade him send to the camp, and + know whether any prophet of God was come along with them, that we might by + him learn from God what we should do. And when one of the servants of + Joram said that he had seen there Elisha, the son of Shaphat, the disciple + of Elijah, the three kings went to him, at the entreaty of Jehoshaphat; + and when they were come at the prophet's tent, which tent was pitched out + of the camp, they asked him what would become of the army? and Joram was + particularly very pressing with him about it. And when he replied to him, + that he should not trouble him, but go to his father's and mother's + prophets, for they [to be sure] were true prophets, he still desired him + to prophesy, and to save them. So he swore by God that he would not answer + him, unless it were on account of Jehoshaphat, who was a holy and + righteous man; and when, at his desire, they brought him a man that could + play on the psaltery, the Divine Spirit came upon him as the music played, + and he commanded them to dig many trenches in the valley; for, said he, + "though there appear neither cloud, nor wind, nor storm of rain, ye shall + see this river full of water, till the army and the cattle be saved for + you by drinking of it. Nor will this be all the favor that you shall + receive from God, but you shall also overcome your enemies, and take the + best and strongest cities of the Moabites, and you shall cut down their + fruit trees, <a href="#link9note-6" name="link9noteref-6" + id="link9noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> and lay waste their country, and + stop up their fountains and rivers." + </p> + <p> + 2. When the prophet had said this, the next day, before the sun-rising, a + great torrent ran strongly; for God had caused it to rain very plentifully + at the distance of three days' journey into Edom, so that the army and the + cattle found water to drink in abundance. But when the Moabites heard that + the three kings were coming upon them, and made their approach through the + wilderness, the king of Moab gathered his army together presently, and + commanded them to pitch their camp upon the mountains, that when the + enemies should attempt to enter their country, they might not be concealed + from them. But when at the rising of the sun they saw the water in the + torrent, for it was not far from the land of Moab, and that it was of the + color of blood, for at such a time the water especially looks red, by the + shining of the sun upon it, they formed a false notion of the state of + their enemies, as if they had slain one another for thirst; and that the + river ran with their blood. However, supposing that this was the case, + they desired their king would send them out to spoil their enemies; + whereupon they all went in haste, as to an advantage already gained, and + came to the enemy's camp, as supposing them destroyed already. But their + hope deceived them; for as their enemies stood round about them, some of + them were cut to pieces, and others of them were dispersed, and fled to + their own country. And when the kings fell into the land of Moab, they + overthrew the cities that were in it, and spoiled their fields, and marred + them, filling them with stones out of the brooks, and cut down the best of + their trees, and stopped up their fountains of water, and overthrew their + walls to their foundations. But the king of Moab, when he was pursued, + endured a siege; and seeing his city in danger of being overthrown by + force, made a sally, and went out with seven hundred men, in order to + break through the enemy's camp with his horsemen, on that side where the + watch seemed to be kept most negligently; and when, upon trial, he could + not get away, for he lighted upon a place that was carefully watched, he + returned into the city, and did a thing that showed despair and the utmost + distress; for he took his eldest son, who was to reign after him, and + lifting him up upon the wall, that he might be visible to all the enemies, + he offered him as a whole burnt-offering to God, whom, when the kings saw, + they commiserated the distress that was the occasion of it, and were so + affected, in way of humanity and pity, that they raised the siege, and + every one returned to his own house. So Jehoshaphat came to Jerusalem, and + continued in peace there, and outlived this expedition but a little time, + and then died, having lived in all sixty years, and of them reigned + twenty-five. He was buried in a magnificent manner in Jerusalem, for he + had imitated the actions of David. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0004" id="link92HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, His Namesake, King Of + Israel, Fought With The Syrians; And What Wonders Were Done By The Prophet + Elisha. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Jehoshapat had a good number of children; but he appointed his eldest + son Jehoram to be his successor, who had the same name with his mother's + brother, that was king of Israel, and the son of Ahab. Now when the king + of Israel was come out of the land of Moab to Samaria, he had with him + Elisha the prophet, whose acts I have a mind to go over particularly, for + they were illustrious, and worthy to be related, as we have them set down + in the sacred books. + </p> + <p> + 2. For they say that the widow of Obadiah <a href="#link9note-7" + name="link9noteref-7" id="link9noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> Ahab's + steward, came to him, and said, that he was not ignorant how her husband + had preserved the prophets that were to be slain by Jezebel, the wife of + Ahab; for she said that he hid a hundred of them, and had borrowed money + for their maintenance, and that, after her husband's death, she and her + children were carried away to be made slaves by the creditors; and she + desired of him to have mercy upon her on account of what her husband did, + and afford her some assistance. And when he asked her what she had in the + house, she said, "Nothing but a very small quantity of oil in a cruse." So + the prophet bid her go away, and borrow a great many empty vessels of her + neighbors, and when she had shut her chamber door, to pour the oil into + them all; for that God would fill them full. And when the woman had done + what she was commanded to do, and bade her children bring every one of the + vessels, and all were filled, and not one left empty, she came to the + prophet, and told him that they were all full; upon which he advised her + to go away, and sell the oil, and pay the creditors what was owing them, + for that there would be some surplus of the price of the oil, which she + might make use of for the maintenance of her children. And thus did Elisha + discharge the woman's debts, and free her from the vexation of her + creditors. + </p> + <p> + 3. Elisha also sent a hasty message to Joram, <a href="#link9note-8" + name="link9noteref-8" id="link9noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> and + exhorted him to take care of that place, for that therein were some + Syrians lying in ambush to kill him. So the king did as the prophet + exhorted him, and avoided his going a hunting. And when Benhadad missed of + the success of his lying in ambush, he was wroth with his own servants, as + if they had betrayed his ambushment to Joram; and he sent for them, and + said they were the betrayers of his secret counsels; and he threatened + that he would put them to death, since such their practice was evident, + because he had intrusted this secret to none but them, and yet it was made + known to his enemy. And one that was present said that he should not + mistake himself, nor suspect that they had discovered to his enemy his + sending men to kill him, but that he ought to know that it was Elisha the + prophet who discovered all to him, and laid open all his counsels. So he + gave order that they should send some to learn in what city Elisha dwelt. + Accordingly those that were sent brought word that he was in Dothan; + wherefore Benhadad sent to that city a great army, with horses and + chariots, to take Elisha: so they encompassed the city round about by + night, and kept him therein confined; but when the prophet's servant in + the morning perceived this, and that his enemies sought to take Elisha, he + came running, and crying out after a disordered manner to him, and told + him of it; but he encouraged him, and bid him not be afraid, and to + despise the enemy, and trust in the assistance of God, and was himself + without fear; and he besought God to make manifest to his servant his + power and presence, so far as was possible, in order to the inspiring him + with hope and courage. Accordingly God heard the prayer of the prophet, + and made the servant see a multitude of chariots and horses encompassing + Elisha, till he laid aside his fear, and his courage revived at the sight + of what he supposed was come to their assistance. After this Elisha did + further entreat God, that he would dim the eyes of their enemies, and cast + a mist before them, whereby they might not discern him. When this was + done, he went into the midst of his enemies, and asked them who it was + that they came to seek; and when they replied, "The prophet Elisha," he + promised he would deliver him to them, if they would follow him to the + city where he was. So these men were so darkened by God in their sight and + in their mind, that they followed him very diligently; and when Elisha had + brought them to Samaria, he ordered Joram the king to shut the gates, and + to place his own army round about them; and prayed to God to clear the + eyes of these their enemies, and take the mist from before them. + Accordingly, when they were freed from the obscurity they had been in, + they saw themselves in the midst of their enemies; and as the Syrians were + strangely amazed and distressed, as was but reasonable, at an action so + Divine and surprising, and as king Joram asked the prophet if he would + give him leave to shoot at them, Elisha forbade him so to do; and said, + that "it is just to kill those that are taken in battle, but that these + men had done the country no harm, but, without knowing it, were come + thither by the Divine Power:"—so that his counsel was to treat them + in a hospitable manner at his table, and then send them away without + hurting them. <a href="#link9note-9" name="link9noteref-9" + id="link9noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> Wherefore Joram obeyed the + prophet; and when he had feasted the Syrians in a splendid and magnificent + manner, he let them go to Benhadad their king. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now when these men were come back, and had showed Benhadad how strange + an accident had befallen them, and what an appearance and power they had + experienced of the God of Israel, he wondered at it, as also at that + prophet with whom God was so evidently present; so he determined to make + no more secret attempts upon the king of Israel, out of fear of Elisha, + but resolved to make open war with them, as supposing he could be too hard + for his enemies by the multitude of his army and power. So he made an + expedition with a great army against Joram, who, not thinking himself a + match for him, shut himself up in Samaria, and depended on the strength of + its walls; but Benhadad supposed he should take the city, if not by his + engines of war, yet that he should overcome the Samaritans by famine, and + the want of necessaries, and brought his army upon them, and besieged the + city; and the plenty of necessaries was brought so low with Joram, that + from the extremity of want an ass's head was sold in Samaria for fourscore + pieces of silver, and the Hebrews bought a sextary of dore's dung, instead + of salt, for five pieces of silver. Now Joram was in fear lest somebody + should betray the city to the enemy, by reason of the famine, and went + every day round the walls and the guards to see whether any such were + concealed among them; and by being thus seen, and taking such care, he + deprived them of the opportunity of contriving any such thing; and if they + had a mind to do it, he, by this means, prevented them: but upon a certain + woman's crying out, "Have pity on me, my lord," while he thought that she + was about to ask for somewhat to eat, he imprecated God's curse upon her, + and said he had neither thrashing-floor nor wine-press, whence he might + give her any thing at her petition. Upon which she said she did not desire + his aid in any such thing, nor trouble him about food, but desired that he + would do her justice as to another woman. And when he bade her say on, and + let him know what she desired, she said she had made an agreement with the + other woman who was her neighbor and her friend, that because the famine + and want was intolerable, they should kill their children, each of them + having a son of their own, "and we will live upon them ourselves for two + days, the one day upon one son, and the other day upon the other; and," + said she, "I have killed my son the first day, and we lived upon my son + yesterday; but this other woman will not do the same thing, but hath + broken her agreement, and hath hid her son." This story mightily grieved + Joram when he heard it; so he rent his garment, and cried out with a loud + voice, and conceived great wrath against Elisha the prophet, and set + himself eagerly to have him slain, because he did not pray to God to + provide them some exit and way of escape out of the miseries with which + they were surrounded; and sent one away immediately to cut off his head, + who made haste to kill the prophet. But Elisha was not unacquainted with + the wrath of the king against him; for as he sat in his house by himself, + with none but his disciples about him, he told them that Joram, <a + href="#link9note-10" name="link9noteref-10" id="link9noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> + who was the son of a murderer, had sent one to take away his head; "but," + said he, "when he that is commanded to do this comes, take care that you + do not let him come in, but press the door against him, and hold him fast + there, for the king himself will follow him, and come to me, having + altered his mind." Accordingly, they did as they were bidden, when he that + was sent by the king to kill Elisha came. But Joram repented of his wrath + against the prophet; and for fear he that was commanded to kill him should + have done it before he came, he made haste to hinder his slaughter, and to + save the prophet: and when he came to him, he accused him that he did not + pray to God for their deliverance from the miseries they now lay under, + but saw them so sadly destroyed by them. Hereupon Elisha promised, that + the very next day, at the very same hour in which the king came to him, + they should have great plenty of food, and that two seahs of barley should + be sold in the market for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour should be + sold for a shekel. This prediction made Joram, and those that were + present, very joyful, for they did not scruple believing what the prophet + said, on account of the experience they had of the truth of his former + predictions; and the expectation of plenty made the want they were in that + day, with the uneasiness that accompanied it, appear a light thing to + them: but the captain of the third band, who was a friend of the king, and + on whose hand the king leaned, said, "Thou talkest of incredible things, O + prophet! for as it is impossible for God to pour down torrents of barley, + or fine flour, out of heaven, so is it impossible that what thou sayest + should come to pass." To which the prophet made this reply," Thou shalt + see these things come to pass, but thou shalt not be in the least a + partaker of them." + </p> + <p> + 5. Now what Elisha had thus foretold came to pass in the manner following: + There was a law at Samaria <a href="#link9note-11" name="link9noteref-11" + id="link9noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> that those that had the + leprosy, and whose bodies were not cleansed from it, should abide without + the city: and there were four men that on this account abode before the + gates, while nobody gave them any food, by reason of the extremity of the + famine; and as they were prohibited from entering into the city by the + law, and they considered that if they were permitted to enter, they should + miserably perish by the famine; as also, that if they staid where they + were, they should suffer in the same manner,—they resolved to + deliver themselves up to the enemy, that in case they should spare them, + they should live; but if they should be killed, that would be an easy + death. So when they had confirmed this their resolution, they came by + night to the enemy's camp. Now God had begun to affright and disturb the + Syrians, and to bring the noise of chariots and armor to their ears, as + though an army were coming upon them, and had made them suspect that it + was coming nearer and nearer to them In short, they were in such a dread + of this army, that they left their tents, and ran together to Benhadad, + and said that Joram the king of Israel had hired for auxiliaries both the + king of Egypt and the king of the Islands, and led them against them for + they heard the noise of them as they were coming. And Benhadad believed + what they said [for there came the same noise to his ears as well as it + did to theirs]; so they fell into a mighty disorder and tumult, and left + their horses and beasts in their camp, with immense riches also, and + betook themselves to flight. And those lepers who had departed from + Samaria, and were gone to the camp of the Syrians, of whom we made mention + a little before, when they were in the camp, saw nothing but great + quietness and silence: accordingly they entered into it, and went hastily + into one of their tents; and when they saw nobody there, they eat and + drank, and carried garments, and a great quantity of gold, and hid it out + of the camp; after which they went into another tent, and carried off what + was in it, as they did at the former, and this did they for several times, + without the least interruption from any body. So they gathered thereby + that the enemies were departed; whereupon they reproached themselves that + they did not inform Joram and the citizens of it. So they came to the + walls of Samaria, and called aloud to the watchmen, and told them in what + state the enemies were, as did these tell the king's guards, by whose + means Joram came to know of it; who then sent for his friends, and the + captains of his host, and said to them, that he suspected that this + departure of the king of Syria was by way of ambush and treachery, and + that, "out of despair of ruining you by famine, when you imagine them to + be fled away, you may come out of the city to spoil their camp, and he may + then fall upon you on a sudden, and may both kill you, and take the city + without fighting; whence it is that I exhort you to guard the city + carefully, and by no means to go out of it, or proudly to despise your + enemies, as though they were really gone away." And when a certain person + said that he did very well and wisely to admit such a suspicion, but that + he still advised him to send a couple of horsemen to search all the + country as far as Jordan, that "if they were seized by an ambush of the + enemy, they might be a security to your army, that they may not go out as + if they suspected nothing, nor undergo the like misfortune; and," said he, + "those horsemen may be numbered among those that have died by the famine, + supposing they be caught and destroyed by the enemy." So the king was + pleased with this opinion, and sent such as might search out the truth, + who performed their journey over a road that was without any enemies, but + found it full of provisions, and of weapons, that they had therefore + thrown away, and left behind them, in order to their being light and + expeditious in their flight. When the king heard this, he sent out the + multitude to take the spoils of the camp; which gains of theirs were not + of things of small value, but they took a great quantity of gold, and a + great quantity of silver, and flocks of all kinds of cattle. They also + possessed themselves of [so many] ten thousand measures of wheat and + barley, as they never in the least dreamed of; and were not only freed + from their former miseries, but had such plenty, that two seahs of barley + were bought for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour for a shekel, according + to the prophecy of Elisha. Now a seah is equal to an Italian modius and a + half. The captain of the third band was the only man that received no + benefit by this plenty; for as he was appointed by the king to oversee the + gate, that he might prevent the too great crowd of the multitude, and they + might not endanger one another to perish, by treading on one another in + the press, he suffered himself in that very way, and died in that very + manner, as Elisha had foretold such his death, when he alone of them all + disbelieved what he said concerning that plenty of provisions which they + should soon have. + </p> + <p> + 6. Hereupon, when Benhadad, the king of Syria, had escaped to Damascus, + and understood that it was God himself that cast all his army into this + fear and disorder, and that it did not arise from the invasion of enemies, + he was mightily cast down at his having God so greatly for his enemy, and + fell into a distemper. Now it happened that Elisha the prophet, at that + time, was gone out of his own country to Damascus, of which Benhadad was + informed: he sent Hazael, the most faithful of all his servants, to meet + him, and to carry him presents, and bade him inquire of him about his + distemper, and whether he should escape the danger that it threatened. So + Hazael came to Elisha with forty camels, that carried the best and most + precious fruits that the country of Damascus afforded, as well as those + which the king's palace supplied. He saluted him kindly, and said that he + was sent to him by king Benhadad, and brought presents with him, in order + to inquire concerning his distemper, whether he should recover from it or + not. Whereupon the prophet bid him tell the king no melancholy news; but + still he said he would die. So the king's servant was troubled to hear it; + and Elisha wept also, and his tears ran down plenteously at his foresight + of what miseries his people would undergo after the death of Benhadad. + And when Hazael asked him what was the occasion of this confusion he was + in, he said that he wept out of his commiseration for the multitude of the + Israelites, and what terrible miseries they will suffer by thee; "for thou + wilt slay the strongest of them, and wilt burn their strongest cities, and + wilt destroy their children, and dash them against the stones, and wilt + rip up their women with child." And when Hazael said, "How can it be that + I should have power enough to do such things?" the prophet replied, that + God had informed him that he should be king of Syria. So when Hazael was + come to Benhadad, he told him good news concerning his distemper <a + href="#link9note-12" name="link9noteref-12" id="link9noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> + but on the next day he spread a wet cloth, in the nature of a net, over + him, and strangled him, and took his dominion. He was an active man, and + had the good-will of the Syrians, and of the people of Damascus, to a + great degree; by whom both Benhadad himself, and Hazael, who ruled after + him, are honored to this day as gods, by reason of their benefactions, and + their building them temples by which they adorned the city of the + Damascenes. They also every day do with great pomp pay their worship to + these kings, <a href="#link9note-13" name="link9noteref-13" + id="link9noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> and value themselves upon their + antiquity; nor do they know that these kings are much later than they + imagine, and that they are not yet eleven hundred years old. Now when + Joram, the king of Israel, heard that Benhadad was dead, he recovered out + of the terror and dread he had been in on his account, and was very glad + to live in peace. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0005" id="link92HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. Concerning The Wickedness Of Jehoram King Of Jerusalem; His + Defeat And Death. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Jehoram the king of Jerusalem, for we have said before that he had + the same name with the king of Israel, as soon as he had taken the + government upon him, betook himself to the slaughter of his brethren, and + his father's friends, who were governors under him, and thence made a + beginning and a demonstration of his wickedness; nor was he at all better + than those kings of Israel who at first transgressed against the laws of + their country, and of the Hebrews, and against God's worship. And it was + Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab, whom he had married, who taught him to be + a bad man in other respects, and also to worship foreign gods. Now God + would not quite root out this family, because of the promise he had made + to David. However, Jehoram did not leave off the introduction of new sorts + of customs to the propagation of impiety, and to the ruin of the customs + of his own country. And when the Edomites about that time had revolted + from him, and slain their former king, who was in subjection to his + father, and had set up one of their own choosing, Jehoram fell upon the + land of Edom, with the horsemen that were about him, and the chariots, by + night, and destroyed those that lay near to his own kingdom, but did not + proceed further. However, this expedition did him no service, for they all + revolted from him, with those that dwelt in the country of Libnah. He was + indeed so mad as to compel the people to go up to the high places of the + mountains, and worship foreign gods. + </p> + <p> + 2. As he was doing this, and had entirely cast his own country laws out of + his mind, there was brought him an epistle from Elijah the prophet <a + href="#link9note-14" name="link9noteref-14" id="link9noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> + which declared that God would execute great judgments upon him, because he + had not imitated his own fathers, but had followed the wicked courses of + the kings of Israel; and had compelled the tribe of Judah, and the + citizens of Jerusalem, to leave the holy worship of their own God, and to + worship idols, as Ahab had compelled the Israelites to do, and because he + had slain his brethren, and the men that were good and righteous. And the + prophet gave him notice in this epistle what punishment he should undergo + for these crimes, namely, the destruction of his people, with the + corruption of the king's own wives and children; and that he should + himself die of a distemper in his bowels, with long torments, those his + bowels falling out by the violence of the inward rottenness of the parts, + insomuch that, though he see his own misery, he shall not be able at all + to help himself, but shall die in that manner. This it was which Elijah + denounced to him in that epistle. + </p> + <p> + 3. It was not long after this that an army of those Arabians that lived + near to Ethiopia, and of the Philistines, fell upon the kingdom of + Jehoram, and spoiled the country and the king's house. Moreover, they slew + his sons and his wives: one only of his sons was left him, who escaped the + enemy; his name was Ahaziah; after which calamity, he himself fell into + that disease which was foretold by the prophet, and lasted a great while, + [for God inflicted this punishment upon him in his belly, out of his wrath + against him,] and so he died miserably, and saw his own bowels fall out. + The people also abused his dead body; I suppose it was because they + thought that such his death came upon him by the wrath of God, and that + therefore he was not worthy to partake of such a funeral as became kings. + Accordingly, they neither buried him in the sepulchers of his fathers, nor + vouchsafed him any honors, but buried him like a private man, and this + when he had lived forty years, and reigned eight. And the people of + Jerusalem delivered the government to his son Ahaziah. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0006" id="link92HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. How Jehu Was Anointed King, And Slew Both Joram And Ahaziah; As + Also What He Did For The Punishment Of The Wicked. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Joram, the king of Israel, after the death of Benhadad, hoped that + he might now take Ramoth, a city of Gilead, from the Syrians. Accordingly + he made an expedition against it, with a great army; but as he was + besieging it, an arrow was shot at him by one of the Syrians, but the + wound was not mortal. So he returned to have his wound healed in Jezreel, + but left his whole army in Ramoth, and Jehu, the son of Nimshi, for their + general; for he had already taken the city by force; and he proposed, + after he was healed, to make war with the Syrians; but Elisha the prophet + sent one of his disciples to Ramoth, and gave him holy oil to anoint Jehu, + and to tell him that God had chosen him to be their king. He also sent him + to say other things to him, and bid him to take his journey as if he fled, + that when he came away he might escape the knowledge of all men. So when + he was come to the city, he found Jehu sitting in the midst of the + captains of the army, as Elisha had foretold he should find him. So he + came up to him, and said that he desired to speak with him about certain + matters; and when he was arisen, and had followed him into an inward + chamber, the young man took the oil, and poured it on his head, and said + that God ordained him to be king, in order to his destroying the house of + Ahab, and that he might revenge the blood of the prophets that were + unjustly slain by Jezebel, that so their house might utterly perish, as + those of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and of Baasha, had perished for their + wickedness, and no seed might remain of Ahab's family. So when he had said + this, he went away hastily out of the chamber, and endeavored not to be + seen by any of the army. + </p> + <p> + 2. But Jehu came out, and went to the place where he before sat with the + captains; and when they asked him, and desired him to tell them, wherefore + it was that this young man came to him, and added withal that he was mad, + he replied,—"You guess right, for the words he spake were the words + of a madman;" and when they were eager about the matter, and desired he + would tell them, he answered, that God had said he had chosen him to be + king over the multitude. When he had said this, every one of them put off + his garment, <a href="#link9note-15" name="link9noteref-15" + id="link9noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> and strewed it under him, and + blew with trumpets, and gave notice that Jehu was king. So when he had + gotten the army together, he was preparing to set out immediately against + Joram, at the city Jezreel, in which city, as we said before, he was + healing of the wound which he had received in the siege of Ramoth. It + happened also that Ahaziah, king of Jerusalem, was now come to Joram, for + he was his sister's son, as we have said already, to see how he did after + his wound, and this upon account of their kindred; but as Jehu was + desirous to fall upon Joram, and those with him, on the sudden, he desired + that none of the soldiers might run away and tell to Joram what had + happened, for that this would be an evident demonstration of their + kindness to him, and would show that their real inclinations were to make + him king. + </p> + <p> + 3. So they were pleased with what he did, and guarded the roads, lest + somebody should privately tell the thing to those that were at Jezreel. + Now Jehu took his choice horsemen, and sat upon his chariot, and went on + for Jezreel; and when he was come near, the watchman whom Joram had set + there to spy out such as came to the city, saw Jehu marching on, and told + Joram that he saw a troop of horsemen marching on. Upon which he + immediately gave orders, that one of his horsemen should be sent out to + meet them, and to know who it was that was coming. So when the horseman + came up to Jehu, he asked him in what condition the army was, for that the + king wanted to know it; but Jehu bid him not at all to meddle with such + matters, but to follow him. When the watchman saw this, he told Joram that + the horseman had mingled himself among the company, and came along with + them. And when the king had sent a second messenger, Jehu commanded him to + do as the former did; and as soon as the watchman told this also to Joram, + he at last got upon his chariot himself, together with Ahaziah, the king + of Jerusalem; for, as we said before, he was there to see how Joram did, + after he had been wounded, as being his relation. So he went out to meet + Jehu, who marched slowly, <a href="#link9note-16" name="link9noteref-16" + id="link9noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> and in good order; and when + Joram met him in the field of Naboth, he asked him if all things were well + in the camp; but Jehu reproached him bitterly, and ventured to call his + mother a witch and a harlot. Upon this the king, fearing what he intended, + and suspecting he had no good meaning, turned his chariot about as soon as + he could, and said to Ahaziah, "We are fought against by deceit and + treachery." But Jehu drew his bow, and smote him, the arrow going through + his heart: so Joram fell down immediately on his knee, and gave up the + ghost. Jehu also gave orders to Bidkar, the captain of the third part of + his army, to cast the dead body of Joram into the field of Naboth, putting + him in mind of the prophecy which Elijah prophesied to Ahab his father, + when he had slain Naboth, that both he and his family should perish in + that place; for that as they sat behind Ahab's chariot, they heard the + prophet say so, and that it was now come to pass according to his + prophecy. Upon the fall of Joram, Ahaziah was afraid of his own life, and + turned his chariot into another road, supposing he should not be seen by + Jehu; but he followed after him, and overtook him at a certain acclivity, + and drew his bow, and wounded him; so he left his chariot, and got upon + his horse, and fled from Jehu to Megiddo; and though he was under cure, in + a little time he died of that wound, and was carried to Jerusalem, and + buried there, after he had reigned one year, and had proved a wicked man, + and worse than his father. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel adorned herself and stood + upon a tower, and said, he was a fine servant that had killed his master! + And when he looked up to her, he asked who she was, and commanded her to + come down to him. At last he ordered the eunuchs to throw her down from + the tower; and being thrown down, she be-sprinkled the wall with her + blood, and was trodden upon by the horses, and so died. When this was + done, Jehu came to the palace with his friends, and took some refreshment + after his journey, both with other things, and by eating a meal. He also + bid his servants to take up Jezebel and bury her, because of the nobility + of her blood, for she was descended from kings; but those that were + appointed to bury her found nothing else remaining but the extreme parts + of her body, for all the rest were eaten by dogs. When Jehu heard this, he + admired the prophecy of Elijah, for he foretold that she should perish in + this manner at Jezreel. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now Ahab had seventy sons brought up in Samaria. So Jehu sent two + epistles, the one to them that brought up the children, the other to the + rulers of Samaria, which said, that they should set up the most valiant of + Ahab's sons for king, for that they had abundance of chariots, and horses, + and armor, and a great army, and fenced cities, and that by so doing they + might avenge the murder of Ahab. This he wrote to try the intentions of + those of Samaria. Now when the rulers, and those that had brought up the + children, had read the letter, they were afraid; and considering that they + were not at all able to oppose him, who had already subdued two very great + kings, they returned him this answer: That they owned him for their lord, + and would do whatsoever he bade them. So he wrote back to them such a + reply as enjoined them to obey what he gave order for, and to cut off the + heads of Ahab's sons, and send them to him. Accordingly the rulers sent + for those that brought up the sons of Ahab, and commanded them to slay + them, to cut off their heads, and send them to Jehu. So they did + whatsoever they were commanded, without omitting any thing at all, and put + them up in wicker baskets, and sent them to Jezreel. And when Jehu, as he + was at supper with his friends, was informed that the heads of Ahab's' + sons were brought, he ordered them to make two heaps of them, one before + each of the gates; and in the morning he went out to take a view of them, + and when he saw them, he began to say to the people that were present, + that he did himself make an expedition against his master [Joram], and + slew him, but that it was not he that slew all these; and he desired them + to take notice, that as to Ahab's family, all things had come to pass + according to God's prophecy, and his house was perished, according as + Elijah had foretold. And when he had further destroyed all the kindred of + Ahab that were found in Jezreel, he went to Samaria; and as he was upon + the road, he met the relations of Ahaziah king of Jerusalem, and asked + them whither they were going? they replied, that they came to salute + Joram, and their own king Ahaziah, for they knew not that he had slain + them both. So Jehu gave orders that they should catch these, and kill + them, being in number forty-two persons. + </p> + <p> + 6. After these, there met him a good and a righteous man, whose name was + Jehonadab, and who had been his friend of old. He saluted Jehu, and began + to commend him, because he had done every thing according to the will of + God, in extirpating the house of Ahab. So Jehu desired him to come up into + his chariot, and make his entry with him into Samaria; and told him that + he would not spare one wicked man, but would punish the false prophets, + and false priests, and those that deceived the multitude, and persuaded + them to leave the worship of God Almighty, and to worship foreign gods; + and that it was a most excellent and most pleasing sight to a good and a + righteous man to see the wicked punished. So Jehonadab was persuaded by + these arguments, and came up into Jehu's chariot, and came to Samaria. And + Jehu sought out for all Ahab's kindred, and slew them. And being desirous + that none of the false prophets, nor the priests of Ahab's god, might + escape punishment, he caught them deceitfully by this wile; for he + gathered all the people together, and said that he would worship twice as + many gods as Ahab worshipped, and desired that his priests, and prophets, + and servants might be present, because he would offer costly and great + sacrifices to Ahab's god; and that if any of his priests were wanting, + they should be punished with death. Now Ahab's god was called Baal; and + when he had appointed a day on which he would offer those sacrifices, he + sent messengers through all the country of the Israelites, that they might + bring the priests of Baal to him. So Jehu commanded to give all the + priests vestments; and when they had received them, he went into the house + [of Baal], with his friend Jehonadab, and gave orders to make search + whether there were not any foreigner or stranger among them, for he would + have no one of a different religion to mix among their sacred offices. And + when they said that there was no stranger there, and they were beginning + their sacrifices, he set fourscore men without, they being such of his + soldiers as he knew to be most faithful to him, and bid them slay the + prophets, and now vindicate the laws of their country, which had been a + long time in disesteem. He also threatened, that if any one of them + escaped, their own lives should go for them. So they slew them all with + the sword, and burnt the house of Baal, and by that means purged Samaria + of foreign customs [idolatrous worship]. Now this Baal was the god of the + Tyrians; and Ahab, in order to gratify his father-in-law, Ethbaal, who was + the king of Tyre and Sidon, built a temple for him in Samaria, and + appointed him prophets, and worshipped him with all sorts of worship, + although, when this god was demolished, Jehu permitted the Israelites to + worship the golden heifers. However, because he had done thus, and taken + care to punish the wicked, God foretold by his prophet that his sons + should reign over Israel for four generations. And in this condition was + Jehu at this time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0007" id="link92HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem For Five [Six] Years When + Jehoiada The High Priest Slew Her And Made Jehoash, The Son Of Ahaziah, + King. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab, heard of the death of her + brother Joram, and of her son Ahaziah, and of the royal family, she + endeavored that none of the house of David might be left alive, but that + the whole family might be exterminated, that no king might arise out of it + afterward; and, as she thought, she had actually done it; but one of + Ahaziah's sons was preserved, who escaped death after the manner + following: Ahaziah had a sister by the same father, whose name was + Jehosheba, and she was married to the high priest Jehoiada. She went into + the king's palace, and found Jehoash, for that was the little child's + name, who was not above a year old, among those that were slain, but + concealed with his nurse; so she took him with her into a secret + bed-chamber, and shut him up there, and she and her husband Jehoiada + brought him up privately in the temple six years, during which time + Athaliah reigned over Jerusalem and the two tribes. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now, on the Seventh year, Jehoiada communicated the matter to certain + of the captains of hundreds, five in number, and persuaded them to be + assisting to what attempts he was making against Athaliah, and to join + with him in asserting the kingdom to the child. He also received such + oaths from them as are proper to secure those that assist one another from + the fear of discovery; and he was then of good hope that they should + depose Athaliah. Now those men whom Jehoiada the priest had taken to be + his partners went into all the country, and gathered together the priests + and the Levites, and the heads of the tribes out of it, and came and + brought them to Jerusalem to the high priest. So he demanded the security + of an oath of them, to keep private whatsoever he should discover to them, + which required both their silence and their assistance. So when they had + taken the oath, and had thereby made it safe for him to speak, he produced + the child that he had brought up of the family of David, and said to them, + "This is your king, of that house which you know God hath foretold should + reign over you for all time to come. I exhort you therefore that one-third + part of you guard him in the temple, and that a fourth part keep watch at + all the gates of the temple, and that the next part of you keep guard at + the gate which opens and leads to the king's palace, and let the rest of + the multitude be unarmed in the temple, and let no armed person go into + the temple, but the priest only." He also gave them this order besides, + "That a part of the priests and the Levites should be about the king + himself, and be a guard to him, with their drawn swords, and to kill that + man immediately, whoever he be, that should be so bold as to enter armed + into the temple; and bid them be afraid of nobody, but persevere in + guarding the king." So these men obeyed what the high priest advised them + to, and declared the reality of their resolution by their actions. + Jehoiada also opened that armory which David had made in the temple, and + distributed to the captains of hundreds, as also to the priests and + Levites, all the spears and quivers, and what kind of weapons soever it + contained, and set them armed in a circle round about the temple, so as to + touch one another's hands, and by that means excluding those from entering + that ought not to enter. So they brought the child into the midst of them, + and put on him the royal crown, and Jehoiada anointed him with the oil, + and made him king; and the multitude rejoiced, and made a noise, and + cried, "God save the king!" + </p> + <p> + 3. When Athaliah unexpectedly heard the tumult and the acclamations, she + was greatly disturbed in her mind, and suddenly issued out of the royal + palace with her own army; and when she was come to the temple, the priests + received her; but as for those that stood round about the temple, as they + were ordered by the high priest to do, they hindered the armed inert that + followed her from going in. But when Athaliah saw the child standing upon + a pillar, with the royal crown upon his head, she rent her clothes, and + cried out vehemently, and commanded [her guards] to kill him that had laid + snares for her, and endeavored to deprive her of the government. But + Jehoiada called for the captains of hundreds, and commanded them to bring + Athaliah to the valley of Cedron, and slay her there, for he would not + have the temple defiled with the punishments of this pernicious woman; and + he gave order, that if any one came near to help her, he should be slain + also; wherefore those that had the charge of her slaughter took hold of + her, and led her to the gate of the king's mules, and slew her there. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now as soon as what concerned Athaliah was by this stratagem, after + this manner, despatched, Jehoiada called together the people and the armed + men into the temple, and made them take an oath that they would be + obedient to the king, and take care of his safety, and of the safety of + his government; after which he obliged the king to give security [upon + oath] that he would worship God, and not transgress the laws of Moses. + They then ran to the house of Baal, which Athaliah and her husband Jehoram + had built, to the dishonor of the God of their fathers, and to the honor + of Ahab, and demolished it, and slew Mattan, that had his priesthood. But + Jehoiada intrusted the care and custody of the temple to the priests and + Levites, according to the appointment of king David, and enjoined them to + bring their regular burnt-offerings twice a day, and to offer incense + according to the law. He also ordained some of the Levites, with the + porters, to be a guard to the temple, that no one that was defiled might + come there. + </p> + <p> + 5. And when Jehoiada had set these things in order, he, with the captains + of hundreds, and the rulers, and all the people, took Jehoash out of the + temple into the king's palace; and when he had set him upon the king's + throne, the people shouted for joy, and betook themselves to feasting, and + kept a festival for many days; but the city was quiet upon the death of + Athaliah. Now Jehoash was seven years old when he took the kingdom. His + mother's name was Zibiah, of the city Beersheba. And all the time that + Jehoiada lived Jehoash was careful that the laws should be kept, and very + zealous in the worship of God; and when he was of age, he married two + wives, who were given to him by the high priest, by whom were born to him + both sons and daughters. And thus much shall suffice to have related + concerning king Jehoash, how he escaped the treachery of Athaliah, and how + he received the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0008" id="link92HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. Hazael Makes An Expedition Against The People Of Israel And The + Inhabitants Of Jerusalem. Jehu Dies, And Jehoahaz Succeeds In The + Government. Jehoash The King Of Jerusalem At First Is Careful About The + Worship Of God But Afterwards Becomes Impious And Commands Zechariah To Be + Stoned. When Jehoash [King Of Judah] Was Dead, Amaziah Succeeds Him In The + Kingdom. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Hazael, king of Syria, fought against the Israelites and their king + Jehu, and spoiled the eastern parts of the country beyond Jordan, which + belonged to the Reubenites and Gadites, and to [the half tribe of] + Manassites; as also Gilead and Bashan, burning, and spoiling, and offering + violence to all that he laid his hands on, and this without impeachment + from Jehu, who made no haste to defend the country when it was under this + distress; nay, he was become a contemner of religion, and a despiser of + holiness, and of the laws, and died when he had reigned over the + Israelites twenty-seven years. He was buried in Samaria, and left Jehoahaz + his son his successor in the government. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Jehoash, king of Jerusalem, had an inclination to repair the temple + of God; so he called Jehoiada, and bid him send the Levites and priests + through all the country, to require half a shekel of silver for every + head, towards the rebuilding and repairing of the temple, which was + brought to decay by Jehoram, and Athaliah and her sons. But the high + priest did not do this, as concluding that no one would willingly pay that + money; but in the twenty-third year of Jehoash's reign, when the king sent + for him and the Levites, and complained that they had not obeyed what he + enjoined them, and still commanded them to take care of the rebuilding the + temple, he used this stratagem for collecting the money, with which the + multitude was pleased. He made a wooden chest, and closed it up fast on + all sides, but opened one hole in it; he then set it in the temple beside + the altar, and desired every one to cast into it, through the hole, what + he pleased, for the repair of the temple. This contrivance was acceptable + to the people, and they strove one with another, and brought in jointly + large quantities of silver and gold; and when the scribe and the priest + that were over the treasuries had emptied the chest, and counted the money + in the king's presence, they then set it in its former place, and thus did + they every day. But when the multitude appeared to have cast in as much as + was wanted, the high priest Jehoiada, and king Joash, sent to hire masons + and carpenters, and to buy large pieces of timber, and of the most curious + sort; and when they had repaired the temple, they made use of the + remaining gold and silver, which was not a little, for bowls, and basons, + and cups, and other vessels, and they went on to make the altar every day + fat with sacrifices of great value. And these things were taken suitable + care of as long as Jehoiada lived. + </p> + <p> + 3. But as soon as he was dead [which was when he had lived one hundred and + thirty years, having been a righteous, and in every respect a very good + man, and was buried in the king's sepulchers at Jerusalem, because he had + recovered the kingdom to the family of David] king Jehoash betrayed his + [want of] care about God. The principal men of the people were corrupted + also together with him, and offended against their duty, and what their + constitution determined to be most for their good. Hereupon God was + displeased with the change that was made on the king, and on the rest of + the people, and sent prophets to testify to them what their actions were, + and to bring them to leave off their wickedness; but they had gotten such + a strong affection and so violent an inclination to it, that neither could + the examples of those that had offered affronts to the laws, and had been + so severely punished, they and their entire families, nor could the fear + of what the prophets now foretold, bring them to repentance, and turn them + back from their course of transgression to their former duty. But the king + commanded that Zechariah, the son of the high priest Jehoiada, should be + stoned to death in the temple, and forgot the kindnesses he had received + from his father; for when God had appointed him to prophesy, he stood in + the midst of the multitude, and gave this counsel to them and to the king: + That they should act righteously; and foretold to them, that if they would + not hearken to his admonitions, they should suffer a heavy punishment. But + as Zechariah was ready to die, he appealed to God as a witness of what he + suffered for the good counsel he had given them, and how he perished after + a most severe and violent manner for the good deeds his father had done to + Jehoash. + </p> + <p> + 4. However, it was not long before the king suffered punishment for his + transgression; for when Hazael, king of Syria, made an irruption into his + country, and when he had overthrown Gath, and spoiled it, he made an + expedition against Jerusalem; upon which Jehoash was afraid, and emptied + all the treasures of God and of the kings [before him], and took down the + gifts that had been dedicated [in the temple], and sent them to the king + of Syria, and procured so much by them, that he was not besieged, nor his + kingdom quite endangered; but Hazael was induced by the greatness of the + sum of money not to bring his army against Jerusalem; yet Jehoash fell + into a severe distemper, and was set upon by his friends, in order to + revenge the death of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. These laid snares for + the king, and slew him. He was indeed buried in Jerusalem, but not in the + royal sepulchers of his forefathers, because of his impiety. He lived + forty-seven years, and Amaziah his son succeeded him in the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + 5. In the one and twentieth year of the reign of Jehoash, Jehoahaz, the + son of Jehu, took the government of the Israelites in Samaria, and held it + seventeen years. He did not [properly] imitate his father, but was guilty + of as wicked practices as those that first had God in contempt: but the + king of Syria brought him low, and by an expedition against him did so + greatly reduce his forces, that there remained no more of so great an army + than ten thousand armed men, and fifty horsemen. He also took away from + him his great cities, and many of them also, and destroyed his army. And + these were the things that the people of Israel suffered, according to the + prophecy of Elisha, when he foretold that Hazael should kill his master, + and reign over the Syrians and Damscenes. But when Jehoahaz was under such + unavoidable miseries, he had recourse to prayer and supplication to God, + and besought him to deliver him out of the hands of Hazael, and not + overlook him, and give him up into his hands. Accordingly God accepted of + his repentance instead of virtue; and being desirous rather to admonish + those that might repent, and not to determine that they should be utterly + destroyed, he granted him deliverance from war and dangers. So the country + having obtained peace, returned again to its former condition, and + flourished as before. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now after the death of Jehoahaz, his son Joash took the kingdom, in the + thirty-seventh year of Jehoash, the king of the tribe of Judah. This Joash + then took the kingdom of Israel in Samaria, for he had the same name with + the king of Jerusalem, and he retained the kingdom sixteen years. He was a + good man, <a href="#link9note-17" name="link9noteref-17" + id="link9noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> and in his disposition was not + at all like his father. Now at this time it was that when Elisha the + prophet, who was already very old, and was now fallen into a disease, the + king of Israel came to visit him; and when he found him very near death, + he began to weep in his sight, and lament, to call him his father, and his + weapons, because it was by his means that he never made use of his weapons + against his enemies, but that he overcame his own adversaries by his + prophecies, without fighting; and that he was now departing this life, and + leaving him to the Syrians, that were already armed, and to other enemies + of his that were under their power; so he said it was not safe for him to + live any longer, but that it would be well for him to hasten to his end, + and depart out of this life with him. As the king was thus bemoaning + himself, Elisha comforted him, and bid the king bend a bow that was + brought him; and when the king had fitted the bow for shooting, Elisha + took hold of his hands and bid him shoot; and when he had shot three + arrows, and then left off, Elisha said, "If thou hadst shot more arrows, + thou hadst cut the kingdom of Syria up by the roots; but since thou hast + been satisfied with shooting three times only, thou shalt fight and beat + the Syrians no more times than three, that thou mayst recover that country + which they cut off from thy kingdom in the reign of thy father." So when + the king had heard that, he departed; and a little while after the prophet + died. He was a man celebrated for righteousness, and in eminent favor with + God. He also performed wonderful and surprising works by prophecy, and + such as were gloriously preserved in memory by the Hebrews. He also + obtained a magnificent funeral, such a one indeed as it was fit a person + so beloved of God should have. It also happened, that at that time certain + robbers cast a man whom they had slain into Elisha's grave, and upon his + dead body coming close to Elisha's body, it revived again. And thus far + have we enlarged about the actions of Elisha the prophet, both such as he + did while he was alive, and how he had a Divine power after his death + also. + </p> + <p> + 7. Now, upon the death of Hazael, the king of Syria, that kingdom came to + Adad his son, with whom Joash, king of Israel, made war; and when he had + beaten him in three battles, he took from him all that country, and all + those cities and villages, which his father Hazael had taken from the + kingdom of Israel, which came to pass, however, according to the prophecy + of Elisha. But when Joash happened to die, he was buried in Samaria, and + the government devolved on his son Jeroboam. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0009" id="link92HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. How Amaziah Made An Expedition Against The Edomites And + Amalekites And Conquered Them; But When He Afterwards Made War Against + Joash, He Was Beaten And Not Long After Was Slain, And Uzziah Succeeded In + The Government. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now, in the second year of the reign of Joash over Israel, Amaziah + reigned over the tribe of Judah in Jerusalem. His mother's name was + Jehoaddan, who was born at Jerusalem. He was exceeding careful of doing + what was right, and this when he was very young; but when he came to the + management of affairs, and to the government, he resolved that he ought + first of all to avenge his father Je-hoash, and to punish those his + friends that had laid violent hands upon him: so he seized upon them all, + and put them to death; yet did he execute no severity on their children, + but acted therein according to the laws of Moses, who did not think it + just to punish children for the sins of their fathers. After this he chose + him an army out of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin, of such as were in the + flower of their age, and about twenty years old; and when he had collected + about three hundred thousand of them together, he set captains of hundreds + over them. He also sent to the king of Israel, and hired a hundred + thousand of his soldiers for a hundred talents of silver, for he had + resolved to make an expedition against the nations of the Amalekites, and + Edomites, and Gebalites: but as he was preparing for his expedition, and + ready to go out to the war, a prophet gave him counsel to dismiss the army + of the Israelites, because they were bad men, and because God foretold + that he should be beaten, if he made use of them as auxiliaries; but that + he should overcome his enemies, though he had but a few soldiers, when it + so pleased God. And when the king grudged at his having already paid the + hire of the Israelites, the prophet exhorted him to do what God would have + him, because he should thereby obtain much wealth from God. So he + dismissed them, and said that he still freely gave them their pay, and + went himself with his own army, and made war with the nations before + mentioned; and when he had beaten them in battle, he slew of them ten + thousand, and took as many prisoners alive, whom he brought to the great + rock which is in Arabia, and threw them down from it headlong. He also + brought away a great deal of prey and vast riches from those nations. But + while Amaziah was engaged in this expedition, those Israelites whom he had + hired, and then dismissed, were very uneasy at it, and taking their + dismission for an affront, [as supposing that this would not have been + done to them but out of contempt,] they fell upon his kingdom, and + proceeded to spoil the country as far as Beth- horon, and took much + cattle, and slew three thousand men. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now upon the victory which Amaziah had gotten, and the great acts he + had done, he was puffed up, and began to overlook God, who had given him + the victory, and proceeded to worship the gods he had brought out of the + country of the Amalekites. So a prophet came to him, and said, that he + wondered how he could esteem these to be gods, who had been of no + advantage to their own people who paid them honors, nor had delivered them + from his hands, but had overlooked the destruction of many of them, and + had suffered themselves to be carried captive, for that they had been + carried to Jerusalem in the same manner as any one might have taken some + of the enemy alive, and led them thither. This reproof provoked the king + to anger, and he commanded the prophet to hold his peace, and threatened + to punish him if he meddled with his conduct. So he replied, that he + should indeed hold his peace; but foretold withal, that God would not + overlook his attempts for innovation. But Amaziah was not able to contain + himself under that prosperity which God had given him, although he had + affronted God thereupon; but in a vein of insolence he wrote to Joash, the + king of Israel, and commanded that he and all his people should be + obedient to him, as they had formerly been obedient to his progenitors, + David and Solomon; and he let him know, that if he would not be so wise as + to do what he commanded him, he must fight for his dominion. To which + message Joash returned this answer in writing: "King Joash to king + Amaziah. There was a vastly tall cypress tree in Mount Lebanon, as also a + thistle; this thistle sent to the cypress tree to give the cypress tree's + daughter in marriage to the thistle's son; but as the thistle was saying + this, there came a wild beast, and trod down the thistle: and this may be + a lesson to thee, not to be so ambitious, and to have a care, lest upon + thy good success in the fight against the Amalekites thou growest so + proud, as to bring dangers upon thyself and upon thy kingdom." + </p> + <p> + 3. When Amaziah had read this letter, he was more eager upon this + expedition, which, I suppose, was by the impulse of God, that he might be + punished for his offense against him. But as soon as he led out his army + against Joash, and they were going to join battle with him, there came + such a fear and consternation upon the army of Amaziah, as God, when he is + displeased, sends upon men, and discomfited them, even before they came to + a close fight. Now it happened, that as they were scattered about by the + terror that was upon them, Amaziah was left alone, and was taken prisoner + by the enemy; whereupon Joash threatened to kill him, unless he would + persuade the people of Jerusalem to open their gates to him, and receive + him and his army into the city. Accordingly Amaziah was so distressed, and + in such fear of his life, that he made his enemy to be received into the + city. So Joash over threw a part of the wall, of the length of four + hundred cubits, and drove his chariot through the breach into Jerusalem, + and led Amaziah captive along with him; by which means he became master of + Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of God, and carried off all the + gold and silver that was in the king's palace, and then freed the king + from captivity, and returned to Samaria. Now these things happened to the + people of Jerusalem in the fourteenth year of the reign of Amaziah, who + after this had a conspiracy made against him by his friends, and fled to + the city Lachish, and was there slain by the conspirators, who sent men + thither to kill him. So they took up his dead body, and carried it to + Jerusalem, and made a royal funeral for him. This was the end of the life + of Amaziah, because of his innovations in religion, and his contempt of + God, when he had lived fifty-four years, and had reigned twenty-nine. He + was succeeded by his son, whose name was Uzziah. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0010" id="link92HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. Concerning Jeroboam King Of Israel And Jonah The Prophet; And + How After The Death Of Jeroboam His Son Zachariah Took The Government. How + Uzziah, King Of Jerusalem, Subdued The Nations That Were Round About Him; + And What Befell Him When He Attempted To Offer Incense To God. + </h3> + <p> + 1. In the fifteenth year of the reign of Amaziah, Jeroboam the son of + Joash reigned over Israel in Samaria forty years. This king was guilty of + contumely against God, <a href="#link9note-18" name="link9noteref-18" + id="link9noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> and became very wicked in + worshipping of idols, and in many undertakings that were absurd and + foreign. He was also the cause of ten thousand misfortunes to the people + of Israel. Now one Jonah, a prophet, foretold to him that he should make + war with the Syrians, and conquer their army, and enlarge the bounds of + his kingdom on the northern parts to the city Hamath, and on the southern + to the lake Asphaltitis; for the bounds of the Canaanites originally were + these, as Joshua their general had determined them. So Jeroboam made an + expedition against the Syrians, and overran all their country, as Jonah + had foretold. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now I cannot but think it necessary for me, who have promised to give + an accurate account of our affairs, to describe the actions of this + prophet, so far as I have found them written down in the Hebrew books. + Jonah had been commanded by God to go to the kingdom of Nineveh; and when + he was there, to publish it in that city, how it should lose the dominion + it had over the nations. But he went not, out of fear; nay, he ran away + from God to the city of Joppa, and finding a ship there, he went into it, + and sailed to Tarsus, in Cilicia <a href="#link9note-19" + name="link9noteref-19" id="link9noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> and upon + the rise of a most terrible storm, which was so great that the ship was in + danger of sinking, the mariners, the master, and the pilot himself, made + prayers and vows, in case they escaped the sea: but Jonah lay still and + covered [in the ship,] without imitating any thing that the others did; + but as the waves grew greater, and the sea became more violent by the + winds, they suspected, as is usual in such cases, that some one of the + persons that sailed with them was the occasion of this storm, and agreed + to discover by lot <a href="#link9note-20" name="link9noteref-20" + id="link9noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> which of them it was. When they + had cast lots, <a href="#link9note-21" name="link9noteref-21" + id="link9noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> the lot fell upon the prophet; + and when they asked him whence he came, and what he had done? he replied, + that he was a Hebrew by nation, and a prophet of Almighty God; and he + persuaded them to cast him into the sea, if they would escape the danger + they were in, for that he was the occasion of the storm which was upon + them. Now at the first they durst not do so, as esteeming it a wicked + thing to cast a man who was a stranger, and who had committed his life to + them, into such manifest perdition; but at last, when their misfortune + overbore them, and the ship was just going to be drowned, and when they + were animated to do it by the prophet himself, and by the fear concerning + their own safety, they cast him into the sea; upon which the sea became + calm. It is also reported that Jonah was swallowed down by a whale, and + that when he had been there three days, and as many nights, he was vomited + out upon the Euxine Sea, and this alive, and without any hurt upon his + body; and there, on his prayer to God, he obtained pardon for his sins, + and went to the city Nineveh, where he stood so as to be heard, and + preached, that in a very little time they should lose the dominion of + Asia. And when he had published this, he returned. Now I have given this + account about him as I found it written [in our books.] + </p> + <p> + 3. When Jeroboam the king had passed his life in great happiness, and had + ruled forty years, he died, and was buried in Samaria, and his son + Zachariah took the kingdom. After the same manner did Uzziah, the son of + Amaziah, begin to reign over the two tribes in Jerusalem, in the + fourteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam. He was born of Jecoliah, his + mother, who was a citizen of Jerusalem. He was a good man, and by nature + righteous and magnanimous, and very laborious in taking care of the + affairs of his kingdom. He made an expedition also against the + Philistines, and overcame them in battle, and took the cities of Gath and + Jabneh, and brake down their walls; after which expedition he assaulted + those Arabs that adjoined to Egypt. He also built a city upon the Red Sea, + and put a garrison into it. He, after this, overthrew the Ammonites, and + appointed that they should pay tribute. He also overcame all the countries + as far as the bounds of Egypt, and then began to take care of Jerusalem + itself for the rest of his life; for he rebuilt and repaired all those + parts of the wall which had either fallen down by length of time, or by + the carelessness of the kings, his predecessors, as well as all that part + which had been thrown down by the king of Israel, when he took his father + Amaziah prisoner, and entered with him into the city. Moreover, he built a + great many towers, of one hundred and fifty cubits high, and built walled + towns in desert places, and put garrisons into them, and dug many channels + for conveyance of water. He had also many beasts for labor, and an immense + number of cattle; for his country was fit for pasturage. He was also given + to husbandry, and took care to cultivate the ground, and planted it with + all sorts of plants, and sowed it with all sorts of seeds. He had also + about him an army composed of chosen men, in number three hundred and + seventy thousand, who were governed by general officers and captains of + thousands, who were men of valor, and of unconquerable strength, in number + two thousand. He also divided his whole army into bands, and armed them, + giving every one a sword, with brazen bucklers and breastplates, with bows + and slings; and besides these, he made for them many engines of war for + besieging of cities, such as cast stones and darts, with grapplers, and + other instruments of that sort. + </p> + <p> + 4. While Uzziah was in this state, and making preparation [for futurity], + he was corrupted in his mind by pride, and became insolent, and this on + account of that abundance which he had of things that will soon perish, + and despised that power which is of eternal duration [which consisted in + piety towards God, and in the observation of the laws]; so he fell by + occasion of the good success of his affairs, and was carried headlong into + those sins of his father, which the splendor of that prosperity he + enjoyed, and the glorious actions he had done, led him into, while he was + not able to govern himself well about them. Accordingly, when a remarkable + day was come, and a general festival was to be celebrated, he put on the + holy garment, and went into the temple to offer incense to God upon the + golden altar, which he was prohibited to do by Azariah the high priest, + who had fourscore priests with him, and who told him that it was not + lawful for him to offer sacrifice, and that "none besides the posterity of + Aaron were permitted so to do." And when they cried out that he must go + out of the temple, and not transgress against God, he was wroth at them, + and threatened to kill them, unless they would hold their peace. In the + mean time a great earthquake shook the ground and a rent was made in the + temple, and the bright rays of the sun shone through it, and fell upon the + king's face, insomuch that the leprosy seized upon him immediately. And + before the city, at a place called Eroge, half the mountain broke off from + the rest on the west, and rolled itself four furlongs, and stood still at + the east mountain, till the roads, as well as the king's gardens, were + spoiled by the obstruction. Now, as soon as the priests saw that the + king's face was infected with the leprosy, they told him of the calamity + he was under, and commanded that he should go out of the city as a + polluted person. Hereupon he was so confounded at the sad distemper, and + sensible that he was not at liberty to contradict, that he did as he was + commanded, and underwent this miserable and terrible punishment for an + intention beyond what befitted a man to have, and for that impiety against + God which was implied therein. So he abode out of the city for some time, + and lived a private life, while his son Jotham took the government; after + which he died with grief and anxiety at what had happened to him, when he + had lived sixty-eight years, and reigned of them fifty-two; and was buried + by himself in his own gardens. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0011" id="link92HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. How Zachariah Shallum, Menahem Pekahiah And Pekah Took The + Government Over The Israelites; And How Pul And Tiglath-Pileser Made An + Expedition Against The Israelites. How Jotham, The Son Of Uzziah Reigned + Over The Tribe Of Judah; And What Things Nahum Prophesied Against The + Assyrians. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when Zachariah, the son of Jeroboam, had reigned six months over + Israel, he was slain by the treachery of a certain friend of his, whose + name was Shallum, the son of Jabesh, who took the kingdom afterward, but + kept it no longer than thirty days; for Menahem, the general of his army, + who was at that time in the city Tirzah, and heard of what had befallen + Zachariah, removed thereupon with all his forces to Samaria, and joining + battle with Shallum, slew him; and when he had made himself king, he went + thence, and came to the city Tiphsah; but the citizens that were in it + shut their gates, and barred them against the king, and would not admit + him: but in order to be avenged on them, he burnt the country round about + it, and took the city by force, upon a siege; and being very much + displeased at what the inhabitants of Tiphsah had done, he slew them all, + and spared not so much as the infants, without omitting the utmost + instances of cruelty and barbarity; for he used such severity upon his own + countrymen, as would not be pardonable with regard to strangers who had + been conquered by him. And after this manner it was that this Menahem <a + href="#link9note-22" name="link9noteref-22" id="link9noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> + continued to reign with cruelty and barbarity for ten years. But when Pul, + king of Assyria, had made an expedition against him, he did not think meet + to fight or engage in battle with the Assyrians, but he persuaded him to + accept of a thousand talents of silver, and to go away, and so put an end + to the war. This sum the multitude collected for Menahem, by exacting + fifty drachmae as poll-money for every head; <a href="#link9note-23" + name="link9noteref-23" id="link9noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> after + which he died, and was buried in Samaria, and left his son Pekahiah his + successor in the kingdom, who followed the barbarity of his father, and so + ruled but two years only, after which he was slain with his friends at a + feast, by the treachery of one Pekah, the general of his horse, and the + son of Remaliah, who laid snares for him. Now this Pekah held the + government twenty years, and proved a wicked man and a transgressor. But + the king of Assyria, whose name was Tiglath-Pileser, when he had made an + expedition against the Israelites, and had overrun all the land of Gilead, + and the region beyond Jordan, and the adjoining country, which is called + Galilee, and Kadesh, and Hazor, he made the inhabitants prisoners, and + transplanted them into his own kingdom. And so much shall suffice to have + related here concerning the king of Assyria. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Jotham the son of Uzziah reigned over the tribe of Judah in + Jerusalem, being a citizen thereof by his mother, whose name was Jerusha. + This king was not defective in any virtue, but was religious towards God, + and righteous towards men, and careful of the good of the city [for what + part soever wanted to be repaired or adorned he magnificently repaired and + adorned them]. He also took care of the foundations of the cloisters in + the temple, and repaired the walls that were fallen down, and built very + great towers, and such as were almost impregnable; and if any thing else + in his kingdom had been neglected, he took great care of it. He also made + an expedition against the Ammonites, and overcame them in battle, and + ordered them to pay tribute, a hundred talents, and ten thousand cori of + wheat, and as many of barley, every year, and so augmented his kingdom, + that his enemies could not despise it, and his own people lived happily. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now there was at that time a prophet, whose name was Nahum, who spake + after this manner concerning the overthrow of the Assyrians and of + Nineveh: "Nineveh shall be a pool of water in motion so shall all her + people be troubled, and tossed, and go away by flight, while they say one + to another, Stand, stand still, seize their gold and silver, for there + shall be no one to wish them well, for they will rather save their lives + than their money; for a terrible contention shall possess them one with + another, and lamentation, and loosing of the members, and their + countenances shall be perfectly black with fear. And there will be the den + of the lions, and the mother of the young lions! God says to thee, + Nineveh, that they shall deface thee, and the lion shall no longer go out + from thee to give laws to the world." And indeed this prophet prophesied + many other things besides these concerning Nineveh, which I do not think + necessary to repeat, and I here omit them, that I may not appear + troublesome to my readers; all which thing happened about Nineveh a + hundred and fifteen years afterward: so this may suffice to have spoken of + these matters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0012" id="link92HCH0012"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 12. How Upon The Death Of Jotham, Ahaz Reigned In His Stead; + Against Whom Rezin, King Of Syria And Pekah King Of Israel, Made War; And + How Tiglath-Pileser, King Of Assyria Came To The Assistance Of Ahaz, And + Laid Syria Waste And Removing The Damascenes Into Media Placed Other + Nations In Their Room. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Jotham died when he had lived forty-one years, and of them reigned + sixteen, and was buried in the sepulchers of the kings; and the kingdom + came to his son Ahaz, who proved most impious towards God, and a + transgressor of the laws of his country. He imitated the kings of Israel, + and reared altars in Jerusalem, and offered sacrifices upon them to idols; + to which also he offered his own son as a burnt-offering, according to the + practices of the Canaanites. His other actions were also of the same sort. + Now as he was going on in this mad course, Rezin, the king of Syria and + Damascus, and Pekah, the king of Israel, who were now at amity one with + another, made war with him; and when they had driven him into Jerusalem, + they besieged that city a long while, making but a small progress, on + account of the strength of its walls; and when the king of Syria had taken + the city Elath, upon the Red Sea, and had slain the inhabitants, he + peopled it with Syrians; and when he had slain those in the [other] + garrisons, and the Jews in their neighborhood, and had driven away much + prey, he returned with his army back to Damascus. Now when the king of + Jerusalem knew that the Syrians were returned home, he, supposing himself + a match for the king of Israel, drew out his army against him, and joining + battle with him was beaten; and this happened because God was angry with + him, on account of his many and great enormities. Accordingly there were + slain by the Israelites one hundred and twenty thousand of his men that + day, whose general, Amaziah by name, slew Zechariah the king's son, in his + conflict with Ahaz, as well as the governor of the kingdom, whose name was + Azricam. He also carried Elkanah, the general of the troops of the tribe + of Judah, into captivity. They also carried the women and children of the + tribe of Benjamin captives; and when they had gotten a great deal of prey, + they returned to Samaria. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now there was one Obed, who was a prophet at that time in Samaria; he + met the army before the city walls, and with a loud voice told them that + they had gotten the victory not by their own strength, but by reason of + the anger God had against king Ahaz. And he complained that they were not + satisfied with the good success they had had against him, but were so bold + as to make captives out of their kinsmen the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. + He also gave them counsel to let them go home without doing them any harm, + for that if they did not obey God herein, they should be punished. So the + people of Israel came together to their assembly, and considered of these + matters, when a man whose name was Berechiah, and who was one of chief + reputation in the government, stood up, and the others with him, and said, + "We will not suffer the citizens to bring these prisoners into the city, + lest we be all destroyed by God; we have sins enough of our own that we + have committed against him, as the prophets assure us; nor ought we + therefore to introduce the practice of new crimes." When the soldiers + heard that, they permitted them to do what they thought best. So the + forenamed men took the captives, and let them go, and took care of them, + and gave them provisions, and sent them to their own country, without + doing them any harm. However, these four went along with them, and + conducted them as far as Jericho, which is not far from Jerusalem, and + returned to Samaria. + </p> + <p> + 3. Hereupon king Ahaz, having been so thoroughly beaten by the Israelites, + sent to Tiglath-Pileser, king of the Assyrians, and sued for assistance + from him in his war against the Israelites, and Syrians, and Damascenes, + with a promise to send him much money; he sent him also great presents at + the same time. Now this king, upon the reception of those ambassadors, + came to assist Ahaz, and made war upon the Syrians, and laid their country + waste, and took Damascus by force, and slew Rezin their king, and + transplanted the people of Damascus into the Upper Media, and brought a + colony of Assyrians, and planted them in Damascus. He also afflicted the + land of Israel, and took many captives out of it. While he was doing thus + with the Syrians, king Ahaz took all the gold that was in the king's + treasures, and the silver, and what was in the temple of God, and what + precious gifts were there, and he carried them with him, and came to + Damascus, and gave it to the king of Assyria, according to his agreement. + So he confessed that he owed him thanks for all he had done for him, and + returned to Jerusalem. Now this king was so sottish and thoughtless of + what was for his own good, that he would not leave off worshipping the + Syrian gods when he was beaten by them, but he went on in worshipping + them, as though they would procure him the victory; and when he was beaten + again, he began to honor the gods of the Assyrians; and he seemed more + desirous to honor any other gods than his own paternal and true God, whose + anger was the cause of his defeat; nay, he proceeded to such a degree of + despite and contempt [of God's worship], that he shut up the temple + entirely, and forbade them to bring in the appointed sacrifices, and took + away the gifts that had been given to it. And when he had offered these + indignities to God, he died, having lived thirty-six years, and of them + reigned sixteen; and he left his son Hezekiah for his successor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0013" id="link92HCH0013"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 13. How Pekah Died By The Treachery Of Hoshea Who Was A Little + After Subdued By Shalmaneser; And How Hezekiah Reigned Instead Of Ahaz; + And What Actions Of Piety And Justice He Did. + </h3> + <p> + 1. About the same time Pekah, the king of Israel, died by the treachery of + a friend of his, whose name was Hoshea, who retained the kingdom nine + years' time, but was a wicked man, and a despiser of the Divine worship; + and Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria, made an expedition against him, and + overcame him, [which must have been because he had not God favorable nor + assistant to him,] and brought him to submission, and ordered him to pay + an appointed tribute. Now, in the fourth year of the reign of Hoshea, + Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, began to reign in Jerusalem; and his mother's + name was Abijah, a citizen of Jerusalem. His nature was good, and + righteous, and religious; for when he came to the kingdom, he thought that + nothing was prior, or more necessary, or more advantageous to himself, and + to his subjects, than to worship God. Accordingly, he called the people + together, and the priests, and the Levites, and made a speech to them, and + said, "You are not ignorant how, by the sins of my father, who + transgressed that sacred honor which was due to God, you have had + experience of many and great miseries, while you were corrupted in your + mind by him, and were induced to worship those which he supposed to be + gods; I exhort you, therefore, who have learned by sad experience how + dangerous a thing impiety is, to put that immediately out of your memory, + and to purify yourselves from your former pollutions, and to open the + temple to these priests and Levites who are here convened, and to cleanse + it with the accustomed sacrifices, and to recover all to the ancient honor + which our fathers paid to it; for by this means we may render God + favorable, and he will remit the anger he hath had to us." + </p> + <p> + 2. When the king had said this, the priests opened the temple; and when + they had set in order the vessels of God, and east out what was impure, + they laid the accustomed sacrifices upon the altar. The king also sent to + the country that was under him, and called the people to Jerusalem to + celebrate the feast of unleavened bread, for it had been intermitted a + long time, on account of the wickedness of the forementioned kings. He + also sent to the Israelites, and exhorted them to leave off their present + way of living, and return to their ancient practices, and to worship God, + for that he gave them leave to come to Jerusalem, and to celebrate, all in + one body, the feast of unleavened bread; and this he said was by way of + invitation only, and to be done of their own good-will, and for their own + advantage, and not out of obedience to him, because it would make them + happy. But the Israelites, upon the coming of the ambassadors, and upon + their laying before them what they had in charge from their own king, were + so far from complying therewith, that they laughed the ambassadors to + scorn, and mocked them as fools: as also they affronted the prophets, + which gave them the same exhortations, and foretold what they would suffer + if they did not return to the worship of God, insomuch that at length they + caught them, and slew them; nor did this degree of transgressing suffice + them, but they had more wicked contrivances than what have been described: + nor did they leave off, before God, as a punishment for their impiety, + brought them under their enemies: but of that more hereafter. However, + many there were of the tribe of Manasseh, and of Zebulon, and of Issachar, + who were obedient to what the prophets exhorted them to do, and returned + to the worship of God. Now all these came running to Jerusalem, to + Hezekiah, that they might worship God [there]. + </p> + <p> + 3. When these men were come, king Hezekiah went up into the temple, with + the rulers and all the people, and offered for himself seven bulls, and as + many rams, with seven lambs, and as many kids of the goats. The king also + himself, and the rulers, laid their hands on the heads of the sacrifices, + and permitted the priests to complete the sacred offices about them. So + they both slew the sacrifices, and burnt the burnt-offerings, while the + Levites stood round about them, with their musical instruments, and sang + hymns to God, and played on their psalteries, as they were instructed by + David to do, and this while the rest of the priests returned the music, + and sounded the trumpets which they had in their hands; and when this was + done, the king and the multitude threw themselves down upon their face, + and worshipped God. He also sacrificed seventy bulls, one hundred rams, + and two hundred lambs. He also granted the multitude sacrifices to feast + upon, six hundred oxen, and three thousand other cattle; and the priests + performed all things according to the law. Now the king was so pleased + herewith, that he feasted with the people, and returned thanks to God; but + as the feast of unleavened bread was now come, when they had offered that + sacrifice which is called the passover, they after that offered other + sacrifices for seven days. When the king had bestowed on the multitude, + besides what they sanctified of themselves, two thousand bulls, and seven + thousand other cattle, the same thing was done by the rulers; for they + gave them a thousand bulls, and a thousand and forty other cattle. Nor had + this festival been so well observed from the days of king Solomon, as it + was now first observed with great splendor and magnificence; and when the + festival was ended, they went out into the country and purged it, and + cleansed the city of all the pollution of the idols. The king also gave + order that the daily sacrifices should be offered, at his own charges, and + according to the law; and appointed that the tithes and the first-fruits + should be given by the multitude to the priests and Levites, that they + might constantly attend upon Divine service, and never be taken off from + the worship of God. Accordingly, the multitude brought together all sorts + of their fruits to the priests and the Levites. The king also made garners + and receptacles for these fruits, and distributed them to every one of the + priests and Levites, and to their children and wives; and thus did they + return to their old form of Divine worship. Now when the king had settled + these matters after the manner already described, he made war upon the + Philistines, and beat them, and possessed himself of all the enemy's + cities, from Gaza to Gath; but the king of Assyria sent to him, and + threatened to overturn all his dominions, unless he would pay him the + tribute which his father paid him formerly; but king Hezekiah was not + concerned at his threatenings, but depended on his piety towards God, and + upon Isaiah the prophet, by whom he inquired and accurately knew all + future events. And thus much shall suffice for the present concerning this + king Hezekiah. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92HCH0014" id="link92HCH0014"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 14. How Shalmaneser Took Samaria By Force And How He Transplanted + The Ten Tribes Into Media, And Brought The Nation Of The Cutheans Into + Their Country [In Their Room]. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria, had it told him, that [Hoshea] + the king of Israel had sent privately to So, the king of Egypt, desiring + his assistance against him, he was very angry, and made an expedition + against Samaria, in the seventh year of the reign of Hoshea; but when he + was not admitted [into the city] by the king, <a href="#link9note-24" + name="link9noteref-24" id="link9noteref-24"><small>24</small></a> he + besieged Samaria three years, and took it by force in the ninth year of + the reign of Hoshea, and in the seventh year of Hezekiah, king of + Jerusalem, and quite demolished the government of the Israelites, and + transplanted all the people into Media and Persia among whom he took king + Hoshea alive; and when he had removed these people out of this their land + he transplanted other nations out of Cuthah, a place so called, [for there + is [still] a river of that name in Persia,] into Samaria, and into the + country of the Israelites. So the ten tribes of the Israelites were + removed out of Judea nine hundred and forty-seven years after their + forefathers were come out of the land of Egypt, and possessed themselves + of the country, but eight hundred years after Joshua had been their + leader, and, as I have already observed, two hundred and forty years, + seven months, and seven days after they had revolted from Rehoboam, the + grandson of David, and had given the kingdom to Jeroboam. And such a + conclusion overtook the Israelites, when they had transgressed the laws, + and would not hearken to the prophets, who foretold that this calamity + would come upon them, if they would not leave off their evil doings. What + gave birth to these evil doings, was that sedition which they raised + against Rehoboam, the grandson of David, when they set up Jeroboam his + servant to be their king, when, by sinning against God, and bringing them + to imitate his bad example, made God to be their enemy, while Jeroboam + underwent that punishment which he justly deserved. + </p> + <p> + 2. And now the king of Assyria invaded all Syria and Phoenicia in a + hostile manner. The name of this king is also set down in the archives of + Tyre, for he made an expedition against Tyre in the reign of Eluleus; and + Menander attests to it, who, when he wrote his Chronology, and translated + the archives of Tyre into the Greek language, gives us the following + history: "One whose name was Eluleus reigned thirty-six years; this king, + upon the revolt of the Citteans, sailed to them, and reduced them again to + a submission. Against these did the king of Assyria send an army, and in a + hostile manner overrun all Phoenicia, but soon made peace with them all, + and returned back; but Sidon, and Ace, and Palsetyrus revolted; and many + other cities there were which delivered themselves up to the king of + Assyria. Accordingly, when the Tyrians would not submit to him, the king + returned, and fell upon them again, while the Phoenicians had furnished + him with threescore ships, and eight hundred men to row them; and when the + Tyrians had come upon them in twelve ships, and the enemy's ships were + dispersed, they took five hundred men prisoners, and the reputation of all + the citizens of Tyre was thereby increased; but the king of Assyria + returned, and placed guards at their rivers and aqueducts, who should + hinder the Tyrians from drawing water. This continued for five years; and + still the Tyrians bore the siege, and drank of the water they had out of + the wells they dug." And this is what is written in the Tyrian archives + concerning Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria. + </p> + <p> + 3. But now the Cutheans, who removed into Samaria, [for that is the name + they have been called by to this time, because they were brought out of + the country called Cuthah, which is a country of Persia, and there is a + river of the same name in it,] each of them, according to their nations, + which were in number five, brought their own gods into Samaria, and by + worshipping them, as was the custom of their own countries, they provoked + Almighty God to be angry and displeased at them, for a plague seized upon + them, by which they were destroyed; and when they found no cure for their + miseries, they learned by the oracle that they ought to worship Almighty + God, as the method for their deliverance. So they sent ambassadors to the + king of Assyria, and desired him to send them some of those priests of the + Israelites whom he had taken captive. And when he thereupon sent them, and + the people were by them taught the laws, and the holy worship of God, they + worshipped him in a respectful manner, and the plague ceased immediately; + and indeed they continue to make use of the very same customs to this very + time, and are called in the Hebrew tongue Cutlans, but in the Greek tongue + Samaritans. And when they see the Jews in prosperity, they pretend that + they are changed, and allied to them, and call them kinsmen, as though + they were derived from Joseph, and had by that means an original alliance + with them; but when they see them falling into a low condition, they say + they are no way related to them, and that the Jews have no right to expect + any kindness or marks of kindred from them, but they declare that they are + sojourners, that come from other countries. But of these we shall have a + more seasonable opportunity to discourse hereafter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92H_FOOT" id="link92H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link9note-1" id="link9note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link9noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ These judges constituted + by Jehoshaphat were a kind of Jerusalem Sanhedrim, out of the priests, the + Levites, and the principal of the people, both here and 2 Chronicles 19:8; + much like the old Christian judicatures of the bishop, the presbyters, the + deacons, and the people.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-2" id="link9note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link9noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ Concerning this precious + balsam, see the note on Atiq. B. VIII. ch. 6. sect. 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-3" id="link9note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link9noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ What are here Pontus and + Thrace, as the places whither Jehoshaphat's fleet sailed, are in our other + copies Ophir and Tarshish, and the place whence it sailed is in them + Eziongeber, which lay on the Red Sea, whence it was impossible for any + ships to sail to Pontus or Thrace; so that Josephus's copy differed from + our other copies, as is further plain from his own words, which render + what we read, that "the ships were broken at Eziongeber, from their + unwieldy greatness." But so far we may conclude, that Josephus thought one + Ophir to be some where in the Mediterranean, and not in the South Sea, + though perhaps there might be another Ophir in that South Sea also, and + that fleets might then sail both from Phoenicia and from the Red Sea to + fetch the gold of Ophir.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-4" id="link9note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link9noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ This god of flies seems to + have been so called, as was the like god among the Greeks, from his + supposed power over flies, in driving them away from the flesh of their + sacrifices, which otherwise would have been very troublesome to them.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-5" id="link9note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link9noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ It is commonly esteemed a + very cruel action of Elijah, when he called for fire from heaven, and + consumed no fewer than two captains and a hundred soldiers, and this for + no other crime than obeying the orders of their king, in attempting to + seize him; and it is owned by our Savior, that it was an instance of + greater severity than the spirit of the New Testament allows, Luke 9:54. + But then we must consider that it is not unlikely that these captains and + soldiers believed that they were sent to fetch the prophet, that he might + be put to death for foretelling the death of the king, and this while they + knew him to be the prophet of the true God, the supreme King of Israel, + [for they were still under the theocracy,] which was no less than impiety, + rebellion, and treason, in the highest degree: nor would the command of a + subaltern, or inferior captain, contradicting the commands of the general, + when the captain and the soldiers both knew it to be so, as I suppose, + justify or excuse such gross rebellion and disobedience in soldiers at + this day. Accordingly, when Saul commanded his guards to slay Ahimelech + and the priests at Nob, they knew it to be an unlawful command, and would + not obey it, 1 Samuel 22:17. From which cases both officers and soldiers + may learn, that the commands of their leaders or kings cannot justify or + excuse them in doing what is wicked in the sight of God, or in fighting in + an unjust cause, when they know it so to be.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-6" id="link9note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link9noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ This practice of cutting + down, or plucking up by the roots, the fruit trees was forbidden, even in + ordinary wars, by the law of Moses, Deuteronomy 20:19, 20, and only + allowed by God in this particular case, when the Moabites were to be + punished and cut off in an extraordinary manner for their wickedness See + Jeremiah 48:11-13, and many the like prophecies against them. Nothing + could therefore justify this practice but a particular commission from God + by his prophet, as in the present case, which was ever a sufficient + warrant for breaking any such ritual or ceremonial law whatsoever.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-7" id="link9note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link9noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ That this woman who cried + to Elisha, and who in our Bible is styled "the wife of one of the sons of + the prophets," 2 Kings 4:1, was no other than the widow of Obadiah, the + good steward of Ahab, is confirmed by the Chaldee paraphrast, and by the + Rabbins and others. Nor is that unlikely which Josephus here adds, that + these debts were contracted by her husband for the support of those + "hundred of the Lord's prophets, whom he maintained by fifty in a cave," + in the days of Ahab and Jezebel, 1 Kings 18:4; which circumstance rendered + it highly fit that the prophet Elisha should provide her a remedy, and + enable her to redeem herself and her sons from the fear of that slavery + which insolvent debtors were liable to by the law of Moses, Leviticus + 25:39; Matthew 18:25; which he did accordingly, with God's help, at the + expense of a miracle.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-8" id="link9note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link9noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ Dr. Hudson, with very good + reason, suspects that there is no small defect in our present copies of + Josephus, just before the beginning of this section, and that chiefly as + to that distinct account which he had given us reason to expect in the + first section, and to which he seems to refer, ch. 8. sect. 6. concerning + the glorious miracles which Elisha wrought, which indeed in our Bibles are + not a few, 2 Kings 6-9., but of which we have several omitted in + Josephus's present copies. One of those histories, omitted at present, was + evidently in his Bible, I mean that of the curing of Nanman's leprosy, 2 + Kings 5.; for he plainly alludes to it, B. III. ch. 11. sect. 4, where he + observes, that "there were lepers in many nations who yet have been in + honor, and not only free from reproach and avoidance, but who have been + great captains of armies, and been intrusted with high offices in the + commonwealth, and have had the privilege of entering into holy places and + temples." But what makes me most regret the want of that history in our + present copies of Josephus is this, that we have here, as it is commonly + understood, one of the greatest difficulties in all the Bible, that in 2 + Kings 5:18, 19, where Naaman, after he had been miraculously cured by a + prophet of the true God, and had thereupon promised [ver. 17: that "he + would henceforth offer neither burnt-offering nor sacrifice unto other + gods, but unto the Lord," adds, "In this thing the Lord pardon thy + servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimnu to worship + there, and he leaneth on my hands, and I bow myself in the house of + Rimmort; when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmort, the Lord pardon + thy servant in this thing. And Elisha said, Go in peace." This looks like + a prophet's permission for being partaker in idolatry itself, out of + compliance with an idolatrous court.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-9" id="link9note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link9noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ Upon occasion of this + stratagem of Elisha, in Josephus, we may take notice, that although + Josephus was one of the greatest lovers of truth in the world, yet in a + just war he seems to have had no manner of scruple upon him by all such + stratagems possible to deceive public enemies. See this Josephus's account + of Jeremiah's imposition on the great men of the Jews in somewhat like + case, Antiq. B. X. ch. 7. sect. 6; 2 Samuel 16:16, &c.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-10" id="link9note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link9noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ This son of a murderer + was Joram, the son of Ahab, which Ahab slew, or permitted his wife Jezebel + to slay, the Lord's prophets, and Naboth, 1 Kings 18:4; 21:19; and he is + here called by this name, I suppose, because he had now also himself sent + an officer to murder him; yet is Josephus's account of Joram's coming + himself at last as repenting of his intended cruelty, much more probable + than that in our copies, 2 Kings 6:33, which rather implies the contrary.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-11" id="link9note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link9noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ This law of the Jews, + for the exclusion of lepers out of the camp in the wilderness, and out of + the cities in Judea, is a known one, Leviticus 13:46; Numbers 5:14.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-12" id="link9note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link9noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ Since Elijah did not + live to anoint Hazael king of Syria himself, as he was empowered to do, 1 + Kings 19:15, it was most probably now done, in his name, by his servant + and successor Elisha. Nor does it seem to me otherwise but that Benhadad + immediately recovered of his disease, as the prophet foretold; and that + Hazael, upon his being anointed to succeed him though he ought to have + staid till he died by the course of nature, or some other way of Divine + punishment, as did David for many years in the like case, was too + impatient, and the very next day smothered or strangled him, in order to + come directly to the succession.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-13" id="link9note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link9noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ What Mr. Le Clerc + pretends here, that it is more probable that Hazael and his son were + worshipped by the Syrians and people of Damascus till the days of + Josephus, than Benhadad and Hazael, because under Benhadad they had + greatly suffered, and because it is almost incredible that both a king and + that king's murderer should be worshipped by the same Syrians, is of + little force against those records, out of which Josephus drew this + history, especially when it is likely that they thought Benhadad died of + the distemper he labored under, and not by Hazael's treachery. Besides, + the reason that Josephus gives for this adoration, that these two kings + had been great benefactors to the inhabitants of Damascus, and had built + them temples, is too remote from the political suspicions of Le Clerc; nor + ought such weak suspicions to be deemed of any force against authentic + testimonies of antiquity.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-14" id="link9note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link9noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ This epistle, in some + copies of Josephus, is said to come to Jotare from Elijah, with this + addition," for he was yet upon earth," which could not be true of Elijah, + who, as all agree, was gone from the earth about four years before, and + could only be true of Elisha; nor perhaps is there any more mystery here, + than that the name of Elijah has very anciently crept into the text + instead of Elisha, by the copiers, there being nothing in any copy of that + epistle peculiar to Elijah.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-15" id="link9note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link9noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ Spanheim here notes, + that this putting off men's garments, and strewing them under a king, was + an Eastern custom, which he had elsewhere explained.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-16" id="link9note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link9noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ Our copies say that this + "driving of the chariots was like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; + for he driveth furiously," 2 Kings 9:20; whereas Josephus's copy, as he + understood it, was this, that, on the contrary, Jehu marched slowly, and + in good order. Nor can it be denied, that since there was interval enough + for king Joram to send out two horsemen, one after another, to Jehu, and + at length to go out with king Ahaziah to meet him, and all this after he + was come within sight of the watchman, and before he was come to Jezreel, + the probability is greatly on the side of Josephus's copy or + interpretation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-17" id="link9note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link9noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ This character of Joash, + the son of Jehoahaz, that "he was a good man, and in his disposition not + at all like to his father," seems a direct contradiction to our ordinary + copies, which say [2 Kings 13:11] that "he did evil in the sight of the + Lord; and that he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam, the son of + Nebat, who made Israel to sin: he walked therein." Which copies are here + the truest it is hard positively to determine. If Josephus's be true, this + Joash is the single instance of a good king over the ten tribes; if the + other be true, we have not one such example. The account that follows, in + all copies, of Elisha the prophet's concern for him, and his concern for + Elisha, greatly favors Josephus's copies, and supposes this king to have + been then a good man, and no idolater, with whom God's prophets used not + to be so familiar. Upon the whole, since it appears, even by Josephus's + own account, that Amaziah, the good king of Judah, while he was a good + king, was forbidden to make use of the hundred thousand auxiliaries he had + hired of this Joash, the king of Israel, as if he and they were then + idolaters, 2 Chronicles 25:6-9, it is most likely that these different + characters of Joash suited the different parts of his reign, and that, + according to our common copies, he was at first a wicked king, and + afterwards was reclaimed, and became a good one, according to Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-18" id="link9note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link9noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ What I have above noted + concerning Jehoash, seems to me to have been true also concerning his son + Jeroboam II., viz. that although he began wickedly, as Josephus agrees + with our other copies, and, as he adds, "was the cause of a vast number of + misfortunes to the Israelites" in those his first years, [the particulars + of which are unhappily wanting both in Josephus and in all our copies,] so + does it seem to me that he was afterwards reclaimed, and became a good + king, and so was encouraged by the prophet Jonah, and had great successes + afterward, when "God had saved the Israelites by the hand of Jeroboam, the + son of Joash," 2 Kings 14:27; which encouragement by Jonah, and great + successes, are equally observable in Josephus, and in the other copies.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-19" id="link9note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link9noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ When Jonah is said in + our Bibles to have gone to Tarshish, Jonah 1:3, Josephus understood it + that he went to Tarsus in Cilicia, or to the Mediterranean Sea, upon which + Tarsus lay; so that he does not appear to have read the text, 1 Kings + 22:48, as our copies do, that ships of Tarshish could lie at Ezion-geber, + upon the Red Sea. But as to Josephus's assertion, that Jonah's fish was + carried by the strength of the current, upon a nean, it is by no means an + improbable determination in Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-20" id="link9note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link9noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ This ancient piece of + religion, of supposing there was great sin where there was great misery, + and of casting lots to discover great sinners, not only among the + Israelites, but among these heathen mariners, seems a remarkable remains + of the ancient tradition which prevailed of old over all mankind, that + Providence used to interpose visibly in all human affairs, and storm, as + far as the Euxine Sea, it is no way impossible; and since the storm might + have driven the ship, while Jonah was in it never to bring, or at least + not long to continue, notorious judge, near to that Euxine Sea, and since + in three more days, while but for notorious sins, which the most ancient + Book of he was in the fish's belly, that current might bring him to the + Job shows to have been the state of mankind for about the Assyrian coast, + and since withal that coast could bring him former three thousand years of + the world, till the days of Job nearer to Nineveh than could any coast of + the Mediterranian and Moses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-21" id="link9note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link9noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ This account of an + earthquake at Jerusalem at the very same time when Uzziah usurped the + priest's office, and went into the sanctuary to burn incense, and of the + consequences of the earthquake, is entirely wanting in our other copies, + though it be exceeding like to a prophecy of Jeremiah, now in Zechariah + 14:4, 5; in which prophecy mention is made of "fleeing from that + earthquake, as they fled from this earthquake in the days of Uzziah king + of Judah;" so that there seems to have been some considerable resemblance + between these historical and prophetical earthquakes.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-22" id="link9note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link9noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ Dr. Wall, in his + critical notes on 2 Kings 15:20, observes, "that when this Menahem is said + to have exacted the money of Israel of all the mighty men of wealth, of + each man fifty shekels of silver, to give Pul, the king of Assyria, a + thousand talents, this is the first public money raised by any [Israelite] + king by tax on the people; that they used before to raise it out of the + treasures of the house of the Lord, or of their own house; that it was a + poll-money on the rich men, [and them only,] to raise oe353,000, or, as + others count a talent, oe400,000, at the rate of oe6 or oe7 per head; and + that God commanded, by Ezekiel, ch. 45:8; 46:18, that no such thing should + be done [at the Jews' restoration], but the king should have land of his + own."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-23" id="link9note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link9noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ This passage is taken + out of the prophet Nahum, ch. 2:8-13, and is the principal, or rather the + only, one that is given us almost verbatim, but a little abridged, in all + Josephus's known writings: by which quotation we learn what he himself + always asserts, viz. that he made use of the Hebrew original and not of + the Greek version]; as also we learn, that his Hebrew copy considerably + differed from ours. See all three texts particularly set down and compared + together in the Essay on the Old Testament, page 187.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9note-24" id="link9note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link9noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ This siege of Samaria, + though not given a particular account of, either in our Hebrew or Greek + Bibles, or in Josephus, was so very long, no less than three years, that + it was no way improbable but that parents, and particularly mothers, might + therein be reduced to eat their own children, as the law of Moses had + threatened upon their disobedience, Leviticus 26;29; Deuteronomy 28:53-57; + and as was accomplished in the other shorter sieges of both the capital + cities, Jerusalem and Samaria; the former mentioned Jeremiah 19:9; Antiq. + B. IX. ch. 4. sect. 4, and the latter, 2 Kings 6:26-29.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link102H_4_0001" id="link102H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK X. Containing The Interval Of One Hundred And Eighty-Two Years + And A Half.—From The Captivity Of The Ten Tribes To The First Year + Of Cyrus. </big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link102HCH0001" id="link102HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. How Sennacherib Made An Expedition Against Hezekiah; What + Threatenings Rabshakeh Made To Hezekiah When Sennacherib Was Gone Against + The Egyptians; How Isaiah The Prophet Encouraged Him; How Sennacherib + Having Failed Of Success In Egypt, Returned Thence To Jerusalem; And How + Upon His Finding His Army Destroyed, He Returned Home; And What Befell Him + A Little Afterward. + </h3> + <p> + 1. It was now the fourteenth year of the government of Hezekiah, king of + the two tribes, when the king of Assyria, whose name was Sennacherib, made + an expedition against him with a great army, and took all the cities of + the tribes of Judah and Benjamin by force; and when he was ready to bring + his army against Jerusalem, Hezekiah sent ambassadors to him beforehand, + and promised to submit, and pay what tribute he should appoint. Hereupon + Sennacherib, when he heard of what offers the ambassadors made, resolved + not to proceed in the war, but to accept of the proposals that were made + him; and if he might receive three hundred talents of silver, and thirty + talents of gold, he promised that he would depart in a friendly manner; + and he gave security upon oath to the ambassadors that he would then do + him no harm, but go away as he came. So Hezekiah submitted, and emptied + his treasures, and sent the money, as supposing he should be freed from + his enemy, and from any further distress about his kingdom. Accordingly, + the Assyrian king took it, and yet had no regard to what he had promised; + but while he himself went to the war against the Egyptians and Ethiopians, + he left his general Rabshakeh, and two other of his principal commanders, + with great forces, to destroy Jerusalem. The names of the two other + commanders were Tartan and Rabsaris. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now as soon as they were come before the walls, they pitched their + camp, and sent messengers to Hezekiah, and desired that they might speak + with him; but he did not himself come out to them for fear, but he sent + three of his most intimate friends; the name of one was Eliakim, who was + over the kingdom, and Shebna, and Joah the recorder. So these men came + out, and stood over against the commanders of the Assyrian army; and when + Rabshakeh saw them, he bid them go and speak to Hezekiah in the manner + following: That Sennacherib, the great king, <a href="#link10note-1" + name="link10noteref-1" id="link10noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> desires + to know of him, on whom it is that he relies and depends, in flying from + his lord, and will not hear him, nor admit his army into the city? Is it + on account of the Egyptians, and in hopes that his army would be beaten by + them? Whereupon he lets him know, that if this be what he expects, he is a + foolish man, and like one who leans on a broken reed; while such a one + will not only fall down, but will have his hand pierced and hurt by it. + That he ought to know he makes this expedition against him by the will of + God, who hath granted this favor to him, that he shall overthrow the + kingdom of Israel, and that in the very same manner he shall destroy those + that are his subjects also. When Rabshakeh had made this speech in the + Hebrew tongue, for he was skillful in that language, Eliakim was afraid + lest the multitude that heard him should be disturbed; so he desired him + to speak in the Syrian tongue. But the general, understanding what he + meant, and perceiving the fear that he was in, he made his answer with a + greater and a louder voice, but in the Hebrew tongue; and said, that + "since they all heard what were the king's commands, they would consult + their own advantage in delivering up themselves to us; for it is plain the + both you and your king dissuade the people from submitting by vain hopes, + and so induce them to resist; but if you be courageous, and think to drive + our forces away, I am ready to deliver to you two thousand of these horses + that are with me for your use, if you can set as many horsemen on their + backs, and show your strength; but what you have not you cannot produce. + Why therefore do you delay to deliver up yourselves to a superior force, + who can take you without your consent? although it will be safer for you + to deliver yourselves up voluntarily, while a forcible capture, when you + are beaten, must appear more dangerous, and will bring further calamities + upon you." + </p> + <p> + 3. When the people, as well as the ambassadors, heard what the Assyrian + commander said, they related it to Hezekiah, who thereupon put off his + royal apparel, and clothed himself with sackcloth, and took the habit of a + mourner, and, after the manner of his country, he fell upon his face, and + besought God, and entreated him to assist them, now they had no other hope + of relief. He also sent some of his friends, and some of the priests, to + the prophet Isaiah, and desired that he would pray to God, and offer + sacrifices for their common deliverance, and so put up supplications to + him, that he would have indignation at the expectations of their enemies, + and have mercy upon his people. And when the prophet had done accordingly, + an oracle came from God to him, and encouraged the king and his friends + that were about him; and foretold that their enemies should be beaten + without fighting, and should go away in an ignominious manner, and not + with that insolence which they now show, for that God would take care that + they should be destroyed. He also foretold that Sennacherib, the king of + Assyria, should fail of his purpose against Egypt, and that when he came + home he should perish by the sword. + </p> + <p> + 4. About the same time also the king of Assyria wrote an epistle to + Hezekiah, in which he said he was a foolish man, in supposing that he + should escape from being his servant, since he had already brought under + many and great nations; and he threatened, that when he took him, he would + utterly destroy him, unless he now opened the gates, and willingly + received his army into Jerusalem. When he read this epistle, he despised + it, on account of the trust that he had in God; but he rolled up the + epistle, and laid it up within the temple. And as he made his further + prayers to God for the city, and for the preservation of all the people, + the prophet Isaiah said that God had heard his prayer, and that he should + not be besieged at this time by the king of Assyria <a href="#link10note-2" + name="link10noteref-2" id="link10noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> that for + the future he might be secure of not being at all disturbed by him; and + that the people might go on peaceably, and without fear, with their + husbandry and other affairs. But after a little while the king of Assyria, + when he had failed of his treacherous designs against the Egyptians, + returned home without success, on the following occasion: He spent a long + time in the siege of Pelusium; and when the banks that he had raised over + against the walls were of a great height, and when he was ready to make an + immediate assault upon them, but heard that Tirhaka, king of the + Ethiopians, was coming and bringing great forces to aid the Egyptians, and + was resolved to march through the desert, and so to fall directly upon the + Assyrians, this king Sennacherib was disturbed at the news, and, as I said + before, left Pelusium, and returned back without success. Now concerning + this Sennacherib, Herodotus also says, in the second book of his + histories, how "this king came against the Egyptian king, who was the + priest of Vulcan; and that as he was besieging Pelusium, he broke up the + siege on the following occasion: This Egyptian priest prayed to God, and + God heard his prayer, and sent a judgment upon the Arabian king." But in + this Herodotus was mistaken, when he called this king not king of the + Assyrians, but of the Arabians; for he saith that "a multitude of mice + gnawed to pieces in one night both the bows and the rest of the armor of + the Assyrians, and that it was on that account that the king, when he had + no bows left, drew off his army from Pelusium." And Herodotus does indeed + give us this history; nay, and Berosus, who wrote of the affairs of + Chaldea, makes mention of this king Sennacherib, and that he ruled over + the Assyrians, and that he made an expedition against all Asia and Egypt; + and says thus: + </p> + <p> + 5. "Now when Sennacherib was returning from his Egyptian war to Jerusalem, + he found his army under Rabshakeh his general in danger [by a plague], for + God had sent a pestilential distemper upon his army; and on the very first + night of the siege, a hundred fourscore and five thousand, with their + captains and generals, were destroyed. So the king was in a great dread + and in a terrible agony at this calamity; and being in great fear for his + whole army, he fled with the rest of his forces to his own kingdom, and to + his city Nineveh; and when he had abode there a little while, he was + treacherously assaulted, and died by the hands of his elder sons, <a + href="#link10note-3" name="link10noteref-3" id="link10noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> + Adrammelech and Seraser, and was slain in his own temple, which was called + Araske. Now these sons of his were driven away on account of the murder of + their father by the citizens, and went into Armenia, while Assarachoddas + took the kingdom of Sennacherib." And this proved to be the conclusion of + this Assyrian expedition against the people of Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link102HCH0002" id="link102HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. How Hezekiah Was Sick, And Ready To Die; And How God Bestowed + Upon Him Fifteen Years Longer Life, [And Secured That Promise] By The + Going Back Of The Shadow Ten Degrees. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now king Hezekiah being thus delivered, after a surprising manner, from + the dread he was in, offered thank-offerings to God, with all his people, + because nothing else had destroyed some of their enemies, and made the + rest so fearful of undergoing the same fate that they departed from + Jerusalem, but that Divine assistance. Yet, while he was very zealous and + diligent about the worship of God, did he soon afterwards fall into a + severe distemper, insomuch that the physicians despaired of him, and + expected no good issue of his sickness, as neither did his friends: and + besides the distemper <a href="#link10note-4" name="link10noteref-4" + id="link10noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> itself, there was a very + melancholy circumstance that disordered the king, which was the + consideration that he was childless, and was going to die, and leave his + house and his government without a successor of his own body; so he was + troubled at the thoughts of this his condition, and lamented himself, and + entreated of God that he would prolong his life for a little while till he + had some children, and not suffer him to depart this life before he was + become a father. Hereupon God had mercy upon him, and accepted of his + supplication, because the trouble he was under at his supposed death was + not because he was soon to leave the advantages he enjoyed in the kingdom, + nor did he on that account pray that he might have a longer life afforded + him, but in order to have sons, that might receive the government after + him. And God sent Isaiah the prophet, and commanded him to inform + Hezekiah, that within three days' time he should get clear of his + distemper, and should survive it fifteen years, and that he should have + children also. Now, upon the prophet's saying this, as God had commanded + him, he could hardly believe it, both on account of the distemper he was + under, which was very sore, and by reason of the surprising nature of what + was told him; so he desired that Isaiah would give him some sign or + wonder, that he might believe him in what he had said, and be sensible + that he came from God; for things that are beyond expectation, and greater + than our hopes, are made credible by actions of the like nature. And when + Isaiah had asked him what sign he desired to be exhibited, he desired that + he would make the shadow of the sun, which he had already made to go down + ten steps [or degrees] in his house, to return again to the same place, <a + href="#link10note-5" name="link10noteref-5" id="link10noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + and to make it as it was before. And when the prophet prayed to God to + exhibit this sign to the king, he saw what he desired to see, and was + freed from his distemper, and went up to the temple, where he worshipped + God, and made vows to him. + </p> + <p> + 2. At this time it was that the dominion of the Assyrians was overthrown + by the Medes; <a href="#link10note-6" name="link10noteref-6" + id="link10noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> but of these things I shall + treat elsewhere. But the king of Babylon, whose name was Baladan, sent + ambassadors to Hezekiah, with presents, and desired he would be his ally + and his friend. So he received the ambassadors gladly, and made them a + feast, and showed them his treasures, and his armory, and the other wealth + he was possessed of, in precious stones and in gold, and gave them + presents to be carried to Baladan, and sent them back to him. Upon which + the prophet Isaiah came to him, and inquired of him whence those + ambassadors came; to which he replied, that they came from Babylon, from + the king; and that he had showed them all he had, that by the sight of his + riches and forces he might thereby guess at [the plenty he was in], and be + able to inform the king of it. But the prophet rejoined, and said, "Know + thou, that, after a little while, these riches of thine shall be carried + away to Babylon, and thy posterity shall be made eunuchs there, and lose + their manhood, and be servants to the king of Babylon; for that God + foretold such things would come to pass." Upon which words Hezekiah was + troubled, and said that he was himself unwilling that his nation should + fall into such calamities; yet since it is not possible to alter what God + had determined, he prayed that there might be peace while he lived. + Berosus also makes mention of this Baladan, king of Babylon. Now as to + this prophet [Isaiah], he was by the confession of all, a divine and + wonderful man in speaking truth; and out of the assurance that he had + never written what was false, he wrote down all his prophecies, and left + them behind him in books, that their accomplishment might be judged of + from the events by posterity: nor did this prophet do so alone, but the + others, which were twelve in number, did the same. And whatsoever is done + among us, Whether it be good, or whether it be bad, comes to pass + according to their prophecies; but of every one of these we shall speak + hereafter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link102HCH0003" id="link102HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. How Manasseh Reigned After Hezekiah; And How When He Was In + Captivity He Returned To God And Was Restored To His Kingdom And Left It + To [His Son] Amon. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When king Hezekiah had survived the interval of time already mentioned, + and had dwelt all that time in peace, he died, having completed fifty-four + years of his life, and reigned twenty-nine. But when his son Manasseh, + whose mother's name was Hephzibah, of Jerusalem, had taken the kingdom, he + departed from the conduct of his father, and fell into a course of life + quite contrary thereto, and showed himself in his manners most wicked in + all respects, and omitted no sort of impiety, but imitated those + transgressions of the Israelites, by the commission of which against God + they had been destroyed; for he was so hardy as to defile the temple of + God, and the city, and the whole country; for, by setting out from a + contempt of God, he barbarously slew all the righteous men that were among + the Hebrews; nor would he spare the prophets, for he every day slew some + of them, till Jerusalem was overflown with blood. So God was angry at + these proceedings, and sent prophets to the king, and to the multitude, by + whom he threatened the very same calamities to them which their brethren + the Israelites, upon the like affronts offered to God, were now under. But + these men would not believe their words, by which belief they might have + reaped the advantage of escaping all those miseries; yet did they in + earnest learn that what the prophets had told them was true. + </p> + <p> + 2. And when they persevered in the same course of life, God raised up war + against them from the king of Babylon and Chaldea, who sent an army + against Judea, and laid waste the country; and caught king Manasseh by + treachery, and ordered him to be brought to him, and had him under his + power to inflict what punishment he pleased upon him. But then it was that + Manasseh perceived what a miserable condition he was in, and esteeming + himself the cause of all, he besought God to render his enemy humane and + merciful to him. Accordingly, God heard his prayer, and granted him what + he prayed for. So Manasseh was released by the king of Babylon, and + escaped the danger he was in; and when he was come to Jerusalem, he + endeavored, if it were possible, to cast out of his memory those his + former sins against God, of which he now repented, and to apply himself to + a very religious life. He sanctified the temple, and purged the city, and + for the remainder of his days he was intent on nothing but to return his + thanks to God for his deliverance, and to preserve him propitious to him + all his life long. He also instructed the multitude to do the same, as + having very nearly experienced what a calamity he was fallen into by a + contrary conduct. He also rebuilt the altar, and offered the legal + sacrifices, as Moses commanded. And when he had re-established what + concerned the Divine worship, as it ought to be, he took care of the + security of Jerusalem: he did not only repair the old walls with great + diligence, but added another wall to the former. He also built very lofty + towers, and the garrisoned places before the city he strengthened, not + only in other respects, but with provisions of all sorts that they wanted. + And indeed, when he had changed his former course, he so led his life for + the time to come, that from the time of his return to piety towards God he + was deemed a happy man, and a pattern for imitation. When therefore he had + lived sixty-seven years, he departed this life, having reigned fifty-five + years, and was buried in his own garden; and the kingdom came to his son + Amon, whose mother's name was Meshulemeth, of the city of Jotbath. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link102HCH0004" id="link102HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. How Amon Reigned Instead Of Manasseh; And After Amon Reigned + Josiah; He Was Both Righteous And Religious. As Also Concerning Huldah The + Prophetess. + </h3> + <p> + 1. This Amon imitated those works of his father which he insolently did + when he was young: so he had a conspiracy made against him by his own + servants, and was slain in his own house, when he had lived twenty-four + years, and of them had reigned two. But the multitude punished those that + slew Amon, and buried him with his father, and gave the kingdom to his son + Josiah, who was eight years old. His mother was of the city of Boscath, + and her name was Jedidah. He was of a most excellent disposition, and + naturally virtuous, and followed the actions of king David, as a pattern + and a rule to him in the whole conduct of his life. And when he was twelve + years old, he gave demonstrations of his religious and righteous behavior; + for he brought the people to a sober way of living, and exhorted them to + leave off the opinion they had of their idols, because they were not gods, + but to worship their own God. And by repeating on the actions of his + progenitors, he prudently corrected what they did wrong, like a very + elderly man, and like one abundantly able to understand what was fit to be + done; and what he found they had well done, he observed all the country + over, and imitated the same. And thus he acted in following the wisdom and + sagacity of his own nature, and in compliance with the advice and + instruction of the elders; for by following the laws it was that he + succeeded so well in the order of his government, and in piety with regard + to the Divine worship. And this happened because the transgressions of the + former kings were seen no more, but quite vanished away; for the king went + about the city, and the whole country, and cut down the groves which were + devoted to strange gods, and overthrew their altars; and if there were any + gifts dedicated to them by his forefathers, he made them ignominious, and + plucked them down; and by this means he brought the people back from their + opinion about them to the worship of God. He also offered his accustomed + sacrifices and burnt- offerings upon the altar. Moreover, he ordained + certain judges and overseers, that they might order the matters to them + severally belonging, and have regard to justice above all things, and + distribute it with the same concern they would have about their own soul. + He also sent over all the country, and desired such as pleased to bring + gold and silver for the repairs of the temple, according to every one's + inclinations and abilities. And when the money was brought in, he made one + Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Shaphan the scribe, and Joab the + recorder, and Eliakim the high priest, curators of the temple, and of the + charges contributed thereto; who made no delay, nor put the work off at + all, but prepared architects, and whatsoever was proper for those repairs, + and set closely about the work. So the temple was repaired by this means, + and became a public demonstration of the king's piety. + </p> + <p> + 2. But when he was now in the eighteenth year of his reign, he sent to + Eliakim the high priest, and gave order, that out of what money was + overplus, he should cast cups, and dishes, and vials, for ministration [in + the temple]; and besides, that they should bring all the gold or silver + which was among the treasures, and expend that also in making cups and the + like vessels. But as the high priest was bringing out the gold, he lighted + upon the holy books of Moses that were laid up in the temple; and when he + had brought them out, he gave them to Shaphan the scribe, who, when he had + read them, came to the king, and informed him that all was finished which + he had ordered to be done. He also read over the books to him, who, when + he had heard them read, rent his garment, and called for Eliakim the high + priest, and for [Shaphan] the scribe, and for certain [other] of his most + particular friends, and sent them to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of + Shallum, [which Shallum was a man of dignity, and of an eminent family,] + and bid them go to her, and say that [he desired] she would appease God, + and endeavor to render him propitious to them, for that there was cause to + fear, lest, upon the transgression of the laws of Moses by their + forefathers, they should be in peril of going into captivity, and of being + cast out of their own country; lest they should be in want of all things, + and so end their days miserably. When the prophetess had heard this from + the messengers that were sent to her by the king, she bid them go back to + the king, and say that "God had already given sentence against them, to + destroy the people, and cast them out of their country, and deprive them + of all the happiness they enjoyed;" which sentence none could set aside by + any prayers of theirs, since it was passed on account of their + transgressions of the laws, and of their not having repented in so long a + time, while the prophets had exhorted them to amend, and had foretold the + punishment that would ensue on their impious practices; which threatening + God would certainly execute upon them, that they might be persuaded that + he is God, and had not deceived them in any respect as to what he had + denounced by his prophets; that yet, because Josiah was a righteous man, + he would at present delay those calamities, but that after his death he + would send on the multitude what miseries he had determined for them. + </p> + <p> + 3. So these messengers, upon this prophecy of the woman, came and told it + to the king; whereupon he sent to the people every where, and ordered that + the priests and the Levites should come together to Jerusalem; and + commanded that those of every age should be present also. And when they + had gathered together, he first read to them the holy books; after which + he stood upon a pulpit, in the midst of the multitude, and obliged them to + make a covenant, with an oath, that they would worship God, and keep the + laws of Moses. Accordingly, they gave their assent willingly, and + undertook to do what the king had recommended to them. So they immediately + offered sacrifices, and that after an acceptable manner, and besought God + to be gracious and merciful to them. He also enjoined the high priest, + that if there remained in the temple any vessel that was dedicated to + idols, or to foreign gods, they should cast it out. So when a great number + of such vessels were got together, he burnt them, and scattered their + ashes abroad, and slew the priests of the idols that were not of the + family of Aaron. + </p> + <p> + 4. And when he had done thus in Jerusalem, he came into the country, and + utterly destroyed what buildings had been made therein by king Jeroboam, + in honor of strange gods; and he burnt the bones of the false prophets + upon that altar which Jeroboam first built; and, as the prophet [Jadon], + who came to Jeroboam when he was offering sacrifice, and when all the + people heard him, foretold what would come to pass, viz. that a certain + man of the house of David, Josiah by name, should do what is here + mentioned. And it happened that those predictions took effect after three + hundred and sixty-one years. + </p> + <p> + 5. After these things, Josiah went also to such other Israelites as had + escaped captivity and slavery under the Assyrians, and persuaded them to + desist from their impious practices, and to leave off the honors they paid + to strange gods, but to worship rightly their own Almighty God, and adhere + to him. He also searched the houses, and the villages, and the cities, out + of a suspicion that somebody might have one idol or other in private; nay, + indeed, he took away the chariots [of the sun] that were set up in his + royal palace, <a href="#link10note-7" name="link10noteref-7" + id="link10noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> which his predecessors had + framed, and what thing soever there was besides which they worshipped as a + god. And when he had thus purged all the country, he called the people to + Jerusalem, and there celebrated the feast of unleavened bread, and that + called the passover. He also gave the people for paschal sacrifices, young + kids of the goats, and lambs, thirty thousand, and three thousand oxen for + burnt-offerings. The principal of the priests also gave to the priests + against the passover two thousand and six hundred lambs; the principal of + the Levites also gave to the Levites five thousand lambs, and five hundred + oxen, by which means there was great plenty of sacrifices; and they + offered those sacrifices according to the laws of Moses, while every + priest explained the matter, and ministered to the multitude. And indeed + there had been no other festival thus celebrated by the Hebrews from the + times of Samuel the prophet; and the plenty of sacrifices now was the + occasion that all things were performed according to the laws, and + according to the custom of their forefathers. So when Josiah had after + this lived in peace, nay, in riches and reputation also, among all men, he + ended his life in the manner following. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link102HCH0005" id="link102HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. How Josiah Fought With Neco [King Of Egypt.] And Was Wounded + And Died In A Little Time Afterward; As Also How Neco Carried Jehoahaz, + Who Had Been Made King Into Egypt And Delivered The Kingdom To Jehoiakim; + And [Lastly] Concerning Jeremiah And Ezekiel. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Neco, king of Egypt, raised an army, and marched to the river + Euphrates, in order to fight with the Medes and Babylonians, who had + overthrown the dominion of the Assyrians, <a href="#link10note-8" + name="link10noteref-8" id="link10noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> for he + had a desire to reign over Asia. Now when he was come to the city Mendes, + which belonged to the kingdom of Josiah, he brought an army to hinder him + from passing through his own country, in his expedition against the Medes. + Now Neco sent a herald to Josiah, and told him that he did not make this + expedition against him, but was making haste to Euphrates; and desired + that he would not provoke him to fight against him, because he obstructed + his march to the place whither he had resolved to go. But Josiah did not + admit of this advice of Neco, but put himself into a posture to hinder him + from his intended march. I suppose it was fate that pushed him on this + conduct, that it might take an occasion against him; for as he was setting + his army in array, <a href="#link10note-9" name="link10noteref-9" + id="link10noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> and rode about in his chariot, + from one wing of his army to another, one of the Egyptians shot an arrow + at him, and put an end to his eagerness of fighting; for being sorely + wounded, he command a retreat to be sounded for his army, and returned to + Jerusalem, and died of that wound; and was magnificently buried in the + sepulcher of his fathers, when he had lived thirty-nine years, and of them + had reigned thirty-one. But all the people mourned greatly for him, + lamenting and grieving on his account many days; and Jeremiah the prophet + composed an elegy to lament him, <a href="#link10note-10" + name="link10noteref-10" id="link10noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> which + is extant till this time also. Moreover, this prophet denounced + beforehand the sad calamities that were coming upon the city. He also left + behind him in writing a description of that destruction of our nation + which has lately happened in our days, and the taking of Babylon; nor was + he the only prophet who delivered such predictions beforehand to the + multitude, but so did Ezekiel also, who was the first person that wrote, + and left behind him in writing two books concerning these events. Now + these two prophets were priests by birth, but of them Jeremiah dwelt in + Jerusalem, from the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah, until the city + and temple were utterly destroyed. However, as to what befell this + prophet, we will relate it in its proper place. + </p> + <p> + 2. Upon the death of Josiah, which we have already mentioned, his son, + Jehoahaz by name, took the kingdom, being about twenty-three years old. He + reigned in Jerusalem; and his mother was Hamutal, of the city Libhah. He + was an impious man, and impure in his course of life; but as the king of + Egypt returned from the battle, he sent for Jehoahaz to come to him, to + the city called Hamath <a href="#link10note-11" name="link10noteref-11" + id="link10noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> which belongs to Syria; and + when he was come, he put him in bands, and delivered the kingdom to a + brother of his, by the father's side, whose name was Eliakim, and changed + his name to Jehoiakim and laid a tribute upon the land of a hundred + talents of silver, and a talent of gold; and this sum of money Jehoiakim + paid by way of tribute; but Neco carried away Jehoahaz into Egypt, where + he died when he had reigned three months and ten days. Now Jehoiakim's + mother was called Zebudah, of the city Rumah. He was of a wicked + disposition, and ready to do mischief; nor was he either religious towards + God, or good-natured towards men. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link102HCH0006" id="link102HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. How Nebuchadnezzar, When He Had Conquered The King Of Egypt + Made An Expedition Against The Jews, And Slew Jehoiakim, And Made + Jehoiachin His Son King. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now in the fourth year of the reign of Jehoiakim, one whose name was + Nebuchadnezzar took the government over the Babylonians, who at the same + time went up with a great army to the city Carchemish, which was at + Euphrates, upon a resolution he had taken to fight with Neco king of + Egypt, under whom all Syria then was. And when Neco understood the + intention of the king of Babylon, and that this expedition was made + against him, he did not despise his attempt, but made haste with a great + band of men to Euphrates to defend himself from Nebuchadnezzar; and when + they had joined battle, he was beaten, and lost many ten thousands [of his + soldiers] in the battle. So the king of Babylon passed over Euphrates, and + took all Syria, as far as Pelusium, excepting Judea. But when + Nebuchadnezzar had already reigned four years, which was the eighth of + Jehoiakim's government over the Hebrews, the king of Babylon made an + expedition with mighty forces against the Jews, and required tribute of + Jehoiakim, and threatened upon his refusal to make war against him. He was + affrighted at his threatening, and bought his peace with money, and + brought the tribute he was ordered to bring for three years. + </p> + <p> + 2. But on the third year, upon hearing that the king of the Babylonians + made an expedition against the Egyptians, he did not pay his tribute; yet + was he disappointed of his hope, for the Egyptians durst not fight at this + time. And indeed the prophet Jeremiah foretold every day, how vainly they + relied on their hopes from Egypt, and how the city would be overthrown by + the king of Babylon, and Jehoiakim the king would be subdued by him. But + what he thus spake proved to be of no advantage to them, because there + were none that should escape; for both the multitude and the rulers, when + they heard him, had no concern about what they heard; but being displeased + at what was said, as if the prophet were a diviner against the king, they + accused Jeremiah, and bringing him before the court, they required that a + sentence and a punishment might be given against him. Now all the rest + gave their votes for his condemnation, but the elders refused, who + prudently sent away the prophet from the court of [the prison], and + persuaded the rest to do Jeremiah no harm; for they said that he was not + the only person who foretold what would come to the city, but that Micah + signified the same before him, as well as many others, none of which + suffered any thing of the kings that then reigned, but were honored as the + prophets of God. So they mollified the multitude with these words, and + delivered Jeremiah from the punishment to which he was condemned. Now when + this prophet had written all his prophecies, and the people were fasting, + and assembled at the temple, on the ninth month of the fifth year of + Jehoiakim, he read the book he had composed of his predictions of what was + to befall the city, and the temple, and the multitude. And when the rulers + heard of it, they took the book from him, and bid him and Baruch the + scribe to go their ways, lest they should be discovered by one or other; + but they carried the book, and gave it to the king; so he gave order, in + the presence of his friends, that his scribe should take it, and read it. + When the king heard what it contained, he was angry, and tore it, and cast + it into the fire, where it was consumed. He also commanded that they + should seek for Jeremiah, and Baruch the scribe, and bring them to him, + that they might be punished. However, they escaped his anger. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now, a little time afterwards, the king of Babylon made an expedition + against Jehoiakim, whom he received [into the city], and this out of fear + of the foregoing predictions of this prophet, as supposing he should + suffer nothing that was terrible, because he neither shut the gates, nor + fought against him; yet when he was come into the city, he did not observe + the covenants he had made, but he slew such as were in the flower of their + age, and such as were of the greatest dignity, together with their king + Jehoiakim, whom he commanded to be thrown before the walls, without any + burial; and made his son Jehoiachin king of the country, and of the city: + he also took the principal persons in dignity for captives, three thousand + in number, and led them away to Babylon; among which was the prophet + Ezekiel, who was then but young. And this was the end of king Jehoiakim, + when he had lived thirty-six years, and of them reigned eleven. But + Jehoiachin succeeded him in the kingdom, whose mother's name was Nehushta; + she was a citizen of Jerusalem. He reigned three months and ten days. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link102HCH0007" id="link102HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. That The King Of Babylon Repented Of Making Jehoiachin King, + And Took Him Away To Babylon And Delivered The Kingdom To Zedekiah. This + King Would Not Believe What Was Predicted By Jeremiah And Ezekiel But + Joined Himself To The Egyptians; Who When They Came Into Judea, Were + Vanquished By The King Of Babylon; As Also What Befell Jeremiah. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But a terror seized on the king of Babylon, who had given the kingdom + to Jehoiachin, and that immediately; he was afraid that he should bear him + a grudge, because of his killing his father, and thereupon should make the + country revolt from him; wherefore he sent an army, and besieged + Jehoiachin in Jerusalem; but because he was of a gentle and just + disposition, he did not desire to see the city endangered on his account, + but he took his mother and kindred, and delivered them to the commanders + sent by the king of Babylon, and accepted of their oaths, that neither + should they suffer any harm, nor the city; which agreement they did not + observe for a single year, for the king of Babylon did not keep it, but + gave orders to his generals to take all that were in the city captives, + both the youth and the handicraftsmen, and bring them bound to him; their + number was ten thousand eight hundred and thirty-two; as also Jehoiachin, + and his mother and friends. And when these were brought to him, he kept + them in custody, and appointed Jehoiachin's uncle, Zedekiah, to be king; + and made him take an oath, that he would certainly keep the kingdom for + him, and make no innovation, nor have any league of friendship with the + Egyptians. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Zedekiah was twenty and one year's old when he took the government; + and had the same mother with his brother Jehoiakim, but was a despiser of + justice and of his duty, for truly those of the same age with him were + wicked about him, and the whole multitude did what unjust and insolent + things they pleased; for which reason the prophet Jeremiah came often to + him, and protested to him, and insisted, that he must leave off his + impieties and transgressions, and take care of what was right, and neither + give ear to the rulers, [among whom were wicked men,] nor give credit to + their false prophets, who deluded them, as if the king of Babylon would + make no more war against them, and as if the Egyptians would make war + against him, and conquer him, since what they said was not true, and the + events would not prove such [as they expected]. Now as to Zedekiah + himself, while he heard the prophet speak, he believed him, and agreed to + every thing as true, and supposed it was for his advantage; but then his + friends perverted him, and dissuaded him from what the prophet advised, + and obliged him to do what they pleased. Ezekiel also foretold in Babylon + what calamities were coming upon the people, which when he heard, he sent + accounts of them unto Jerusalem. But Zedekiah did not believe their + prophecies, for the reason following: It happened that the two prophets + agreed with one another in what they said as in all other things, that the + city should be taken, and Zedekiah himself should be taken captive; but + Ezekiel disagreed with him, and said that Zedekiah should not see Babylon, + while Jeremiah said to him, that the king of Babylon should carry him away + thither in bonds.... + </p> + <p> + 3. Now when Zedekiah had preserved the league of mutual assistance he had + made with the Babylonians for eight years, he brake it, and revolted to + the Egyptians, in hopes, by their assistance, of overcoming the + Babylonians. When the king of Babylon knew this, he made war against him: + he laid his country waste, and took his fortified towns, and came to the + city Jerusalem itself to besiege it. But when the king of Egypt heard what + circumstances Zedekiah his ally was in, he took a great army with him, and + came into Judea, as if he would raise the siege; upon which the king of + Babylon departed from Jerusalem, and met the Egyptians, and joined battle + with them, and beat them; and when he had put them to flight, he pursued + them, and drove them out of all Syria. Now as soon as the king of Babylon + was departed from Jerusalem, the false prophets deceived Zedekiah, and + said that the king of Babylon would not any more make war against him or + his people, nor remove them out of their own country into Babylon; and + that those then in captivity would return, with all those vessels of the + temple of which the king of Babylon had despoiled that temple. But + Jeremiah came among them, and prophesied what contradicted those + predictions, and what proved to be true, that they did ill, and deluded + the king; that the Egyptians would be of no advantage to them, but that + the king of Babylon would renew the war against Jerusalem, and besiege it + again, and would destroy the people by famine, and carry away those that + remained into captivity, and would take away what they had as spoils, and + would carry off those riches that were in the temple; nay, that, besides + this, he would burn it, and utterly overthrow the city, and that they + should serve him and his posterity seventy years; that then the Persians + and the Medes should put an end to their servitude, and overthrow the + Babylonians; "and that we shall be dismissed, and return to this land, and + rebuild the temple, and restore Jerusalem." When Jeremiah said this, the + greater part believed him; but the rulers, and those that were wicked, + despised him, as one disordered in his senses. Now he had resolved to go + elsewhere, to his own country, which was called Anathoth, and was twenty + furlongs distant from Jerusalem; <a href="#link10note-12" + name="link10noteref-12" id="link10noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> and as + he was going, one of the rulers met him, and seized upon him, and accused + him falsely, as though he were going as a deserter to the Babylonians; but + Jeremiah said that he accused him falsely, and added, that he was only + going to his own country; but the other would not believe him, but seized + upon him, and led him away to the rulers, and laid an accusation against + him, under whom he endured all sorts of torments and tortures, and was + reserved to be punished; and this was the condition he was in for some + time, while he suffered what I have already described unjustly. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now in the ninth year of the reign of Zedekiah, on the tenth day of the + tenth month, the king of Babylon made a second expedition against + Jerusalem, and lay before it eighteen months, and besieged it with the + utmost application. There came upon them also two of the greatest + calamities at the same time that Jerusalem was besieged, a famine and a + pestilential distemper, and made great havoc of them. And though the + prophet Jeremiah was in prison, he did not rest, but cried out, and + proclaimed aloud, and exhorted the multitude to open their gates, and + admit the king of Babylon, for that if they did so, they should be + preserved, and their whole families; but if they did not so, they should + be destroyed; and he foretold, that if any one staid in the city, he + should certainly perish by one of these ways,—either be consumed by + the famine, or slain by the enemy's sword; but that if he would flee to + the enemy, he should escape death. Yet did not these rulers who heard + believe him, even when they were in the midst of their sore calamities; + but they came to the king, and in their anger informed him what Jeremiah + had said, and accused him, and complained of the prophet as of a madman, + and one that disheartened their minds, and by the denunciation of miseries + weakened the alacrity of the multitude, who were otherwise ready to expose + themselves to dangers for him, and for their country, while he, in a way + of threatening, warned them to flee to the enemy, and told them that the + city should certainly be taken, and be utterly destroyed. + </p> + <p> + 5. But for the king himself, he was not at all irritated against Jeremiah, + such was his gentle and righteous disposition; yet, that he might not be + engaged in a quarrel with those rulers at such a time, by opposing what + they intended, he let them do with the prophet whatsoever they would; + whereupon, when the king had granted them such a permission, they + presently came into the prison, and took him, and let him down with a cord + into a pit full of mire, that he might be suffocated, and die of himself. + So he stood up to the neck in the mire which was all about him, and so + continued; but there was one of the king's servants, who was in esteem + with him, an Ethiopian by descent, who told the king what a state the + prophet was in, and said that his friends and his rulers had done evil in + putting the prophet into the mire, and by that means contriving against + him that he should suffer a death more bitter than that by his bonds only. + When the king heard this, he repented of his having delivered up the + prophet to the rulers, and bid the Ethiopian take thirty men of the king's + guards, and cords with them, and whatsoever else they understood to be + necessary for the prophet's preservation, and to draw him up immediately. + So the Ethiopian took the men he was ordered to take, and drew up the + prophet out of the mire, and left him at liberty [in the prison]. + </p> + <p> + 6. But when the king had sent to call him privately, and inquired what he + could say to him from God, which might be suitable to his present + circumstances, and desired him to inform him of it, Jeremiah replied, that + he had somewhat to say; but he said withal, he should not be believed, + nor, if he admonished them, should be hearkened to; "for," said he, "thy + friends have determined to destroy me, as though I had been guilty of some + wickedness; and where are now those men who deceived us, and said that the + king of Babylon would not come and fight against us any more? but I am + afraid now to speak the truth, lest thou shouldst condemn me to die." And + when the king had assured him upon oath, that he would neither himself put + him to death, nor deliver him up to the rulers, he became bold upon that + assurance that was given him, and gave him this advice: That he should + deliver the city up to the Babylonians; and he said that it was God who + prophesied this by him, that [he must do so] if he would be preserved, and + escape out of the danger he was in, and that then neither should the city + fall to the ground, nor should the temple be burned; but that [if he + disobeyed] he would be the cause of these miseries coming upon the + citizens, and of the calamity that would befall his whole house. When the + king heard this, he said that he would willingly do what he persuaded him + to, and what he declared would be to his advantage, but that he was afraid + of those of his own country that had fallen away to the Babylonians, lest + he should be accused by them to the king of Babylon, and be punished. But + the prophet encouraged him, and said he had no cause to fear such + punishment, for that he should not have the experience of any misfortune, + if he would deliver all up to the Babylonians, neither himself, nor his + children, nor his wives, and that the temple should then continue unhurt. + So when Jeremiah had said this, the king let him go, and charged him to + betray what they had resolved on to none of the citizens, nor to tell any + of these matters to any of the rulers, if they should have learned that he + had been sent for, and should inquire of him what it was that he was sent + for, and what he had said to him; but to pretend to them that he besought + him that he might not be kept in bonds and in prison. And indeed he said + so to them; for they came to the prophet, and asked him what advice it was + that he came to give the king relating to them. And thus I have finished + what concerns this matter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link102HCH0008" id="link102HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. How The King Of Babylon Took Jerusalem And Burnt The Temple And + Removed The People Of Jerusalem And Zedekiah To Babylon. As Also, Who They + Were That Had Succeeded In The High Priesthood Under The Kings. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now the king of Babylon was very intent and earnest upon the siege of + Jerusalem; and he erected towers upon great banks of earth, and from them + repelled those that stood upon the walls; he also made a great number of + such banks round about the whole city, whose height was equal to those + walls. However, those that were within bore the siege with courage and + alacrity, for they were not discouraged, either by the famine, or by the + pestilential distemper, but were of cheerful minds in the prosecution of + the war, although those miseries within oppressed them also, and they did + not suffer themselves to be terrified, either by the contrivances of the + enemy, or by their engines of war, but contrived still different engines + to oppose all the other withal, till indeed there seemed to be an entire + struggle between the Babylonians and the people of Jerusalem, which had + the greater sagacity and skill; the former party supposing they should be + thereby too hard for the other, for the destruction of the city; the + latter placing their hopes of deliverance in nothing else but in + persevering in such inventions in opposition to the other, as might + demonstrate the enemy's engines were useless to them. And this siege they + endured for eighteen months, until they were destroyed by the famine, and + by the darts which the enemy threw at them from the towers. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now the city was taken on the ninth day of the fourth month, in the + eleventh year of the reign of Zedekiah. They were indeed only generals of + the king of Babylon, to whom Nebuchadnezzar committed the care of the + siege, for he abode himself in the city of Riblah. The names of these + generals who ravaged and subdued Jerusalem, if any one desire to know + them, were these: Nergal Sharezer, Samgar Nebo, Rabsaris, Sorsechim, and + Rabmag. And when the city was taken about midnight, and the enemy's + generals were entered into the temple, and when Zedekiah was sensible of + it, he took his wives, and his children, and his captains, and his + friends, and with them fled out of the city, through the fortified ditch, + and through the desert; and when certain of the deserters had informed the + Babylonians of this, at break of day, they made haste to pursue after + Zedekiah, and overtook him not far from Jericho, and encompassed him + about. But for those friends and captains of Zedekiah who had fled out of + the city with him, when they saw their enemies near them, they left him, + and dispersed themselves, some one way, and some another, and every one + resolved to save himself; so the enemy took Zedekiah alive, when he was + deserted by all but a few, with his children and his wives, and brought + him to the king. When he was come, Nebuchadnezzar began to call him a + wicked wretch, and a covenant-breaker, and one that had forgotten his + former words, when he promised to keep the country for him. He also + reproached him for his ingratitude, that when he had received the kingdom + from him, who had taken it from Jehoiachin, and given it to him, he had + made use of the power he gave him against him that gave it; "but," said + he, "God is great, who hated that conduct of thine, and hath brought thee + under us." And when he had used these words to Zedekiah, he commanded his + sons and his friends to be slain, while Zedekiah and the rest of the + captains looked on; after which he put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound + him, and carried him to Babylon. And these things happened to him, <a + href="#link10note-13" name="link10noteref-13" id="link10noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> + as Jeremiah and Ezekiel had foretold to him, that he should be caught, and + brought before the king of Babylon, and should speak to him face to face, + and should see his eyes with his own eyes; and thus far did Jeremiah + prophesy. But he was also made blind, and brought to Babylon, but did not + see it, according to the prediction of Ezekiel. + </p> + <p> + 3. We have said thus much, because it was sufficient to show the nature of + God to such as are ignorant of it, that it is various, and acts many + different ways, and that all events happen after a regular manner, in + their proper season, and that it foretells what must come to pass. It is + also sufficient to show the ignorance and incredulity of men, whereby they + are not permitted to foresee any thing that is future, and are, without + any guard, exposed to calamities, so that it is impossible for them to + avoid the experience of those calamities. + </p> + <p> + 4. And after this manner have the kings of David's race ended their lives, + being in number twenty-one, until the last king, who all together reigned + five hundred and fourteen years, and six months, and ten days; of whom + Saul, who was their first king, retained the government twenty years, + though he was not of the same tribe with the rest. + </p> + <p> + 5. And now it was that the king of Babylon sent Nebuzaradan, the general + of his army, to Jerusalem, to pillage the temple, who had it also in + command to burn it and the royal palace, and to lay the city even with the + ground, and to transplant the people into Babylon. Accordingly, he came to + Jerusalem in the eleventh year of king Zedekiah, and pillaged the temple, + and carried out the vessels of God, both gold and silver, and particularly + that large laver which Solomon dedicated, as also the pillars of brass, + and their chapiters, with the golden tables and the candlesticks; and when + he had carried these off, he set fire to the temple in the fifth month, + the first day of the month, in the eleventh year of the reign of Zedekiah, + and in the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar: he also burnt the palace, + and overthrew the city. Now the temple was burnt four hundred and seventy + years, six months, and ten days after it was built. It was then one + thousand and sixty-two years, six months, and ten days from the departure + out of Egypt; and from the deluge to the destruction of the temple, the + whole interval was one thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven years, six + months, and ten days; but from the generation of Adam, until this befell + the temple, there were three thousand five hundred and thirteen years, six + months, and ten days; so great was the number of years hereto belonging. + And what actions were done during these years we have particularly + related. But the general of the Babylonian king now overthrew the city to + the very foundations, and removed all the people, and took for prisoners + the high priest Seraiah, and Zephaniah the priest that was next to him, + and the rulers that guarded the temple, who were three in number, and the + eunuch who was over the armed men, and seven friends of Zedekiah, and his + scribe, and sixty other rulers; all which, together with the vessels which + they had pillaged, he carried to the king of Babylon to Riblah, a city of + Syria. So the king commanded the heads of the high priest and of the + rulers to be cut off there; but he himself led all the captives and + Zedekiah to Babylon. He also led Josedek the high priest away bound. He + was the son of Seraiah the high priest, whom the king of Babylon had slain + in Riblah, a city of Syria, as we just now related. + </p> + <p> + 6. And now, because we have enumerated the succession of the kings, and + who they were, and how long they reigned, I think it necessary to set down + the names of the high priests, and who they were that succeeded one + another in the high priesthood under the Kings. The first high priest then + at the temple which Solomon built was Zadok; after him his son Achimas + received that dignity; after Achimas was Azarias; his son was Joram, and + Joram's son was Isus; after him was Axioramus; his son was Phidens, and + Phideas's son was Sudeas, and Sudeas's son was Juelus, and Juelus's son + was Jotham, and Jotham's son was Urias, and Urias's son was Nerias, and + Nerias's son was Odeas, and his son was Sallumus, and Sallumus's son was + Elcias, and his son [was Azarias, and his son] was Sareas, <a + href="#link10note-14" name="link10noteref-14" id="link10noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> + and his son was Josedec, who was carried captive to Babylon. All these + received the high priesthood by succession, the sons from their father. + </p> + <p> + 7. When the king was come to Babylon, he kept Zedekiah in prison until he + died, and buried him magnificently, and dedicated the vessels he had + pillaged out of the temple of Jerusalem to his own gods, and planted the + people in the country of Babylon, but freed the high priest from his + bonds. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link102HCH0009" id="link102HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. How Nebuzaradan Set Gedaliah Over The Jews That Were Left In + Judea Which Gedaliah Was A Little Afterward Slain By Ishmael; And How + Johanan After Ishmael Was Driven Away Went Down Into Egypt With The People + Which People Nebuchadnezzar When He Made An Expedition Against The + Egyptians Took Captive And Brought Them Away To Babylon. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now the general of the army, Nebuzaradan, when he had carried the + people of the Jews into captivity, left the poor, and those that had + deserted, in the country, and made one, whose name was Gedaliah, the son + of Ahikam, a person of a noble family, their governor; which Gedaliah was + of a gentle and righteous disposition. He also commanded them that they + should cultivate the ground, and pay an appointed tribute to the king. He + also took Jeremiah the prophet out of prison, and would have persuaded him + to go along with him to Babylon, for that he had been enjoined by the king + to supply him with whatsoever he wanted; and if he did not like to do so, + he desired him to inform him where he resolved to dwell, that he might + signify the same to the king. But the prophet had no mind to follow him, + nor to dwell any where else, but would gladly live in the ruins of his + country, and in the miserable remains of it. When the general understood + what his purpose was, he enjoined Gedaliah, whom he left behind, to take + all possible care of him, and to supply him with whatsoever he wanted. So + when he had given him rich presents, he dismissed him. Accordingly, + Jeremiah abode in a city of that country, which was called Mispah; and + desired of Nebuzaradan that he would set at liberty his disciple Baruch, + the son of Neriah, one of a very eminent family, and exceeding skillful in + the language of his country. + </p> + <p> + 2. When Nebuzaradan had done thus, he made haste to Babylon. But as to + those that fled away during the siege of Jerusalem, and had been scattered + over the country, when they heard that the Babylonians were gone away, and + had left a remnant in the land of Jerusalem, and those such as were to + cultivate the same, they came together from all parts to Gedaliah to + Mispah. Now the rulers that were over them were Johanan, the son of + Kareah, and Jezaniah, and Seraiah, and others beside them. Now there was + of the royal family one Ishmael, a wicked man, and very crafty, who, + during the siege of Jerusalem, fled to Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, + and abode with him during that time; and Gedaliah persuaded them, now they + were there, to stay with him, and to have no fear of the Babylonians, for + that if they would cultivate the country, they should suffer no harm. This + he assured them of by oath; and said that they should have him for their + patron, and that if any disturbance should arise, they should find him + ready to defend them. He also advised them to dwell in any city, as every + one of them pleased; and that they would send men along with his own + servants, and rebuild their houses upon the old foundations, and dwell + there; and he admonished them beforehand, that they should make + preparation, while the season lasted, of corn, and wine, and oil, that + they might have whereon to feed during the winter. When he had thus + discoursed to them, he dismissed them, that every one might dwell in what + place of the country he pleased. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now when this report was spread abroad as far as the nations that + bordered on Judea, that Gedaliah kindly entertained those that came to + him, after they had fled away, upon this [only] condition, that they + should pay tribute to the king of Babylon, they also came readily to + Gedaliah, and inhabited the country. And when Johanan, and the rulers that + were with him, observed the country, and the humanity of Gedaliah, they + were exceedingly in love with him, and told him that Baalis, the king of + the Ammonites, had sent Ishmael to kill him by treachery, and secretly, + that he might have the dominion over the Israelites, as being of the royal + family; and they said that he might deliver himself from this treacherous + design, if he would give them leave to slay Ishmael, and nobody should + know it, for they told him they were afraid that, when he was killed by + the other, the entire ruin of the remaining strength of the Israelites + would ensue. But he professed that he did not believe what they said, when + they told him of such a treacherous design, in a man that had been well + treated by him; because it was not probable that one who, under such a + want of all things, had failed of nothing that was necessary for him, + should be found so wicked and ungrateful towards his benefactor, that when + it would be an instance of wickedness in him not to save him, had he been + treacherously assaulted by others, to endeavor, and that earnestly, to + kill him with his own hands: that, however, if he ought to suppose this + information to be true, it was better for himself to be slain by the + other, than to destroy a man who fled to him for refuge, and intrusted his + own safety to him, and committed himself to his disposal. + </p> + <p> + 4. So Johanan, and the rulers that were with him, not being able to + persuade Gedaliah, went away. But after the interval of thirty days was + over, Ishmael came again to Gedaliah, to the city Mispah, and ten men with + him; and when he had feasted Ishmael, and those that were with him, in a + splendid manner at his table, and had given them presents, he became + disordered in drink, while he endeavored to be very merry with them; and + when Ishmael saw him in that case, and that he was drowned in his cups to + the degree of insensibility, and fallen asleep, he rose up on a sudden, + with his ten friends, and slew Gedaliah, and those that were with him at + the feast; and when he had slain them, he went out by night, and slew all + the Jews that were in the city, and those soldiers also which were left + therein by the Babylonians. But the next day fourscore men came out of the + country with presents to Gedaliah, none of them knowing what had befallen + him; when Ishmael saw them, he invited them in to Gedaliah, and when they + were come in, he shut up the court, and slew them, and cast their dead + bodies down into a certain deep pit, that they might not be seen; but of + these fourscore men Ishmael spared those that entreated him not to kill + them, till they had delivered up to him what riches they had concealed in + the fields, consisting of their furniture, and garments, and corn: but he + took captive the people that were in Mispah, with their wives and + children; among whom were the daughters of king Zedekiah, whom + Nebuzaradan, the general of the army of Babylon, had left with Gedaliah. + And when he had done this, he came to the king of the Ammonites. + </p> + <p> + 5. But when Johanan and the rulers with him heard of what was done at + Mispah by Ishmael, and of the death of Gedaliah, they had indignation at + it, and every one of them took his own armed men, and came suddenly to + fight with Ishmael, and overtook him at the fountain in Hebron. And when + those that were carried away captives by Ishmael saw Johanan and the + rulers, they were very glad, and looked upon them as coming to their + assistance; so they left him that had carried them captives, and came over + to Johanan: then Ishmael, with eight men, fled to the king of the + Ammonites; but Johanan took those whom he had rescued out of the hands of + Ishmael, and the eunuchs, and their wives and children, and came to a + certain place called Mandra, and there they abode that day, for they had + determined to remove from thence and go into Egypt, out of fear, lest the + Babylonians should slay them, in case they continued in the country, and + that out of anger at the slaughter of Gedaliah, who had been by them set + over it for governor. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now while they were under this deliberation, Johanan, the son of + Kareah, and the rulers that were with him, came to Jeremiah the prophet, + and desired that he would pray to God, that because they were at an utter + loss about what they ought to do, he would discover it to them, and they + sware that they would do whatsoever Jeremiah should say to them. And when + the prophet said he would be their intercessor with God, it came to pass, + that after ten days God appeared to him, and said that he should inform + Johanan, and the other rulers, and all the people, that he would be with + them while they continued in that country, and take care of them, and keep + them from being hurt by the Babylonians, of whom they were afraid; but + that he would desert them if they went into Egypt, and, out of this wrath + against them, would inflict the same punishments upon them which they knew + their brethren had already endured. So when the prophet had informed + Johanan and the people that God had foretold these things, he was not + believed, when he said that God commanded them to continue in the country; + but they imagined that he said so to gratify Baruch, his own disciple, and + belied God, and that he persuaded them to stay there, that they might be + destroyed by the Babylonians. Accordingly, both the people and Johanan + disobeyed the counsel of God, which he gave them by the prophet, and + removed into Egypt, and carried Jeremiah and Barnch along with him. + </p> + <p> + 7. And when they were there, God signified to the prophet that the king of + Babylon was about making an expedition against the Egyptians, and + commanded him to foretell to the people that Egypt should be taken, and + the king of Babylon should slay some of them and, should take others + captive, and bring them to Babylon; which things came to pass accordingly; + for on the fifth year after the destruction of Jerusalem, which was the + twenty-third of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, he made an expedition against + Celesyria; and when he had possessed himself of it, he made war against + the Ammonites and Moabites; and when he had brought all these nations + under subjection, he fell upon Egypt, in order to overthrow it; and he + slew the king that then reigned <a href="#link10note-15" + name="link10noteref-15" id="link10noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> and + set up another; and he took those Jews that were there captives, and led + them away to Babylon. And such was the end of the nation of the Hebrews, + as it hath been delivered down to us, it having twice gone beyond + Euphrates; for the people of the ten tribes were carried out of Samaria by + the Assyrians, in the days of king Hoshea; after which the people of the + two tribes that remained after Jerusalem was taken [were carried away] by + Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon and Chaldea. Now as to Shalmanezer, he + removed the Israelites out of their country, and placed therein the nation + of the Cutheans, who had formerly belonged to the inner parts of Persia + and Media, but were then called Samaritans, by taking the name of the + country to which they were removed; but the king of Babylon, who brought + out the two tribes, <a href="#link10note-16" name="link10noteref-16" + id="link10noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> placed no other nation in + their country, by which means all Judea and Jerusalem, and the temple, + continued to be a desert for seventy years; but the entire interval of + time which passed from the captivity of the Israelites, to the carrying + away of the two tribes, proved to be a hundred and thirty years, six + months, and ten days. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link102HCH0010" id="link102HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. Concerning Daniel And What Befell Him At Babylon. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But now Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, took some of the most noble of + the Jews that were children, and the kinsmen of Zedekiah their king, such + as were remarkable for the beauty of their bodies, and the comeliness of + their countenances, and delivered them into the hands of tutors, and to + the improvement to be made by them. He also made some of them to be + eunuchs; which course he took also with those of other nations whom he had + taken in the flower of their age, and afforded them their diet from his + own table, and had them instructed in the institutes of the country, and + taught the learning of the Chaldeans; and they had now exercised + themselves sufficiently in that wisdom which he had ordered they should + apply themselves to. Now among these there were four of the family of + Zedekiah, of most excellent dispositions, one of whom was called Daniel, + another was called Ananias, another Misael, and the fourth Azarias; and + the king of Babylon changed their names, and commanded that they should + make use of other names. Daniel he called Baltasar; Ananias, Shadrach; + Misael, Meshach; and Azarias, Abednego. These the king had in esteem, and + continued to love, because of the very excellent temper they were of, and + because of their application to learning, and the profess they had made in + wisdom. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Daniel and his kinsmen had resolved to use a severe diet, and to + abstain from those kinds of food which came from the king's table, and + entirely to forbear to eat of all living creatures. So he came to + Ashpenaz, who was that eunuch to whom the care of them was committed, <a + href="#link10note-17" name="link10noteref-17" id="link10noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> + and desired him to take and spend what was brought for them from the king, + but to give them pulse and dates for their food, and any thing else, + besides the flesh of living creatures, that he pleased, for that their + inclinations were to that sort of food, and that they despised the other. + He replied, that he was ready to serve them in what they desired, but he + suspected that they would be discovered by the king, from their meagre + bodies, and the alteration of their countenances, because it could not be + avoided but their bodies and colors must be changed with their diet, + especially while they would be clearly discovered by the finer appearance + of the other children, who would fare better, and thus they should bring + him into danger, and occasion him to be punished; yet did they persuade + Arioch, who was thus fearful, to give them what food they desired for ten + days, by way of trial; and in case the habit of their bodies were not + altered, to go on in the same way, as expecting that they should not be + hurt thereby afterwards; but if he saw them look meagre, and worse than + the rest, he should reduce them to their former diet. Now when it appeared + that they were so far from becoming worse by the use of this food, that + they grew plumper and fuller in body than the rest, insomuch that he + thought those who fed on what came from the king's table seemed less plump + and full, while those that were with Daniel looked as if they had lived in + plenty, and in all sorts of luxury. Arioch, from that time, securely took + himself what the king sent every day from his supper, according to custom, + to the children, but gave them the forementioned diet, while they had + their souls in some measure more pure, and less burdened, and so fitter + for learning, and had their bodies in better tune for hard labor; for they + neither had the former oppressed and heavy with variety of meats, nor were + the other effeminate on the same account; so they readily understood all + the learning that was among the Hebrews, and among the Chaldeans, as + especially did Daniel, who being already sufficiently skillful in wisdom, + was very busy about the interpretation of dreams; and God manifested + himself to him. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now two years after the destruction of Egypt, king Nebuchadnezzar saw a + wonderful dream, the accomplishment of which God showed him in his sleep; + but when he arose out of his bed, he forgot the accomplishment. So he sent + for the Chaldeans and magicians, and the prophets, and told them that he + had seen a dream, and informed them that he had forgotten the + accomplishment of what he had seen, and he enjoined them to tell him both + what the dream was, and what was its signification; and they said that + this was a thing impossible to be discovered by men; but they promised + him, that if he would explain to them what dream he had seen, they would + tell him its signification. Hereupon he threatened to put them to death, + unless they told him his dream; and he gave command to have them all put + to death, since they confessed they could not do what they were commanded + to do. Now when Daniel heard that the king had given a command, that all + the wise men should be put to death, and that among them himself and his + three kinsmen were in danger, he went to Arioch, who was captain of the + king's guards, and desired to know of him what was the reason why the king + had given command that all the wise men, and Chaldeans, and magicians + should be slain. So when he had learned that the king had had a dream, and + had forgotten it, and that when they were enjoined to inform the king of + it, they had said they could not do it, and had thereby provoked him to + anger, he desired of Arioch that he would go in to the king, and desire + respite for the magicians for one night, and to put off their slaughter so + long, for that he hoped within that time to obtain, by prayer to God, the + knowledge of the dream. Accordingly, Arioch informed the king of what + Daniel desired. So the king bid them delay the slaughter of the magicians + till he knew what Daniel's promise would come to; but the young man + retired to his own house, with his kinsmen, and besought God that whole + night to discover the dream, and thereby deliver the magicians and + Chaldeans, with whom they were themselves to perish, from the king's + anger, by enabling him to declare his vision, and to make manifest what + the king had seen the night before in his sleep, but had forgotten it. + Accordingly, God, out of pity to those that were in danger, and out of + regard to the wisdom of Daniel, made known to him the dream and its + interpretation, that so the king might understand by him its signification + also. When Daniel had obtained this knowledge from God, he arose very + joyful, and told it his brethren, and made them glad, and to hope well + that they should now preserve their lives, of which they despaired before, + and had their minds full of nothing but the thoughts of dying. So when he + had with them returned thanks to God, who had commiserated their youth, + when it was day he came to Arioch, and desired him to bring him to the + king, because he would discover to him that dream which he had seen the + night before. + </p> + <p> + 4. When Daniel was come in to the king, he excused himself first, that he + did not pretend to be wiser than the other Chaldeans and magicians, when, + upon their entire inability to discover his dream, he was undertaking to + inform him of it; for this was not by his own skill, or on account of his + having better cultivated his understanding than the rest; but he said, + "God hath had pity upon us, when we were in danger of death, and when I + prayed for the life of myself, and of those of my own nation, hath made + manifest to me both the dream, and the interpretation thereof; for I was + not less concerned for thy glory than for the sorrow that we were by thee + condemned to die, while thou didst so unjustly command men, both good and + excellent in themselves, to be put to death, when thou enjoinedst them to + do what was entirely above the reach of human wisdom, and requiredst of + them what was only the work of God. Wherefore, as thou in thy sleep wast + solicitous concerning those that should succeed thee in the government of + the whole world, God was desirous to show thee all those that should reign + after thee, and to that end exhibited to thee the following dream: Thou + seemedst to see a great image standing before thee, the head of which + proved to be of gold, the shoulders and arms of silver, and the belly and + the thighs of brass, but the legs and the feet of iron; after which thou + sawest a stone broken off from a mountain, which fell upon the image, and + threw it down, and brake it to pieces, and did not permit any part of it + to remain whole; but the gold, the silver, the brass, and the iron, became + smaller than meal, which, upon the blast of a violent wind, was by force + carried away, and scattered abroad, but the stone did increase to such a + degree, that the whole earth beneath it seemed to be filled therewith. + This is the dream which thou sawest, and its interpretation is as follows: + The head of gold denotes thee, and the kings of Babylon that have been + before thee; but the two hands and arms signify this, that your government + shall be dissolved by two kings; but another king that shall come from the + west, armed with brass, shall destroy that government; and another + government, that shall be like unto iron, shall put an end to the power of + the former, and shall have dominion over all the earth, on account of the + nature of iron, which is stronger than that of gold, of silver, and of + brass." Daniel did also declare the meaning of the stone to the king <a + href="#link10note-18" name="link10noteref-18" id="link10noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> + but I do not think proper to relate it, since I have only undertaken to + describe things past or things present, but not things that are future; + yet if any one be so very desirous of knowing truth, as not to wave such + points of curiosity, and cannot curb his inclination for understanding the + uncertainties of futurity, and whether they will happen or not, let him be + diligent in reading the book of Daniel, which he will find among the + sacred writings. + </p> + <p> + 5. When Nebuchadnezzar heard this, and recollected his dream, he was + astonished at the nature of Daniel, and fell upon his knee; and saluted + Daniel in the manner that men worship God, and gave command that he should + be sacrificed to as a god. And this was not all, for he also imposed the + name, of his own god upon him, [Baltasar,] and made him and his kinsmen + rulers of his whole kingdom; which kinsmen of his happened to fall into + great danger by the envy and malice [of their enemies]; for they offended + the king upon the occasion following: he made an image of gold, whose + height was sixty cubits, and its breadth six cubits, and set it in the + great plain of Babylon; and when he was going to dedicate the image, he + invited the principal men out of all the earth that was under his + dominions, and commanded them, in the first place, that when they should + hear the sound of the trumpet, they should then fall down and worship the + image; and he threatened, that those who did not so, should be cast into a + fiery furnace. When therefore all the rest, upon the hearing of the sound + of the trumpet, worshipped the image, they relate that Daniel's kinsmen + did not do it, because they would not transgress the laws of their + country. So these men were convicted, and cast immediately into the fire, + but were saved by Divine Providence, and after a surprising manner escaped + death, for the fire did not touch them; and I suppose that it touched them + not, as if it reasoned with itself, that they were cast into it without + any fault of theirs, and that therefore it was too weak to burn the young + men when they were in it. This was done by the power of God, who made + their bodies so far superior to the fire, that it could not consume them. + This it was which recommended them to the king as righteous men, and men + beloved of God, on which account they continued in great esteem with him. + </p> + <p> + 6. A little after this the king saw in his sleep again another vision; how + he should fall from his dominion, and feed among the wild beasts, and that + when he halt lived in this manner in the desert for seven years, <a + href="#link10note-19" name="link10noteref-19" id="link10noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> + he should recover his dominion again. When he had seen this dream, he + called the magicians together again, and inquired of them about it, and + desired them to tell him what it signified; but when none of them could + find out the meaning of the dream, nor discover it to the king, Daniel was + the only person that explained it; and as he foretold, so it came to pass; + for after he had continued in the wilderness the forementioned interval of + time, while no one durst attempt to seize his kingdom during those seven + years, he prayed to God that he might recover his kingdom, and he returned + to it. But let no one blame me for writing down every thing of this + nature, as I find it in our ancient books; for as to that matter, I have + plainly assured those that think me defective in any such point, or + complain of my management, and have told them in the beginning of this + history, that I intended to do no more than translate the Hebrew books + into the Greek language, and promised them to explain those facts, without + adding any thing to them of my own, or taking any thing away from there. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link102HCH0011" id="link102HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. Concerning Nebuchadnezzar And His Successors And How Their + Government Was Dissolved By The Persians; And What Things Befell Daniel In + Media; And What Prophecies He Delivered There. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when king Nebuchadnezzar had reigned forty-three years, <a + href="#link10note-20" name="link10noteref-20" id="link10noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> + he ended his life. He was an active man, and more fortunate than the kings + that were before him. Now Berosus makes mention of his actions in the + third book of his Chaldaic History, where he says thus: "When his father + Nebuchodonosor [Nabopollassar] heard that the governor whom he had set + over Egypt, and the places about Coelesyria and Phoenicia, had revolted + from him, while he was not himself able any longer to undergo the + hardships [of war], he committed to his son Nebuchadnezzar, who was still + but a youth, some parts of his army, and sent them against him. So when + Nebuchadnezzar had given battle, and fought with the rebel, he beat him, + and reduced the country from under his subjection, and made it a branch of + his own kingdom; but about that time it happened that his father + Nebuchodonosor [Nabopollassar] fell ill, and ended his life in the city + Babylon, when he had reigned twenty-one years; <a href="#link10note-21" + name="link10noteref-21" id="link10noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> and + when he was made sensible, as he was in a little time, that his father + Nebuchodonosor [Nabopollassar] was dead, and having settled the affairs of + Egypt, and the other countries, as also those that concerned the captive + Jews, and Phoenicians, and Syrians, and those of the Egyptian nations; and + having committed the conveyance of them to Babylon to certain of his + friends, together with the gross of his army, and the rest of their + ammunition and provisions, he went himself hastily, accompanied with a few + others, over the desert, and came to Babylon. So he took upon him the + management of public affairs, and of the kingdom which had been kept for + him by one that was the principal of the Chaldeans, and he received the + entire dominions of his father, and appointed, that when the captives + came, they should be placed as colonies, in the most proper places of + Babylonia; but then he adorned the temple of Belus, and the rest of the + temples, in a magnificent manner, with the spoils he had taken in the war. + He also added another city to that which was there of old, and rebuilt it, + that such as would besiege it hereafter might no more turn the course of + the river, and thereby attack the city itself. He therefore built three + walls round about the inner city, and three others about that which was + the outer, and this he did with burnt brick. And after he had, after a + becoming manner, walled the city, and adorned its gates gloriously, he + built another palace before his father's palace, but so that they joined + to it; to describe whose vast height and immense riches it would perhaps + be too much for me to attempt; yet as large and lofty as they were, they + were completed in fifteen days. <a href="#link10note-22" + name="link10noteref-22" id="link10noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> He + also erected elevated places for walking, of stone, and made it resemble + mountains, and built it so that it might be planted with all sorts of + trees. He also erected what was called a pensile paradise, because his + wife was desirous to have things like her own country, she having been + bred up in the palaces of Media." Megasthenes also, in his fourth book of + his Accounts of India, makes mention of these things, and thereby + endeavors to show that this king [Nebuchadnezzar] exceeded Hercules in + fortitude, and in the greatness of his actions; for he saith that he + conquered a great part of Libya and Iberia. Diocles also, in the second + book of his Accounts of Persia, mentions this king; as does Philostrates + in his Accounts both of India and of Phoenicia, say, that this king + besieged Tyre thirteen years, while at the same time Ethbaal reigned at + Tyre. These are all the histories that I have met with concerning this + king. + </p> + <p> + 2. But now, after the death of Nebuchadnezzar, Evil-Merodach his son + succeeded in the kingdom, who immediately set Jeconiah at liberty, and + esteemed him among his most intimate friends. He also gave him many + presents, and made him honorable above the rest of the kings that were in + Babylon; for his father had not kept his faith with Jeconiah, when he + voluntarily delivered up himself to him, with his wives and children, and + his whole kindred, for the sake of his country, that it might not be taken + by siege, and utterly destroyed, as we said before. When Evil-Merodach was + dead, after a reign of eighteen years, Niglissar his son took the + government, and retained it forty years, and then ended his life; and + after him the succession in the kingdom came to his son Labosordacus, who + continued in it in all but nine months; and when he was dead, it came to + Baltasar, <a href="#link10note-23" name="link10noteref-23" + id="link10noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> who by the Babylonians was + called Naboandelus; against him did Cyrus, the king of Persia, and Darius, + the king of Media, make war; and when he was besieged in Babylon, there + happened a wonderful and prodigious vision. He was sat down at supper in a + large room, and there were a great many vessels of silver, such as were + made for royal entertainments, and he had with him his concubines and his + friends; whereupon he came to a resolution, and commanded that those + vessels of God which Nebuchadnezzar had plundered out of Jerusalem, and + had not made use of, but had put them into his own temple, should be + brought out of that temple. He also grew so haughty as to proceed to use + them in the midst of his cups, drinking out of them, and blaspheming + against God. In the mean time, he saw a hand proceed out of the wall, and + writing upon the wall certain syllables; at which sight, being disturbed, + he called the magicians and Chaldeans together, and all that sort of men + that are among these barbarians, and were able to interpret signs and + dreams, that they might explain the writing to him. But when the magicians + said they could discover nothing, nor did understand it, the king was in + great disorder of mind, and under great trouble at this surprising + accident; so he caused it to be proclaimed through all the country, and + promised, that to him who could explain the writing, and give the + signification couched therein, he would give him a golden chain for his + neck, and leave to wear a purple garment, as did the kings of Chaldea, and + would bestow on him the third part of his own dominions. When this + proclamation was made, the magicians ran together more earnestly, and were + very ambitious to find out the importance of the writing, but still + hesitated about it as much as before. Now when the king's grandmother saw + him cast down at this accident, <a href="#link10note-24" + name="link10noteref-24" id="link10noteref-24"><small>24</small></a> she + began to encourage him, and to say, that there was a certain captive who + came from Judea, a Jew by birth, but brought away thence by Nebuchadnezzar + when he had destroyed Jerusalem, whose name was Daniel, a wise man, and + one of great sagacity in finding out what was impossible for others to + discover, and what was known to God alone, who brought to light and + answered such questions to Nebuchadnezzar as no one else was able to + answer when they were consulted. She therefore desired that he would send + for him, and inquire of him concerning the writing, and to condemn the + unskilfulness of those that could not find their meaning, and this, + although what God signified thereby should be of a melancholy nature. + </p> + <p> + 3. When Baltasar heard this, he called for Daniel; and when he had + discoursed to him what he had learned concerning him and his wisdom, and + how a Divine Spirit was with him, and that he alone was fully capable of + finding out what others would never have thought of, he desired him to + declare to him what this writing meant; that if he did so, he would give + him leave to wear purple, and to put a chain of gold about his neck, and + would bestow on him the third part of his dominion, as an honorary reward + for his wisdom, that thereby he might become illustrious to those who saw + him, and who inquired upon what occasion he obtained such honors. But + Daniel desired that he would keep his gifts to himself; for what is the + effect of wisdom and of Divine revelation admits of no gifts, and bestows + its advantages on petitioners freely; but that still he would explain the + writing to him; which denoted that he should soon die, and this because he + had not learnt to honor God, and not to admit things above human nature, + by what punishments his progenitor had undergone for the injuries he had + offered to God; and because he had quite forgotten how Nebuchadnezzar was + removed to feed among wild beasts for his impieties, and did not recover + his former life among men and his kingdom, but upon God's mercy to him, + after many supplications and prayers; who did thereupon praise God all the + days of his life, as one of almighty power, and who takes care of mankind. + [He also put him in mind] how he had greatly blasphemed against God, and + had made use of his vessels amongst his concubines; that therefore God saw + this, and was angry with him, and declared by this writing beforehand what + a sad conclusion of his life he should come to. And he explained the + writing thus: "MANEH. This, if it be expounded in the Greek language, may + signify a Number, because God hath numbered so long a time for thy life, + and for thy government, and that there remains but a small portion. THEKEL + This signifies a weight, and means that God hath weighed thy kingdom in a + balance, and finds it going down already.—PHARES. This also, in the + Greek tongue, denotes a fragment. God will therefore break thy kingdom in + pieces, and divide it among the Medes and Persians." + </p> + <p> + 4. When Daniel had told the king that the writing upon the wall signified + these events, Baltasar was in great sorrow and affliction, as was to be + expected, when the interpretation was so heavy upon him. However, he did + not refuse what he had promised Daniel, although he were become a + foreteller of misfortunes to him, but bestowed it all upon him; as + reasoning thus, that what he was to reward was peculiar to himself, and to + fate, and did not belong to the prophet, but that it was the part of a + good and a just man to give what he had promised, although the events were + of a melancholy nature. Accordingly, the king determined so to do. Now, + after a little while, both himself and the city were taken by Cyrus, the + king of Persia, who fought against him; for it was Baltasar, under whom + Babylon was taken, when he had reigned seventeen years. And this is the + end of the posterity of king Nebuchadnezzar, as history informs us; but + when Babylon was taken by Darius, and when he, with his kinsman Cyrus, had + put an end to the dominion of the Babylonians, he was sixty-two years old. + He was the son of Astyages, and had another name among the Greeks. + Moreover, he took Daniel the prophet, and carried him with him into Media, + and honored him very greatly, and kept him with him; for he was one of the + three presidents whom he set over his three hundred and sixty provinces, + for into so many did Darius part them. + </p> + <p> + 5. However, while Daniel was in so great dignity, and in so great favor + with Darius, and was alone intrusted with every thing by him, a having + somewhat divine in him, he was envied by the rest; for those that see + others in greater honor than themselves with kings envy them; and when + those that were grieved at the great favor Daniel was in with Darius + sought for an occasion against him, he afforded them no occasion at all, + for he was above all the temptations of money, and despised bribery, and + esteemed it a very base thing to take any thing by way of reward, even + when it might be justly given him; he afforded those that envied him not + the least handle for an accusation. So when they could find nothing for + which they might calumniate him to the king, nothing that was shameful or + reproachful, and thereby deprive him of the honor he was in with him, they + sought for some other method whereby they might destroy him. When + therefore they saw that Daniel prayed to God three times a day, they + thought they had gotten an occasion by which they might ruin him; so they + came to Darius and told him that the princes and governors had thought + proper to allow the multitude a relaxation for thirty days, that no one + might offer a petition or prayer either to himself or to the gods, but + that, "he who shall transgress this decree shall be east into the den of + lions, and there perish." + </p> + <p> + 6. Whereupon the king, not being acquainted with their wicked design, nor + suspecting that it was a contrivance of theirs against Daniel, said he was + pleased with this decree of theirs, and he promised to confirm what they + desired; he also published an edict to promulgate to the people that + decree which the princes had made. Accordingly, all the rest took care not + to transgress those injunctions, and rested in quiet; but Daniel had no + regard to them, but, as he was wont, he stood and prayed to God in the + sight of them all; but the princes having met with the occasion they so + earnestly sought to find against Daniel, came presently to the king, and + accused him, that Daniel was the only person that transgressed the decree, + while not one of the rest durst pray to their gods. This discovery they + made, not because of his impiety, but because they had watched him, and + observed him out of envy; for supposing that Darius did thus out of a + greater kindness to him than they expected, and that he was ready to grant + him pardon for this contempt of his injunctions, and envying this very + pardon to Daniel, they did not become more honorable to him, but desired + he might be cast into the den of lions according to the law. So Darius, + hoping that God would deliver him, and that he would undergo nothing that + was terrible by the wild beasts, bid him bear this accident cheerfully. + And when he was cast into the den, he put his seal to the stone that lay + upon the mouth of the den, and went his way, but he passed all the night + without food and without sleep, being in great distress for Daniel; but + when it was day, he got up, and came to the den, and found the seal + entire, which he had left the stone sealed withal; he also opened the + seal, and cried out, and called to Daniel, and asked him if he were alive. + And as soon as he heard the king's voice, and said that he had suffered no + harm, the king gave order that he should be drawn up out of the den. Now + when his enemies saw that Daniel had suffered nothing which was terrible, + they would not own that he was preserved by God, and by his providence; + but they said that the lions had been filled full with food, and on that + account it was, as they supposed, that the lions would not touch Daniel, + nor come to him; and this they alleged to the king. But the king, out of + an abhorrence of their wickedness, gave order that they should throw in a + great deal of flesh to the lions; and when they had filled themselves, he + gave further order that Daniel's enemies should be cast into the den, that + he might learn whether the lions, now they were full, would touch them or + not. And it appeared plain to Darius, after the princes had been cast to + the wild beasts, that it was God who preserved Daniel <a + href="#link10note-25" name="link10noteref-25" id="link10noteref-25"><small>25</small></a> + for the lions spared none of them, but tore them all to pieces, as if they + had been very hungry, and wanted food. I suppose therefore it was not + their hunger, which had been a little before satisfied with abundance of + flesh, but the wickedness of these men, that provoked them [to destroy the + princes]; for if it so please God, that wickedness might, by even those + irrational creatures, be esteemed a plain foundation for their punishment. + </p> + <p> + 7. When therefore those that had intended thus to destroy Daniel by + treachery were themselves destroyed, king Darius sent [letters] over all + the country, and praised that God whom Daniel worshipped, and said that he + was the only true God, and had all power. He had also Daniel in very great + esteem, and made him the principal of his friends. Now when Daniel was + become so illustrious and famous, on account of the opinion men had that + he was beloved of God, he built a tower at Ecbatana, in Media: it was a + most elegant building, and wonderfully made, and it is still remaining, + and preserved to this day; and to such as see it, it appears to have been + lately built, and to have been no older than that very day when any one + looks upon it, it is so fresh <a href="#link10note-26" + name="link10noteref-26" id="link10noteref-26"><small>26</small></a> + flourishing, and beautiful, and no way grown old in so long time; for + buildings suffer the same as men do, they grow old as well as they, and by + numbers of years their strength is dissolved, and their beauty withered. + Now they bury the kings of Media, of Persia, and Parthia in this tower to + this day, and he who was entrusted with the care of it was a Jewish + priest; which thing is also observed to this day. But it is fit to give an + account of what this man did, which is most admirable to hear, for he was + so happy as to have strange revelations made to him, and those as to one + of the greatest of the prophets, insomuch, that while he was alive he had + the esteem and applause both of the kings and of the multitude; and now he + is dead, he retains a remembrance that will never fail, for the several + books that he wrote and left behind him are still read by us till this + time; and from them we believe that Daniel conversed with God; for he did + not only prophesy of future events, as did the other prophets, but he also + determined the time of their accomplishment. And while prophets used to + foretell misfortunes, and on that account were disagreeable both to the + kings and to the multitude, Daniel was to them a prophet of good things, + and this to such a degree, that by the agreeable nature of his + predictions, he procured the goodwill of all men; and by the + accomplishment of them, he procured the belief of their truth, and the + opinion of [a sort of] divinity for himself, among the multitude. He also + wrote and left behind him what made manifest the accuracy and undeniable + veracity of his predictions; for he saith, that when he was in Susa, the + metropolis of Persia, and went out into the field with his companions, + there was, on the sudden, a motion and concussion of the earth, and that + he was left alone by himself, his friends fleeing away from him, and that + he was disturbed, and fell on his face, and on his two hands, and that a + certain person touched him, and, at the same time, bid him rise, and see + what would befall his countrymen after many generations. He also related, + that when he stood up, he was shown a great ram, with many horns growing + out of his head, and that the last was higher than the rest: that after + this he looked to the west, and saw a he-goat carried through the air from + that quarter; that he rushed upon the ram with violence, and smote him + twice with his horns, and overthrew him to the ground, and trampled upon + him: that afterward he saw a very great horn growing out of the head of + the he-goat, and that when it was broken off, four horns grew up that were + exposed to each of the four winds, and he wrote that out of them arose + another lesser horn, which, as he said, waxed great; and that God showed + to him that it should fight against his nation, and take their city by + force, and bring the temple worship to confusion, and forbid the + sacrifices to be offered for one thousand two hundred and ninety-six days. + Daniel wrote that he saw these visions in the Plain of Susa; and he hath + informed us that God interpreted the appearance of this vision after the + following manner: He said that the ram signified the kingdoms of the Medes + and Persians, and the horns those kings that were to reign in them; and + that the last horn signified the last king, and that he should exceed all + the kings in riches and glory: that the he-goat signified that one should + come and reign from the Greeks, who should twice fight with the Persian, + and overcome him in battle, and should receive his entire dominion: that + by the great horn which sprang out of the forehead of the he-goat was + meant the first king; and that the springing up of four horns upon its + falling off, and the conversion of every one of them to the four quarters + of the earth, signified the successors that should arise after the death + of the first king, and the partition of the kingdom among them, and that + they should be neither his children, nor of his kindred, that should reign + over the habitable earth for many years; and that from among them there + should arise a certain king that should overcome our nation and their + laws, and should take away their political government, and should spoil + the temple, and forbid the sacrifices to be offered for three years' time. + And indeed it so came to pass, that our nation suffered these things under + Antiochus Epiphanes, according to Daniel's vision, and what he wrote many + years before they came to pass. In the very same manner Daniel also wrote + concerning the Roman government, and that our country should be made + desolate by them. All these things did this man leave in writing, as God + had showed them to him, insomuch that such as read his prophecies, and see + how they have been fulfilled, would wonder at the honor wherewith God + honored Daniel; and may thence discover how the Epicureans are in an + error, who cast Providence out of human life, and do not believe that God + takes care of the affairs of the world, nor that the universe is governed + and continued in being by that blessed and immortal nature, but say that + the world is carried along of its own accord, without a ruler and a + curator; which, were it destitute of a guide to conduct it, as they + imagine, it would be like ships without pilots, which we see drowned by + the winds, or like chariots without drivers, which are overturned; so + would the world be dashed to pieces by its being carried without a + Providence, and so perish, and come to nought. So that, by the + forementioned predictions of Daniel, those men seem to me very much to err + from the truth, who determine that God exercises no providence over human + affairs; for if that were the case, that the world went on by mechanical + necessity, we should not see that all things would come to pass according + to his prophecy. Now as to myself, I have so described these matters as I + have found them and read them; but if any one is inclined to another + opinion about them, let him enjoy his different sentiments without any + blame from me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link102H_FOOT" id="link102H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link10note-1" id="link10note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link10noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ This title of great king, + both in our Bibles, 2 Kings 18:19; Isaiah 36:4, and here in Josephus, is + the very same that Herodotus gives this Sennacherib, as Spanheim takes + notice on this place.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-2" id="link10note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link10noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ What Josephus says here, + how Isaiah the prophet assured Hezekiah that "at this time he should not + be besieged by the king of Assyria; that for the future he might be secure + of being not at all disturbed by him; and that [afterward] the people + might go on peaceably, and without fear, with their husbandry and other + affairs," is more distinct in our other copies, both of the Kings and of + Isaiah, and deserves very great consideration. The words are these: "This + shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of + itself, and the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the + third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit + thereof," 2 Kings 19:29; Isaiah 37:30; which seem to me plainly to design + a Sabbatic year, a year of jubilee next after it, and the succeeding usual + labors and fruits of them on the third and following years.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-3" id="link10note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link10noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ That this terrible + calamity of the slaughter of the 185,000 Assyrians is here delivered in + the words of Berosus the Chaldean, and that it was certainly and + frequently foretold by the Jewish prophets, and that it was certainly and + undeniably accomplished, see Authent. Rec. part II. p. 858. We are here to + take notice, that these two sons of Sennacherib, that ran away into + Armenia, became the heads of two famous families there, the Arzerunii and + the Genunii; of which see the particular histories in Moses Chorenensis, + p. 60.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-4" id="link10note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link10noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus, and all our + copies, place the sickness of Hezekiah after the destruction of + Sennacherib's army, because it appears to have been after his first + assault, as he was going into Arabia and Egypt, where he pushed his + conquests as far as they would go, and in order to despatch his story + altogether; yet does no copy but this of Josephus say it was after that + destruction, but only that it happened in those days, or about that time + of Hezekiah's life. Nor will the fifteen years' prolongation of his life + after his sickness, allow that sickness to have been later than the former + part of the fifteenth year of his reign, since chronology does not allow + him in all above twenty-nine years and a few months; whereas the first + assault of Sennacherib was on the fourteenth year of Hezekiah, but the + destruction of Sennacherib's army was not till his eighteenth year.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-5" id="link10note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link10noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ As to this regress of the + shadow, either upon a sun-dial, or the steps of the royal palace built by + Ahaz, whether it were physically done by the real miraculous revolution of + the earth in its diurnal motion backward from east to west for a while, + and its return again to its old natural revolution from west to east; or + whether it were not apparent only, and performed by an aerial phosphorus, + which imitated the sun's motion backward, while a cloud hid the real sun; + cannot now be determined. Philosophers and astronomers will naturally + incline to the latter hypothesis. However, it must be noted, that Josephus + seems to have understood it otherwise than we generally do, that the + shadow was accelerated as much at first forward as it was made to go + backward afterward, and so the day was neither longer nor shorter than + usual; which, it must be confessed agrees best of all to astronomy, whose + eclipses, older than the time were observed at the same times of the day + as if this miracle had never happened. After all, this wonderful signal + was not, it seems, peculiar to Judea, but either seen, or at least heard + of, at Babylon also, as appears by 2 Chronicles 32:31, where we learn that + the Babylonian ambassadors were sent to Hezekiah, among other things, to + inquire of the wonder that was done in the land.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-6" id="link10note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link10noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ This expression of + Josephus, that the Medes, upon this destruction of the Assyrian army, + "overthrew" the Assyrian empire, seems to be too strong; for although they + immediately cast off the Assrian yoke, and set up Deioces, a king of their + own, yet it was some time before the Medes and Babylonians overthrew + Nineveh, and some generations ere the Medes and Persians under Cyaxares + and Cyrus overthrew the Assyrian or Babylonian empire, and took Babylon.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-7" id="link10note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link10noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ It is hard to reconcile + the account in the Second Book of Kings [Footnote ch. 23:11: with this + account in Josephus, and to translate this passage truly in Josephus, + whose copies are supposed to be here imperfect. However, the general sense + of both seems to be this: That there were certain chariots, with their + horses, dedicated to the idol of the sun, or to Moloch; which idol might + be carried about in procession, and worshipped by the people; which + chariots were now "taken away," as Josephus says, or, as the Book of Kings + says, "burnt with fire, by Josiah."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-8" id="link10note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link10noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ This is a remarkable + passage of chronology in Josephus, that about the latter end of the reign + of Josiah, the Medes and Babylonians overthrew the empire of the + Assyrians; or, in the words of Tobit's continuator, that "before Tobias + died, he heard of the destruction of Nineveh, which was taken by + Nebuchodonosor the Babylonian, and Assuerus the Mede," Tob. 14:15. See + Dean Prideaux's Connexion, at the year 612.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-9" id="link10note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link10noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ This battle is justly + esteemed the very same that Herodotus [B. II. sect. 156: mentions, when he + says, that "Necao joined battle with the Syrians [or Jews] at Magdolum, + [Megiddo,] and beat them," as Dr. Hudson here observes.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-10" id="link10note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link10noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ Whether Josephus, from + 2 Chronicles 35:25, here means the book of the Lamentations of Jeremiah, + still extant, which chiefly belongs to the destruction of Jerusalem under + Nebuchadnezzar, or to any other like melancholy poem now lost, but extant + in the days of Josephus, belonging peculiarly to Josiah, cannot now be + determined.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-11" id="link10note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link10noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ This ancient city + Hamath, which is joined with Arpad, or Aradus, and with Damascus, 2 Kings + 18:34; Isaiah 36:19; Jeremiah 49:23, cities of Syria and Phoenicia, near + the borders of Judea, was also itself evidently near the same borders, + though long ago utterly destroyed.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-12" id="link10note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link10noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus says here that + Jeremiah prophesied not only of the return of the Jews from the Babylonian + captivity, and this under the Persians and Medes, as in our other copies; + but of cause they did not both say the same thing as to this circumstance, + he disbelieved what they both appeared to agree in, and condemned them as + not speaking truth therein, although all the things foretold him did come + to pass according to their prophecies, as we shall show upon a fitter + opportunity their rebuilding the temple, and even the city Jerusalem, + which do not appear in our copies under his name. See the note on Antiq. + B. XI. ch. 1. sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-13" id="link10note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link10noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ This observation of + Josephus about the seeming disagreement of Jeremiah, ch. 32:4, and 34:3, + and Ezekiel 12:13, but real agreement at last, concerning the fate of + Zedekiah, is very true and very remarkable. See ch. 7. sect. 2. Nor is it + at all unlikely that the courtiers and false prophets might make use of + this seeming contradiction to dissuade Zedekiah from believing either of + those prophets, as Josephus here intimates he was dissuaded thereby.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-14" id="link10note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link10noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ I have here inserted in + brackets this high priest Azarias, though he be omitted in all Josephus's + copies, out of the Jewish chronicle, Seder Olam, of how little authority + soever I generally esteem such late Rabbinical historians, because we know + from Josephus himself, that the number of the high priests belonging to + this interval was eighteen, Antiq. B. XX. ch. 10., whereas his copies have + here but seventeen. Of this character of Baruch, the son of Neriah, and + the genuineness of his book, that stands now in our Apocrypha, and that it + is really a canonical book, and an appendix to Jeremiah, see Authent. Rec. + Part I. p. 1—11.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-15" id="link10note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link10noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ Herodotus says, this + king of Egypt [Pharaoh Hophra, or Apries] was slain by the Egyptians, as + Jeremiah foretold his slaughter by his enemies, Jeremiah 44:29, 30, and + that as a sign of the destruction of Egypt [by Nebuchadnezzar]. Josephus + says, this king was slain by Nebuchadnezzar himself.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-16" id="link10note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link10noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ We see here that Judea + was left in a manner desolate after the captivity of the two tribes and + was not I with foreign colonies, perhaps as an indication of Providence + that the Jews were to repeople it without opposition themselves. I also + esteem the latter and present desolate condition of the same country, + without being repeopled by foreign colonies, to be a like indication, that + the same Jews are hereafter to repeople it again themselves, at their so + long expected future restoration.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-17" id="link10note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link10noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ That Daniel was made + one of these eunuchs of which Isaiah prophesied, Isaiah 39:7, and the + three children his companions also, seems to me plain, both here in + Josephus, and in our copies of Daniel, Daniel 1:3, 6-11, 18, although it + must be granted that some married persons, that had children, were + sometimes called eunuchs, in a general acceptation for courtiers, on + account that so many of the ancient courtiers were real eunuchs. See + Genesis 39:1.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-18" id="link10note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link10noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ Of this most remarkable + passage in Josephus concerning the "stone cut out of the mountain, and + destroying the image," which he would not explain, but intimated to be a + prophecy of futurity, and probably not safe for him to explain, as + belonging to the destruction of the Roman empire by Jesus Christ, the true + Messiah of the Jews, take the words of Hayercamp, ch. 10. sect. 4: "Nor is + this to be wondered at, that he would not now meddle with things future, + for he had no mind to provoke the Romans, by speaking of the destruction + of that city which they called the Eternal City."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-19" id="link10note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link10noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ Since Josephus here + explains the seven prophetic times which were to pass over Nebuchadnezzar + [Daniel 4:16: to be seven years, we thence learn how he most probably must + have understood those other parallel phrases, of "a time, times, and a + half," Antiq. B. VII. ch. 25., of so many prophetic years also, though he + withal lets us know, by his hint at the interpretation of the seventy + weeks, as belonging to the fourth monarchy, and the destruction of + Jerusalem by the Romans in the days of Josephus, ch. 2. sect. 7, that he + did not think those years to be bare years, but rather days for years; by + which reckoning, and by which alone, could seventy weeks, or four hundred + and ninety days, reach to the age of Josephus. But as to the truth of + those seven years' banishment of Nebuchadnezzar from men, and his living + so long among the beasts, the very small remains we have any where else of + this Nebuchadnezzar prevent our expectation of any other full account of + it. So far we knew by Ptolemy's canon, a contemporary record, as well as + by Josephus presently, that he reigned in all forty-three years, that is, + eight years after we meet with any account of his actions; one of the last + of which was the thirteen years' siege of Tyre, Antiq. B. XI. ch. 11., + where yet the Old Latin has but three years and ten months: yet were his + actions before so remarkable, both in sacred and profane authors, that a + vacuity of eight years at the least, at the latter end of his reign, must + be allowed to agree very well with Daniel's accounts; that after a seven + years' brutal life, he might return to his reason, and to the exercise of + his royal authority, for one whole year at least before his death.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-20" id="link10note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link10noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ These forty-three years + for the duration of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar are, as I have just now + observed, the very same number in Ptolemy's canon. Moses Chorenensis does + also confirm this captivity of the Jews under Nebuchadnezzar, and adds, + what is very remarkable, that sale of those Jews that were carried by him + into captivity got away into Armenia, and raised the great family of the + Bagratide there.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-21" id="link10note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link10noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ These twenty-one years + here ascribed to one named Naboulassar, in the first book against Apion, + or to Nabopollassar, the father of the great Nebuchadnezzar, are also the + very same with those given him in Ptolemy's canon. And note here, that + what Dr. Prideaux says, at the year, that Nebuchadnezzar must have been a + common name of other kings of Babylon, besides the great Nebuchadnezzar + himself is a groundless mistake of some modern chronologers rely, and + destitute of all proper original authority.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-22" id="link10note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link10noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ These fifteen days for + finishing such vast buildings at Babylon, in Josephus's copy of Berosus, + would seem too absurd to be supposed to be the true number, were it not + for the same testimony extant also in the first book against Apion, sect. + 19, with the same number. It thence indeed appears that Josephus's copy of + Berosus had this small number, but that it is the true number I still + doubt. Josephus assures us, that the walls of so much a smaller city as + Jerusalem were two years and four months in building by Nehemiah, who yet + hastened the work all he could, Antiq. B. XI. ch. 5. sect. 8. I should + think one hundred and fifteen days, or a year and fifteen days, much more + proportionable to so great a work.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-23" id="link10note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link10noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ It is here remarkable + that Josephus, without the knowledge of Ptolemy's canon, should call the + same king whom he himself here [Bar. i. 11, and Daniel 5:1, 2, 9, 12, 22, + 29, 39: styles Beltazar, or Belshazzar, from the Babylonian god Bel, + Naboandelus also; and in the first book against Apion, sect. 19, vol. + iii., from the same citation out of Berosus, Nabonnedon, from the + Babylonian god Nabo or Nebo. This last is not remote from the original + pronunciation itself in Ptolemy's canon, Nabonadius; for both the place of + this king in that canon, as the last of the Assyrian or Babylonian kings, + and the number of years of his reign, seventeen, the same in both + demonstrate that it is one and the same king that is meant by them all. It + is also worth noting, that Josephus knew that Darius, the partner of + Cyrus, was the son of Astyages, and was called by another name among the + Greeks, though it does not appear he knew what that name was, as having + never seen the best history of this period, which is Xenophon's. But then + what Josephus's present copies say presently, sect. 4, that it was only + within no long time after the hand-writing on the wall that Baltasar was + slain, does not so well agree with our copies of Daniel, which say it was + the same night, Daniel 5:30.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-24" id="link10note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link10noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ This grandmother, or + mother of Baltasar, the queen dowager of Babylon, [for she is + distinguished from his queen, Daniel 5:10, 13,] seems to have been the + famous Nitocris, who fortified Babylon against the Medes and Persians, + and, in all probability governed under Baltasar, who seems to be a weak + and effeminate prince.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-25" id="link10note-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#link10noteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ It is no way improbable + that Daniel's enemies might suggest this reason to the king why the lions + did not meddle with him and that they might suspect the king's kindness to + Daniel had procured these lions to be so filled beforehand, and that + thence it was that he encouraged Daniel to submit to this experiment, in + hopes of coming off safe; and that this was the true reason of making so + terrible an experiment upon those his enemies, and all their families, + Daniel 6:21, though our other copies do not directly take notice of it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10note-26" id="link10note-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#link10noteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ What Josephus here + says, that the stones of the sepulchers of the kings of Persia at this + tower, or those perhaps of the same sort that are now commonly called the + ruins of Persepolis, continued so entire and unaltered in his days, as if + they were lately put there, "I [says Reland] here can show to be true, as + to those stones of the Persian mansoleum, which Com. Brunius brake off and + gave me." He ascribed this to the hardness of the stones, which scarcely + yields to iron tools, and proves frequently too hard for cutting by the + chisel, but oftentimes breaks it to pieces.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link112H_4_0001" id="link112H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK XI. Containing The Interval Of Two Hundred And Fifty-Three Years + And Five Months.—From The First Of Cyrus To The Death Of Alexander + The Great. </big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link112HCH0001" id="link112HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. How Cyrus, King Of The Persians, Delivered The Jews Out Of + Babylon And Suffered Them To Return To Their Own Country And To Build + Their Temple, For Which Work He Gave Them Money. + </h3> + <p> + 1. In the first year of the reign of Cyrus <a href="#link11note-1" + name="link11noteref-1" id="link11noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> which was + the seventieth from the day that our people were removed out of their own + land into Babylon, God commiserated the captivity and calamity of these + poor people, according as he had foretold to them by Jeremiah the prophet, + before the destruction of the city, that after they had served + Nebuchadnezzar and his posterity, and after they had undergone that + servitude seventy years, he would restore them again to the land of their + fathers, and they should build their temple, and enjoy their ancient + prosperity. And these things God did afford them; for he stirred up the + mind of Cyrus, and made him write this throughout all Asia: "Thus saith + Cyrus the king: Since God Almighty hath appointed me to be king of the + habitable earth, I believe that he is that God which the nation of the + Israelites worship; for indeed he foretold my name by the prophets, and + that I should build him a house at Jerusalem, in the country of Judea." + </p> + <p> + 2. This was known to Cyrus by his reading the book which Isaiah left + behind him of his prophecies; for this prophet said that God had spoken + thus to him in a secret vision: "My will is, that Cyrus, whom I have + appointed to be king over many and great nations, send back my people to + their own land, and build my temple." This was foretold by Isaiah one + hundred and forty years before the temple was demolished. Accordingly, + when Cyrus read this, and admired the Divine power, an earnest desire and + ambition seized upon him to fulfill what was so written; so he called for + the most eminent Jews that were in Babylon, and said to them, that he gave + them leave to go back to their own country, and to rebuild their city + Jerusalem, <a href="#link11note-2" name="link11noteref-2" + id="link11noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> and the temple of God, for that + he would be their assistant, and that he would write to the rulers and + governors that were in the neighborhood of their country of Judea, that + they should contribute to them gold and silver for the building of the + temple, and besides that, beasts for their sacrifices. + </p> + <p> + 3. When Cyrus had said this to the Israelites, the rulers of the two + tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with the Levites and priests, went in haste + to Jerusalem; yet did many of them stay at Babylon, as not willing to + leave their possessions; and when they were come thither, all the king's + friends assisted them, and brought in, for the building of the temple, + some gold, and some silver, and some a great many cattle and horses. So + they performed their vows to God, and offered the sacrifices that had been + accustomed of old time; I mean this upon the rebuilding of their city, and + the revival of the ancient practices relating to their worship. Cyrus also + sent back to them the vessels of God which king Nebuchadnezzar had + pillaged out of the temple, and had carried to Babylon. So he committed + these things to Mithridates, the treasurer, to be sent away, with an order + to give them to Sanabassar, that he might keep them till the temple was + built; and when it was finished, he might deliver them to the priests and + rulers of the multitude, in order to their being restored to the temple. + Cyrus also sent an epistle to the governors that were in Syria, the + contents whereof here follow: + </p> + <p> + "King Cyrus To Sisinnes And Sathrabuzanes Sendeth Greeting. + </p> + <p> + "I have given leave to as many of the Jews that dwell in my country as + please to return to their own country, and to rebuild their city, and to + build the temple of God at Jerusalem on the same place where it was + before. I have also sent my treasurer Mithridates, and Zorobabel, the + governor of the Jews, that they may lay the foundations of the temple, and + may build it sixty cubits high, and of the same latitude, making three + edifices of polished stones, and one of the wood of the country, and the + same order extends to the altar whereon they offer sacrifices to God. I + require also that the expenses for these things may be given out of my + revenues. Moreover, I have also sent the vessels which king Nebuchadnezzar + pillaged out of the temple, and have given them to Mithridates the + treasurer, and to Zorobabel the governor of the Jews, that they may have + them carried to Jerusalem, and may restore them to the temple of God. Now + their number is as follows: Fifty chargers of gold, and five hundred of + silver; forty Thericlean cups of gold, and five hundred of silver; fifty + basons of gold, and five hundred of silver; thirty vessels for pouring + [the drink-offerings], and three hundred of silver; thirty vials of gold, + and two thousand four hundred of silver; with a thousand other large + vessels. <a href="#link11note-3" name="link11noteref-3" + id="link11noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> I permit them to have the same + honor which they were used to have from their forefathers, as also for + their small cattle, and for wine and oil, two hundred and five thousand + and five hundred drachmae; and for wheat flour, twenty thousand and five + hundred artabae; and I give order that these expenses shall be given them + out of the tributes due from Samaria. The priests shall also offer these + sacrifices according to the laws of Moses in Jerusalem; and when they + offer them, they shall pray to God for the preservation of the king and of + his family, that the kingdom of Persia may continue. But my will is, that + those who disobey these injunctions, and make them void, shall be hung + upon a cross, and their substance brought into the king's treasury." And + such was the import of this epistle. Now the number of those that came out + of captivity to Jerusalem, were forty-two thousand four hundred and + sixty-two. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link112HCH0002" id="link112HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. How Upon The Death Of Cyrus The Jews Were Hindered In Building + Of The Temple By The Cutheans, And The Neighboring Governors; And How + Cambyses Entirely Forbade The Jews To Do Any Such Thing. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When the foundations of the temple were laying, and when the Jews were + very zealous about building it, the neighboring nations, and especially + the Cutheans, whom Shalmanezer, king of Assyria, had brought out of Persia + and Media, and had planted in Samaria, when he carried the people of + Israel captives, besought the governors, and those that had the care of + such affairs, that they would interrupt the Jews, both in the rebuilding + of their city, and in the building of their temple. Now as these men were + corrupted by them with money, they sold the Cutheans their interest for + rendering this building a slow and a careless work, for Cyrus, who was + busy about other wars, knew nothing of all this; and it so happened, that + when he had led his army against the Massagetae, he ended his life. <a + href="#link11note-4" name="link11noteref-4" id="link11noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> + But when Cambyses, the son of Cyrus, had taken the kingdom, the governors + in Syria, and Phoenicia, and in the countries of Ammon, and Moab, and + Samaria, wrote an epistle to Cambyses; whose contents were as follow: "To + our lord Cambyses. We thy servants, Rathumus the historiographer, and + Semellius the scribe, and the rest that are thy judges in Syria and + Phoenicia, send greeting. It is fit, O king, that thou shouldst know that + those Jews which were carried to Babylon are come into our country, and + are building that rebellious and wicked city, and its market-places, and + setting up its walls, and raising up the temple; know therefore, that when + these things are finished, they will not be willing to pay tribute, nor + will they submit to thy commands, but will resist kings, and will choose + rather to rule over others than be ruled over themselves. We therefore + thought it proper to write to thee, O king, while the works about the + temple are going on so fast, and not to overlook this matter, that thou + mayst search into the books of thy fathers, for thou wilt find in them + that the Jews have been rebels, and enemies to kings, as hath their city + been also, which, for that reason, hath been till now laid waste. We + thought proper also to inform thee of this matter, because thou mayst + otherwise perhaps be ignorant of it, that if this city be once inhabited + and be entirely encompassed with walls, thou wilt be excluded from thy + passage to Celesyria and Phoenicia." + </p> + <p> + 2. When Cambyses had read the epistle, being naturally wicked, he was + irritated at what they told him, and wrote back to them as follows: + "Cambyses the king, to Rathumus the historiographer, to Beeltethmus, to + Semellius the scribe, and the rest that are in commission, and dwelling in + Samaria and Phoenicia, after this manner: I have read the epistle that was + sent from you; and I gave order that the books of my forefathers should be + searched into, and it is there found that this city hath always been an + enemy to kings, and its inhabitants have raised seditions and wars. We + also are sensible that their kings have been powerful and tyrannical, and + have exacted tribute of Celesyria and Phoenicia. Wherefore I gave order, + that the Jews shall not be permitted to build that city, lest such + mischief as they used to bring upon kings be greatly augmented." When this + epistle was read, Rathumus, and Semellius the scribe, and their + associates, got suddenly on horseback, and made haste to Jerusalem; they + also brought a great company with them, and forbade the Jews to build the + city and the temple. Accordingly, these works were hindered from going on + till the second year of the reign of Darius, for nine years more; for + Cambyses reigned six years, and within that time overthrew Egypt, and when + he was come back, he died at Damascus. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link112HCH0003" id="link112HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. How After The Death Of Cambyses And The Slaughter Of The Magi + But Under The Reign Of Darius, Zorobabel Was Superior To The Rest In The + Solution Of Problems And Thereby Obtained This Favor Of The King, That The + Temple Should Be Built. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After the slaughter of the Magi, who, upon the death of Cambyses, + attained the government of the Persians for a year, those families which + were called the seven families of the Persians appointed Darius, the son + of Hystaspes, to be their king. Now he, while he was a private man, had + made a vow to God, that if he came to be king, he would send all the + vessels of God that were in Babylon to the temple at Jerusalem. Now it so + fell out, that about this time Zorobabel, who had been made governor of + the Jews that had been in captivity, came to Darius, from Jerusalem; for + there had been an old friendship between him and the king. He was also, + with two others, thought worthy to be guard of the king's body; and + obtained that honor which he hoped for. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now, in the first year of the king's reign, Darius feasted those that + were about him, and those born in his house, with the rulers of the Medes, + and princes of the Persians, and the toparchs of India and Ethiopia, and + the generals of the armies of his hundred and twenty-seven provinces. But + when they had eaten and drunk to satiety, and abundantly, they every one + departed to go to bed at their own houses, and Darius the king went to + bed; but after he had rested a little part of the night, he awaked, and + not being able to sleep any more, he fell into conversation with the three + guards of his body, and promised, that to him who should make an oration + about points that he should inquire of, such as should be most agreeable + to truth, and to the dictates of wisdom, he would grant it as a reward of + his victory, to put on a purple garment, and to drink in cups of gold, and + to sleep upon gold, and to have a chariot with bridles of gold, and a head + tire of fine linen, and a chain of gold about his neck, and to sit next to + himself, on account of his wisdom; "and," says he, "he shall be called my + cousin." Now when he had promised to give them these gifts, he asked the + first of them, "Whether wine was not the strongest?"—the second, + "Whether kings were not such?"—and the third, "Whether women were + not such? or whether truth was not the strongest of all?" When he had + proposed that they should make their inquiries about these problems, he + went to rest; but in the morning he sent for his great men, his princes, + and toparchs of Persia and Media, and set himself down in the place where + he used to give audience, and bid each of the guards of his body to + declare what they thought proper concerning the proposed questions, in the + hearing of them all. + </p> + <p> + 3. Accordingly, the first of them began to speak of the strength of wine, + and demonstrated it thus: "When," said he, "I am to give my opinion of + wine, O you men, I find that it exceeds every thing, by the following + indications: It deceives the mind of those that drink it, and reduces that + of the king to the same state with that of the orphan, and he who stands + in need of a tutor; and erects that of the slave to the boldness of him + that is free; and that of the needy becomes like that of the rich man, for + it changes and renews the souls of men when it gets into them; and it + quenches the sorrow of those that are under calamities, and makes men + forget the debts they owe to others, and makes them think themselves to be + of all men the richest; it makes them talk of no small things, but of + talents, and such other names as become wealthy men only; nay more, it + makes them insensible of their commanders, and of their kings, and takes + away the remembrance of their friends and companions, for it arms men even + against those that are dearest to them, and makes them appear the greatest + strangers to them; and when they are become sober, and they have slept out + their wine in the night, they arise without knowing any thing they have + done in their cups. I take these for signs of power, and by them discover + that wine is the strongest and most insuperable of all things." + </p> + <p> + 4. As soon as the first had given the forementioned demonstrations of the + strength of wine, he left off; and the next to him began to speak about + the strength of a king, and demonstrated that it was the strongest of all, + and more powerful than any thing else that appears to have any force or + wisdom. He began his demonstration after the following manner; and said, + "They are men who govern all things; they force the earth and the sea to + become profitable to them in what they desire, and over these men do kings + rule, and over them they have authority. Now those who rule over that + animal which is of all the strongest and most powerful, must needs deserve + to be esteemed insuperable in power and force. For example, when these + kings command their subjects to make wars, and undergo dangers, they are + hearkened to; and when they send them against their enemies, their power + is so great that they are obeyed. They command men to level mountains, and + to pull down walls and towers; nay, when they are commanded to be killed + and to kill, they submit to it, that they may not appear to transgress the + king's commands; and when they have conquered, they bring what they have + gained in the war to the king. Those also who are not soldiers, but + cultivate the ground, and plough it, and when, after they have endured the + labor and all the inconveniences of such works of husbandry, they have + reaped and gathered in their fruits, they bring tributes to the king; and + whatsoever it is which the king says or commands, it is done of necessity, + and that without any delay, while he in the mean time is satiated with all + sorts of food and pleasures, and sleeps in quiet. He is guarded by such as + watch, and such as are, as it were, fixed down to the place through fear; + for no one dares leave him, even when he is asleep, nor does any one go + away and take care of his own affairs; but he esteems this one thing the + only work of necessity, to guard the king, and accordingly to this he + wholly addicts himself. How then can it be otherwise, but that it must + appear that the king exceeds all in strength, while so great a multitude + obeys his injunctions?" + </p> + <p> + 5. Now when this man had held his peace, the third of them, who was + Zorobabel, began to instruct them about women, and about truth, who said + thus: "Wine is strong, as is the king also, whom all men obey, but women + are superior to them in power; for it was a woman that brought the king + into the world; and for those that plant the vines and make the wine, they + are women who bear them, and bring them up: nor indeed is there any thing + which we do not receive from them; for these women weave garments for us, + and our household affairs are by their means taken care of, and preserved + in safety; nor can we live separate from women. And when we have gotten a + great deal of gold and silver, and any other thing that is of great value, + and deserving regard, and see a beautiful woman, we leave all these + things, and with open mouth fix our eyes upon her countenance, and are + willing to forsake what we have, that we may enjoy her beauty, and procure + it to ourselves. We also leave father, and mother, and the earth that + nourishes us, and frequently forget our dearest friends, for the sake of + women; nay, we are so hardy as to lay down our lives for them. But what + will chiefly make you take notice of the strength of women is this that + follows: Do not we take pains, and endure a great deal of trouble, and + that both by land and sea, and when we have procured somewhat as the fruit + of our labors, do not we bring them to the women, as to our mistresses, + and bestow them upon them? Nay, I once saw the king, who is lord of so + many people, smitten on the face by Apame, the daughter of Rabsases + Themasius, his concubine, and his diadem taken away from him, and put upon + her own head, while he bore it patiently; and when she smiled he smiled, + and when she was angry he was sad; and according to the change of her + passions, he flattered his wife, and drew her to reconciliation by the + great humiliation of himself to her, if at any time he saw her displeased + at him." + </p> + <p> + 6. And when the princes and rulers looked one upon another, he began to + speak about truth; and he said, "I have already demonstrated how powerful + women are; but both these women themselves, and the king himself, are + weaker than truth; for although the earth be large, and the heaven high, + and the course of the sun swift, yet are all these moved according to the + will of God, who is true and righteous, for which cause we also ought to + esteem truth to be the strongest of all things, and that what is + unrighteous is of no force against it. Moreover, all things else that have + any strength are mortal and short-lived, but truth is a thing that is + immortal and eternal. It affords us not indeed such a beauty as will + wither away by time, nor such riches as may be taken away by fortune, but + righteous rules and laws. It distinguishes them from injustice, and puts + what is unrighteous to rebuke." <a href="#link11note-5" + name="link11noteref-5" id="link11noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 7. So when Zorobabel had left off his discourse about truth, and the + multitude had cried out aloud that he had spoken the most wisely, and that + it was truth alone that had immutable strength, and such as never would + wax old, the king commanded that he should ask for somewhat over and above + what he had promised, for that he would give it him because of his wisdom, + and that prudence wherein he exceeded the rest; "and thou shalt sit with + me," said the king, "and shalt be called my cousin." When he had said + this, Zorobabel put him in mind of the vow he had made in case he should + ever have the kingdom. Now this vow was, "to rebuild Jerusalem, and to + build therein the temple of God; as also to restore the vessels which + Nebuchadnezzar had pillaged, and carried to Babylon. And this," said he, + "is that request which thou now permittest me to make, on account that I + have been judged to be wise and understanding." + </p> + <p> + 8. So the king was pleased with what he had said, and arose and kissed + him; and wrote to the toparchs and governors, and enjoined them to conduct + Zorobabel and those that were going with him to build the temple. He also + sent letters to those rulers that were in Syria and Phoenicia to cut down + and carry cedar trees from Lebanon to Jerusalem, and to assist him in + building the city. He also wrote to them, that all the captives who should + go to Judea should be free; and he prohibited his deputies and governors + to lay any king's taxes upon the Jews; he also permitted that they should + have all that land which they could possess themselves of without + tributes. He also enjoined the Idumeans and Samaritans, and the + inhabitants of Celesyria, to restore those villages which they had taken + from the Jews; and that, besides all this, fifty talents should be given + them for the building of the temple. He also permitted them to offer their + appointed sacrifices, and that whatsoever the high priest and the priests + wanted, and those sacred garments wherein they used to worship God, should + be made at his own charges; and that the musical instruments which the + Levites used in singing hymns to God should be given them. Moreover, he + charged them, that portions of land should be given to those that guarded + the city and the temple, as also a determinate sum of money every year for + their maintenance; and withal he sent the vessels. And all that Cyrus + intended to do before him relating to the restoration of Jerusalem, Darius + also ordained should be done accordingly. + </p> + <p> + 9. Now when Zorobabel had obtained these grants from the king, he went out + of the palace, and looking up to heaven, he began to return thanks to God + for the wisdom he had given him, and the victory he had gained thereby, + even in the presence of Darius himself; for, said he, "I had not been + thought worthy of these advantages, O Lord, unless thou hadst been + favorable to me." When therefore he had returned these thanks to God for + the present circumstances he was in, and had prayed to him to afford him + the like favor for the time to come, he came to Babylon, and brought the + good news to his countrymen of what grants he had procured for them from + the king; who, when they heard the same, gave thanks also to God that he + restored the land of their forefathers to them again. So they betook + themselves to drinking and eating, and for seven days they continued + feasting, and kept a festival, for the rebuilding and restoration of their + country: after this they chose themselves rulers, who should go up to + Jerusalem, out of the tribes of their forefathers, with their wives, and + children, and cattle, who traveled to Jerusalem with joy and pleasure, + under the conduct of those whom Darius sent along with them, and making a + noise with songs, and pipes, and cymbals. The rest of the Jewish multitude + also besides accompanied them with rejoicing. + </p> + <p> + 10. And thus did these men go, a certain and determinate number out of + every family, though I do not think it proper to recite particularly the + names of those families, that I may not take off the mind of my readers + from the connexion of the historical facts, and make it hard for them to + follow the coherence of my narrations; but the sum of those that went up, + above the age of twelve years, of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, was + four hundred and sixty-two myriads and eight thousand <a + href="#link11note-6" name="link11noteref-6" id="link11noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> + the Levites were seventy-four; the number of the women and children mixed + together was forty thousand seven hundred and forty-two; and besides + these, there were singers of the Levites one hundred and twenty-eight, and + porters one hundred and ten, and of the sacred ministers three hundred and + ninety-two; there were also others besides these, who said they were of + the Israelites, but were not able to show their genealogies, six hundred + and sixty-two: some there were also who were expelled out of the number + and honor of the priests, as having married wives whose genealogies they + could not produce, nor were they found in the genealogies of the Levites + and priests; they were about five hundred and twenty-five: the multitude + also of servants that followed those that went up to Jerusalem were seven + thousand three hundred and thirty-seven; the singing men and singing women + were two hundred and forty-five; the camels were four hundred and + thirty-five; the beasts used to the yoke were five thousand five hundred + and twenty-five; and the governors of all this multitude thus numbered + were Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, of the posterity of David, and of + the tribe of Judah; and Jeshua, the son of Josedek the high priest; and + besides these there were Mordecai and Serebeus, who were distinguished + from the multitude, and were rulers, who also contributed a hundred pounds + of gold, and five thousand of silver. By this means therefore the priests + and the Levites, and a certain part of the entire people of the Jews that + were in Babylon, came and dwelt in Jerusalem; but the rest of the + multitude returned every one to their own countries. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link112HCH0004" id="link112HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. How The Temple Was Built While The Cutheans Endeavored In Vain + To Obstruct The Work. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now in the seventh month after they were departed out of Babylon, both + Jeshua the high priest, and Zorobabel the governor, sent messengers every + way round about, and gathered those that were in the country together to + Jerusalem universally, who came very gladly thither. He then built the + altar on the same place it had formerly been built, that they might offer + the appointed sacrifices upon it to God, according to the laws of Moses. + But while they did this, they did not please the neighboring nations, who + all of them bare an ill-will to them. They also celebrated the feast of + tabernacles at that time, as the legislator had ordained concerning it; + and after they offered sacrifices, and what were called the daily + sacrifices, and the oblations proper for the Sabbaths, and for all the + holy festivals. Those also that had made vows performed them, and offered + their sacrifices from the first day of the seventh month. They also began + to build the temple, and gave a great deal of money to the masons and to + the carpenters, and what was necessary for the maintenance of the workmen. + The Sidonians also were very willing and ready to bring the cedar trees + from Libanus, to bind them together, and to make a united float of them, + and to bring them to the port of Joppa, for that was what Cyrus had + commanded at first, and what was now done at the command of Darius. + </p> + <p> + 2. In the second year of their coming to Jerusalem, as the Jews were there + in the second month, the building of the temple went on apace; and when + they had laid its foundations on the first day of the second month of that + second year, they set, as overseers of the work, such Levites as were full + twenty years old; and Jeshua and his sons and brethren, and Codmiel the + brother of Judas, the son of Aminadab, with his sons; and the temple, by + the great diligence of those that had the care of it, was finished sooner + than any one would have expected. And when the temple was finished, the + priests, adorned with their accustomed garments, stood with their + trumpets, while the Levites, and the sons of Asaph, stood and sung hymns + to God, according as David first of all appointed them to bless God. Now + the priests and Levites, and the elder part of the families, recollecting + with themselves how much greater and more sumptuous the old temple had + been, seeing that now made how much inferior it was, on account of their + poverty, to that which had been built of old, considered with themselves + how much their happy state was sunk below what it had been of old, as well + as their temple. Hereupon they were disconsolate, and not able to contain + their grief, and proceeded so far as to lament and shed tears on those + accounts; but the people in general were contented with their present + condition; and because they were allowed to build them a temple, they + desired no more, and neither regarded nor remembered, nor indeed at all + tormented themselves with the comparison of that and the former temple, as + if this were below their expectations; but the wailing of the old men and + of the priests, on account of the deficiency of this temple, in their + opinion, if compared with that which had been demolished, overcame the + sounds of the trumpets and the rejoicing of the people. + </p> + <p> + 3. But when the Samaritans, who were still enemies to the tribes of Judah + and Benjamin, heard the sound of the trumpets, they came running together, + and desired to know what was the occasion of this tumult; and when they + perceived that it was from the Jews, who had been carried captive to + Babylon, and were rebuilding their temple, they came to Zorobabel and to + Jeshua, and to the heads of the families, and desired that they would give + them leave to build the temple with them, and to be partners with them in + building it; for they said, "We worship their God, and especially pray to + him, and are desirous of their religious settlement, and this ever since + Shalmanezer, the king of Assyria, transplanted us out of Cuthah and Media + to this place." When they said thus, Zorobabel and Jeshua the high priest, + and the heads of the families of the Israelites, replied to them, that it + was impossible for them to permit them to be their partners, whilst they + [only] had been appointed to build that temple at first by Cyrus, and now + by Darius, although it was indeed lawful for them to come and worship + there if they pleased, and that they could allow them nothing but that in + common with them, which was common to them with all other men, to come to + their temple and worship God there. + </p> + <p> + 4. When the Cuthearts heard this, for the Samaritans have that + appellation, they had indignation at it, and persuaded the nations of + Syria to desire of the governors, in the same manner as they had done + formerly in the days of Cyrus, and again in the days of Cambyses + afterwards, to put a stop to the building of the temple, and to endeavor + to delay and protract the Jews in their zeal about it. Now at this time + Sisinnes, the governor of Syria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes, with + certain others, came up to Jerusalem, and asked the rulers of the Jews, by + whose grant it was that they built the temple in this manner, since it was + more like to a citadel than a temple? and for what reason it was that they + built cloisters and walls, and those strong ones too, about the city? To + which Zorobabel and Jeshua the high priest replied, that they were the + servants of God Almighty; that this temple was built for him by a king of + theirs, that lived in great prosperity, and one that exceeded all men in + virtue; and that it continued a long time, but that because of their + fathers' impiety towards God, Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Babylonians and + of the Chaldeans, took their city by force, and destroyed it, and pillaged + the temple, and burnt it down, and transplanted the people whom he had + made captives, and removed them to Babylon; that Cyrus, who, after him, + was king of Babylonia and Persia, wrote to them to build the temple, and + committed the gifts and vessels, and whatsoever Nebuchadnezzar had carried + out of it, to Zorobabel, and Mithridates the treasurer; and gave order to + have them carried to Jerusalem, and to have them restored to their own + temple, when it was built; for he had sent to them to have that done + speedily, and commanded Sanabassar to go up to Jerusalem, and to take care + of the building of the temple; who, upon receiving that epistle from + Cyrus, came, and immediately laid its foundations; "and although it hath + been in building from that time to this, it hath not yet been finished, by + reason of the malignity of our enemies. If therefore you have a mind, and + think it proper, write this account to Darius, that when he hath consulted + the records of the kings, he may find that we have told you nothing that + is false about this matter." + </p> + <p> + 5. When Zorobabel and the high priest had made this answer, Sisinnes, and + those that were with him, did not resolve to hinder the building, until + they had informed king Darius of all this. So they immediately wrote to + him about these affairs; but as the Jews were now under terror, and afraid + lest the king should change his resolutions as to the building of + Jerusalem and of the temple, there were two prophets at that time among + them, Haggai and Zechariah, who encouraged them, and bid them be of good + cheer, and to suspect no discouragement from the Persians, for that God + foretold this to them. So, in dependence on those prophets, they applied + themselves earnestly to building, and did not intermit one day. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now Darius, when the Samaritans had written to him, and in their + epistle had accused the Jews, how they fortified the city, and built the + temple more like to a citadel than to a temple; and said, that their + doings were not expedient for the king's affairs; and besides, they showed + the epistle of Cambyses, wherein he forbade them to build the temple: and + when Darius thereby understood that the restoration of Jerusalem was not + expedient for his affairs, and when he had read the epistle that was + brought him from Sisinnes, and those that were with him, he gave order + that what concerned these matters should be sought for among the royal + records. Whereupon a book was found at Ecbatana, in the tower that was in + Media, wherein was written as follows: "Cyrus the king, in the first year + of his reign, commanded that the temple should be built in Jerusalem; and + the altar in height threescore cubits, and its breadth of the same, with + three edifices of polished stone, and one edifice of stone of their own + country; and he ordained that the expenses of it should be paid out of the + king's revenue. He also commanded that the vessels which Nebuchadnezzar + had pillaged [out of the temple], and had carried to Babylon, should be + restored to the people of Jerusalem; and that the care of these things + should belong to Sanabassar, the governor and president of Syria and + Phoenicia, and his associates, that they may not meddle with that place, + but may permit the servants of God, the Jews and their rulers, to build + the temple. He also ordained that they should assist them in the work; and + that they should pay to the Jews, out of the tribute of the country where + they were governors, on account of the sacrifices, bulls, and rams, and + lambs, and kids of the goats, and fine flour, and oil, and wine, and all + other things that the priests should suggest to them; and that they should + pray for the preservation of the king, and of the Persians; and that for + such as transgressed any of these orders thus sent to them, he commanded + that they should be caught, and hung upon a cross, and their substance + confiscated to the king's use. He also prayed to God against them, that if + any one attempted to hinder the building of the temple, God would strike + him dead, and thereby restrain his wickedness." + </p> + <p> + 7. When Darius had found this book among the records of Cyrus, he wrote an + answer to Sisinnes and his associates, whose contents were these: "King + Darius to Sisinnes the governor, and to Sathrabuzanes, sendeth greeting. + Having found a copy of this epistle among the records of Cyrus, I have + sent it you; and I will that all things be done as is therein written. + Fare ye well." So when Sisinnes, and those that were with him, understood + the intention of the king, they resolved to follow his directions entirely + for the time to come. So they forwarded the sacred works, and assisted the + elders of the Jews, and the princes of the Sanhedrim; and the structure of + the temple was with great diligence brought to a conclusion, by the + prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah, according to God's commands, and by + the injunctions of Cyrus and Darius the kings. Now the temple was built in + seven years' time. And in the ninth year of the reign of Darius, on the + twenty-third day of the twelfth month, which is by us called Adar, but by + the Macedonians Dystrus, the priests, and Levites, and the other multitude + of the Israelites, offered sacrifices, as the renovation of their former + prosperity after their captivity, and because they had now the temple + rebuilt, a hundred bulls, two hundred rains, four hundred lambs, and + twelve kids of the goats, according to the number of their tribes, [for so + many are the tribes of the Israelites,] and this last for the sins of + every tribe. The priests also and the Levites set the porters at every + gate, according to the laws of Moses. The Jews also built the cloisters of + the inner temple that were round about the temple itself. + </p> + <p> + 8. And as the feast of unleavened bread was at hand, in the first month, + which, according to the Macedonians, is called Xanthicus, but according to + us Nisan, all the people ran together out of the villages to the city, and + celebrated the festival, having purified themselves, with their wives and + children, according to the law of their country; and they offered the + sacrifice which was called the Passover, on the fourteenth day of the same + month, and feasted seven days, and spared for no cost, but offered whole + burnt-offerings to God, and performed sacrifices of thanksgiving, because + God had led them again to the land of their fathers, and to the laws + thereto belonging, and had rendered the mind of the king of Persia + favorable to them. So these men offered the largest sacrifices on these + accounts, and used great magnificence in the worship of God, and dwelt in + Jerusalem, and made use of a form of government that was aristocratical, + but mixed with an oligarchy, for the high priests were at the head of + their affairs, until the posterity of the Asamoneans set up kingly + government; for before their captivity, and the dissolution of their + polity, they at first had kingly government from Saul and David for five + hundred and thirty- two years, six months, and ten days; but before those + kings, such rulers governed them as were called judges and monarchs. Under + this form of government they continued for more than five hundred years + after the death of Moses, and of Joshua their commander. And this is the + account I had to give of the Jews who had been carried into captivity, but + were delivered from it in the times of Cyrus and Darius. + </p> + <p> + 9. <a href="#link11note-7" name="link11noteref-7" id="link11noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> + But the Samaritans, being evil and enviously disposed to the Jews, wrought + them many mischiefs, by reliance on their riches, and by their pretense + that they were allied to the Persians, on account that thence they came; + and whatsoever it was that they were enjoined to pay the Jews by the + king's order out of their tributes for the sacrifices, they would not pay + it. They had also the governors favorable to them, and assisting them for + that purpose; nor did they spare to hurt them, either by themselves or by + others, as far as they were able. So the Jews determined to send an + embassage to king Darius, in favor of the people of Jerusalem, and in + order to accuse the Samaritans. The ambassadors were Zorobabel, and four + others of the rulers; and as soon as the king knew from the ambassadors + the accusations and complaints they brought against the Samaritans, he + gave them an epistle to be carried to the governors and council of + Samaria; the contents of which epistle were these: "King Darius to + Tanganas and Sambabas, the governors of the Sainaritans, to Sadraces and + Bobelo, and the rest of their fellow servants that are in Samaria: + Zorobabel, Ananias, and Mordecai, the ambassadors of the Jews, complain of + you, that you obstruct them in the building of the temple, and do not + supply them with the expenses which I commanded you to do for the offering + their sacrifices. My will therefore is this, That upon the reading of this + epistle, you supply them with whatsoever they want for their sacrifices, + and that out of the royal treasury, of the tributes of Samaria, as the + priest shall desire, that they may not leave off offering their daily + sacrifices, nor praying to God for me and the Persians." And these were + the contents of that epistle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link112HCH0005" id="link112HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. How Xerxes The Son Of Darius Was Well Disposed To The Jews; As + Also Concerning Esdras And Nehemiah. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Upon the death of Darius, Xerxes his son took the kingdom, who, as he + inherited his father's kingdom, so did he inherit his piety towards God, + and honor of him; for he did all things suitably to his father relating to + Divine worship, and he was exceeding friendly to the Jews. Now about this + time a son of Jeshua, whose name was Joacim, was the high priest. + Moreover, there was now in Babylon a righteous man, and one that enjoyed a + great reputation among the multitude. He was the principal priest of the + people, and his name was Esdras. He was very skillful in the laws of + Moses, and was well acquainted with king Xerxes. He had determined to go + up to Jerusalem, and to take with him some of those Jews that were in + Babylon; and he desired that the king would give him an epistle to the + governors of Syria, by which they might know who he was. Accordingly, the + king wrote the following epistle to those governors: "Xerxes, king of + kings, to Esdras the priest, and reader of the Divine law, greeting. I + think it agreeable to that love which I bear to mankind, to permit those + of the Jewish nation that are so disposed, as well as those of the priests + and Levites that are in our kingdom, to go together to Jerusalem. + Accordingly, I have given command for that purpose; and let every one that + hath a mind go, according as it hath seemed good to me, and to my seven + counselors, and this in order to their review of the affairs of Judea, to + see whether they be agreeable to the law of God. Let them also take with + them those presents which I and my friends have vowed, with all that + silver and gold that is found in the country of the Babylonians, as + dedicated to God, and let all this be carried to Jerusalem to God for + sacrifices. Let it also be lawful for thee and thy brethren to make as + many vessels of silver and gold as thou pleasest. Thou shalt also dedicate + those holy vessels which have been given thee, and as many more as thou + hast a mind to make, and shall take the expenses out of the king's + treasury. I have, moreover, written to the treasurers of Syria and + Phoenicia, that they take care of those affairs that Esdras the priest, + and reader of the laws of God, is sent about. And that God may not be at + all angry with me, or with my children, I grant all that is necessary for + sacrifices to God, according to the law, as far as a hundred cori of + wheat. And I enjoin you not to lay any treacherous imposition, or any + tributes, upon their priests or Levites, or sacred singers, or porters, or + sacred servants, or scribes of the temple. And do thou, O Esdras, appoint + judges according to the wisdom [given thee] of God, and those such as + understand the law, that they may judge in all Syria and Phoenicia; and do + thou instruct those also which are ignorant of it, that if any one of thy + countrymen transgress the law of God, or that of the king, he may be + punished, as not transgressing it out of ignorance, but as one that knows + it indeed, but boldly despises and contemns it; and such may be punished + by death, or by paying fines. Farewell." + </p> + <p> + 2. When Esdras had received this epistle, he was very joyful, and began to + worship God, and confessed that he had been the cause of the king's great + favor to him, and that for the same reason he gave all the thanks to God. + So he read the epistle at Babylon to those Jews that were there; but he + kept the epistle itself, and sent a copy of it to all those of his own + nation that were in Media. And when these Jews had understood what piety + the king had towards God, and what kindness he had for Esdras, they were + all greatly pleased; nay, many of them took their effects with them, and + came to Babylon, as very desirous of going down to Jerusalem; but then the + entire body of the people of Israel remained in that country; wherefore + there are but two tribes in Asia and Europe subject to the Iomans, while + the ten tribes are beyond Euphrates till now, and are an immense + multitude, and not to be estimated by numbers. Now there came a great + number of priests, and Levites, and porters, and sacred singers, and + sacred servants to Esdras. So he gathered those that were in the captivity + together beyond Euphrates, and staid there three days, and ordained a fast + for them, that they might make their prayers to God for their + preservation, that they might suffer no misfortunes by the way, either + from their enemies, or from any other ill accident; for Esdras had said + beforehand that he had told the king how God would preserve them, and so + he had not thought fit to request that he would send horsemen to conduct + them. So when they had finished their prayers, they removed from Euphrates + on the twelfth day of the first month of the seventh year of the reign of + Xerxes, and they came to Jerusalem on the fifth month of the same year. + Now Esdras presented the sacred money to the treasurers, who were of the + family of the priests, of silver six hundred and fifty talents, vessels of + silver one hundred talents, vessels of gold twenty talents, vessels of + brass, that was more precious than gold, <a href="#link11note-8" + name="link11noteref-8" id="link11noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> twelve + talents by weight; for these Presents had been made by the king and his + counselors, and by all the Israelites that staid at Babylon. So when + Esdras had delivered these things to the priests, he gave to God, as the + appointed sacrifices of whole burnt-offerings, twelve bulls on account of + the common preservation of the people, ninety rams, seventy-two lambs, and + twelve kids of the goats, for the remission of sins. He also delivered the + king's epistle to the king's officers, and to the governors of Celesyria + and Phoenicia; and as they were under a necessity of doing what was + enjoined by him, they honored our nation, and were assistant to them in + all their necessities. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now these things were truly done under the conduct of Esdras; and he + succeeded in them, because God esteemed him worthy of the success of his + conduct, on account of his goodness and righteousness. But some time + afterward there came some persons to him, and brought an accusation + against certain of the multitude, and of the priests and Levites, who had + transgressed their settlement, and dissolved the laws of their country, by + marrying strange wives, and had brought the family of the priests into + confusion. These persons desired him to support the laws, lest God should + take up a general anger against them all, and reduce them to a calamitous + condition again. Hereupon he rent his garment immediately, out of grief, + and pulled off the hair of his head and beard, and cast himself upon the + ground, because this crime had reached the principal men among the people; + and considering that if he should enjoin them to cast out their wives, and + the children they had by them, he should not be hearkened to, he continued + lying upon the ground. However, all the better sort came running to him, + who also themselves wept, and partook of the grief he was under for what + had been done. So Esdras rose up from the ground, and stretched out his + hands towards heaven, and said that he was ashamed to look towards it, + because of the sins which the people had committed, while they had cast + out of their memories what their fathers had undergone on account of their + wickedness; and he besought God, who had saved a seed and a remnant out of + the calamity and captivity they had been in, and had restored them again + to Jerusalem, and to their own land, and had obliged the kings of Persia + to have compassion on them, that he would also forgive them their sins + they had now committed, which, though they deserved death, yet, was it + agreeable to the mercy of God, to remit even to these the punishment due + to them. + </p> + <p> + 4. After Esdras had said this, he left off praying; and when all those + that came to him with their wives and children were under lamentation, one + whose name was Jechonias, a principal man in Jerusalem, came to him, and + said that they had sinned in marrying strange wives; and he persuaded him + to adjure them all to cast those wives out, and the children born of them, + and that those should be punished who would not obey the law. So Esdras + hearkened to this advice, and made the heads of the priests, and of the + Levites, and of the Israelites, swear that they would put away those wives + and children, according to the advice of Jechonias. And when he had + received their oaths, he went in haste out of the temple into the chamber + of Johanan, the son of Eliasib, and as he had hitherto tasted nothing at + all for grief, so he abode there that day. And when proclamation was made, + that all those of the captivity should gather themselves together to + Jerusalem, and those that did not meet there in two or three days should + be banished from the multitude, and that their substance should b + appropriated to the uses of the temple, according to the sentence of the + elders, those that were of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin came together + in three days, viz. on the twentieth day of the ninth month, which, + according to the Hebrews, is called Tebeth, and according to the + Macedonians, Apelleius. Now as they were sitting in the upper room of the + temple, where the elders also were present, but were uneasy because of the + cold, Esdras stood up and accused them, and told them that they had sinned + in marrying wives that were not of their own nation; but that now they + would do a thing both pleasing to God, and advantageous to themselves, if + they would put those wives away. Accordingly, they all cried out that they + would do so. That, however, the multitude was great, and that the season + of the year was winter, and that this work would require more than one or + two days. "Let their rulers, therefore, [said they,] and those that have + married strange wives, come hither at a proper time, while the elders of + every place, that are in common to estimate the number of those that have + thus married, are to be there also." Accordingly, this was resolved on by + them, and they began the inquiry after those that had married strange + wives on the first day of the tenth month, and continued the inquiry to + the first day of the next month, and found a great many of the posterity + of Jeshua the high priest, and of the priests and Levites, and Israelites, + who had a greater regard to the observation of the law than to their + natural affection, <a href="#link11note-9" name="link11noteref-9" + id="link11noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> and immediately cast out their + wives, and the children which were born of them. And in order to appease + God, they offered sacrifices, and slew rams, as oblations to him; but it + does not seem to me to be necessary to set down the names of these men. So + when Esdras had reformed this sin about the marriages of the forementioned + persons, he reduced that practice to purity, so that it continued in that + state for the time to come. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now when they kept the feast of tabernacles in the seventh month <a + href="#link11note-10" name="link11noteref-10" id="link11noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> + and almost all the people were come together to it, they went up to the + open part of the temple, to the gate which looked eastward, and desired of + Esdras that the laws of Moses might be read to them. Accordingly, he stood + in the midst of the multitude and read them; and this he did from morning + to noon. Now, by hearing the laws read to them, they were instructed to be + righteous men for the present and for the future; but as for their past + offenses, they were displeased at themselves, and proceeded to shed tears + on their account, as considering with themselves that if they had kept the + law, they had endured none of these miseries which they had experienced. + But when Esdras saw them in that disposition, he bade them go home, and + not weep, for that it was a festival, and that they ought not to weep + thereon, for that it was not lawful so to do. <a href="#link11note-11" + name="link11noteref-11" id="link11noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> He + exhorted them rather to proceed immediately to feasting, and to do what + was suitable to a feast, and what was agreeable to a day of joy; but to + let their repentance and sorrow for their former sins be a security and a + guard to them, that they fell no more into the like offenses. So upon + Esdras's exhortation they began to feast; and when they had so done for + eight days, in their tabernacles, they departed to their own homes, + singing hymns to God, and returning thanks to Esdras for his reformation + of what corruptions had been introduced into their settlement. So it came + to pass, that after he had obtained this reputation among the people, he + died an old man, and was buried in a magnificent manner at Jerusalem. + About the same time it happened also that Joacim, the high priest, died; + and his son Eliasib succeeded in the high priesthood. 6. Now there was one + of those Jews that had been carried captive who was cup-bearer to king + Xerxes; his name was Nehemiah. As this man was walking before Susa, the + metropolis of the Persians, he heard some strangers that were entering the + city, after a long journey, speaking to one another in the Hebrew tongue; + so he went to them, and asked them whence they came. And when their answer + was, that they came from Judea, he began to inquire of them again in what + state the multitude was, and in what condition Jerusalem was; and when + they replied that they were in a bad state <a href="#link11note-12" + name="link11noteref-12" id="link11noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> for + that their walls were thrown down to the ground, and that the neighboring + nations did a great deal of mischief to the Jews, while in the day time + they overran the country, and pillaged it, and in the night did them + mischief, insomuch that not a few were led away captive out of the + country, and out of Jerusalem itself, and that the roads were in the day + time found full of dead men. Hereupon Nehemiah shed tears, out of + commiseration of the calamities of his countrymen; and, looking up to + heaven, he said, "How long, O Lord, wilt thou overlook our nation, while + it suffers so great miseries, and while we are made the prey and spoil of + all men?" And while he staid at the gate, and lamented thus, one told him + that the king was going to sit down to supper; so he made haste, and went + as he was, without wishing himself, to minister to the king in his office + of cup-bearer. But as the king was very pleasant after supper, and more + cheerful than usual, he cast his eyes on Nehemiah, and seeing him look + sad, he asked him why he was sad. Whereupon he prayed to God to give him + favor, and afford him the power of persuading by his words, and said, "How + can I, O king, appear otherwise than thus, and not be in trouble, while I + hear that the walls of Jerusalem, the city where are the sepulchers of my + fathers, are thrown down to the ground, and that its gates are consumed by + fire? But do thou grant me the favor to go and build its wall, and to + finish the building of the temple." Accordingly, the king gave him a + signal that he freely granted him what he asked; and told him that he + should carry an epistle to the governors, that they might pay him due + honor, and afford him whatsoever assistance he wanted, and as he pleased. + "Leave off thy sorrow then," said the king, "and be cheerful in the + performance of thy office hereafter." So Nehemiah worshipped God, and gave + the king thanks for his promise, and cleared up his sad and cloudy + countenance, by the pleasure he had from the king's promises. Accordingly, + the king called for him the next day, and gave him an epistle to be + carried to Adeus, the governor of Syria, and Phoenicia, and Samaria; + wherein he sent to him to pay due honor to Nehemiah, and to supply him + with what he wanted for his building. + </p> + <p> + 7. Now when he was come to Babylon, and had taken with him many of his + countrymen, who voluntarily followed him, he came to Jerusalem in the + twenty and fifth year of the reign of Xerxes. And when he had shown the + epistles to God <a href="#link11note-13" name="link11noteref-13" + id="link11noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> he gave them to Adeus, and to + the other governors. He also called together all the people to Jerusalem, + and stood in the midst of the temple, and made the following speech to + them: "You know, O Jews, that God hath kept our fathers, Abraham, and + Isaac, and Jacob, in mind continually, and for the sake of their + righteousness hath not left off the care of you. Indeed he hath assisted + me in gaining this authority of the king to raise up our wall, and finish + what is wanting of the temple. I desire you, therefore who well know the + ill-will our neighboring nations bear to us, and that when once they are + made sensible that we are in earnest about building, they will come upon + us, and contrive many ways of obstructing our works, that you will, in the + first place, put your trust in God, as in him that will assist us against + their hatred, and to intermit building neither night nor day, but to use + all diligence, and to hasten on the work, now we have this especial + opportunity for it." When he had said this, he gave order that the rulers + should measure the wall, and part the work of it among the people, + according to their villages and cities, as every one's ability should + require. And when he had added this promise, that he himself, with his + servants, would assist them, he dissolved the assembly. So the Jews + prepared for the work: that is the name they are called by from the day + that they came up from Babylon, which is taken from the tribe of Judah, + which came first to these places, and thence both they and the country + gained that appellation. + </p> + <p> + 8. But now when the Ammonites, and Moabites, and Samaritans, and all that + inhabited Celesyria, heard that the building went on apace, they took it + heinously, and proceeded to lay snares for them, and to hinder their + intentions. They also slew many of the Jews, and sought how they might + destroy Nehemiah himself, by hiring some of the foreigners to kill him. + They also put the Jews in fear, and disturbed them, and spread abroad + rumors, as if many nations were ready to make an expedition against them, + by which means they were harassed, and had almost left off the building. + But none of these things could deter Nehemiah from being diligent about + the work; he only set a number of men about him as a guard to his body, + and so unweariedly persevered therein, and was insensible of any trouble, + out of his desire to perfect this work. And thus did he attentively, and + with great forecast, take care of his own safety; not that he feared + death, but of this persuasion, that if he were dead, the walls for his + citizens would never be raised. He also gave orders that the builders + should keep their ranks, and have their armor on while they were building. + Accordingly, the mason had his sword on, as well as he that brought the + materials for building. He also appointed that their shields should lie + very near them; and he placed trumpeters at every five hundred feet, and + charged them, that if their enemies appeared, they should give notice of + it to the people, that they might fight in their armor, and their enemies + might not fall upon them naked. He also went about the compass of the city + by night, being never discouraged, neither about the work itself, nor + about his own diet and sleep, for he made no use of those things for his + pleasure, but out of necessity. And this trouble he underwent for two + years and four months; <a href="#link11note-14" name="link11noteref-14" + id="link11noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> for in so long a time was the + wall built, in the twenty-eighth year of the reign of Xerxes, in the ninth + month. Now when the walls were finished, Nehemiah and the multitude + offered sacrifices to God for the building of them, and they continued in + feasting eight days. However, when the nations which dwelt in Syria heard + that the building of the wall was finished, they had indignation at it. + But when Nehemiah saw that the city was thin of people, he exhorted the + priests and the Levites that they would leave the country, and remove + themselves to the city, and there continue; and he built them houses at + his own expenses; and he commanded that part of the people which were + employed in cultivating the land to bring the tithes of their fruits to + Jerusalem, that the priests and Levites having whereof they might live + perpetually, might not leave the Divine worship; who willingly hearkened + to the constitutions of Nehemiah, by which means the city Jerusalem came + to be fuller of people than it was before. So when Nehemiah had done many + other excellent things, and things worthy of commendation, in a glorious + manner, he came to a great age, and then died. He was a man of a good and + righteous disposition, and very ambitious to make his own nation happy; + and he hath left the walls of Jerusalem as an eternal monument for + himself. Now this was done in the days of Xerxes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link112HCH0006" id="link112HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. Concerning Esther And Mordecai And Haman; And How In The Reign + Of Artaxerxes The Whole Nation Of The Jews Was In Danger Of Perishing. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After the death of Xerxes, the kingdom came to be transferred to his + son Cyrus, whom the Greeks called Artaxerxes. When this man had obtained + the government over the Persians, the whole nation of the Jews, <a + href="#link11note-15" name="link11noteref-15" id="link11noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> + with their wives and children, were in danger of perishing; the occasion + whereof we shall declare in a little time; for it is proper, in the first + place, to explain somewhat relating to this king, and how he came to marry + a Jewish wife, who was herself of the royal family also, and who is + related to have saved our nation; for when Artaxerxes had taken the + kingdom, and had set governors over the hundred twenty and seven + provinces, from India even unto Ethiopia, in the third year of his reign, + he made a costly feast for his friends, and for the nations of Persia, and + for their governors, such a one as was proper for a king to make, when he + had a mind to make a public demonstration of his riches, and this for a + hundred and fourscore days; after which he made a feast for other nations, + and for their ambassadors, at Shushan, for seven days. Now this feast was + ordered after the manner following: He caused a tent to be pitched, which + was supported by pillars of gold and silver, with curtains of linen and + purple spread over them, that it might afford room for many ten thousands + to sit down. The cups with which the waiters ministered were of gold, and + adorned with precious stones, for pleasure and for sight. He also gave + order to the servants that they should not force them to drink, by + bringing them wine continually, as is the practice of the Persians, but to + permit every one of the guests to enjoy himself according to his own + inclination. Moreover, he sent messengers through the country, and gave + order that they should have a remission of their labors, and should keep a + festival many days, on account of his kingdom. In like manner did Vashti + the queen gather her guests together, and made them a feast in the palace. + Now the king was desirous to show her, who exceeded all other women in + beauty, to those that feasted with him, and he sent some to command her to + come to his feast. But she, out of regard to the laws of the Persians, + which forbid the wives to be seen by strangers, did not go to the king <a + href="#link11note-16" name="link11noteref-16" id="link11noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> + and though he oftentimes sent the eunuchs to her, she did nevertheless + stay away, and refused to come, till the king was so much irritated, that + he brake up the entertainment, and rose up, and called for those seven who + had the interpretation of the laws committed to them, and accused his + wife, and said that he had been affronted by her, because that when she + was frequently called by him to his feast, she did not obey him once. He + therefore gave order that they should inform him what could be done by the + law against her. So one of them, whose name was Memucan, said that this + affront was offered not to him alone, but to all the Persians, who were in + danger of leading their lives very ill with their wives, if they must be + thus despised by them; for that none of their wives would have any + reverence for their husbands, if they, "had such an example of arrogance + in the queen towards thee, who rulest over all." Accordingly, he exhorted + him to punish her, who had been guilty of so great an affront to him, + after a severe manner; and when he had so done, to publish to the nations + what had been decreed about the queen. So the resolution was to put Vashti + away, and to give her dignity to another woman. + </p> + <p> + 2. But the king having been fond of her, did not well bear a separation, + and yet by the law he could not admit of a reconciliation; so he was under + trouble, as not having it in his power to do what he desired to do. But + when his friends saw him so uneasy, they advised him to cast the memory of + his wife, and his love for her, out of his mind, but to send abroad over + all the habitable earth, and to search out for comely virgins, and to take + her whom he should best like for his wife, because his passion for his + former wife would be quenched by the introduction of another, and the + kindness he had for Vashti would be withdrawn from her, and be placed on + her that was with him. Accordingly, he was persuaded to follow this + advice, and gave order to certain persons to choose out of the virgins + that were in his kingdom those that were esteemed the most comely. So when + a great number of these virgins were gathered together, there was found a + damsel in Babylon, whose parents were both dead, and she was brought up + with her uncle Mordecai, for that was her uncle's name. This uncle was of + the tribe of Benjamin, and was one of the principal persons among the + Jews. Now it proved that this damsel, whose name was Esther, was the most + beautiful of all the rest, and that the grace of her countenance drew the + eyes of the spectators principally upon her. So she was committed to one + of the eunuchs to take the care of her; and she was very exactly provided + with sweet odors, in great plenty, and with costly ointments, such as her + body required to be anointed withal; and this was used for six months by + the virgins, who were in number four hundred. And when the eunuch thought + the virgins had been sufficiently purified, in the fore-mentioned time, + and were now fit to go to the king's bed, he sent one to be with the king + every day. So when he had accompanied with her, he sent her back to the + eunuch; and when Esther had come to him, he was pleased with her, and fell + in love with the damsel, and married her, and made her his lawful wife, + and kept a wedding feast for her on the twelfth month of the seventh year + of his reign, which was called Adar. He also sent angari, as they are + called, or messengers, unto every nation, and gave orders that they should + keep a feast for his marriage, while he himself treated the Persians and + the Medes, and the principal men of the nations, for a whole month, on + account of this his marriage. Accordingly, Esther came to his royal + palace, and he set a diadem on her head. And thus was Esther married, + without making known to the king what nation she was derived from. Her + uncle also removed from Babylon to Shushan, and dwelt there, being every + day about the palace, and inquiring how the damsel did, for he loved her + as though she had been his own daughter. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now the king had made a law, <a href="#link11note-17" + name="link11noteref-17" id="link11noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> that + none of his own people should approach him unless he were called, when he + sat upon his throne and men, with axes in their hands, stood round about + his throne, in order to punish such as approached to him without being + called. However, the king sat with a golden scepter in his hand, which he + held out when he had a mind to save any one of those that approached to + him without being called, and he who touched it was free from danger. But + of this matter we have discoursed sufficiently. + </p> + <p> + 4. Some time after this [two eunuchs], Bigthan and Teresh, plotted against + the king; and Barnabazus, the servant of one of the eunuchs, being by + birth a Jew, was acquainted with their conspiracy, and discovered it to + the queen's uncle; and Mordecai, by the means of Esther, made the + conspirators known to the king. This troubled the king; but he discovered + the truth, and hanged the eunuchs upon a cross, while at that time he gave + no reward to Mordecai, who had been the occasion of his preservation. He + only bid the scribes to set down his name in the records, and bid him stay + in the palace, as an intimate friend of the king. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now there was one Haman, the son of Amedatha, by birth an Amalekite, + that used to go in to the king; and the foreigners and Persians worshipped + him, as Artaxerxes had commanded that such honor should be paid to him; + but Mordecai was so wise, and so observant of his own country's laws, that + he would not worship the man <a href="#link11note-18" + name="link11noteref-18" id="link11noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> When + Haman observed this, he inquired whence he came; and when he understood + that he was a Jew, he had indignation at him, and said within himself, + that whereas the Persians, who were free men, worshipped him, this man, + who was no better than a slave, does not vouchsafe to do so. And when he + desired to punish Mordecai, he thought it too small a thing to request of + the king that he alone might be punished; he rather determined to abolish + the whole nation, for he was naturally an enemy to the Jews, because the + nation of the Amalekites, of which he was; had been destroyed by them. + Accordingly he came to the king, and accused them, saying, "There is a + certain wicked nation, and it is dispersed over all the habitable earth + that was under his dominion; a nation separate from others, unsociable, + neither admitting the same sort of Divine worship that others do, nor + using laws like to the laws of others, at enmity with thy people, and with + all men, both in their manners and practices. Now, if thou wilt be a + benefactor to thy subjects, thou wilt give order to destroy them utterly, + and not leave the least remains of them, nor preserve any of them, either + for slaves or for captives." But that the king might not be damnified by + the loss of the tributes which the Jews paid him, Haman promised to give + him out of his own estate forty thousand talents whensoever he pleased; + and he said he would pay this money very willingly, that the kingdom might + be freed from such a misfortune. + </p> + <p> + 6. When Haman had made this petition, the king both forgave him the money, + and granted him the men, to do what he would with them. So Haman, having + gained what he desired, sent out immediately a decree, as from the king, + to all nations, the contents whereof were these: "Artaxerxes, the great + king, to the rulers of the hundred twenty and seven provinces, from India + to Ethiopia, sends this writing. Whereas I have governed many nations, and + obtained the dominions of all the habitable earth, according to my desire, + and have not been obliged to do any thing that is insolent or cruel to my + subjects by such my power, but have showed myself mild and gentle, by + taking care of their peace and good order, and have sought how they might + enjoy those blessings for all time to come. And whereas I have been kindly + informed by Haman, who, on account of his prudence and justice, is the + first in my esteem, and in dignity, and only second to myself, for his + fidelity and constant good-will to me, that there is an ill-natured nation + intermixed with all mankind, that is averse to our laws, and not subject + to kings, and of a different conduct of life from others, that hateth + monarchy, and of a disposition that is pernicious to our affairs, I give + order that all these men, of whom Haman our second father hath informed + us, be destroyed, with their wives and children, and that none of them be + spared, and that none prefer pity to them before obedience to this decree. + And this I will to be executed on the fourteenth day of the twelfth month + of this present year, that so when all that have enmity to us are + destroyed, and this in one day, we may be allowed to lead the rest of our + lives in peace hereafter." Now when this decree was brought to the cities, + and to the country, all were ready for the destruction and entire + abolishment of the Jews, against the day before mentioned; and they were + very hasty about it at Shushan, in particular. Accordingly, the king and + Haman spent their time in feasting together with good cheer and wine, but + the city was in disorder. + </p> + <p> + 7. Now when Mordecai was informed of what was done, he rent his clothes, + and put on sackcloth, and sprinkled ashes upon his head, and went about + the city, crying out, that "a nation that had been injurious to no man was + to be destroyed." And he went on saying thus as far as to the king's + palace, and there he stood, for it was not lawful for him to go into it in + that habit. The same thing was done by all the Jews that were in the + several cities wherein this decree was published, with lamentation and + mourning, on account of the calamities denounced against them. But as soon + as certain persons had told the queen that Mordecai stood before the court + in a mourning habit, she was disturbed at this report, and sent out such + as should change his garments; but when he could not be induced to put off + his sackcloth, because the sad occasion that forced him to put it on was + not yet ceased, she called the eunuch Acratheus, for he was then present, + and sent him to Mordecai, in order to know of him what sad accident had + befallen him, for which he was in mourning, and would not put off the + habit he had put on at her desire. Then did Mordecai inform the eunuch of + the occasion of his mourning, and of the decree which was sent by the king + into all the country, and of the promise of money whereby Haman brought + the destruction of their nation. He also gave him a copy of what was + proclaimed at Shushan, to be carried to Esther; and he charged her to + petition the king about this matter, and not to think it a dishonorable + thing in her to put on a humble habit, for the safety of her nation, + wherein she might deprecate the ruin of the Jews, who were in danger of + it; for that Haman, whose dignity was only inferior to that of the king, + had accused the Jews, and had irritated the king against them. When she + was informed of this, she sent to Mordecai again, and told him that she + was not called by the king, and that he who goes in to him without being + called, is to be slain, unless when he is willing to save any one, he + holds out his golden scepter to him; but that to whomsoever he does so, + although he go in without being called, that person is so far from being + slain, that he obtains pardon, and is entirely preserved. Now when the + eunuch carried this message from Esther to Mordecai, he bade him also tell + her that she must not only provide for her own preservation, but for the + common preservation of her nation, for that if she now neglected this + opportunity, there would certainly arise help to them from God some other + way, but she and her father's house would be destroyed by those whom she + now despised. But Esther sent the very same eunuch back to Mordecai [to + desire him] to go to Shushan, and to gather the Jews that were there + together to a congregation, and to fast and abstain from all sorts of + food, on her account, and [to let him know that] she with her maidens + would do the same: and then she promised that she would go to the king, + though it were against the law, and that if she must die for it, she would + not refuse it. + </p> + <p> + 8. Accordingly, Mordecai did as Esther had enjoined him, and made the + people fast; and he besought God, together with them, not to overlook his + nation, particularly at this time, when it was going to be destroyed; but + that, as he had often before provided for them, and forgiven, when they + had sinned, so he would now deliver them from that destruction which was + denounced against them; for although it was not all the nation that had + offended, yet must they so ingloriously be slain, and that he was himself + the occasion of the wrath of Haman, "Because," said he, "I did not worship + him, nor could I endure to pay that honor to him which I used to pay to + thee, O Lord; for upon that his anger hath he contrived this present + mischief against those that have not transgressed thy laws." The same + supplications did the multitude put up, and entreated that God would + provide for their deliverance, and free the Israelites that were in all + the earth from this calamity which was now coming upon them, for they had + it before their eyes, and expected its coming. Accordingly, Esther made + supplication to God after the manner of her country, by casting herself + down upon the earth, and putting on her mourning garments, and bidding + farewell to meat and drink, and all delicacies, for three days' time; and + she entreated God to have mercy upon her, and make her words appear + persuasive to the king, and render her countenance more beautiful than it + was before, that both by her words and beauty she might succeed, for the + averting of the king's anger, in case he were at all irritated against + her, and for the consolation of those of her own country, now they were in + the utmost danger of perishing; as also that he would excite a hatred in + the king against the enemies of the Jews, and those that had contrived + their future destruction, if they proved to be contemned by him. + </p> + <p> + 9. When Esther had used this supplication for three days, she put off + those garments, and changed her habit, and adorned herself as became a + queen, and took two of her handmaids with her, the one of which supported + her, as she gently leaned upon her, and the other followed after, and + lifted up her large train [which swept along the ground] with the + extremities of her fingers. And thus she came to the king, having a + blushing redness in her countenance, with a pleasant agreeableness in her + behavior; yet did she go in to him with fear; and as soon as she was come + over against him, as he was sitting on his throne, in his royal apparel, + which was a garment interwoven with gold and precious stones, which made + him seem to her more terrible, especially when he looked at her somewhat + severely, and with a countenance on fire with anger, her joints failed her + immediately, out of the dread she was in, and she fell down sideways in a + swoon: but the king changed his mind, which happened, as I suppose, by the + will of God, and was concerned for his wife, lest her fear should bring + some very ill thing upon her, and he leaped from his throne, and took her + in his arms, and recovered her, by embracing her, and speaking comfortably + to her, and exhorting her to be of good cheer, and not to suspect any + thing that was sad on account of her coming to him without being called, + because that law was made for subjects, but that she, who was a queen, as + well as he a king, might be entirely secure; and as he said this, he put + the scepter into her hand, and laid his rod upon her neck, on account of + the law; and so freed her from her fear. And after she had recovered + herself by these encouragements, she said, "My lord, it is not easy for + me, on the sudden, to say what hath happened, for as soon as I saw thee to + be great, and comely, and terrible, my spirit departed from me, and I had + no soul left in me." And while it was with difficulty, and in a low voice, + that she could say thus much, the king was in a great agony and disorder, + and encouraged Esther to be of good cheer, and to expect better fortune, + since he was ready, if occasion should require it, to grant her the half + of his kingdom. Accordingly, Esther desired that he and his friend Haman + would come to her to a banquet, for she said she had prepared a supper for + him. He consented to it; and when they were there, as they were drinking, + he bid Esther to let him know what she desired; for that she should not be + disappointed though she should desire the half of his kingdom. But she put + off the discovery of her petition till the next day, if he would come + again, together with Haman, to her banquet. + </p> + <p> + 10. Now when the king had promised so to do, Haman went away very glad, + because he alone had the honor of supping with the king at Esther's + banquet, and because no one else partook of the same honor with kings but + himself; yet when he saw Mordecai in the court, he was very much + displeased, for he paid him no manner of respect when he saw him. So he + went home and called for his wife Zeresh, and his friends, and when they + were come, he showed them what honor he enjoyed not only from the king, + but from the queen also, for as he alone had that day supped with her, + together with the king, so was he also invited again for the next day; + "yet," said he, "am I not pleased to see Mordecai the Jew in the court." + Hereupon his wife Zeresh advised him to give order that a gallows should + be made fifty cubits high, and that in the morning he should ask it of the + king that Mordecai might be hanged thereon. So he commended her advice, + and gave order to his servants to prepare the gallows, and to place it in + the court, for the punishment of Mordecai thereon, which was accordingly + prepared. But God laughed to scorn the wicked expectations of Haman; and + as he knew what the event would be, he was delighted at it, for that night + he took away the king's sleep; and as the king was not willing to lose the + time of his lying awake, but to spend it in something that might be of + advantage to his kingdom, he commanded the scribe to bring him the + chronicles of the former kings, and the records of his own actions; and + when he had brought them, and was reading them, one was found to have + received a country on account of his excellent management on a certain + occasion, and the name of the country was set down; another was found to + have had a present made him on account of his fidelity: then the scribe + came to Bigthan and Teresh, the eunuchs that had made a conspiracy against + the king, which Mordecai had discovered; and when the scribe said no more + but that, and was going on to another history, the king stopped him, and + inquired "whether it was not added that Mordecai had a reward given him?" + and when he said there was no such addition, he bade him leave off; and he + inquired of those that were appointed for that purpose, what hour of the + night it was; and when he was informed that it was already day, he gave + order, that if they found any one of his friends already come, and + standing before the court, they should tell him. Now it happened that + Haman was found there, for he was come sooner than ordinary to petition + the king to have Mordecai put to death; and when the servants said that + Haman was before the court, he bid them call him in; and when he was come + in, he said, "Because I know that thou art my only fast friend, I desire + thee to give me advice how I may honor one that I greatly love, and that + after a manner suitable to my magnificence." Now Haman reasoned with + himself, that what opinion he should give it would be for himself, since + it was he alone who was beloved by the king: so he gave that advice which + he thought of all other the best; for he said, "If thou wouldst truly + honor a man whom thou sayest thou dost love, give order that he may ride + on horseback, with the same garment on which thou wearest, and with a gold + chain about his neck, and let one of thy intimate friends go before him, + and proclaim through the whole city, that whosoever the king honoreth + obtaineth this mark of his honor." This was the advice which Haman gave, + out of a supposal that such a reward would come to himself. Hereupon the + king was pleased with the advice, and said, "Go thou therefore, for thou + hast the horse, the garment, and the chain, ask for Mordecai the Jew, and + give him those things, and go before his horse and proclaim accordingly; + for thou art," said he, "my intimate friend, and hast given me good + advice; be thou then the minister of what thou hast advised me to. This + shall be his reward from us, for preserving my life." When he heard this + order, which was entirely unexpected, he was confounded in his mind, and + knew not what to do. However, he went out and led the horse, and took the + purple garment, and the golden chain for the neck, and finding Mordecai + before the court, clothed in sackcloth, he bid him put that garment off, + and put the purple garment on. But Mordecai, not knowing the truth of the + matter, but thinking that it was done in mockery, said, "O thou wretch, + the vilest of all mankind, dost thou thus laugh at our calamities?" But + when he was satisfied that the king bestowed this honor upon him, for the + deliverance he had procured him when he convicted the eunuchs who had + conspired against him, he put on that purple garment which the king always + wore, and put the chain about his neck, and got on horseback, and went + round the city, while Haman went before and proclaimed, "This shall be the + reward which the king will bestow on every one whom he loves, and esteems + worthy of honor." And when they had gone round the city, Mordecai went in + to the king; but Haman went home, out of shame, and informed his wife and + friends of what had happened, and this with tears; who said, that he would + never be able to be revenged of Mordecai, for that God was with him. + </p> + <p> + 11. Now while these men were thus talking one to another, Esther's eunuchs + hastened Haman away to come to supper; but one of the eunuchs, named + Sabuchadas, saw the gallows that was fixed in Haman's house, and inquired + of one of his servants for what purpose they had prepared it. So he knew + that it was for the queen's uncle, because Haman was about to petition the + king that he might be punished; but at present he held his peace. Now when + the king, with Haman, were at the banquet, he desired the queen to tell + him what gifts she desired to obtain, and assured her that she should have + whatsoever she had a mind to. She then lamented the danger her people were + in; and said that "she and her nation were given up to be destroyed, and + that she, on that account, made this her petition; that she would not have + troubled him if he had only given order that they should be sold into + bitter servitude, for such a misfortune would not have been intolerable; + but she desired that they might be delivered from such destruction." And + when the king inquired of her whom was the author of this misery to them, + she then openly accused Haman, and convicted him, that he had been the + wicked instrument of this, and had formed this plot against them. When the + king was hereupon in disorder, and was gone hastily out of the banquet + into the gardens, Haman began to intercede with Esther, and to beseech her + to forgive him, as to what he had offended, for he perceived that he was + in a very bad case. And as he had fallen upon the queen's bed, and was + making supplication to her, the king came in, and being still more + provoked at what he saw, "O thou wretch," said he, "thou vilest of + mankind, dost thou aim to force in wife?" And when Haman was astonished at + this, and not able to speak one word more, Sabuchadas the eunuch came in + and accused Haman, and said, He found a gallows at his house, prepared for + Mordecai; for that the servant told him so much upon his inquiry, when he + was sent to him to call him to supper. He said further, that the gallows + was fifty cubits high: which, when the king heard, he determined that + Haman should be punished after no other manner than that which had been + devised by him against Mordecai; so he gave order immediately that he + should be hung upon those gallows, and be put to death after that manner. + And from hence I cannot forbear to admire God, and to learn hence his + wisdom and his justice, not only in punishing the wickedness of Haman, but + in so disposing it, that he should undergo the very same punishment which + he had contrived for another; as also because thereby he teaches others + this lesson, that what mischiefs any one prepares against another, he, + without knowing of it, first contrives it against himself. + </p> + <p> + 12. Wherefore Haman, who had immoderately abused the honor he had from the + king, was destroyed after this manner, and the king granted his estate to + the queen. He also called for Mordecai, [for Esther had informed him that + she was akin to him,] and gave that ring to Mordecai which he had before + given to Haman. The queen also gave Haman's estate to Mordecai; and prayed + the king to deliver the nation of the Jews from the fear of death, and + showed him what had been written over all the country by Haman the son of + Ammedatha; for that if her country were destroyed, and her countrymen were + to perish, she could not bear to live herself any longer. So the king + promised her that he would not do any thing that should be disagreeable to + her, nor contradict what she desired; but he bid her write what she + pleased about the Jews, in the king's name, and seal it with his seal, and + send it to all his kingdom, for that those who read epistles whose + authority is secured by having the king's seal to them, would no way + contradict what was written therein. So he commanded the king's scribes to + be sent for, and to write to the nations, on the Jews' behalf, and to his + lieutenants and governors, that were over his hundred twenty and seven + provinces, from India to Ethiopia. Now the contents of this epistle were + these: "The great king Artaxerxes to our rulers, and those that are our + faithful subjects, sendeth greeting. <a href="#link11note-19" + name="link11noteref-19" id="link11noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> Many + men there are who, on account of the greatness of the benefits bestowed on + them, and because of the honor which they have obtained from the wonderful + kind treatment of those that bestowed it, are not only injurious to their + inferiors, but do not scruple to do evil to those that have been their + benefactors, as if they would take away gratitude from among men, and by + their insolent abuse of such benefits as they never expected, they turn + the abundance they have against those that are the authors of it, and + suppose they shall lie concealed from God in that case, and avoid that + vengeance which comes from him. Some of these men, when they have had the + management of affairs committed to them by their friends, and bearing + private malice of their own against some others, by deceiving those that + have the power, persuade them to be angry at such as have done them no + harm, till they are in danger of perishing, and this by laying accusations + and calumnies: nor is this state of things to be discovered by ancient + examples, or such as we have learned by report only, but by some examples + of such impudent attempts under our own eyes; so that it is not fit to + attend any longer to calumnies and accusations, nor to the persuasions of + others, but to determine what any one knows of himself to have been really + done, and to punish what justly deserves it, and to grant favors to such + as are innocent. This hath been the case of Haman, the son of Ammedatha, + by birth an Amalekite, and alien from the blood of the Persians, who, when + he was hospitably entertained by us, and partook of that kindness which we + bear to all men to so great a degree, as to be called my father, and to be + all along worshipped, and to have honor paid him by all in the second rank + after the royal honor due to ourselves, he could not bear his good + fortune, nor govern the magnitude of his prosperity with sound reason; + nay, he made a conspiracy against me and my life, who gave him his + authority, by endeavoring to take away Mordecai, my benefactor, and my + savior, and by basely and treacherously requiring to have Esther, the + partner of my life, and of my dominion, brought to destruction; for he + contrived by this means to deprive me of my faithful friends, and transfer + the government to others: <a href="#link11note-20" name="link11noteref-20" + id="link11noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> but since I perceived that + these Jews, that were by this pernicious fellow devoted to destruction, + were not wicked men, but conducted their lives after the best manner, and + were men dedicated to the worship of that God who hath preserved the + kingdom to me and to my ancestors, I do not only free them from the + punishment which the former epistle, which was sent by Haman, ordered to + be inflicted on them, to which if you refuse obedience, you shall do well; + but I will that they have all honor paid to them. Accordingly, I have + hanged up the man that contrived such things against them, with his + family, before the gates of Shushan; that punishment being sent upon him + by God, who seeth all things. And I give you in charge, that you publicly + propose a copy of this epistle through all my kingdom, that the Jews may + be permitted peaceably to use their own laws, and that you assist them, + that at the same season whereto their miserable estate did belong, they + may defend themselves the very same day from unjust violence, the + thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is Adar; for God hath made that + day a day of salvation instead of a day of destruction to them; and may it + be a good day to those that wish us well, and a memorial of the punishment + of the conspirators against us: and I will that you take notice, that + every city, and every nation, that shall disobey any thing that is + contained in this epistle, shall be destroyed by fire and sword. However, + let this epistle be published through all the country that is under our + obedience, and let all the Jews, by all means, be ready against the day + before mentioned, that they may avenge themselves upon their enemies." + </p> + <p> + 13. Accordingly, the horsemen who carried the epistles proceeded on the + ways which they were to go with speed: but as for Mordecai, as soon as he + had assumed the royal garment, and the crown of gold, and had put the + chain about his neck, he went forth in a public procession; and when the + Jews who were at Shushan saw him in so great honor with the king, they + thought his good fortune was common to themselves also, and joy and a beam + of salvation encompassed the Jews, both those that were in the cities, and + those that were in the countries, upon the publication of the king's + letters, insomuch that many even of other nations circumcised their + foreskin for fear of the Jews, that they might procure safety to + themselves thereby; for on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which + according to the Hebrews is called Adar, but according to the Macedonians, + Dystrus, those that carried the king's epistle gave them notice, that the + same day wherein their danger was to have been, on that very day should + they destroy their enemies. But now the rulers of the provinces, and the + tyrants, and the kings, and the scribes, had the Jews in esteem; for the + fear they were in of Mordecai forced them to act with discretion. Now when + the royal decree was come to all the country that was subject to the king, + it fell out that the Jews at Shushan slew five hundred of their enemies; + and when the king had told Esther the number of those that were slain in + that city, but did not well know what had been done in the provinces, he + asked her whether she would have any thing further done against them, for + that it should be done accordingly: upon which she desired that the Jews + might be permitted to treat their remaining enemies in the same manner the + next day; as also that they might hang the ten sons of Haman upon the + gallows. So the king permitted the Jews so to do, as desirous not to + contradict Esther. So they gathered themselves together again on the + fourteenth day of the month Dystrus, and slew about three hundred of their + enemies, but touched nothing of what riches they had. Now there were slain + by the Jews that were in the country, and in the other cities, + seventy-five thousand of their enemies, and these were slain on the + thirteenth day of the month, and the next day they kept as a festival. In + like manner the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together, + and feasted on the fourteenth day, and that which followed it; whence it + is that even now all the Jews that are in the habitable earth keep these + days festival, and send portions to one another. Mordecai also wrote to + the Jews that lived in the kingdom of Artaxerxes to observe these days, + and celebrate them as festivals, and to deliver them down to posterity, + that this festival might continue for all time to come, and that it might + never be buried in oblivion; for since they were about to be destroyed on + these days by Haman, they would do a right thing, upon escaping the danger + in them, and on them inflicting punishment on their enemies, to observe + those days, and give thanks to God on them; for which cause the Jews still + keep the forementioned days, and call them days of Phurim (or Purim.) <a + href="#link11note-21" name="link11noteref-21" id="link11noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> + And Mordecai became a great and illustrious person with the king, and + assisted him in the government of the people. He also lived with the + queen; so that the affairs of the Jews were, by their means, better than + they could ever have hoped for. And this was the state of the Jews under + the reign of Artaxerxes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link112HCH0007" id="link112HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. How John Slew His Brother Jesus In The Temple; And How Bagoses + Offered Many Injuries To The Jews; And What Sanballat Did. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Eliashib the high priest was dead, his son Judas succeeded in the + high priesthood; and when he was dead, his son John took that dignity; on + whose account it was also that Bagoses, the general of another + Artaxerxes's army, <a href="#link11note-22" name="link11noteref-22" + id="link11noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> polluted the temple, and + imposed tributes on the Jews, that out of the public stock, before they + offered the daily sacrifices, they should pay for every lamb fifty + shekels. Now Jesus was the brother of John, and was a friend of Bagoses, + who had promised to procure him the high priesthood. In confidence of + whose support, Jesus quarreled with John in the temple, and so provoked + his brother, that in his anger his brother slew him. Now it was a horrible + thing for John, when he was high priest, to perpetrate so great a crime, + and so much the more horrible, that there never was so cruel and impious a + thing done, neither by the Greeks nor Barbarians. However, God did not + neglect its punishment, but the people were on that very account enslaved, + and the temple was polluted by the Persians. Now when Bagoses, the general + of Artaxerxes's army, knew that John, the high priest of the Jews, had + slain his own brother Jesus in the temple, he came upon the Jews + immediately, and began in anger to say to them, "Have you had the + impudence to perpetrate a murder in your temple?" And as he was aiming to + go into the temple, they forbade him so to do; but he said to them, "Am + not I purer than he that was slain in the temple?" And when he had said + these words, he went into the temple. Accordingly, Bagoses made use of + this pretense, and punished the Jews seven years for the murder of Jesus. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now when John had departed this life, his son Jaddua succeeded in the + high priesthood. He had a brother, whose name was Manasseh. Now there was + one Sanballat, who was sent by Darius, the last king [of Persia], into + Samaria. He was a Cutheam by birth; of which stock were the Samaritans + also. This man knew that the city Jerusalem was a famous city, and that + their kings had given a great deal of trouble to the Assyrians, and the + people of Celesyria; so that he willingly gave his daughter, whose name + was Nicaso, in marriage to Manasseh, as thinking this alliance by marriage + would be a pledge and security that the nation of the Jews should continue + their good-will to him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link112HCH0008" id="link112HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. Concerning Sanballat And Manasseh, And The Temple Which They + Built On Mount Gerizzim; As Also How Alexander Made His Entry Into The + City Jerusalem, And What Benefits He Bestowed On The Jews. + </h3> + <p> + 1. About this time it was that Philip, king of Macedon, was treacherously + assaulted and slain at Egae by Pausanias, the son of Cerastes, who was + derived from the family of Oreste, and his son Alexander succeeded him in + the kingdom; who, passing over the Hellespont, overcame the generals of + Darius's army in a battle fought at Granicum. So he marched over Lydia, + and subdued Ionia, and overran Caria, and fell upon the places of + Pamphylia, as has been related elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + 2. But the elders of Jerusalem being very uneasy that the brother of + Jaddua the high priest, though married to a foreigner, should be a partner + with him in the high priesthood, quarreled with him; for they esteemed + this man's marriage a step to such as should be desirous of transgressing + about the marriage of [strange] wives, and that this would be the + beginning of a mutual society with foreigners, although the offense of + some about marriages, and their having married wives that were not of + their own country, had been an occasion of their former captivity, and of + the miseries they then underwent; so they commanded Manasseh to divorce + his wife, or not to approach the altar, the high priest himself joining + with the people in their indignation against his brother, and driving him + away from the altar. Whereupon Manasseh came to his father-in-law, + Sanballat, and told him, that although he loved his daughter Nicaso, yet + was he not willing to be deprived of his sacerdotal dignity on her + account, which was the principal dignity in their nation, and always + continued in the same family. And then Sanballat promised him not only to + preserve to him the honor of his priesthood, but to procure for him the + power and dignity of a high priest, and would make him governor of all the + places he himself now ruled, if he would keep his daughter for his wife. + He also told him further, that he would build him a temple like that at + Jerusalem, upon Mount Gerizzini, which is the highest of all the mountains + that are in Samaria; and he promised that he would do this with the + approbation of Darius the king. Manasseh was elevated with these promises, + and staid with Sanballat, upon a supposal that he should gain a high + priesthood, as bestowed on him by Darius, for it happened that Sanballat + was then in years. But there was now a great disturbance among the people + of Jerusalem, because many of those priests and Levites were entangled in + such matches; for they all revolted to Manasseh, and Sanballat afforded + them money, and divided among them land for tillage, and habitations also, + and all this in order every way to gratify his son-in-law. + </p> + <p> + 3. About this time it was that Darius heard how Alexander had passed over + the Hellespont, and had beaten his lieutenants in the battle at Granicum, + and was proceeding further; whereupon he gathered together an army of + horse and foot, and determined that he would meet the Macedonians before + they should assault and conquer all Asia. So he passed over the river + Euphrates, and came over Taurus, the Cilician mountain, and at Issus of + Cilicia he waited for the enemy, as ready there to give him battle. Upon + which Sanballat was glad that Darius was come down; and told Manasseh that + he would suddenly perform his promises to him, and this as soon as ever + Darius should come back, after he had beaten his enemies; for not he only, + but all those that were in Asia also, were persuaded that the Macedonians + would not so much as come to a battle with the Persians, on account of + their multitude. But the event proved otherwise than they expected; for + the king joined battle with the Macedonians, and was beaten, and lost a + great part of his army. His mother also, and his wife and children, were + taken captives, and he fled into Persia. So Alexander came into Syria, and + took Damascus; and when he had obtained Sidon, he besieged Tyre, when he + sent an epistle to the Jewish high priest, to send him some auxiliaries, + and to supply his army with provisions; and that what presents he formerly + sent to Darius, he would now send to him, and choose the friendship of the + Macedonians, and that he should never repent of so doing. But the high + priest answered the messengers, that he had given his oath to Darius not + to bear arms against him; and he said that he would not transgress this + while Darius was in the land of the living. Upon hearing this answer, + Alexander was very angry; and though he determined not to leave Tyre, + which was just ready to be taken, yet as soon as he had taken it, he + threatened that he would make an expedition against the Jewish high + priest, and through him teach all men to whom they must keep their oaths. + So when he had, with a good deal of pains during the siege, taken Tyre, + and had settled its affairs, he came to the city of Gaza, and besieged + both the city and him that was governor of the garrison, whose name was + Babemeses. + </p> + <p> + 4. But Sanballat thought he had now gotten a proper opportunity to make + his attempt, so he renounced Darius, and taking with him seven thousand of + his own subjects, he came to Alexander; and finding him beginning the + siege of Tyre, he said to him, that he delivered up to him these men, who + came out of places under his dominion, and did gladly accept of him for + his lord instead of Darius. So when Alexander had received him kindly, + Sanballat thereupon took courage, and spake to him about his present + affair. He told him that he had a son-in-law, Manasseh, who was brother to + the high priest Jaddua; and that there were many others of his own nation, + now with him, that were desirous to have a temple in the places subject to + him; that it would be for the king's advantage to have the strength of the + Jews divided into two parts, lest when the nation is of one mind, and + united, upon any attempt for innovation, it prove troublesome to kings, as + it had formerly proved to the kings of Assyria. Whereupon Alexander gave + Sanballat leave so to do, who used the utmost diligence, and built the + temple, and made Manasseh the priest, and deemed it a great reward that + his daughter's children should have that dignity; but when the seven + months of the siege of Tyre were over, and the two months of the siege of + Gaza, Sanballat died. Now Alexander, when he had taken Gaza, made haste to + go up to Jerusalem; and Jaddua the high priest, when he heard that, was in + an agony, and under terror, as not knowing how he should meet the + Macedonians, since the king was displeased at his foregoing disobedience. + He therefore ordained that the people should make supplications, and + should join with him in offering sacrifice to God, whom he besought to + protect that nation, and to deliver them from the perils that were coming + upon them; whereupon God warned him in a dream, which came upon him after + he had offered sacrifice, that he should take courage, and adorn the city, + and open the gates; that the rest should appear in white garments, but + that he and the priests should meet the king in the habits proper to their + order, without the dread of any ill consequences, which the providence of + God would prevent. Upon which, when he rose from his sleep, he greatly + rejoiced, and declared to all the warning he had received from God. + According to which dream he acted entirely, and so waited for the coming + of the king. + </p> + <p> + 5. And when he understood that he was not far from the city, he went out + in procession, with the priests and the multitude of the citizens. The + procession was venerable, and the manner of it different from that of + other nations. It reached to a place called Sapha, which name, translated + into Greek, signifies a prospect, for you have thence a prospect both of + Jerusalem and of the temple. And when the Phoenicians and the Chaldeans + that followed him thought they should have liberty to plunder the city, + and torment the high priest to death, which the king's displeasure fairly + promised them, the very reverse of it happened; for Alexander, when he saw + the multitude at a distance, in white garments, while the priests stood + clothed with fine linen, and the high priest in purple and scarlet + clothing, with his mitre on his head, having the golden plate whereon the + name of God was engraved, he approached by himself, and adored that name, + and first saluted the high priest. The Jews also did all together, with + one voice, salute Alexander, and encompass him about; whereupon the kings + of Syria and the rest were surprised at what Alexander had done, and + supposed him disordered in his mind. However, Parmenio alone went up to + him, and asked him how it came to pass that, when all others adored him, + he should adore the high priest of the Jews? To whom he replied, "I did + not adore him, but that God who hath honored him with his high priesthood; + for I saw this very person in a dream, in this very habit, when I was at + Dios in Macedonia, who, when I was considering with myself how I might + obtain the dominion of Asia, exhorted me to make no delay, but boldly to + pass over the sea thither, for that he would conduct my army, and would + give me the dominion over the Persians; whence it is that, having seen no + other in that habit, and now seeing this person in it, and remembering + that vision, and the exhortation which I had in my dream, I believe that I + bring this army under the Divine conduct, and shall therewith conquer + Darius, and destroy the power of the Persians, and that all things will + succeed according to what is in my own mind." And when he had said this to + Parmenio, and had given the high priest his right hand, the priests ran + along by him, and he came into the city. And when he went up into the + temple, he offered sacrifice to God, according to the high priest's + direction, and magnificently treated both the high priest and the priests. + And when the Book of Daniel was showed him <a href="#link11note-23" + name="link11noteref-23" id="link11noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> + wherein Daniel declared that one of the Greeks should destroy the empire + of the Persians, he supposed that himself was the person intended. And as + he was then glad, he dismissed the multitude for the present; but the next + day he called them to him, and bid them ask what favors they pleased of + him; whereupon the high priest desired that they might enjoy the laws of + their forefathers, and might pay no tribute on the seventh year. He + granted all they desired. And when they entreated him that he would permit + the Jews in Babylon and Media to enjoy their own laws also, he willingly + promised to do hereafter what they desired. And when he said to the + multitude, that if any of them would enlist themselves in his army, on + this condition, that they should continue under the laws of their + forefathers, and live according to them, he was willing to take them with + him, many were ready to accompany him in his wars. + </p> + <p> + 6. So when Alexander had thus settled matters at Jerusalem, he led his + army into the neighboring cities; and when all the inhabitants to whom he + came received him with great kindness, the Samaritans, who had then + Shechem for their metropolis, [a city situate at Mount Gerizzim, and + inhabited by apostates of the Jewish nation,] seeing that Alexander had so + greatly honored the Jews, determined to profess themselves Jews; for such + is the disposition of the Samaritans, as we have already elsewhere + declared, that when the Jews are in adversity, they deny that they are of + kin to them, and then they confess the truth; but when they perceive that + some good fortune hath befallen them, they immediately pretend to have + communion with them, saying that they belong to them, and derive their + genealogy from the posterity of Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh. + Accordingly, they made their address to the king with splendor, and showed + great alacrity in meeting him at a little distance from Jerusalem. And + when Alexander had commended them, the Shechemites approached to him, + taking with them the troops that Sanballat had sent him, and they desired + that he would come to their city, and do honor to their temple also; to + whom he promised, that when he returned he would come to them. And when + they petitioned that he would remit the tribute of the seventh year to + them, because they did but sow thereon, he asked who they were that made + such a petition; and when they said that they were Hebrews, but had the + name of Sidonians, living at Shechem, he asked them again whether they + were Jews; and when they said they were not Jews, "It was to the Jews," + said he, "that I granted that privilege; however, when I return, and am + thoroughly informed by you of this matter, I will do what I shall think + proper." And in this manner he took leave of the Shechemites; but ordered + that the troops of Sanballat should follow him into Egypt, because there + he designed to give them lands, which he did a little after in Thebais, + when he ordered them to guard that country. + </p> + <p> + 7. Now when Alexander was dead, the government was parted among his + successors, but the temple upon Mount Gerizzim remained. And if any one + were accused by those of Jerusalem of having eaten things common or of + having broken the sabbath, or of any other crime of the like nature, he + fled away to the Shechemites, and said that he was accused unjustly. About + this time it was that Jaddua the high priest died, and Onias his son took + the high priesthood. This was the state of the affairs of the people of + Jerusalem at this time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link112H_FOOT" id="link112H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES: + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link11note-1" id="link11note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link11noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ This Cyrus is called + God's shepherd by Xenophon, as well as by Isaiah, Isaiah 44:28; as also it + is said of him by the same prophet, that "I will make a man more precious + than fine gold, even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir," Isaiah 13:12, + which character makes Xenophon's most excellent history of him very + credible.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-2" id="link11note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link11noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ This leave to build + Jerusalem, sect. 3, and this epistle of Cyrus to Sisinnes and + Sathrabuzanes, to the same purpose, are most unfortunately omitted in all + our copies but this best and completest copy of Josephus; and by such + omission the famous prophecy of Isaiah, Isaiah 44:28, where we are + informed that God said of or to Cyrus, "He is my shepherd, and shall + perform all my pleasure; even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built, + and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid," could not hitherto be + demonstrated from the sacred history to have been completely fulfilled, I + mean as to that part of it which concerned his giving leave or commission + for rebuilding the city Jerusalem as distinct from the temple, whose + rebuilding is alone permitted or directed in the decree of Cyrus in all + our copies.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-3" id="link11note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link11noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ Of the true number of + golden and silver vessels here and elsewhere belonging to the temple of + Solomon, see the description of the temples, chap. 13.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-4" id="link11note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link11noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus here follows + Herodotus, and those that related how Cyrus made war with the Scythians + and Massagets, near the Caspian Sea, and perished in it; while Xenophon's + account, which appears never to have been seen by Josephus, that Cyrus + died in peace in his own country of Persia, is attested to by the writers + of the affairs of Alexander the Great, when they agree that he found + Cyrus's sepulcher at Pasargadae, near Persepolis. This account of Xenophon + is also confirmed by the circumstances of Cambyses, upon his succession to + Cyrus, who, instead of a war to avenge his father's death upon the + Scythians and Massagets, and to prevent those nations from overrunning his + northern provinces, which would have been the natural consequence of his + father's ill success and death there, went immediately to an Egyptian war, + long ago begun by Cyrus, according to Xenophon, p. 644, and conquered that + kingdom; nor is there, that I ever heard of, the least mention in the + reign of Cambyses of any war against the Scythians and Massagets that he + was ever engaged in all his life.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-5" id="link11note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link11noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ The reader is to note, + that although the speeches or papers of these three of the king's guard + are much the same, in our Third Book of Esdras, ch. 3. and 4., as they are + here in Josephus, yet that the introduction of them is entirely different, + while in our Esdras the whole is related as the contrivance of the three + of the king's guards themselves; and even the mighty rewards are spoken of + as proposed by themselves, and the speeches are related to have been + delivered by themselves to the king in writing, while all is contrary in + Josephus. I need not say whose account is the most probable, the matters + speak for themselves; and there can be no doubt but Josephus's history is + here to be very much preferred before the other. Nor indeed does it seem + to me at all unlikely that the whole was a contrivance of king Darius's + own, in order to be decently and inoffensively put in mind by Zorobabel of + fulfilling his old vow for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple, and + the restoration of the worship of the "one true God" there. Nor does the + full meaning of Zorobabel, when he cries out, 3 Esd. 4. 41], "Blessed be + the God of truth;" and here, "God is true and righteous;" or even of all + the people, 3 Esd. 4. 41, "Great is truth, and mighty above all things;" + seem to me much different from this, "There is but one true God, the God + of Israel." To which doctrine, such as Cyrus and Darius; etc., the Jews' + great patrons, seem not to have been very averse, though the entire + idolatry of their kingdoms made them generally conceal it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-6" id="link11note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link11noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ This strange reading in + Josephus's present copies of four millions instead of forty thousand, is + one of the grossest errors that is in them, and ought to be corrected from + Ezra 2:61; 1 Esd. 5:40; and Nehemiah 7:66, who all agree the general sum + was but about forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty. It is also very + plain that Josephus thought, that when Esdras afterwards brought up + another company out of Babylon and Persia, in the days of Xerxes, they + were also, as well as these, out of the two tribes, and out of them only, + and were in all no more than "a seed" and "a remnant," while an "immense + number" of the ten tribes never returned, but, as he believed, continued + then beyond Euphrates, ch. 5. sect. 2, 3; of which multitude, the Jews + beyond Euphrates, he speaks frequently elsewhere, though, by the way, he + never takes them to be idolaters, but looks on them still as observers of + the laws of Moses. The "certain part" of the people that now came up from + Babylon, at the end of this chapter, imply the same smaller number of Jews + that now came up, and will no way agree with the four millions.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-7" id="link11note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link11noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ The history contained in + this section is entirely wanting in all our other copies, both of Ezra and + Esdras.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-8" id="link11note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link11noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ Dr. Hudson takes notice + here, that this kind of brass or copper, or rather mixture of gold and + brass or copper, was called aurichalcum, and that this was of old esteemed + the most precious of all metals.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-9" id="link11note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link11noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ This procedure of Esdras, + and of the best part of the Jewish nation, after their return from the + Babylonish captivity, of reducing the Jewish marriages, once for all, to + the strictness of the law of Moses, without any regard to the greatness of + those who had broken it, and without regard to that natural affection or + compassion for their heathen wives, and their children by them, which made + it so hard for Esdras to correct it, deserves greatly to be observed and + imitated in all attempts for reformation among Christians, the contrary + conduct having ever been the bane of true religion, both among Jews and + Christians, while political views, or human passions, or prudential + motives, are suffered to take place instead of the Divine laws, and so the + blessing of God is forfeited, and the church still suffered to continue + corrupt from one generation to another. See ch. 8. sect. 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-10" id="link11note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link11noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ This Jewish feast of + tabernacles was imitated in several heathen solemnities, as Spanheim here + observes and proves. He also further observes presently, what great regard + many heathens had to the monuments of their forefathers, as Nehemiah had + here, sect. 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-11" id="link11note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link11noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ This rule of Esdras, + not to fast on a festival day, is quoted in the Apostolical Constitutions, + B. V., as obtaining among Christians also.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-12" id="link11note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link11noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ This miserable + condition of the Jews, and their capital, must have been after the death + of Esdras, their former governor, and before Nehemiah came with his + commission to build the walls of Jerusalem. Nor is that at all + disagreeable to these histories in Josephus, since Esdras came on the + seventh, and Nehemiah not till the twenty-fifth of Xerxes, at the interval + of eighteen years.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-13" id="link11note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link11noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ This showing king + Xerxes's epistles to God, or laying them open before God in the temple, is + very like the laying open the epistles of Sennacherib before him also by + Hezekiah, 2 Kings 19:14; Isaiah 37:14, although this last was for a + memorial, to put him in mind of the enemies, in order to move the Divine + compassion, and the present as a token of gratitude for mercies already + received, as Hayercamp well observes on this place.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-14" id="link11note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link11noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ It may not be very + improper to remark here, with what an unusual accuracy Josephus determines + these years of Xerxes, in which the walls of Jerusalem were built, viz. + that Nehemiah came with his commission in the twenty-fifth of Xerxes, that + the walls were two years and four months in building, and that they were + finished on the twenty-eighth of Xerxes, sect. 7, 8. It may also be + remarked further, that Josephus hardly ever mentions more than one + infallible astronomical character, I mean an eclipse of the moon, and this + a little before the death of Herod the Great, Antiq. B. XVII. ch. 6. sect. + 4. Now on these two chronological characters in great measure depend some + of the most important points belonging to Christianity, viz. the + explication of Daniel's seventy weeks, and the duration of our Savior's + ministry, and the time of his death, in correspondence to those seventy + weeks. See the Supplement to the Lit. Accorap. of Proph. p. 72.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-15" id="link11note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link11noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ Since some skeptical + persons are willing to discard this Book of Esther as no true history; and + even our learned and judicious Dr. Wall, in his late posthumous Critical + Notes upon all the other Hebrew books of the Old Testament, gives none + upon the Canticles, or upon Esther, and seems thereby to give up this + book, as well as he gives up the Canticles, as indefensible; I shall + venture to say, that almost all the objections against this Book of Esther + are gone at once, if, as we certainly ought to do, and as Dean Prideaux + has justly done, we place this history under Artsxerxes Longimanus, as do + both the Septuagint interpretation and Josephus. The learned Dr. Lee, in + his posthumous Dissertation on the Second Book of Esdras, p. 25, also + says, that "the truth of this history is demonstrated by the feast of + Purlin, kept up from that time to this very day. And this surprising + providential revolution in favor of a captive people, thereby constantly + commemorated, standeth even upon a firmer basis than that there ever was + such a man as king Alexander [the Great] in the world, of whose reign + there is no such abiding monument at this day to be found any where. Nor + will they, I dare say, who quarrel at this or any other of the sacred + histories, find it a very easy matter to reconcile the different accounts + which were given by historians of the affairs of this king, or to confirm + any one fact of his whatever with the same evidence which is here given + for the principal fact in this sacred book, or even so much as to prove + the existence of such a person, of whom so great things are related, but + upon granting this Book of Esther, or sixth of Esdras, [as it is placed in + some of the most ancient copies of the Vulgate,] to be a most true and + certain history," etc.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-16" id="link11note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link11noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ If the Chaldee + paraphrast be in the right, that Artaxerxes intended to show Vashti to his + guests naked, it is no wonder at all that she would not submit to such an + indignity; but still if it were not so gross as that, yet it might, in the + king's cups, be done in a way so indecent, as the Persian laws would not + then bear, no more than the common laws of modesty. And that the king had + some such design seems not improbable, for otherwise the principal of + these royal guests could be no strangers to the queen, nor unapprized of + her beauty, so far as decency admitted. However, since Providence was now + paving the way for the introduction of a Jewess into the king's + affections, in order to bring about one of the most wonderful deliverances + which the Jewish or any other nation ever had, we need not be further + solicitous about the motives by which the king was induced to divorce + Vashti, and marry Esther.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-17" id="link11note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link11noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ Herodotus says that + this law [against any one's coming uncalled to the kings of Persia when + they were sitting on their thrones] was first enacted by Deioces [i.e. by + him who first withdrew the Medes from the dominion of the Assyrians, and + himself first reigned over them]. Thus also, lays Spanheim, stood guards, + with their axes, about the throne of Tenus, or Tenudus, that the offender + might by them be punished immediately.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-18" id="link11note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link11noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ Whether this adoration + required of Mordecai to Haman were by him deemed too like the adoration + due only to God, as Josephus seems here to think, as well as the + Septuagint interpreters also, by their translation of Esther 13:12-14, or + whether he thought he ought to pay no sort of adoration to an Amalekite, + which nation had been such great sinners as to have been universally + devoted to destruction by God himself, Exodus 17:14-16; 1 Samuel 15:18, or + whether both causes concurred, cannot now, I doubt, be certainly + determined.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-19" id="link11note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link11noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ The true reason why + king Artaxerxes did not here properly revoke his former barbarous decree + for the universal slaughter of the Jews, but only empowered and encouraged + the Jews to fight for their lives, and to kill their enemies, if they + attempted their destruction, seems to have been that old law of the Medes + and Persians, not yet laid aside, that whatever decree was signed both by + the king and his lords could not be changed, but remained unalterable, + Daniel 6:7-9, 12, 15, 17; Esther 1:19; 8:8. And Haman having engrossed the + royal favor might perhaps have himself signed this decree for the Jews' + slaughter instead of the ancient lords, and so might have rendered it by + their rules irrevocable.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-20" id="link11note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link11noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ These words give an + intimation as if Artaxerxes suspected a deeper design in Haman than openly + appeared, viz. that knowing the Jews would be faithful to him, and that he + could never transfer the crown to his own family, who was an Agagite, + Esther 3:1, 10, or of the posterity of Agag, the old king of the + Amalekites, 1 Samuel 15:8, 32, 33, while they were alive, and spread over + all his dominions, he therefore endeavored to destroy them. Nor is it to + me improbable that those seventy-five thousand eight hundred of the Jews' + enemies which were soon destroyed by the Jews, on the permission of the + king, which must be on some great occasion, were Amalekites, their old and + hereditary enemies, Exodus 17:14, 15; and that thereby was fulfilled + Balaam's prophecy, "Amalek was the first of the nations, but his latter + end shall be, that he perish for ever" Numbers 24:20.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-21" id="link11note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link11noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ Take here part of + Reland's note on this disputed passage: "In Josephus's copies these Hebrew + words, 'days of Purim,' or 'lots,' as in the Greek copies of Esther, ch. + 9:26, 28-32, is read 'days of Phurim,' or 'days of protection,' but ought + to be read' days of Parira,' as in the Hebrew; than which creation," says + he, "nothing is more certain." And had we any assurance that Josephus's + copy mentioned the "casting of lots," as our other copies do, Esther 3:7, + I should fully agree with Reland; but, as it now stands, it seems to me by + no means certain. As to this whole Book of Esther in the present Hebrew + copy, it is so very imperfect, in a case where the providence of God was + so very remarkable, and the Septuagint and Josephus have so much of + religion, that it has not so much as the name of God once in it; and it is + hard to say who made that epitome which the Masorites have given us for + the genuine book itself; no religious Jews could well be the authors of + it, whose education obliged them to have a constant regard to God, and + whatsoever related to his worship; nor do we know that there ever was so + imperfect a copy of it in the world till after the days of Barchochab, in + the second century.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-22" id="link11note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link11noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ Concerning this other + Artaxerxes, called Muemon, and the Persian affliction and captivity of the + Jews under him, occasioned by the murder of the high priest's brother in + the holy house itself, see Authent. Rec. at large, p. 49. And if any + wonder why Josephus wholly omits the rest of the kings of Persia after + Artaxerxes Mnemon, till he came to their last king Darius, who was + conquered by Alexander the Great, I shall give them Vossius's and Dr. + Hudson's answer, though in my own words, viz. that Josephus did not do ill + in admitting those kings of Persia with whom the Jews had no concern, + because he was giving the history of the Jews, and not of the Persians + [which is a sufficient reason also why he entirely omits the history and + the Book of Job, as not particularly relating to that nation]. He justly + therefore returns to the Jewish affairs after the death of Longimanus, + without any intention of Darius II. before Artaxerxes Mnemon, or of Ochus + or Arogus, as the Canon of Ptolemy names them, after him. Nor had he + probably mentioned this other Artaxerxes, unless Bagoses, one of the + governors and commanders under him, had occasioned the pollution of the + Jewish temple, and had greatly distressed the Jews upon that pollution.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11note-23" id="link11note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link11noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ The place showed + Alexander might be Daniel 7:6; 8:3-8, 20—22; 11:3; some or all of + them very plain predictions of Alexander's conquests and successors.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link122H_4_0001" id="link122H_4_0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK XII. Containing The Interval Of A Hundred And Seventy Years.—From + The Death Of Alexander The Great To The Death Of Judas Maccabeus. </big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link122HCH0001" id="link122HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. How Ptolemy The Son Of Lagus Took Jerusalem And Judea By Deceit + And Treachery, And Carried Many Thence, And Planted Them In Egypt. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when Alexander, king of Macedon, had put an end to the dominion of + the Persians, and had settled the affairs in Judea after the forementioned + manner, he ended his life. And as his government fell among many, + Antigonus obtained Asia, Seleucus Babylon; and of the other nations which + were there, Lysimachus governed the Hellespont, and Cassander possessed + Macedonia; as did Ptolemy the son of Lagus seize upon Egypt. And while + these princes ambitiously strove one against another, every one for his + own principality, it came to pass that there were continual wars, and + those lasting wars too; and the cities were sufferers, and lost a great + many of their inhabitants in these times of distress, insomuch that all + Syria, by the means of Ptolemy the son of Lagus, underwent the reverse of + that denomination of Savior, which he then had. He also seized upon + Jerusalem, and for that end made use of deceit and treachery; for as he + came into the city on a sabbath day, as if he would offer sacrifices <a + href="#link12note-1" name="link12noteref-1" id="link12noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> + he, without any trouble, gained the city, while the Jews did not oppose + him, for they did not suspect him to be their enemy; and he gained it + thus, because they were free from suspicion of him, and because on that + day they were at rest and quietness; and when he had gained it, he ruled + over it in a cruel manner. Nay, Agatharchides of Cnidus, who wrote the + acts of Alexander's successors, reproaches us with superstition, as if we, + by it, had lost our liberty; where he says thus: "There is a nation called + the nation of the Jews, who inhabit a city strong and great, named + Jerusalem. These men took no care, but let it come into the hands of + Ptolemy, as not willing to take arms, and thereby they submitted to be + under a hard master, by reason of their unseasonable superstition." This + is what Agatharchides relates of our nation. But when Ptolemy had taken a + great many captives, both from the mountainous parts of Judea, and from + the places about Jerusalem and Samaria, and the places near Mount + Gerizzim, he led them all into Egypt, <a href="#link12note-2" + name="link12noteref-2" id="link12noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> and + settled them there. And as he knew that the people of Jerusalem were most + faithful in the observation of oaths and covenants; and this from the + answer they made to Alexander, when he sent an embassage to them, after he + had beaten Darius in battle; so he distributed many of them into + garrisons, and at Alexandria gave them equal privileges of citizens with + the Macedonians themselves; and required of them to take their oaths, that + they would keep their fidelity to the posterity of those who committed + these places to their care. Nay, there were not a few other Jews who, of + their own accord, went into Egypt, as invited by the goodness of the soil, + and by the liberality of Ptolemy. However, there were disorders among + their posterity, with relation to the Samaritans, on account of their + resolution to preserve that conduct of life which was delivered to them by + their forefathers, and they thereupon contended one with another, while + those of Jerusalem said that their temple was holy, and resolved to send + their sacrifices thither; but the Samaritans were resolved that they + should be sent to Mount Gerizzim. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link122HCH0002" id="link122HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured The Laws Of The Jews To Be + Translated Into The Greek Tongue And Set Many Captives Free, And Dedicated + Many Gifts To God. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Alexander had reigned twelve years, and after him Ptolemy Soter + forty years, Philadelphus then took the kingdom of Egypt, and held it + forty years within one. He procured the law to be interpreted, and set + free those that were come from Jerusalem into Egypt, and were in slavery + there, who were a hundred and twenty thousand. The occasion was this: + Demetrius Phalerius, who was library keeper to the king, was now + endeavoring, if it were possible, to gather together all the books that + were in the habitable earth, and buying whatsoever was any where valuable, + or agreeable to the king's inclination, [who was very earnestly set upon + collecting of books,] to which inclination of his Demetrius was zealously + subservient. And when once Ptolemy asked him how many ten thousands of + books he had collected, he replied, that he had already about twenty times + ten thousand; but that, in a little time, he should have fifty times ten + thousand. But he said he had been informed that there were many books of + laws among the Jews worthy of inquiring after, and worthy of the king's + library, but which, being written in characters and in a dialect of their + own, will cause no small pains in getting them translated into the Greek + tongue; <a href="#link12note-3" name="link12noteref-3" id="link12noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> + that the character in which they are written seems to be like to that + which is the proper character of the Syrians, and that its sound, when + pronounced, is like theirs also; and that this sound appears to be + peculiar to themselves. Wherefore he said that nothing hindered why they + might not get those books to be translated also; for while nothing is + wanting that is necessary for that purpose, we may have their books also + in this library. So the king thought that Demetrius was very zealous to + procure him abundance of books, and that he suggested what was exceeding + proper for him to do; and therefore he wrote to the Jewish high priest, + that he should act accordingly. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now there was one Aristeus, who was among the king's most intimate + friends, and on account of his modesty very acceptable to him. This + Aristeus resolved frequently, and that before now, to petition the king + that he would set all the captive Jews in his kingdom free; and he thought + this to be a convenient opportunity for the making that petition. So he + discoursed, in the first place, with the captains of the king's guards, + Sosibius of Tarentum, and Andreas, and persuaded them to assist him in + what he was going to intercede with the king for. Accordingly Aristeus + embraced the same opinion with those that have been before mentioned, and + went to the king, and made the following speech to him: "It is not fit for + us, O king, to overlook things hastily, or to deceive ourselves, but to + lay the truth open. For since we have determined not only to get the laws + of the Jews transcribed, but interpreted also, for thy satisfaction, by + what means can we do this, while so many of the Jews are now slaves in thy + kingdom? Do thou then what will be agreeable to thy magnanimity, and to + thy good nature: free them from the miserable condition they are in, + because that God, who supporteth thy kingdom, was the author of their laws + as I have learned by particular inquiry; for both these people, and we + also, worship the same God the framer of all things. We call him, and that + truly, by the name of GREEK, [or life, or Jupiter,] because he breathes + life into all men. Wherefore do thou restore these men to their own + country, and this do to the honor of God, because these men pay a + peculiarly excellent worship to him. And know this further, that though I + be not of kin to them by birth, nor one of the same country with them, yet + do I desire these favors to be done them, since all men are the + workmanship of God; and I am sensible that he is well-pleased with those + that do good. I do therefore put up this petition to thee, to do good to + them." + </p> + <p> + 3. When Aristeus was saying thus, the king looked upon him with a cheerful + and joyful countenance, and said, "How many ten thousands dost thou + suppose there are of such as want to be made free?" To which Andreas + replied, as he stood by, and said, "A few more than ten times ten + thousand." The king made answer, "And is this a small gift that thou + askest, Aristeus?" But Sosibius, and the rest that stood by, said that he + ought to offer such a thank-offering as was worthy of his greatness of + soul, to that God who had given him his kingdom. With this answer he was + much pleased; and gave order, that when they paid the soldiers their + wages, they should lay down [a hundred and] twenty drachmas <a + href="#link12note-4" name="link12noteref-4" id="link12noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> + for every one of the slaves? And he promised to publish a magnificent + decree, about what they requested, which should confirm what Aristeus had + proposed, and especially what God willed should be done; whereby he said + he would not only set those free who had been led away captive by his + father and his army, but those who were in this kingdom before, and those + also, if any such there were, who had been brought away since. And when + they said that their redemption money would amount to above four hundred + talents, he granted it. A copy of which decree I have determined to + preserve, that the magnanimity of this king may be made known. Its + contents were as follows: "Let all those who were soldiers under our + father, and who, when they overran Syria and Phoenicia, and laid waste + Judea, took the Jews captives, and made them slaves, and brought them into + our cities, and into this country, and then sold them; as also all those + that were in my kingdom before them, and if there be any that have been + lately brought thither,—be made free by those that possess them; and + let them accept of [a hundred and] twenty drachmas for every slave. And + let the soldiers receive this redemption money with their pay, but the + rest out of the king's treasury: for I suppose that they were made + captives without our father's consent, and against equity; and that their + country was harassed by the insolence of the soldiers, and that, by + removing them into Egypt, the soldiers have made a great profit by them. + Out of regard therefore to justice, and out of pity to those that have + been tyrannized over, contrary to equity, I enjoin those that have such + Jews in their service to set them at liberty, upon the receipt of the + before-mentioned sum; and that no one use any deceit about them, but obey + what is here commanded. And I will that they give in their names within + three days after the publication of this edict, to such as are appointed + to execute the same, and to produce the slaves before them also, for I + think it will be for the advantage of my affairs. And let every one that + will inform against those that do not obey this decree, and I will that + their estates be confiscated into the king's treasury." When this decree + was read to the king, it at first contained the rest that is here + inserted, and omitted only those Jews that had formerly been brought, and + those brought afterwards, which had not been distinctly mentioned; so he + added these clauses out of his humanity, and with great generosity. He + also gave order that the payment, which was likely to be done in a hurry, + should be divided among the king's ministers, and among the officers of + his treasury. When this was over, what the king had decreed was quickly + brought to a conclusion; and this in no more than seven days' time, the + number of the talents paid for the captives being above four hundred and + sixty, and this, because their masters required the [hundred and] twenty + drachmas for the children also, the king having, in effect, commanded that + these should be paid for, when he said in his decree, that they should + receive the forementioned sum for every slave. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now when this had been done after so magnificent a manner, according to + the king's inclinations, he gave order to Demetrius to give him in writing + his sentiments concerning the transcribing of the Jewish books; for no + part of the administration is done rashly by these kings, but all things + are managed with great circumspection. On which account I have subjoined a + copy of these epistles, and set down the multitude of the vessels sent as + gifts [to Jerusalem], and the construction of every one, that the + exactness of the artificers' workmanship, as it appeared to those that saw + them, and which workman made every vessel, may be made manifest, and this + on account of the excellency of the vessels themselves. Now the copy of + the epistle was to this purpose: "Demetrius to the great king. When thou, + O king, gavest me a charge concerning the collection of books that were + wanting to fill your library, and concerning the care that ought to be + taken about such as are imperfect, I have used the utmost diligence about + those matters. And I let you know, that we want the books of the Jewish + legislation, with some others; for they are written in the Hebrew + characters, and being in the language of that nation, are to us unknown. + It hath also happened to them, that they have been transcribed more + carelessly than they ought to have been, because they have not had + hitherto royal care taken about them. Now it is necessary that thou + shouldst have accurate copies of them. And indeed this legislation is full + of hidden wisdom, and entirely blameless, as being the legislation of God; + for which cause it is, as Hecateus of Abdera says, that the poets and + historians make no mention of it, nor of those men who lead their lives + according to it, since it is a holy law, and ought not to be published by + profane mouths. If then it please thee, O king, thou mayst write to the + high priest of the Jews, to send six of the elders out of every tribe, and + those such as are most skillful of the laws, that by their means we may + learn the clear and agreeing sense of these books, and may obtain an + accurate interpretation of their contents, and so may have such a + collection of these as may be suitable to thy desire." + </p> + <p> + 5. When this epistle was sent to the king, he commanded that an epistle + should be drawn up for Eleazar, the Jewish high priest, concerning these + matters; and that they should inform him of the release of the Jews that + had been in slavery among them. He also sent fifty talents of gold for the + making of large basons, and vials, and cups, and an immense quantity of + precious stones. He also gave order to those who had the custody of the + chest that contained those stones, to give the artificers leave to choose + out what sorts of them they pleased. He withal appointed, that a hundred + talents in money should be sent to the temple for sacrifices, and for + other uses. Now I will give a description of these vessels, and the manner + of their construction, but not till after I have set down a copy of the + epistle which was written to Eleazar the high priest, who had obtained + that dignity on the occasion following: When Onias the high priest was + dead, his son Simon became his successor. He was called Simon the Just <a + href="#link12note-5" name="link12noteref-5" id="link12noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + because of both his piety towards God, and his kind disposition to those + of his own nation. When he was dead, and had left a young son, who was + called Onias, Simon's brother Eleazar, of whom we are speaking, took the + high priesthood; and he it was to whom Ptolemy wrote, and that in the + manner following: "King Ptolemy to Eleazar the high priest, sendeth + greeting. There are many Jews who now dwell in my kingdom, whom the + Persians, when they were in power, carried captives. These were honored by + my father; some of them he placed in the army, and gave them greater pay + than ordinary; to others of them, when they came with him into Egypt, he + committed his garrisons, and the guarding of them, that they might be a + terror to the Egyptians. And when I had taken the government, I treated + all men with humanity, and especially those that are thy fellow citizens, + of whom I have set free above a hundred thousand that were slaves, and + paid the price of their redemption to their masters out of my own + revenues; and those that are of a fit age, I have admitted into them + number of my soldiers. And for such as are capable of being faithful to + me, and proper for my court, I have put them in such a post, as thinking + this [kindness done to them] to be a very great and an acceptable gift, + which I devote to God for his providence over me. And as I am desirous to + do what will be grateful to these, and to all the other Jews in the + habitable earth, I have determined to procure an interpretation of your + law, and to have it translated out of Hebrew into Greek, and to be + deposited in my library. Thou wilt therefore do well to choose out and + send to me men of a good character, who are now elders in age, and six in + number out of every tribe. These, by their age, must be skillful in the + laws, and of abilities to make an accurate interpretation of them; and + when this shall be finished, I shall think that I have done a work + glorious to myself. And I have sent to thee Andreas, the captain of my + guard, and Aristeus, men whom I have in very great esteem; by whom I have + sent those first-fruits which I have dedicated to the temple, and to the + sacrifices, and to other uses, to the value of a hundred talents. And if + thou wilt send to us, to let us know what thou wouldst have further, thou + wilt do a thing acceptable to me." + </p> + <p> + 6. When this epistle of the king was brought to Eleazar, he wrote an + answer to it with all the respect possible: "Eleazar the high priest to + king Ptolemy, sendeth greeting. If thou and thy queen Arsinoe, <a + href="#link12note-6" name="link12noteref-6" id="link12noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> + and thy children, be well, we are entirely satisfied. When we received thy + epistle, we greatly rejoiced at thy intentions; and when the multitude + were gathered together, we read it to them, and thereby made them sensible + of the piety thou hast towards God. We also showed them the twenty vials + of gold, and thirty of silver, and the five large basons, and the table + for the shew-bread; as also the hundred talents for the sacrifices, and + for the making what shall be needful at the temple; which things Andreas + and Aristeus, those most honored friends of thine, have brought us; and + truly they are persons of an excellent character, and of great learning, + and worthy of thy virtue. Know then that we will gratify thee in what is + for thy advantage, though we do what we used not to do before; for we + ought to make a return for the numerous acts of kindness which thou hast + done to our countrymen. We immediately, therefore, offered sacrifices for + thee and thy sister, with thy children and friends; and the multitude made + prayers, that thy affairs may be to thy mind, and that thy kingdom may be + preserved in peace, and that the translation of our law may come to the + conclusion thou desirest, and be for thy advantage. We have also chosen + six elders out of every tribe, whom we have sent, and the law with them. + It will be thy part, out of thy piety and justice, to send back the law, + when it hath been translated, and to return those to us that bring it in + safety. Farewell." + </p> + <p> + 7. This was the reply which the high priest made. But it does not seem to + me to be necessary to set down the names of the seventy [two] elders who + were sent by Eleazar, and carried the law, which yet were subjoined at the + end of the epistle. However, I thought it not improper to give an account + of those very valuable and artificially contrived vessels which the king + sent to God, that all may see how great a regard the king had for God; for + the king allowed a vast deal of expenses for these vessels, and came often + to the workmen, and viewed their works, and suffered nothing of + carelessness or negligence to be any damage to their operations. And I + will relate how rich they were as well as I am able, although perhaps the + nature of this history may not require such a description; but I imagine I + shall thereby recommend the elegant taste and magnanimity of this king to + those that read this history. + </p> + <p> + 8. And first I will describe what belongs to the table. It was indeed in + the king's mind to make this table vastly large in its dimensions; but + then he gave orders that they should learn what was the magnitude of the + table which was already at Jerusalem, and how large it was, and whether + there was a possibility of making one larger than it. And when he was + informed how large that was which was already there, and that nothing + hindered but a larger might be made, he said that he was willing to have + one made that should be five times as large as the present table; but his + fear was, that it might be then useless in their sacred ministrations by + its too great largeness; for he desired that the gifts he presented them + should not only be there for show, but should be useful also in their + sacred ministrations. According to which reasoning, that the former table + was made of so moderate a size for use, and not for want of gold, he + resolved that he would not exceed the former table in largeness; but would + make it exceed it in the variety and elegancy of its materials. And as he + was sagacious in observing the nature of all things, and in having a just + notion of what was new and surprising, and where there was no sculptures, + he would invent such as were proper by his own skill, and would show them + to the workmen, he commanded that such sculptures should now be made, and + that those which were delineated should be most accurately formed by a + constant regard to their delineation. + </p> + <p> + 9. When therefore the workmen had undertaken to make the table, they + framed it in length two cubits [and a half], in breadth one cubit, and in + height one cubit and a half; and the entire structure of the work was of + gold. They withal made a crown of a hand-breadth round it, with wave-work + wreathed about it, and with an engraving which imitated a cord, and was + admirably turned on its three parts; for as they were of a triangular + figure, every angle had the same disposition of its sculptures, that when + you turned them about, the very same form of them was turned about without + any variation. Now that part of the crown-work that was enclosed under the + table had its sculptures very beautiful; but that part which went round on + the outside was more elaborately adorned with most beautiful ornaments, + because it was exposed to sight, and to the view of the spectators; for + which reason it was that both those sides which were extant above the rest + were acute, and none of the angles, which we before told you were three, + appeared less than another, when the table was turned about. Now into the + cordwork thus turned were precious stones inserted, in rows parallel one + to the other, enclosed in golden buttons, which had ouches in them; but + the parts which were on the side of the crown, and were exposed to the + sight, were adorned with a row of oval figures obliquely placed, of the + most excellent sort of precious stones, which imitated rods laid close, + and encompassed the table round about. But under these oval figures, thus + engraven, the workmen had put a crown all round it, where the nature of + all sorts of fruit was represented, insomuch that the bunches of grapes + hung up. And when they had made the stones to represent all the kinds of + fruit before mentioned, and that each in its proper color, they made them + fast with gold round the whole table. The like disposition of the oval + figures, and of the engraved rods, was framed under the crown, that the + table might on each side show the same appearance of variety and elegancy + of its ornaments; so that neither the position of the wave-work nor of the + crown might be different, although the table were turned on the other + side, but that the prospect of the same artificial contrivances might be + extended as far as the feet; for there was made a plate of gold four + fingers broad, through the entire breadth of the table, into which they + inserted the feet, and then fastened them to the table by buttons and + button-holes, at the place where the crown was situate, that so on what + side soever of the table one should stand, it might exhibit the very same + view of the exquisite workmanship, and of the vast expenses bestowed upon + it: but upon the table itself they engraved a meander, inserting into it + very valuable stones in the middle like stars, of various colors; the + carbuncle and the emerald, each of which sent out agreeable rays of light + to the spectators; with such stones of other sorts also as were most + curious and best esteemed, as being most precious in their kind. Hard by + this meander a texture of net-work ran round it, the middle of which + appeared like a rhombus, into which were inserted rock-crystal and amber, + which, by the great resemblance of the appearance they made, gave + wonderful delight to those that saw them. The chapiters of the feet + imitated the first buddings of lilies, while their leaves were bent and + laid under the table, but so that the chives were seen standing upright + within them. Their bases were made of a carbuncle; and the place at the + bottom, which rested on that carbuncle, was one palm deep, and eight + fingers in breadth. Now they had engraven upon it with a very fine tool, + and with a great deal of pains, a branch of ivy and tendrils of the vine, + sending forth clusters of grapes, that you would guess they were nowise + different from real tendrils; for they were so very thin, and so very far + extended at their extremities, that they were moved with the wind, and + made one believe that they were the product of nature, and not the + representation of art. They also made the entire workmanship of the table + appear to be threefold, while the joints of the several parts were so + united together as to be invisible, and the places where they joined could + not be distinguished. Now the thickness of the table was not less than + half a cubit. So that this gift, by the king's great generosity, by the + great value of the materials, and the variety of its exquisite structure, + and the artificer's skill in imitating nature with graying tools, was at + length brought to perfection, while the king was very desirous, that + though in largeness it were not to be different from that which was + already dedicated to God, yet that in exquisite workmanship, and the + novelty of the contrivances, and in the splendor of its construction, it + should far exceed it, and be more illustrious than that was. + </p> + <p> + 10. Now of the cisterns of gold there were two, whose sculpture was of + scale-work, from its basis to its belt-like circle, with various sorts of + stones enchased in the spiral circles. Next to which there was upon it a + meander of a cubit in height; it was composed of stones of all sorts of + colors. And next to this was the rod-work engraven; and next to that was a + rhombus in a texture of net-work, drawn out to the brim of the basin, + while small shields, made of stones, beautiful in their kind, and of four + fingers' depth, filled up the middle parts. About the top of the basin + were wreathed the leaves of lilies, and of the convolvulus, and the + tendrils of vines in a circular manner. And this was the construction of + the two cisterns of gold, each containing two firkins. But those which + were of silver were much more bright and splendid than looking-glasses, + and you might in them see the images that fell upon them more plainly than + in the other. The king also ordered thirty vials; those of which the parts + that were of gold, and filled up with precious stones, were shadowed over + with the leaves of ivy and of vines, artificially engraven. And these were + the vessels that were after an extraordinary manner brought to this + perfection, partly by the skill of the workmen, who were admirable in such + fine work, but much more by the diligence and generosity of the king, who + not only supplied the artificers abundantly, and with great generosity, + with what they wanted, but he forbade public audiences for the time, and + came and stood by the workmen, and saw the whole operation. And this was + the cause why the workmen were so accurate in their performance, because + they had regard to the king, and to his great concern about the vessels, + and so the more indefatigably kept close to the work. + </p> + <p> + 11. And these were what gifts were sent by Ptolemy to Jerusalem, and + dedicated to God there. But when Eleazar the high priest had devoted them + to God, and had paid due respect to those that brought them, and had given + them presents to be carried to the king, he dismissed them. And when they + were come to Alexandria, and Ptolemy heard that they were come, and that + the seventy elders were come also, he presently sent for Andreas and + Aristens, his ambassadors, who came to him, and delivered him the epistle + which they brought him from the high priest, and made answer to all the + questions he put to them by word of mouth. He then made haste to meet the + elders that came from Jerusalem for the interpretation of the laws; and he + gave command, that every body who came on other occasions should be sent + away, which was a thing surprising, and what he did not use to do; for + those that were drawn thither upon such occasions used to come to him on + the fifth day, but ambassadors at the month's end. But when he had sent + those away, he waited for these that were sent by Eleazar; but as the old + men came in with the presents, which the high priest had given them to + bring to the king, and with the membranes, upon which they had their laws + written in golden letters <a href="#link12note-7" name="link12noteref-7" + id="link12noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> he put questions to them + concerning those books; and when they had taken off the covers wherein + they were wrapt up, they showed him the membranes. So the king stood + admiring the thinness of those membranes, and the exactness of the + junctures, which could not be perceived; [so exactly were they connected + one with another;] and this he did for a considerable time. He then said + that he returned them thanks for coming to him, and still greater thanks + to him that sent them; and, above all, to that God whose laws they + appeared to be. Then did the elders, and those that were present with + them, cry out with one voice, and wished all happiness to the king. Upon + which he fell into tears by the violence of the pleasure he had, it being + natural to men to afford the same indications in great joy that they do + under sorrows. And when he had bid them deliver the books to those that + were appointed to receive them, he saluted the men, and said that it was + but just to discourse, in the first place, of the errand they were sent + about, and then to address himself to themselves. He promised, however, + that he would make this day on which they came to him remarkable and + eminent every year through the whole course of his life; for their coming + to him, and the victory which he gained over Antigonus by sea, proved to + be on the very same day. He also gave orders that they should sup with + him; and gave it in charge that they should have excellent lodgings + provided for them in the upper part of the city. + </p> + <p> + 12. Now he that was appointed to take care of the reception of strangers, + Nicanor by name, called for Dorotheus, whose duty it was to make provision + for them, and bid him prepare for every one of them what should be + requisite for their diet and way of living; which thing was ordered by the + king after this manner: he took care that those that belonged to every + city, which did not use the same way of living, that all things should be + prepared for them according to the custom of those that came to him, that, + being feasted according to the usual method of their own way of living, + they might be the better pleased, and might not be uneasy at any thing + done to them from which they were naturally averse. And this was now done + in the case of these men by Dorotheus, who was put into this office + because of his great skill in such matters belonging to common life; for + he took care of all such matters as concerned the reception of strangers, + and appointed them double seats for them to sit on, according as the king + had commanded him to do; for he had commanded that half of their seats + should be set at his right hand, and the other half behind his table, and + took care that no respect should be omitted that could be shown them. And + when they were thus set down, he bid Dorotheus to minister to all those + that were come to him from Judea, after the manner they used to be + ministered to; for which cause he sent away their sacred heralds, and + those that slew the sacrifices, and the rest that used to say grace; but + called to one of those that were come to him, whose name was Eleazar, who + was a priest, and desired him to say grace; <a href="#link12note-8" + name="link12noteref-8" id="link12noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> who then + stood in the midst of them, and prayed, that all prosperity might attend + the king, and those that were his subjects. Upon which an acclamation was + made by the whole company, with joy and a great noise; and when that was + over, they fell to eating their supper, and to the enjoyment of what was + set before them. And at a little interval afterward, when the king thought + a sufficient time had been interposed, he began to talk philosophically to + them, and he asked every one of them a philosophical question <a + href="#link12note-9" name="link12noteref-9" id="link12noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> + and such a one as might give light in those inquiries; and when they had + explained all the problems that had been proposed by the king about every + point, he was well-pleased with their answers. This took up the twelve + days in which they were treated; and he that pleases may learn the + particular questions in that book of Aristeus, which he wrote on this very + occasion. + </p> + <p> + 13. And while not the king only, but the philosopher Menedemus also, + admired them, and said that all things were governed by Providence, and + that it was probable that thence it was that such force or beauty was + discovered in these men's words, they then left off asking any more such + questions. But the king said that he had gained very great advantages by + their coming, for that he had received this profit from them, that he had + learned how he ought to rule his subjects. And he gave order that they + should have every one three talents given them, and that those that were + to conduct them to their lodging should do it. Accordingly, when three + days were over, Demetrius took them, and went over the causeway seven + furlongs long: it was a bank in the sea to an island. And when they had + gone over the bridge, he proceeded to the northern parts, and showed them + where they should meet, which was in a house that was built near the + shore, and was a quiet place, and fit for their discoursing together about + their work. When he had brought them thither, he entreated them [now they + had all things about them which they wanted for the interpretation of + their law] that they would suffer nothing to interrupt them in their work. + Accordingly, they made an accurate interpretation, with great zeal and + great pains, and this they continued to do till the ninth hour of the day; + after which time they relaxed, and took care of their body, while their + food was provided for them in great plenty: besides, Dorotheus, at the + king's command, brought them a great deal of what was provided for the + king himself. But in the morning they came to the court and saluted + Ptolemy, and then went away to their former place, where, when they had + washed their hands, <a href="#link12note-10" name="link12noteref-10" + id="link12noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> and purified themselves, they + betook themselves to the interpretation of the laws. Now when the law was + transcribed, and the labor of interpretation was over, which came to its + conclusion in seventy-two days, Demetrius gathered all the Jews together + to the place where the laws were translated, and where the interpreters + were, and read them over. The multitude did also approve of those elders + that were the interpreters of the law. They withal commended Demetrius for + his proposal, as the inventor of what was greatly for their happiness; and + they desired that he would give leave to their rulers also to read the + law. Moreover, they all, both the priest and the ancientest of the elders, + and the principal men of their commonwealth, made it their request, that + since the interpretation was happily finished, it might continue in the + state it now was, and might not be altered. And when they all commended + that determination of theirs, they enjoined, that if any one observed + either any thing superfluous, or any thing omitted, that he would take a + view of it again, and have it laid before them, and corrected; which was a + wise action of theirs, that when the thing was judged to have been well + done, it might continue for ever. + </p> + <p> + 14. So the king rejoiced when he saw that his design of this nature was + brought to perfection, to so great advantage; and he was chiefly delighted + with hearing the Laws read to him; and was astonished at the deep meaning + and wisdom of the legislator. And he began to discourse with Demetrius, + "How it came to pass, that when this legislation was so wonderful, no one, + either of the poets or of the historians, had made mention of it." + Demetrius made answer, "that no one durst be so bold as to touch upon the + description of these laws, because they were Divine and venerable, and + because some that had attempted it were afflicted by God." He also told + him, that "Theopompus was desirous of writing somewhat about them, but was + thereupon disturbed in his mind for above thirty days' time; and upon some + intermission of his distemper, he appeased God [by prayer], as suspecting + that his madness proceeded from that cause." Nay, indeed, he further saw + in a dream, that his distemper befell him while he indulged too great a + curiosity about Divine matters, and was desirous of publishing them among + common men; but when he left off that attempt, he recovered his + understanding again. Moreover, he informed him of Theodectes, the tragic + poet, concerning whom it was reported, that when in a certain dramatic + representation he was desirous to make mention of things that were + contained in the sacred books, he was afflicted with a darkness in his + eyes; and that upon his being conscious of the occasion of his distemper, + and appeasing God [by prayer], he was freed from that affliction. + </p> + <p> + 15. And when the king had received these books from Demetrius, as we have + said already, he adored them, and gave order that great care should be + taken of them, that they might remain uncorrupted. He also desired that + the interpreters would come often to him out of Judea, and that both on + account of the respects that he would pay them, and on account of the + presents he would make them; for he said it was now but just to send them + away, although if, of their own accord, they would come to him hereafter, + they should obtain all that their own wisdom might justly require, and + what his generosity was able to give them. So he then sent them away, and + gave to every one of them three garments of the best sort, and two talents + of gold, and a cup of the value of one talent, and the furniture of the + room wherein they were feasted. And these were the things he presented to + them. But by them he sent to Eleazar the high priest ten beds, with feet + of silver, and the furniture to them belonging, and a cup of the value of + thirty talents; and besides these, ten garments, and purple, and a very + beautiful crown, and a hundred pieces of the finest woven linen; as also + vials and dishes, and vessels for pouring, and two golden cisterns to be + dedicated to God. He also desired him, by an epistle, that he would give + these interpreters leave, if any of them were desirous of coming to him, + because he highly valued a conversation with men of such learning, and + should be very willing to lay out his wealth upon such men. And this was + what came to the Jews, and was much to their glory and honor, from Ptolemy + Philadelphus. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link122HCH0003" id="link122HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. How The Kings Of Asia Honored The Nation Of The Jews And Made + Them Citizens Of Those Cities Which They Built. + </h3> + <p> + 1. The Jews also obtained honors from the kings of Asia when they became + their auxiliaries; for Seleucus Nicator made them citizens in those cities + which he built in Asia, and in the lower Syria, and in the metropolis + itself, Antioch; and gave them privileges equal to those of the + Macedonians and Greeks, who were the inhabitants, insomuch that these + privileges continue to this very day: an argument for which you have in + this, that whereas the Jews do not make use of oil prepared by foreigners, + <a href="#link12note-11" name="link12noteref-11" id="link12noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> + they receive a certain sum of money from the proper officers belonging to + their exercises as the value of that oil; which money, when the people of + Antioch would have deprived them of, in the last war, Mucianus, who was + then president of Syria, preserved it to them. And when the people of + Alexandria and of Antioch did after that, at the time that Vespasian and + Titus his son governed the habitable earth, pray that these privileges of + citizens might be taken away, they did not obtain their request in which + behavior any one may discern the equity and generosity of the Romans, <a + href="#link12note-12" name="link12noteref-12" id="link12noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> + especially of Vespasian and Titus, who, although they had been at a great + deal of pains in the war against the Jews, and were exasperated against + them, because they did not deliver up their weapons to them, but continued + the war to the very last, yet did not they take away any of their + forementioned privileges belonging to them as citizens, but restrained + their anger, and overcame the prayers of the Alexandrians and Antiochians, + who were a very powerful people, insomuch that they did not yield to them, + neither out of their favor to these people, nor out of their old grudge at + those whose wicked opposition they had subdued in the war; nor would they + alter any of the ancient favors granted to the Jews, but said, that those + who had borne arms against them, and fought them, had suffered punishment + already, and that it was not just to deprive those that had not offended + of the privileges they enjoyed. + </p> + <p> + 2. We also know that Marcus Agrippa was of the like disposition towards + the Jews: for when the people of Ionia were very angry at them, and + besought Agrippa that they, and they only, might have those privileges of + citizens which Antiochus, the grandson of Seleucus, [who by the Greeks was + called The God,] had bestowed on them, and desired that, if the Jews were + to be joint-partakers with them, they might be obliged to worship the gods + they themselves worshipped: but when these matters were brought to the + trial, the Jews prevailed, and obtained leave to make use of their own + customs, and this under the patronage of Nicolaus of Damascus; for Agrippa + gave sentence that he could not innovate. And if any one hath a mind to + know this matter accurately, let him peruse the hundred and twenty-third + and hundred and twenty-fourth books of the history of this Nicolaus. Now + as to this determination of Agrippa, it is not so much to be admired, for + at that time our nation had not made war against the Romans. But one may + well be astonished at the generosity of Vespasian and Titus, that after so + great wars and contests which they had from us, they should use such + moderation. But I will now return to that part of my history whence I made + the present digression. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now it happened that in the reign of Antiochus the Great, who ruled + over all Asia, that the Jews, as well as the inhabitants of Celesyria, + suffered greatly, and their land was sorely harassed; for while he was at + war with Ptolemy Philopater, and with his son, who was called Epiphanes, + it fell out that these nations were equally sufferers, both when he was + beaten, and when he beat the others: so that they were very like to a ship + in a storm, which is tossed by the waves on both sides; and just thus were + they in their situation in the middle between Antiochus's prosperity and + its change to adversity. But at length, when Antiochus had beaten Ptolemy, + he seized upon Judea; and when Philopater was dead, his son sent out a + great army under Scopas, the general of his forces, against the + inhabitants of Celesyria, who took many of their cities, and in particular + our nation; which when he fell upon them, went over to him. Yet was it not + long afterward when Antiochus overcame Scopas, in a battle fought at the + fountains of Jordan, and destroyed a great part of his army. But + afterward, when Antiochus subdued those cities of Celesyria which Scopas + had gotten into his possession, and Samaria with them, the Jews, of their + own accord, went over to him, and received him into the city [Jerusalem], + and gave plentiful provision to all his army, and to his elephants, and + readily assisted him when he besieged the garrison which was in the + citadel of Jerusalem. Wherefore Antiochus thought it but just to requite + the Jews' diligence and zeal in his service. So he wrote to the generals + of his armies, and to his friends, and gave testimony to the good behavior + of the Jews towards him, and informed them what rewards he had resolved to + bestow on them for that their behavior. I will set down presently the + epistles themselves which he wrote to the generals concerning them, but + will first produce the testimony of Polybius of Megalopolis; for thus does + he speak, in the sixteenth book of his history: "Now Scopas, the general + of Ptolemy's army, went in haste to the superior parts of the country, and + in the winter time overthrew the nation of the Jews?" He also saith, in + the same book, that "when Seopas was conquered by Antiochus, Antiochus + received Batanea, and Samaria, and Abila, and Gadara; and that, a while + afterwards, there came in to him those Jews that inhabited near that + temple which was called Jerusalem; concerning which, although I have more + to say, and particularly concerning the presence of God about that temple, + yet do I put off that history till another opportunity." This it is which + Polybius relates. But we will return to the series of the history, when we + have first produced the epistles of king Antiochus. + </p> + <p> + King Antiochus To Ptolemy, Sendeth Greeting. + </p> + <p> + "Since the Jews, upon our first entrance on their country, demonstrated + their friendship towards us, and when we came to their city [Jerusalem], + received us in a splendid manner, and came to meet us with their senate, + and gave abundance of provisions to our soldiers, and to the elephants, + and joined with us in ejecting the garrison of the Egyptians that were in + the citadel, we have thought fit to reward them, and to retrieve the + condition of their city, which hath been greatly depopulated by such + accidents as have befallen its inhabitants, and to bring those that have + been scattered abroad back to the city. And, in the first place, we have + determined, on account of their piety towards God, to bestow on them, as a + pension, for their sacrifices of animals that are fit for sacrifice, for + wine, and oil, and frankincense, the value of twenty thousand pieces of + silver, and [six] sacred artabrae of fine flour, with one thousand four + hundred and sixty medimni of wheat, and three hundred and seventy-five + medimni of salt. And these payments I would have fully paid them, as I + have sent orders to you. I would also have the work about the temple + finished, and the cloisters, and if there be any thing else that ought to + be rebuilt. And for the materials of wood, let it be brought them out of + Judea itself and out of the other countries, and out of Libanus tax free; + and the same I would have observed as to those other materials which will + be necessary, in order to render the temple more glorious; and let all of + that nation live according to the laws of their own country; and let the + senate, and the priests, and the scribes of the temple, and the sacred + singers, be discharged from poll-money and the crown tax and other taxes + also. And that the city may the sooner recover its inhabitants, I grant a + discharge from taxes for three years to its present inhabitants, and to + such as shall come to it, until the month Hyperheretus. We also discharge + them for the future from a third part of their taxes, that the losses they + have sustained may be repaired. And all those citizens that have been + carried away, and are become slaves, we grant them and their children + their freedom, and give order that their substance be restored to them." + </p> + <p> + 4. And these were the contents of this epistle. He also published a decree + through all his kingdom in honor of the temple, which contained what + follows: "It shall be lawful for no foreigner to come within the limits of + the temple round about; which thing is forbidden also to the Jews, unless + to those who, according to their own custom, have purified themselves. Nor + let any flesh of horses, or of mules, or of asses, he brought into the + city, whether they be wild or tame; nor that of leopards, or foxes, or + hares; and, in general, that of any animal which is forbidden for the Jews + to eat. Nor let their skins be brought into it; nor let any such animal be + bred up in the city. Let them only be permitted to use the sacrifices + derived from their forefathers, with which they have been obliged to make + acceptable atonements to God. And he that transgresseth any of these + orders, let him pay to the priests three thousand drachmae of silver." + Moreover, this Antiochus bare testimony to our piety and fidelity, in an + epistle of his, written when he was informed of a sedition in Phrygia and + Lydia, at which time he was in the superior provinces, wherein he + commanded Zenxis, the general of his forces, and his most intimate friend, + to send some of our nation out of Babylon into Phrygia. The epistle was + this: + </p> + <p> + King Antiochus To Zeuxis His Father, Sendeth Greeting. + </p> + <p> + "If you are in health, it is well. I also am in health. Having been + informed that a sedition is arisen in Lydia and Phrygia, I thought that + matter required great care; and upon advising with my friends what was fit + to be done, it hath been thought proper to remove two thousand families of + Jews, with their effects, out of Mesopotamia and Babylon, unto the castles + and places that lie most convenient; for I am persuaded that they will be + well-disposed guardians of our possessions, because of their piety towards + God, and because I know that my predecessors have borne witness to them, + that they are faithful, and with alacrity do what they are desired to do. + I will, therefore, though it be a laborious work, that thou remove these + Jews, under a promise, that they shall be permitted to use their own laws. + And when thou shalt have brought them to the places forementioned, thou + shalt give everyone of their families a place for building their houses, + and a portion of the land for their husbandry, and for the plantation of + their vines; and thou shalt discharge them from paying taxes of the fruits + of the earth for ten years; and let them have a proper quantity of wheat + for the maintenance of their servants, until they receive bread corn out + of the earth; also let a sufficient share be given to such as minister to + them in the necessaries of life, that by enjoying the effects of our + humanity, they may show themselves the more willing and ready about our + affairs. Take care likewise of that nation, as far as thou art able, that + they may not have any disturbance given them by any one." Now these + testimonials which I have produced are sufficient to declare the + friendship that Antiochus the Great bare to the Jews. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link122HCH0004" id="link122HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. How Antiochus Made A League With Ptolemy And How Onias Provoked + Ptolemy Euergetes To Anger; And How Joseph Brought All Things Right Again, + And Entered Into Friendship With Him; And What Other Things Were Done By + Joseph, And His Son Hyrcanus. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After this Antiochus made a friendship and league with Ptolemy, and + gave him his daughter Cleopatra to wife, and yielded up to him Celesyria, + and Samaria, and Judea, and Phoenicia, by way of dowry. And upon the + division of the taxes between the two kings, all the principal men framed + the taxes of their several countries, and collecting the sum that was + settled for them, paid the same to the [two] kings. Now at this time the + Samaritans were in a flourishing condition, and much distressed the Jews, + cutting off parts of their land, and carrying off slaves. This happened + when Onias was high priest; for after Eleazar's death, his uncle Manasseh + took the priesthood, and after he had ended his life, Onias received that + dignity. He was the son of Simon, who was called The Just: which Simon was + the brother of Eleazar, as I said before. This Onias was one of a little + soul, and a great lover of money; and for that reason, because he did not + pay that tax of twenty talents of silver, which his forefathers paid to + these things out of their own estates, he provoked king Ptolemy Euergetes + to anger, who was the father of Philopater. Euergetes sent an ambassador + to Jerusalem, and complained that Onias did not pay his taxes, and + threatened, that if he did not receive them, he would seize upon their + land, and send soldiers to live upon it. When the Jews heard this message + of the king, they were confounded; but so sordidly covetous was Onias, + that nothing of things nature made him ashamed. + </p> + <p> + 2. There was now one Joseph, young in age, but of great reputation among + the people of Jerusalem, for gravity, prudence, and justice. His father's + name was Tobias; and his mother was the sister of Onias the high priest, + who informed him of the coming of the ambassador; for he was then + sojourning at a village named Phicol, <a href="#link12note-13" + name="link12noteref-13" id="link12noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> where + he was born. Hereupon he came to the city [Jerusalem], and reproved Onias + for not taking care of the preservation of his countrymen, but bringing + the nation into dangers, by not paying this money. For which preservation + of them, he told him he had received the authority over them, and had been + made high priest; but that, in case he was so great a lover of money, as + to endure to see his country in danger on that account, and his countrymen + suffer the greatest damages, he advised him to go to the king, and + petition him to remit either the whole or a part of the sum demanded. + Onias's answer was this: That he did not care for his authority, and that + he was ready, if the thing were practicable, to lay down his high + priesthood; and that he would not go to the king, because he troubled not + himself at all about such matters. Joseph then asked him if he would not + give him leave to go ambassador on behalf of the nation. He replied, that + he would give him leave. Upon which Joseph went up into the temple, and + called the multitude together to a congregation, and exhorted them not to + be disturbed nor affrighted, because of his uncle Onias's carelessness, + but desired them to be at rest, and not terrify themselves with fear about + it; for he promised them that he would be their ambassador to the king, + and persuade him that they had done him no wrong. And when the multitude + heard this, they returned thanks to Joseph. So he went down from the + temple, and treated Ptolemy's ambassador in a hospitable manner. He also + presented him with rich gifts, and feasted him magnificently for many + days, and then sent him to the king before him, and told him that he would + soon follow him; for he was now more willing to go to the king, by the + encouragement of the ambassador, who earnestly persuaded him to come into + Egypt, and promised him that he would take care that he should obtain + every thing that he desired of Ptolemy; for he was highly pleased with his + frank and liberal temper, and with the gravity of his deportment. + </p> + <p> + 3. When Ptolemy's ambassador was come into Egypt, he told the king of the + thoughtless temper of Onias; and informed him of the goodness of the + disposition of Joseph; and that he was coming to him to excuse the + multitude, as not having done him any harm, for that he was their patron. + In short, he was so very large in his encomiums upon the young man, that + he disposed both the king and his wife Cleopatra to have a kindness for + him before he came. So Joseph sent to his friends at Samaria, and borrowed + money of them, and got ready what was necessary for his journey, garments + and cups, and beasts for burden, which amounted to about twenty thousand + drachmae, and went to Alexandria. Now it happened that at this time all + the principal men and rulers went up out of the cities of Syria and + Phoenicia, to bid for their taxes; for every year the king sold them to + the men of the greatest power in every city. So these men saw Joseph + journeying on the way, and laughed at him for his poverty and meanness. + But when he came to Alexandria, and heard that king Ptolemy was at + Memphis, he went up thither to meet with him; which happened as the king + was sitting in his chariot, with his wife, and with his friend Athenion, + who was the very person who had been ambassador at Jerusalem, and had been + entertained by Joseph. As soon therefore as Athenion saw him, he presently + made him known to the king, how good and generous a young man he was. So + Ptolemy saluted him first, and desired him to come up into his chariot; + and as Joseph sat there, he began to complain of the management of Onias: + to which he answered, "Forgive him, on account of his age; for thou canst + not certainly be unacquainted with this, that old men and infants have + their minds exactly alike; but thou shalt have from us, who are young men, + every thing thou desirest, and shalt have no cause to complain." With this + good humor and pleasantry of the young man, the king was so delighted, + that he began already, as though he had had long experience of him, to + have a still greater affection for him, insomuch that he bade him take his + diet in the king's palace, and be a guest at his own table every day. But + when the king was come to Alexandria, the principal men of Syria saw him + sitting with the king, and were much offended at it. + </p> + <p> + 4. And when the day came on which the king was to let the taxes of the + cities to farm, and those that were the principal men of dignity in their + several countries were to bid for them, the sum of the taxes together, of + Celesyria, and Phoenicia, and Judea, with Samaria, [as they were bidden + for,] came to eight thousand talents. Hereupon Joseph accused the bidders, + as having agreed together to estimate the value of the taxes at too low a + rate; and he promised that he would himself give twice as much for them: + but for those who did not pay, he would send the king home their whole + substance; for this privilege was sold together with the taxes themselves. + The king was pleased to hear that offer; and because it augmented his + revenues, he said he would confirm the sale of the taxes to him. But when + he asked him this question, Whether he had any sureties that would be + bound for the payment of the money? he answered very pleasantly, "I will + give such security, and those of persons good and responsible, and which + you shall have no reason to distrust." And when he bid him name them who + they were, he replied, "I give thee no other persons, O king, for my + sureties, than thyself, and this thy wife; and you shall be security for + both parties." So Ptolemy laughed at the proposal, and granted him the + farming of the taxes without any sureties. This procedure was a sore grief + to those that came from the cities into Egypt, who were utterly + disappointed; and they returned every one to their own country with shame. + </p> + <p> + 5. But Joseph took with him two thousand foot soldiers from the king, for + he desired he might have some assistance, in order to force such as were + refractory in the cities to pay. And borrowing of the king's friends at + Alexandria five hundred talents, he made haste back into Syria. And when + he was at Askelon, and demanded the taxes of the people of Askelon, they + refused to pay any thing, and affronted him also; upon which he seized + upon about twenty of the principal men, and slew them, and gathered what + they had together, and sent it all to the king, and informed him what he + had done. Ptolemy admired the prudent conduct of the man, and commended + him for what he had done, and gave him leave to do as he pleased. When the + Syrians heard of this, they were astonished; and having before them a sad + example in the men of Askelon that were slain, they opened their gates, + and willingly admitted Joseph, and paid their taxes. And when the + inhabitants of Scythopolis attempted to affront him, and would not pay him + those taxes which they formerly used to pay, without disputing about them, + he slew also the principal men of that city, and sent their effects to the + king. By this means he gathered great wealth together, and made vast gains + by this farming of the taxes; and he made use of what estate he had thus + gotten, in order to support his authority, as thinking it a piece of + prudence to keep what had been the occasion and foundation of his present + good fortune; and this he did by the assistance of what he was already + possessed of, for he privately sent many presents to the king, and to + Cleopatra, and to their friends, and to all that were powerful about the + court, and thereby purchased their good-will to himself. + </p> + <p> + 6. This good fortune he enjoyed for twenty-two years, and was become the + father of seven sons by one wife; he had also another son, whose name was + Hyrcanus, by his brother Solymius's daughter, whom he married on the + following occasion. He once came to Alexandria with his brother, who had + along with him a daughter already marriageable, in order to give her in + wedlock to some of the Jews of chief dignity there. He then supped with + the king, and falling in love with an actress that was of great beauty, + and came into the room where they feasted, he told his brother of it, and + entreated him, because a Jew is forbidden by their law to come near to a + foreigner, to conceal his offense; and to be kind and subservient to him, + and to give him an opportunity of fulfilling his desires. Upon which his + brother willingly entertained the proposal of serving him, and adorned his + own daughter, and brought her to him by night, and put her into his bed. + And Joseph, being disordered with drink, knew not who she was, and so lay + with his brother's daughter; and this did he many times, and loved her + exceedingly; and said to his brother, that he loved this actress so well, + that he should run the hazard of his life [if he must part with her], and + yet probably the king would not give him leave [to take her with him]. But + his brother bid him be in no concern about that matter, and told him he + might enjoy her whom he loved without any danger, and might have her for + his wife; and opened the truth of the matter to him, and assured him that + he chose rather to have his own daughter abused, than to overlook him, and + see him come to [public] disgrace. So Joseph commended him for this his + brotherly love, and married his daughter; and by her begat a son, whose + name was Hyrcanus, as we said before. And when this his youngest son + showed, at thirteen years old, a mind that was both courageous and wise, + and was greatly envied by his brethren, as being of a genius much above + them, and such a one as they might well envy, Joseph had once a mind to + know which of his sons had the best disposition to virtue; and when he + sent them severally to those that had then the best reputation for + instructing youth, the rest of his children, by reason of their sloth and + unwillingness to take pains, returned to him foolish and unlearned. After + them he sent out the youngest, Hyrcanus, and gave him three hundred yoke + of oxen, and bid him go two days' journey into the wilderness, and sow the + land there, and yet kept back privately the yokes of the oxen that coupled + them together. When Hyrcanus came to the place, and found he had no yokes + with him, he condemned the drivers of the oxen, who advised him to send + some to his father, to bring them some yokes; but he thinking that he + ought not to lose his time while they should be sent to bring him the + yokes, he invented a kind of stratagem, and what suited an age older than + his own; for he slew ten yoke of the oxen, and distributed their flesh + among the laborers, and cut their hides into several pieces, and made him + yokes, and yoked the oxen together with them; by which means he sowed as + much land as his father had appointed him to sow, and returned to him. And + when he was come back, his father was mightily pleased with his sagacity, + and commended the sharpness of his understanding, and his boldness in what + he did. And he still loved him the more, as if he were his only genuine + son, while his brethren were much troubled at it. + </p> + <p> + 7. But when one told him that Ptolemy had a son just born, and that all + the principal men of Syria, and the other countries subject to him, were + to keep a festival, on account of the child's birthday, and went away in + haste with great retinues to Alexandria, he was himself indeed hindered + from going by old age; but he made trial of his sons, whether any of them + would be willing to go to the king. And when the elder sons excused + themselves from going, and said they were not courtiers good enough for + such conversation, and advised him to send their brother Hyrcanus, he + gladly hearkened to that advice, and called Hyrcanus, and asked him + whether he would go to the king, and whether it was agreeable to him to go + or not. And upon his promise that he would go, and his saying that he + should not want much money for his journey, because he would live + moderately, and that ten thousand drachmas would be sufficient, he was + pleased with his son's prudence. After a little while, the son advised his + father not to send his presents to the king from thence, but to give him a + letter to his steward at Alexandria, that he might furnish him with money, + for purchasing what should be most excellent and most precious. So he + thinking that the expense of ten talents would be enough for presents to + be made the king, and commending his son, as giving him good advice, wrote + to Arion his steward, that managed all his money matters at Alexandria; + which money was not less than three thousand talents on his account, for + Joseph sent the money he received in Syria to Alexandria. And when the day + appointed for the payment of the taxes to the king came, he wrote to Arion + to pay them. So when the son had asked his father for a letter to the + steward, and had received it, he made haste to Alexandria. And when he was + gone, his brethren wrote to all the king's friends, that they should + destroy him. + </p> + <p> + 8. But when he was come to Alexandria, he delivered his letter to Arion, + who asked him how many talents he would have [hoping he would ask for no + more than ten, or a little more]; he said he wanted a thousand talents. At + which the steward was angry, and rebuked him, as one that intended to live + extravagantly; and he let him know how his father had gathered together + his estate by painstaking, and resisting his inclinations, and wished him + to imitate the example of his father: he assured him withal, that he would + give him but ten talents, and that for a present to the king also. The son + was irritated at this, and threw Arion into prison. But when Arion's wife + had informed Cleopatra of this, with her entreaty, that she would rebuke + the child for what he had done, [for Arion was in great esteem with her,] + Cleopatra informed the king of it. And Ptolemy sent for Hyrcanus, and told + him that he wondered, when he was sent to him by his father, that he had + not yet come into his presence, but had laid the steward in prison. And he + gave order, therefore, that he should come to him, and give an account of + the reason of what he had done. And they report that the answer he made to + the king's messenger was this: That "there was a law of his that forbade a + child that was born to taste of the sacrifice, before he had been at the + temple and sacrificed to God. According to which way of reasoning he did + not himself come to him in expectation of the present he was to make to + him, as to one who had been his father's benefactor; and that he had + punished the slave for disobeying his commands, for that it mattered not + Whether a master was little or great: so that unless we punish such as + these, thou thyself mayst also expect to be despised by thy subjects." + Upon hearing this his answer he fell a laughing, and wondered at the great + soul of the child. + </p> + <p> + 9. When Arion was apprized that this was the king's disposition, and that + he had no way to help himself, he gave the child a thousand talents, and + was let out of prison. So after three days were over, Hyrcanus came and + saluted the king and queen. They saw him with pleasure, and feasted him in + an obliging manner, out of the respect they bare to his father. So he came + to the merchants privately, and bought a hundred boys, that had learning, + and were in the flower of their ages, each at a talent apiece; as also he + bought a hundred maidens, each at the same price as the other. And when he + was invited to feast with the king among the principal men in the country, + he sat down the lowest of them all, because he was little regarded, as a + child in age still; and this by those who placed every one according to + their dignity. Now when all those that sat with him had laid the bones Of + the several parts on a heap before Hyrcanus, [for they had themselves + taken away the flesh belonging to them,] till the table where he sat was + filled full with them, Trypho, who was the king's jester, and was + appointed for jokes and laughter at festivals, was now asked by the guests + that sat at the table [to expose him to laughter]. So he stood by the + king, and said, "Dost thou not see, my lord, the bones that lie by + Hyrcanus? by this similitude thou mayst conjecture that his father made + all Syria as bare as he hath made these bones." And the king laughing at + what Trypho said, and asking of Hyrcanus, How he came to have so many + bones before him? he replied, "Very rightfully, my lord; for they are dogs + that eat the flesh and the bones together, as these thy guests have done, + [looking in the mean time at those guests,] for there is nothing before + them; but they are men that eat the flesh, and cast away the hones, as I, + who am also a man, have now done." Upon which the king admired at his + answer, which was so wisely made; and bid them all make an acclamation, as + a mark of their approbation of his jest, which was truly a facetious one. + On the next day Hyrcanus went to every one of the king's friends, and of + the men powerful at court, and saluted them; but still inquired of the + servants what present they would make the king on his son's birthday; and + when some said that they would give twelve talents, and that others of + greater dignity would every one give according to the quantity of their + riches, he pretended to every one of them to be grieved that he was not + able to bring so large a present; for that he had no more than five + talents. And when the servants heard what he said, they told their + masters; and they rejoiced in the prospect that Joseph would be + disapproved, and would make the king angry, by the smallness of his + present. When the day came, the others, even those that brought the most, + offered the king not above twenty talents; but Hyrcanus gave to every one + of the hundred boys and hundred maidens that he had bought a talent + apiece, for them to carry, and introduced them, the boys to the king, and + the maidens to Cleopatra; every body wondering at the unexpected richness + of the presents, even the king and queen themselves. He also presented + those that attended about the king with gifts to the value of a great + number of talents, that he might escape the danger he was in from them; + for to these it was that Hyrcanus's brethren had written to destroy him. + Now Ptolemy admired at the young man's magnanimity, and commanded him to + ask what gift he pleased. But he desired nothing else to be done for him + by the king than to write to his father and brethren about him. So when + the king had paid him very great respects, and had given him very large + gifts, and had written to his father and his brethren, and all his + commanders and officers, about him, he sent him away. But when his + brethren heard that Hyrcanus had received such favors from the king, and + was returning home with great honor, they went out to meet him, and to + destroy him, and that with the privity of their father; for he was angry + at him for the [large] sum of money that he bestowed for presents, and so + had no concern for his preservation. However, Joseph concealed the anger + he had at his son, out of fear of the king. And when Hyrcanus's brethren + came to fight him, he slew many others of those that were with them, as + also two of his brethren themselves; but the rest of them escaped to + Jerusalem to their father. But when Hyrcanus came to the city, where + nobody would receive him, he was afraid for himself, and retired beyond + the river Jordan, and there abode, but obliging the barbarians to pay + their taxes. + </p> + <p> + 10. At this time Seleucus, who was called Soter, reigned over Asia, being + the son of Antiochus the Great. And [now] Hyrcanus's father, Joseph, died. + He was a good man, and of great magnanimity; and brought the Jews out of a + state of poverty and meanness, to one that was more splendid. He retained + the farm of the taxes of Syria, and Phoenicia, and Samaria twenty-two + years. His uncle also, Onias, died [about this time], and left the high + priesthood to his son Simeon. And when he was dead, Onias his son + succeeded him in that dignity. To him it was that Areus, king of the + Lacedemonians, sent an embassage, with an epistle; the copy whereof here + follows: + </p> + <p> + "Areus, King Of The Lacedemonians, To Onias, Sendeth Greeting. + </p> + <p> + "We have met with a certain writing, whereby we have discovered that both + the Jews and the Lacedemonians are of one stock, and are derived from the + kindred of Abraham <a href="#link12note-14" name="link12noteref-14" + id="link12noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> It is but just therefore that + you, who are our brethren, should send to us about any of your concerns as + you please. We will also do the same thing, and esteem your concerns as + our own, and will look upon our concerns as in common with yours. + Demoteles, who brings you this letter, will bring your answer back to us. + This letter is four-square; and the seal is an eagle, with a dragon in his + claws." + </p> + <p> + 11. And these were the contents of the epistle which was sent from the + king of the Lacedemonians. But, upon the death of Joseph, the people grew + seditious, on account of his sons. For whereas the elders made war against + Hyrcanus, who was the youngest of Joseph's sons, the multitude was + divided, but the greater part joined with the elders in this war; as did + Simon the high priest, by reason he was of kin to them. However, Hyrcanus + determined not to return to Jerusalem any more, but seated himself beyond + Jordan, and was at perpetual war with the Arabians, and slew many of them, + and took many of them captives. He also erected a strong castle, and built + it entirely of white stone to the very roof, and had animals of a + prodigious magnitude engraven upon it. He also drew round it a great and + deep canal of water. He also made caves of many furlongs in length, by + hollowing a rock that was over against him; and then he made large rooms + in it, some for feasting, and some for sleeping and living in. He + introduced also a vast quantity of waters which ran along it, and which + were very delightful and ornamental in the court. But still he made the + entrances at the mouth of the caves so narrow, that no more than one + person could enter by them at once. And the reason why he built them after + that manner was a good one; it was for his own preservation, lest he + should be besieged by his brethren, and run the hazard of being caught by + them. Moreover, he built courts of greater magnitude than ordinary, which + he adorned with vastly large gardens. And when he had brought the place to + this state, he named it Tyre. This place is between Arabia and Judea, + beyond Jordan, not far from the country of Heshbon. And he ruled over + those parts for seven years, even all the time that Seleucus was king of + Syria. But when he was dead, his brother Antiochus, who was called + Epiphanes, took the kingdom. Ptolemy also, the king of Egypt, died, who + was besides called Epiphanes. He left two sons, and both young in age; the + elder of which was called Philometer, and the youngest Physcon. As for + Hyrcanus, when he saw that Antiochus had a great army, and feared lest he + should be caught by him, and brought to punishment for what he had done to + the Arabians, he ended his life, and slew himself with his own hand; while + Antiochus seized upon all his substance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link122HCH0005" id="link122HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. How, Upon The Quarrels One Against Another About The High + Priesthood Antiochus Made An Expedition Against Jerusalem, Took The City + And Pillaged The Temples. And Distressed The Jews' As Also How Many Of The + Jews Forsook The Laws Of Their Country; And How The Samaritans Followed + The Customs Of The Greeks And Named Their Temple At Mount Gerizzim The + Temple Of Jupiter Hellenius. + </h3> + <p> + 1. About this time, upon the death of Onias the high priest, they gave the + high priesthood to Jesus his brother; for that son which Onias left [or + Onias IV.] was yet but an infant; and, in its proper place, we will inform + the reader of all the circumstances that befell this child. But this + Jesus, who was the brother of Onias, was deprived of the high priesthood + by the king, who was angry with him, and gave it to his younger brother, + whose name also was Onias; for Simon had these three sons, to each of + which the priesthood came, as we have already informed the reader. This + Jesus changed his name to Jason, but Onias was called Menelaus. Now as the + former high priest, Jesus, raised a sedition against Menelaus, who was + ordained after him, the multitude were divided between them both. And the + sons of Tobias took the part of Menelaus, but the greater part of the + people assisted Jason; and by that means Menelaus and the sons of Tobias + were distressed, and retired to Antiochus, and informed him that they were + desirous to leave the laws of their country, and the Jewish way of living + according to them, and to follow the king's laws, and the Grecian way of + living. Wherefore they desired his permission to build them a Gymnasium at + Jerusalem. <a href="#link12note-15" name="link12noteref-15" + id="link12noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> And when he had given them + leave, they also hid the circumcision of their genitals, that even when + they were naked they might appear to be Greeks. Accordingly, they left off + all the customs that belonged to their own country, and imitated the + practices of the other nations. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Antiochus, upon the agreeable situation of the affairs of his + kingdom, resolved to make an expedition against Egypt, both because he had + a desire to gain it, and because he contemned the son of Ptolemy, as now + weak, and not yet of abilities to manage affairs of such consequence; so + he came with great forces to Pelusium, and circumvented Ptolemy Philometor + by treachery, and seized upon Egypt. He then came to the places about + Memphis; and when he had taken them, he made haste to Alexandria, in hopes + of taking it by siege, and of subduing Ptolemy, who reigned there. But he + was driven not only from Alexandria, but out of all Egypt, by the + declaration of the Romans, who charged him to let that country alone; + according as I have elsewhere formerly declared. I will now give a + particular account of what concerns this king, how he subdued Judea and + the temple; for in my former work I mentioned those things very briefly, + and have therefore now thought it necessary to go over that history again, + and that with great accuracy. + </p> + <p> + 3. King Antiochus returning out of Egypt <a href="#link12note-16" + name="link12noteref-16" id="link12noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> for + fear of the Romans, made an expedition against the city Jerusalem; and + when he was there, in the hundred and forty-third year of the kingdom of + the Seleucidse, he took the city without fighting, those of his own party + opening the gates to him. And when he had gotten possession of Jerusalem, + he slew many of the opposite party; and when he had plundered it of a + great deal of money, he returned to Antioch. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now it came to pass, after two years, in the hundred forty and fifth + year, on the twenty-fifth day of that month which is by us called Chasleu, + and by the Macedonians Apelleus, in the hundred and fifty-third olympiad, + that the king came up to Jerusalem, and, pretending peace, he got + possession of the city by treachery; at which time he spared not so much + as those that admitted him into it, on account of the riches that lay in + the temple; but, led by his covetous inclination, [for he saw there was in + it a great deal of gold, and many ornaments that had been dedicated to it + of very great value,] and in order to plunder its wealth, he ventured to + break the league he had made. So he left the temple bare, and took away + the golden candlesticks, and the golden altar [of incense], and table [of + shew-bread], and the altar [of burnt-offering]; and did not abstain from + even the veils, which were made of fine linen and scarlet. He also emptied + it of its secret treasures, and left nothing at all remaining; and by this + means cast the Jews into great lamentation, for he forbade them to offer + those daily sacrifices which they used to offer to God, according to the + law. And when he had pillaged the whole city, some of the inhabitants he + slew, and some he carried captive, together with their wives and children, + so that the multitude of those captives that were taken alive amounted to + about ten thousand. He also burnt down the finest buildings; and when he + had overthrown the city walls, he built a citadel in the lower part of the + city, <a href="#link12note-17" name="link12noteref-17" + id="link12noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> for the place was high, and + overlooked the temple; on which account he fortified it with high walls + and towers, and put into it a garrison of Macedonians. However, in that + citadel dwelt the impious and wicked part of the [Jewish] multitude, from + whom it proved that the citizens suffered many and sore calamities. And + when the king had built an idol altar upon God's altar, he slew swine upon + it, and so offered a sacrifice neither according to the law, nor the + Jewish religious worship in that country. He also compelled them to + forsake the worship which they paid their own God, and to adore those whom + he took to be gods; and made them build temples, and raise idol altars in + every city and village, and offer swine upon them every day. He also + commanded them not to circumcise their sons, and threatened to punish any + that should be found to have transgressed his injunction. He also + appointed overseers, who should compel them to do what he commanded. And + indeed many Jews there were who complied with the king's commands, either + voluntarily, or out of fear of the penalty that was denounced. But the + best men, and those of the noblest souls, did not regard him, but did pay + a greater respect to the customs of their country than concern as to the + punishment which he threatened to the disobedient; on which account they + every day underwent great miseries and bitter torments; for they were + whipped with rods, and their bodies were torn to pieces, and were + crucified, while they were still alive, and breathed. They also strangled + those women and their sons whom they had circumcised, as the king had + appointed, hanging their sons about their necks as they were upon the + crosses. And if there were any sacred book of the law found, it was + destroyed, and those with whom they were found miserably perished also. + </p> + <p> + 5. When the Samaritans saw the Jews under these sufferings, they no longer + confessed that they were of their kindred, nor that the temple on Mount + Gerizzim belonged to Almighty God. This was according to their nature, as + we have already shown. And they now said that they were a colony of Medes + and Persians; and indeed they were a colony of theirs. So they sent + ambassadors to Antiochus, and an epistle, whose contents are these: "To + king Antiochus the god, Epiphanes, a memorial from the Sidonians, who live + at Shechem. Our forefathers, upon certain frequent plagues, and as + following a certain ancient superstition, had a custom of observing that + day which by the Jews is called the Sabbath. <a href="#link12note-18" + name="link12noteref-18" id="link12noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> And + when they had erected a temple at the mountain called Gerrizzim, though + without a name, they offered upon it the proper sacrifices. Now, upon the + just treatment of these wicked Jews, those that manage their affairs, + supposing that we were of kin to them, and practiced as they do, make us + liable to the same accusations, although we be originally Sidonians, as is + evident from the public records. We therefore beseech thee, our benefactor + and Savior, to give order to Apollonius, the governor of this part of the + country, and to Nicanor, the procurator of thy affairs, to give us no + disturbance, nor to lay to our charge what the Jews are accused for, since + we are aliens from their nation, and from their customs; but let our + temple, which at present hath no name at all be named the Temple of + Jupiter Hellenius. If this were once done, we should be no longer + disturbed, but should be more intent on our own occupation with quietness, + and so bring in a greater revenue to thee." When the Samaritans had + petitioned for this, the king sent them back the following answer, in an + epistle: "King Antiochus to Nicanor. The Sidonians, who live at Shechem, + have sent me the memorial enclosed. When therefore we were advising with + our friends about it, the messengers sent by them represented to us that + they are no way concerned with accusations which belong to the Jews, but + choose to live after the customs of the Greeks. Accordingly, we declare + them free from such accusations, and order that, agreeable to their + petition, their temple be named the Temple of Jupiter Hellenius." He also + sent the like epistle to Apollonius, the governor of that part of the + country, in the forty-sixth year, and the eighteenth day of the month + Hecatorabeom. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link122HCH0006" id="link122HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. How, Upon Antiochus's Prohibition To The Jews To Make Use Of + The Laws Of Their Country Mattathias, The Son Of Asamoneus, Alone Despised + The King, And Overcame The Generals Of Antiochus's Army; As Also + Concerning The Death Of Mattathias, And The Succession Of Judas. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now at this time there was one whose name was Mattathias, who dwelt at + Modin, the son of John, the son of Simeon, the son of Asamoneus, a priest + of the order of Joarib, and a citizen of Jerusalem. He had five sons; + John, who was called Gaddis, and Simon, who was called Matthes, and Judas, + who was called Maccabeus, <a href="#link12note-19" name="link12noteref-19" + id="link12noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> and Eleazar, who was called + Auran, and Jonathan, who was called Apphus. Now this Mattathias lamented + to his children the sad state of their affairs, and the ravage made in the + city, and the plundering of the temple, and the calamities the multitude + were under; and he told them that it was better for them to die for the + laws of their country, than to live so ingloriously as they then did. + </p> + <p> + 2. But when those that were appointed by the king were come to Modin, that + they might compel the Jews to do what they were commanded, and to enjoin + those that were there to offer sacrifice, as the king had commanded, they + desired that Mattathias, a person of the greatest character among them, + both on other accounts, and particularly on account of such a numerous and + so deserving a family of children, would begin the sacrifice, because his + fellow citizens would follow his example, and because such a procedure + would make him honored by the king. But Mattathias said he would not do + it; and that if all the other nations would obey the commands of + Antiochus, either out of fear, or to please him, yet would not he nor his + sons leave the religious worship of their country. But as soon as he had + ended his speech, there came one of the Jews into the midst of them, and + sacrificed, as Antiochus had commanded. At which Mattathias had great + indignation, and ran upon him violently, with his sons, who had swords + with them, and slew both the man himself that sacrificed, and Apelles the + king's general, who compelled them to sacrifice, with a few of his + soldiers. He also overthrew the idol altar, and cried out, "If," said he, + "any one be zealous for the laws of his country, and for the worship of + God, let him follow me." And when he had said this, he made haste into the + desert with his sons, and left all his substance in the village. Many + others did the same also, and fled with their children and wives into the + desert, and dwelt in caves. But when the king's generals heard this, they + took all the forces they then had in the citadel at Jerusalem, and pursued + the Jews into the desert; and when they had overtaken them, they in the + first place endeavored to persuade them to repent, and to choose what was + most for their advantage, and not put them to the necessity of using them + according to the law of war. But when they would not comply with their + persuasions, but continued to be of a different mind, they fought against + them on the sabbath day, and they burnt them as they were in the caves, + without resistance, and without so much as stopping up the entrances of + the caves. And they avoided to defend themselves on that day, because they + were not willing to break in upon the honor they owed the sabbath, even in + such distresses; for our law requires that we rest upon that day. There + were about a thousand, with their wives and children, who were smothered + and died in these caves; but many of those that escaped joined themselves + to Mattathias, and appointed him to be their ruler, who taught them to + fight, even on the sabbath day; and told them that unless they would do + so, they would become their own enemies, by observing the law [so + rigorously], while their adversaries would still assault them on this day, + and they would not then defend themselves, and that nothing could then + hinder but they must all perish without fighting. This speech persuaded + them. And this rule continues among us to this day, that if there be a + necessity, we may fight on sabbath days. So Mattathias got a great army + about him, and overthrew their idol altars, and slew those that broke the + laws, even all that he could get under his power; for many of them were + dispersed among the nations round about them for fear of him. He also + commanded that those boys which were not yet circumcised should be + circumcised now; and he drove those away that were appointed to hinder + such their circumcision. + </p> + <p> + 3. But when he had ruled one year, and was fallen into a distemper, he + called for his sons, and set them round about him, and said, "O my sons, I + am going the way of all the earth; and I recommend to you my resolution, + and beseech you not to be negligent in keeping it, but to be mindful of + the desires of him who begat you, and brought you up, and to preserve the + customs of your country, and to recover your ancient form of government, + which is in danger of being overturned, and not to be carried away with + those that, either by their own inclination, or out of necessity, betray + it, but to become such sons as are worthy of me; to be above all force and + necessity, and so to dispose your souls, as to be ready, when it shall be + necessary, to die for your laws; as sensible of this, by just reasoning, + that if God see that you are so disposed he will not overlook you, but + will have a great value for your virtue, and will restore to you again + what you have lost, and will return to you that freedom in which you shall + live quietly, and enjoy your own customs. Your bodies are mortal, and + subject to fate; but they receive a sort of immortality, by the + remembrance of what actions they have done. And I would have you so in + love with this immortality, that you may pursue after glory, and that, + when you have undergone the greatest difficulties, you may not scruple, + for such things, to lose your lives. I exhort you, especially, to agree + one with another; and in what excellency any one of you exceeds another, + to yield to him so far, and by that means to reap the advantage of every + one's own virtues. Do you then esteem Simon as your father, because he is + a man of extraordinary prudence, and be governed by him in what counsels + be gives you. Take Maccabeus for the general of your army, because of his + courage and strength, for he will avenge your nation, and will bring + vengeance on your enemies. Admit among you the righteous and religious, + and augment their power." + </p> + <p> + 4. When Mattathias had thus discoursed to his sons, and had prayed to God + to be their assistant, and to recover to the people their former + constitution, he died a little afterward, and was buried at Modin; all the + people making great lamentation for him. Whereupon his son Judas took upon + him the administration of public affairs, in the hundred forty and sixth + year; and thus, by the ready assistance of his brethren, and of others, + Judas cast their enemies out of the country, and put those of their own + country to death who had transgressed its laws, and purified the land of + all the pollutions that were in it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link122HCH0007" id="link122HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. How Judas Overthrew The Forces Of Apollonius And Seron And + Killed The Generals Of Their Armies Themselves; And How When, A Little + While Afterwards Lysias And Gorgias Were Beaten He Went Up To Jerusalem + And Purified The Temple. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Apollonius, the general of the Samaritan forces, heard this, he + took his army, and made haste to go against Judas, who met him, and joined + battle with him, and beat him, and slew many of his men, and among them + Apollonius himself, their general, whose sword being that which he + happened then to wear, he seized upon, and kept for himself; but he + wounded more than he slew, and took a great deal of prey from the enemy's + camp, and went his way. But when Seron, who was general of the army of + Celesyria, heard that many had joined themselves to Judas, and that he had + about him an army sufficient for fighting, and for making war, he + determined to make an expedition against him, as thinking it became him to + endeavor to punish those that transgressed the king's injunctions. He then + got together an army, as large as he was able, and joined to it the + runagate and wicked Jews, and came against Judas. He came as far as + Bethhoron, a village of Judea, and there pitched his camp; upon which + Judas met him; and when he intended to give him battle, he saw that his + soldiers were backward to fight, because their number was small, and + because they wanted food, for they were fasting, he encouraged them, and + said to them, that victory and conquest of enemies are not derived from + the multitude in armies, but in the exercise of piety towards God; and + that they had the plainest instances in their forefathers, who, by their + righteousness, exerting themselves on behalf of their own laws, and their + own children, had frequently conquered many ten thousands,—for + innocence is the strongest army. By this speech he induced his men to + condemn the multitude of the enemy, and to fall upon Seron. And upon + joining battle with him, he beat the Syrians; and when their general fell + among the rest, they all ran away with speed, as thinking that to be their + best way of escaping. So he pursued them unto the plain, and slew about + eight hundred of the enemy; but the rest escaped to the region which lay + near to the sea. + </p> + <p> + 2. When king Antiochus heard of these things, he was very angry at what + had happened; so he got together all his own army, with many mercenaries, + whom he had hired from the islands, and took them with him, and prepared + to break into Judea about the beginning of the spring. But when, upon his + mustering his soldiers, he perceived that his treasures were deficient, + and there was a want of money in them, for all the taxes were not paid, by + reason of the seditions there had been among the nations he having been so + magnanimous and so liberal, that what he had was not sufficient for him, + he therefore resolved first to go into Persia, and collect the taxes of + that country. Hereupon he left one whose name was Lysias, who was in great + repute with him governor of the kingdom, as far as the bounds of Egypt, + and of the Lower Asia, and reaching from the river Euphrates, and + committed to him a certain part of his forces, and of his elephants, and + charged him to bring up his son Antiochus with all possible care, until he + came back; and that he should conquer Judea, and take its inhabitants for + slaves, and utterly destroy Jerusalem, and abolish the whole nation. And + when king Antiochus had given these things in charge to Lysias, he went + into Persia; and in the hundred and forty-seventh year he passed over + Euphrates, and went to the superior provinces. + </p> + <p> + 3. Upon this Lysias chose Ptolemy, the son of Dorymenes, and Nicanor, and + Gorgias, very potent men among the king's friends, and delivered to them + forty thousand foot soldiers, and seven thousand horsemen, and sent them + against Judea, who came as far as the city Emmaus, and pitched their camp + in the plain country. There came also to them auxiliaries out of Syria, + and the country round about; as also many of the runagate Jews. And + besides these came some merchants to buy those that should be carried + captives, [having bonds with them to bind those that should be made + prisoners,] with that silver and gold which they were to pay for their + price. And when Judas saw their camp, and how numerous their enemies were, + he persuaded his own soldiers to be of good courage, and exhorted them to + place their hopes of victory in God, and to make supplication to him, + according to the custom of their country, clothed in sackcloth; and to + show what was their usual habit of supplication in the greatest dangers, + and thereby to prevail with God to grant you the victory over your + enemies. So he set them in their ancient order of battle used by their + forefathers, under their captains of thousands, and other officers, and + dismissed such as were newly married, as well as those that had newly + gained possessions, that they might not fight in a cowardly manner, out of + an inordinate love of life, in order to enjoy those blessings. When he had + thus disposed his soldiers, he encouraged them to fight by the following + speech, which he made to them: "O my fellow soldiers, no other time + remains more opportune than the present for courage and contempt of + dangers; for if you now fight manfully, you may recover your liberty, + which, as it is a thing of itself agreeable to all men, so it proves to be + to us much more desirable, by its affording us the liberty of worshipping + God. Since therefore you are in such circumstances at present, you must + either recover that liberty, and so regain a happy and blessed way of + living, which is that according to our laws, and the customs of our + country, or to submit to the most opprobrious sufferings; nor will any + seed of your nation remain if you be beat in this battle. Fight therefore + manfully; and suppose that you must die, though you do not fight; but + believe, that besides such glorious rewards as those of the liberty of + your country, of your laws, of your religion, you shall then obtain + everlasting glory. Prepare yourselves, therefore, and put yourselves into + such an agreeable posture, that you may be ready to fight with the enemy + as soon as it is day tomorrow morning." + </p> + <p> + 4. And this was the speech which Judas made to encourage them. But when + the enemy sent Gorgias, with five thousand foot and one thousand horse, + that he might fall upon Judas by night, and had for that purpose certain + of the runagate Jews as guides, the son of Mattathias perceived it, and + resolved to fall upon those enemies that were in their camp, now their + forces were divided. When they had therefore supped in good time, and had + left many fires in their camp, he marched all night to those enemies that + were at Emmaus. So that when Gorgias found no enemy in their camp, but + suspected that they were retired, and had hidden themselves among the + mountains, he resolved to go and seek them wheresoever they were. But + about break of day Judas appeared to those enemies that were at Emmaus, + with only three thousand men, and those ill armed, by reason of their + poverty; and when he saw the enemy very well and skillfully fortified in + their camp, he encouraged the Jews, and told them that they ought to + fight, though it were with their naked bodies, for that God had sometimes + of old given such men strength, and that against such as were more in + number, and were armed also, out of regard to their great courage. So he + commanded the trumpeters to sound for the battle; and by thus falling upon + the enemies when they did not expect it, and thereby astonishing and + disturbing their minds, he slew many of those that resisted him, and went + on pursuing the rest as far as Gadara, and the plains of Idumea, and + Ashdod, and Jamnia; and of these there fell about three thousand. Yet did + Judas exhort his soldiers not to be too desirous of the spoils, for that + still they must have a contest and battle with Gorgias, and the forces + that were with him; but that when they had once overcome them, then they + might securely plunder the camp, because they were the only enemies + remaining, and they expected no others. And just as he was speaking to his + soldiers, Gorgias's men looked down into that army which they left in + their camp, and saw that it was overthrown, and the camp burnt; for the + smoke that arose from it showed them, even when they were a great way off, + what had happened. When therefore those that were with Gorgias understood + that things were in this posture, and perceived that those that were with + Judas were ready to fight them, they also were affrighted, and put to + flight; but then Judas, as though he had already beaten Gorgias's soldiers + without fighting, returned and seized on the spoils. He took a great + quantity of gold, and silver, and purple, and blue, and then returned home + with joy, and singing hymns to God for their good success; for this + victory greatly contributed to the recovery of their liberty. + </p> + <p> + 5. Hereupon Lysias was confounded at the defeat of the army which he had + sent, and the next year he got together sixty thousand chosen men. He also + took five thousand horsemen, and fell upon Judea; and he went up to the + hill country of Bethsur, a village of Judea, and pitched his camp there, + where Judas met him with ten thousand men; and when he saw the great + number of his enemies, he prayed to God that he would assist him, and + joined battle with the first of the enemy that appeared, and beat them, + and slew about five thousand of them, and thereby became terrible to the + rest of them. Nay, indeed, Lysias observing the great spirit of the Jews, + how they were prepared to die rather than lose their liberty, and being + afraid of their desperate way of fighting, as if it were real strength, he + took the rest of the army back with him, and returned to Antioch, where he + listed foreigners into the service, and prepared to fall upon Judea with a + greater army. + </p> + <p> + 6. When therefore the generals of Antiochus's armies had been beaten so + often, Judas assembled the people together, and told them, that after + these many victories which God had given them, they ought to go up to + Jerusalem, and purify the temple, and offer the appointed sacrifices. But + as soon as he, with the whole multitude, was come to Jerusalem, and found + the temple deserted, and its gates burnt down, and plants growing in the + temple of their own accord, on account of its desertion, he and those that + were with him began to lament, and were quite confounded at the sight of + the temple; so he chose out some of his soldiers, and gave them order to + fight against those guards that were in the citadel, until he should have + purified the temple. When therefore he had carefully purged it, and had + brought in new vessels, the candlestick, the table [of shew-bread], and + the altar [of incense], which were made of gold, he hung up the veils at + the gates, and added doors to them. He also took down the altar [of + burnt-offering], and built a new one of stones that he gathered together, + and not of such as were hewn with iron tools. So on the five and twentieth + day of the month Casleu, which the Macedonians call Apeliens, they lighted + the lamps that were on the candlestick, and offered incense upon the altar + [of incense], and laid the loaves upon the table [of shew-bread], and + offered burnt-offerings upon the new altar [of burnt-offering]. Now it so + fell out, that these things were done on the very same day on which their + Divine worship had fallen off, and was reduced to a profane and common + use, after three years' time; for so it was, that the temple was made + desolate by Antiochus, and so continued for three years. This desolation + happened to the temple in the hundred forty and fifth year, on the + twenty-fifth day of the month Apeliens, and on the hundred fifty and third + olympiad: but it was dedicated anew, on the same day, the twenty-fifth of + the month Apeliens, on the hundred and forty-eighth year, and on the + hundred and fifty-fourth olympiad. And this desolation came to pass + according to the prophecy of Daniel, which was given four hundred and + eight years before; for he declared that the Macedonians would dissolve + that worship [for some time]. + </p> + <p> + 7. Now Judas celebrated the festival of the restoration of the sacrifices + of the temple for eight days, and omitted no sort of pleasures thereon; + but he feasted them upon very rich and splendid sacrifices; and he honored + God, and delighted them by hymns and psalms. Nay, they were so very glad + at the revival of their customs, when, after a long time of intermission, + they unexpectedly had regained the freedom of their worship, that they + made it a law for their posterity, that they should keep a festival, on + account of the restoration of their temple worship, for eight days. And + from that time to this we celebrate this festival, and call it Lights. I + suppose the reason was, because this liberty beyond our hopes appeared to + us; and that thence was the name given to that festival. Judas also + rebuilt the walls round about the city, and reared towers of great height + against the incursions of enemies, and set guards therein. He also + fortified the city Bethsura, that it might serve as a citadel against any + distresses that might come from our enemies. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link122HCH0008" id="link122HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. How Judas Subdued The Nations Round About; And How Simon Beat + The People Of Tyre And Ptolemais; And How Judas Overcame Timotheus, And + Forced Him To Fly Away, And Did Many Other Things After Joseph And Azarias + Had Been Beaten. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When these things were over, the nations round about the Jews were very + uneasy at the revival of their power, and rose up together, and destroyed + many of them, as gaining advantage over them by laying snares for them, + and making secret conspiracies against them. Judas made perpetual + expeditions against these men, and endeavored to restrain them from those + incursions, and to prevent the mischiefs they did to the Jews. So he fell + upon the Idumeans, the posterity of Esau, at Acrabattene, and slew a great + many of them, and took their spoils. He also shut up the sons of Bean, + that laid wait for the Jews; and he sat down about them, and besieged + them, and burnt their towers, and destroyed the men [that were in them]. + After this he went thence in haste against the Ammonites, who had a great + and a numerous army, of which Timotheus was the commander. And when he had + subdued them, he seized on the city Jazer, and took their wives and their + children captives, and burnt the city, and then returned into Judea. But + when the neighboring nations understood that he was returned, they got + together in great numbers in the land of Gilead, and came against those + Jews that were at their borders, who then fled to the garrison of Dathema; + and sent to Judas, to inform him that Timotheus was endeavoring to take + the place whither they were fled. And as these epistles were reading, + there came other messengers out of Galilee, who informed him that the + inhabitants of Ptolemais, and of Tyre and Sidon, and strangers of Galilee, + were gotten together. + </p> + <p> + 2. Accordingly Judas, upon considering what was fit to be done, with + relation to the necessity both these cases required, gave order that Simon + his brother should take three thousand chosen men, and go to the + assistance of the Jews in Galilee, while he and another of his brothers, + Jonathan, made haste into the land of Gilead, with eight thousand + soldiers. And he left Joseph, the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, to be + over the rest of the forces; and charged them to keep Judea very + carefully, and to fight no battles with any persons whomsoever until his + return. Accordingly, Simon went into Galilee, and fought the enemy, and + put them to flight, and pursued them to the very gates of Ptolemais, and + slew about three thousand of them, and took the spoils of those that were + slain, and those Jews whom they had made captives, with their baggage, and + then returned home. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now as for Judas Maccabeus, and his brother Jonathan, they passed over + the river Jordan; and when they had gone three days journey, they lighted + upon the Nabateans, who came to meet them peaceably, and who told them how + the affairs of those in the land of Gilead stood; and how many of them + were in distress, and driven into garrisons, and into the cities of + Galilee; and exhorted him to make haste to go against the foreigners, and + to endeavor to save his own countrymen out of their hands. To this + exhortation Judas hearkened, and returned to the wilderness; and in the + first place fell upon the inhabitants of Bosor, and took the city, and + beat the inhabitants, and destroyed all the males, and all that were able + to fight, and burnt the city. Nor did he stop even when night came on, but + he journeyed in it to the garrison where the Jews happened to be then shut + up, and where Timotheus lay round the place with his army. And Judas came + upon the city in the morning; and when he found that the enemy were making + an assault upon the walls, and that some of them brought ladders, on which + they might get upon those walls, and that others brought engines [to + batter them], he bid the trumpeter to sound his trumpet, and he encouraged + his soldiers cheerfully to undergo dangers for the sake of their brethren + and kindred; he also parted his army into three bodies, and fell upon the + backs of their enemies. But when Timotheus's men perceived that it was + Maccabeus that was upon them, of both whose courage and good success in + war they had formerly had sufficient experience, they were put to flight; + but Judas followed them with his army, and slew about eight thousand of + them. He then turned aside to a city of the foreigners called Malle, and + took it, and slew all the males, and burnt the city itself. He then + removed from thence, and overthrew Casphom and Bosor, and many other + cities of the land of Gilead. + </p> + <p> + 4. But not long after this, Timotheus prepared a great army, and took many + others as auxiliaries; and induced some of the Arabians, by the promise of + rewards, to go with him in this expedition, and came with his army beyond + the brook, over against the city Raphon; and he encouraged his soldiers, + if it came to a battle with the Jews, to fight courageously, and to hinder + their passing over the brook; for he said to them beforehand, that "if + they come over it, we shall be beaten." And when Judas heard that + Timotheus prepared himself to fight, he took all his own army, and went in + haste against Timotheus his enemy; and when he had passed over the brook, + he fell upon his enemies, and some of them met him, whom he slew, and + others of them he so terrified, that he compelled them to throw down their + arms and fly; and some of them escaped, but some of them fled to what was + called the Temple of Camaim, and hoped thereby to preserve themselves; but + Judas took the city, and slew them, and burnt the temple, and so used + several ways of destroying his enemies. + </p> + <p> + 5. When he had done this, he gathered the Jews together, with their + children and wives, and the substance that belonged to them, and was going + to bring them back into Judea; but as soon as he was come to a certain + city, whose name was Ephron, that lay upon the road, [and it was not + possible for him to go any other way, so he was not willing to go back + again,] he then sent to the inhabitants, and desired that they would open + their gates, and permit them to go on their way through the city; for they + had stopped up the gates with stones, and cut off their passage through + it. And when the inhabitants of Ephron would not agree to this proposal, + he encouraged those that were with him, and encompassed the city round, + and besieged it, and, lying round it by day and night, took the city, and + slew every male in it, and burnt it all down, and so obtained a way + through it; and the multitude of those that were slain was so great, that + they went over the dead bodies. So they came over Jordan, and arrived at + the great plain, over against which is situate the city Bethshah, which is + called by the Greeks Scythopolis. <a href="#link12note-20" + name="link12noteref-20" id="link12noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> And + going away hastily from thence, they came into Judea, singing psalms and + hymns as they went, and indulging such tokens of mirth as are usual in + triumphs upon victory. They also offered thank-offerings, both for their + good success, and for the preservation of their army, for not one of the + Jews was slain in these battles.<a href="#link12note-21" + name="link12noteref-21" id="link12noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 6. But as to Joseph, the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, whom Judas left + generals [of the rest of his forces] at the same time when Simon was in + Galilee, fighting against the people of Ptolemais, and Judas himself, and + his brother Jonathan, were in the land of Gilead, did these men also + affect the glory of being courageous generals in war, in order whereto + they took the army that was under their command, and came to Jamnia. There + Gorgias, the general of the forces of Jamnia, met them; and upon joining + battle with him, they lost two thousand of their army, <a + href="#link12note-22" name="link12noteref-22" id="link12noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> + and fled away, and were pursued to the very borders of Judea. And this + misfortune befell them by their disobedience to what injunctions Judas had + given them, not to fight with any one before his return. For besides the + rest of Judas's sagacious counsels, one may well wonder at this concerning + the misfortune that befell the forces commanded by Joseph and Azarias, + which he understood would happen, if they broke any of the injunctions he + had given them. But Judas and his brethren did not leave off fighting with + the Idumeans, but pressed upon them on all sides, and took from them the + city of Hebron, and demolished all its fortifications, and set all its + towers on fire, and burnt the country of the foreigners, and the city + Marissa. They came also to Ashdod, and took it, and laid it waste, and + took away a great deal of the spoils and prey that were in it, and + returned to Judea. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link122HCH0009" id="link122HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Death Of Antiochus Epiphane. How Antiochus + Eupator Fought Against Juda And Besieged Him In The Temple And Afterwards + Made Peace With Him And Departed; Of Alcimus And Onias. + </h3> + <p> + 1. About this time it was that king Antiochus, as he was going over the + upper countries, heard that there was a very rich city in Persia, called + Elymais; and therein a very rich temple of Diana, and that it was full of + all sorts of donations dedicated to it; as also weapons and breastplates, + which, upon inquiry, he found had been left there by Alexander, the son of + Philip, king of Macedonia. And being incited by these motives, he went in + haste to Elymais, and assaulted it, and besieged it. But as those that + were in it were not terrified at his assault, nor at his siege, but + opposed him very courageously, he was beaten off his hopes; for they drove + him away from the city, and went out and pursued after him, insomuch that + he fled away as far as Babylon, and lost a great many of his army. And + when he was grieving for this disappointment, some persons told him of the + defeat of his commanders whom he had left behind him to fight against + Judea, and what strength the Jews had already gotten. When this concern + about these affairs was added to the former, he was confounded, and by the + anxiety he was in fell into a distemper, which, as it lasted a great + while, and as his pains increased upon him, so he at length perceived he + should die in a little time; so he called his friends to him, and told + them that his distemper was severe upon him; and confessed withal, that + this calamity was sent upon him for the miseries he had brought upon the + Jewish nation, while he plundered their temple, and contemned their God; + and when he had said this, he gave up the ghost. Whence one may wonder at + Polybius of Megalopolis, who, though otherwise a good man, yet saith that + "Antiochus died because he had a purpose to plunder the temple of Diana in + Persia;" for the purposing to do a thing, <a href="#link12note-23" + name="link12noteref-23" id="link12noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> but + not actually doing it, is not worthy of punishment. But if Polybius could + think that Antiochus thus lost his life on that account, it is much more + probable that this king died on account of his sacrilegious plundering of + the temple at Jerusalem. But we will not contend about this matter with + those who may think that the cause assigned by this Polybius of + Megalopolis is nearer the truth than that assigned by us. + </p> + <p> + 2. However, Antiochus, before he died, called for Philip, who was one of + his companions, and made him the guardian of his kingdom; and gave him his + diadem, and his garment, and his ring, and charged him to carry them, and + deliver them to his son Antiochus; and desired him to take care of his + education, and to preserve the kingdom for him. <a href="#link12note-24" + name="link12noteref-24" id="link12noteref-24"><small>24</small></a> This + Antiochus died in the hundred forty and ninth year; but it was Lysias that + declared his death to the multitude, and appointed his son Antiochus to be + king, [of whom at present he had the care,] and called him Eupator. + </p> + <p> + 3. At this time it was that the garrison in the citadel of Jerusalem, with + the Jewish runagates, did a great deal of harm to the Jews; for the + soldiers that were in that garrison rushed out upon the sudden, and + destroyed such as were going up to the temple in order to offer their + sacrifices, for this citadel adjoined to and overlooked the temple. When + these misfortunes had often happened to them, Judas resolved to destroy + that garrison; whereupon he got all the people together, and vigorously + besieged those that were in the citadel. This was in the hundred and + fiftieth year of the dominion of the Seleucidse. So he made engines of + war, and erected bulwarks, and very zealously pressed on to take the + citadel. But there were not a few of the runagates who were in the place + that went out by night into the country, and got together some other + wicked men like themselves, and went to Antiochus the king, and desired of + him that he would not suffer them to be neglected, under the great + hardships that lay upon them from those of their own nation; and this + because their sufferings were occasioned on his father's account, while + they left the religious worship of their fathers, and preferred that which + he had commanded them to follow: that there was danger lest the citadel, + and those appointed to garrison it by the king, should be taken by Judas, + and those that were with him, unless he would send them succors. When + Antiochus, who was but a child, heard this, he was angry, and sent for his + captains and his friends, and gave order that they should get an army of + mercenaries together, with such men also of his own kingdom as were of an + age fit for war. Accordingly, an army was collected of about a hundred + thousand footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen, and thirty-two elephants. + </p> + <p> + 4. So the king took this army, and marched hastily out of Antioch, with + Lysias, who had the command of the whole, and came to Idumea, and thence + went up to the city Bethsura, a city that was strong, and not to be taken + without great difficulty. He set about this city, and besieged it. And + while the inhabitants of Bethsura courageously opposed him, and sallied + out upon him, and burnt his engines of war, a great deal of time was spent + in the siege. But when Judas heard of the king's coming, he raised the + siege of the citadel, and met the king, and pitched his camp in certain + straits, at a place called Bethzachriah, at the distance of seventy + furlongs from the enemy; but the king soon drew his forces from Bethsura, + and brought them to those straits. And as soon as it was day, he put his + men in battle-array, and made his elephants follow one another through the + narrow passes, because they could not be set sideways by one another. Now + round about every elephant there were a thousand footmen, and five hundred + horsemen. The elephants also had high towers [upon their backs], and + archers [in them]. And he also made the rest of his army to go up the + mountains, and put his friends before the rest; and gave orders for the + army to shout aloud, and so he attacked the enemy. He also exposed to + sight their golden and brazen shields, so that a glorious splendor was + sent from them; and when they shouted the mountains echoed again. When + Judas saw this, he was not terrified, but received the enemy with great + courage, and slew about six hundred of the first ranks. But when his + brother Eleazar, whom they called Auran, saw the tallest of all the + elephants armed with royal breastplates, and supposed that the king was + upon him, he attacked him with great quickness and bravery. He also slew + many of those that were about the elephant, and scattered the rest, and + then went under the belly of the elephant, and smote him, and slew him; so + the elephant fell upon Eleazar, and by his weight crushed him to death. + And thus did this man come to his end, when he had first courageously + destroyed many of his enemies. + </p> + <p> + 5. But Judas, seeing the strength of the enemy, retired to Jerusalem, and + prepared to endure a siege. As for Antiochus, he sent part of his army to + Bethsura, to besiege it, and with the rest of his army he came against + Jerusalem; but the inhabitants of Bethsura were terrified at his strength; + and seeing that their provisions grew scarce, they delivered themselves up + on the security of oaths that they should suffer no hard treatment from + the king. And when Antiochus had thus taken the city, he did them no other + harm than sending them out naked. He also placed a garrison of his own in + the city. But as for the temple of Jerusalem, he lay at its siege a long + time, while they within bravely defended it; for what engines soever the + king set against them, they set other engines again to oppose them. But + then their provisions failed them; what fruits of the ground they had laid + up were spent and the land being not ploughed that year, continued + unsowed, because it was the seventh year, on which, by our laws, we are + obliged to let it lay uncultivated. And withal, so many of the besieged + ran away for want of necessaries, that but a few only were left in the + temple. + </p> + <p> + 6. And these happened to be the circumstances of such as were besieged in + the temple. But then, because Lysias, the general of the army, and + Antiochus the king, were informed that Philip was coming upon them out of + Persia, and was endeavoring to get the management of public affairs to + himself, they came into these sentiments, to leave the siege, and to make + haste to go against Philip; yet did they resolve not to let this be known + to the soldiers or to the officers: but the king commanded Lysias to speak + openly to the soldiers and the officers, without saying a word about the + business of Philip; and to intimate to them that the siege would be very + long; that the place was very strong; that they were already in want of + provisions; that many affairs of the kingdom wanted regulation; and that + it was much better to make a league with the besieged, and to become + friends to their whole nation, by permitting them to observe the laws of + their fathers, while they broke out into this war only because they were + deprived of them, and so to depart home. When Lysias had discoursed thus + to them, both the army and the officers were pleased with this resolution. + </p> + <p> + 7. Accordingly the king sent to Judas, and to those that were besieged + with them, and promised to give them peace, and to permit them to make use + of, and live according to, the laws of their fathers; and they gladly + received his proposals; and when they had gained security upon oath for + their performance, they went out of the temple. But when Antiochus came + into it, and saw how strong the place was, he broke his oaths, and ordered + his army that was there to pluck down the walls to the ground; and when he + had so done, he returned to Antioch. He also carried with him Onias the + high priest, who was also called Menelaus; for Lysias advised the king to + slay Menelaus, if he would have the Jews be quiet, and cause him no + further disturbance, for that this man was the origin of all the mischief + the Jews had done them, by persuading his father to compel the Jews to + leave the religion of their fathers. So the king sent Menelaus to Berea, a + city of Syria, and there had him put to death, when he had been high + priest ten years. He had been a wicked and an impious man; and, in order + to get the government to himself, had compelled his nation to transgress + their own laws. After the death of Menelaus, Alcimus, who was also called + Jacimus, was made high priest. But when king Antiochus found that Philip + had already possessed himself of the government, he made war against him, + and subdued him, and took him, and slew him. Now as to Onias, the son of + the high priest, who, as we before informed you, was left a child when his + father died, when he saw that the king had slain his uncle Menelaus, and + given the high priesthood to Alcimus, who was not of the high priest + stock, but was induced by Lysias to translate that dignity from his family + to another house, he fled to Ptolemy, king of Egypt; and when he found he + was in great esteem with him, and with his wife Cleopatra, he desired and + obtained a place in the Nomus of Heliopolis, wherein he built a temple + like to that at Jerusalem; of which therefore we shall hereafter give an + account, in a place more proper for it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link122HCH0010" id="link122HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. How Bacchides, The General Of Demetrius's Army, Made An + Expedition Against Judea, And Returned Without Success; And How Nicanor + Was Sent A Little Afterward Against Judas And Perished, Together With His + Army; As Also Concerning The Death Of Alcimus And The Succession Of Judas. + </h3> + <p> + 1. About the same time Demetrius, the son of Seleucus, fled away from + Rome, and took Tripoli, a city of Syria, and set the diadem on his own + head. He also gathered certain mercenary soldiers together, and entered + into his kingdom, and was joyfully received by all, who delivered + themselves up to him. And when they had taken Autiochus the king, and + Lysias, they brought them to him alive; both which were immediately put to + death by the command of Demetrius, when Antiochus had reigned two years, + as we have already elsewhere related. But there were now many of the + wicked Jewish runagates that came together to him, and with them Alcimus + the high priest, who accused the whole nation, and particularly Judas and + his brethren; and said that they had slain all his friends, and that those + in his kingdom that were of his party, and waited for his return, were by + them put to death; that these men had ejected them out of their own + country, and caused them to be sojourners in a foreign land; and they + desired that he would send some one of his own friends, and know from him + what mischief Judas's party had done. + </p> + <p> + 2. At this Demetrius was very angry, and sent Bacchides, a friend of + Antiochus Epiphanes, <a href="#link12note-25" name="link12noteref-25" + id="link12noteref-25"><small>25</small></a> a good man, and one that had + been intrusted with all Mesopotamia, and gave him an army, and committed + Alcimus the high priest to his care; and gave him charge to slay Judas, + and those that were with him. So Bacchides made haste, and went out of + Antioch with his army; and when he was come into Judea, he sent to Judas + and his brethren, to discourse with them about a league of friendship and + peace, for he had a mind to take him by treachery. But Judas did not give + credit to him, for he saw that he came with so great an army as men do not + bring when they come to make peace, but to make war. However, some of the + people acquiesced in what Bacchides caused to be proclaimed; and supposing + they should undergo no considerable harm from Alcimus, who was their + countryman, they went over to them; and when they had received oaths from + both of them, that neither they themselves, nor those of the same + sentiments, should come to any harm, they intrusted themselves with them. + But Bacchides troubled not himself about the oaths he had taken, but slew + threescore of them, although, by not keeping his faith with those that + first went over, he deterred all the rest, who had intentions to go over + to him, from doing it. But as he was gone out of Jerusalem, and was at the + village called Bethzetho, he sent out, and caught many of the deserters, + and some of the people also, and slew them all; and enjoined all that + lived in the country to submit to Alcimus. So he left him there, with some + part of the army, that he might have wherewith to keep the country in + obedience and returned to Antioch to king Demetrius. + </p> + <p> + 3. But Alcimus was desirous to have the dominion more firmly assured to + him; and understanding that, if he could bring it about that the multitude + should be his friends, he should govern with greater security, he spake + kind words to them all, and discoursed to each of them after an agreeable + and pleasant manner; by which means he quickly had a great body of men and + an army about him, although the greater part of them were of the wicked, + and the deserters. With these, whom he used as his servants and soldiers, + he went all over the country, and slew all that he could find of Judas's + party. But when Judas saw that Alcimus was already become great, and had + destroyed many of the good and holy men of the country, he also went all + over the country, and destroyed those that were of the other party. But + when Alcimus saw that he was not able to oppose Judas, nor was equal to + him in strength, he resolved to apply himself to king Demetrius for his + assistance; so he came to Antioch, and irritated him against Judas, and + accused him, alleging that he had undergone a great many miseries by his + means, and that he would do more mischief unless he were prevented, and + brought to punishment, which must be done by sending a powerful force + against him. + </p> + <p> + 4. So Demetrius, being already of opinion that it would be a thing + pernicious to his own affairs to overlook Judas, now he was becoming so + great, sent against him Nicanor, the most kind and most faithful of all + his friends; for he it was who fled away with him from the city of Rome. + He also gave him as many forces as he thought sufficient for him to + conquer Judas withal, and bid him not to spare the nation at all. When + Nicanor was come to Jerusalem, he did not resolve to fight Judas + immediately, but judged it better to get him into his power by treachery; + so he sent him a message of peace, and said there was no manner of + necessity for them to fight and hazard themselves; and that he would give + him his oath that he would do him no harm, for that he only came with some + friends, in order to let him know what king Demetrius's intentions were, + and what opinion he had of their nation. When Nicanor had delivered this + message, Judas and his brethren complied with him, and suspecting no + deceit, they gave him assurances of friendship, and received Nicanor and + his army; but while he was saluting Judas, and they were talking together, + he gave a certain signal to his own soldiers, upon which they were to + seize upon Judas; but he perceived the treachery, and ran back to his own + soldiers, and fled away with them. So upon this discovery of his purpose, + and of the snares laid for Judas, Nicanor determined to make open war with + him, and gathered his army together, and prepared for fighting him; and + upon joining battle with him at a certain village called Capharsalama, he + beat Judas, <a href="#link12note-26" name="link12noteref-26" + id="link12noteref-26"><small>26</small></a> and forced him to fly to that + citadel which was at Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + 5. And when Nicanor came down from the citadel unto the temple, some of + the priests and elders met him, and saluted him; and showed him the + sacrifices which they offered to God for the king: upon which he + blasphemed, and threatened them, that unless the people would deliver up + Judas to him, upon his return he would pull down their temple. And when he + had thus threatened them, he departed from Jerusalem. But the priests fell + into tears out of grief at what he had said, and besought God to deliver + them from their enemies But now for Nicanor, when he was gone out of + Jerusalem, and was at a certain village called Bethoron, he there pitched + his camp, another army out of Syria having joined him. And Judas pitched + his camp at Adasa, another village, which was thirty furlongs distant from + Bethoron, having no more than one thousand soldiers. And when he had + encouraged them not to be dismayed at the multitude of their enemies, nor + to regard how many they were against whom they were going to fight, but to + consider who they themselves were, and for what great rewards they + hazarded themselves, and to attack the enemy courageously, he led them out + to fight, and joining battle with Nicanor, which proved to be a severe + one, he overcame the enemy, and slew many of them; and at last Nicanor + himself, as he was fighting gloriously, fell:—upon whose fall the + army did not stay; but when they had lost their general, they were put to + flight, and threw down their arms. Judas also pursued them and slew them, + and gave notice by the sound of the trumpets to the neighboring villages + that he had conquered the enemy; which, when the inhabitants heard, they + put on their armor hastily, and met their enemies in the face as they were + running away, and slew them, insomuch that not one of them escaped out of + this battle, who were in number nine thousand This victory happened to + fall on the thirteenth day of that month which by the Jews is called Adar + and by the Macedonians Dystrus; and the Jews thereon celebrate this + victory every year, and esteem it as a festival day. After which the + Jewish nation were, for a while, free from wars, and enjoyed peace; but + afterward they returned into their former state of wars and hazards. + </p> + <p> + 6. But now as the high priest Alcimus, was resolving to pull down the wall + of the sanctuary, which had been there of old time, and had been built by + the holy prophets, he was smitten suddenly by God, and fell down. <a + href="#link12note-27" name="link12noteref-27" id="link12noteref-27"><small>27</small></a> + This stroke made him fall down speechless upon the ground; and undergoing + torments for many days, he at length died, when he had been high priest + four years. And when he was dead, the people bestowed the high priesthood + on Judas; who hearing of the power of the Romans, and that they had + conquered in war Galatia, and Iberia, and Carthage, and Libya; and that, + besides these, they had subdued Greece, and their kings, Perseus, and + Philip, and Antiochus the Great also; he resolved to enter into a league + of friendship with them. He therefore sent to Rome some of his friends, + Eupolemus the son of John, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and by them + desired the Romans that they would assist them, and be their friends, and + would write to Demetrius that he would not fight against the Jews. So the + senate received the ambassadors that came from Judas to Rome, and + discoursed with them about the errand on which they came, and then granted + them a league of assistance. They also made a decree concerning it, and + sent a copy of it into Judea. It was also laid up in the capitol, and + engraven in brass. The decree itself was this: "The decree of the senate + concerning a league of assistance and friendship with the nation of the + Jews. It shall not be lawful for any that are subject to the Romans to + make war with the nation of the Jews, nor to assist those that do so, + either by sending them corn, or ships, or money; and if any attack be made + upon the Jews, the Romans shall assist them, as far as they are able; and + again, if any attack be made upon the Romans, the Jews shall assist them. + And if the Jews have a mind to add to, or to take away any thing from, + this league of assistance, that shall be done with the common consent of + the Romans. And whatsoever addition shall thus be made, it shall be of + force." This decree was written by Eupolemus the son of John, and by Jason + the son of Eleazar, <a href="#link12note-28" name="link12noteref-28" + id="link12noteref-28"><small>28</small></a> when Judas was high priest of + the nation, and Simon his brother was general of the army. And this was + the first league that the Romans made with the Jews, and was managed after + this manner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link122HCH0011" id="link122HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. That Bacchides Was Again Sent Out Against Judas; And How Judas + Fell As He Was Courageously Fighting. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But when Demetrius was informed of the death of Nicanor, and of the + destruction of the army that was with him, he sent Bacchides again with an + army into Judea, who marched out of Antioch, and came into Judea, and + pitched his camp at Arbela, a city of Galilee; and having besieged and + taken those that were there in caves, [for many of the people fled into + such places,] he removed, and made all the haste he could to Jerusalem. + And when he had learned that Judas had pitched his camp at a certain + village whose name was Bethzetho, he led his army against him: they were + twenty thousand foot-men, and two thousand horsemen. Now Judas had no more + soldiers than one thousand. <a href="#link12note-29" + name="link12noteref-29" id="link12noteref-29"><small>29</small></a> When + these saw the multitude of Bacchides's men, they were afraid, and left + their camp, and fled all away, excepting eight hundred. Now when Judas was + deserted by his own soldiers, and the enemy pressed upon him, and gave him + no time to gather his army together, he was disposed to fight with + Bacchides's army, though he had but eight hundred men with him; so he + exhorted these men to undergo the danger courageously, and encouraged them + to attack the enemy. And when they said they were not a body sufficient to + fight so great an army, and advised that they should retire now, and save + themselves and that when he had gathered his own men together, then he + should fall upon the enemy afterwards, his answer was this: "Let not the + sun ever see such a thing, that I should show my back to the enemy and + although this be the time that will bring me to my end, and I must die in + this battle, I will rather stand to it courageously, and bear whatsoever + comes upon me, than by now running away bring reproach upon my former + great actions, or tarnish their glory." This was the speech he made to + those that remained with him, whereby he encouraged them to attack the + enemy. + </p> + <p> + 2. But Bacchldes drew his army out of their camp, and put them in array + for the battle. He set the horsemen on both the wings, and the light + soldiers and the archers he placed before the whole army, but he was + himself on the right wing. And when he had thus put his army in order of + battle, and was going to join battle with the enemy, he commanded the + trumpeter to give a signal of battle, and the army to make a shout, and to + fall on the enemy. And when Judas had done the same, he joined battle with + them; and as both sides fought valiantly, and the battle continued till + sun-set, Judas saw that Bacehides and the strongest part of the army was + in the right wing, and thereupon took the most courageous men with him, + and ran upon that part of the army, and fell upon those that were there, + and broke their ranks, and drove them into the middle, and forced them to + run away, and pursued them as far as to a mountain called Aza: but when + those of the left wing saw that the right wing was put to flight, they + encompassed Judas, and pursued him, and came behind him, and took him into + the middle of their army; so being not able to fly, but encompassed round + about with enemies, he stood still, and he and those that were with him + fought; and when he had slain a great many of those that came against him, + he at last was himself wounded, and fell and gave up the ghost, and died + in a way like to his former famous actions. When Judas was dead, those + that were with him had no one whom they could regard [as their commander]; + but when they saw themselves deprived of such a general, they fled. But + Simon and Jonathan, Judas's brethren, received his dead body by a treaty + from the enemy, and carried it to the village of Modin, where their father + had been buried, and there buried him; while the multitude lamented him + many days, and performed the usual solemn rites of a funeral to him. And + this was the end that Judas came to. He had been a man of valor and a + great warrior, and mindful of the commands of their father Matrathins; and + had undergone all difficulties, both in doing and suffering, for the + liberty of his countrymen. And when his character was so excellent [while + he was alive], he left behind him a glorious reputation and memorial, by + gaining freedom for his nation, and delivering them from slavery under the + Macedonians. And when he had retained the high priesthood three years, he + died. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link122H_FOOT" id="link122H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link12note-1" id="link12note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link12noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ Here Josephus uses the + very word koinopltagia, "eating things common," for "eating things + unclean;" as does our New Testament, Acts 10:14, 15, 28; 11:8, 9; Romans + 14:14.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-2" id="link12note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link12noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ The great number of these + Jews and Samaritans that were formerly carried into Egypt by Alexander, + and now by Ptolemy the son of Lagus, appear afterwards in the vast + multitude who as we shall see presently, were soon ransomed by + Philadelphus, and by him made free, before he sent for the seventy-two + interpreters; in the many garrisons and other soldiers of that nation in + Egypt; in the famous settlement of Jews, and the number of their + synagogues at Alexandria, long afterward; and in the vehement contention + between the Jews and Samatitans under Philometer, about the place + appointed for public worship in the law of Moses, whether at the Jewish + temple of Jerusalem, or at the Samaritan temple of Gerizzim; of all which + our author treats hereafter. And as to the Samaritans carried into Egypt + under the same princes, Scaliger supposes that those who have a great + synagogue at Cairo, as also those whom the Arabic geographer speaks of as + having seized on an island in the Red Sea, are remains of them at this + very day, as the notes here inform us.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-3" id="link12note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link12noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ Of the translation of the + other parts of the Old Testament by seventy Egyptian Jews, in the reigns + of Ptolemy the son of Lagus, and Philadelphus; as also of the translation + of the Pentateuch by seventy-two Jerusalem Jews, in the seventh year of + Philadelphus at Alexandria, as given us an account of by Aristeus, and + thence by Philo and Josephus, with a vindication of Aristeus's history; + see the Appendix to Lit. Accorap. of Proph. at large, p. 117—152.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-4" id="link12note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link12noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ Although this number one + hundred and twenty drachmeae [of Alexandria, or sixty Jewish shekels] be + here three times repeated, and that in all Josephus's copies, Greek and + Latin; yet since all the copies of Aristeus, whence Josephus took his + relation, have this sum several times, and still as no more than twenty + drachmae, or ten Jewish shekels; and since the sum of the talents, to be + set down presently, which is little above four hundred and sixty, for + somewhat more than one hundred thousand slaves, and is nearly the same in + Josephus and Aristeus, does better agree to twenty than to one hundred and + twenty drachmae; and since the value of a slave of old was at the utmost + but thirty shekels, or sixty drachmae; see Exodus 21:32; while in the + present circumstances of these Jewish slaves, and those so very numerous, + Philadelphus would rather redeem them at a cheaper than at a dearer rate;—there + is great reason to prefer here Aristeus's copies before Josephus's.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-5" id="link12note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link12noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ We have a very great + encomium of this Simon the Just, the son of Onias, in the fiftieth chapter + of the Ecclesiasticus, through the whole chapter. Nor is it improper to + consult that chapter itself upon this occasion.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-6" id="link12note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link12noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ When we have here and + presently mention made of Philadelphus's queen and sister Arsinoe, we are + to remember, with Spanheim, that Arsinoe was both his sister and his wife, + according to the old custom of Persia, and of Egypt at this very time; + nay, of the Assyrians long afterwards. See Antiq. B. XX. ch. 2. sect. 1. + Whence we have, upon the coins of Philadelphus, this known inscription, + "The divine brother and sister."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-7" id="link12note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link12noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ The Talmudists say, that + it is not lawful to write the law in letters of gold, contrary to this + certain and very ancient example. See Hudson's and Reland's notes here.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-8" id="link12note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link12noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ This is the most ancient + example I have met with of a grace, or short prayer, or thanksgiving + before meat; which, as it is used to be said by a heathen priest, was now + said by Eleazar, a Jewish priest, who was one of these seventy-two + interpreters. The next example I have met with, is that of the Essenes, + [Of the War, B. II. ch. 8. sect. 5,] both before and after it; those of + our Savior before it, Mark 8:6; John 6:11, 23; and St. Paul, Acts 27:35; + and a form of such a grace or prayer for Christians, at the end of the + fifth book of the Apostolical Constitutions, which seems to have been + intended for both times, both before and after meat.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-9" id="link12note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link12noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ They were rather + political questions and answers, tending to the good and religious + government of mankind.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-10" id="link12note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link12noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ This purification of + the interpreters, by washing in the sea, before they prayed to God every + morning, and before they set about translating, may be compared with the + like practice of Peter the apostle, in the Recognitions of Clement, B. IV. + ch. 3., and B. V. ch. 36., and with the places of the Proseuchre, or of + prayer, which were sometimes built near the sea or rivers also; of which + matter see Antiq. B. XIV. ch. 10. sect. 9,3; Acts 16:13. 16.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-11" id="link12note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link12noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ The use of oil was much + greater, and the donatives of it much more valuable, in Judea, and the + neighboring countries, than it is amongst us. It was also, in the days of + Josephus, thought unlawful for Jews to make use of any oil that was + prepared by heathens, perhaps on account of some superstitions intermixed + with its preparation by those heathens. When therefore the heathens were + to make them a donative of oil,: they paid them money instead of it. See + Of the War, B. II. ch. 21. sect. 2; the Life of Josephus, sect. 13; and + Hudson's note on the place before us.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-12" id="link12note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link12noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ This, and the like + great and just characters, of the justice, and equity, and generosity of + the old Romans, both to the Jews and other conquered nations, affords us a + very good reason why Almighty God, upon the rejection of the Jews for + their wickedness, chose them for his people, and first established + Christianity in that empire; of which matter see Josephus here, sect. 2; + as also Antiq. B. XIV. ch. 10. sect. 22, 23; B. XVI. ch. 2. sect. 4.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-13" id="link12note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link12noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ The name of this place, + Phicol, is the very same with that of the chief captain of Abimelech's + host, in the days of Abraham, Genesis 21:22, and might possibly be the + place of that Phicol's nativity or abode, for it seems to have been in the + south part of Palestine, as that was.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-14" id="link12note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link12noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ Whence it comes that + these Lacedemonians declare themselves here to be of kin to the Jews, as + derived from the same ancestor, Abraham, I cannot tell, unless, as Grotius + supposes, they were derived from Dores, that came of the Pelasgi. These + are by Herodotus called Barbarians, and perhaps were derived from the + Syrians and Arabians, the posterity of Abraham by Keturah. See Antiq. B. + XIV. ch. 10. sect. 22; and Of the War, B. I. ch. 26. sect. l; and Grot. on + 1 Macc. 12:7. We may further observe from the Recognitions of Clement, + that Eliezer, of Damascus, the servant of Abraham, Genesis 15:2; 24., was + of old by some taken for his son. So that if the Lacedemonians were sprung + from him, they might think themselves to be of the posterity of Abraham, + as well as the Jews, who were sprung from Isaac. And perhaps this Eliezer + of Damascus is that very Damascus whom Trogus Pompeius, as abridged by + Justin, makes the founder of the Jewish nation itself, though he + afterwards blunders, and makes Azelus, Adores, Abraham, and Israel kings + of Judea, and successors to this Damascus. It may not be improper to + observe further, that Moses Chorenensis, in his history of the Armenians, + informs us, that the nation of the Parthians was also derived from Abraham + by Keturah and her children.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-15" id="link12note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link12noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ This word" Gymnasium" + properly denotes a place where the exercises were performed naked, which + because it would naturally distinguish circumcised Jews from uncircumcised + Gentiles, these Jewish apostates endeavored to appear uncircumcised, by + means of a surgical operation, hinted at by St. Paul, 1 Corinthians 7:18, + and described by Celsus, B. VII. ch. 25., as Dr. Hudson here informs us.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-16" id="link12note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link12noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ Hereabout Josephus + begins to follow the First Book of the Maccabees, a most excellent and + most authentic history; and accordingly it is here, with great fidelity + and exactness, abridged by him; between whose present copies there seem to + be fewer variations than in any other sacred Hebrew book of the Old + Testament whatsoever, [for this book also was originally written in + Hebrew,] which is very natural, because it was written so much nearer to + the times of Josephus than the rest were.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-17" id="link12note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link12noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ This citadel, of which + we have such frequent mention in the following history, both in the + Maccabees and Josephus, seems to have been a castle built on a hill, lower + than Mount Zion, though upon its skirts, and higher than Mount Moriah, but + between them both; which hill the enemies of the Jews now got possession + of, and built on it this citadel, and fortified it, till a good while + afterwards the Jews regained it, demolished it, and leveled the hill + itself with the common ground, that their enemies might no more recover + it, and might thence overlook the temple itself, and do them such mischief + as they had long undergone from it, Antiq. B. XIII. ch. 6. sect. 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-18" id="link12note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link12noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ This allegation of the + Samaritans is remarkable, that though they were not Jews, yet did they, + from ancient times, observe the Sabbath day, and, as they elsewhere + pretend, the Sabbatic year also, Antiq. B. XI. ch. 8. sect. 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-19" id="link12note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link12noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ That this appellation + of Maccabee was not first of all given to Judas Maccabeus, nor was derived + from any initial letters of the Hebrew words on his banner, "Mi Kamoka Be + Elire, Jehovah?" ["Who is like unto thee among the gods, O Jehovah?"] + Exodus 15:11 as the modern Rabbins vainly pretend, see Authent. Rec. Part + I. p. 205, 206. Only we may note, by the way, that the original name of + these Maccabees, and their posterity, was Asamoneans; which was derived + from Asamoneus, the great-grandfather of Mattathias, as Josephus here + informs us.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-20" id="link12note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link12noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ The reason why Bethshah + was called Scythopolis is well known from Herodotus, B. I. p. 105, and + Syncellus, p. 214, that the Scythians, when they overran Asia, in the days + of Josiah, seized on this city, and kept it as long as they continued in + Asia, from which time it retained the name of Scythopolis, or the City of + the Scythians.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-21" id="link12note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link12noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ This most providential + preservation of all the religious Jews in this expedition, which was + according to the will of God, is observable often among God's people, the + Jews; and somewhat very like it in the changes of the four monarchies, + which were also providential. See Prideaux at the years 331, 333, and + 334.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-22" id="link12note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link12noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ Here is another great + instance of Providence, that when, even at the very time that Simon, and + Judas, and Jonathan were so miraculously preserved and blessed, in the + just defense of their laws and religion, these other generals of the Jews, + who went to fight for honor in a vain-glorious way, and without any + commission from God, or the family he had raised up to deliver them, were + miserably disappointed and defeated. See 1 Macc. 5:61, 62.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-23" id="link12note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link12noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ Since St. Paul, a + Pharisee, confesses that he had not known concupiscence, or desires, to be + sinful, had not the tenth commandment said, "Thou shalt not covet," Romans + 7:7, the case seems to have been much the same with our Josephus, who was + of the same sect, that he had not a deep sense of the greatness of any + sins that proceeded no further than the intention. However, since Josephus + speaks here properly of the punishment of death, which is not intended by + any law, either of God or man, for the bare intention, his words need not + to be strained to mean, that sins intended, but not executed, were no sins + at all.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-24" id="link12note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link12noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ No wonder that Josephus + here describes Antiochus Eupator as young, and wanting tuition, when he + came to the crown, since Appian informs us [Footnote Syriac. p. 177: that + he was then but nine years old.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-25" id="link12note-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#link12noteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ It is no way probable + that Josephus would call Bacchidoa, that bitter and bloody enemy of the + Jews, as our present copies have it, a man good, or kind, and gentle, What + the author of the First Book of Maccabees, whom Josephus here follows, + instead of that character, says of him, is, that he was a great man in the + kingdom, and faithful to his king; which was very probably Josephus's + meaning also.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-26" id="link12note-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#link12noteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus's copies must + have been corrupted when they here give victory to Nicanor, contrary to + the words following, which imply that he who was beaten fled into the + citadel, which for certain belonged to the city of David, or to Mount + Zion, and was in the possession of Nicanor's garrison, and not of Judas's. + As also it is contrary to the express words of Josephus's original author, + 1 Macc. 7:32, who says that Nicanor lost about five thousand men, and fled + to the city of David.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-27" id="link12note-27"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#link12noteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ This account of the + miserable death of Alcimus, or Jac-mus, the wicked high priest, [the first + that was not of the family of the high priests, and made by a vile + heathen, Lysias,] before the death of Judas, and of Judas's succession to + him as high priest, both here, and at the conclusion of this book, + directly contradicts 1 Macc. 9:54-57, which places his death after the + death of Judas, and says not a syllable of the high priesthood of Judas. + How well the Roman histories agree to this account of the conquests and + powerful condition of the Romans at this time, see the notes in + Havercamp's edition; only that the number of the senators of Rome was then + just three hundred and twenty, is, I think, only known from 1 Macc. 8:15.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-28" id="link12note-28"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#link12noteref-28">return</a>)<br /> [ This subscription is + wanting 1 Macc. 8:17, 29, and must be the words of Josephus, who by + mistake thought, as we have just now seen, that Judas was at this time + high priest, and accordingly then reckoned his brother Jonathan to be the + general of the army, which yet he seems not to have been till after the + death of Judas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12note-29" id="link12note-29"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#link12noteref-29">return</a>)<br /> [ That this copy of + Josephus, as he wrote it, had here not one thousand, but three thousand, + with 1 Macc 9:5, is very plain, because though the main part ran away at + first, even in Josephus, as well as in 1 Macc. 9:6, yet, as there, so + here, eight hundred are said to have remained with Judas, which would be + absurd, if the whole number had been no more than one thousand.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link132H_4_0001" id="link132H_4_0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK XIII. Containing The Interval Of Eighty-Two Years.—From + The Death Of Judas Maccabeus To The Death Of Queen Alexandra.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0001" id="link132HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. How Jonathan Took The Government After His Brother Judas; And + How He, Together With His Brother Simon, Waged War Against Bacchides. + </h3> + <p> + 1. By what means the nation of the Jews recovered their freedom when they + had been brought into slavery by the Macedonians, and what struggles, and + how great battles, Judas, the general of their army, ran through, till he + was slain as he was fighting for them, hath been related in the foregoing + book; but after he was dead, all the wicked, and those that transgressed + the laws of their forefathers, sprang up again in Judea, and grew upon + them, and distressed them on every side. A famine also assisted their + wickedness, and afflicted the country, till not a few, who by reason of + their want of necessaries, and because they were not able to bear up + against the miseries that both the famine and their enemies brought upon + them, deserted their country, and went to the Macedonians. And now + Bacchides gathered those Jews together who had apostatized from the + accustomed way of living of their forefathers, and chose to live like + their neighbors, and committed the care of the country to them, who also + caught the friends of Judas, and those of his party, and delivered them up + to Bacchides, who when he had, in the first place, tortured and tormented + them at his pleasure, he, by that means, at length killed them. And when + this calamity of the Jews was become so great, as they had never had + experience of the like since their return out of Babylon, those that + remained of the companions of Judas, seeing that the nation was ready to + be destroyed after a miserable manner, came to his brother Jonathan, and + desired him that he would imitate his brother, and that care which he took + of his countrymen, for whose liberty in general he died also; and that he + would not permit the nation to be without a governor, especially in those + destructive circumstances wherein it now was. And where Jonathan said that + he was ready to die for them, and esteemed no inferior to his brother, he + was appointed to be the general of the Jewish army. + </p> + <p> + 2. When Bacchides heard this, and was afraid that Jonathan might be very + troublesome to the king and the Macedonians, as Judas had been before him, + he sought how he might slay him by treachery. But this intention of his + was not unknown to Jonathan, nor to his brother Simon; but when these two + were apprized of it, they took all their companions, and presently fled + into that wilderness which was nearest to the city; and when they were + come to a lake called Asphar, they abode there. But when Bacchides was + sensible that they were in a low state, and were in that place, he hasted + to fall upon them with all his forces, and pitching his camp beyond + Jordan, he recruited his army. But when Jonathan knew that Bacchides Was + coming upon him, he sent his brother John, who was also called Gaddis, to + the Nabatean Arabs, that he might lodge his baggage with them until the + battle with Bacchides should be over, for they were the Jews' friends. And + the sons of Ambri laid an ambush for John from the city Medaba, and seized + upon him, and upon those that were with him, and plundered all that they + had with them. They also slew John, and all his companions. However, they + were sufficiently punished for what they now did by John's brethren, as we + shall relate presently. + </p> + <p> + 3. But when Bacchides knew that Jonathan had pitched his camp among the + lakes of Jordan, he observed when their sabbath day came, and then + assaulted him, [as supposing that he would not fight because of the law + for resting on that day]: but he exhorted his companions [to fight]; and + told them that their lives were at stake, since they were encompassed by + the river, and by their enemies, and had no way to escape, for that their + enemies pressed upon them from before, and the river was behind them. So + after he had prayed to God to give them the victory, he joined battle with + the enemy, of whom he overthrew many; and as he saw Bacchides coming up + boldly to him, he stretched out his right hand to smite him; but the other + foreseeing and avoiding the stroke, Jonathan with his companions leaped + into the river, and swam over it, and by that means escaped beyond Jordan + while the enemies did not pass over that river; but Bacchides returned + presently to the citadel at Jerusalem, having lost about two thousand of + his army. He also fortified many cities of Judea, whose walls had been + demolished; Jericho, and Emmaus, and Betboron, and Bethel, and Tinma, and + Pharatho, and Tecoa, and Gazara, and built towers in every one of these + cities, and encompassed them with strong walls, that were very large also, + and put garrisons into them, that they might issue out of them, and do + mischief to the Jews. He also fortified the citadel at Jerusalem more than + all the rest. Moreover, he took the sons of the principal Jews as pledges, + and shut them up in the citadel, and in that manner guarded it. + </p> + <p> + 4. About the same time one came to Jonathan, and to his brother Simon, and + told them that the sons of Ambri were celebrating a marriage, and bringing + the bride from the city Gabatha, who was the daughter of one of the + illustrious men among the Arabians, and that the damsel was to be + conducted with pomp, and splendor, and much riches: so Jonathan and Simon + thinking this appeared to be the fittest time for them to avenge the death + of their brother, and that they had forces sufficient for receiving + satisfaction from them for his death, they made haste to Medaba, and lay + in wait among the mountains for the coming of their enemies; and as soon + as they saw them conducting the virgin, and her bridegroom, and such a + great company of their friends with them as was to be expected at this + wedding, they sallied out of their ambush, and slew them all, and took + their ornaments, and all the prey that then followed them, and so + returned, and received this satisfaction for their brother John from the + sons of Ambri; for as well those sons themselves, as their friends, and + wives, and children that followed them, perished, being in number about + four hundred. + </p> + <p> + 5. However, Simon and Jonathan returned to the lakes of the river, and + abode there. But Bacchides, when he had secured all Judea with his + garrisons, returned to the king; and then it was that the affairs of Judea + were quiet for two years. But when the deserters and the wicked saw that + Jonathan and those that were with him lived in the country very quietly, + by reason of the peace, they sent to king Demetrius, and excited him to + send Bacchides to seize upon Jonathan, which they said was to be done + without any trouble, and in one night's time; and that if they fell upon + them before they were aware, they might slay them all. So the king sent + Bacchides, who, when he was come into Judea, wrote to all his friends, + both Jews and auxiliaries, that they should seize upon Jonathan, and bring + him to him; and when, upon all their endeavors, they were not able to + seize upon Jonathan, for he was sensible of the snares they laid for him, + and very carefully guarded against them, Bacchides was angry at these + deserters, as having imposed upon him, and upon the king, and slew fifty + of their leaders: whereupon Jonathan, with his brother, and those that + were with him, retired to Bethagla, a village that lay in the wilderness, + out of his fear of Bacchides. He also built towers in it, and encompassed + it with walls, and took care that it should be safely guarded. Upon the + hearing of which Bacchides led his own army along with him, and besides + took his Jewish auxiliaries, and came against Jonathan, and made an + assault upon his fortifications, and besieged him many days; but Jonathan + did not abate of his courage at the zeal Bacchides used in the siege, but + courageously opposed him. And while he left his brother Simon in the city + to fight with Bacchides, he went privately out himself into the country, + and got a great body of men together of his own party, and fell upon + Bacchides's camp in the night time, and destroyed a great many of them. + His brother Simon knew also of this his falling upon them, because he + perceived that the enemies were slain by him; so he sallied out upon them, + and burnt the engines which the Macedonians used, and made a great + slaughter of them. And when Bacchides saw himself encompassed with + enemies, and some of them before and some behind him, he fell into despair + and trouble of mind, as confounded at the unexpected ill success of this + siege. However, he vented his displeasure at these misfortunes upon those + deserters who sent for him from the king, as having deluded him. So he had + a mind to finish this siege after a decent manner, if it were possible for + him so to do, and then to return home. + </p> + <p> + 6. When Jonathan understood these his intentions, he sent ambassadors to + him about a league of friendship and mutual assistance, and that they + might restore those they had taken captive on both sides. So Bacchides + thought this a pretty decent way of retiring home, and made a league of + friendship with Jonathan, when they sware that they would not any more + make war one against another. Accordingly, he restored the captives, and + took his own men with him, and returned to the king at Antioch; and after + this his departure, he never came into Judea again. Then did Jonathan take + the opportunity of this quiet state of things, and went and lived in the + city Michmash; and there governed the multitude, and punished the wicked + and ungodly, and by that means purged the nation of them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0002" id="link132HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. How Alexander [Bala] In His War With Demetrius, Granted + Jonathan Many Advantages And Appointed Him To Be High Priest And Persuaded + Him To Assist Him Although Demetrius Promised Him Greater Advantages On + The Other Side. Concerning The Death + </h3> + <p> + Of Demetrius. + </p> + <p> + 1. Now in the hundred and sixtieth year, it fell out that Alexander, the + son of Antiochus Epiphanes, <a href="#link13note-1" name="link13noteref-1" + id="link13noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> came up into Syria, and took + Ptolemais the soldiers within having betrayed it to him; for they were at + enmity with Demetrius, on account of his insolence and difficulty of + access; for he shut himself up in a palace of his that had four towers + which he had built himself, not far from Antioch and admitted nobody. He + was withal slothful and negligent about the public affairs, whereby the + hatred of his subjects was the more kindled against him, as we have + elsewhere already related. When therefore Demetrius heard that Alexander + was in Ptolemais, he took his whole army, and led it against him; he also + sent ambassadors to Jonathan about a league of mutual assistance and + friendship, for he resolved to be beforehand with Alexander, lest the + other should treat with him first, and gain assistance from him; and this + he did out of the fear he had lest Jonathan should remember how ill + Demetrius had formerly treated him, and should join with him in this war + against him. He therefore gave orders that Jonathan should be allowed to + raise an army, and should get armor made, and should receive back those + hostages of the Jewish nation whom Baechides had shut up in the citadel of + Jerusalem. When this good fortune had befallen Jonathan, by the concession + of Demetrius, he came to Jerusalem, and read the king's letter in the + audience of the people, and of those that kept the citadel. When these + were read, these wicked men and deserters, who were in the citadel, were + greatly afraid, upon the king's permission to Jonathan to raise an army, + and to receive back the hostages. So he delivered every one of them to his + own parents. And thus did Jonathan make his abode at Jerusalem, renewing + the city to a better state, and reforming the buildings as he pleased; for + he gave orders that the walls of the city should be rebuilt with square + stones, that it might be more secure from their enemies. And when those + that kept the garrisons that were in Judea saw this, they all left them, + and fled to Antioch, excepting those that were in the city Bethsura, and + those that were in the citadel of Jerusalem, for the greater part of these + was of the wicked Jews and deserters, and on that account these did not + deliver up their garrisons. + </p> + <p> + 2. When Alexander knew what promises Demetrius had made Jonathan, and + withal knew his courage, and what great things he had done when he fought + the Macedonians, and besides what hardships he had undergone by the means + of Demetrius, and of Bacchides, the general of Demetrius's army, he told + his friends that he could not at present find any one else that might + afford him better assistance than Jonathan, who was both courageous + against his enemies, and had a particular hatred against Demetrius, as + having both suffered many hard things from him, and acted many hard things + against him. If therefore they were of opinion that they should make him + their friend against Demetrius, it was more for their advantage to invite + him to assist them now than at another time. It being therefore determined + by him and his friends to send to Jonathan, he wrote to him this epistle: + "King Alexander to his brother Jonathan, sendeth greeting. We have long + ago heard of thy courage and thy fidelity, and for that reason have sent + to thee, to make with thee a league of friendship and mutual assistance. + We therefore do ordain thee this day the high priest of the Jews, and that + thou beest called my friend. I have also sent thee, as presents, a purple + robe and a golden crown, and desire that, now thou art by us honored, thou + wilt in like manner respect us also." + </p> + <p> + 3. When Jonathan had received this letter, he put on the pontifical robe + at the time of the feast of tabernacles, <a href="#link13note-2" + name="link13noteref-2" id="link13noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> four + years after the death of his brother Judas, for at that time no high + priest had been made. So he raised great forces, and had abundance of + armor got ready. This greatly grieved Demetrius when he heard of it, and + made him blame himself for his slowness, that he had not prevented + Alexander, and got the good-will of Jonathan, but had given him time so to + do. However, he also himself wrote a letter to Jonathan, and to the + people, the contents whereof are these: "King Demetrius to Jonathan, and + to the nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting. Since you have preserved your + friendship for us, and when you have been tempted by our enemies, you have + not joined yourselves to them, I both commend you for this your fidelity, + and exhort you to continue in the same disposition, for which you shall be + repaid, and receive rewards from us; for I will free you from the greatest + part of the tributes and taxes which you formerly paid to the kings my + predecessors, and to myself; and I do now set you free from those tributes + which you have ever paid; and besides, I forgive you the tax upon salt, + and the value of the crowns which you used to offer to me <a + href="#link13note-3" name="link13noteref-3" id="link13noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> + and instead of the third part of the fruits [of the field], and the half + of the fruits of the trees, I relinquish my part of them from this day: + and as to the poll-money, which ought to be given me for every head of the + inhabitants of Judea, and of the three toparchies that adjoin to Judea, + Samaria, and Galilee, and Peres, that I relinquish to you for this time, + and for all time to come. I will also that the city of Jerusalem be holy + and inviolable, and free from the tithe, and from the taxes, unto its + utmost bounds. And I so far recede from my title to the citadel, as to + permit Jonathan your high priest to possess it, that he may place such a + garrison in it as he approves of for fidelity and good-will to himself, + that they may keep it for us. I also make free all those Jews who have + been made captives and slaves in my kingdom. I also give order that the + beasts of the Jews be not pressed for our service; and let their sabbaths, + and all their festivals, and three days before each of them, be free from + any imposition. In the same manner, I set free the Jews that are + inhabitants of my kingdom, and order that no injury be done them. I also + give leave to such of them as are willing to list themselves in my army, + that they may do it, and those as far as thirty thousand; which Jewish + soldiers, wheresoever they go, shall have the same pay that my own army + hath; and some of them I will place in my garrisons, and some as guards + about mine own body, and as rulers over those that are in my court. I give + them leave also to use the laws of their forefathers, and to observe them; + and I will that they have power over the three toparchies that are added + to Judea; and it shall be in the power of the high priest to take care + that no one Jew shall have any other temple for worship but only that at + Jerusalem. I bequeath also, out of my own revenues, yearly, for the + expenses about the sacrifices, one hundred and fifty thousand [drachmae]; + and what money is to spare, I will that it shall be your own. I also + release to you those ten thousand drachmae which the kings received from + the temple, because they appertain to the priests that minister in that + temple. And whosoever shall fly to the temple at Jerusalem, or to the + places thereto belonging, or who owe the king money, or are there on any + other account, let them be set free, and let their goods be in safety. I + also give you leave to repair and rebuild your temple, and that all be + done at my expenses. I also allow you to build the walls of your city, and + to erect high towers, and that they be erected at my charge. And if there + be any fortified town that would be convenient for the Jewish country to + have very strong, let it be so built at my expenses." + </p> + <p> + 4. This was what Demetrius promised and granted to the Jews by this + letter. But king Alexander raised a great army of mercenary soldiers, and + of those that deserted to him out of Syria, and made an expedition against + Demetrius. And when it was come to a battle, the left wing of Demetrius + put those who opposed them to flight, and pursued them a great way, and + slew many of them, and spoiled their camp; but the right wing, where + Demetrius happened to be, was beaten; and as for all the rest, they ran + away. But Demetrius fought courageously, and slew a great many of the + enemy; but as he was in the pursuit of the rest, his horse carried him + into a deep bog, where it was hard to get out, and there it happened, that + upon his horse's falling down, he could not escape being killed; for when + his enemies saw what had befallen him, they returned back, and encompassed + Demetrius round, and they all threw their darts at him; but he, being now + on foot, fought bravely. But at length he received so many wounds, that he + was not able to bear up any longer, but fell. And this is the end that + Demetrius came to, when he had reigned eleven years, <a + href="#link13note-4" name="link13noteref-4" id="link13noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> + as we have elsewhere related. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0003" id="link132HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. The Friendship That Was Between Onias And Ptolemy Philometor; + And How Onias Built A Temple In Egypt Like To That At Jerusalem. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But then the son of Onias the high priest, who was of the same name + with his father, and who fled to king Ptolemy, who was called Philometor, + lived now at Alexandria, as we have said already. When this Onias saw that + Judea was oppressed by the Macedonians and their kings, out of a desire to + purchase to himself a memorial and eternal fame he resolved to send to + king Ptolemy and queen Cleopatra, to ask leave of them that he might build + a temple in Egypt like to that at Jerusalem, and might ordain Levites and + priests out of their own stock. The chief reason why he was desirous so to + do, was, that he relied upon the prophet Isaiah, who lived above six + hundred years before, and foretold that there certainly was to be a temple + built to Almighty God in Egypt by a man that was a Jew. Onias was elevated + with this prediction, and wrote the following epistle to Ptolemy and + Cleopatra: "Having done many and great things for you in the affairs of + the war, by the assistance of God, and that in Celesyria and Phoenicia, I + came at length with the Jews to Leontopolis, and to other places of your + nation, where I found that the greatest part of your people had temples in + an improper manner, and that on this account they bare ill-will one + against another, which happens to the Egyptians by reason of the multitude + of their temples, and the difference of opinions about Divine worship. Now + I found a very fit place in a castle that hath its name from the country + Diana; this place is full of materials of several sorts, and replenished + with sacred animals; I desire therefore that you will grant me leave to + purge this holy place, which belongs to no master, and is fallen down, and + to build there a temple to Almighty God, after the pattern of that in + Jerusalem, and of the same dimensions, that may be for the benefit of + thyself, and thy wife and children, that those Jews which dwell in Egypt + may have a place whither they may come and meet together in mutual harmony + one with another, and he subservient to thy advantages; for the prophet + Isaiah foretold that, 'there should be an altar in Egypt to the Lord + God;'" <a href="#link13note-5" name="link13noteref-5" id="link13noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + and many other such things did he prophesy relating to that place. + </p> + <p> + 2. And this was what Onias wrote to king Ptolemy. Now any one may observe + his piety, and that of his sister and wife Cleopatra, by that epistle + which they wrote in answer to it; for they laid the blame and the + transgression of the law upon the head of Onias. And this was their reply: + "King Ptolemy and queen Cleopatra to Onias, send greeting. We have read + thy petition, wherein thou desirest leave to be given thee to purge that + temple which is fallen down at Leontopolis, in the Nomus of Heliopolis, + and which is named from the country Bubastis; on which account we cannot + but wonder that it should be pleasing to God to have a temple erected in a + place so unclean, and so full of sacred animals. But since thou sayest + that Isaiah the prophet foretold this long ago, we give thee leave to do + it, if it may be done according to your law, and so that we may not appear + to have at all offended God herein." + </p> + <p> + 3. So Onias took the place, and built a temple, and an altar to God, like + indeed to that in Jerusalem, but smaller and poorer. I do not think it + proper for me now to describe its dimensions or its vessels, which have + been already described in my seventh book of the Wars of the Jews. + However, Onias found other Jews like to himself, together with priests and + Levites, that there performed Divine service. But we have said enough + about this temple. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now it came to pass that the Alexandrian Jews, and those Samaritans who + paid their worship to the temple that was built in the days of Alexander + at Mount Gerizzim, did now make a sedition one against another, and + disputed about their temples before Ptolemy himself; the Jews saying that, + according to the laws of Moses, the temple was to be built at Jerusalem; + and the Samaritans saying that it was to be built at Gerizzim. They + desired therefore the king to sit with his friends, and hear the debates + about these matters, and punish those with death who were baffled. Now + Sabbeus and Theodosius managed the argument for the Samaritans, and + Andronicus, the son of Messalamus, for the people of Jerusalem; and they + took an oath by God and the king to make their demonstrations according to + the law; and they desired of Ptolemy, that whomsoever he should find that + transgressed what they had sworn to, he would put him to death. + Accordingly, the king took several of his friends into the council, and + sat down, in order to hear what the pleaders said. Now the Jews that were + at Alexandria were in great concern for those men, whose lot it was to + contend for the temple at Jerusalem; for they took it very ill that any + should take away the reputation of that temple, which was so ancient and + so celebrated all over the habitable earth. Now when Sabbeus and + Theodosius had given leave to Andronicus to speak first, he began to + demonstrate out of the law, and out of the successions of the high + priests, how they every one in succession from his father had received + that dignity, and ruled over the temple; and how all the kings of Asia had + honored that temple with their donations, and with the most splendid gifts + dedicated thereto. But as for that at Gerizzm, he made no account of it, + and regarded it as if it had never had a being. By this speech, and other + arguments, Andronicus persuaded the king to determine that the temple at + Jerusalem was built according to the laws of Moses, <a href="#link13note-6" + name="link13noteref-6" id="link13noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> and to + put Sabbeus and Theodosius to death. And these were the events that befell + the Jews at Alexandria in the days of Ptolemy Philometor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0004" id="link132HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. How Alexander Honored Jonathan After An Extraordinary Manner; + And How Demetrius, The Son Of Demetrius, Overcame Alexander And Made A + League Of Friendship With Jonathan. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Demetrius being thus slain in battle, as we have above related, + Alexander took the kingdom of Syria; and wrote to Ptolemy Philometor, and + desired his daughter in marriage; and said it was but just that he should + be joined an affinity to one that had now received the principality of his + forefathers, and had been promoted to it by God's providence, and had + conquered Demetrius, and that was on other accounts not unworthy of being + related to him. Ptolemy received this proposal of marriage gladly; and + wrote him an answer, saluting him on account of his having received the + principality of his forefathers; and promising him that he would give him + his daughter in marriage; and assured him that he was coming to meet him + at Ptolemais, and desired that he would there meet him, for that he would + accompany her from Egypt so far, and would there marry his child to him. + When Ptolemy had written thus, he came suddenly to Ptolemais, and brought + his daughter Cleopatra along with him; and as he found Alexander there + before him, as he desired him to come, he gave him his child in marriage, + and for her portion gave her as much silver and gold as became such a king + to give. + </p> + <p> + 2. When the wedding was over, Alexander wrote to Jonathan the high priest, + and desired him to come to Ptolemais. So when he came to these kings, and + had made them magnificent presents, he was honored by them both. Alexander + compelled him also to put off his own garment, and to take a purple + garment, and made him sit with him in his throne; and commanded his + captains that they should go with him into the middle of the city, and + proclaim, that it was not permitted to any one to speak against him, or to + give him any disturbance. And when the captains had thus done, those that + were prepared to accuse Jonathan, and who bore him ill-will, when they saw + the honor that was done him by proclamation, and that by the king's order, + ran away, and were afraid lest some mischief should befall them. Nay, king + Alexander was so very kind to Jonathan, that he set him down as the + principal of his friends. + </p> + <p> + 3. But then, upon the hundred and sixty-fifth year, Demetrius, the son of + Demetrius, came from Crete with a great number of mercenary soldiers, + which Lasthenes, the Cretian, brought him, and sailed to Cilicia. This + thing cast Alexander into great concern and disorder when he heard it; so + he made haste immediately out of Phoenicia, and came to Antioch, that he + might put matters in a safe posture there before Demetrius should come. He + also left Apollonius Daus <a href="#link13note-7" name="link13noteref-7" + id="link13noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> governor of Celesyria, who + coming to Jamnia with a great army, sent to Jonathan the high priest, and + told him that it was not right that he alone should live at rest, and with + authority, and not be subject to the king; that this thing had made him a + reproach among all men, that he had not yet made him subject to the king. + "Do not thou therefore deceive thyself, and sit still among the mountains, + and pretend to have forces with thee; but if thou hast any dependence on + thy strength, come down into the plain, and let our armies be compared + together, and the event of the battle will demonstrate which of us is the + most courageous. However, take notice, that the most valiant men of every + city are in my army, and that these are the very men who have always + beaten thy progenitors; but let us have the battle in such a place of the + country where we may fight with weapons, and not with stones, and where + there may be no place whither those that are beaten may fly." + </p> + <p> + 4. With this Jonathan was irritated; and choosing himself out ten thousand + of his soldiers, he went out of Jerusalem in haste, with his brother + Simon, and came to Joppa, and pitched his camp on the outside of the city, + because the people of Joppa had shut their gates against him, for they had + a garrison in the city put there by Apollonius. But when Jonathan was + preparing to besiege them, they were afraid he would take them by force, + and so they opened the gates to him. But Apollonius, when he heard that + Joppa was taken by Jonathan, took three thousand horsemen, and eight + thousand footmen and came to Ashdod; and removing thence, he made his + journey silently and slowly, and going up to Joppa, he made as if he was + retiring from the place, and so drew Jonathan into the plain, as valuing + himself highly upon his horsemen, and having his hopes of victory + principally in them. However, Jonathan sallied out, and pursued Apollonius + to Ashdod; but as soon as Apollonius perceived that his enemy was in the + plain, he came back and gave him battle. But Apollonius had laid a + thousand horsemen in ambush in a valley, that they might be seen by their + enemies as behind them; which when Jonathan perceived, he was under no + consternation, but ordering his army to stand in a square battle-array, he + gave them a charge to fall on the enemy on both sides, and set them to + face those that attacked them both before and behind; and while the fight + lasted till the evening, he gave part of his forces to his brother Simon, + and ordered him to attack the enemies; but for himself, he charged those + that were with him to cover themselves with their armor, and receive the + darts of the horsemen, who did as they were commanded; so that the enemy's + horsemen, while they threw their darts till they had no more left, did + them no harm, for the darts that were thrown did not enter into their + bodies, being thrown upon the shields that were united and conjoined + together, the closeness of which easily overcame the force of the darts, + and they flew about without any effect. But when the enemy grew remiss in + throwing their darts from morning till late at night, Simon perceived + their weariness, and fell upon the body of men before him; and because his + soldiers showed great alacrity, he put the enemy to flight. And when the + horsemen saw that the footmen ran away, neither did they stay themselves, + but they being very weary, by the duration of the fight till the evening, + and their hope from the footmen being quite gone, they basely ran away, + and in great confusion also, till they were separated one from another, + and scattered over all the plain. Upon which Jonathan pursued them as far + as Ashdod, and slew a great many of them, and compelled the rest, in + despair of escaping, to fly to the temple of Dagon, which was at Ashdod; + but Jonathan took the city on the first onset, and burnt it, and the + villages about it; nor did he abstain from the temple of Dagon itself, but + burnt it also, and destroyed those that had fled to it. Now the entire + multitude of the enemies that fell in the battle, and were consumed in the + temple, were eight thousand. When Jonathan therefore had overcome so great + an army, he removed from Ashdod, and came to Askelon; and when he had + pitched his camp without the city, the people of Askelon came out and met + him, bringing him hospitable presents, and honoring him; so he accepted of + their kind intentions, and returned thence to Jerusalem with a great deal + of prey, which he brought thence when he conquered his enemies. But when + Alexander heard that Apollonius, the general of his army, was beaten, he + pretended to be glad of it, because he had fought with Jonathan his friend + and ally against his directions. Accordingly, he sent to Jonathan, and + gave testimony to his worth; and gave him honorary rewards, as a golden + button, <a href="#link13note-8" name="link13noteref-8" id="link13noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> + which it is the custom to give the king's kinsmen, and allowed him Ekron + and its toparchy for his own inheritance. + </p> + <p> + 5. About this time it was that king Ptolemy, who was called Philometor, + led an army, part by the sea, and part by land, and came to Syria, to the + assistance of Alexander, who was his son-in-law; and accordingly all the + cities received him willingly, as Alexander had commanded them to do, and + conducted him as far as Ashdod; where they all made loud complaints about + the temple of Dagon, which was burnt, and accused Jonathan of having laid + it waste, and destroyed the country adjoining with fire, and slain a great + number of them. Ptolemy heard these accusations, but said nothing. + Jonathan also went to meet Ptolemy as far as Joppa, and obtained from him + hospitable presents, and those glorious in their kinds, with all the marks + of honor; and when he had conducted him as far as the river called + Eleutherus, he returned again to Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + 6. But as Ptolemy was at Ptolemais, he was very near to a most unexpected + destruction; for a treacherous design was laid for his life by Alexander, + by the means of Ammonius, who was his friend; and as the treachery was + very plain, Ptolemy wrote to Alexander, and required of him that he should + bring Ammonius to condign punishment, informing him what snares had been + laid for him by Ammonius, and desiring that he might be accordingly + punished for it. But when Alexander did not comply with his demands, he + perceived that it was he himself who laid the design, and was very angry + at him. Alexander had also formerly been on very ill terms with the people + of Antioch, for they had suffered very much by his means; yet did Ammonius + at length undergo the punishment his insolent crimes had deserved, for he + was killed in an opprobrious manner, like a woman, while he endeavored to + conceal himself in a feminine habit, as we have elsewhere related. + </p> + <p> + 7. Hereupon Ptolemy blamed himself for having given his daughter in + marriage to Alexander, and for the league he had made with him to assist + him against Demetrius; so he dissolved his relation to him, and took his + daughter away from him, and immediately sent to Demetrius, and offered to + make a league of mutual assistance and friendship with him, and agreed + with him to give him his daughter in marriage, and to restore him to the + principality of his fathers. Demetrius was well pleased with this + embassage, and accepted of his assistance, and of the marriage of his + daughter. But Ptolemy had still one more hard task to do, and that was to + persuade the people of Antioch to receive Demetrius, because they were + greatly displeased at him, on account of the injuries his father Demetrius + had done them; yet did he bring this about; for as the people of Antioch + hated Alexander on Ammonius's account, as we have shown already, they were + easily prevailed with to cast him out of Antioch; who, thus expelled out + of Antioch, came into Cilicia. Ptolemy came then to Antioch, and was made + king by its inhabitants, and by the army; so that he was forced to put on + two diadems, the one of Asia, the other of Egypt: but being naturally a + good and a righteous man, and not desirous of what belonged to others, and + besides these dispositions, being also a wise man in reasoning about + futurities, he determined to avoid the envy of the Romans; so he called + the people of Antioch together to an assembly, and persuaded them to + receive Demetrius; and assured them that he would not be mindful of what + they did to his father in case he should be now obliged by them; and he + undertook that he would himself be a good monitor and governor to him, and + promised that he would not permit him to attempt any bad actions; but + that, for his own part, he was contented with the kingdom of Egypt. By + which discourse he persuaded the people of Antioch to receive Demetrius. + </p> + <p> + 8. But now Alexander made haste with a numerous and great army, and came + out of Cilicia into Syria, and burnt the country belonging to Antioch, and + pillaged it; whereupon Ptolemy, and his son-in-law Demetrius, brought + their army against him, [for he had already given him his daughter in + marriage,] and beat Alexander, and put him to flight; and accordingly he + fled into Arabia. Now it happened in the time of the battle that Ptolemy' + horse, upon hearing the noise of an elephant, cast him off his back, and + threw him on the ground; upon the sight of which accident, his enemies + fell upon him, and gave him many wounds upon his head, and brought him + into danger of death; for when his guards caught him up, he was so very + ill, that for four days' time he was not able either to understand or to + speak. However, Zabdiel, a prince among the Arabians, cut off Alexander's + head, and sent it to Ptolemy, who recovering of his wounds, and returning + to his understanding, on the fifth day, heard at once a most agreeable + hearing, and saw a most agreeable sight, which were the death and the head + of Alexander; yet a little after this his joy for the death of Alexander, + with which he was so greatly satisfied, he also departed this life. Now + Alexander, who was called Balas, reigned over Asia five years, as we have + elsewhere related. + </p> + <p> + 9. But when Demetrius, who was styled Nicator, <a href="#link13note-9" + name="link13noteref-9" id="link13noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> had taken + the kingdom, he was so wicked as to treat Ptolemy's soldiers very hardly, + neither remembering the league of mutual assistance that was between them, + nor that he was his son-in-law and kinsman, by Cleopatra's marriage to + him; so the soldiers fled from his wicked treatment to Alexandria; but + Demetrius kept his elephants. But Jonathan the high priest levied an army + out of all Judea, and attacked the citadel at Jerusalem, and besieged it. + It was held by a garrison of Macedonians, and by some of those wicked men + who had deserted the customs of their forefathers. These men at first + despised the attempts of Jonathan for taking the place, as depending on + its strength; but some of those wicked men went out by night, and came to + Demetrius, and informed him that the citadel was besieged; who was + irritated with what he heard, and took his army, and came from Antioch, + against Jonathan. And when he was at Antioch, he wrote to him, and + commanded him to come to him quickly to Ptolemais: upon which Jonathan did + not intermit the siege of the citadel, but took with him the elders of the + people, and the priests, and carried with him gold, and silver, and + garments, and a great number of presents of friendship, and came to + Demetrius, and presented him with them, and thereby pacified the king's + anger. So he was honored by him, and received from him the confirmation of + his high priesthood, as he had possessed it by the grants of the kings his + predecessors. And when the Jewish deserters accused him, Demetrius was so + far from giving credit to them, that when he petitioned him that he would + demand no more than three hundred talents for the tribute of all Judea, + and the three toparchies of Samaria, and Perea, and Galilee, he complied + with the proposal, and gave him a letter confirming all those grants; + whose contents were as follows: "King Demetrius to Jonathan his brother, + and to the nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting. We have sent you a copy + of that epistle which we have written to Lasthones our kinsman, that you + may know its contents. 'King Demetrus to Lasthenes our father, sendeth + greeting. I have determined to return thanks, and to show favor to the + nation of the Jews, which hath observed the rules of justice in our + concerns. Accordingly, I remit to them the three prefectures, Apherims, + and Lydda, and Ramatha, which have been added to Judea out of Samaria, + with their appurtenances; as also what the kings my predecessors received + from those that offered sacrifices in Jerusalem, and what are due from the + fruits of the earth, and of the trees, and what else belongs to us; with + the salt-pits, and the crowns that used to be presented to us. Nor shall + they be compelled to pay any of those taxes from this time to all + futurity. Take care therefore that a copy of this epistle be taken, and + given to Jonathan, and be set up in an eminent place of their holy + temple.'" And these were the contents of this writing. And now when + Demetrius saw that there was peace every where, and that there was no + danger, nor fear of war, he disbanded the greatest part of his army, and + diminished their pay, and even retained in pay no others than such + foreigners as came up with him from Crete, and from the other islands. + However, this procured him ill-will and hatred from the soldiers; on whom + he bestowed nothing from this time, while the kings before him used to pay + them in time of peace as they did before, that they might have their + good-will, and that they might be very ready to undergo the difficulties + of war, if any occasion should require it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0005" id="link132HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. How Trypho After He Had Beaten Demetrius Delivered The Kingdom + To Antiochus The Son Of Alexander, And Gained Jonathan For His Assistant; + And Concerning The Actions And Embassies Of Jonathan. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now there was a certain commander of Alexander's forces, an Apanemian + by birth, whose name was Diodotus, and was also called Trypho, took notice + the ill-will of the soldiers bare to Demetrius, and went to Malchus the + Arabian, who brought up Antiochus, the son of Alexander, and told him what + ill-will the army bare Demetrius, and persuaded him to give him Antiochus, + because he would make him king, and recover to him the kingdom of his + father. Malchus at the first opposed him in this attempt, because he could + not believe him; but when Trypho lay hard at him for a long time, he + over-persuaded him to comply with Trypho's intentions and entreaties. And + this was the state Trypho was now in. + </p> + <p> + 2. But Jonathan the high priest, being desirous to get clear of those that + were in the citadel of Jerusalem, and of the Jewish deserters, and wicked + men, as well as of those in all the garrisons in the country, sent + presents and ambassadors to Demetrius, and entreated him to take away his + soldiers out of the strong holds of Judea. Demetrius made answer, that + after the war, which he was now deeply engaged in, was over, he would not + only grant him that, but greater things than that also; and he desired he + would send him some assistance, and informed him that his army had + deserted him. So Jonathan chose out three thousand of his soldiers, and + sent them to Demetrius. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now the people of Antioch hated Demetrius, both on account of what + mischief he had himself done them, and because they were his enemies also + on account of his father Demetrius, who had greatly abused them; so they + watched some opportunity which they might lay hold on to fall upon him. + And when they were informed of the assistance that was coming to Demetrius + from Jonathan, and considered at the same time that he would raise a + numerous army, unless they prevented him, and seized upon him, they took + their weapons immediately, and encompassed his palace in the way of a + siege, and seizing upon all the ways of getting out, they sought to subdue + their king. And when he saw that the people of Antioch were become his + bitter enemies and that they were thus in arms, he took the mercenary + soldiers which he had with them, and those Jews who were sent by Jonathan, + and assaulted the Antiochians; but he was overpowered by them, for they + were many ten thousands, and was beaten. But when the Jews saw that the + Antiochians were superior, they went up to the top of the palace, and shot + at them from thence; and because they were so remote from them by their + height, that they suffered nothing on their side, but did great execution + on the others, as fighting from such an elevation, they drove them out of + the adjoining houses, and immediately set them on fire, whereupon the + flame spread itself over the whole city, and burnt it all down. This + happened by reason of the closeness of the houses, and because they were + generally built of wood. So the Antiochians, when they were not able to + help themselves, nor to stop the fire, were put to flight. And as the Jews + leaped from the top of one house to the top of another, and pursued them + after that manner, it thence happened that the pursuit was so very + surprising. But when the king saw that the Antiochians were were busy in + saving their children and their wives, and so did not fight any longer, he + fell upon them in the narrow passages, and fought them, and slew a great + many of them, till at last they were forced to throw down their arms, and + to deliver themselves up to Demetrius. So he forgave them this their + insolent behavior, and put an end to the sedition; and when he had given + rewards to the Jews out of the rich spoils he had gotten, and had returned + them thanks, as the cause of his victory, he sent them away to Jerusalem + to Jonathan, with an ample testimony of the assistance they had afforded + him. Yet did he prove an ill man to Jonathan afterward, and broke the + promises he had made; and he threatened that he would make war upon him, + unless he would pay all that tribute which the Jewish nation owed to the + first kings [of Syria]. And this he had done, if Trypho had not hindered + him, and diverted his preparations against Jonathan to a concern for his + own preservation; for he now returned out of Arabia into Syria, with the + child Antiochus, for he was yet in age but a youth, and put the diadem on + his head; and as the whole forces that had left Demetrius, because they + had no pay, came to his assistance, he made war upon Demetrius, and + joining battle with him, overcame him in the fight, and took from him both + his elephants and the city Antioch. + </p> + <p> + 4. Demetrius, upon this defeat, retired into Cilicia; but the child + Antiochus sent ambassadors and an epistle to Jonathan, and made him his + friend and confederate, and confirmed to him the high priesthood, and + yielded up to him the four prefectures which had been added to Judea. + Moreover, he sent him vessels and cups of gold, and a purple garment, and + gave him leave to use them. He also presented him with a golden button, + and styled him one of his principal friends, and appointed his brother + Simon to be the general over the forces, from the Ladder of Tyre unto + Egypt. So Jonathan was so pleased with these grants made him by Antiochus, + that he sent ambassadors to him and to Trypho, and professed himself to be + their friend and confederate, and said he would join with him in a war + against Demetrius, informing him that he had made no proper returns for + the kindness he had done him; for that when he had received many marks of + kindness from him, when he stood in great need of them, he, for such good + turns, had requited him with further injuries. + </p> + <p> + 5. So Antiochus gave Jonathan leave to raise himself a numerous army out + of Syria and Phoenicia and to make war against Demetrius's generals; + whereupon he went in haste to the several cities which received him + splendidly indeed, but put no forces into his hands. And when he was come + from thence to Askelon, the inhabitants of Askelon came and brought him + presents, and met him in a splendid manner. He exhorted them, and every + one of the cities of Celesyria, to forsake Demetrius, and to join with + Antiochus; and, in assisting him, to endeavor to punish Demetrius for what + offenses he had been guilty of against themselves; and told them there + were many reasons for that their procedure, if they had a mind so to do. + And when he had persuaded those cities to promise their assistance to + Antiochus, he came to Gaza, in order to induce them also to be friends to + Antiochus; but he found the inhabitants of Gaza much more alienated from + him than he expected, for they had shut their gates against him; and + although they had deserted Demetrius, they had not resolved to join + themselves to Antiochus. This provoked Jonathan to besiege them, and to + harass their country; for as he set a part of his army round about Gaza + itself, so with the rest he overran their land, and spoiled it, and burnt + what was in it. When the people of Gaza saw themselves in this state of + affliction, and that no assistance came to them from Demetrius, that what + distressed them was at hand, but what should profit them was still at a + great distance, and it was uncertain whether it would come at all or not, + they thought it would be prudent conduct to leave off any longer + continuance with them, and to cultivate friendship with the other; so they + sent to Jonathan, and professed they would be his friends, and afford him + assistance: for such is the temper of men, that before they have had the + trial of great afflictions, they do not understand what is for their + advantage; but when they find themselves under such afflictions, they then + change their minds, and what it had been better for them to have done + before they had been at all damaged, they choose to do, but not till after + they have suffered such damages. However, he made a league of friendship + with them, and took from them hostages for their performance of it, and + sent these hostages to Jerusalem, while he went himself over all the + country, as far as Damascus. + </p> + <p> + 6. But when he heard that the generals of Demetrius's forces were come to + the city Cadesh with a numerous army, [the place lies between the land of + the Tyrians and Galilee,]for they supposed they should hereby draw him out + of Syria, in order to preserve Galilee, and that he would not overlook the + Galileans, who were his own people, when war was made upon them, he went + to meet them, having left Simon in Judea, who raised as great an army as + he was able out of the country, and then sat down before Bethsura, and + besieged it, that being the strongest place in all Judea; and a garrison + of Demetrius's kept it, as we have already related. But as Simon was + raising banks, and bringing his engines of war against Bethsura, and was + very earnest about the siege of it, the garrison was afraid lest the place + should be taken of Simon by force, and they put to the sword; so they sent + to Simon, and desired the security of his oath, that they should come to + no harm from him, and that they would leave the place, and go away to + Demetrius. Accordingly he gave them his oath, and ejected them out of the + city, and he put therein a garrison of his own. + </p> + <p> + 7. But Jonathan removed out of Galilee, and from the waters which are + called Gennesar, for there he was before encamped, and came into the plain + that is called Asor, without knowing that the enemy was there. When + therefore Demetrius's men knew a day beforehand that Jonathan was coming + against them, they laid an ambush in the mountain, who were to assault him + on the sudden, while they themselves met him with an army in the plain; + which army, when Jonathan saw ready to engage him, he also got ready his + own soldiers for the battle as well as he was able; but those that were + laid in ambush by Demetrius's generals being behind them, the Jews were + afraid lest they should be caught in the midst between two bodies, and + perish; so they ran away in haste, and indeed all the rest left Jonathan; + but a few there were, in number about fifty, who staid with him, and with + them Mattathias, the son of Absalom, and Judas, the son of Chapseus, who + were commanders of the whole army. These marched boldly, and like men + desperate, against the enemy, and so pushed them, that by their courage + they daunted them, and with their weapons in their hands they put them to + flight. And when those soldiers of Jonathan that had retired saw the enemy + giving way, they got together after their flight, and pursued them with + great violence; and this did they as far as Cadesh, where the camp of the + enemy lay. + </p> + <p> + 8. Jonathan having thus gotten a glorious victory, and slain two thousand + of the enemy, returned to Jerusalem. So when he saw that all his affairs + prospered according to his mind, by the providence of God, he sent + ambassadors to the Romans, being desirous of renewing that friendship + which their nation had with them formerly. He enjoined the same + ambassadors, that, as they came back, they should go to the Spartans, and + put them in mind of their friendship and kindred. So when the ambassadors + came to Rome, they went into their senate, and said what they were + commanded by Jonathan the high priest to say, how he had sent them to + confirm their friendship. The senate then confirmed what had been formerly + decreed concerning their friendship with the Jews, and gave them letters + to carry to all the kings of Asia and Europe, and to the governors of the + cities, that they might safely conduct them to their own country. + Accordingly, as they returned, they came to Sparta, and delivered the + epistle which they had received of Jonathan to them; a copy of which here + follows: "Jonathan the high priest of the Jewish nation, and the senate, + and body of the people of the Jews, to the ephori, and senate, and people + of the Lacedemonians, send greeting. If you be well, and both your public + and private affairs be agreeable to your mind, it is according to our + wishes. We are well also. When in former times an epistle was brought to + Onias, who was then our high priest, from Areus, who at that time was your + king, by Demoteles, concerning the kindred that was between us and you, a + copy of which is here subjoined, we both joyfully received the epistle, + and were well pleased with Demoteles and Areus, although we did not need + such a demonstration, because we were satisfied about it from the sacred + writings <a href="#link13note-10" name="link13noteref-10" + id="link13noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> yet did not we think fit first + to begin the claim of this relation to you, lest we should seem too early + in taking to ourselves the glory which is now given us by you. It is a + long time since this relation of ours to you hath been renewed; and when + we, upon holy and festival days, offer sacrifices to God, we pray to him + for your preservation and victory. As to ourselves, although we have had + many wars that have compassed us around, by reason of the covetousness of + our neighbors, yet did not we determine to be troublesome either to you, + or to others that were related to us; but since we have now overcome our + enemies, and have occasion to send Numenius the son of Antiochus, and + Antipater the son of Jason, who are both honorable men belonging to our + senate, to the Romans, we gave them this epistle to you also, that they + might renew that friendship which is between us. You will therefore do + well yourselves to write to us, and send us an account of what you stand + in need of from us, since we are in all things disposed to act according + to your desires." So the Lacedemonians received the ambassadors kindly, + and made a decree for friendship and mutual assistance, and sent it to + them. + </p> + <p> + 9. At this time there were three sects among the Jews, who had different + opinions concerning human actions; the one was called the sect of the + Pharisees, another the sect of the Sadducees, and the other the sect of + the Essens. Now for the Pharisees, <a href="#link13note-11" + name="link13noteref-11" id="link13noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> they + say that some actions, but not all, are the work of fate, and some of them + are in our own power, and that they are liable to fate, but are not caused + by fate. But the sect of the Essens affirm, that fate governs all things, + and that nothing befalls men but what is according to its determination. + And for the Sadducees, they take away fate, and say there is no such + thing, and that the events of human affairs are not at its disposal; but + they suppose that all our actions are in our own power, so that we are + ourselves the causes of what is good, and receive what is evil from our + own folly. However, I have given a more exact account of these opinions in + the second book of the Jewish War. + </p> + <p> + 10. But now the generals of Demetrius being willing to recover the defeat + they had had, gathered a greater army together than they had before, and + came against Jonathan; but as soon as he was informed of their coming, he + went suddenly to meet them, to the country of Hamoth, for he resolved to + give them no opportunity of coming into Judea; so he pitched his camp at + fifty furlongs' distance from the enemy, and sent out spies to take a view + of their camp, and after what manner they were encamped. When his spies + had given him full information, and had seized upon some of them by night, + who told him the enemy would soon attack him, he, thus apprized + beforehand, provided for his security, and placed watchmen beyond his + camp, and kept all his forces armed all night; and he gave them a charge + to be of good courage, and to have their minds prepared to fight in the + night time, if they should be obliged so to do, lest their enemy's designs + should seem concealed from them. But when Demetrius's commanders were + informed that Jonathan knew what they intended, their counsels were + disordered, and it alarmed them to find that the enemy had discovered + those their intentions; nor did they expect to overcome them any other + way, now they had failed in the snares they had laid for them; for should + they hazard an open battle, they did not think they should be a match for + Jonathan's army, so they resolved to fly; and having lighted many fires, + that when the enemy saw them they might suppose they were there still, + they retired. When Jonathan came to give them battle in the morning in + their camp, and found it deserted, and understood they were fled, he + pursued them; yet he could not overtake them, for they had already passed + over the river Eleutherus, and were out of danger. So when Jonathan was + returned thence, he went into Arabia, and fought against the Nabateans, + and drove away a great deal of their prey, and took [many] captives, and + came to Damascus, and there sold off what he had taken. About the same + time it was that Simon his brother went over all Judea and Palestine, as + far as Askelon, and fortified the strong holds; and when he had made them + very strong, both in the edifices erected, and in the garrisons placed in + them, he came to Joppa; and when he had taken it, he brought a great + garrison into it, for he heard that the people of Joppa were disposed to + deliver up the city to Demetrius's generals. + </p> + <p> + 11. When Simon and Jonathan had finished these affairs, they returned to + Jerusalem, where Jonathan gathered all the people together, and took + counsel to restore the walls of Jerusalem, and to rebuild the wall that + encompassed the temple, which had been thrown down, and to make the places + adjoining stronger by very high towers; and besides that, to build another + wall in the midst of the city, in order to exclude the market-place from + the garrison, which was in the citadel, and by that means to hinder them + from any plenty of provisions; and moreover, to make the fortresses that + were in the country much stronger and more defensible than they were + before. And when these things were approved of by the multitude, as + rightly proposed, Jonathan himself took care of the building that belonged + to the city, and sent Simon away to make the fortresses in the country + more secure than formerly. But Demetrius passed over [Euphrates], and came + into Mesopotamia, as desirous to retain that country still, as well as + Babylon; and when he should have obtained the dominion of the upper + provinces, to lay a foundation for recovering his entire kingdom; for + those Greeks and Macedonians who dwelt there frequently sent ambassadors + to him, and promised, that if he would come to them, they would deliver + themselves up to him, and assist him in fighting against Arsaces, <a + href="#link13note-12" name="link13noteref-12" id="link13noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> + the king of the Parthians. So he was elevated with these hopes, and came + hastily to them, as having resolved, that if he had once overthrown the + Parthians, and gotten an army of his own, he would make war against + Trypho, and eject him out of Syria; and the people of that country + received him with great alacrity. So he raised forces, with which he + fought against Arsaces, and lost all his army, and was himself taken + alive, as we have elsewhere related. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0006" id="link132HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. How Jonathan Was Slain By Treachery; And How Thereupon The Jews + Made Simon Their General And High Priest: What Courageous Actions He Also + Performed Especially Against Trypho. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when Trypho knew what had befallen Demetrius, he was no longer firm + to Antiochus, but contrived by subtlety to kill him, and then take + possession of his kingdom; but the fear that he was in of Jonathan was an + obstacle to this his design, for Jonathan was a friend to Antiochus, for + which cause he resolved first to take Jonathan out of the way, and then to + set about his design relating to Antiochus; but he judging it best to take + him off by deceit and treachery, came from Antioch to Bethshan, which by + the Greeks is called Scythopolis, at which place Jonathan met him with + forty thousand chosen men, for he thought that he came to fight him; but + when he perceived that Jonathan was ready to fight, he attempted to gain + him by presents and kind treatment, and gave order to his captains to obey + him, and by these means was desirous to give assurance of his good-will, + and to take away all suspicions out of his mind, that so he might make him + careless and inconsiderate, and might take him when he was unguarded. He + also advised him to dismiss his army, because there was no occasion for + bringing it with him when there was no war, but all was in peace. However, + he desired him to retain a few about him, and go with him to Ptolemais, + for that he would deliver the city up to him, and would bring all the + fortresses that were in the country under his dominion; and he told him + that he came with those very designs. + </p> + <p> + 2. Yet did not Jonathan suspect any thing at all by this his management, + but believed that Trypho gave him this advice out of kindness, and with a + sincere design. Accordingly, he dismissed his army, and retained no more + than three thousand of them with him, and left two thousand in Galilee; + and he himself, with one thousand, came with Trypho to Ptolemais. But when + the people of Ptolemais had shut their gates, as it had been commanded by + Trypho to do, he took Jonathan alive, and slew all that were with him. He + also sent soldiers against those two thousand that were left in Galilee, + in order to destroy them; but those men having heard the report of what + had happened to Jonathan, they prevented the execution; and before those + that were sent by Trypho came, they covered themselves with their armor, + and went away out of the country. Now when those that were sent against + them saw that they were ready to fight for their lives, they gave them no + disturbance, but returned back to Trypho. + </p> + <p> + 3. But when the people of Jerusalem heard that Jonathan was taken, and + that the soldiers who were with him were destroyed, they deplored his sad + fate; and there was earnest inquiry made about him by every body, and a + great and just fear fell upon them, and made them sad, lest, now they were + deprived of the courage and conduct of Jonathan, the nations about them + should bear them ill-will; and as they were before quiet on account of + Jonathan they should now rise up against them, and by making war with + them, should force them into the utmost dangers. And indeed what they + suspected really befell them; for when those nations heard of the death of + Jonathan, they began to make war with the Jews as now destitute of a + governor and Trypho himself got an army together, and had intention to go + up to Judea, and make war against its inhabitants. But when Simon saw that + the people of Jerusalem were terrified at the circumstances they were in, + he desired to make a speech to them, and thereby to render them more + resolute in opposing Trypho when he should come against them. He then + called the people together into the temple, and thence began thus to + encourage them: "O my countrymen, you are not ignorant that our father, + myself, and my brethren, have ventured to hazard our lives, and that + willingly, for the recovery of your liberty; since I have therefore such + plenty of examples before me, and we of our family have determined with + ourselves to die for our laws, and our Divine worship, there shall no + terror be so great as to banish this resolution from our souls, nor to + introduce in its place a love of life, and a contempt of glory. Do you + therefore follow me with alacrity whithersoever I shall lead you, as not + destitute of such a captain as is willing to suffer, and to do the + greatest things for you; for neither am I better than my brethren that I + should be sparing of my own life, nor so far worse than they as to avoid + and refuse what they thought the most honorable of all things,—I + mean, to undergo death for your laws, and for that worship of God which is + peculiar to you; I will therefore give such proper demonstrations as will + show that I am their own brother; and I am so bold as to expect that I + shall avenge their blood upon our enemies, and deliver you all with your + wives and children from the injuries they intend against you, and, with + God's assistance, to preserve your temple from destruction by them; for I + see that these nations have you in contempt, as being without a governor, + and that they thence are encouraged to make war against you." + </p> + <p> + 4. By this speech of Simon he inspired the multitude with courage; and as + they had been before dispirited through fear, they were now raised to a + good hope of better things, insomuch that the whole multitude of the + people cried out all at once that Simon should be their leader; and that + instead of Judas and Jonathan his brethren, he should have the government + over them; and they promised that they would readily obey him in + whatsoever he should command them. So he got together immediately all his + own soldiers that were fit for war, and made haste in rebuilding the walls + of the city, and strengthening them by very high and strong towers, and + sent a friend of his, one Jonathan, the son of Absalom, to Joppa, and gave + him order to eject the inhabitants out of the city, for he was afraid lest + they should deliver up the city to Trypho; but he himself staid to secure + Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + 5. But Trypho removed from Ptolemais with a great army, and came into + Judea, and brought Jonathan with him in bonds. Simon also met him with his + army at the city Adida, which is upon a hill, and beneath it lie the + plains of Judea. And when Trypho knew that Simon was by the Jews made + their governor, he sent to him, and would have imposed upon him by deceit + and trenchery, and desired, if he would have his brother Jonathan released, + that he would send him a hundred talents of silver, and two of Jonathan's + sons as hostages, that when he shall be released, he may not make Judea + revolt from the king; for that at present he was kept in bonds on account + of the money he had borrowed of the king, and now owed it to him. But + Simon was aware of the craft of Trypho; and although he knew that if he + gave him the money he should lose it, and that Trypho would not set his + brother free and withal should deliver the sons of Jonathan to the enemy, + yet because he was afraid that he should have a calumny raised against him + among the multitude as the cause of his brother's death, if he neither + gave the money, nor sent Jonathan's sons, he gathered his army together, + and told them what offers Trypho had made; and added this, that the offers + were ensnaring and treacherous, and yet that it was more eligible to send + the money and Jonathan's sons, than to be liable to the imputation of not + complying with Trypho's offers, and thereby refusing to save his brother. + Accordingly, Simon sent the sons of Jonathan and the money; but when + Trypho had received them, he did not keep his promise, nor set Jonathan + free, but took his army, and went about all the country, and resolved to + go afterward to Jerusalem by the way of Idumea, while Simon went over + against him with his army, and all along pitched his own camp over against + his. + </p> + <p> + 6. But when those that were in the citadel had sent to Trypho, and + besought him to make haste and come to them, and to send them provisions, + he prepared his cavalry as though he would be at Jerusalem that very + night; but so great a quantity of snow fell in the night, that it covered + the roads, and made them so deep, that there was no passing, especially + for the cavalry. This hindered him from coming to Jerusalem; whereupon + Trypho removed thence, and came into Celesyria, and falling vehemently + upon the land of Gilead, he slew Jonathan there; and when he had given + order for his burial, he returned himself to Antioch. However, Simon sent + some to the city Basca to bring away his brother's bones, and buried them + in their own city Modin; and all the people made great lamentation over + him. Simon also erected a very large monument for his father and his + brethren, of white and polished stone, and raised it a great height, and + so as to be seen a long way off, and made cloisters about it, and set up + pillars, which were of one stone apiece; a work it was wonderful to see. + Moreover, he built seven pyramids also for his parents and his brethren, + one for each of them, which were made very surprising, both for their + largeness and beauty, and which have been preserved to this day; and we + know that it was Simon who bestowed so much zeal about the burial of + Jonathan, and the building of these monuments for his relations. Now + Jonathan died when he had been high priest four years <a + href="#link13note-13" name="link13noteref-13" id="link13noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> + and had been also the governor of his nation. And these were the + circumstances that concerned his death. + </p> + <p> + 7. But Simon, who was made high priest by the multitude, on the very first + year of his high priesthood set his people free from their slavery under + the Macedonians, and permitted them to pay tribute to them no longer; + which liberty and freedom from tribute they obtained after a hundred and + seventy years <a href="#link13note-14" name="link13noteref-14" + id="link13noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> of the kingdom of the + Assyrians, which was after Seleucus, who was called Nicator, got the + dominion over Syria. Now the affection of the multitude towards Simon was + so great, that in their contracts one with another, and in their public + records, they wrote, "in the first year of Simon the benefactor and + ethnarch of the Jews;" for under him they were very happy, and overcame + the enemies that were round about them; for Simon overthrew the city + Gazara, and Joppa, and Jamhis. He also took the citadel of Jerusalem by + siege, and cast it down to the ground, that it might not be any more a + place of refuge to their enemies when they took it, to do them a mischief, + as it had been till now. And when he had done this, he thought it their + best way, and most for their advantage, to level the very mountain itself + upon which the citadel happened to stand, that so the temple might be + higher than it. And indeed, when he had called the multitude to an + assembly, he persuaded them to have it so demolished, and this by putting + them in mind what miseries they had suffered by its garrison and the + Jewish deserters, and what miseries they might hereafter suffer in case + any foreigner should obtain the kingdom, and put a garrison into that + citadel. This speech induced the multitude to a compliance, because he + exhorted them to do nothing but what was for their own good: so they all + set themselves to the work, and leveled the mountain, and in that work + spent both day and night without any intermission, which cost them three + whole years before it was removed, and brought to an entire level with the + plain of the rest of the city. After which the temple was the highest of + all the buildings, now the citadel, as well as the mountain whereon it + stood, were demolished. And these actions were thus performed under Simon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0007" id="link132HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. How Simon Confederated Himself With Antiochus Pius, And Made + War Against Trypho, And A Little Afterward, Against Cendebeus, The General + Of Antiochus's Army; As Also How Simon Was Murdered By His Son-In-Law + Ptolemy, And That By Treachery. + </h3> + <p> + 1. <a href="#link13note-15" name="link13noteref-15" id="link13noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> + Now a little while after Demetrius had been carried into captivity, Trypho + his governor destroyed Antiochus, <a href="#link13note-16" + name="link13noteref-16" id="link13noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> the + son of Alexander, who was also called The God, <a href="#link13note-17" + name="link13noteref-17" id="link13noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> and + this when he had reigned four years, though he gave it out that he died + under the hands of the surgeons. He then sent his friends, and those that + were most intimate with him, to the soldiers, and promised that he would + give them a great deal of money if they would make him king. He intimated + to them that Demetrius was made a captive by the Parthians; and that + Demetrius's brother Atitiochus, if he came to be king, would do them a + great deal of mischief, in way of revenge for their revolting from his + brother. So the soldiers, in expectation of the wealth they should get by + bestowing the kingdom on Trypho, made him their ruler. However, when + Trypho had gained the management of affairs, he demonstrated his + disposition to be wicked; for while he was a private person, he cultivated + familiarity with the multitude, and pretended to great moderation, and so + drew them on artfully to whatsoever he pleased; but when he had once taken + the kingdom, he laid aside any further dissimulation, and was the true + Trypho; which behavior made his enemies superior to him; for the soldiery + hated him, and revolted from him to Cleopatra, the wife of Demetrius, who + was then shut up in Seleucia with her children. But as Antiochus, the + brother of Demetrius who was called Soter, was not admitted by any of the + cities on account of Trypho, Cleopatra sent to him, and invited him to + marry her, and to take the kingdom. The reasons why she made this + invitation were these: That her friends persuaded her to it, and that she + was afraid for herself, in case some of the people of Seleucia should + deliver up the city to Trypho. + </p> + <p> + 2. As Antiochus was now come to Seleucia, and his forces increased every + day, he marched to fight Trypho; and having beaten him in the battle, he + ejected him out of the Upper Syria into Phoenicia, and pursued him + thither, and besieged him in Dora which was a fortress hard to be taken, + whither he had fled. He also sent ambassadors to Simon the Jewish high + priest, about a league of friendship and mutual assistance; who readily + accepted of the invitation, and sent to Antiochus great sums of money and + provisions for those that besieged Dora, and thereby supplied them very + plentifully, so that for a little while he was looked upon as one of his + most intimate friends; but still Trypho fled from Dora to Apamia, where he + was taken during the siege, and put to death, when he had reigned three + years. + </p> + <p> + 3. However, Antiochus forgot the kind assistance that Simon had afforded + him in his necessity, by reason of his covetous and wicked disposition, + and committed an army of soldiers to his friend Cendebeus, and sent him at + once to ravage Judea, and to seize Simon. When Simon heard of Antiochus's + breaking his league with him, although he were now in years, yet, provoked + with the unjust treatment he had met with from Antiochus, and taking a + resolution brisker than his age could well bear, he went like a young man + to act as general of his army. He also sent his sons before among the most + hardy of his soldiers, and he himself marched on with his army another + way, and laid many of his men in ambushes in the narrow valleys between + the mountains; nor did he fail of success in any one of his attempts, but + was too hard for his enemies in every one of them. So he led the rest of + his life in peace, and did also himself make a league with the Romans. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now he was the ruler of the Jews in all eight years; but at a feast + came to his end. It was caused by the treachery of his son-in-law Ptolemy, + who caught also his wife, and two of his sons, and kept them in bonds. He + also sent some to kill John the third son, whose name was Hyrcanus; but + the young man perceiving them coming, he avoided the danger he was in from + them, <a href="#link13note-18" name="link13noteref-18" + id="link13noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> and made haste into the city + [Jerusalem], as relying on the good-will of the multitude, because of the + benefits they had received from his father, and because of the hatred the + same multitude bare to Ptolemy; so that when Ptolemy was endeavoring to + enter the city by another gate, they drove him away, as having already + admitted Hyrcanus. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0008" id="link132HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. Hyrcanus Receives The High Priesthood, And Ejects Ptolemy Out + Of The Country. Antiochus Makes War Against Hyrcanus And Afterwards Makes + A League With Him. + </h3> + <p> + 1. So Ptolemy retired to one of the fortresses that was above Jericho, + which was called Dagon. But Hyrcanus having taken the high priesthood that + had been his father's before, and in the first place propitiated God by + sacrifices, he then made an expedition against Ptolemy; and when he made + his attacks upon the place, in other points he was too hard for him, but + was rendered weaker than he, by the commiseration he had for his mother + and brethren, and by that only; for Ptolemy brought them upon the wall, + and tormented them in the sight of all, and threatened that he would throw + them down headlong, unless Hyrcanus would leave off the siege. And as he + thought that so far as he relaxed as to the siege and taking of the place, + so much favor did he show to those that were dearest to him by preventing + their misery, his zeal about it was cooled. However, his mother spread out + her hands, and begged of him that he would not grow remiss on her account, + but indulge his indignation so much the more, and that he would do his + utmost to take the place quickly, in order to get their enemy under his + power, and then to avenge upon him what he had done to those that were + dearest to himself; for that death would be to her sweet, though with + torment, if that enemy of theirs might but be brought to punishment for + his wicked dealings to them. Now when his mother said so, he resolved to + take the fortress immediately; but when he saw her beaten, and torn to + pieces, his courage failed him, and he could not but sympathize with what + his mother suffered, and was thereby overcome. And as the siege was drawn + out into length by this means, that year on which the Jews used to rest + came on; for the Jews observe this rest every seventh year, as they do + every seventh day; so that Ptolemy being for this cause released from the + war, <a href="#link13note-19" name="link13noteref-19" id="link13noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> + he slew the brethren of Hyrcanus, and his mother; and when he had so done, + he fled to Zeno, who was called Cotylas, who was then the tyrant of the + city Philadelphia. + </p> + <p> + 2. But Antiochus, being very uneasy at the miseries that Simon had brought + upon him, he invaded Judea in the fourth years' of his reign, and the + first year of the principality of Hyrcanus, in the hundred and + sixty-second olympiad. <a href="#link13note-20" name="link13noteref-20" + id="link13noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> And when he had burnt the + country, he shut up Hyrcanus in the city, which he encompassed round with + seven encampments; but did just nothing at the first, because of the + strength of the walls, and because of the valor of the besieged, although + they were once in want of water, which yet they were delivered from by a + large shower of rain, which fell at the setting of the Pleiades <a + href="#link13note-21" name="link13noteref-21" id="link13noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> + However, about the north part of the wall, where it happened the city was + upon a level with the outward ground, the king raised a hundred towers of + three stories high, and placed bodies of soldiers upon them; and as he + made his attacks every day, he cut a double ditch, deep and broad, and + confined the inhabitants within it as within a wall; but the besieged + contrived to make frequent sallies out; and if the enemy were not any + where upon their guard, they fell upon them, and did them a great deal of + mischief; and if they perceived them, they then retired into the city with + ease. But because Hyrcanus discerned the inconvenience of so great a + number of men in the city, while the provisions were the sooner spent by + them, and yet, as is natural to suppose, those great numbers did nothing, + he separated the useless part, and excluded them out of the city, and + retained that part only which were in the flower of their age, and fit for + war. However, Antiochus would not let those that were excluded go away, + who therefore wandering about between the wails, and consuming away by + famine, died miserably; but when the feast of tabernacles was at hand, + those that were within commiserated their condition, and received them in + again. And when Hyrcanus sent to Antiochus, and desired there might be a + truce for seven days, because of the festival, he gave way to this piety + towards God, and made that truce accordingly. And besides that, he sent in + a magnificent sacrifice, bulls with their horns gilded, with all sorts of + sweet spices, and with cups of gold and silver. <a href="#link13note-22" + name="link13noteref-22" id="link13noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> So + those that were at the gates received the sacrifices from those that + brought them, and led them to the temple, Antiochus the mean while + feasting his army, which was a quite different conduct from Antiochus + Epiphanes, who, when he had taken the city, offered swine upon the altar, + and sprinkled the temple with the broth of their flesh, in order to + violate the laws of the Jews, and the religion they derived from their + forefathers; for which reason our nation made war with him, and would + never be reconciled to him; but for this Antiochus, all men called him + Antiochus the Pious, for the great zeal he had about religion. + </p> + <p> + 3. Accordingly, Hyrcanus took this moderation of his kindly; and when he + understood how religious he was towards the Deity, he sent an embassage to + him, and desired that he would restore the settlements they received from + their forefathers. So he rejected the counsel of those that would have him + utterly destroy the nation, <a href="#link13note-23" + name="link13noteref-23" id="link13noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> by + reason of their way of living, which was to others unsociable, and did not + regard what they said. But being persuaded that all they did was out of a + religious mind, he answered the ambassadors, that if the besieged would + deliver up their arms, and pay tribute for Joppa, and the other cities + which bordered upon Judea, and admit a garrison of his, on these terms he + would make war against them no longer. But the Jews, although they were + content with the other conditions, did not agree to admit the garrison, + because they could not associate with other people, nor converse with + them; yet were they willing, instead of the admission of the garrison, to + give him hostages, and five hundred talents of silver; of which they paid + down three hundred, and sent the hostages immediately, which king + Antiochus accepted. One of those hostages was Hyrcanus's brother. But + still he broke down the fortifications that encompassed the city. And upon + these conditions Antiochus broke up the siege, and departed. + </p> + <p> + 4. But Hyrcanus opened the sepulcher of David, who excelled all other + kings in riches, and took out of it three thousand talents. He was also + the first of the Jews that, relying on this wealth, maintained foreign + troops. There was also a league of friendship and mutual assistance made + between them; upon which Hyrcanus admitted him into the city, and + furnished him with whatsoever his army wanted in great plenty, and with + great generosity, and marched along with him when he made an expedition + against the Parthians; of which Nicolaus of Damascus is a witness for us; + who in his history writes thus: "When Antiochus had erected a trophy at + the river Lycus, upon his conquest of Indates, the general of the + Parthians, he staid there two days. It was at the desire of Lyrcanus the + Jew, because it was such a festival derived to them from their + forefathers, whereon the law of the Jews did not allow them to travel." + And truly he did not speak falsely in saying so; for that festival, which + we call Pentecost, did then fall out to be the next day to the Sabbath. + Nor is it lawful for us to journey, either on the Sabbath day, or on a + festival day <a href="#link13note-24" name="link13noteref-24" + id="link13noteref-24"><small>24</small></a> But when Antiochus joined + battle with Arsaces, the king of Parthia, he lost a great part of his + army, and was himself slain; and his brother Demetrius succeeded in the + kingdom of Syria, by the permission of Arsaces, who freed him from his + captivity at the same time that Antiochus attacked Parthia, as we have + formerly related elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0009" id="link132HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. How, After The Death Of Antiochus, Hyrcanus Made An Expedition + Against Syria, And Made A League With The Romans. Concerning The Death Of + King Demetrius And Alexander. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But when Hyrcanus heard of the death of Antiochus, he presently made an + expedition against the cities of Syria, hoping to find them destitute of + fighting men, and of such as were able to defend them. However, it was not + till the sixth month that he took Medaba, and that not without the + greatest distress of his army. After this he took Samega, and the + neighboring places; and besides these, Shechem and Gerizzim, and the + nation of the Cutheans, who dwelt at the temple which resembled that + temple which was at Jerusalem, and which Alexander permitted Sanballat, + the general of his army, to build for the sake of Manasseh, who was + son-in-law to Jaddua the high priest, as we have formerly related; which + temple was now deserted two hundred years after it was built. Hyrcanus + took also Dora and Marissa, cities of Idumea, and subdued all the + Idumeans; and permitted them to stay in that country, if they would + circumcise their genitals, and make use of the laws of the Jews; and they + were so desirous of living in the country of their forefathers, that they + submitted to the use of circumcision, <a href="#link13note-25" + name="link13noteref-25" id="link13noteref-25"><small>25</small></a> and of + the rest of the Jewish ways of living; at which time therefore this befell + them, that they were hereafter no other than Jews. + </p> + <p> + 2. But Hyrcanus the high priest was desirous to renew that league of + friendship they had with the Romans. Accordingly, he sent an embassage to + them; and when the senate had received their epistle, they made a league + of friendship with them, after the manner following: "Fanius, the son of + Marcus, the praetor, gathered the senate together on the eighth day before + the Ides of February, in the senate-house, when Lucius Manlius, the son of + Lucius, of the Mentine tribe, and Caius Sempronius, the son of Caius, of + the Falernian tribe, were present. The occasion was, that the ambassadors + sent by the people of the Jews <a href="#link13note-26" + name="link13noteref-26" id="link13noteref-26"><small>26</small></a> Simon, + the son of Dositheus, and Apollonius, the son of Alexander, and Diodorus, + the son of Jason, who were good and virtuous men, had somewhat to propose + about that league of friendship and mutual assistance which subsisted + between them and the Romans, and about other public affairs, who desired + that Joppa, and the havens, and Gazara, and the springs [of Jordan], and + the several other cities and countries of theirs, which Antiochus had + taken from them in the war, contrary to the decree of the senate, might be + restored to them; and that it might not be lawful for the king's troops to + pass through their country, and the countries of those that are subject to + them; and that what attempts Antiochus had made during that war, without + the decree of the senate, might be made void; and that they would send + ambassadors, who should take care that restitution be made them of what + Antiochus had taken from them, and that they should make an estimate of + the country that had been laid waste in the war; and that they would grant + them letters of protection to the kings and free people, in order to their + quiet return home. It was therefore decreed, as to these points, to renew + their league of friendship and mutual assistance with these good men, and + who were sent by a good and a friendly people." But as to the letters + desired, their answer was, that the senate would consult about that matter + when their own affairs would give them leave; and that they would + endeavor, for the time to come, that no like injury should be done to + them; and that their praetor Fanius should give them money out of the + public treasury to bear their expenses home. And thus did Fanius dismiss + the Jewish ambassadors, and gave them money out of the public treasury; + and gave the decree of the senate to those that were to conduct them, and + to take care that they should return home in safety. + </p> + <p> + 3. And thus stood the affairs of Hyrcanus the high priest. But as for king + Demetrius, who had a mind to make war against Hyrcanus, there was no + opportunity nor room for it, while both the Syrians and the soldiers bare + ill-will to him, because he was an ill man. But when they had sent + ambassadors to Ptolemy, who was called Physcon, that he would send them + one of the family at Seleueus, in order to take the kingdom, and he had + sent them Alexander, who was called Zebina, with an army, and there had + been a battle between them, Demetrius was beaten in the fight, and fled to + Cleopatra his wife, to Ptolemais; but his wife would not receive him. He + went thence to Tyre, and was there caught; and when he had suffered much + from his enemies before his death, he was slain by them. So Alexander took + the kingdom, and made a league with Hyrcanus, who yet, when he afterward + fought with Antiochus the son of Demetrius, who was called Grypus, was + also beaten in the fight, and slain. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0010" id="link132HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. How Upon The Quarrel Between Antiochus Grypus And Antiochus + Cyzicenus About The Kingdom Hyrcanus Tooksamaria, And Utterly Demolished + It; And How Hyrcanus Joined Himself To The Sect Of The Sadducees, And Left + That Of The Pharisees. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Antiochus had taken the kingdom, he was afraid to make war against + Judea, because he heard that his brother by the same mother, who was also + called Antiochus, was raising an army against him out of Cyzicum; so he + staid in his own land, and resolved to prepare himself for the attack he + expected from his brother, who was called Cyzicenus, because he had been + brought up in that city. He was the son of Antiochus that was called + Soter, who died in Parthia. He was the brother of Demetrius, the father of + Grypus; for it had so happened, that one and the same Cleopatra was + married to two who were brethren, as we have related elsewhere. But + Antiochus Cyzicenus coming into Syria, continued many years at war with + his brother. Now Hyrcanus lived all this while in peace; for after the + death of Antiochus, he revolted from the Macedonians, <a + href="#link13note-27" name="link13noteref-27" id="link13noteref-27"><small>27</small></a> + nor did he any longer pay them the least regard, either as their subject + or their friend; but his affairs were in a very improving and flourishing + condition in the times of Alexander Zebina, and especially under these + brethren, for the war which they had with one another gave Hyrcanus the + opportunity of enjoying himself in Judea quietly, insomuch that he got an + immense quantity of money. How ever, when Antiochus Cyzicenus distressed + his land, he then openly showed what he meant. And when he saw that + Antiochus was destitute of Egyptian auxiliaries, and that both he and his + brother were in an ill condition in the struggles they had one with + another, he despised them both. + </p> + <p> + 2. So he made an expedition against Samaria which was a very strong city; + of whose present name Sebaste, and its rebuilding by Herod, we shall speak + at a proper time; but he made his attack against it, and besieged it with + a great deal of pains; for he was greatly displeased with the Samaritans + for the injuries they had done to the people of Merissa, a colony of the + Jews, and confederate with them, and this in compliance to the kings of + Syria. When he had therefore drawn a ditch, and built a double wall round + the city, which was fourscore furlongs long, he set his sons Antigonus and + Arisrobulna over the siege; which brought the Samaritans to that great + distress by famine, that they were forced to eat what used not to be + eaten, and to call for Antiochus Cyzicenus to help them, who came readily + to their assistance, but was beaten by Aristobulus; and when he was + pursued as far as Scythopolis by the two brethren, he got away. So they + returned to Samaria, and shut them again within the wall, till they were + forced to send for the same Antiochus a second time to help them, who + procured about six thousand men from Ptolemy Lathyrus, which were sent + them without his mother's consent, who had then in a manner turned him out + of his government. With these Egyptians Antiochus did at first overrun and + ravage the country of Hyrcanus after the manner of a robber, for he durst + not meet him in the face to fight with him, as not having an army + sufficient for that purpose, but only from this supposal, that by thus + harassing his land he should force Hyrcanus to raise the siege of Samaria; + but because he fell into snares, and lost many of his soldiers therein, he + went away to Tripoli, and committed the prosecution of the war against the + Jews to Callimander and Epicrates. + </p> + <p> + 3. But as to Callimander, he attacked the enemy too rashly, and was put to + flight, and destroyed immediately; and as to Epicrates, he was such a + lover of money, that he openly betrayed Scythopolis, and other places near + it, to the Jews, but was not able to make them raise the siege of Samaria. + And when Hyrcanus had taken that city, which was not done till after a + year's siege, he was not contented with doing that only, but he demolished + it entirely, and brought rivulets to it to drown it, for he dug such + hollows as might let the water run under it; nay, he took away the very + marks that there had ever been such a city there. Now a very surprising + thing is related of this high priest Hyrcanus, how God came to discourse + with him; for they say that on the very same day on which his sons fought + with Antiochus Cyzicenus, he was alone in the temple, as high priest, + offering incense, and heard a voice, that his sons had just then overcome + Antiochus. And this he openly declared before all the multitude upon his + coming out of the temple; and it accordingly proved true; and in this + posture were the affairs of Hyrcanus. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now it happened at this time, that not only those Jews who were at + Jerusalem and in Judea were in prosperity, but also those of them that + were at Alexandria, and in Egypt and Cyprus; for Cleopatra the queen was + at variance with her son Ptolemy, who was called Lathyrus, and appointed + for her generals Chelcias and Ananias, the sons of that Onias who built + the temple in the prefecture of Heliopolis, like to that at Jerusalem, as + we have elsewhere related. Cleopatra intrusted these men with her army, + and did nothing without their advice, as Strabo of Cappadocia attests, + when he saith thus, "Now the greater part, both those that came to Cyprus + with us, and those that were sent afterward thither, revolted to Ptolemy + immediately; only those that were called Onias's party, being Jews, + continued faithful, because their countrymen Chelcias and Ananias were in + chief favor with the queen." These are the words of Strabo. + </p> + <p> + 5. However, this prosperous state of affairs moved the Jews to envy + Hyrcanus; but they that were the worst disposed to him were the Pharisees, + <a href="#link13note-28" name="link13noteref-28" id="link13noteref-28"><small>28</small></a> + who were one of the sects of the Jews, as we have informed you already. + These have so great a power over the multitude, that when they say any + thing against the king, or against the high priest, they are presently + believed. Now Hyrcanus was a disciple of theirs, and greatly beloved by + them. And when he once invited them to a feast, and entertained them very + kindly, when he saw them in a good humor, he began to say to them, that + they knew he was desirous to be a righteous man, and to do all things + whereby he might please God, which was the profession of the Pharisees + also. However, he desired, that if they observed him offending in any + point, and going out of the right way, they would call him back and + correct him. On which occasion they attested to his being entirely + virtuous; with which commendation he was well pleased. But still there was + one of his guests there, whose name was Eleazar, a man of an ill temper, + and delighting in seditious practices. This man said, "Since thou desirest + to know the truth, if thou wilt be righteous in earnest, lay down the high + priesthood, and content thyself with the civil government of the people," + And when he desired to know for what cause he ought to lay down the high + priesthood, the other replied, "We have heard it from old men, that thy + mother had been a captive under the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes. <a + href="#link13note-29" name="link13noteref-29" id="link13noteref-29"><small>29</small></a>" + This story was false, and Hyrcanus was provoked against him; and all the + Pharisees had a very great indignation against him. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now there was one Jonathan, a very great friend of Hyrcanus's, but of + the sect of the Sadducees, whose notions are quite contrary to those of + the Pharisees. He told Hyrcanus that Eleazar had cast such a reproach upon + him, according to the common sentiments of all the Pharisees, and that + this would be made manifest if he would but ask them the question, What + punishment they thought this man deserved? for that he might depend upon + it, that the reproach was not laid on him with their approbation, if they + were for punishing him as his crime deserved. So the Pharisees made + answer, that he deserved stripes and bonds, but that it did not seem right + to punish reproaches with death. And indeed the Pharisees, even upon other + occasions, are not apt to be severe in punishments. At this gentle + sentence, Hyrcanus was very angry, and thought that this man reproached + him by their approbation. It was this Jonathan who chiefly irritated him, + and influenced him so far, that he made him leave the party of the + Pharisees, and abolish the decrees they had imposed on the people, and to + punish those that observed them. From this source arose that hatred which + he and his sons met with from the multitude: but of these matters we shall + speak hereafter. What I would now explain is this, that the Pharisees have + delivered to the people a great many observances by succession from their + fathers, which are not written in the laws of Moses; and for that reason + it is that the Sadducees reject them, and say that we are to esteem those + observances to be obligatory which are in the written word, but are not to + observe what are derived from the tradition of our forefathers. And + concerning these things it is that great disputes and differences have + arisen among them, while the Sadducees are able to persuade none but the + rich, and have not the populace obsequious to them, but the Pharisees have + the multitude on their side. But about these two sects, and that of the + Essens, I have treated accurately in the second book of Jewish affairs. + </p> + <p> + 7. But when Hyrcanus had put an end to this sedition, he after that lived + happily, and administered the government in the best manner for thirty-one + years, and then died, <a href="#link13note-30" name="link13noteref-30" + id="link13noteref-30"><small>30</small></a> leaving behind him five sons. + He was esteemed by God worthy of three of the greatest privileges,—the + government of his nation, the dignity of the high priesthood, and + prophecy; for God was with him, and enabled him to know futurities; and to + foretell this in particular, that, as to his two eldest sons, he foretold + that they would not long continue in the government of public affairs; + whose unhappy catastrophe will be worth our description, that we may + thence learn how very much they were inferior to their father's happiness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0011" id="link132HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. How Aristobulus, When He Had Taken The Government First Of All + Put A Diadem On His Head, And Was Most Barbarously Cruel To His Mother And + His Brethren; And How, After He Had Slain Antigonus, He Himself Died. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when their father Hyrcanus was dead, the eldest son Aristobulus, + intending to change the government into a kingdom, for so he resolved to + do, first of all put a diadem on his head, four hundred eighty and one + years and three months after the people had been delivered from the + Babylonish slavery, and were returned to their own country again. This + Aristobulus loved his next brother Antigonus, and treated him as his + equal; but the others he held in bonds. He also cast his mother into + prison, because she disputed the government with him; for Hyrcanus had + left her to be mistress of all. He also proceeded to that degree of + barbarity, as to kill her in prison with hunger; nay, he was alienated + from his brother Antigonus by calumnies, and added him to the rest whom he + slew; yet he seemed to have an affection for him, and made him above the + rest a partner with him in the kingdom. Those calumnies he at first did + not give credit to, partly because he loved him, and so did not give heed + to what was said against him, and partly because he thought the reproaches + were derived from the envy of the relaters. But when Antigonus was once + returned from the army, and that feast was then at hand when they make + tabernacles to [the honor of God,] it happened that Arlstobulus was fallen + sick, and that Antigonus went up most splendidly adorned, and with his + soldiers about him in their armor, to the temple to celebrate the feast, + and to put up many prayers for the recovery of his brother, when some + wicked persons, who had a great mind to raise a difference between the + brethren, made use of this opportunity of the pompous appearance of + Antigonus, and of the great actions which he had done, and went to the + king, and spitefully aggravated the pompous show of his at the feast, and + pretended that all these circumstances were not like those of a private + person; that these actions were indications of an affectation of royal + authority; and that his coming with a strong body of men must be with an + intention to kill him; and that his way of reasoning was this: That it was + a silly thing in him, while it was in his power to reign himself, to look + upon it as a great favor that he was honored with a lower dignity by his + brother. + </p> + <p> + 2. Aristobulus yielded to these imputations, but took care both that his + brother should not suspect him, and that he himself might not run the + hazard of his own safety; so he ordered his guards to lie in a certain + place that was under ground, and dark; [he himself then lying sick in the + tower which was called Antonia;] and he commanded them, that in case + Antigonus came in to him unarmed, they should not touch any body, but if + armed, they should kill him; yet did he send to Antigonus, and desired + that he would come unarmed; but the queen, and those that joined with her + in the plot against Antigonus, persuaded the messenger to tell him the + direct contrary: how his brother had heard that he had made himself a fine + suit of armor for war, and desired him to come to him in that armor, that + he might see how fine it was. So Antigonus suspecting no treachery, but + depending on the good-will of his brother, came to Aristobulus armed, as + he used to be, with his entire armor, in order to show it to him; but when + he was come to a place which was called Strato's Tower, where the passage + happened to be exceeding dark, the guards slew him; which death of his + demonstrates that nothing is stronger than envy and calumny, and that + nothing does more certainly divide the good-will and natural affections of + men than those passions. But here one may take occasion to wonder at one + Judas, who was of the sect of the Essens, <a href="#link13note-31" + name="link13noteref-31" id="link13noteref-31"><small>31</small></a> and + who never missed the truth in his predictions; for this man, when he saw + Antigonus passing by the temple, cried out to his companions and friends, + who abode with him as his scholars, in order to learn the art of + foretelling things to come? "That it was good for him to die now, since he + had spoken falsely about Antigonus, who is still alive, and I see him + passing by, although he had foretold he should die at the place called + Strato's Tower that very day, while yet the place is six hundred furlongs + off, where he had foretold he should be slain; and still this day is a + great part of it already past, so that he was in danger of proving a false + prophet." As he was saying this, and that in a melancholy mood, the news + came that Antigonus was slain in a place under ground, which itself was + called also Strato's Tower, or of the same name with that Cæsarea which is + seated at the sea. This event put the prophet into a great disorder. + </p> + <p> + 3. But Aristobulus repented immediately of this slaughter of his brother; + on which account his disease increased upon him, and he was disturbed in + his mind, upon the guilt of such wickedness, insomuch that his entrails + were corrupted by his intolerable pain, and he vomited blood: at which + time one of the servants that attended upon him, and was carrying his + blood away, did, by Divine Providence, as I cannot but suppose, slip down, + and shed part of his blood at the very place where there were spots of + Antigonus's blood, there slain, still remaining; and when there was a cry + made by the spectators, as if the servant had on purpose shed the blood on + that place, Aristobulus heard it, and inquired what the matter was; and as + they did not answer him, he was the more earnest to know what it was, it + being natural to men to suspect that what is thus concealed is very bad: + so upon his threatening, and forcing them by terrors to speak, they at + length told him the truth; whereupon he shed many tears, in that disorder + of mind which arose from his consciousness of what he had done, and gave a + deep groan, and said, "I am not therefore, I perceive, to be concealed + from God, in the impious and horrid crimes I have been guilty of; but a + sudden punishment is coming upon me for the shedding the blood of my + relations. And now, O thou most impudent body of mine, how long wilt thou + retain a soul that ought to die, in order to appease the ghosts of my + brother and my mother? Why dost thou not give it all up at once? And why + do I deliver up my blood drop by drop to those whom I have so wickedly + murdered?" In saying which last words he died, having reigned a year. He + was called a lover of the Grecians; and had conferred many benefits on his + own country, and made war against Iturea, and added a great part of it to + Judea, and compelled the inhabitants, if they would continue in that + country, to be circumcised, and to live according to the Jewish laws. He + was naturally a man of candor, and of great modesty, as Strabo bears + witness, in the name of Timagenes; who says thus: "This man was a person + of candor, and very serviceable to the Jews; for he added a country to + them, and obtained a part of the nation of the Itureans for them, and + bound them to them by the bond of the circumcision of their genitals." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0012" id="link132HCH0012"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 12. How Alexander When He Had Taken The Government Made An + Expedition Against Ptolemais, And Then Raised The Siege Out Of Fear Of + Ptolemy Lathyrus; And How Ptolemy Made War Against Him, Because He Had + Sent To Cleopatra To Persuade Her To Make War Against Ptolemy, And Yet + Pretended To Be In Friendship With Him, When He Beat The Jews In The + Battle. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Aristobulus was dead, his wife Salome, who, by the Greeks, was + called Alexandra, let his brethren out of prison, [for Aristobulus had + kept them in bonds, as we have said already,] and made Alexander Janneus + king, who was the superior in age and in moderation. This child happened + to be hated by his father as soon as he was born, and could never be + permitted to come into his father's sight till he died. <a + href="#link13note-32" name="link13noteref-32" id="link13noteref-32"><small>32</small></a> + The occasion of which hatred is thus reported: when Hyrcanus chiefly loved + the two eldest of his sons, Antigonus and Aristobulus, God appeared to him + in his sleep, of whom he inquired which of his sons should be his + successor. Upon God's representing to him the countenance of Alexander, he + was grieved that he was to be the heir of all his goods, and suffered him + to be brought up in Galilee, However, God did not deceive Hyrcanus; for + after the death of Aristobulus, he certainly took the kingdom; and one of + his brethren, who affected the kingdom, he slew; and the other, who chose + to live a private and quiet life, he had in esteem. + </p> + <p> + 2. When Alexander Janneus had settled the government in the manner that he + judged best, he made an expedition against Ptolemais; and having overcome + the men in battle, he shut them up in the city, and sat round about it, + and besieged it; for of the maritime cities there remained only Ptolemais + and Gaza to be conquered, besides Strato's Tower and Dora, which were held + by the tyrant Zoilus. Now while Antiochus Philometor, and Antiochus who + was called Cyzicenus, were making war one against another, and destroying + one another's armies, the people of Ptolemais could have no assistance + from them; but when they were distressed with this siege, Zoilus, who + possessed Strato's Tower and Dora, and maintained a legion of soldiers, + and, on occasion of the contest between the kings, affected tyranny + himself, came and brought some small assistance to the people of + Ptolemais; nor indeed had the kings such a friendship for them, as that + they should hope for any advantage from them. Both those kings were in the + case of wrestlers, who finding themselves deficient in strength, and yet + being ashamed to yield, put off the fight by laziness, and by lying still + as long as they can. The only hope they had remaining was from the kings + of Egypt, and from Ptolemy Lathyrus, who now held Cyprus, and who came to + Cyprus when he was driven from the government of Egypt by Cleopatra his + mother. So the people of Ptolemais sent to this Ptolemy Lathyrus, and + desired him to come as a confederate, to deliver them, now they were in + such danger, out of the hands of Alexander. And as the ambassadors gave + him hopes, that if he would pass over into Syria, he would have the people + of Gaza on the side of those of Ptolemais; as also they said, that Zoilus, + and besides these the Sidonians, and many others, would assist them; so he + was elevated at this, and got his fleet ready as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + 3. But in this interval Demenetus, one that was of abilities to persuade + men to do as he would have them, and a leader of the populace, made those + of Ptolemais change their opinions; and said to them, that it was better + to run the hazard of being subject to the Jews, than to admit of evident + slavery by delivering themselves up to a master; and besides that, to have + not only a war at present, but to expect a much greater war from Egypt; + for that Cleopatra would not overlook an army raised by Ptolemy for + himself out of the neighborhood, but would come against them with a great + army of her own, and this because she was laboring to eject her son out of + Cyprus also; that as for Ptolemy, if he fail of his hopes, he can still + retire to Cyprus, but that they will be left in the greatest danger + possible. Now Ptolemy, although he had heard of the change that was made + in the people of Ptolemais, yet did he still go on with his voyage, and + came to the country called Sycamine, and there set his army on shore. This + army of his, in the whole horse and foot together, were about thirty + thousand, with which he marched near to Ptolemais, and there pitched his + camp. But when the people of Ptolemais neither received his ambassadors, + nor would hear what they had to say, he was under a very great concern. + </p> + <p> + 4. But when Zoilus and the people of Gaza came to him, and desired his + assistance, because their country was laid waste by the Jews, and by + Alexander, Alexander raised the siege, for fear of Ptolemy: and when he + had drawn off his army into his own country, he used a stratagem + afterwards, by privately inviting Cleopatra to come against Ptolemy, but + publicly pretending to desire a league of friendship and mutual assistance + with him; and promising to give him four hundred talents of silver, he + desired that, by way of requital, he would take off Zoilus the tyrant, and + give his country to the Jews. And then indeed Ptolemy, with pleasure, made + such a league of friendship with Alexander, and subdued Zoilus; but when + he afterwards heard that he had privily sent to Cleopatra his mother, he + broke the league with him, which yet he had confirmed with an oath, and + fell upon him, and besieged Ptolemais, because it would not receive him. + However, leaving his generals, with some part of his forces, to go on with + the siege, he went himself immediately with the rest to lay Judea waste; + and when Alexander understood this to be Ptolemy's intention, he also got + together about fifty thousand soldiers out of his own country; nay, as + some writers have said, eighty thousand <a href="#link13note-33" + name="link13noteref-33" id="link13noteref-33"><small>33</small></a> He + then took his army, and went to meet Ptolemy; but Ptolemy fell upon + Asochis, a city of Galilee, and took it by force on the sabbath day, and + there he took about ten thousand slaves, and a great deal of other prey. + </p> + <p> + 5. He then tried to take Sepphoris, which was a city not far from that + which was destroyed, but lost many of his men; yet did he then go to fight + with Alexander; which Alexander met him at the river Jordan, near a + certain place called Saphoth, [not far from the river Jordan,] and pitched + his camp near to the enemy. He had however eight thousand in the first + rank, which he styled Hecatontomachi, having shields of brass. Those in + the first rank of Ptolemy's soldiers also had shields covered with brass. + But Ptolemy's soldiers in other respects were inferior to those of + Alexander, and therefore were more fearful of running hazards; but + Philostephanus, the camp-master, put great courage into them, and ordered + them to pass the river, which was between their camps. Nor did Alexander + think fit to hinder their passage over it; for he thought, that if the + enemy had once gotten the river on their back, that he should the easier + take them prisoners, when they could not flee out of the battle: in the + beginning of which, the acts on both sides, with their hands, and with + their alacrity, were alike, and a great slaughter was made by both the + armies; but Alexander was superior, till Philostephanus opportunely + brought up the auxiliaries, to help those that were giving way; but as + there were no auxiliaries to afford help to that part of the Jews that + gave way, it fell out that they fled, and those near them did not assist + them, but fled along with them. However, Ptolemy's soldiers acted quite + otherwise; for they followed the Jews, and killed them, till at length + those that slew them pursued after them when they had made them all run + away, and slew them so long, that their weapons of iron were blunted, and + their hands quite tired with the slaughter; for the report was, that + thirty thousand men were then slain. Timagenes says they were fifty + thousand. As for the rest, they were part of them taken captives, and the + other part ran away to their own country. + </p> + <p> + 6. After this victory, Ptolemy overran all the country; and when night + came on, he abode in certain villages of Judea, which when he found full + of women and children, he commanded his soldiers to strangle them, and to + cut them in pieces, and then to cast them into boiling caldrons, and then + to devour their limbs as sacrifices. This commandment was given, that such + as fled from the battle, and came to them, might suppose their enemies + were cannibals, and eat men's flesh, and might on that account be still + more terrified at them upon such a sight. And both Strabo and Nicholaus + [of Damascus] affirm, that they used these people after this manner, as I + have already related. Ptolemy also took Ptolemais by force, as we have + declared elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0013" id="link132HCH0013"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 13. How Alexander, upon the League of Mutual Defense Which + Cleopatra Had Agreed with Him, Made an Expedition Against Coelesyria, and + Utterly Overthrew the City of Gaza; and How He Slew Many Ten Thousands of + Jews That Rebelled Against Him. + </h3> + <p> + Also Concerning Antiochus Grypus, Seleucus Antiochus Cyzicenus, and + Antiochus Pius, and Others. + </p> + <p> + 1. When Cleopatra saw that her son was grown great, and laid Judea waste, + without disturbance, and had gotten the city of Gaza under his power, she + resolved no longer to overlook what he did, when he was almost at her + gates; and she concluded, that now he was so much stronger than before, he + would be very desirous of the dominion over the Egyptians; but she + immediately marched against him, with a fleet at sea and an army of foot + on land, and made Chelcias and Ananias the Jews generals of her whole + army, while she sent the greatest part of her riches, her grandchildren, + and her testament, to the people of Cos <a href="#link13note-34" + name="link13noteref-34" id="link13noteref-34"><small>34</small></a> + Cleopatra also ordered her son Alexander to sail with a great fleet to + Phoenicia; and when that country had revolted, she came to Ptolemais; and + because the people of Ptolemais did not receive her, she besieged the + city; but Ptolemy went out of Syria, and made haste unto Egypt, supposing + that he should find it destitute of an army, and soon take it, though he + failed of his hopes. At this time Chelcias, one of Cleopatra's generals, + happened to die in Celesyria, as he was in pursuit of Ptolemy. + </p> + <p> + 2. When Cleopatra heard of her son's attempt, and that his Egyptian + expedition did not succeed according to his expectations, she sent thither + part of her army, and drove him out of that country; so when he was + returned out of Egypt again, he abode during the winter at Gaza, in which + time Cleopatra took the garrison that was in Ptolemais by siege, as well + as the city; and when Alexander came to her, he gave her presents, and + such marks of respect as were but proper, since under the miseries he + endured by Ptolemy he had no other refuge but her. Now there were some of + her friends who persuaded her to seize Alexander, and to overrun and take + possession of the country, and not to sit still and see such a multitude + of brave Jews subject to one man. But Ananias's counsel was contrary to + theirs, who said that she would do an unjust action if she deprived a man + that was her ally of that authority which belonged to him, and this a man + who is related to us; "for [said he] I would not have thee ignorant of + this, that what in justice thou dost to him will make all us that are Jews + to be thy enemies." This desire of Ananias Cleopatra complied with, and + did no injury to Alexander, but made a league of mutual assistance with + him at Scythopolis, a city of Celesyria. + </p> + <p> + 3. So when Alexander was delivered from the fear he was in of Ptolemy, he + presently made an expedition against Coelesyria. He also took Gadara, + after a siege of ten months. He took also Areathus, a very strong fortress + belonging to the inhabitants above Jordan, where Theodorus, the son of + Zeno, had his chief treasure, and what he esteemed most precious. This + Zeno fell unexpectedly upon the Jews, and slew ten thousand of them, and + seized upon Alexander's baggage. Yet did not this misfortune terrify + Alexander; but he made an expedition upon the maritime parts of the + country, Raphia and Anthedon, [the name of which king Herod afterwards + changed to Agrippias,] and took even that by force. But when Alexander saw + that Ptolemy was retired from Gaza to Cyprus, and his mother Cleopatra was + returned to Egypt, he grew angry at the people of Gaza, because they had + invited Ptolemy to assist them, and besieged their city, and ravaged their + country. But as Apollodotus, the general of the army of Gaza, fell upon + the camp of the Jews by night, with two thousand foreign and ten thousand + of his own forces, while the night lasted, those of Gaza prevailed, + because the enemy was made to believe that it was Ptolemy who attacked + them; but when day was come on, and that mistake was corrected, and the + Jews knew the truth of the matter, they came back again, and fell upon + those of Gaza, and slew of them about a thousand. But as those of Gaza + stoutly resisted them, and would not yield for either their want of any + thing, nor for the great multitude that were slain, [for they would rather + suffer any hardship whatever than come under the power of their enemies,] + Aretas, king of the Arabians, a person then very illustrious, encouraged + them to go on with alacrity, and promised them that he would come to their + assistance; but it happened that before he came Apollodotus was slain; for + his brother Lysimachus envying him for the great reputation he had gained + among the citizens, slew him, and got the army together, and delivered up + the city to Alexander, who, when he came in at first, lay quiet, but + afterward set his army upon the inhabitants of Gaza, and gave them leave + to punish them; so some went one way, and some went another, and slew the + inhabitants of Gaza; yet were not they of cowardly hearts, but opposed + those that came to slay them, and slew as many of the Jews; and some of + them, when they saw themselves deserted, burnt their own houses, that the + enemy might get none of their spoils; nay, some of them, with their own + hands, slew their children and their wives, having no other way but this + of avoiding slavery for them; but the senators, who were in all five + hundred, fled to Apollo's temple, [for this attack happened to be made as + they were sitting,] whom Alexander slew; and when he had utterly + overthrown their city, he returned to Jerusalem, having spent a year in + that siege. + </p> + <p> + 4. About this very time Antiochus, who was called Grypus, died <a + href="#link13note-35" name="link13noteref-35" id="link13noteref-35"><small>35</small></a> + His death was caused by Heracleon's treachery, when he had lived + forty-five years, and had reigned twenty-nine. <a href="#link13note-36" + name="link13noteref-36" id="link13noteref-36"><small>36</small></a> His + son Seleucus succeeded him in the kingdom, and made war with Antiochus, + his father's brother, who was called Antiochus Cyzicenus, and beat him, + and took him prisoner, and slew him. But after a while Antiochus, the son + of Cyzicenus, who was called Pius, came to Aradus, and put the diadem on + his own head, and made war with Seleucus, and beat him, and drove him out + of all Syria. But when he fled out of Syria, he came to Mopsuestia again, + and levied money upon them; but the people of Mopsuestia had indignation + at what he did, and burnt down his palace, and slew him, together with his + friends. But when Antiochus, the son of Cyzicenus, was king of Syria, + Antiochus, <a href="#link13note-37" name="link13noteref-37" + id="link13noteref-37"><small>37</small></a> the brother of Seleucus, made + war upon him, and was overcome, and destroyed, he and his army. After him, + his brother Philip put on the diadem, and reigned over some part of Syria; + but Ptolemy Lathyrus sent for his fourth brother Demetrius, who was called + Eucerus, from Cnidus, and made him king of Damascus. Both these brothers + did Antiochus vehemently oppose, but presently died; for when he was come + as an auxiliary to Laodice, queen of the Gileadites, <a + href="#link13note-38" name="link13noteref-38" id="link13noteref-38"><small>38</small></a> + when she was making war against the Parthians, and he was fighting + courageously, he fell, while Demetrius and Philip governed Syria, as hath + been elsewhere related. + </p> + <p> + 5. As to Alexander, his own people were seditious against him; for at a + festival which was then celebrated, when he stood upon the altar, and was + going to sacrifice, the nation rose upon him, and pelted him with citrons + [which they then had in their hands, because] the law of the Jews required + that at the feast of tabernacles every one should have branches of the + palm tree and citron tree; which thing we have elsewhere related. They + also reviled him, as derived from a captive, and so unworthy of his + dignity and of sacrificing. At this he was in a rage, and slew of them + about six thousand. He also built a partition-wall of wood round the altar + and the temple, as far as that partition within which it was only lawful + for the priests to enter; and by this means he obstructed the multitude + from coming at him. He also maintained foreigners of Pisidie and Cilicia; + for as to the Syrians, he was at war with them, and so made no use of + them. He also overcame the Arabians, such as the Moabites and Gileadites, + and made them bring tribute. Moreover, he demolished Amathus, while + Theodorus <a href="#link13note-39" name="link13noteref-39" + id="link13noteref-39"><small>39</small></a> durst not fight with him; but + as he had joined battle with Obedas, king of the Arabians, and fell into + an ambush in the places that were rugged and difficult to be traveled + over, he was thrown down into a deep valley, by the multitude of the + camels at Gadurn, a village of Gilead, and hardly escaped with his life. + From thence he fled to Jerusalem, where, besides his other ill success, + the nation insulted him, and he fought against them for six years, and + slew no fewer than fifty thousand of them. And when he desired that they + would desist from their ill-will to him, they hated him so much the more, + on account of what had already happened; and when he had asked them what + he ought to do, they all cried out, that he ought to kill himself. They + also sent to Demetrius Eucerus, and desired him to make a league of mutual + defense with them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0014" id="link132HCH0014"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 14. How Demetrius Eucerus Overcame Alexander And Yet In A Little + Time Retired Out Of The Country For Fear; As Also How Alexander Slew Many + Of The Jews And Thereby Got Clear Of His Troubles. Concerning The Death Of + Demetrius. + </h3> + <p> + 1. So Demetrius came with an army, and took those that invited him, and + pitched his camp near the city Shechem; upon which Alexander, with his six + thousand two hundred mercenaries, and about twenty thousand Jews, who were + of his party, went against Demetrius, who had three thousand horsemen, and + forty thousand footmen. Now there were great endeavors used on both sides,—Demetrius + trying to bring off the mercenaries that were with Alexander, because they + were Greeks, and Alexander trying to bring off the Jews that were with + Demetrius. However, when neither of them could persuade them so to do, + they came to a battle, and Demetrius was the conqueror; in which all + Alexander's mercenaries were killed, when they had given demonstration of + their fidelity and courage. A great number of Demetrius's soldiers were + slain also. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now as Alexander fled to the mountains, six thousand of the Jews + hereupon came together [from Demetrius] to him out of pity at the change + of his fortune; upon which Demetrius was afraid, and retired out of the + country; after which the Jews fought against Alexander, and being beaten, + were slain in great numbers in the several battles which they had; and + when he had shut up the most powerful of them in the city Bethome, he + besieged them therein; and when he had taken the city, and gotten the men + into his power, he brought them to Jerusalem, and did one of the most + barbarous actions in the world to them; for as he was feasting with his + concubines, in the sight of all the city, he ordered about eight hundred + of them to be crucified; and while they were living, he ordered the + throats of their children and wives to be cut before their eyes. This was + indeed by way of revenge for the injuries they had done him; which + punishment yet was of an inhuman nature, though we suppose that he had + been never so much distressed, as indeed he had been, by his wars with + them, for he had by their means come to the last degree of hazard, both of + his life and of his kingdom, while they were not satisfied by themselves + only to fight against him, but introduced foreigners also for the same + purpose; nay, at length they reduced him to that degree of necessity, that + he was forced to deliver back to the king of Arabia the land of Moab and + Gilead, which he had subdued, and the places that were in them, that they + might not join with them in the war against him, as they had done ten + thousand other things that tended to affront and reproach him. However, + this barbarity seems to have been without any necessity, on which account + he bare the name of a Thracian among the Jews <a href="#link13note-40" + name="link13noteref-40" id="link13noteref-40"><small>40</small></a> + whereupon the soldiers that had fought against him, being about eight + thousand in number, ran away by night, and continued fugitives all the + time that Alexander lived; who being now freed from any further + disturbance from them, reigned the rest of his time in the utmost + tranquillity. + </p> + <p> + 3. But when Demetrius was departed out of Judea, he went to Berea, and + besieged his brother Philip, having with him ten thousand footmen, and a + thousand horsemen. However Strato, the tyrant of Berea, the confederate of + Philip, called in Zizon, the ruler of the Arabian tribes, and Mithridates + Sinax, the ruler of the Parthians, who coming with a great number of + forces, and besieging Demetrius in his encampment, into which they had + driven them with their arrows, they compelled those that were with him by + thirst to deliver up themselves. So they took a great many spoils out of + that country, and Demetrius himself, whom they sent to Mithridates, who + was then king of Parthia; but as to those whom they took captives of the + people of Antioch, they restored them to the Antiochinus without any + reward. Now Mithridates, the king of Parthia, had Demetrius in great + honor, till Demetrius ended his life by sickness. So Philip, presently + after the fight was over, came to Antioch, and took it, and reigned over + Syria. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0015" id="link132HCH0015"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 15. How Antiochus, Who Was Called Dionysus, And After Him Aretas + Made Expeditions Into Judea; As Also How Alexander Took Many Cities And + Then Returned To Jerusalem, And After A Sickness Of Three Years Died; And + What Counsel He Gave To Alexandra. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After this, Antiochus, who was called Dionysus, <a href="#link13note-41" + name="link13noteref-41" id="link13noteref-41"><small>41</small></a> and + was Philip's brother, aspired to the dominion, and came to Damascus, and + got the power into his hands, and there he reigned; but as he was making + war against the Arabians, his brother Philip heard of it, and came to + Damascus, where Milesius, who had been left governor of the citadel, and + the Damascens themselves, delivered up the city to him; yet because Philip + was become ungrateful to him, and had bestowed upon him nothing of that in + hopes whereof he had received him into the city, but had a mind to have it + believed that it was rather delivered up out of fear than by the kindness + of Milesius, and because he had not rewarded him as he ought to have done, + he became suspected by him, and so he was obliged to leave Damascus again; + for Milesius caught him marching out into the Hippodrome, and shut him up + in it, and kept Damascus for Antiochus [Eucerus], who hearing how Philip's + affairs stood, came back out of Arabia. He also came immediately, and made + an expedition against Judea, with eight thousand armed footmen, and eight + hundred horsemen. So Alexander, out of fear of his coming, dug a deep + ditch, beginning at Chabarzaba, which is now called Antipatris, to the sea + of Joppa, on which part only his army could be brought against him. He + also raised a wall, and erected wooden towers, and intermediate redoubts, + for one hundred and fifty furlongs in length, and there expected the + coming of Antiochus; but he soon burnt them all, and made his army pass by + that way into Arabia. The Arabian king [Aretas] at first retreated, but + afterward appeared on the sudden with ten thousand horsemen. Antiochus + gave them the meeting, and fought desperately; and indeed when he had + gotten the victory, and was bringing some auxiliaries to that part of his + army that was in distress, he was slain. When Antiochus was fallen, his + army fled to the village Cana, where the greatest part of them perished by + famine. + </p> + <p> + 2. After him <a href="#link13note-42" name="link13noteref-42" + id="link13noteref-42"><small>42</small></a> Arems reigned over Celesyria, + being called to the government by those that held Damascus, by reason of + the hatred they bare to Ptolemy Menneus. He also made thence an expedition + against Judea, and beat Alexander in battle, near a place called Adida; + yet did he, upon certain conditions agreed on between them, retire out of + Judea. + </p> + <p> + 3. But Alexander marched again to the city Dios, and took it; and then + made an expedition against Essa, where was the best part of Zeno's + treasures, and there he encompassed the place with three walls; and when + he had taken the city by fighting, he marched to Golan and Seleucia; and + when he had taken these cities, he, besides them, took that valley which + is called The Valley of Antiochus, as also the fortress of Gamala. He also + accused Demetrius, who was governor of those places, of many crimes, and + turned him out; and after he had spent three years in this war, he + returned to his own country, when the Jews joyfully received him upon this + his good success. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now at this time the Jews were in possession of the following cities + that had belonged to the Syrians, and Idumeans, and Phoenicians: At the + sea-side, Strato's Tower, Apollonia, Joppa, Jamhis, Ashdod, Gaza, + Anthedon, Raphia, and Rhinocolura; in the middle of the country, near to + Idumea, Adorn, and Marissa; near the country of Samaria, Mount Carmel, and + Mount Tabor, Scythopolis, and Gadara; of the country of Gaulonitis, + Seleucia and Gabala; in the country of Moab, Heshbon, and Medaba, Lemba, + and Oronas, Gelithon, Zorn, the valley of the Cilices, and Pollo; which + last they utterly destroyed, because its inhabitants would not bear to + change their religious rites for those peculiar to the Jews. <a + href="#link13note-43" name="link13noteref-43" id="link13noteref-43"><small>43</small></a> + The Jews also possessed others of the principal cities of Syria, which had + been destroyed. + </p> + <p> + 5. After this, king Alexander, although he fell into a distemper by hard + drinking, and had a quartan ague, which held him three years, yet would + not leave off going out with his army, till he was quite spent with the + labors he had undergone, and died in the bounds of Ragaba, a fortress + beyond Jordan. But when his queen saw that he was ready to die, and had no + longer any hopes of surviving, she came to him weeping and lamenting, and + bewailed herself and her sons on the desolate condition they should be + left in; and said to him, "To whom dost thou thus leave me and my + children, who are destitute of all other supports, and this when thou + knowest how much ill-will thy nation bears thee?" But he gave her the + following advice: That she need but follow what he would suggest to her, + in order to retain the kingdom securely, with her children: that she + should conceal his death from the soldiers till she should have taken that + place; after this she should go in triumph, as upon a victory, to + Jerusalem, and put some of her authority into the hands of the Pharisees; + for that they would commend her for the honor she had done them, and would + reconcile the nation to her for he told her they had great authority among + the Jews, both to do hurt to such as they hated, and to bring advantages + to those to whom they were friendly disposed; for that they are then + believed best of all by the multitude when they speak any severe thing + against others, though it be only out of envy at them. And he said that it + was by their means that he had incurred the displeasure of the nation, + whom indeed he had injured. "Do thou, therefore," said he, "when thou art + come to Jerusalem, send for the leading men among them, and show them my + body, and with great appearance of sincerity, give them leave to use it as + they themselves please, whether they will dishonor the dead body by + refusing it burial, as having severely suffered by my means, or whether in + their anger they will offer any other injury to that body. Promise them + also that thou wilt do nothing without them in the affairs of the kingdom. + If thou dost but say this to them, I shall have the honor of a more + glorious Funeral from them than thou couldst have made for me; and when it + is in their power to abuse my dead body, they will do it no injury at all, + and thou wilt rule in safety." <a href="#link13note-44" + name="link13noteref-44" id="link13noteref-44"><small>44</small></a> So + when he had given his wife this advice, he died, after he had reigned + twenty-seven years, and lived fifty years within one. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132HCH0016" id="link132HCH0016"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 16. How Alexandra By Gaining The Good-Will Of The Pharisees, + Retained The Kingdom Nine Years, And Then, Having Done Many Glorious + Actions Died. + </h3> + <p> + 1. So Alexandra, when she had taken the fortress, acted as her husband had + suggested to her, and spake to the Pharisees, and put all things into + their power, both as to the dead body, and as to the affairs of the + kingdom, and thereby pacified their anger against Alexander, and made them + bear goodwill and friendship to him; who then came among the multitude, + and made speeches to them, and laid before them the actions of Alexander, + and told them that they had lost a righteous king; and by the commendation + they gave him, they brought them to grieve, and to be in heaviness for + him, so that he had a funeral more splendid than had any of the kings + before him. Alexander left behind him two sons, Hyrcanus and Aristobulus, + but committed the kingdom to Alexandra. Now, as to these two sons, + Hyrcanus was indeed unable to manage public affairs, and delighted rather + in a quiet life; but the younger, Aristobulus, was an active and a bold + man; and for this woman herself, Alexandra, she was loved by the + multitude, because she seemed displeased at the offenses her husband had + been guilty of. + </p> + <p> + 2. So she made Hyrcanus high priest, because he was the elder, but much + more because he cared not to meddle with politics, and permitted the + Pharisees to do every thing; to whom also she ordered the multitude to be + obedient. She also restored again those practices which the Pharisees had + introduced, according to the traditions of their forefathers, and which + her father-in-law, Hyrcanus, had abrogated. So she had indeed the name of + the regent, but the Pharisees had the authority; for it was they who + restored such as had been banished, and set such as were prisoners at + liberty, and, to say all at once, they differed in nothing from lords. + However, the queen also took care of the affairs of the kingdom, and got + together a great body of mercenary soldiers, and increased her own army to + such a degree, that she became terrible to the neighboring tyrants, and + took hostages of them: and the country was entirely at peace, excepting + the Pharisees; for they disturbed the queen, and desired that she would + kill those who persuaded Alexander to slay the eight hundred men; after + which they cut the throat of one of them, Diogenes; and after him they did + the same to several, one after another, till the men that were the most + potent came into the palace, and Aristobulus with them, for he seemed to + be displeased at what was done; and it appeared openly, that if he had an + opportunity, he would not permit his mother to go on so. These put the + queen in mind what great dangers they had gone through, and great things + they had done, whereby they had demonstrated the firmness of their + fidelity to their master, insomuch that they had received the greatest + marks of favor from him; and they begged of her, that she would not + utterly blast their hopes, as it now happened, that when they had escaped + the hazards that arose from their [open] enemies, they were to be cut off + at home by their [private] enemies, like brute beasts, without any help + whatsoever. They said also, that if their adversaries would be satisfied + with those that had been slain already, they would take what had been done + patiently, on account of their natural love to their governors; but if + they must expect the same for the future also, they implored of her a + dismission from her service; for they could not bear to think of + attempting any method for their deliverance without her, but would rather + die willingly before the palace gate, in case she would not forgive them. + And that it was a great shame, both for themselves and for the queen, that + when they were neglected by her, they should come under the lash of her + husband's enemies; for that Aretas, the Arabian king, and the monarchs, + would give any reward, if they could get such men as foreign auxiliaries, + to whom their very names, before their voices be heard, may perhaps be + terrible; but if they could not obtain this their second request, and if + she had determined to prefer the Pharisees before them, they still + insisted that she would place them every one in her fortresses; for if + some fatal demon hath a constant spite against Alexander's house, they + would be willing to bear their part, and to live in a private station + there. + </p> + <p> + 3. As these men said thus, and called upon Alexander's ghost for + commiseration of those already slain, and those in danger of it, all the + bystanders brake out into tears. But Aristobulus chiefly made manifest + what were his sentiments, and used many reproachful expressions to his + mother, [saying,] "Nay, indeed, the case is this, that they have been + themselves the authors of their own calamities, who have permitted a woman + who, against reason, was mad with ambition, to reign over them, when there + were sons in the flower of their age fitter for it." So Alexandra, not + knowing what to do with any decency, committed the fortresses to them, all + but Hyrcania, and Alexandrium, and Macherus, where her principal treasures + were. After a little while also, she sent her son Aristobulus with an army + to Damascus against Ptolemy, who was called Menneus, who was such a bad + neighbor to the city; but he did nothing considerable there, and so + returned home. + </p> + <p> + 4. About this time news was brought that Tigranes, the king of Armenia, + had made an irruption into Syria with five hundred thousand soldiers, <a + href="#link13note-45" name="link13noteref-45" id="link13noteref-45"><small>45</small></a> + and was coming against Judea. This news, as may well be supposed, + terrified the queen and the nation. Accordingly, they sent him many and + very valuable presents, as also ambassadors, and that as he was besieging + Ptolemais; for Selene the queen, the same that was also called Cleopatra, + ruled then over Syria, who had persuaded the inhabitants to exclude + Tigranes. So the Jewish ambassadors interceded with him, and entreated him + that he would determine nothing that was severe about their queen or + nation. He commended them for the respects they paid him at so great a + distance, and gave them good hopes of his favor. But as soon as Ptolemais + was taken, news came to Tigranes, that Lucullus, in his pursuit of + Mithridates, could not light upon him, who was fled into Iberia, but was + laying waste Armenia, and besieging its cities. Now when Tigranes knew + this, he returned home. + </p> + <p> + 5. After this, when the queen was fallen into a dangerous distemper, + Aristobulus resolved to attempt the seizing of the government; so he stole + away secretly by night, with only one of his servants, and went to the + fortresses, wherein his friends, that were such from the days of his + father, were settled; for as he had been a great while displeased at his + mother's conduct, so he was now much more afraid, lest, upon her death, + their whole family should be under the power of the Pharisees; for he saw + the inability of his brother, who was to succeed in the government; nor + was any one conscious of what he was doing but only his wife, whom he left + at Jerusalem with their children. He first of all came to Agaba, where was + Galestes, one of the potent men before mentioned, and was received by him. + When it was day, the queen perceived that Aristobulus was fled; and for + some time she supposed that his departure was not in order to make any + innovation; but when messengers came one after another with the news that + he had secured the first place, the second place, and all the places, for + as soon as one had begun they all submitted to his disposal, then it was + that the queen and the nation were in the greatest disorder, for they were + aware that it would not be long ere Aristobulus would be able to settle + himself firmly in the government. What they were principally afraid of was + this, that he would inflict punishment upon them for the mad treatment his + house had had from them. So they resolved to take his wife and children + into custody, and keep them in the fortress that was over the temple. <a + href="#link13note-46" name="link13noteref-46" id="link13noteref-46"><small>46</small></a> + Now there was a mighty conflux of people that came to Aristobulus from all + parts, insomuch that he had a kind of royal attendants about him; for in a + little more than fifteen days he got twenty-two strong places, which gave + him the opportunity of raising an army from Libanus and Trachonitis, and + the monarchs; for men are easily led by the greater number, and easily + submit to them. And besides this, that by affording him their assistance, + when he could not expect it, they, as well as he, should have the + advantages that would come by his being king, because they had been the + occasion of his gaining the kingdom. Now the elders of the Jews, and + Hyrcanus with them, went in unto the queen, and desired that she would + give them her sentiments about the present posture of affairs, for that + Aristobulus was in effect lord of almost all the kingdom, by possessing of + so many strong holds, and that it was absurd for them to take any counsel + by themselves, how ill soever she were, whilst she was alive, and that the + danger would be upon them in no long time. But she bid them do what they + thought proper to be done; that they had many circumstances in their favor + still remaining, a nation in good heart, an army, and money in their + several treasuries; for that she had small concern about public affairs + now, when the strength of her body already failed her. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now a little while after she had said this to them, she died, when she + had reigned nine years, and had in all lived seventy-three. A woman she + was who showed no signs of the weakness of her sex, for she was sagacious + to the greatest degree in her ambition of governing; and demonstrated by + her doings at once, that her mind was fit for action, and that sometimes + men themselves show the little understanding they have by the frequent + mistakes they make in point of government; for she always preferred the + present to futurity, and preferred the power of an imperious dominion + above all things, and in comparison of that had no regard to what was + good, or what was right. However, she brought the affairs of her house to + such an unfortunate condition, that she was the occasion of the taking + away that authority from it, and that in no long time afterward, which she + had obtained by a vast number of hazards and misfortunes, and this out of + a desire of what does not belong to a woman, and all by a compliance in + her sentiments with those that bare ill-will to their family, and by + leaving the administration destitute of a proper support of great men; + and, indeed, her management during her administration while she was alive, + was such as filled the palace after her death with calamities and + disturbance. However, although this had been her way of governing, she + preserved the nation in peace. And this is the conclusion of the affairs + of, Alexandra. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132H_FOOT" id="link132H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link13note-1" id="link13note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link13noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ This Alexander Bala, who + certainly pretended to be the son of Antiochus Epiphanes, and was owned + for such by the Jews and Romans, and many others, and yet is by several + historians deemed to be a counterfeit, and of no family at all, is, + however, by Josephus believed to have been the real son of that Antiochus, + and by him always spoken of accordingly. And truly, since the original + contemporary and authentic author of the First Book of Maccabees [10:1: + calls him by his father's name, Epiphanes, and says he was the son of + Antiochus, I suppose the other writers, who are all much later, are not to + be followed against such evidence, though perhaps Epiphanes might have him + by a woman of no family. The king of Egypt also, Philometor, soon gave him + his daughter in marriage, which he would hardly have done, had he believed + him to be a counterfeit, and of so very mean a birth as the later + historians pretend.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-2" id="link13note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link13noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ Since Jonathan plainly + did not put on the pontifical robes till seven or eight years after the + death of his brother Judas, or not till the feast of tabernacles, in the + 160th of the Seleucidm, 1 Macc. 10;21, Petitus's emendation seems here to + deserve consideration, who, instead of "after four years since the death + of his brother Judas," would have us read, "and therefore after eight + years since the death of his brother Judas." This would tolerably well + agree with the date of the Maccabees, and with Josephus's own exact + chronology at the end of the twentieth book of these Antiquities, which + the present text cannot be made to do.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-3" id="link13note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link13noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ Take Grotius's note here: + "The Jews," says he, "were wont to present crowns to the kings [of Syria]; + afterwards that gold which was paid instead of those crowns, or which was + expended in making them, was called the crown gold and crown tax." On 1 + Macc. 10:29.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-4" id="link13note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link13noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ Since the rest of the + historians now extant give this Demetrius thirteen years, and Josephus + only eleven years, Dean Prideaux does not amiss in ascribing to him the + mean number twelve.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-5" id="link13note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link13noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ It seems to me contrary + to the opinion of Josephus, and of the moderns, both Jews and Christians, + that this prophecy of Isaiah, 19:19, etc., "In that day there shall be an + altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt," etc., directly + foretold the building of this temple of Onias in Egypt, and was a + sufficient warrant to the Jews for building it, and for worshipping the + true God, the God of Israel, therein. See Authent. Rec. 11. p. 755. That + God seems to have soon better accepted of the sacrifices and prayers here + offered him than those at Jerusalem, see the note on ch. 10. sect. 7. And + truly the marks of Jewish corruption or interpolation in this text, in + order to discourage their people from approving of the Worship of God + here, are very strong, and highly deserve our consideration and + correction. The foregoing verse in Isaiah runs thus in our common copies, + "In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of + Canaan," [the Hebrew language; shall be full of Jews, whose sacred books + were in Hebrew,] "and swear to the Lord of hosts; one" [or the first] + "shall be called, The City of Destruction," Isaiah 19:18. A strange-name, + "City of Destruction," upon so joyful occasion, and a name never heard of + in the land of Egypt, or perhaps in any other nation. The old reading was + evidently the City of the Sun, or Heliopolis; and Unkelos, in effect, and + Symmachus, with the Arabic version, entirely confess that to be the true + reading. The Septuagint also, though they have the text disguised in the + common copies, and call it Asedek, the City of Righteousness; yet in two + or three other copies the Hebrew word itself for the Sun, Achares, or + Thares, is preserved. And since Onias insists with the king and queen, + that Isaiah's prophecy contained many other predictions relating to this + place besides the words by him recited, it is highly probable that these + were especially meant by him; and that one main reason why he applied this + prediction to himself, and to his prefecture of Heliopolis, which Dean + Prideaux well proves was in that part of Egypt, and why he chose to build + in that prefecture of Heliopolis, though otherwise an improper place, was + this, that the same authority that he had for building this temple in + Egypt, the very same he had for building it in his own prefecture of + Heliopolis also, which he desired to do, and which he did accordingly. + Dean Prideaux has much ado to avoid seeing this corruption of the Hebrew; + but it being in support of his own opinion about this temple, he durst not + see it; and indeed he reasons here in the most injudicious manner + possible. See him at the year 149.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-6" id="link13note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link13noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ A very unfair disputation + this! while the Jewish disputant, knowing that he could not properly prove + out of the Pentateuch, that "the place which the Lord their God shall + choose to place his name there," so often referred to in the Book of + Deuteronomy, was Jerusalem any more than Gerizzim, that being not + determined till the days of David, Antiq. B. VII. ch. 13. sect. 4, proves + only, what the Samaritans did not deny, that the temple at Jerusalem was + much more ancient, and much more celebrated and honored, than that at + Gerizzim, which was nothing to the present purpose. The whole evidence, by + the very oaths of both parties, being, we see, obliged to be confined to + the law of Moses, or to the Pentateuch alone. However, worldly policy and + interest and the multitude prevailing, the court gave sentence, as usual, + on the stronger side, and poor Sabbeus and Theodosius, the Samaritan + disputants, were martyred, and this, so far as appears, without any direct + hearing at all, which is like the usual practice of such political courts + about matters of religion. Our copies say that the body of the Jews were + in a great concern about those men [in the plural] who were to dispute for + their temple at Jerusalem, whereas it seems here they had but one + disputant, Andronicus by name. Perhaps more were prepared to speak on the + Jews' side; but the firstraying answered to his name, and overcome the + Samaritans, there was necessity for any other defender of the Jerusalem + temple.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-7" id="link13note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link13noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ Of the several Apollonius + about these ages, see Dean Prideaux at the year 148. This Apollonius Daus + was, by his account, the son of that Apollonius who had been made governor + of Celesyria and Phoenicia by Seleueus Philopater, and was himself a + confidant of his son Demetrius the father, and restored to his father's + government by him, but afterwards revolted from him to Alexander; but not + to Demetrius the son, as he supposes.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-8" id="link13note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link13noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ Dr. Hudson here observes, + that the Phoenicians and Romans used to reward such as had deserved well + of them, by presenting to them a golden button. See ch. 5. sect. 4.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-9" id="link13note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link13noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ This name, Demetrius + Nicator, or Demetrius the conqueror, is so written on his coins still + extant, as Hudson and Spanheim inform us; the latter of whom gives us here + the entire inscription, "King Demetrius the God, Philadelphus, Nicator."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-10" id="link13note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link13noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ This clause is + otherwise rendered in the First Book of Maccabees, 12:9, "For that we have + the holy books of Scripture in our hands to comfort us." The Hebrew + original being lost, we cannot certainly judge which was the truest + version only the coherence favors Josephus. But if this were the Jews' + meaning, that they were satisfied out of their Bible that the Jews and + Lacedemonians were of kin, that part of their Bible is now lost, for we + find no such assertion in our present copies.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-11" id="link13note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link13noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ Those that suppose + Josephus to contradict himself in his three several accounts of the + notions of the Pharisees, this here, and that earlier one, which is the + largest, Of the War B. II. ch. 8. sect. 14, and that later, Antiq. B. + XVIII. ch. 1. sect. 3, as if he sometimes said they introduced an absolute + fatality, and denied all freedom of human actions, is almost wholly + groundless if he ever, as the very learned Casaubon here truly observes, + asserting, that the Pharisees were between the Essens and Sadducees, and + did so far ascribe all to fate or Divine Providence as was consistent with + the freedom of human actions. However, their perplexed way of talking + about fate, or Providence, as overruling all things, made it commonly + thought they were willing to excuse their sins by ascribing them to fate, + as in the Apostolical Constitutions, B. VI. ch. 6. Perhaps under the same + general name some difference of opinions in this point might be + propagated, as is very common in all parties, especially in points of + metaphysical subtilty. However, our Josephus, who in his heart was a great + admirer of the piety of the Essens, was yet in practice a Pharisee, as he + himself informs us, in his own Life, sect. 2. And his account of this + doctrine of the Pharisees is for certain agreeable to his own opinion, who + ever both fully allowed the freedom of human actions, and yet strongly + believed the powerful interposition of Divine Providence. See concerning + this matter a remarkable clause, Antiq. B. XVI. ch. 11. sect. 7.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-12" id="link13note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link13noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ This king, who was of + the famous race of Arsaces, is bethused to call them; but by the elder + author of the First Maccahere, and 1 Macc. 14:2, called by the family name + Arsaces; was, the king of the Persians and Medes, according to the land + but Appion says his proper name was Phraates. He is language of the + Eastern nations. See Authent. Rec. Part II. also called by Josephus the + king of the Parthians, as the Greeks p. 1108.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-13" id="link13note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link13noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ There is some error in + the copies here, when no more than four years are ascribed to the high + priesthood of Jonathan. We know by Josephus's last Jewish chronology, + Antiq. B. XX. ch. 10., that there was an interval of seven years between + the death of Alcimus, or Jacimus, the last high priest, and the real high + priesthood of Jonathan, to whom yet those seven years seem here to be + ascribed, as a part of them were to Judas before, Antiq. B. XII. ch. 10. + sect. 6. Now since, besides these seven years interregnum in the + pontificate, we are told, Antiq. B. XX. ch. 10., that Jonathan's real high + priesthood lasted seven years more, these two seven years will make up + fourteen years, which I suppose was Josephus's own number in this place, + instead of the four in our present copies.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-14" id="link13note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link13noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ These one hundred and + seventy years of the Assyrians mean no more, as Josephus explains himself + here, than from the sara of Seleucus, which as it is known to have began + on the 312th year before the Christian sara, from its spring in the First + Book of Maccabees, and from its autumn in the Second Book of Maccabees, so + did it not begin at Babylon till the next spring, on the 311th year. See + Prid. at the year 312. And it is truly observed by Dr. Hudson on this + place, that the Syrians and Assyrians are sometimes confounded in ancient + authors, according to the words of Justin, the epitomiser of + Trogus-pompeius, who says that "the Assyrians were afterward called + Syrian." B. I. ch. 11. See Of the War, B. V. ch. 9. sect. 4, where the + Philistines themselves, at the very south limit of Syria, in its utmost + extent, are called Assyrians by Josephus as Spanheim observes.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-15" id="link13note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link13noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ It must here be + diligently noted, that Josephus's copy of the First Book of Maccabees, + which he had so carefully followed, and faithfully abridged, as far as the + fiftieth verse of the thirteenth chapter, seems there to have ended. What + few things there are afterward common to both, might probably be learned + by him from some other more imperfect records. However, we must exactly + observe here, what the remaining part of that book of the Maccabees + informs us of, and what Josephus would never have omitted, had his copy + contained so much, that this Simon the Great, the Maccabee, made a league + with Antiochus Soter, the son of Demetrius Soter, and brother of the other + Demetrius, who was now a captive in Parthia: that upon his coming to the + crown, about the 140th year before the Christian sets, he granted great + privileges to the Jewish nation, and to Simon their high priest and + ethnarch; which privileges Simon seems to have taken of his own accord + about three years before. In particular, he gave him leave to coin money + for his country with his own stamp; and as concerning Jerusalem and the + sanctuary, that they should be free, or, as the vulgar Latin hath it, + "holy and free," 1 Macc. 15:6, 7, which I take to be the truer reading, as + being the very words of his father's concession offered to Jonathan + several years before, ch. 10:31; and Antiq. B, XIII. ch. 2. sect. 3. Now + what makes this date and these grants greatly remarkable, is the state of + the remaining genuine shekels of the Jews with Samaritan characters, which + seem to have been [most of them at least] coined in the first four years + of this Simon the Asamonean, and having upon them these words on one side, + "Jerusalem the Holy;" and on the reverse, "In the Year of Freedom," 1, or + 2, or 3, or 4; which shekels therefore are original monuments of these + times, and undeniable marks of the truth of the history in these chapters, + though it be in great measure omitted by Josephus. See Essay on the Old + Test. p. 157, 158. The reason why I rather suppose that his copy of the + Maccabees wanted these chapters, than that his own copies are here + imperfect, is this, that all their contents are not here omitted, though + much the greatest part be.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-16" id="link13note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link13noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ How Trypho killed this + Antiochus the epitome of Livy informs us, ch. 53, viz. that he corrupted + his physicians or surgeons, who falsely pretending to the people that he + was perishing with the stone, as they cut him for it, killed him, which + exactly agrees with Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-17" id="link13note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link13noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ That this Antiochus, + the son of Alexander Balas, was called "The God," is evident from his + coins, which Spanheim assures us bear this inscription, "King Antiochus + the God, Epiphanes the Victorious."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-18" id="link13note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link13noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ Here Josephus begins to + follow and to abridge the next sacred Hebrew book, styled in the end of + the First Book of Maccabees, "The Chronicle of John [Hyrcanus's] high + priesthood;" but in some of the Greek copies," The Fourth Book of + Maccabees." A Greek version of this chronicle was extant not very long ago + in the days of Sautes Pagninus, and Sixtus Senensis, at Lyons, though it + seems to have been there burnt, and to be utterly lost. See Sixtus + Senensis's account of it, of its many Hebraisms, and its great agreement + with Josephus's abridgement, in the Authent. Rec. Part I. p. 206, 207, + 208.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-19" id="link13note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link13noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ Hence we learn, that in + the days of this excellent high priest, John Hyrcanus, the observation of + the Sabbatic year, as Josephus supposed, required a rest from war, as did + that of the weekly sabbath from work; I mean this, unless in the case of + necessity, when the Jews were attacked by their enemies, in which case + indeed, and in which alone, they then allowed defensive fighting to be + lawful, even on the sabbath day, as we see in several places of Josephus, + Antlq. B. XII. ch. 6. sect. 2; B. XIII. ch. 1. sect. 2; Of the War, B. I. + ch. 7. sect. 3. But then it must be noted, that this rest from war no way + appears in the First Book of Maccabees, ch. 16., but the direct contrary; + though indeed the Jews, in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes, did not + venture upon fighting on the Sabbath day, even in the defense of their own + lives, till the Asamoneans or Maccabees decreed so to do, 1 Macc. 2:32-41; + Antiq. B. XII. ch. 6. sect. 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-20" id="link13note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link13noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus's copies, both + Greek and Latin, have here a gross mistake, when they say that this first + year of John Hyrcanus, which we have just now seen to have been a Sabbatic + year, was in the 162nd olympiad, whereas it was for certain the second + year of the 161st. See the like before, B. XII. ch. 7. sect. 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-21" id="link13note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link13noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ This heliacal setting + of the Pleiades, or seven stars, was, in the days of Hyrcanus and + Josephus, early in the spring, about February, the time of the latter rain + in Judea; and this, so far as I remember, is the only astronomical + character of time, besides one eclipse of the moon in the reign of Herod, + that we meet with in all Josephus; the Jews being little accustomed to + astronomical observations, any further than for the uses of their + calendar, and utterly forbidden those astrological uses which the heathens + commonly made of them.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-22" id="link13note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link13noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ Dr. Hudson tells us + here, that this custom of gilding the horns of those oxen that were to be + sacrificed is a known thing both in the poets and orators.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-23" id="link13note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link13noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ This account in + Josephus, that the present Antiochus was persuaded, though in vain, not to + make peace with the Jews, but to cut them off utterly, is fully confirmed + by Diodorus Siculus, in Photiua's extracts out of his 34th Book.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-24" id="link13note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link13noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ The Jews were not to + march or journey on the sabbath, or on such a great festival as was + equivalent to the sabbath, any farther than a sabbath day's journey, or + two thousand cubits, see the note on Antiq. B. XX. ch. 8. sect. 6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-25" id="link13note-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#link13noteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ This account of the + Idumeans admitting circumcision, and the entire Jewish law, from this + time, or from the days of Hyrcanus, is confirmed by their entire history + afterward. See Antiq. B. XIV. ch. 8. sect. 1; B. XV. ch. 7. sect. 9. Of + the War, B. II. ch. 3. sect. 1; B. IV. ch. 4. sect. 5. This, in the + opinion of Josephus, made them proselytes of justice, or entire Jews, as + here and elsewhere, Antiq. B. XIV. ch. 8. sect. 1. However, Antigonus, the + enemy of Herod, though Herod were derived from such a proselyte of justice + for several generations, will allow him to be no more than a half Jew, B. + XV. ch. 15. sect. 2. But still, take out of Dean Prideaux, at the year + 129, the words of Ammouius, a grammarian, which fully confirm this account + of the Idumeans in Josephus: "The Jews," says he, are such by nature, and + from the beginning, whilst the Idumeans were not Jews from the beginning, + but Phoenicians and Syrians; but being afterward subdued by the Jews, and + compelled to be circumcised, and to unite into one nation, and be subject + to the same laws, they were called Jews." Dio also says, as the Dean there + quotes him, from Book XXXVI. p. 37, "That country is called Judea, and the + people Jews; and this name is given also to as many others as embrace + their religion, though of other nations." But then upon what foundation so + good a governor as Hyrcanus took upon him to compel those Idumeans either + to become Jews, or to leave the country, deserves great consideration. I + suppose it was because they had long ago been driven out of the land of + Edom, and had seized on and possessed the tribe of Simeon, and all the + southern parts of the tribe of Judah, which was the peculiar inheritance + of the worshippers of the true God without idolatry, as the reader may + learn from Reland, Palestine, Part I. p. 154, 305; and from Prideaux, at + the years 140 and 165.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-26" id="link13note-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#link13noteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ In this decree of the + Roman senate, it seems that these ambassadors were sent from the "people + of the Jews," as well as from their prince or high priest, John Hyrcanus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-27" id="link13note-27"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#link13noteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ Dean Prideaux takes + notice at the year 130, that Justin, in agreement with Josephus, says, + "The power of the Jews was now grown so great, that after this Antiochus + they would not bear any Macedonian king over them; and that they set up a + government of their own, and infested Syria with great wars."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-28" id="link13note-28"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#link13noteref-28">return</a>)<br /> [ The original of the + Sadducees, as a considerable party among the Jews, being contained in this + and the two following sections, take Dean Prideaux's note upon this their + first public appearance, which I suppose to be true: "Hyrcanus," says be, + "went over to the party of the Sadducees; that is, by embracing their + doctrine against the traditions of the eiders, added to the written law, + and made of equal authority with it, but not their doctrine against the + resurrection and a future state; for this cannot be supposed of so good + and righteous a man as John Hyrcanus is said to be. It is most probable, + that at this time the Sadducees had gone no further in the doctrines of + that sect than to deny all their unwritten traditions, which the Pharisees + were so fond of; for Josephus mentions no other difference at this time + between them; neither doth he say that Hyrcanna went over to the Sadducees + in any other particular than in the abolishing of all the traditionary + constitutions of the Pharisees, which our Savior condemned as well as + they." [At the year.]] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-29" id="link13note-29"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#link13noteref-29">return</a>)<br /> [ This slander, that + arose from a Pharisee, has been preserved by their successors the Rabbins + to these later ages; for Dr. Hudson assures us that David Gantz, in his + Chronology, S. Pr. p. 77, in Vorstius's version, relates that Hyrcanus's + mother was taken captive in Mount Modinth. See ch. 13. sect. 5.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-30" id="link13note-30"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 30 (<a href="#link13noteref-30">return</a>)<br /> [ Here ends the high + priesthood, and the life of this excellent person John Hyrcanus, and + together with him the holy theocracy, or Divine government of the Jewish + nation, and its concomitant oracle by Urim. Now follows the profane and + tyrannical Jewish monarchy, first of the Asamoneans or Maccabees, and then + of Herod the Great, the Idumean, till the coming of the Messiah. See the + note on Antiq. B. III. ch. 8. sect. 9. Hear Strabo's testimony on this + occasion, B. XVI. p. 761, 762: "Those," says he, "that succeeded Moses + continued for some time in earnest, both in righteous actions and in + piety; but after a while there were others that took upon them the high + priesthood, at first superstitious and afterward tyrannical persons. Such + a prophet was Moses and those that succeeded him, beginning in a way not + to be blamed, but changing for the worse. And when it openly appeared that + the government was become tyrannical, Alexander was the first that set up + himself for a king instead of a priest; and his sons were Hyrcanus and + Aristobulus." All in agreement with Josephus, excepting this, that Strabo + omits the first king, Aristobulus, who reigning but a single year, seems + hardly to have come to his knowledge. Nor indeed does Aristobulus, the son + of Alexander, pretend that the name of king was taken before his father + Alexander took it himself, Antiq. B. XIV. ch. 3. sect. 2. See also ch. 12. + sect. l, which favor Strabo also. And indeed, if we may judge from the + very different characters of the Egyptian Jews under high priests, and of + the Palestine Jews under kings, in the two next centuries, we may well + suppose that the Divine Shechinah was removed into Egypt, and that the + worshippers at the temple of Onias were better men than those at the + temple of Jerusalem.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-31" id="link13note-31"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 31 (<a href="#link13noteref-31">return</a>)<br /> [ Hence we learn that the + Essens pretended to have ruled whereby men might foretell things to come, + and that this Judas the Essen taught those rules to his scholars; but + whether their pretense were of an astrological or magical nature, which + yet in such religious Jews, who were utterly forbidden such arts, is no + way probable, or to any Bath Col, spoken of by the later Rabbins, or + otherwise, I cannot tell. See Of the War, B. II. ch. 8. sect. 12.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-32" id="link13note-32"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 32 (<a href="#link13noteref-32">return</a>)<br /> [ The reason why Hyrcanus + suffered not this son of his whom he did not love to come into Judea, but + ordered him to be brought up in Galilee, is suggested by Dr. Hudson, that + Galilee was not esteemed so happy and well cultivated a country as Judea, + Matthew 26:73; John 7:52; Acts 2:7, although another obvious reason occurs + also, that he was out of his sight in Galilee than he would have been in + Judea.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-33" id="link13note-33"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 33 (<a href="#link13noteref-33">return</a>)<br /> [ From these, and other + occasional expressions, dropped by Josephus, we may learn, that where the + sacred hooks of the Jews were deficient, he had several other histories + then extant, [but now most of them lost,] which he faithfully followed in + his own history; nor indeed have we any other records of those times, + relating to Judea, that can be compared to these accounts of Josephus, + though when we do meet with authentic fragments of such original records, + they almost always confirm his history.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-34" id="link13note-34"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 34 (<a href="#link13noteref-34">return</a>)<br /> [ This city, or island, + Cos, is not that remote island in the Aegean Sea, famous for the birth of + the great Hippocrates, but a city or island of the same name adjoining to + Egypt, mentioned both by Stephanus and Ptolemy, as Dr. Mizon informs us. + Of which Cos, and the treasures there laid up by Cleopatra and the Jews, + see Antiq. B. XIV. ch. 7, sect. 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-35" id="link13note-35"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 35 (<a href="#link13noteref-35">return</a>)<br /> [ This account of the + death of Antiochus Grypus is confirmed by Appion, Syriac. p. 132, here + cited by Spanheim.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-36" id="link13note-36"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 36 (<a href="#link13noteref-36">return</a>)<br /> [ Porphyry says that this + Antiochus Grypus reigned but twenty-six years, as Dr. Hudson observes. The + copies of Josephus, both Greek and Latin, have here so grossly false a + reading, Antiochus and Antoninus, or Antonius Plus, for Antiochus Pius, + that the editors are forced to correct the text from the other historians, + who all agree that this king's name was nothing more than Antiochus Plus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-37" id="link13note-37"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 37 (<a href="#link13noteref-37">return</a>)<br /> [ These two brothers, + Antiochus and Philippus are called twins by Porphyry; the fourth brother + was king of Damascus: both which are the observations of Spanheim.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-38" id="link13note-38"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 38 (<a href="#link13noteref-38">return</a>)<br /> [ This Laodicea was a + city of Gilead beyond Jordan. However, Porphyry says that this Antiochus + Pius did not die in this battle; but, running away, was drowned in the + river Orontes. Appian says that he, was deprived of the kingdom of Syria + by Tigranes; but Porphyry makes this Laodice queen of the Calamans;-all + which is noted by Spanheim. In such confusion of the later historians, we + have no reason to prefer any of them before Josephus, who had more + original ones before him. This reproach upon Alexander, that he was sprung + from a captive, seems only the repetition of the old Pharisaical calumny + upon his father, ch. 10. sect. 5.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-39" id="link13note-39"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 39 (<a href="#link13noteref-39">return</a>)<br /> [ This Theodorus was the + son of Zeno, and was in possession of Areathus, as we learn from sect. 3 + foregoing.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-40" id="link13note-40"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 40 (<a href="#link13noteref-40">return</a>)<br /> [ This name Thracida, + which the Jews gave Alexander, must, by the coherence, denote as barbarous + as a Thracian, or somewhat like it; but what it properly signifies is not + known.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-41" id="link13note-41"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 41 (<a href="#link13noteref-41">return</a>)<br /> [ Spanheim takes notice + that this Antiochus Dionysus [the brother of Philip, and of Demetrius + Eucerus, and of two others] was the fifth son of Antiochus Grypus; and + that he is styled on the coins, "Antiochus, Epiphanes, Dionysus."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-42" id="link13note-42"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 42 (<a href="#link13noteref-42">return</a>)<br /> [ This Aretas was the + first king of the Arabians who took Damascus, and reigned there; which + name became afterwards common to such Arabian kings, both at Petra and at + Damascus, as we learn from Josephus in many places; and from St. Paul, 2 + Corinthians 11:32. See the note on Antiq. B. XVI. ch. 9. sect. 4.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-43" id="link13note-43"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 43 (<a href="#link13noteref-43">return</a>)<br /> [ We may here and + elsewhere take notice, that whatever countries or cities the Asamoneans + conquered from any of the neighboring nations, or whatever countries or + cities they gained from them that had not belonged to them before, they, + after the days of Hyrcanus, compelled the inhabitants to leave their + idolatry, and entirely to receive the law of Moses, as proselytes of + justice, or else banished them into other lands. That excellent prince, + John Hyrcanus, did it to the Idumeans, as I have noted on ch. 9. sect. 1, + already, who lived then in the Promised Land, and this I suppose justly; + but by what right the rest did it, even to the countries or cities that + were no part of that land, I do not at all know. This looks too like + unjust persecution for religion.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-44" id="link13note-44"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 44 (<a href="#link13noteref-44">return</a>)<br /> [ It seems, by this dying + advice of Alexander Janneus to his wife, that he had himself pursued the + measures of his father Hyrcanus and taken part with the Sadducees, who + kept close to the written law, against the Pharisees, who had introduced + their own traditions, ch. 16. sect. 2; and that he now saw a political + necessity of submitting to the Pharisees and their traditions hereafter, + if his widow and family minded to retain their monarchical government or + tyranny over the Jewish nation; which sect yet, thus supported, were at + last in a great measure the ruin of the religion, government, and nation + of the Jews, and brought them into so wicked a state, that the vengeance + of God came upon them to their utter excision. Just thus did Caiaphas + politically advise the Jewish sanhedrim, John 11:50, "That it was + expedient for them that one man should die for the people, and that the + whole nation perish not;" and this in consequence of their own political + supposal, ver. 48, that, "If they let Jesus alone," with his miracles, + "all men would believe on him, and the Romans would come and take away + both their place and nation." Which political crucifixion of Jesus of + Nazareth brought down the vengeance of God upon them, and occasioned those + very Romans, of whom they seemed so much afraid, that to prevent it they + put him to death, actually to "come and take away both their place and + nation" within thirty-eight years afterwards. I heartily wish the + politicians of Christendom would consider these and the like examples, and + no longer sacrifice all virtue and religion to their pernicious schemes of + government, to the bringing down the judgments of God upon themselves, and + the several nations intrusted to their care. But this is a digression. I + wish it were an unseasonable one also. Josephus himself several times + makes such digressions, and I here venture to follow him. See one of them + at the conclusion of the very next chapter.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-45" id="link13note-45"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 45 (<a href="#link13noteref-45">return</a>)<br /> [ The number of five + hundred thousand or even three hundred thousand, as one Greek copy, with + the Latin copies, have it, for Tigranes's army, that came out of Armenia + into Syria and Judea, seems much too large. We have had already several + such extravagant numbers in Josephus's present copies, which are not to be + at all ascribed to him. Accordingly, I incline to Dr. Hudson's emendation + here, which supposes them but forty thousand.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13note-46" id="link13note-46"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 46 (<a href="#link13noteref-46">return</a>)<br /> [ This fortress, castle, + citadel, or tower, whither the wife and children of Aristobulus were new + sent, and which overlooked the temple, could be no other than what + Hyrcanus I. built, [Antiq. B. XVIII ch. 4. sect. 3,] and Herod the Great + rebuilt, and called the "Tower of Antonia," Aatiq. B. XV. ch. 11. sect. + 5.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link142H_4_0001" id="link142H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK XIV. Containing The Interval Of Thirty-Two Years.—From The + Death Of Queen Alexandra To The Death Of Antigonus.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0001" id="link142HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. The War Between Aristobulus And Hyrcanus About The Kingdom; And + How They Made Anagreement That Aristobulus Should Be King, And Hyrcanus + Live A Private Life; As Also How Hyrcanus A Little Afterward Was Persuaded + By Antipater To Fly To Aretas. + </h3> + <p> + 1. We have related the affairs of queen Alexandra, and her death, in the + foregoing book and will now speak of what followed, and was connected with + those histories; declaring, before we proceed, that we have nothing so + much at heart as this, that we may omit no facts, either through ignorance + or laziness; <a href="#link14note-1" name="link14noteref-1" + id="link14noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> for we are upon the history and + explication of such things as the greatest part are unacquainted withal, + because of their distance from our times; and we aim to do it with a + proper beauty of style, so far as that is derived from proper words + harmonically disposed, and from such ornaments of speech also as may + contribute to the pleasure of our readers, that they may entertain the + knowledge of what we write with some agreeable satisfaction and pleasure. + But the principal scope that authors ought to aim at above all the rest, + is to speak accurately, and to speak truly, for the satisfaction of those + that are otherwise unacquainted with such transactions, and obliged to + believe what these writers inform them of. + </p> + <p> + 2. Hyrcanus then began his high priesthood on the third year of the + hundred and seventy-seventh olympiad, when Quintus Hortensius and Quintus + Metellus, who was called Metellus of Crete, were consuls at Rome; when + presently Aristobulus began to make war against him; and as it came to a + battle with Hyrcanus at Jericho, many of his soldiers deserted him, and + went over to his brother; upon which Hyrcanus fled into the citadel, where + Aristobulus's wife and children were imprisoned by their mother, as we + have said already, and attacked and overcame those his adversaries that + had fled thither, and lay within the walls of the temple. So when he had + sent a message to his brother about agreeing the matters between them, he + laid aside his enmity to him on these conditions, that Aristobulus should + be king, that he should live without intermeddling with public affairs, + and quietly enjoy the estate he had acquired. When they had agreed upon + these terms in the temple, and had confirmed the agreement with oaths, and + the giving one another their right hands, and embracing one another in the + sight of the whole multitude, they departed; the one, Aristobulus, to the + palace; and Hyrcanus, as a private man, to the former house of + Aristobulus. + </p> + <p> + 3. But there was a certain friend of Hyrcanus, an Idumean, called + Antipater, who was very rich, and in his nature an active and a seditious + man; who was at enmity with Aristobulus, and had differences with him on + account of his good-will to Hyrcanus. It is true that Nicolaus of + Damascus says, that Antipater was of the stock of the principal Jews who + came out of Babylon into Judea; but that assertion of his was to gratify + Herod, who was his son, and who, by certain revolutions of fortune, came + afterward to be king of the Jews, whose history we shall give you in its + proper place hereafter. However, this Antipater was at first called + Antipas, <a href="#link14note-2" name="link14noteref-2" + id="link14noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> and that was his father's name + also; of whom they relate this: That king Alexander and his wife made him + general of all Idumea, and that he made a league of friendship with those + Arabians, and Gazites, and Ascalonites, that were of his own party, and + had, by many and large presents, made them his fast friends. But now this + younger Antipater was suspicious of the power of Aristobulus, and was + afraid of some mischief he might do him, because of his hatred to him; so + he stirred up the most powerful of the Jews, and talked against him to + them privately; and said that it was unjust to overlook the conduct of + Aristobulus, who had gotten the government unrighteously, and ejected his + brother out of it, who was the elder, and ought to retain what belonged to + him by prerogative of his birth. And the same speeches he perpetually made + to Hyrcanus; and told him that his own life would be in danger, unless he + guarded himself, and got shut of Aristobulus; for he said that the friends + of Aristobulus omitted no opportunity of advising him to kill him, as + being then, and not before, sure to retain his principality. Hyrcanus gave + no credit to these words of his, as being of a gentle disposition, and one + that did not easily admit of calumnies against other men. This temper of + his not disposing him to meddle with public affairs, and want of spirit, + occasioned him to appear to spectators to be degenerous and unmanly; + while. Aristobulus was of a contrary temper, an active man, and one of a + great and generous soul. + </p> + <p> + 4. Since therefore Antipater saw that Hyrcanus did not attend to what he + said, he never ceased, day by day, to charge reigned crimes upon + Aristobulus, and to calumniate him before him, as if he had a mind to kill + him; and so, by urging him perpetually, he advised him, and persuaded him + to fly to Aretas, the king of Arabia; and promised, that if he would + comply with his advice, he would also himself assist him and go with him. + When Hyrcanus heard this, he said that it was for his advantage to fly + away to Aretas. Now Arabia is a country that borders upon Judea. However, + Hyrcanus sent Antipater first to the king of Arabia, in order to receive + assurances from him, that when he should come in the manner of a + supplicant to him, he would not deliver him up to his enemies. So + Antipater having received such assurances, returned to Hyrcanus to + Jerusalem. A while afterward he took Hyrcanus, and stole out of the city + by night, and went a great journey, and came and brought him to the city + called Petra, where the palace of Aretas was; and as he was a very + familiar friend of that king, he persuaded him to bring back Hyrcanus into + Judea, and this persuasion he continued every day without any + intermission. He also proposed to make him presents on that account. At + length he prevailed with Aretas in his suit. Moreover, Hyrcanus promised + him, that when he had been brought thither, and had received his kingdom, + he would restore that country, and those twelve cities which his father + Alexander had taken from the Arabians, which were these, Medaba, Naballo, + Libias, Tharabasa, Agala, Athone, Zoar, Orone, Marissa, Rudda, Lussa, and + Oruba. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0002" id="link142HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. How Aretas And Hyrcanus Made An Expedition Against Aristobulus + And Besieged Jerusalem; And How Scaurus The Roman General Raised The + Siege. Concerning The Death Of Onias. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After these promises had been given to Aretas, he made an expedition + against Aristobulus with an army of fifty thousand horse and foot, and + beat him in the battle. And when after that victory many went over to + Hyrcanus as deserters, Aristobulus was left desolate, and fled to + Jerusalem; upon which the king of Arabia took all his army, and made an + assault upon the temple, and besieged Aristobulus therein, the people + still supporting Hyrcanus, and assisting him in the siege, while none but + the priests continued with Aristobulus. So Aretas united the forces of the + Arabians and of the Jews together, and pressed on the siege vigorously. As + this happened at the time when the feast of unleavened bread was + celebrated, which we call the passover, the principal men among the Jews + left the country, and fled into Egypt. Now there was one, whose name was + Onias, a righteous man he was, and beloved of God, who, in a certain + drought, had prayed to God to put an end to the intense heat, and whose + prayers God had heard, and had sent them rain. This man had hid himself, + because he saw that this sedition would last a great while. However, they + brought him to the Jewish camp, and desired, that as by his prayers he had + once put an end to the drought, so he would in like manner make + imprecations on Aristobulus and those of his faction. And when, upon his + refusal, and the excuses that he made, he was still by the multitude + compelled to speak, he stood up in the midst of them, and said, "O God, + the King of the whole world! since those that stand now with me are thy + people, and those that are besieged are also thy priests, I beseech thee, + that thou wilt neither hearken to the prayers of those against these, nor + bring to effect what these pray against those." Whereupon such wicked Jews + as stood about him, as soon as he had made this prayer, stoned him to + death. + </p> + <p> + 2. But God punished them immediately for this their barbarity, and took + vengeance of them for the murder of Onias, in the manner following: While + the priests and Aristobulus were besieged, it happened that the feast + called the passover was come, at which it is our custom to offer a great + number of sacrifices to God; but those that were with Aristobulus wanted + sacrifices, and desired that their countrymen without would furnish them + with such sacrifices, and assured them they should have as much money for + them as they should desire; and when they required them to pay a thousand + drachmae for each head of cattle, Aristobulus and the priests willingly + undertook to pay for them accordingly, and those within let down the money + over the walls, and gave it them. But when the others had received it, + they did not deliver the sacrifices, but arrived at that height of + wickedness as to break the assurances they had given, and to be guilty of + impiety towards God, by not furnishing those that wanted them with + sacrifices. And when the priests found they had been cheated, and that the + agreements they had made were violated, they prayed to God that he would + avenge them on their countrymen. Nor did he delay that their punishment, + but sent a strong and vehement storm of wind, that destroyed the fruits of + the whole country, till a modius of wheat was then bought for eleven + drachmae. + </p> + <p> + 3. In the mean time Pompey sent Scaurus into Syria, while he was himself + in Armenia, and making war with Tigranes; but when Scaurus was come to + Damascus, and found that Lollins and Metellus had newly taken the city, he + came himself hastily into Judea. And when he was come thither, ambassadors + came to him, both from Aristobulus and Hyrcanus, and both desired he would + assist them. And when both of them promised to give him money, Aristobulus + four hundred talents, and Hyrcanus no less, he accepted of Aristobulus's + promise, for he was rich, and had a great soul, and desired to obtain + nothing but what was moderate; whereas the other was poor, and tenacious, + and made incredible promises in hopes of greater advantages; for it was + not the same thing to take a city that was exceeding strong and powerful, + as it was to eject out of the country some fugitives, with a greater + number of Mabateans, who were no very warlike people. He therefore made an + agreement with Aristobulus, for the reasons before mentioned, and took his + money, and raised the siege, and ordered Aretas to depart, or else he + should be declared an enemy to the Romans. So Scaurus returned to Damascus + again; and Aristobulus, with a great army, made war with Aretas and + Hyrcanus, and fought them at a place called Papyron, and beat them in the + battle, and slew about six thousand of the enemy, with whom fell Phalion + also, the brother of Antipater. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0003" id="link142HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. How Aristobulus And Hyrcanus Came To Pompey In Order To Argue + Who Ought To Have The Kingdom; And How Upon The Plight Of Aristobulus To + The Fortress Alexandrium Pompey Led His Army Against Him And Ordered Him + To Deliver Up The Fortresses Whereof He Was Possessed. + </h3> + <p> + 1. A Little afterward Pompey came to Damascus, and marched over Celesyria; + at which time there came ambassadors to him from all Syria, and Egypt, and + out of Judea also, for Aristobulus had sent him a great present, which was + a golden vine <a href="#link14note-3" name="link14noteref-3" + id="link14noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> of the value of five hundred + talents. Now Strabo of Cappadocia mentions this present in these words: + "There came also an embassage out of Egypt, and a crown of the value of + four thousand pieces of gold; and out of Judea there came another, whether + you call it a vine or a garden; they call the thing Terpole, the Delight. + However, we ourselves saw that present reposited at Rome, in the temple of + Jupiter Capitolinus, with this inscription, 'The gift of Alexander, the + king of the Jews.' It was valued at five hundred talents; and the report + is, that Aristobulus, the governor of the Jews, sent it." + </p> + <p> + 2. In a little time afterward came ambassadors again to him, Antipater + from Hyrcanus, and Nicodemus from Aristobulus; which last also accused + such as had taken bribes; first Gabinius, and then Scaurus,—the one + three hundred talents, and the other four hundred; by which procedure he + made these two his enemies, besides those he had before. And when Pompey + had ordered those that had controversies one with another to come to him + in the beginning of the spring, he brought his army out of their winter + quarters, and marched into the country of Damascus; and as he went along + he demolished the citadel that was at Apamia, which Antiochus Cyzicenus + had built, and took cognizance of the country of Ptolemy Menneus, a wicked + man, and not less so than Dionysius of Tripoli, who had been beheaded, who + was also his relation by marriage; yet did he buy off the punishment of + his crimes for a thousand talents, with which money Pompey paid the + soldiers their wages. He also conquered the place called Lysias, of which + Silas a Jew was tyrant. And when he had passed over the cities of + Heliopolis and Chalcis, and got over the mountain which is on the limit of + Celesyria, he came from Pella to Damascus; and there it was that he heard + the causes of the Jews, and of their governors Hyrcanus and Aristobulus, + who were at difference one with another, as also of the nation against + them both, which did not desire to be under kingly' government, because + the form of government they received from their forefathers was that of + subjection to the priests of that God whom they worshipped; and [they + complained], that though these two were the posterity of priests, yet did + they seek to change the government of their nation to another form, in + order to enslave them. Hyrcanus complained, that although he were the + elder brother, he was deprived of the prerogative of his birth by + Aristobulus, and that he had but a small part of the country under him, + Aristobulus having taken away the rest from him by force. He also accused + him, that the incursions which had been made into their neighbors' + countries, and the piracies that had been at sea, were owing to him; and + that the nation would not have revolted, unless Aristobulus had been a man + given to violence and disorder; and there were no fewer than a thousand + Jews, of the best esteem among them, who confirmed this accusation; which + confirmation was procured by Antipater. But Aristobulus alleged against + him, that it was Hyrcanus's own temper, which was inactive, and on that + account contemptible, which caused him to be deprived of the government; + and that for himself, he was necessitated to take it upon him, for fear + lest it should be transferred to others. And that as to his title [of + king], it was no other than what his father had taken [before him]. He + also called for witnesses of what he said some persons who were both young + and insolent; whose purple garments, fine heads of hair, and other + ornaments, were detested [by the court], and which they appeared in, not + as though they were to plead their cause in a court of justice, but as if + they were marching in a pompous procession. + </p> + <p> + 3. When Pompey had heard the causes of these two, and had condemned + Aristobulus for his violent procedure, he then spake civilly to them, and + sent them away; and told them, that when he came again into their country, + he would settle all their affairs, after he had first taken a view of the + affairs of the Nabateans. In the mean time, he ordered them to be quiet; + and treated Aristobulus civilly, lest he should make the nation revolt, + and hinder his return; which yet Aristobulus did; for without expecting + any further determination, which Pompey had promised them, he went to the + city Delius, and thence marched into Judea. + </p> + <p> + 4. At this behavior Pompey was angry; and taking with him that army which + he was leading against the Nabateans, and the auxiliaries that came from + Damascus, and the other parts of Syria, with the other Roman legions which + he had with him, he made an expedition against Aristobulus; but as he + passed by Pella and Scythopolis, he came to Corem, which is the first + entrance into Judea when one passes over the midland countries, where he + came to a most beautiful fortress that was built on the top of a mountain + called Alexandrium, whither Aristobulus had fled; and thence Pompey sent + his commands to him, that he should come to him. Accordingly, at the + persuasions of many that he would not make war with the Romans, he came + down; and when he had disputed with his brother about the right to the + government, he went up again to the citadel, as Pompey gave him leave to + do; and this he did two or three times, as flattering himself with the + hopes of having the kingdom granted him; so that he still pretended he + would obey Pompey in whatsoever he commanded, although at the same time he + retired to his fortress, that he might not depress himself too low, and + that he might be prepared for a war, in case it should prove as he feared, + that Pompey would transfer the government to Hyrcanus. But when Pompey + enjoined Aristobulus to deliver up the fortresses he held, and to send an + injunction to their governors under his own hand for that purpose, for + they had been forbidden to deliver them up upon any other commands, he + submitted indeed to do so; but still he retired in displeasure to + Jerusalem, and made preparation for war. A little after this, certain + persons came out of Pontus, and informed Pompey, as he was on the way, and + conducting his army against Aristobulus, that Mithridates was dead, and + was slain by his son Pharmaces. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0004" id="link142HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. How Pompey When The Citizens Of Jerusalem Shut Their Gates + Against Him Besieged The City And Took It By Force; As Also What Other + Things He Did In Judea. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when Pompey had pitched his camp at Jericho, [where the palm tree + grows, and that balsam which is an ointment of all the most precious, + which upon any incision made in the wood with a sharp stone, distills out + thence like a juice,] <a href="#link14note-4" name="link14noteref-4" + id="link14noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> he marched in the morning to + Jerusalem. Hereupon Aristobulus repented of what he was doing, and came to + Pompey, had [promised to] give him money, and received him into Jerusalem, + and desired that he would leave off the war, and do what he pleased + peaceably. So Pompey, upon his entreaty, forgave him, and sent Gabinius, + and soldiers with him, to receive the money and the city: yet was no part + of this performed; but Gabinius came back, being both excluded out of the + city, and receiving none of the money promised, because Aristobulus's + soldiers would not permit the agreements to be executed. At this Pompey + was very angry, and put Aristobulus into prison, and came himself to the + city, which was strong on every side, excepting the north, which was not + so well fortified, for there was a broad and deep ditch that encompassed + the city <a href="#link14note-5" name="link14noteref-5" + id="link14noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> and included within it the + temple, which was itself encompassed about with a very strong stone wall. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now there was a sedition of the men that were within the city, who did + not agree what was to be done in their present circumstances, while some + thought it best to deliver up the city to Pompey; but Aristobulus's party + exhorted them to shut the gates, because he was kept in prison. Now these + prevented the others, and seized upon the temple, and cut off the bridge + which reached from it to the city, and prepared themselves to abide a + siege; but the others admitted Pompey's army in, and delivered up both the + city and the king's palace to him. So Pompey sent his lieutenant Piso with + an army, and placed garrisons both in the city and in the palace, to + secure them, and fortified the houses that joined to the temple, and all + those which were more distant and without it. And in the first place, he + offered terms of accommodation to those within; but when they would not + comply with what was desired, he encompassed all the places thereabout + with a wall, wherein Hyrcanus did gladly assist him on all occasions; but + Pompey pitched his camp within [the wall], on the north part of the + temple, where it was most practicable; but even on that side there were + great towers, and a ditch had been dug, and a deep valley begirt it round + about, for on the parts towards the city were precipices, and the bridge + on which Pompey had gotten in was broken down. However, a bank was raised, + day by day, with a great deal of labor, while the Romans cut down + materials for it from the places round about. And when this bank was + sufficiently raised, and the ditch filled up, though but poorly, by reason + of its immense depth, he brought his mechanical engines and battering-rams + from Tyre, and placing them on the bank, he battered the temple with the + stones that were thrown against it. And had it not been our practice, from + the days of our forefathers, to rest on the seventh day, this bank could + never have been perfected, by reason of the opposition the Jews would have + made; for though our law gives us leave then to defend ourselves against + those that begin to fight with us and assault us, yet does it not permit + us to meddle with our enemies while they do any thing else. + </p> + <p> + 3. Which thing when the Romans understood, on those days which we call + Sabbaths they threw nothing at the Jews, nor came to any pitched battle + with them; but raised up their earthen banks, and brought their engines + into such forwardness, that they might do execution the next day. And any + one may hence learn how very great piety we exercise towards God, and the + observance of his laws, since the priests were not at all hindered from + their sacred ministrations by their fear during this siege, but did still + twice a-day, in the morning and about the ninth hour, offer their + sacrifices on the altar; nor did they omit those sacrifices, if any + melancholy accident happened by the stones that were thrown among them; + for although the city was taken on the third month, on the day of the + fast, <a href="#link14note-6" name="link14noteref-6" id="link14noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> + upon the hundred and seventy-ninth olympiad, when Caius Antonius and + Marcus Tullius Cicero were consuls, and the enemy then fell upon them, and + cut the throats of those that were in the temple; yet could not those that + offered the sacrifices be compelled to run away, neither by the fear they + were in of their own lives, nor by the number that were already slain, as + thinking it better to suffer whatever came upon them, at their very + altars, than to omit any thing that their laws required of them. And that + this is not a mere brag, or an encomium to manifest a degree of our piety + that was false, but is the real truth, I appeal to those that have written + of the acts of Pompey; and, among them, to Strabo and Nicolaus [of + Damascus]; and besides these two, Titus Livius, the writer of the Roman + History, who will bear witness to this thing. <a href="#link14note-7" + name="link14noteref-7" id="link14noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 4. But when the battering-engine was brought near, the greatest of the + towers was shaken by it, and fell down, and broke down a part of the + fortifications, so the enemy poured in apace; and Cornelius Faustus, the + son of Sylla, with his soldiers, first of all ascended the wall, and next + to him Furius the centurion, with those that followed on the other part, + while Fabius, who was also a centurion, ascended it in the middle, with a + great body of men after him. But now all was full of slaughter; some of + the Jews being slain by the Romans, and some by one another; nay, some + there were who threw themselves down the precipices, or put fire to their + houses, and burnt them, as not able to bear the miseries they were under. + Of the Jews there fell twelve thousand, but of the Romans very few. + Absalom, who was at once both uncle and father-in-law to Aristobulus, was + taken captive; and no small enormities were committed about the temple + itself, which, in former ages, had been inaccessible, and seen by none; + for Pompey went into it, and not a few of those that were with him also, + and saw all that which it was unlawful for any other men to see but only + for the high priests. There were in that temple the golden table, the holy + candlestick, and the pouring vessels, and a great quantity of spices; and + besides these there were among the treasures two thousand talents of + sacred money: yet did Pompey touch nothing of all this, <a + href="#link14note-8" name="link14noteref-8" id="link14noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> + on account of his regard to religion; and in this point also he acted in a + manner that was worthy of his virtue. The next day he gave order to those + that had the charge of the temple to cleanse it, and to bring what + offerings the law required to God; and restored the high priesthood to + Hyrcanus, both because he had been useful to him in other respects, and + because he hindered the Jews in the country from giving Aristobulus any + assistance in his war against him. He also cut off those that had been the + authors of that war; and bestowed proper rewards on Faustus, and those + others that mounted the wall with such alacrity; and he made Jerusalem + tributary to the Romans, and took away those cities of Celesyria which the + inhabitants of Judea had subdued, and put them under the government of the + Roman president, and confined the whole nation, which had elevated itself + so high before, within its own bounds. Moreover, he rebuilt Gadara, <a + href="#link14note-9" name="link14noteref-9" id="link14noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> + which had been demolished a little before, to gratify Demetrius of Gadara, + who was his freedman, and restored the rest of the cities, Hippos, and + Scythopolis, and Pella, and Dios, and Samaria, as also Marissa, and + Ashdod, and Jamnia, and Arethusa, to their own inhabitants: these were in + the inland parts. Besides those that had been demolished, and also of the + maritime cities, Gaza, and Joppa, and Dora, and Strato's Tower; which last + Herod rebuilt after a glorious manner, and adorned with havens and + temples, and changed its name to Cæsarea. All these Pompey left in a + state of freedom, and joined them to the province of Syria. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now the occasions of this misery which came upon Jerusalem were + Hyrcanus and Aristobulus, by raising a sedition one against the other; for + now we lost our liberty, and became subject to the Romans, and were + deprived of that country which we had gained by our arms from the Syrians, + and were compelled to restore it to the Syrians. Moreover, the Romans + exacted of us, in a little time, above ten thousand talents; and the royal + authority, which was a dignity formerly bestowed on those that were high + priests, by the right of their family, became the property of private men. + But of these matters we shall treat in their proper places. Now Pompey + committed Celesyria, as far as the river Euphrates and Egypt, to Scaurus, + with two Roman legions, and then went away to Cilicia, and made haste to + Rome. He also carried bound along with him Aristobulus and his children; + for he had two daughters, and as many sons; the one of which ran away, but + the younger, Antigonus, was carried to Rome, together with his sisters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0005" id="link142HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. How Scaurus Made A League Of Mutual Assistance With Aretas; And + What Gabinius Did In Judea, After He Had Conquered Alexander, The Son Of + Aristobulus. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Scaurus made now an expedition against Petrea, in Arabia, and set on + fire all the places round about it, because of the great difficulty of + access to it. And as his army was pinched by famine, Antipater furnished + him with corn out of Judea, and with whatever else he wanted, and this at + the command of Hyrcanus. And when he was sent to Aretas, as an ambassador + by Scaurus, because he had lived with him formerly, he persuaded Aretas to + give Scaurus a sum of money, to prevent the burning of his country, and + undertook to be his surety for three hundred talents. So Scaurus, upon + these terms, ceased to make war any longer; which was done as much at + Scaurus's desire, as at the desire of Aretas. + </p> + <p> + 2. Some time after this, when Alexander, the son of Aristobulus, made an + incursion into Judea, Gabinius came from Rome into Syria, as commander of + the Roman forces. He did many considerable actions; and particularly made + war with Alexander, since Hyrcanus was not yet able to oppose his power, + but was already attempting to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, which Pompey + had overthrown, although the Romans which were there restrained him from + that his design. However, Alexander went over all the country round about, + and armed many of the Jews, and suddenly got together ten thousand armed + footmen, and fifteen hundred horsemen, and fortified Alexandrium, a + fortress near to Corem, and Macherus, near the mountains of Arabia. + Gabinius therefore came upon him, having sent Marcus Antonius, with other + commanders, before. These armed such Romans as followed them; and, + together with them, such Jews as were subject to them, whose leaders were + Pitholaus and Malichus; and they took with them also their friends that + were with Antipater, and met Alexander, while Gabinius himself followed + with his legion. Hereupon Alexander retired to the neighborhood of + Jerusalem, where they fell upon one another, and it came to a pitched + battle, in which the Romans slew of their enemies about three thousand, + and took a like number alive. + </p> + <p> + 3. At which time Gabinius <a href="#link14note-10" name="link14noteref-10" + id="link14noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> came to Alexandrium, and + invited those that were in it to deliver it up on certain conditions, and + promised that then their former offenses should be forgiven. But as a + great number of the enemy had pitched their camp before the fortress, whom + the Romans attacked, Marcus Antonius fought bravely, and slew a great + number, and seemed to come off with the greatest honor. So Gabinius left + part of his army there, in order to take the place, and he himself went + into other parts of Judea, and gave order to rebuild all the cities that + he met with that had been demolished; at which time were rebuilt Samaria, + Ashdod, Scythopolis, Anthedon, Raphia, and Dora; Marissa also, and Gaza, + and not a few others besides. And as the men acted according to Gabinius's + command, it came to pass, that at this time these cities were securely + inhabited, which had been desolate for a long time. + </p> + <p> + 4. When Gabinius had done thus in the country, he returned to Alexandrium; + and when he urged on the siege of the place, Alexander sent an embassage + to him, desiring that he would pardon his former offenses; he also + delivered up the fortresses, Hyrcania and Macherus, and at last + Alexandrium itself which fortresses Gabinius demolished. But when + Alexander's mother, who was of the side of the Romans, as having her + husband and other children at Rome, came to him, he granted her whatsoever + she asked; and when he had settled matters with her, he brought Hyrcanus + to Jerusalem, and committed the care of the temple to him. And when he had + ordained five councils, he distributed the nation into the same number of + parts. So these councils governed the people; the first was at Jerusalem, + the second at Gadara, the third at Amathus, the fourth at Jericho, and the + fifth at Sepphoris in Galilee. So the Jews were now freed from monarchic + authority, and were governed by an aristocracy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0006" id="link142HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. How Gabinius Caught Aristobulus After He Had Fled From Rome, + And Sent Him Back To Rome Again; And How The Same Gabinius As He Returned + Out Of Egypt Overcame Alexander And The Nabateans In Battle. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Aristobulus ran away from Rome to Judea, and set about the + rebuilding of Alexandrium, which had been newly demolished. Hereupon + Gabinius sent soldiers against him, add for their commanders Sisenna, and + Antonius, and Servilius, in order to hinder him from getting possession of + the country, and to take him again. And indeed many of the Jews ran to + Aristobulus, on account of his former glory, as also because they should + be glad of an innovation. Now there was one Pitholaus, a lieutenant at + Jerusalem, who deserted to him with a thousand men, although a great + number of those that came to him were unarmed; and when Aristobulus had + resolved to go to Macherus, he dismissed those people, because they were + unarmed; for they could not be useful to him in what actions he was going + about; but he took with him eight thousand that were armed, and marched + on; and as the Romans fell upon them severely, the Jews fought valiantly, + but were beaten in the battle; and when they had fought with alacrity, but + were overborne by the enemy, they were put to flight; of whom were slain + about five thousand, and the rest being dispersed, tried, as well as they + were able, to save themselves. However, Aristobulus had with him still + above a thousand, and with them he fled to Macherus, and fortified the + place; and though he had had ill success, he still had good hope of his + affairs; but when he had struggled against the siege for two days' time, + and had received many wounds, he was brought as a captive to Gabinius, + with his son Antigonus, who also fled with him from Rome. And this was the + fortune of Aristobulus, who was sent back again to Rome, and was there + retained in bonds, having been both king and high priest for three years + and six months; and was indeed an eminent person, and one of a great soul. + However, the senate let his children go, upon Gabinius's writing to them + that he had promised their mother so much when she delivered up the + fortresses to him; and accordingly they then returned into Judea. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now when Gabinius was making an expedition against the Parthians, and + had already passed over Euphrates, he changed his mind, and resolved to + return into Egypt, in order to restore Ptolemy to his kingdom. <a + href="#link14note-11" name="link14noteref-11" id="link14noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> + This hath also been related elsewhere. However, Antipater supplied his + army, which he sent against Archelaus, with corn, and weapons, and money. + He also made those Jews who were above Pelusium his friends and + confederates, and had been the guardians of the passes that led into + Egypt. But when he came back out of Egypt, he found Syria in disorder, + with seditions and troubles; for Alexander, the son of Aristobulus, having + seized on the government a second time by force, made many of the Jews + revolt to him; and so he marched over the country with a great army, and + slew all the Romans he could light upon, and proceeded to besiege the + mountain called Gerizzim, whither they had retreated. + </p> + <p> + 3. But when Gabinius found Syria in such a state, he sent Antipater, who + was a prudent man, to those that were seditious, to try whether he could + cure them of their madness, and persuade them to return to a better mind; + and when he came to them, he brought many of them to a sound mind, and + induced them to do what they ought to do; but he could not restrain + Alexander, for he had an army of thirty thousand Jews, and met Gabinius, + and joining battle with him, was beaten, and lost ten thousand of his men + about Mount Tabor. + </p> + <p> + 4. So Gabinius settled the affairs which belonged to the city Jerusalem, + as was agreeable to Antipater's inclination, and went against the + Nabateans, and overcame them in battle. He also sent away in a friendly + manner Mithridates and Orsanes, who were Parthian deserters, and came to + him, though the report went abroad that they had run away from him. And + when Gabinius had performed great and glorious actions, in his management + of the affairs of war, he returned to Rome, and delivered the government + to Crassus. Now Nicolaus of Damascus, and Strabo of Cappadocia, both + describe the expeditions of Pompey and Gabinius against the Jews, while + neither of them say anything new which is not in the other. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0007" id="link142HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. How Crassus Came Into Judea, And Pillaged The Temple; And Then + Marched Against The Parthians And Perished, With His Army. Also How + Cassius Obtained Syria, And Put A Stop To The Parthians And Then Went Up + To Judea. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Crassus, as he was going upon his expedition against the Parthians, + came into Judea, and carried off the money that was in the temple, which + Pompey had left, being two thousand talents, and was disposed to spoil it + of all the gold belonging to it, which was eight thousand talents. He also + took a beam, which was made of solid beaten gold, of the weight of three + hundred minae, each of which weighed two pounds and a half. It was the + priest who was guardian of the sacred treasures, and whose name was + Eleazar, that gave him this beam, not out of a wicked design, for he was a + good and a righteous man; but being intrusted with the custody of the + veils belonging to the temple, which were of admirable beauty, and of very + costly workmanship, and hung down from this beam, when he saw that Crassus + was busy in gathering money, and was in fear for the entire ornaments of + the temple, he gave him this beam of gold as a ransom for the whole, but + this not till he had given his oath that he would remove nothing else out + of the temple, but be satisfied with this only, which he should give him, + being worth many ten thousand [shekels]. Now this beam was contained in a + wooden beam that was hollow, but was known to no others; but Eleazar alone + knew it; yet did Crassus take away this beam, upon the condition of + touching nothing else that belonged to the temple, and then brake his + oath, and carried away all the gold that was in the temple. + </p> + <p> + 2. And let no one wonder that there was so much wealth in our temple, + since all the Jews throughout the habitable earth, and those that + worshipped God, nay, even those of Asia and Europe, sent their + contributions to it, and this from very ancient times. Nor is the + largeness of these sums without its attestation; nor is that greatness + owing to our vanity, as raising it without ground to so great a height; + but there are many witnesses to it, and particularly Strabo of Cappadocia, + who says thus: "Mithridates sent to Cos, and took the money which queen + Cleopatra had deposited there, as also eight hundred talents belonging to + the Jews." Now we have no public money but only what appertains to God; + and it is evident that the Asian Jews removed this money out of fear of + Mithridates; for it is not probable that those of Judea, who had a strong + city and temple, should send their money to Cos; nor is it likely that the + Jews who are inhabitants of Alexandria should do so neither, since they + were in no fear of Mithridates. And Strabo himself bears witness to the + same thing in another place, that at the same time that Sylla passed over + into Greece, in order to fight against Mithridates, he sent Lucullus to + put an end to a sedition that our nation, of whom the habitable earth is + full, had raised in Cyrene; where he speaks thus: "There were four classes + of men among those of Cyrene; that of citizens, that of husbandmen, the + third of strangers, and the fourth of Jews. Now these Jews are already + gotten into all cities; and it is hard to find a place in the habitable + earth that hath not admitted this tribe of men, and is not possessed by + them; and it hath come to pass that Egypt and Cyrene, as having the same + governors, and a great number of other nations, imitate their way of + living, and maintain great bodies of these Jews in a peculiar manner, and + grow up to greater prosperity with them, and make use of the same laws + with that nation also. Accordingly, the Jews have places assigned them in + Egypt, wherein they inhabit, besides what is peculiarly allotted to this + nation at Alexandria, which is a large part of that city. There is also an + ethnarch allowed them, who governs the nation, and distributes justice to + them, and takes care of their contracts, and of the laws to them + belonging, as if he were the ruler of a free republic. In Egypt, + therefore, this nation is powerful, because the Jews were originally + Egyptians, and because the land wherein they inhabit, since they went + thence, is near to Egypt. They also removed into Cyrene, because that this + land adjoined to the government of Egypt, as well as does Judea, or rather + was formerly under the same government." And this is what Strabo says. + </p> + <p> + 3. So when Crassus had settled all things as he himself pleased, he + marched into Parthia, where both he himself and all his army perished, as + hath been related elsewhere. But Cassius, as he fled from Rome to Syria, + took possession of it, and was an impediment to the Parthians, who by + reason of their victory over Crassus made incursions upon it. And as he + came back to Tyre, he went up into Judea also, and fell upon Tarichee, and + presently took it, and carried about thirty thousand Jews captives; and + slew Pitholaus, who succeeded Aristobulus in his seditious practices, and + that by the persuasion of Antipater, who proved to have great interest in + him, and was at that time in great repute with the Idumeans also: out of + which nation he married a wife, who was the daughter of one of their + eminent men, and her name was Cypros, <a href="#link14note-12" + name="link14noteref-12" id="link14noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> by + whom he had four sons, Phasael, and Herod, who was afterwards made king, + and Joseph, and Pheroras; and a daughter, named Salome. This Antipater + cultivated also a friendship and mutual kindness with other potentates, + but especially with the king of Arabia, to whom he committed his children, + while he fought against Aristobulus. So Cassius removed his camp, and + marched to Euphrates, to meet those that were coming to attack him, as + hath been related by others. + </p> + <p> + 4. But some time afterward Cæsar, when he had taken Rome, and after Pompey + and the senate were fled beyond the Ionian Sea, freed Aristobulus from his + bonds, and resolved to send him into Syria, and delivered two legions to + him, that he might set matters right, as being a potent man in that + country. But Aristobulus had no enjoyment of what he hoped for from the + power that was given him by Cæsar; for those of Pompey's party prevented + it, and destroyed him by poison; and those of Cæsar's party buried him. + His dead body also lay, for a good while, embalmed in honey, till Antony + afterward sent it to Judea, and caused him to be buried in the royal + sepulcher. But Scipio, upon Pompey's sending to him to slay Alexander, the + son of Aristobulus, because the young man was accused of what offenses he + had been guilty of at first against the Romans, cut off his head; and thus + did he die at Antioch. But Ptolemy, the son of Menneus, who was the ruler + of Chalcis, under Mount Libanus, took his brethren to him, and sent his + son Philippion to Askelon to Aristobulus's wife, and desired her to send + back with him her son Antigonus, and her daughters; the one of which, + whose name was Alexandra, Philippion fell in love with, and married her, + though afterward his father Ptolemy slew him, and married Alexandra, and + continued to take care of her brethren. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0008" id="link142HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. The Jews Become Confederates With Cæsar When He Fought Against + Egypt. The Glorious Actions Of Antipater, And His Friendship With Cæsar. + The Honors Which The Jews Received From The Romans And Athenians. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now after Pompey was dead, and after that victory Cæsar had gained + over him, Antipater, who managed the Jewish affairs, became very useful to + Cæsar when he made war against Egypt, and that by the order of Hyrcanus; + for when Mithridates of Pergainus was bringing his auxiliaries, and was + not able to continue his march through Pelusium, but obliged to stay at + Askelon, Antipater came to him, conducting three thousand of the Jews, + armed men. He had also taken care the principal men of the Arabians should + come to his assistance; and on his account it was that all the Syrians + assisted him also, as not willing to appear behindhand in their alacrity + for Cæsar, viz. Jamblicus the ruler, and Ptolemy his son, and Tholomy the + son of Sohemus, who dwelt at Mount Libanus, and almost all the cities. So + Mithridates marched out of Syria, and came to Pelusium; and when its + inhabitants would not admit him, he besieged the city. Now Antipater + signalized himself here, and was the first who plucked down a part of the + wall, and so opened a way to the rest, whereby they might enter the city, + and by this means Pelusium was taken. But it happened that the Egyptian + Jews, who dwelt in the country called Onion, would not let Antipater and + Mithridates, with their soldiers, pass to Cæsar; but Antipater persuaded + them to come over with their party, because he was of the same people with + them, and that chiefly by showing them the epistles of Hyrcanus the high + priest, wherein he exhorted them to cultivate friendship with Cæsar, and + to supply his army with money, and all sorts of provisions which they + wanted; and accordingly, when they saw Antipater and the high priest of + the same sentiments, they did as they were desired. And when the Jews + about Memphis heard that these Jews were come over to Cæsar, they also + invited Mithridates to come to them; so he came and received them also + into his army. + </p> + <p> + 2. And when Mithridates had gone over all Delta, as the place is called, + he came to a pitched battle with the enemy, near the place called the + Jewish Camp. Now Mithridates had the right wing, and Antipater the left; + and when it came to a fight, that wing where Mithridates was gave way, and + was likely to suffer extremely, unless Antipater had come running to him + with his own soldiers along the shore, when he had already beaten the + enemy that opposed him; so he delivered Mithridates, and put those + Egyptians who had been too hard for him to flight. He also took their + camp, and continued in the pursuit of them. He also recalled Mithridates, + who had been worsted, and was retired a great way off; of whose soldiers + eight hundred fell, but of Antipater's fifty. So Mithridates sent an + account of this battle to Cæsar, and openly declared that Antipater was + the author of this victory, and of his own preservation, insomuch that + Cæsar commended Antipater then, and made use of him all the rest of that + war in the most hazardous undertakings; he happened also to be wounded in + one of those engagements. + </p> + <p> + 3. However, when Cæsar, after some time, had finished that war, and was + sailed away for Syria, he honored Antipater greatly, and confirmed + Hyrcanus in the high priesthood; and bestowed on Antipater the privilege + of a citizen of Rome, and a freedom from taxes every where; and it is + reported by many, that Hyrcanus went along with Antipater in this + expedition, and came himself into Egypt. And Strabo of Cappadocia bears + witness to this, when he says thus, in the name of Aslnius: "After + Mithridates had invaded Egypt, and with him Hyrcanus the high priest of + the Jews." Nay, the same Strabo says thus again, in another place, in the + name of Hypsicrates, that "Mithridates at first went out alone; but that + Antipater, who had the care of the Jewish affairs, was called by him to + Askelon, and that he had gotten ready three thousand soldiers to go along + with him, and encouraged other governors of the country to go along with + him also; and that Hyrcanus the high priest was also present in this + expedition." This is what Strabo says. + </p> + <p> + 4. But Antigonus, the son of Aristobulus, came at this time to Cæsar, and + lamented his father's fate; and complained, that it was by Antipater's + means that Aristobulus was taken off by poison, and his brother was + beheaded by Scipio, and desired that he would take pity of him who had + been ejected out of that principality which was due to him. He also + accused Hyrcanus and Antipater as governing the nation by violence, and + offering injuries to himself. Antipater was present, and made his defense + as to the accusations that were laid against him. He demonstrated that + Antigonus and his party were given to innovation, and were seditious + persons. He also put Cæsar in mind what difficult services he had + undergone when he assisted him in his wars, and discoursed about what he + was a witness of himself. He added, that Aristobulus was justly carried + away to Rome, as one that was an enemy to the Romans, and could never be + brought to be a friend to them, and that his brother had no more than he + deserved from Scipio, as being seized in committing robberies; and that + this punishment was not inflicted on him in a way of violence or injustice + by him that did it. + </p> + <p> + 5. When Antipater had made this speech, Cæsar appointed Hyrcauus to be + high priest, and gave Antipater what principality he himself should + choose, leaving the determination to himself; so he made him procurator of + Judea. He also gave Hyrcanus leave to raise up the walls of his own city, + upon his asking that favor of him, for they had been demolished by Pompey. + And this grant he sent to the consuls to Rome, to be engraven in the + capitol. The decree of the senate was this that follows: <a + href="#link14note-13" name="link14noteref-13" id="link14noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> + "Lucius Valerius, the son of Lucius the praetor, referred this to the + senate, upon the Ides of December, in the temple of Concord. There were + present at the writing of this decree Lucius Coponius, the son of Lucius + of the Colline tribe, and Papirius of the Quirine tribe, concerning the + affairs which Alexander, the son of Jason, and Numenius, the son of + Antiochus, and Alexander, the son of Dositheus, ambassadors of the Jews, + good and worthy men, proposed, who came to renew that league of goodwill + and friendship with the Romans which was in being before. They also + brought a shield of gold, as a mark of confederacy, valued at fifty + thousand pieces of gold; and desired that letters might be given them, + directed both to the free cities and to the kings, that their country and + their havens might be at peace, and that no one among them might receive + any injury. It therefore pleased [the senate] to make a league of + friendship and good-will with them, and to bestow on them whatsoever they + stood in need of, and to accept of the shield which was brought by them. + This was done in the ninth year of Hyrcanus the high priest and ethnarch, + in the month Panemus." Hyrcanus also received honors from the people of + Athens, as having been useful to them on many occasions. And when they + wrote to him, they sent him this decree, as it here follows "Under the + prutaneia and priesthood of Dionysius, the son of Esculapius, on the fifth + day of the latter part of the month Panemus, this decree of the Athenians + was given to their commanders, when Agathocles was archon, and Eucles, the + son of Menander of Alimusia, was the scribe. In the month Munychion, on + the eleventh day of the prutaneia, a council of the presidents was held in + the theater. Dorotheus the high priest, and the fellow presidents with + him, put it to the vote of the people. Dionysius, the son of Dionysius, + gave the sentence. Since Hyrcanus, the son of Alexander, the high priest + and ethnarch of the Jews, continues to bear good-will to our people in + general, and to every one of our citizens in particular, and treats them + with all sorts of kindness; and when any of the Athenians come to him, + either as ambassadors, or on any occasion of their own, he receives them + in an obliging manner, and sees that they are conducted back in safety, of + which we have had several former testimonies; it is now also decreed, at + the report of Theodosius, the son of Theodorus, and upon his putting the + people in mind of the virtue of this man, and that his purpose is to do us + all the good that is in his power, to honor him with a crown of gold, the + usual reward according to the law, and to erect his statue in brass in the + temple of Demus and of the Graces; and that this present of a crown shall + be proclaimed publicly in the theater, in the Dionysian shows, while the + new tragedies are acting; and in the Panathenean, and Eleusinian, and + Gymnical shows also; and that the commanders shall take care, while he + continues in his friendship, and preserves his good-will to us, to return + all possible honor and favor to the man for his affection and generosity; + that by this treatment it may appear how our people receive the good + kindly, and repay them a suitable reward; and he may be induced to proceed + in his affection towards us, by the honors we have already paid him. That + ambassadors be also chosen out of all the Athenians, who shall carry this + decree to him, and desire him to accept of the honors we do him, and to + endeavor always to be doing some good to our city." And this shall suffice + us to have spoken as to the honors that were paid by the Romans and the + people of Athens to Hyrcanus. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0009" id="link142HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. How Antipater Committed The Care Of Galilee To Herod, And That + Of Jerusalem To Phasaelus; As Also How Herod Upon The Jews' Envy At + Antipater Was Accused Before Hyrcanus. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when Cæsar had settled the affairs of Syria, he sailed away. And + as soon as Antipater had conducted Cæsar out of Syria, he returned to + Judea. He then immediately raised up the wall which had been thrown down + by Pompey; and, by coming thither, he pacified that tumult which had been + in the country, and this by both threatening and advising them to be + quiet; for that if they would be of Hyrcanus's side, they would live + happily, and lead their lives without disturbance, and in the enjoyment of + their own possessions; but if they were addicted to the hopes of what + might come by innovation, and aimed to get wealth thereby, they should + have him a severe master instead of a gentle governor, and Hyrcanus a + tyrant instead of a king, and the Romans, together with Cæsar, their + bitter enemies instead of rulers, for that they would never bear him to be + set aside whom they had appointed to govern. And when Antipater had said + this to them, he himself settled the affairs of this country. + </p> + <p> + 2. And seeing that Hyrcanus was of a slow and slothful temper, he made + Phasaelus, his eldest son, governor of Jerusalem, and of the places that + were about it, but committed Galilee to Herod, his next son, who was then + a very young man, for he was but fifteen years of age <a + href="#link14note-14" name="link14noteref-14" id="link14noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> + But that youth of his was no impediment to him; but as he was a youth of + great mind, he presently met with an opportunity of signalizing his + courage; for finding that there was one Hezekiah, a captain of a band of + robbers, who overran the neighboring parts of Syria with a great troop of + them, he seized him and slew him, as well as a great number of the other + robbers that were with him; for which action he was greatly beloved by the + Syrians; for when they were very desirous to have their country freed from + this nest of robbers, he purged it of them. So they sung songs in his + commendation in their villages and cities, as having procured them peace, + and the secure enjoyment of their possessions; and on this account it was + that he became known to Sextus Cæsar, who was a relation of the great + Cæsar, and was now president of Syria. Now Phasaelus, Herod's brother, + was moved with emulation at his actions, and envied the fame he had + thereby gotten, and became ambitious not to be behindhand with him in + deserving it. So he made the inhabitants of Jerusalem bear him the + greatest good-will while he held the city himself, but did neither manage + its affairs improperly, nor abuse his authority therein. This conduct + procured from the nation to Antipater such respect as is due to kings, and + such honors as he might partake of if he were an absolute lord of the + country. Yet did not this splendor of his, as frequently happens, in the + least diminish in him that kindness and fidelity which he owed to + Hyrcanus. + </p> + <p> + 3. But now the principal men among the Jews, when they saw Antipater and + his sons to grow so much in the good-will the nation bare to them, and in + the revenues which they received out of Judea, and out of Hyrcanus's own + wealth, they became ill- disposed to him; for indeed Antipater had + contracted a friendship with the Roman emperors; and when he had prevailed + with Hyrcanus to send them money, he took it to himself, and purloined the + present intended, and sent it as if it were his own, and not Hyrcanus's + gift to them. Hyrcanus heard of this his management, but took no care + about it; nay, he rather was very glad of it. But the chief men of the + Jews were therefore in fear, because they saw that Herod was a violent and + bold man, and very desirous of acting tyrannically; so they came to + Hyrcanus, and now accused Antipater openly, and said to him, "How long + wilt thou be quiet under such actions as are now done? Or dost thou not + see that Antipater and his sons have already seized upon the government, + and that it is only the name of a king which is given thee? But do not + thou suffer these things to be hidden from thee, nor do thou think to + escape danger by being so careless of thyself and of thy kingdom; for + Antipater and his sons are not now stewards of thine affairs: do not thou + deceive thyself with such a notion; they are evidently absolute lords; for + Herod, Antipater's son, hath slain Hezekiah, and those that were with him, + and hath thereby transgressed our law, which hath forbidden to slay any + man, even though he were a wicked man, unless he had been first condemned + to suffer death by the Sanhedrim <a href="#link14note-15" + name="link14noteref-15" id="link14noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> yet + hath he been so insolent as to do this, and that without any authority + from thee." + </p> + <p> + 4. Upon Hyrcanus hearing this, he complied with them. The mothers also of + those that had been slain by Herod raised his indignation; for those women + continued every day in the temple, persuading the king and the people that + Herod might undergo a trial before the Sanhedrim for what he had done. + Hyrcanus was so moved by these complaints, that he summoned Herod to come + to his trial for what was charged upon him. Accordingly he came; but his + father had persuaded him to come not like a private man, but with a guard, + for the security of his person; and that when he had settled the affairs + of Galilee in the best manner he could for his own advantage, he should + come to his trial, but still with a body of men sufficient for his + security on his journey, yet so that he should not come with so great a + force as might look like terrifying Hyrcanus, but still such a one as + might not expose him naked and unguarded [to his enemies.] However, Sextus + Cæsar, president of Syria, wrote to Hyrcanus, and desired him to clear + Herod, and dismiss him at his trial, and threatened him beforehand if he + did not do it. Which epistle of his was the occasion of Hyrcanus + delivering Herod from suffering any harm from the Sanhedrim, for he loved + him as his own son. But when Herod stood before the Sanhedrim, with his + body of men about him, he affrighted them all, and no one of his former + accusers durst after that bring any charge against him, but there was a + deep silence, and nobody knew what was to be done. When affairs stood + thus, one whose name was Sameas, <a href="#link14note-16" + name="link14noteref-16" id="link14noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> a + righteous man he was, and for that reason above all fear, rose up, and + said, "O you that are assessors with me, and O thou that art our king, I + neither have ever myself known such a case, nor do I suppose that any one + of you can name its parallel, that one who is called to take his trial by + us ever stood in such a manner before us; but every one, whosoever he be, + that comes to be tried by this Sanhedrim, presents himself in a submissive + manner, and like one that is in fear of himself, and that endeavors to + move us to compassion, with his hair dishevelled, and in a black and + mourning garment: but this admirable man Herod, who is accused of murder, + and called to answer so heavy an accusation, stands here clothed in + purple, and with the hair of his head finely trimmed, and with his armed + men about him, that if we shall condemn him by our law, he may slay us, + and by overbearing justice may himself escape death. Yet do not I make + this complaint against Herod himself; he is to be sure more concerned for + himself than for the laws; but my complaint is against yourselves, and + your king, who gave him a license so to do. However, take you notice, that + God is great, and that this very man, whom you are going to absolve and + dismiss, for the sake of Hyrcanus, will one day punish both you and your + king himself also." Nor did Sameas mistake in any part of this prediction; + for when Herod had received the kingdom, he slew all the members of this + Sanhedrim, and Hyrcanus himself also, excepting Sameas, for he had a great + honor for him on account of his righteousness, and because, when the city + was afterward besieged by Herod and Sosius, he persuaded the people to + admit Herod into it; and told them that for their sins they would not be + able to escape his hands:—which things will be related by us in + their proper places. + </p> + <p> + 5. But when Hyrcanus saw that the members of the Sanhedrim were ready to + pronounce the sentence of death upon Herod, he put off the trial to + another day, and sent privately to Herod, and advised him to fly out of + the city, for that by this means he might escape. So he retired to + Damascus, as though he fled from the king; and when he had been with + Sextus Cæsar, and had put his own affairs in a sure posture, he resolved + to do thus; that in case he were again summoned before the Sanhedrim to + take his trial, he would not obey that summons. Hereupon the members of + the Sanhedrim had great indignation at this posture of affairs, and + endeavored to persuade Hyrcanus that all these things were against him; + which state of matters he was not ignorant of; but his temper was so + unmanly, and so foolish, that he was able to do nothing at all. But when + Sextus had made Herod general of the army of Celesyria, for he sold him + that post for money, Hyrcanus was in fear lest Herod should make war upon + him; nor was the effect of what he feared long in coming upon him; for + Herod came and brought an army along with him to fight with Hyrcanus, as + being angry at the trial he had been summoned to undergo before the + Sanhedrim; but his father Antipater, and his brother [Phasaelus], met him, + and hindered him from assaulting Jerusalem. They also pacified his + vehement temper, and persuaded him to do no overt action, but only to + affright them with threatenings, and to proceed no further against one who + had given him the dignity he had: they also desired him not only to be + angry that he was summoned, and obliged to come to his trial, but to + remember withal how he was dismissed without condemnation, and how he + ought to give Hyrcanus thanks for the same; and that he was not to regard + only what was disagreeable to him, and be unthankful for his deliverance. + So they desired him to consider, that since it is God that turns the + scales of war, there is great uncertainty in the issue of battles, and + that therefore he ought of to expect the victory when he should fight with + his king, and him that had supported him, and bestowed many benefits upon + him, and had done nothing itself very severe to him; for that his + accusation, which was derived from evil counselors, and not from himself, + had rather the suspicion of some severity, than any thing really severe in + it. Herod was persuaded by these arguments, and believed that it was + sufficient for his future hopes to have made a show of his strength before + the nation, and done no more to it—and in this state were the + affairs of Judea at this time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0010" id="link142HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. The Honors That Were Paid The Jews; And The Leagues That Were + Made By The Romans And Other Nations, With Them. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when Cæsar was come to Rome, he was ready to sail into Africa to + fight against Scipio and Cato, when Hyrcanus sent ambassadors to him, and + by them desired that he would ratify that league of friendship and mutual + alliance which was between them, And it seems to me to be necessary here + to give an account of all the honors that the Romans and their emperor + paid to our nation, and of the leagues of mutual assistance they have made + with it, that all the rest of mankind may know what regard the kings of + Asia and Europe have had to us, and that they have been abundantly + satisfied of our courage and fidelity; for whereas many will not believe + what hath been written about us by the Persians and Macedonians, because + those writings are not every where to be met with, nor do lie in public + places, but among us ourselves, and certain other barbarous nations, while + there is no contradiction to be made against the decrees of the Romans, + for they are laid up in the public places of the cities, and are extant + still in the capitol, and engraven upon pillars of brass; nay, besides + this, Julius Cæsar made a pillar of brass for the Jews at Alexandria, and + declared publicly that they were citizens of Alexandria. Out of these + evidences will I demonstrate what I say; and will now set down the decrees + made both by the senate and by Julius Cæsar, which relate to Hyrcanus and + to our nation. + </p> + <p> + 2. "Caius Julius Cæsar, imperator and high priest, and dictator the + second time, to the magistrates, senate, and people of Sidon, sendeth + greeting. If you be in health, it is well. I also and the army are well. I + have sent you a copy of that decree, registered on the tables, which + concerns Hyrcanus, the son of Alexander, the high priest and ethnarch of + the Jews, that it may be laid up among the public records; and I will that + it be openly proposed in a table of brass, both in Greek and in Latin. It + is as follows: I Julius Cæsar, imperator the second time, and high + priest, have made this decree, with the approbation of the senate. Whereas + Hyrcanus, the son of Alexander the Jew, hath demonstrated his fidelity and + diligence about our affairs, and this both now and in former times, both + in peace and in war, as many of our generals have borne witness, and came + to our assistance in the last Alexandrian war, <a href="#link14note-17" + name="link14noteref-17" id="link14noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> with + fifteen hundred soldiers; and when he was sent by me to Mithridates, + showed himself superior in valor to all the rest of that army;—for + these reasons I will that Hyrcanus, the son of Alexander, and his + children, be ethnarchs of the Jews, and have the high priesthood of the + Jews for ever, according to the customs of their forefathers, and that he + and his sons be our confederates; and that besides this, everyone of them + be reckoned among our particular friends. I also ordain that he and his + children retain whatsoever privileges belong to the office of high priest, + or whatsoever favors have been hitherto granted them; and if at any time + hereafter there arise any questions about the Jewish customs, I will that + he determine the same. And I think it not proper that they should be + obliged to find us winter quarters, or that any money should be required + of them." + </p> + <p> + 3. "The decrees of Caius Cæsar, consul, containing what hath been granted + and determined, are as follows: That Hyrcanus and his children bear rule + over the nation of the Jews, and have the profits of the places to them + bequeathed; and that he, as himself the high priest and ethnarch of the + Jews, defend those that are injured; and that ambassadors be sent to + Hyrcanus, the son of Alexander, the high priest of the Jews, that may + discourse with him about a league of friendship and mutual assistance; and + that a table of brass, containing the premises, be openly proposed in the + capitol, and at Sidon, and Tyre, and Askelon, and in the temple, engraven + in Roman and Greek letters: that this decree may also be communicated to + the quaestors and praetors of the several cities, and to the friends of + the Jews; and that the ambassadors may have presents made them; and that + these decrees be sent every where." <a href="#link14note-18" + name="link14noteref-18" id="link14noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 4. "Caius Cæsar, imperator, dictator, consul, hath granted, That out of + regard to the honor, and virtue, and kindness of the man, and for the + advantage of the senate, and of the people of Rome, Hyrcanus, the son of + Alexander, both he and his children, be high priests and priests of + Jerusalem, and of the Jewish nation, by the same right, and according to + the same laws, by which their progenitors have held the priesthood." + </p> + <p> + 5. "Caius Cæsar, consul the fifth time, hath decreed, That the Jews shall + possess Jerusalem, and may encompass that city with walls; and that + Hyrcanus, the son of Alexander, the high priest and ethnarch of the Jews, + retain it in the manner he himself pleases; and that the Jews be allowed + to deduct out of their tribute, every second year the land is let [in the + Sabbatic period], a corus of that tribute; and that the tribute they pay + be not let to farm, nor that they pay always the same tribute." + </p> + <p> + 6. "Caius Cæsar, imperator the second time, hath ordained, That all the + country of the Jews, excepting Joppa, do pay a tribute yearly for the city + Jerusalem, excepting the seventh, which they call the sabbatical year, + because thereon they neither receive the fruits of their trees, nor do + they sow their land; and that they pay their tribute in Sidon on the + second year [of that sabbatical period], the fourth part of what was sown: + and besides this, they are to pay the same tithes to Hyrcanus and his sons + which they paid to their forefathers. And that no one, neither president, + nor lieutenant, nor ambassador, raise auxiliaries within the bounds of + Judea; nor may soldiers exact money of them for winter quarters, or under + any other pretense; but that they be free from all sorts of injuries; and + that whatsoever they shall hereafter have, and are in possession of, or + have bought, they shall retain them all. It is also our pleasure that the + city Joppa, which the Jews had originally, when they made a league of + friendship with the Romans, shall belong to them, as it formerly did; and + that Hyrcanus, the son of Alexander, and his sons, have as tribute of that + city from those that occupy the land for the country, and for what they + export every year to Sidon, twenty thousand six hundred and seventy-five + modii every year, the seventh year, which they call the Sabbatic year, + excepted, whereon they neither plough, nor receive the product of their + trees. It is also the pleasure of the senate, that as to the villages + which are in the great plain, which Hyrcanus and his forefathers formerly + possessed, Hyrcanus and the Jews have them with the same privileges with + which they formerly had them also; and that the same original ordinances + remain still in force which concern the Jews with regard to their high + priests; and that they enjoy the same benefits which they have had + formerly by the concession of the people, and of the senate; and let them + enjoy the like privileges in Lydda. It is the pleasure also of the senate + that Hyrcanus the ethnarch, and the Jews, retain those places, countries, + and villages which belonged to the kings of Syria and Phoenicia, the + confederates of the Romans, and which they had bestowed on them as their + free gifts. It is also granted to Hyrcanus, and to his sons, and to the + ambassadors by them sent to us, that in the fights between single + gladiators, and in those with beasts, they shall sit among the senators to + see those shows; and that when they desire an audience, they shall be + introduced into the senate by the dictator, or by the general of the + horse; and when they have introduced them, their answers shall be returned + them in ten days at the furthest, after the decree of the senate is made + about their affairs." + </p> + <p> + 7. "Caius Cæsar, imperator, dictator the fourth time, and consul the + fifth time, declared to be perpetual dictator, made this speech concerning + the rights and privileges of Hyrcanus, the son of Alexander, the high + priest and ethnarch of the Jews. Since those imperators that have been in + the provinces before me have borne witness to Hyrcanus, the high priest of + the Jews, and to the Jews themselves, and this before the senate and + people of Rome, when the people and senate returned their thanks to them, + it is good that we now also remember the same, and provide that a requital + be made to Hyrcanus, to the nation of the Jews, and to the sons of + Hyrcanus, by the senate and people of Rome, and that suitably to what + good-will they have shown us, and to the benefits they have bestowed upon + us." + </p> + <p> + 8. "Julius Caius, praetor [consul] of Rome, to the magistrates, senate, + and people of the Parians, sendeth greeting. The Jews of Delos, and some + other Jews that sojourn there, in the presence of your ambassadors, + signified to us, that, by a decree of yours, you forbid them to make use + of the customs of their forefathers, and their way of sacred worship. Now + it does not please me that such decrees should be made against our friends + and confederates, whereby they are forbidden to live according to their + own customs, or to bring in contributions for common suppers and holy + festivals, while they are not forbidden so to do even at Rome itself; for + even Caius Cæsar, our imperator and consul, in that decree wherein he + forbade the Bacchanal rioters to meet in the city, did yet permit these + Jews, and these only, both to bring in their contributions, and to make + their common suppers. Accordingly, when I forbid other Bacchanal rioters, + I permit these Jews to gather themselves together, according to the + customs and laws of their forefathers, and to persist therein. It will be + therefore good for you, that if you have made any decree against these our + friends and confederates, to abrogate the same, by reason of their virtue + and kind disposition towards us." + </p> + <p> + 9. Now after Caius was slain, when Marcus Antonius and Publius Dolabella + were consuls, they both assembled the senate, and introduced Hyrcanus's + ambassadors into it, and discoursed of what they desired, and made a + league of friendship with them. The senate also decreed to grant them all + they desired. I add the decree itself, that those who read the present + work may have ready by them a demonstration of the truth of what we say. + The decree was this: + </p> + <p> + 10. "The decree of the senate, copied out of the treasury, from the public + tables belonging to the quaestors, when Quintus Rutilius and Caius + Cornelius were quaestors, and taken out of the second table of the first + class, on the third day before the Ides of April, in the temple of + Concord. There were present at the writing of this decree, Lucius + Calpurnius Piso of the Menenian tribe, Servius Papinins Potitus of the + Lemonian tribe, Caius Caninius Rebilius of the Terentine tribe, Publius + Tidetius, Lucius Apulinus, the son of Lucius, of the Sergian tribe, + Flavius, the son of Lucius, of the Lemonian tribe, Publius Platins, the + son of Publius, of the Papyrian tribe, Marcus Acilius, the son of Marcus, + of the Mecian tribe, Lucius Erucius, the son of Lucius, of the Stellatine + tribe, Mareils Quintus Plancillus, the son of Marcus, of the Pollian + tribe, and Publius Serius. Publius Dolabella and Marcus Antonius, the + consuls, made this reference to the senate, that as to those things which, + by the decree of the senate, Caius Cæsar had adjudged about the Jews, and + yet had not hitherto that decree been brought into the treasury, it is our + will, as it is also the desire of Publius Dolabella and Marcus Antonius, + our consuls, to have these decrees put into the public tables, and brought + to the city quaestors, that they may take care to have them put upon the + double tables. This was done before the fifth of the Ides of February, in + the temple of Concord. Now the ambassadors from Hyrcanus the high priest + were these: Lysimachus, the son of Pausanias, Alexander, the son of + Theodorus, Patroclus, the son of Chereas, and Jonathan the son of Onias." + </p> + <p> + 11. Hyrcanus sent also one of these ambassadors to Dolabella, who was then + the prefect of Asia, and desired him to dismiss the Jews from military + services, and to preserve to them the customs of their forefathers, and to + permit them to live according to them. And when Dolabella had received + Hyrcanus's letter, without any further deliberation, he sent an epistle to + all the Asiatics, and particularly to the city of the Ephesians, the + metropolis of Asia, about the Jews; a copy of which epistle here follows: + </p> + <p> + 12. "When Artermon was prytanis, on the first day of the month Leneon, + Dolabella, imperator, to the senate, and magistrates, and people of the + Ephesians, sendeth greeting. Alexander, the son of Theodorus, the + ambassador of Hyrcanus, the son of Alexander, the high priest and ethnarch + of the Jews, appeared before me, to show that his countrymen could not go + into their armies, because they are not allowed to bear arms or to travel + on the sabbath days, nor there to procure themselves those sorts of food + which they have been used to eat from the times of their forefathers;—I + do therefore grant them a freedom from going into the army, as the former + prefects have done, and permit them to use the customs of their + forefathers, in assembling together for sacred and religious purposes, as + their law requires, and for collecting oblations necessary for sacrifices; + and my will is, that you write this to the several cities under your + jurisdiction." + </p> + <p> + 13. And these were the concessions that Dolabella made to our nation when + Hyrcanus sent an embassage to him. But Lucius the consul's decree ran + thus: "I have at my tribunal set these Jews, who are citizens of Rome, and + follow the Jewish religious rites, and yet live at Ephesus, free from + going into the army, on account of the superstition they are under. This + was done before the twelfth of the calends of October, when Lucius + Lentulus and Caius Marcellus were consuls, in the presence of Titus Appius + Balgus, the son of Titus, and lieutenant of the Horatian tribe; of Titus + Tongins, the son of Titus, of the Crustumine tribe; of Quintus Resius, the + son of Quintus; of Titus Pompeius Longinus, the son of Titus; of Catus + Servilius, the son of Caius, of the Terentine tribe; of Bracchus the + military tribune; of Publius Lucius Gallus, the son of Publius, of the + Veturian tribe; of Caius Sentins, the son of Caius, of the Sabbatine + tribe; of Titus Atilius Bulbus, the son of Titus, lieutenant and + vice-praetor to the magistrates, senate, and people of the Ephesians, + sendeth greeting. Lucius Lentulus the consul freed the Jews that are in + Asia from going into the armies, at my intercession for them; and when I + had made the same petition some time afterward to Phanius the imperator, + and to Lucius Antonius the vice-quaestor, I obtained that privilege of + them also; and my will is, that you take care that no one give them any + disturbance." + </p> + <p> + 14. The decree of the Delians. "The answer of the praetors, when Beotus + was archon, on the twentieth day of the month Thargeleon. While Marcus + Piso the lieutenant lived in our city, who was also appointed over the + choice of the soldiers, he called us, and many other of the citizens, and + gave order, that if there be here any Jews who are Roman citizens, no one + is to give them any disturbance about going into the army, because + Cornelius Lentulus, the consul, freed the Jews from going into the army, + on account of the superstition they are under;—you are therefore + obliged to submit to the praetor." And the like decree was made by the + Sardians about us also. + </p> + <p> + 15. "Caius Phanius, the son of Caius, imperator and consul, to the + magistrates of Cos, sendeth greeting. I would have you know that the + ambassadors of the Jews have been with me, and desired they might have + those decrees which the senate had made about them; which decrees are here + subjoined. My will is, that you have a regard to and take care of these + men, according to the senate's decree, that they may be safely conveyed + home through your country." + </p> + <p> + 16. The declaration of Lucius Lentulus the consul: "I have dismissed those + Jews who are Roman citizens, and who appear to me to have their religious + rites, and to observe the laws of the Jews at Ephesus, on account of the + superstition they are under. This act was done before the thirteenth of + the calends of October." + </p> + <p> + 17. "Lucius Antonius, the son of Marcus, vice-quaestor, and vice-praetor, + to the magistrates, senate, and people of the Sardians, sendeth greeting. + Those Jews that are our fellow citizens of Rome came to me, and + demonstrated that they had an assembly of their own, according to the laws + of their forefathers, and this from the beginning, as also a place of + their own, wherein they determined their suits and controversies with one + another. Upon their petition therefore to me, that these might be lawful + for them, I gave order that these their privileges be preserved, and they + be permitted to do accordingly." + </p> + <p> + 18. The declaration of Marcus Publius, the son of Spurius, and of Marcus, + the son of Marcus, and of Lucius, the son of Publius: "We went to the + proconsul, and informed him of what Dositheus, the son of Cleopatrida of + Alexandria, desired, that, if he thought good, he would dismiss those Jews + who were Roman citizens, and were wont to observe the rites of the Jewish + religion, on account of the superstition they were under. Accordingly, he + did dismiss them. This was done before the thirteenth of the calends of + October." + </p> + <p> + 19. "In the month Quntius, when Lucius Lentulus and Caius Mercellus were + consuls; and there were present Titus Appius Balbus, the son of Titus, + lieutenant of the Horatian tribe, Titus Tongius of the Crustumine tribe, + Quintus Resius, the son of Quintus, Titus Pompeius, the son of Titus, + Cornelius Longinus, Caius Servilius Bracchus, the son of Caius, a military + tribune, of the Terentine tribe, Publius Clusius Gallus, the son of + Publius, of the Veturian tribe, Caius Teutius, the son of Caius, a milital + tribune, of the EmilJan tribe, Sextus Atilius Serranus, the son of Sextus, + of the Esquiline tribe, Caius Pompeius, the son of Caius, of the Sabbatine + tribe, Titus Appius Menander, the son of Titus, Publius Servilius Strabo, + the son of Publius, Lucius Paccius Capito, the son of Lucius, of the + Colline tribe, Aulus Furius Tertius, the son of Aulus, and Appius Menus. + In the presence of these it was that Lentulus pronounced this decree: I + have before the tribunal dismissed those Jews that are Roman citizens, and + are accustomed to observe the sacred rites of the Jews at Ephesus, on + account of the superstition they are under." + </p> + <p> + 20. "The magistrates of the Laodiceans to Caius Rubilius, the son of + Caius, the consul, sendeth greeting. Sopater, the ambassador of Hyrcanus + the high priest, hath delivered us an epistle from thee, whereby he lets + us know that certain ambassadors were come from Hyrcanus, the high priest + of the Jews, and brought an epistle written concerning their nation, + wherein they desire that the Jews may be allowed to observe their + Sabbaths, and other sacred rites, according to the laws of their + forefathers, and that they may be under no command, because they are our + friends and confederates, and that nobody may injure them in our + provinces. Now although the Trallians there present contradicted them, and + were not pleased with these decrees, yet didst thou give order that they + should be observed, and informedst us that thou hadst been desired to + write this to us about them. We therefore, in obedience to the injunctions + we have received from thee, have received the epistle which thou sentest + us, and have laid it up by itself among our public records. And as to the + other things about which thou didst send to us, we will take care that no + complaint be made against us." + </p> + <p> + 21. "Publius Servilius, the son of Publius, of the Galban tribe, the + proconsul, to the magistrates, senate, and people of the Milesians, + sendeth greeting. Prytanes, the son of Hermes, a citizen of yours, came to + me when I was at Tralles, and held a court there, and informed me that you + used the Jews in a way different from my opinion, and forbade them to + celebrate their Sabbaths, and to perform the Sacred rites received from + their forefathers, and to manage the fruits of the land, according to + their ancient custom; and that he had himself been the promulger of your + decree, according as your laws require: I would therefore have you know, + that upon hearing the pleadings on both sides, I gave sentence that the + Jews should not be prohibited to make use of their own customs." + </p> + <p> + 22. The decree of those of Pergamus. "When Cratippus was prytanis, on the + first day of the month Desius, the decree of the praetors was this: Since + the Romans, following the conduct of their ancestors, undertake dangers + for the common safety of all mankind, and are ambitious to settle their + confederates and friends in happiness, and in firm peace, and since the + nation of the Jews, and their high priest Hyrcanus, sent as ambassadors to + them, Strato, the son of Theodatus, and Apollonius, the son of Alexander, + and Eneas, the son of Antipater, and Aristobulus, the son of Amyntas, and + Sosipater, the son of Philip, worthy and good men, who gave a particular + account of their affairs, the senate thereupon made a decree about what + they had desired of them, that Antiochus the king, the son of Antiochus, + should do no injury to the Jews, the confederates of the Romans; and that + the fortresses, and the havens, and the country, and whatsoever else he + had taken from them, should be restored to them; and that it may be lawful + for them to export their goods out of their own havens; and that no king + nor people may have leave to export any goods, either out of the country + of Judea, or out of their havens, without paying customs, but only + Ptolemy, the king of Alexandria, because he is our confederate and friend; + and that, according to their desire, the garrison that is in Joppa may be + ejected. Now Lucius Pettius, one of our senators, a worthy and good man, + gave order that we should take care that these things should be done + according to the senate's decree; and that we should take care also that + their ambassadors might return home in safety. Accordingly, we admitted + Theodorus into our senate and assembly, and took the epistle out his + hands, as well as the decree of the senate. And as he discoursed with + great zeal about the Jews, and described Hyrcanus's virtue and generosity, + and how he was a benefactor to all men in common, and particularly to + every body that comes to him, we laid up the epistle in our public + records; and made a decree ourselves, that since we also are in + confederacy with the Romans, we would do every thing we could for the + Jews, according to the senate's decree. Theodorus also, who brought the + epistle, desired of our praetors, that they would send Hyrcanus a copy of + that decree, as also ambassadors to signify to him the affection of our + people to him, and to exhort them to preserve and augment their friendship + for us, and be ready to bestow other benefits upon us, as justly expecting + to receive proper requitals from us; and desiring them to remember that + our ancestors <a href="#link14note-19" name="link14noteref-19" + id="link14noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> were friendly to the Jews even + in the days of Abraham, who was the father of all the Hebrews, as we have + [also] found it set down in our public records." + </p> + <p> + 23. The decree of those of Halicarnassus. "When Memnon, the son of + Orestidas by descent, but by adoption of Euonymus, was priest, on the + —— day of the month Aristerion, the decree of the people, upon + the representation of Marcus Alexander, was this: Since we have ever a + great regard to piety towards God, and to holiness; and since we aim to + follow the people of the Romans, who are the benefactors of all men, and + what they have written to us about a league of friendship and mutual + assistance between the Jews and our city, and that their sacred offices + and accustomed festivals and assemblies may be observed by them; we have + decreed, that as many men and women of the Jews as are willing so to do, + may celebrate their Sabbaths, and perform their holy offices, according to + Jewish laws; and may make their proseuchae at the sea-side, according to + the customs of their forefathers; and if any one, whether he be a + magistrate or private person, hindereth them from so doing, he shall be + liable to a fine, to be applied to the uses of the city." + </p> + <p> + 24. The decree of the Sardians. "This decree was made by the senate and + people, upon the representation of the praetors: Whereas those Jews who + are fellow citizens, and live with us in this city, have ever had great + benefits heaped upon them by the people, and have come now into the + senate, and desired of the people, that upon the restitution of their law + and their liberty, by the senate and people of Rome, they may assemble + together, according to their ancient legal custom, and that we will not + bring any suit against them about it; and that a place may be given them + where they may have their congregations, with their wives and children, + and may offer, as did their forefathers, their prayers and sacrifices to + God. Now the senate and people have decreed to permit them to assemble + together on the days formerly appointed, and to act according to their own + laws; and that such a place be set apart for them by the praetors, for the + building and inhabiting the same, as they shall esteem fit for that + purpose; and that those that take care of the provision for the city, + shall take care that such sorts of food as they esteem fit for their + eating may be imported into the city." + </p> + <p> + 25. The decree of the Ephesians. "When Menophilus was prytanis, on the + first day of the month Artemisius, this decree was made by the people: + Nicanor, the son of Euphemus, pronounced it, upon the representation of + the praetors. Since the Jews that dwell in this city have petitioned + Marcus Julius Pompeius, the son of Brutus, the proconsul, that they might + be allowed to observe their Sabbaths, and to act in all things according + to the customs of their forefathers, without impediment from any body, the + praetor hath granted their petition. Accordingly, it was decreed by the + senate and people, that in this affair that concerned the Romans, no one + of them should be hindered from keeping the sabbath day, nor be fined for + so doing, but that they may be allowed to do all things according to their + own laws." + </p> + <p> + 26. Now there are many such decrees of the senate and imperators of the + Romans <a href="#link14note-20" name="link14noteref-20" + id="link14noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> and those different from these + before us, which have been made in favor of Hyrcanus, and of our nation; + as also, there have been more decrees of the cities, and rescripts of the + praetors, to such epistles as concerned our rights and privileges; and + certainly such as are not ill-disposed to what we write may believe that + they are all to this purpose, and that by the specimens which we have + inserted; for since we have produced evident marks that may still be seen + of the friendship we have had with the Romans, and demonstrated that those + marks are engraven upon columns and tables of brass in the capitol, that + axe still in being, and preserved to this day, we have omitted to set them + all down, as needless and disagreeable; for I cannot suppose any one so + perverse as not to believe the friendship we have had with the Romans, + while they have demonstrated the same by such a great number of their + decrees relating to us; nor will they doubt of our fidelity as to the rest + of those decrees, since we have shown the same in those we have produced, + And thus have we sufficiently explained that friendship and confederacy we + at those times had with the Romans. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0011" id="link142HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. How Marcus, Succeeded Sextus When He Had Been Slain By + Bassus's Treachery; And How, After The Death Of Cæsar, Cassius Came Into + Syria, And Distressed Judea; As Also How Malichus Slew Antipater And Was + Himself Slain By Herod. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now it so fell out, that about this very time the affairs of Syria were + in great disorder, and this on the occasion following: Cecilius Bassus, + one of Pompey's party, laid a treacherous design against Sextus Cæsar, + and slew him, and then took his army, and got the management of public + affairs into his own hand; so there arose a great war about Apamia, while + Cæsar's generals came against him with an army of horsemen and footmen; + to these Antipater also sent succors, and his sons with them, as calling + to mind the kindnesses they had received from Cæsar, and on that account + he thought it but just to require punishment for him, and to take + vengeance on the man that had murdered him. And as the war was drawn out + into a great length, Marcus <a href="#link14note-21" + name="link14noteref-21" id="link14noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> came + from Rome to take Sextus's government upon him. But Cæsar was slain by + Cassius and Brutus in the senate-house, after he had retained the + government three years and six months. This fact however, is related + elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + 2. As the war that arose upon the death of Cæsar was now begun, and the + principal men were all gone, some one way, and some another, to raise + armies, Cassius came from Rome into Syria, in order to receive the [army + that lay in the] camp at Apamia; and having raised the siege, he brought + over both Bassus and Marcus to his party. He then went over the cities, + and got together weapons and soldiers, and laid great taxes upon those + cities; and he chiefly oppressed Judea, and exacted of it seven hundred + talents: but Antipater, when he saw the state to be in so great + consternation and disorder, he divided the collection of that sum, and + appointed his two sons to gather it; and so that part of it was to be + exacted by Malichus, who was ill- disposed to him, and part by others. And + because Herod did exact what is required of him from Galilee before + others, he was in the greatest favor with Cassius; for he thought it a + part of prudence to cultivate a friendship with the Romans, and to gain + their goodwill at the expense of others; whereas the curators of the other + cities, with their citizens, were sold for slaves; and Cassius reduced + four cities into a state of slavery, the two most potent of which were + Gophna and Emmaus; and, besides these, Lydia and Thamna. Nay, Cassius was + so very angry at Malichus, that he had killed him, [for he assaulted him,] + had not Hyrcanus, by the means of Antipater, sent him a hundred talents of + his own, and thereby pacified his anger against him. + </p> + <p> + 3. But after Cassius was gone out of Judea, Malichus laid snares for + Antipater, as thinking that his death would-be the preservation of + Hyrcanus's government; but his design was not unknown to Antipater, which + when he perceived, he retired beyond Jordan, and got together an army, + partly of Arabs, and partly of his own countrymen. However, Malichus, + being one of great cunning, denied that he had laid any snares for him, + and made his defense with an oath, both to himself and his sons; and said + that while Phasaelus had a garrison in Jerusalem, and Herod had the + weapons of war in his custody, he could never have a thought of any such + thing. So Antipater, perceiving the distress that Malichus was in, was + reconciled to him, and made an agreement with him: this was when Marcus + was president of Syria; who yet perceiving that this Malichus was making a + disturbance in Judea, proceeded so far that he had almost killed him; but + still, at the intercession of Antipater, he saved him. + </p> + <p> + 4. However, Antipater little thought that by saving Malichus he had saved + his own murderer; for now Cassius and Marcus had got together an army, and + intrusted the entire care of it with Herod, and made him general of the + forces of Celesyria, and gave him a fleet of ships, and an army of + horsemen and footmen; and promised him, that after the war was over they + would make him king of Judea; for a war was already begun between Antony + and the younger Cæsar: but as Malichus was most afraid of Antipater, he + took him out of the way; and by the offer of money, persuaded the butler + of Hyrcanus, with whom they were both to feast, to kill him by poison. + This being done, and he having armed men with him, settled the affairs of + the city. But when Antipater's sons, Herod and Phasaelus, were acquainted + with this conspiracy against their father, and had indignation at it, + Malichus denied all, and utterly renounced any knowledge of the murder. + And thus died Antipater, a man that had distinguished himself for piety + and justice, and love to his country. And whereas one of his sons, Herod, + resolved immediately to revenge their father's death, and was coming upon + Malichus with an army for that purpose, the elder of his sons, Phasaelus, + thought it best rather to get this man into their hands by policy, lest + they should appear to begin a civil war in the country; so he accepted of + Malichus's defense for himself, and pretended to believe him that he had + had no hand in the violent death of Antipater his father, but erected a + fine monument for him. Herod also went to Samaria; and when he found them + in great distress, he revived their spirits, and composed their + differences. + </p> + <p> + 5. However, a little after this, Herod, upon the approach of a festival, + came with his soldiers into the city; whereupon Malichus was affrighted, + and persuaded Hyrcanus not to permit him to come into the city. Hyrcanus + complied; and, for a pretense of excluding him, alleged, that a rout of + strangers ought not to be admitted when the multitude were purifying + themselves. But Herod had little regard to the messengers that were sent + to him, and entered the city in the night time, and affrighted Malichus; + yet did he remit nothing of his former dissimulation, but wept for + Antipater, and bewailed him as a friend of his with a loud voice; but + Herod and his friends though, it proper not openly to contradict + Malichus's hypocrisy, but to give him tokens of mutual friendship, in + order to prevent his suspicion of them. + </p> + <p> + 6. However, Herod sent to Cassius, and informed him of the murder of his + father; who knowing what sort of man Malichus was as to his morals, sent + him back word that he should revenge his father's death; and also sent + privately to the commanders of his army at Tyre, with orders to assist + Herod in the execution of a very just design of his. Now when Cassius had + taken Laodicea, they all went together to him, and carried him garlands + and money; and Herod thought that Malichus might be punished while he was + there; but he was somewhat apprehensive of the thing, and designed to make + some great attempt, and because his son was then a hostage at Tyre, he + went to that city, and resolved to steal him away privately, and to march + thence into Judea; and as Cassius was in haste to march against Antony, he + thought to bring the country to revolt, and to procure the government for + himself. But Providence opposed his counsels; and Herod being a shrewd + man, and perceiving what his intention was, he sent thither beforehand a + servant, in appearance indeed to get a supper ready, for he had said + before that he would feast them all there, but in reality to the + commanders of the army, whom he persuaded to go out against Malichus, with + their daggers. So they went out and met the man near the city, upon the + sea-shore, and there stabbed him. Whereupon Hyrcanus was so astonished at + what had happened, that his speech failed him; and when, after some + difficulty, he had recovered himself, he asked Herod what the matter could + be, and who it was that slew Malichus; and when he said that it was done + by the command of Cassius, he commended the action; for that Malichus was + a very wicked man, and one that conspired against his own country. And + this was the punishment that was inflicted on Malichus for what he + wickedly did to Antipater. + </p> + <p> + 7. But when Cassius was marched out of Syria, disturbances arose in Judea; + for Felix, who was left at Jerusalem with an army, made a sudden attempt + against Phasaelus, and the people themselves rose in arms; but Herod went + to Fabius, the prefect of Damascus, and was desirous to run to his + brother's assistance, but was hindered by a distemper that seized upon + him, till Phasaelus by himself had been too hard for Felix, and had shut + him up in the tower, and there, on certain conditions, dismissed him. + Phasaelus also complained of Hyrcanus, that although he had received a + great many benefits from them, yet did he support their enemies; for + Malichus's brother had made many places to revolt, and kept garrisons in + them, and particularly Masada, the strongest fortress of them all. In the + mean time, Herod was recovered of his disease, and came and took from + Felix all the places he had gotten; and, upon certain conditions, + dismissed him also. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0012" id="link142HCH0012"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 12. Herod Ejects Antigonus, The Son Of Aristobulus Out Of Judea, + And Gains The Friendship Of Antony, Who Was Now Come Into Syria, By + Sending Him Much Money; On Which Account He Would Not Admit Of Those That + Would Have Accused Herod: And What It Was That Antony Wrote To The Tyrians + In Behalf. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now <a href="#link14note-22" name="link14noteref-22" + id="link14noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> Ptolemy, the son of Menneus, + brought back into Judea Antigonus, the son of Aristobulus, who had already + raised an army, and had, by money, made Fabius to be his friend, add this + because he was of kin to him. Marion also gave him assistance. He had been + left by Cassius to tyrannize over Tyre; for this Cassius was a man that + seized on Syria, and then kept it under, in the way of a tyrant. Marion + also marched into Galilee, which lay in his neighborhood, and took three + of his fortresses, and put garrisons into them to keep them. But when + Herod came, he took all from him; but the Tyrian garrison he dismissed in + a very civil manner; nay, to some of the soldiers he made presents out of + the good-will he bare to that city. When he had despatched these affairs, + and was gone to meet Antigonus, he joined battle with him, and beat him, + and drove him out of Judea presently, when he was just come into its + borders. But when he was come to Jerusalem, Hyrcanus and the people put + garlands about his head; for he had already contracted an affinity with + the family of Hyrcanus by having espoused a descendant of his, and for + that reason Herod took the greater care of him, as being to marry the + daughter of Alexander, the son of Aristobulus, add the granddaughter of + Hyrcanus, by which wife he became the father of three male and two female + children. He had also married before this another wife, out of a lower + family of his own nation, whose name was Doris, by whom he had his eldest + son Antipater. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Antonius and Cæsar had beaten Cassius near Philippi, as others + have related; but after the victory, Cæsar went into Gaul, [Italy,] and + Antony marched for Asia, who, when he was arrived at Bithynia, he had + ambassadors that met him from all parts. The principal men also of the + Jews came thither, to accuse Phasaelus and Herod; and they said that + Hyrcanus had indeed the appearance of reigning, but that these men had all + the power: but Antony paid great respect to Herod, who was come to him to + make his defense against his accusers, on which account his adversaries + could not so much as obtain a hearing; which favor Herod had gained of + Antony by money. But still, when Antony was come to Ephesus, Hyrcanus the + high priest, and our nation, sent an embassage to him, which carried a + crown of gold with them, and desired that he would write to the governors + of the provinces, to set those Jews free who had been carried captive by + Cassius, and this without their having fought against him, and to restore + them that country, which, in the days of Cassius, had been taken from + them. Antony thought the Jews' desires were just, and wrote immediately to + Hyrcanus, and to the Jews. He also sent, at the same time, a decree to the + Tyrians; the contents of which were to the same purpose. + </p> + <p> + 3. "Marcus Antonius, imperator, to Hyrcanus the high priest and ethnarch + of the Jews, sendeth greeting. It you be in health, it is well; I am also + in health, with the army. Lysimachus, the son of Pausanias, and Josephus, + the son of Menneus, and Alexander, the son of Theodorus, your ambassadors, + met me at Ephesus, and have renewed the embassage which they had formerly + been upon at Rome, and have diligently acquitted themselves of the present + embassage, which thou and thy nation have intrusted to them, and have + fully declared the goodwill thou hast for us. I am therefore satisfied, + both by your actions and your words, that you are well-disposed to us; and + I understand that your conduct of life is constant and religious: so I + reckon upon you as our own. But when those that were adversaries to you, + and to the Roman people, abstained neither from cities nor temples, and + did not observe the agreement they had confirmed by oath, it was not only + on account of our contest with them, but on account of all mankind in + common, that we have taken vengeance on those who have been the authors of + great injustice towards men, and of great wickedness towards the gods; for + the sake of which we suppose it was that the sun turned away his light + from us, <a href="#link14note-23" name="link14noteref-23" + id="link14noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> as unwilling to view the + horrid crime they were guilty of in the case of Cæsar. We have also + overcome their conspiracies, which threatened the gods themselves, which + Macedonia received, as it is a climate peculiarly proper for impious and + insolent attempts; and we have overcome that confused rout of men, half + mad with spite against us, which they got together at Philippi in + Macedonia, when they seized on the places that were proper for their + purpose, and, as it were, walled them round with mountains to the very + sea, and where the passage was open only through a single gate. This + victory we gained, because the gods had condemned those men for their + wicked enterprises. Now Brutus, when he had fled as far as Philippi, was + shut up by us, and became a partaker of the same perdition with Cassius; + and now these have received their punishment, we suppose that we may enjoy + peace for the time to come, and that Asia may be at rest from war. We + therefore make that peace which God hath given us common to our + confederates also, insomuch that the body of Asia is now recovered out of + that distemper it was under by the means of our victory. I, therefore, + bearing in mind both thee and your nation, shall take care of what may be + for your advantage. I have also sent epistles in writing to the several + cities, that if any persons, whether free-men or bond-men, have been sold + under the spear by Caius Cassius, or his subordinate officers, they may be + set free. And I will that you kindly make use of the favors which I and + Dolabella have granted you. I also forbid the Tyrians to use any violence + with you; and for what places of the Jews they now possess, I order them + to restore them. I have withal accepted of the crown which thou sentest + me." + </p> + <p> + 4. "Marcus Antonius, imperator, to the magistrates, senate, and people of + Tyre, sendeth greeting. The ambassadors of Hyrcanus, the high priest and + ethnarch [of the Jews], appeared before me at Ephesus, and told me that + you are in possession of part of their country, which you entered upon + under the government of our adversaries. Since, therefore, we have + undertaken a war for the obtaining the government, and have taken care to + do what was agreeable to piety and justice, and have brought to punishment + those that had neither any remembrance of the kindnesses they had + received, nor have kept their oaths, I will that you be at peace with + those that are our confederates; as also, that what you have taken by the + means of our adversaries shall not be reckoned your own, but be returned + to those from whom you took them; for none of them took their provinces or + their armies by the gift of the senate, but they seized them by force, and + bestowed them by violence upon such as became useful to them in their + unjust proceedings. Since, therefore, those men have received the + punishment due to them, we desire that our confederates may retain + whatsoever it was that they formerly possessed without disturbance, and + that you restore all the places which belong to Hyrcanus, the ethnarch of + the Jews, which you have had, though it were but one day before Caius + Cassius began an unjustifiable war against us, and entered into our + province; nor do you use any force against him, in order to weaken him, + that he may not be able to dispose of that which is his own; but if you + have any contest with him about your respective rights, it shall be lawful + for you to plead your cause when we come upon the places concerned, for we + shall alike preserve the rights and hear all the causes of our + confederates." + </p> + <p> + 5. "Marcus Antonius, imperator, to the magistrates, senate, and people of + Tyre, sendeth greeting. I have sent you my decree, of which I will that ye + take care that it be engraven on the public tables, in Roman and Greek + letters, and that it stand engraven in the most illustrious places, that + it may be read by all. Marcus Antonius, imperator, one of the triumvirate + over the public affairs, made this declaration: Since Caius Cassius, in + this revolt he hath made, hath pillaged that province which belonged not + to him, and was held by garrisons there encamped, while they were our + confederates, and hath spoiled that nation of the Jews that was in + friendship with the Roman people, as in war; and since we have overcome + his madness by arms, we now correct by our decrees and judicial + determinations what he hath laid waste, that those things may be restored + to our confederates. And as for what hath been sold of the Jewish + possessions, whether they be bodies or possessions, let them be released; + the bodies into that state of freedom they were originally in, and the + possessions to their former owners. I also will that he who shall not + comply with this decree of mine shall be punished for his disobedience; + and if such a one be caught, I will take care that the offenders suffer + condign punishment." + </p> + <p> + 6. The same thing did Antony write to the Sidonians, and the Antiochians, + and the Aradians. We have produced these decrees, therefore, as marks for + futurity of the truth of what we have said, that the Romans had a great + concern about our nation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0013" id="link142HCH0013"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 13. How Antony Made Herod And Phasaelus Tetrarchs, After They Had + Been Accused To No Purpose; And How The Parthians When They Brought + Antigonus Into Judea Took Hyrcanus And Phasaelus Captives. Herod's Flight; + And What Afflictions Hyrcanus And Phasaelus Endured. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When after this Antony came into Syria, Cleopatra met him in Cilicia, + and brought him to fall in love with her. And there came now also a + hundred of the most potent of the Jews to accuse Herod and those about + him, and set the men of the greatest eloquence among them to speak. But + Messala contradicted them, on behalf of the young men, and all this in the + presence of Hyrcanus, who was Herod's father-in-law <a + href="#link14note-24" name="link14noteref-24" id="link14noteref-24"><small>24</small></a> + already. When Antony had heard both sides at Daphne, he asked Hyrcanus who + they were that governed the nation best. He replied, Herod and his + friends. Hereupon Antony, by reason of the old hospitable friendship he + had made with his father [Antipater], at that time when he was with + Gabinius, he made both Herod and Phasaelus tetrarchs, and committed the + public affairs of the Jews to them, and wrote letters to that purpose. He + also bound fifteen of their adversaries, and was going to kill them, but + that Herod obtained their pardon. + </p> + <p> + 2. Yet did not these men continue quiet when they were come back, but a + thousand of the Jews came to Tyre to meet him there, whither the report + was that he would come. But Antony was corrupted by the money which Herod + and his brother had given him; and so he gave order to the governor of the + place to punish the Jewish ambassadors, who were for making innovations, + and to settle the government upon Herod; but Herod went out hastily to + them, and Hyrcanus was with him, [for they stood upon the shore before the + city,] and he charged them to go their ways, because great mischief would + befall them if they went on with their accusation. But they did not + acquiesce; whereupon the Romans ran upon them with their daggers, and slew + some, and wounded more of them, and the rest fled away and went home, and + lay still in great consternation. And when the people made a clamor + against Herod, Antony was so provoked at it, that he slew the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now, in the second year, Pacorus, the king of Parthia's son, and + Barzapharnes, a commander of the Parthians, possessed themselves of Syria. + Ptolemy, the son of Menneus, also was now dead, and Lysanias his son took + his government, and made a league of friendship with Antigonus, the son of + Aristobulus; and in order to obtain it, made use of that commander, who + had great interest in him. Now Antigonus had promised to give the + Parthians a thousand talents, and five hundred women, upon condition they + would take the government away from Hyrcanus, and bestow it upon him, and + withal kill Herod. And although he did not give them what he had promised, + yet did the Parthians make an expedition into Judea on that account, and + carried Antigonus with them. Pacorus went along the maritime parts, but + the commander Barzapharnes through the midland. Now the Tyrians excluded + Pacorus, but the Sidonians and those of Ptolemais received him. However, + Pacorus sent a troop of horsemen into Judea, to take a view of the state + of the country, and to assist Antigonus; and sent also the king's butler, + of the same name with himself. So when the Jews that dwelt about Mount + Carmel came to Antigonus, and were ready to march with him into Judea, + Antigonus hoped to get some part of the country by their assistance. The + place is called Drymi; and when some others came and met them, the men + privately fell upon Jerusalem; and when some more were come to them, they + got together in great numbers, and came against the king's palace, and + besieged it. But as Phasaelus's and Herod's party came to the other's + assistance, and a battle happened between them in the market-place, the + young men beat their enemies, and pursued them into the temple, and sent + some armed men into the adjoining houses to keep them in, who yet being + destitute of such as should support them, were burnt, and the houses with + them, by the people who rose up against them. But Herod was revenged on + these seditious adversaries of his a little afterward for this injury they + had offered him, when he fought with them, and slew a great number of + them. + </p> + <p> + 4. But while there were daily skirmishes, the enemy waited for the coming + of the multitude out of the country to Pentecost, a feast of ours so + called; and when that day was come, many ten thousands of the people were + gathered together about the temple, some in armor, and some without. Now + those that came guarded both the temple and the city, excepting what + belonged to the palace, which Herod guarded with a few of his soldiers; + and Phasaelus had the charge of the wall, while Herod, with a body of his + men, sallied out upon the enemy, who lay in the suburbs, and fought + courageously, and put many ten thousands to flight, some flying into the + city, and some into the temple, and some into the outer fortifications, + for some such fortifications there were in that place. Phasaelus came also + to his assistance; yet was Pacorus, the general of the Parthians, at the + desire of Antigonus, admitted into the city, with a few of his horsemen, + under pretence indeed as if he would still the sedition, but in reality to + assist Antigonus in obtaining the government. And when Phasaelus met him, + and received him kindly, Pacorus persuaded him to go himself as ambassador + to Barzapharnes, which was done fraudulently. Accordingly, Phasaelus, + suspecting no harm, complied with his proposal, while Herod did not give + his consent to what was done, because of the perfidiousness of these + barbarians, but desired Phasaelus rather to fight those that were come + into the city. + </p> + <p> + 5. So both Hyrcanus and Phasaelus went on the embassage; but Pacorus left + with Herod two hundred horsemen, and ten men, who were called the freemen, + and conducted the others on their journey; and when they were in Galilee, + the governors of the cities there met them in their arms. Barzapharnes + also received them at the first with cheerfulness, and made them presents, + though he afterward conspired against them; and Phasaelus, with his + horsemen, were conducted to the sea-side. But when they heard that + Antigonus had promised to give the Parthians a thousand talents, and five + hundred women, to assist him against them, they soon had a suspicion of + the barbarians. Moreover, there was one who informed them that snares were + laid for them by night, while a guard came about them secretly; and they + had then been seized upon, had not they waited for the seizure of Herod by + the Parthians that were about Jerusalem, lest, upon the slaughter of + Hyrcanus and Phasaelus, he should have an intimation of it, and escape out + of their hands. And these were the circumstances they were now in; and + they saw who they were that guarded them. Some persons indeed would have + persuaded Phasaelus to fly away immediately on horseback, and not stay any + longer; and there was one Ophellius, who, above all the rest, was earnest + with him to do so; for he had heard of this treachery from Saramalla, the + richest of all the Syrians at that time, who also promised to provide him + ships to carry him off; for the sea was just by them. But he had no mind + to desert Hyrcanus, nor bring his brother into danger; but he went to + Barzapharnes, and told him he did not act justly when he made such a + contrivance against them; for that if he wanted money, he would give him + more than Antigonus; and besides, that it was a horrible thing to slay + those that came to him upon the security of their oaths, and that when + they had done them no injury. But the barbarian swore to him that there + was no truth in any of his suspicions, but that he was troubled with + nothing but false proposals, and then went away to Pacorus. + </p> + <p> + 6. But as soon as he was gone away, some men came and bound Hyrcanus and + Phasaelus, while Phasaelus greatly reproached the Parthians for their + perjury; However, that butler who was sent against Herod had it in command + to get him without the walls of the city, and seize upon him; but + messengers had been sent by Phasaelus to inform Herod of the + perfidiousness of the Parthians. And when he knew that the enemy had + seized upon them, he went to Pacorus, and to the most potent of the + Parthians, as to the lord of the rest, who, although they knew the whole + matter, dissembled with him in a deceitful way; and said that he ought to + go out with them before the walls, and meet those which were bringing him + his letters, for that they were not taken by his adversaries, but were + coming to give him an account of the good success Phasaelus had had. Herod + did not give credit to what they said; for he had heard that his brother + was seized upon by others also; and the daughter of Hyrcanus, whose + daughter he had espoused, was his monitor also [not to credit them], which + made him still more suspicious of the Parthians; for although other people + did not give heed to her, yet did he believe her as a woman of very great + wisdom. + </p> + <p> + 7. Now while the Parthians were in consultation what was fit to be done; + for they did not think it proper to make an open attempt upon a person of + his character; and while they put off the determination to the next day, + Herod was under great disturbance of mind, and rather inclining to believe + the reports he heard about his brother and the Parthians, than to give + heed to what was said on the other side, he determined, that when the + evening came on, he would make use of it for his flight, and not make any + longer delay, as if the dangers from the enemy were not yet certain. He + therefore removed with the armed men whom he had with him; and set his + wives upon the beasts, as also his mother, and sister, and her whom he was + about to marry, [Mariamne,] the daughter of Alexander, the son of + Aristobulus, with her mother, the daughter of Hyrcanus, and his youngest + brother, and all their servants, and the rest of the multitude that was + with him, and without the enemy's privity pursued his way to Idumea. Nor + could any enemy of his who then saw him in this case be so hardhearted, + but would have commiserated his fortune, while the women drew along their + infant children and left their own country, and their friends in prison, + with tears in their eyes, and sad lamentations, and in expectation of + nothing but what was of a melancholy nature. + </p> + <p> + 8. But for Herod himself, he raised his mind above the miserable state he + was in, and was of good courage in the midst of his misfortunes; and as he + passed along, he bid them every one to be of good cheer, and not to give + themselves up to sorrow, because that would hinder them in their flight, + which was now the only hope of safety that they had. Accordingly, they + tried to bear with patience the calamity they were under, as he exhorted + them to do; yet was he once almost going to kill himself, upon the + overthrow of a waggon, and the danger his mother was then in of being + killed; and this on two accounts, because of his great concern for her, + and because he was afraid lest, by this delay, the enemy should overtake + him in the pursuit: but as he was drawing his sword, and going to kill + himself therewith, those that were present restrained him, and being so + many in number, were too hard for him; and told him that he ought not to + desert them, and leave them a prey to their enemies, for that it was not + the part of a brave man to free himself from the distresses he was in, and + to overlook his friends that were in the same distresses also. So he was + compelled to let that horrid attempt alone, partly out of shame at what + they said to him, and partly out of regard to the great number of those + that would not permit him to do what he intended. So he encouraged his + mother, and took all the care of her the time would allow, and proceeded + on the way he proposed to go with the utmost haste, and that was to the + fortress of Masada. And as he had many skirmishes with such of the + Parthians as attacked him and pursued him, he was conqueror in them all. + </p> + <p> + 9. Nor indeed was he free from the Jews all along as he was in his flight; + for by that time he was gotten sixty furlongs out of the city, and was + upon the road, they fell upon him, and fought hand to hand with him, whom + he also put to flight, and overcame, not like one that was in distress and + in necessity, but like one that was excellently prepared for war, and had + what he wanted in great plenty. And in this very place where he overcame + the Jews it was that he some time afterward build a most excellent palace, + and a city round about it, and called it Herodium. And when he was come to + Idumea, at a place called Thressa, his brother Joseph met him, and he then + held a council to take advice about all his affairs, and what was fit to + be done in his circumstances, since he had a great multitude that followed + him, besides his mercenary soldiers, and the place Masada, whither he + proposed to fly, was too small to contain so great a multitude; so he sent + away the greater part of his company, being above nine thousand, and bid + them go, some one way, and some another, and so save themselves in Idumea, + and gave them what would buy them provisions in their journey. But he took + with him those that were the least encumbered, and were most intimate with + him, and came to the fortress, and placed there his wives and his + followers, being eight hundred in number, there being in the place a + sufficient quantity of corn and water, and other necessaries, and went + directly for Petra, in Arabia. But when it was day, the Parthians + plundered all Jerusalem, and the palace, and abstained from nothing but + Hyrcanus's money, which was three hundred talents. A great deal of Herod's + money escaped, and principally all that the man had been so provident as + to send into Idumea beforehand; nor indeed did what was in the city + suffice the Parthians, but they went out into the country, and plundered + it, and demolished the city Marissa. + </p> + <p> + 10. And thus was Antigonus brought back into Judea by the king of the + Parthians, and received Hyrcanus and Phasaelus for his prisoners; but he + was greatly cast down because the women had escaped, whom he intended to + have given the enemy, as having promised they should have them, with the + money, for their reward: but being afraid that Hyrcanus, who was under the + guard of the Parthians, might have his kingdom restored to him by the + multitude, he cut off his ears, and thereby took care that the high + priesthood should never come to him any more, because he was maimed, while + the law required that this dignity should belong to none but such as had + all their members entire <a href="#link14note-25" name="link14noteref-25" + id="link14noteref-25"><small>25</small></a> But now one cannot but here + admire the fortitude of Phasaelus, who, perceiving that he was to be put + to death, did not think death any terrible thing at all; but to die thus + by the means of his enemy, this he thought a most pitiable and + dishonorable thing; and therefore, since he had not his hands at liberty, + but the bonds he was in prevented him from killing himself thereby, he + dashed his head against a great stone, and thereby took away his own life, + which he thought to be the best thing he could do in such a distress as he + was in, and thereby put it out of the power of the enemy to bring him to + any death he pleased. It is also reported, that when he had made a great + wound in his head, Antigonus sent physicians to cure it, and, by ordering + them to infuse poison into the wound, killed him. However, Phasaelus + hearing, before he was quite dead, by a certain woman, that his brother + Herod had escaped the enemy, underwent his death cheerfully, since he now + left behind him one who would revenge his death, and who was able to + inflict punishment on his enemies. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0014" id="link142HCH0014"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 14. How Herod Got Away From The King Of Arabia And Made Haste To + Go Into Egypt And Thence Went Away In Haste Also To Rome; And How, By + Promising A Great Deal Of Money To Antony He Obtained Of The Senate And Of + Cæsar To Be Made King Of The Jews. + </h3> + <p> + 1. As for Herod, the great miseries he was in did not discourage him, but + made him sharp in discovering surprising undertakings; for he went to + Malchus, king of Arabia, whom he had formerly been very kind to, in order + to receive somewhat by way of requital, now he was in more than ordinary + want of it, and desired he would let him have some money, either by way of + loan, or as his free gift, on account of the many benefits he had received + from him; for not knowing what was become of his brother, he was in haste + to redeem him out of the hand of his enemies, as willing to give three + hundred talents for the price of his redemption. He also took with him the + son of Phasaelus, who was a child of but seven years of age, for this very + reason, that he might be a hostage for the repayment of the money. But + there came messengers from Malchus to meet him, by whom he was desired to + be gone, for that the Parthians had laid a charge upon him not to + entertain Herod. This was only a pretense which he made use of, that he + might not be obliged to repay him what he owed him; and this he was + further induced to by the principal men among the Arabians, that they + might cheat him of what sums they had received from [his father] + Antipater, and which he had committed to their fidelity. He made answer, + that he did not intend to be troublesome to them by his coning thither, + but that he desired only to discourse with them about certain affairs that + were to him of the greatest importance. + </p> + <p> + 2. Hereupon he resolved to go away, and did go very prudently the road to + Egypt; and then it was that he lodged in a certain temple; for he had left + a great many of his followers there. On the next day he came to + Rhinocolura, and there it was that he heard what was befallen his brother. + Though Malehus soon repented of what he had done, and came running after + Herod; but with no manner of success, for he was gotten a very great way + off, and made haste into the road to Pelusium; and when the stationary + ships that lay there hindered him from sailing to Alexandria, he went to + their captains, by whose assistance, and that out of much reverence of and + great regard to him, he was conducted into the city [Alexandria], and was + retained there by Cleopatra; yet was she not able to prevail with him to + stay there, because he was making haste to Rome, even though the weather + was stormy, and he was informed that the affairs of Italy were very + tumultuous, and in great disorder. + </p> + <p> + 3. So he set sail from thence to Pamphylia, and falling into a violent + storm, he had much ado to escape to Rhodes, with the loss of the ship's + burden; and there it was that two of his friends, Sappinas and Ptolemeus, + met with him; and as he found that city very much damaged in the war + against Cassius, though he were in necessity himself, he neglected not to + do it a kindness, but did what he could to recover it to its former state. + He also built there a three-decked ship, and set sail thence, with his + friends, for Italy, and came to the port of Brundusium; and when he was + come from thence to Rome, he first related to Antony what had befallen him + in Judea, and how Phasaelus his brother was seized on by the Parthians, + and put to death by them, and how Hyrcanus was detained captive by them, + and how they had made Antigonus king, who had promised them a sum of + money, no less than a thousand talents, with five hundred women, who were + to be of the principal families, and of the Jewish stock; and that he had + carried off the women by night; and that, by undergoing a great many + hardships, he had escaped the hands of his enemies; as also, that his own + relations were in danger of being besieged and taken, and that he had + sailed through a storm, and contemned all these terrible dangers of it, in + order to come, as soon as possible, to him, who was his hope and only + succor at this time. + </p> + <p> + 4. This account made Antony commiserate the change that had happened in + Herod's condition; <a href="#link14note-26" name="link14noteref-26" + id="link14noteref-26"><small>26</small></a> and reasoning with himself + that this was a common case among those that are placed in such great + dignities, and that they are liable to the mutations that come from + fortune, he was very ready to give him the assistance he desired, and this + because he called to mind the friendship he had had with Antipater because + Herod offered him money to make him king, as he had formerly given it him + to make him tetrarch, and chiefly because of his hatred to Antigonus; for + he took him to be a seditious person, and an enemy to the Romans. Cæsar + was also the forwarder to raise Herod's dignity, and to give him his + assistance in what he desired, on account of the toils of war which he had + himself undergone with Antipater his father in Egypt, and of the + hospitality he had treated him withal, and the kindness he had always + showed him, as also to gratify Antony, who was very zealous for Herod. So + a senate was convocated; and Messala first, and then Atratinus, introduced + Herod into it, and enlarged upon the benefits they had received from his + father, and put them in mind of the good-will he had borne to the Romans. + At the same time, they accused Antigonus, and declared him an enemy, not + only because of his former opposition to them, but that he had now + overlooked the Romans, and taken the government from the Parthians. Upon + this the senate was irritated; and Antony informed them further, that it + was for their advantage in the Parthian war that Herod should be king. + This seemed good to all the senators; and so they made a decree + accordingly. + </p> + <p> + 5. And this was the principal instance of Antony's affection for Herod, + that he not only procured him a kingdom which he did not expect, [for he + did not come with an intention to ask the kingdom for himself, which he + did not suppose the Romans would grant him, who used to bestow it on some + of the royal family, but intended to desire it for his wife's brother, who + was grandson by his father to Aristobulus, and to Hyrcanus by his mother,] + but that he procured it for him so suddenly, that he obtained what he did + not expect, and departed out of Italy in so few days as seven in all. This + young man [the grandson] Herod afterward took care to have slain, as we + shall show in its proper place. But when the senate was dissolved, Antony + and Cæsar went out of the senate house with Herod between them, and with + the consuls and other magistrates before them, in order to offer + sacrifices, and to lay up their decrees in the capitol. Antony also + feasted Herod the first day of his reign. And thus did this man receive + the kingdom, having obtained it on the hundred and eighty-fourth olympiad, + when Caius Domitius Calvinus was consul the second time, and Caius Asinius + Pollio [the first time]. + </p> + <p> + 6. All this while Antigonus besieged those that were in Masada, who had + plenty of all other necessaries, but were only in want of water <a + href="#link14note-27" name="link14noteref-27" id="link14noteref-27"><small>27</small></a> + insomuch that on this occasion Joseph, Herod's brother, was contriving to + run away from it, with two hundred of his dependents, to the Arabians; for + he had heard that Malchus repented of the offenses he had been guilty of + with regard to Herod; but God, by sending rain in the night time, + prevented his going away, for their cisterns were thereby filled, and he + was under no necessity of running away on that account; but they were now + of good courage, and the more so, because the sending that plenty of water + which they had been in want of seemed a mark of Divine Providence; so they + made a sally, and fought hand to hand with Antigonus's soldiers, [with + some openly, with some privately,] and destroyed a great number of them. + At the same time Ventidius, the general of the Romans, was sent out of + Syria, to drive the Parthians out of it, and marched after them into + Judea, in pretense indeed to succor Joseph; but in reality the whole + affair was no more than a stratagem, in order to get money of Antigonus; + so they pitched their camp very near to Jerusalem, and stripped Antigonus + of a great deal of money, and then he retired himself with the greater + part of the army; but, that the wickedness he had been guilty of might be + found out, he left Silo there, with a certain part of his soldiers, with + whom also Antigonus cultivated an acquaintance, that he might cause him no + disturbance, and was still in hopes that the Parthians would come again + and defend him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0015" id="link142HCH0015"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 15. How Herod Sailed Out Of Italy To Judea, And Fought With + Antigonus And What Other Things Happened In Judea About That Time. + </h3> + <p> + 1. By this time Herod had sailed out of Italy to Ptolemais, and had gotten + together no small army, both of strangers and of his own countrymen, and + marched through Galilee against Antignus. Silo also, and Ventidius, came + and assisted him, being persuaded by Dellius, who was sent by Antony to + assist in bringing back Herod. Now for Ventidius, he was employed in + composing the disturbances that had been made in the cities by the means + of the Parthians; and for Silo, he was in Judea indeed, but corrupted by + Antigonus. However, as Herod went along his army increased every day, and + all Galilee, with some small exception, joined him; but as he was to those + that were in Masada, [for he was obliged to endeavor to save those that + were in that fortress now they were besieged, because they were his + relations,] Joppa was a hinderance to him, for it was necessary for him to + take that place first, it being a city at variance with him, that no + strong hold might be left in his enemies' hands behind him when he should + go to Jerusalem. And when Silo made this a pretense for rising up from + Jerusalem, and was thereupon pursued by the Jews, Herod fell upon them + with a small body of men, and both put the Jews to flight and saved Silo, + when he was very poorly able to defend himself; but when Herod had taken + Joppa, he made haste to set free those of his family that were in Masada. + Now of the people of the country, some joined him because of the + friendship they had had with his father, and some because of the splendid + appearance he made, and others by way of requital for the benefits they + had received from both of them; but the greatest number came to him in + hopes of getting somewhat from him afterward, if he were once firmly + settled in the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + 2. Herod had now a strong army; and as he marched on, Antigonus laid + snares and ambushes in the passes and places most proper for them; but in + truth he thereby did little or no damage to the enemy. So Herod received + those of his family out of Masada, and the fortress Ressa, and then went + on for Jerusalem. The soldiery also that was with Silo accompanied him all + along, as did many of the citizens, being afraid of his power; and as soon + as he had pitched his camp on the west side of the city, the soldiers that + were set to guard that part shot their arrows and threw their darts at + him; and when some sallied out in a crowd, and came to fight hand to hand + with the first ranks of Herod's army, he gave orders that they should, in + the first place, make proclamation about the wall, that he came for the + good of the people, and for the preservation of the city, and not to bear + any old grudge at even his most open enemies, but ready to forget the + offenses which his greatest adversaries had done him. But Antigonus, by + way of reply to what Herod had caused to be proclaimed, and this before + the Romans, and before Silo also, said that they would not do justly, if + they gave the kingdom to Herod, who was no more than a private man, and an + Idumean, i.e. a half Jew, <a href="#link14note-28" name="link14noteref-28" + id="link14noteref-28"><small>28</small></a> whereas they ought to bestow + it on one of the royal family, as their custom was; for that in case they + at present bear an ill-will to him, and had resolved to deprive him of the + kingdom, as having received it from the Parthians, yet were there many + others of his family that might by their law take it, and these such as + had no way offended the Romans; and being of the sacerdotal family, it + would be an unworthy thing to put them by. Now while they said thus one to + another, and fell to reproaching one another on both sides, Antigonus + permitted his own men that were upon the wall to defend themselves, who + using their bows, and showing great alacrity against their enemies, easily + drove them away from the towers. + </p> + <p> + 3. And now it was that Silo discovered that he had taken bribes; for he + set a good number of his soldiers to complain aloud of the want of + provisions they were in, and to require money to buy them food; and that + it was fit to let them go into places proper for winter quarters, since + the places near the city were a desert, by reason that Antigonus's + soldiers had carried all away; so he set the army upon removing, and + endeavored to march away; but Herod pressed Silo not to depart, and + exhorted Silo's captains and soldiers not to desert him, when Cæsar, and + Antony, and the senate had sent him thither, for that he would provide + them plenty of all the things they wanted, and easily procure them a great + abundance of what they required; after which entreaty, he immediately went + out into the country, and left not the least pretense to Silo for his + departure; for he brought an unexpected quantity of provisions, and sent + to those friends of his who inhabited about Samaria to bring down corn, + and wine, and oil, and cattle, and all other provisions, to Jericho, that + those might be no want of a supply for the soldiers for the time to come. + Antigonus was sensible of this, and sent presently over the country such + as might restrain and lie in ambush for those that went out for + provisions. So these men obeyed the orders of Antigonus, and got together + a great number of armed men about Jericho, and sat upon the mountains, and + watched those that brought the provisions. However, Herod was not idle in + the mean time, for he took ten bands of soldiers, of whom five were of the + Romans, and five of the Jews, with some mercenaries among them, and with + some few horsemen, and came to Jericho; and as they found the city + deserted, but that five hundred of them had settled themselves on the tops + of the hills, with their wives and children, those he took and sent away; + but the Romans fell upon the city, and plundered it, and found the houses + full of all sorts of good things. So the king left a garrison at Jericho, + and came back again, and sent the Roman army to take their winter quarters + in the countries that were come over to him, Judea, and Galilee, and + Samaria. And so much did Antigonus gain of Silo for the bribes he gave + him, that part of the army should be quartered at Lydda, in order to + please Antony. So the Romans laid their weapons aside, and lived in plenty + of all things. + </p> + <p> + 4. But Herod was not pleased with lying still, but sent out his brother + Joseph against Idumea with two thousand armed footmen, and four hundred + horsemen, while he himself came to Samaria, and left his mother and his + other relations there, for they were already gone out of Masada, and went + into Galilee, to take certain places which were held by the garrisons of + Antigonus; and he passed on to Sepphoris, as God sent a snow, while + Antigonus's garrisons withdrew themselves, and had great plenty of + provisions. He also went thence, and resolved to destroy those robbers + that dwelt in the caves, and did much mischief in the country; so he sent + a troop of horsemen, and three companies of armed footmen, against them. + They were very near to a village called Arbela; and on the fortieth day + after, he came himself with his whole army: and as the enemy sallied out + boldly upon him, the left wing of his army gave way; but he appearing with + a body of men, put those to flight who were already conquerors, and + recalled his men that ran away. He also pressed upon his enemies, and + pursued them as far as the river Jordan, though they ran away by different + roads. So he brought over to him all Galilee, excepting those that dwelt + in the caves, and distributed money to every one of his soldiers, giving + them a hundred and fifty drachmae apiece, and much more to their captains, + and sent them into winter quarters; at which time Silo came to him, and + his commanders with him, because Antigonus would not give them provisions + any longer, for he supplied them for no more than one month; nay, he had + sent to all the country about, and ordered them to carry off the + provisions that were there, and retire to the mountains, that the Romans + might have no provisions to live upon, and so might perish by famine. But + Herod committed the care of that matter to Pheroras, his youngest brother, + and ordered him to repair Alexandrium also. Accordingly, he quickly made + the soldiers abound with great plenty of provisions, and rebuilt + Alexandrium, which had been before desolate. + </p> + <p> + 5. About this time it was that Antony continued some time at Athens, and + that Ventidius, who was now in Syria, sent for Silo, and commanded him to + assist Herod, in the first place, to finish the present war, and then to + send for their confederates for the war they were themselves engaged in; + but as for Herod, he went in haste against the robbers that were in the + caves, and sent Silo away to Ventidius, while he marched against them. + These caves were in mountains that were exceeding abrupt, and in their + middle were no other than precipices, with certain entrances into the + caves, and those caves were encompassed with sharp rocks, and in these did + the robbers lie concealed, with all their families about them; but the + king caused certain chests to be made, in order to destroy them, and to be + hung down, bound about with iron chains, by an engine, from the top of the + mountain, it being not possible to get up to them, by reason of the sharp + ascent of the mountains, nor to creep down to them from above. Now these + chests were filled with armed men, who had long hooks in their hands, by + which they might pull out such as resisted them, and then tumble them + down, and kill them by so doing; but the letting the chests down proved to + be a matter of great danger, because of the vast depth they were to be let + down, although they had their provisions in the chests themselves. But + when the chests were let down, and not one of those in the mouths of the + caves durst come near them, but lay still out of fear, some of the armed + men girt on their armor, and by both their hands took hold of the chain by + which the chests were let down, and went into the mouths of the caves, + because they fretted that such delay was made by the robbers not daring to + come out of the caves; and when they were at any of those mouths, they + first killed many of those that were in the mouths with their darts, and + afterwards pulled those to them that resisted them with their hooks, and + tumbled them down the precipices, and afterwards went into the caves, and + killed many more, and then went into their chests again, and lay still + there; but, upon this, terror seized the rest, when they heard the + lamentations that were made, and they despaired of escaping. However, when + the night came on, that put an end to the whole work; and as the king + proclaimed pardon by a herald to such as delivered themselves up to him, + many accepted of the offer. The same method of assault was made use of the + next day; and they went further, and got out in baskets to fight them, and + fought them at their doors, and sent fire among them, and set their caves + on fire, for there was a great deal of combustible matter within them. Now + there was one old man who was caught within one of these caves, with seven + children and a wife; these prayed him to give them leave to go out, and + yield themselves up to the enemy; but he stood at the cave's mouth, and + always slew that child of his who went out, till he had destroyed them + every one, and after that he slew his wife, and cast their dead bodies + down the precipice, and himself after them, and so underwent death rather + than slavery: but before he did this, he greatly reproached Herod with the + meanness of his family, although he was then king. Herod also saw what he + was doing, and stretched out his hand, and offered him all manner of + security for his life; by which means all these caves were at length + subdued entirely. + </p> + <p> + 6. And when the king had set Ptolemy over these parts of the country as + his general, he went to Samaria, with six hundred horsemen, and three + thousand armed footmen, as intending to fight Antigonus. But still this + command of the army did not succeed well with Ptolemy, but those that had + been troublesome to Galilee before attacked him, and slew him; and when + they had done this, they fled among the lakes and places almost + inaccessible laying waste and plundering whatsoever they could come at in + those places. But Herod soon returned, and punished them for what they had + done; for some of these rebels he slew, and others of them, who had fled + to the strong holds he besieged, and both slew them, and demolished their + strong holds. And when he had thus put an end to their rebellion, he laid + a fine upon the cities of a hundred talents. + </p> + <p> + 7. In the mean time, Pacorus was fallen in a battle, and the Parthians + were defeated, when Ventidius sent Macheras to the assistance of Herod, + with two legions, and a thousand horsemen, while Antony encouraged him to + make haste. But Macheras, at the instigation of Antigonus, without the + approbation of Herod, as being corrupted by money, went about to take a + view of his affairs; but Antigonus suspecting this intention of his + coming, did not admit him into the city, but kept him at a distance, with + throwing stones at him, and plainly showed what he himself meant. But when + Macheras was sensible that Herod had given him good advice, and that he + had made a mistake himself in not hearkening to that advice, he retired to + the city Emmaus; and what Jews he met with he slew them, whether they were + enemies or friends, out of the rage he was in at what hardships he had + undergone. The king was provoked at this conduct of his, and went to + Samaria, and resolved to go to Antony about these affairs, and to inform + him that he stood in no need of such helpers, who did him more mischief + than they did his enemies; and that he was able of himself to beat + Antigonus. But Macheras followed him, and desired that he would not go to + Antony; or if he was resolved to go, that he would join his brother Joseph + with them, and let them fight against Antigonus. So he was reconciled to + Macheras, upon his earnest entreaties. Accordingly, he left Joseph there + with his army, but charged him to run no hazards, nor to quarrel with + Macheras. + </p> + <p> + 8. But for his own part, he made haste to Antony [who was then at the + siege of Samosata, a place upon Euphrates] with his troops, both horsemen + and footmen, to be auxiliaries to him. And when he came to Antioch, and + met there a great number of men gotten together that were very desirous to + go to Antony, but durst not venture to go, out of fear, because the + barbarians fell upon men on the road, and slew many, so he encouraged + them, and became their conductor upon the road. Now when they were within + two days' march of Samosata, the barbarians had laid an ambush there to + disturb those that came to Antony, and where the woods made the passes + narrow, as they led to the plains, there they laid not a few of their + horsemen, who were to lie still until those passengers were gone by into + the wide place. Now as soon as the first ranks were gone by, [for Herod + brought on the rear,] those that lay in ambush, who were about five + hundred, fell upon them on the sudden, and when they had put the foremost + to flight, the king came riding hard, with the forces that were about him, + and immediately drove back the enemy; by which means he made the minds of + his own men courageous, and imboldened them to go on, insomuch that those + who ran away before now returned back, and the barbarians were slain on + all sides. The king also went on killing them, and recovered all the + baggage, among which were a great number of beasts for burden, and of + slaves, and proceeded on in his march; and whereas there were a great + number of those in the woods that attacked them, and were near the passage + that led into the plain, he made a sally upon these also with a strong + body of men, and put them to flight, and slew many of them, and thereby + rendered the way safe for those that came after; and these called Herod + their savior and protector. + </p> + <p> + 9. And when he was near to Samosata, Antony sent out his army in all their + proper habiliments to meet him, in order to pay Herod this respect, and + because of the assistance he had given him; for he had heard what attacks + the barbarians had made upon him [in Judea]. He also was very glad to see + him there, as having been made acquainted with the great actions he had + performed upon the road. So he entertained him very kindly, and could not + but admire his courage. Antony also embraced him as soon as he saw him, + and saluted him after a most affectionate manner, and gave him the upper + hand, as having himself lately made him a king; and in a little time + Antiochus delivered up the fortress, and on that account this war was at + an end; then Antony committed the rest to Sosius, and gave him orders to + assist Herod, and went himself to Egypt. Accordingly, Sosius sent two + legions before into Judea to the assistance of Herod, and he followed + himself with the body of the army. + </p> + <p> + 10. Now Joseph was already slain in Judea, in the manner following: He + forgot what charge his brother Herod had given him when he went to Antony; + and when he had pitched his camp among the mountains, for Macheras had + lent him five regiments, with these he went hastily to Jericho, in order + to reap the corn thereto belonging; and as the Roman regiments were but + newly raised, and were unskillful in war, for they were in great part + collected out of Syria, he was attacked by the enemy, and caught in those + places of difficulty, and was himself slain, as he was fighting bravely, + and the whole army was lost, for there were six regiments slain. So when + Antigonus had got possession of the dead bodies, he cut off Joseph's head, + although Pheroras his brother would have redeemed it at the price of fifty + talents. After which defeat, the Galileans revolted from their commanders, + and took those of Herod's party, and drowned them in the lake, and a great + part of Judea was become seditious; but Macheras fortified the place Gitta + [in Samaria]. + </p> + <p> + 11. At this time messengers came to Herod, and informed him of what had + been done; and when he was come to Daphne by Antioch, they told him of the + ill fortune that had befallen his brother; which yet he expected, from + certain visions that appeared to him in his dreams, which clearly + foreshowed his brother's death. So he hastened his march; and when he came + to Mount Libanus, he received about eight hundred of the men of that + place, having already with him also one Roman legion, and with these he + came to Ptolemais. He also marched thence by night with his army, and + proceeded along Galilee. Here it was that the enemy met him, and fought + him, and were beaten, and shut up in the same place of strength whence + they had sallied out the day before. So he attacked the place in the + morning; but by reason of a great storm that was then very violent, he was + able to do nothing, but drew off his army into the neighboring villages; + yet as soon as the other legion that Antony sent him was come to his + assistance, those that were in garrison in the place were afraid, and + deserted it in the night time. Then did the king march hastily to Jericho, + intending to avenge himself on the enemy for the slaughter of his brother; + and when he had pitched his tents, he made a feast for the principal + commanders; and after this collation was over, and he had dismissed his + guests, he retired to his own chamber; and here may one see what kindness + God had for the king, for the upper part of the house fell down when + nobody was in it, and so killed none, insomuch that all the people + believed that Herod was beloved of God, since he had escaped such a great + and surprising danger. + </p> + <p> + 12. But the next day six thousand of the enemy came down from the tops of + the mountains to fight the Romans, which greatly terrified them; and the + soldiers that were in light armor came near, and pelted the king's guards + that were come out with darts and stones, and one of them hit him on the + side with a dart. Antigonus also sent a commander against Samaria, whose + name was Pappus, with some forces, being desirous to show the enemy how + potent he was, and that he had men to spare in his war with them. He sat + down to oppose Macheras; but Herod, when he had taken five cities, took + such as were left in them, being about two thousand, and slew them, and + burnt the cities themselves, and then returned to go against Pappus, who + was encamped at a village called Isanas; and there ran in to him many out + of Jericho and Judea, near to which places he was, and the enemy fell upon + his men, so stout were they at this time, and joined battle with them, but + he beat them in the fight; and in order to be revenged on them for the + slaughter of his brother, he pursued them sharply, and killed them as they + ran away; and as the houses were full of armed men, <a + href="#link14note-29" name="link14noteref-29" id="link14noteref-29"><small>29</small></a> + and many of them ran as far as the tops of the houses, he got them under + his power, and pulled down the roofs of the houses, and saw the lower + rooms full of soldiers that were caught, and lay all on a heap; so they + threw stones down upon them as they lay piled one upon another, and + thereby killed them; nor was there a more frightful spectacle in all the + war than this, where beyond the walls an immense multitude of dead men lay + heaped one upon another. This action it was which chiefly brake the + spirits of the enemy, who expected now what would come; for there appeared + a mighty number of people that came from places far distant, that were now + about the village, but then ran away; and had it not been for the depth of + winter, which then restrained them, the king's army had presently gone to + Jerusalem, as being very courageous at this good success, and the whole + work had been done immediately; for Antigonus was already looking about + how he might fly away and leave the city. + </p> + <p> + 13. At this time the king gave order that the soldiers should go to + supper, for it was late at night, while he went into a chamber to use the + bath, for he was very weary; and here it was that he was in the greatest + danger, which yet, by God's providence, he escaped; for as he was naked, + and had but one servant that followed him, to be with him while he was + bathing in an inner room, certain of the enemy, who were in their armor, + and had fled thither, out of fear, were then in the place; and as he was + bathing, the first of them came out with his naked sword drawn, and went + out at the doors, and after him a second, and a third, armed in like + manner, and were under such a consternation, that they did no hurt to the + king, and thought themselves to have come off very well ill suffering no + harm themselves in their getting out of the house. However, on the next + day, he cut off the head of Pappus, for he was already slain, and sent it + to Pheroras, as a punishment of what their brother had suffered by his + means, for he was the man that slew him with his own hand. + </p> + <p> + 14. When the rigor of winter was over, Herod removed his army, and came + near to Jerusalem, and pitched his camp hard by the city. Now this was the + third year since he had been made king at Rome; and as he removed his + camp, and came near that part of the wall where it could be most easily + assaulted, he pitched that camp before the temple, intending to make his + attacks in the same manner as did Pompey. So he encompassed the place with + three bulwarks, and erected towers, and employed a great many hands about + the work, and cut down the trees that were round about the city; and when + he had appointed proper persons to oversee the works, even while the army + lay before the city, he himself went to Samaria, to complete his marriage, + and to take to wife the daughter of Alexander, the son of Aristobulus; for + he had betrothed her already, as I have before related. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142HCH0016" id="link142HCH0016"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 16. How Herod, When He Had Married Mariamne Took Jerusalem With + The Assistance Of Sosius By Force; And How The Government Of The + Asamoneans Was Put An End To. + </h3> + <p> + 1. After the wedding was over, came Sosius through Phoenicia, having sent + out his army before him over the midland parts. He also, who was their + commander, came himself, with a great number of horsemen and footmen. The + king also came himself from Samaria, and brought with him no small army, + besides that which was there before, for they were about thirty thousand; + and they all met together at the walls of Jerusalem, and encamped at the + north wall of the city, being now an army of eleven legions, armed men on + foot, and six thousand horsemen, with other auxiliaries out of Syria. The + generals were two: Sosius, sent by Antony to assist Herod, and Herod on + his own account, in order to take the government from Antigonus, who was + declared all enemy at Rome, and that he might himself be king, according + to the decree of the Senate. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now the Jews that were enclosed within the walls of the city fought + against Herod with great alacrity and zeal [for the whole nation was + gathered together]; they also gave out many prophecies about the temple, + and many things agreeable to the people, as if God would deliver them out + of the dangers they were in; they had also carried off what was out of the + city, that they might not leave any thing to afford sustenance either for + men or for beasts; and by private robberies they made the want of + necessaries greater. When Herod understood this, he opposed ambushes in + the fittest places against their private robberies, and he sent legions of + armed men to bring its provisions, and that from remote places, so that in + a little time they had great plenty of provisions. Now the three bulwarks + were easily erected, because so many hands were continually at work upon + it; for it was summer time, and there was nothing to hinder them in + raising their works, neither from the air nor from the workmen; so they + brought their engines to bear, and shook the walls of the city, and tried + all manner of ways to get it; yet did not those within discover any fear, + but they also contrived not a few engines to oppose their engines withal. + They also sallied out, and burnt not only those engines that were not yet + perfected, but those that were; and when they came hand to hand, their + attempts were not less bold than those of the Romans, though they were + behind them in skill. They also erected new works when the former were + ruined, and making mines underground, they met each other, and fought + there; and making use of brutish courage rather than of prudent valor, + they persisted in this war to the very last; and this they did while a + mighty army lay round about them, and while they were distressed by famine + and the want of necessaries, for this happened to be a Sabbatic year. The + first that scaled the walls were twenty chosen men, the next were Sosius's + centurions; for the first wall was taken in forty days, and the second in + fifteen more, when some of the cloisters that were about the temple were + burnt, which Herod gave out to have been burnt by Antigonus, in order to + expose him to the hatred of the Jews. And when the outer court of the + temple and the lower city were taken, the Jews fled into the inner court + of the temple, and into the upper city; but now fearing lest the Romans + should hinder them from offering their daily sacrifices to God, they sent + an embassage, and desired that they would only permit them to bring in + beasts for sacrifices, which Herod granted, hoping they were going to + yield; but when he saw that they did nothing of what he supposed, but + bitterly opposed him, in order to preserve the kingdom to Antigonus, he + made an assault upon the city, and took it by storm; and now all parts + were full of those that were slain, by the rage of the Romans at the long + duration of the siege, and by the zeal of the Jews that were on Herod's + side, who were not willing to leave one of their adversaries alive; so + they were murdered continually in the narrow streets and in the houses by + crowds, and as they were flying to the temple for shelter, and there was + no pity taken of either infants or the aged, nor did they spare so much as + the weaker sex; nay, although the king sent about, and besought them to + spare the people, yet nobody restrained their hand from slaughter, but, as + if they were a company of madmen, they fell upon persons of all ages, + without distinction; and then Antigonus, without regard to either his past + or present circumstances, came down from the citadel, and fell down at the + feet of Sosius, who took no pity of him, in the change of his fortune, but + insulted him beyond measure, and called him Antigone [i.e. a woman, and + not a man;] yet did he not treat him as if he were a woman, by letting him + go at liberty, but put him into bonds, and kept him in close custody. + </p> + <p> + 3. And now Herod having overcome his enemies, his care was to govern those + foreigners who had been his assistants, for the crowd of strangers rushed + to see the temple, and the sacred things in the temple; but the king, + thinking a victory to be a more severe affliction than a defeat, if any of + those things which it was not lawful to see should be seen by them, used + entreaties and threatenings, and even sometimes force itself, to restrain + them. He also prohibited the ravage that was made in the city, and many + times asked Sosius whether the Romans would empty the city both of money + and men, and leave him king of a desert; and told him that he esteemed the + dominion over the whole habitable earth as by no means an equivalent + satisfaction for such a murder of his citizens'; and when he said that + this plunder was justly to be permitted the soldiers for the siege they + had undergone, he replied, that he would give every one their reward out + of his own money; and by this means be redeemed what remained of the city + from destruction; and he performed what he had promised him, for he gave a + noble present to every soldier, and a proportionable present to their + commanders, but a most royal present to Sosius himself, till they all went + away full of money. + </p> + <p> + 4. This destruction befell the city of Jerusalem when Marcus Agrippa and + Caninius Gallus were consuls of Rome <a href="#link14note-30" + name="link14noteref-30" id="link14noteref-30"><small>30</small></a> on the + hundred eighty and fifth olympiad, on the third month, on the solemnity of + the fast, as if a periodical revolution of calamities had returned since + that which befell the Jews under Pompey; for the Jews were taken by him on + the same day, and this was after twenty-seven years' time. So when Sosius + had dedicated a crown of gold to God, he marched away from Jerusalem, and + carried Antigonus with him in bonds to Antony; but Herod was afraid lest + Antigonus should be kept in prison [only] by Antony, and that when he was + carried to Rome by him, he might get his cause to be heard by the senate, + and might demonstrate, as he was himself of the royal blood, and Herod but + a private man, that therefore it belonged to his sons however to have the + kingdom, on account of the family they were of, in case he had himself + offended the Romans by what he had done. Out of Herod's fear of this it + was that he, by giving Antony a great deal of money, endeavored to + persuade him to have Antigonus slain, which if it were once done, he + should be free from that fear. And thus did the government of the + Asamoneans cease, a hundred twenty and six years after it was first set + up. This family was a splendid and an illustrious one, both on account of + the nobility of their stock, and of the dignity of the high priesthood, as + also for the glorious actions their ancestors had performed for our + nation; but these men lost the government by their dissensions one with + another, and it came to Herod, the son of Antipater, who was of no more + than a vulgar family, and of no eminent extraction, but one that was + subject to other kings. And this is what history tells us was the end of + the Asamonean family. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142H_FOOT" id="link142H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES: + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link14note-1" id="link14note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link14noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ Reland takes notice here, + very justly, how Josephus's declaration, that it was his great concern not + only to write "an agreeable, an accurate," and "a true" history, but also + distinctly not to omit any thing [of consequence], either through + "ignorance or laziness," implies that he could not, consistently with that + resolution, omit the mention of [so famous a person as] "Jesus Christ."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-2" id="link14note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link14noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ That the famous + Antipater's or Antipas's father was also Antipater or Antipas [which two + may justly be esteemed one and the same frame, the former with a Greek or + Gentile, the latter with a Hebrew or Jewish termination] Josephus here + assures us, though Eusebias indeed says it was Herod.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-3" id="link14note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link14noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ This "golden vine," or + "garden," seen by Strabo at Rome, has its inscription here as if it were + the gift of Alexander, the father of Aristobulus, and not of Aristobulus + himself, to whom yet Josephus ascribes it; and in order to prove the truth + of that part of his history, introduces this testimony of Strabo; so that + the ordinary copies seem to be here either erroneous or defective, and the + original reading seems to have been either Aristobulus, instead of + Alexander, with one Greek copy, or else "Aristobulus the son of + Alexander," with the Latin copies; which last seems to me the most + probable. For as to Archbishop Usher's conjectures, that Alexander made + it, and dedicated it to God in the temple, and that thence Aristobulus + took it, and sent it to Pompey, they are both very improbable, and no way + agreeable to Josephus, who would hardly have avoided the recording both + these uncommon points of history, had he known any thing of them; nor + would either the Jewish nation, or even Pompey himself, then have relished + such a flagrant instance of sacrilege.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-4" id="link14note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link14noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ These express testimonies + of Josephus here, and Antiq. B. VIII. ch. 6. sect. 6, and B. XV. ch. 4. + sect. 2, that the only balsam gardens, and the best palm trees, were, at + least in his days, near Jericho and Kugaddi, about the north part of the + Dead Sea, [whereabout also Alexander the Great saw the balsam drop,] show + the mistake of those that understand Eusebius and Jerom as if one of those + gardens were at the south part of that sea, at Zoar or Segor, whereas they + must either mean another Zoar or Segor, which was between Jericho and + Kugaddi, agreeably to Josephus: which yet they do not appear to do, or + else they directly contradict Josephus, and were therein greatly mistaken: + I mean this, unless that balsam, and the best palm trees, grew much more + southward in Judea in the days of Eusebius and Jerom than they did in the + days of Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-5" id="link14note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link14noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ The particular depth and + breadth of this ditch, whence the stones for the wall about the temple + were probably taken, are omitted in our copies of Josephus, but set down + by Strabo, B. XVI. p. 763; from whom we learn that this ditch was sixty + feet deep, and two hundred and fifty feet broad. However, its depth is, in + the next section, said by Josephus to be immense, which exactly agrees to + Strabo's description, and which numbers in Strabo are a strong + confirmation of the truth of Josephus's description also.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-6" id="link14note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link14noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ That is, on the 23rd of + Sivan, the annual fast for the defection and idolatry of Jeroboam, "who + made Israel to sin;" or possibly some other fast might fall into that + month, before and in the days of Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-7" id="link14note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link14noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ It deserves here to be + noted, that this Pharisaical, superstitious notion, that offensive + fighting was unlawful to Jews, even under the utmost necessity, on the + Sabbath day, of which we hear nothing before the times of the Maccabees, + was the proper occasion of Jerusalem's being taken by Pompey, by Sosius, + and by Titus, as appears from the places already quoted in the note on + Antiq. B. XIII. ch. 8. sect. 1; which scrupulous superstition, as to the + observation of such a rigorous rest upon the Sabbath day, our Savior + always opposed, when the Pharisaical Jews insisted on it, as is evident in + many places in the New Testament, though he still intimated how pernicious + that superstition might prove to them in their flight from the Romans, + Matthew 25:20.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-8" id="link14note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link14noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ This is fully confirmed + by the testimony of Cicero, who: says, in his oration for Flaecus, that + "Cneius Pompeius, when he was conqueror, and had taken Jerusalem, did not + touch any thing belonging to that temple."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-9" id="link14note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link14noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ Of this destruction of + Gadara here presupposed, and its restoration by Pompey, see the note on + the War, B. I. ch. 7. sect. 7.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-10" id="link14note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link14noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ Dean Prideaux well + observes, "That notwithstanding the clamor against Gabinius at Rome, + Josephus gives him a able character, as if he had acquitted himself with + honor in the charge committed to him" [in Judea]. See at the year 55.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-11" id="link14note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link14noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ This history is best + illustrated by Dr. Hudson out of Livy, who says that "A. Gabinius, the + proconsul, restored Ptolemy of Pompey and Gabinius against the Jews, while + neither of them say any thing new which is not in the other to his kingdom + of Egypt, and ejected Archelaus, whom they had set up for king," &c. + See Prid. at the years 61 and 65.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-12" id="link14note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link14noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ Dr. Hudson observes, + that the name of this wife of Antipater in Josephus was Cypros, as a + Hebrew termination, but not Cypris, the Greek name for Venus, as some + critics were ready to correct it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-13" id="link14note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link14noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ Take Dr. Hudson's note + upon this place, which I suppose to be the truth: "Here is some mistake in + Josephus; for when he had promised us a decree for the restoration of + Jerusalem he brings in a decree of far greater antiquity, and that a + league of friendship and union only. One may easily believe that Josephus + gave order for one thing, and his amanuensis performed another, by + transposing decrees that concerned the Hyrcani, and as deluded by the + sameness of their names; for that belongs to the first high priest of this + name, [John Hyrcanus,] which Josephus here ascribes to one that lived + later [Hyrcanus, the son of Alexander Janneus]. However, the decree which + he proposes to set down follows a little lower, in the collection of Raman + decrees that concerned the Jews and is that dated when Cæsar was consul + the fifth time." See ch. 10. sect. 5.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-14" id="link14note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link14noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ Those who will + carefully observe the several occasional numbers and chronological + characters in the life and death of this Herod, and of his children, + hereafter noted, will see that twenty-five years, and not fifteen, must + for certain have been here Josephus's own number for the age of Herod, + when he was made governor of Galilee. See ch. 23. sect. 5, and ch. 24. + sect. 7; and particularly Antiq. B. XVII. ch. 8. sect. 1, where about + forty-four years afterwards Herod dies an old man at about seventy.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-15" id="link14note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link14noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ It is here worth our + while to remark, that none could be put to death in Judea but by the + approbation of the Jewish Sanhedrim, there being an excellent provision in + the law of Moses, that even in criminal causes, and particularly where + life was concerned, an appeal should lie from the lesser councils of seven + in the other cities to the supreme council of seventy-one at Jerusalem; + and that is exactly according to our Savior's words, when he says, "It + could not be that a prophet should perish out of Jerusalem," Luke 13:33.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-16" id="link14note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link14noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ This account, as Reland + observes, is confirmed by the Talmudists, who call this Sameas, "Simeon, + the son of Shetach."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-17" id="link14note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link14noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ That Hyrcanus was + himself in Egypt, along with Antipater, at this time, to whom accordingly + the bold and prudent actions of his deputy Antipater are here ascribed, as + this decree of Julius Cæsar supposes, we are further assured by the + testimony of Strabo, already produced by Josephus, ch. 8. sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-18" id="link14note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link14noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ Dr. Hudson justly + supposes that the Roman imperators, or generals of armies, meant both here + and sect. 2, who gave testimony to Hyrcanus's and the Jews' faithfulness + and goodwill to the Romans before the senate and people of Rome, were + principally Pompey, Scaurus, and Gabinius; of all whom Josephus had + already given us the history, so far as the Jews were concerned with + them.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-19" id="link14note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link14noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ We have here a most + remarkable and authentic attestation of the citizens of Pergamus, that + Abraham was the father of all the Hebrews; that their own ancestors were, + in the oldest times, the friends of those Hebrews; and that the public + arts of their city, then extant, confirmed the same; which evidence is too + strong to be evaded by our present ignorance of the particular occasion of + such ancient friendship and alliance between those people. See the like + full evidence of the kindred of the Lacedemonians and the Jews; and that + became they were both of the posterity of Abraham, by a public epistle of + those people to the Jews, preserved in the First Book of the Maccabees, + 12:19-23; and thence by Josephus, Antiq. B. XII. ch. 4 sect. 10; both + which authentic records are highly valuable. It is also well worthy of + observation, what Moses Chorenensis, the principal Armenian historian, + informs us of, p. 83, that Arsaces, who raised the Parthian empire, was of + the seed of Abraham by Chetura; and that thereby was accomplished that + prediction which said, "Kings of nations shall proceed from thee," Genesis + 17:6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-20" id="link14note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link14noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ If we compare + Josephus's promise in sect. 1, to produce all the public decrees of the + Romans in favor of the Jews, with his excuse here for omitting many of + them, we may observe, that when he came to transcribe all those decrees he + had collected, he found them so numerous, that he thought he should too + much tire his readers if he had attempted it, which he thought a + sufficient apology for his omitting the rest of them; yet do those by him + produced afford such a strong confirmation to his history, and give such + great light to even the Roman antiquities themselves, that I believe the + curious are not a little sorry for such his omissions.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-21" id="link14note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link14noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ For Marcus, this + president of Syria, sent as successor to Sextus Cæsar, the Roman + historians require us to read "Marcus" in Josephus, and this perpetually, + both in these Antiquities, and in his History of the Wars, as the learned + generally agree.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-22" id="link14note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link14noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ In this and the + following chapters the reader will easily remark, how truly Gronovius + observes, in his notes on the Roman decrees in favor of the Jews, that + their rights and privileges were commonly purchased of the Romans with + money. Many examples of this sort, both as to the Romans and others in + authority, will occur in our Josephus, both now and hereafter, and need + not be taken particular notice of on the several occasions in these notes. + Accordingly, the chief captain confesses to St. Paul that "with a great + sum he had obtained his freedom," Acts 22:28; as had St. Paul's ancestors, + very probably, purchased the like freedom for their family by money, as + the same author justly concludes also.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-23" id="link14note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link14noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ This clause plainly + alludes to that well-known but unusual and very long darkness of the sun + which happened upon the murder of Julius Cæsar by Brutus and Cassius, + which is greatly taken notice of by Virgil, Pliny, and other Roman + authors. See Virgil's Georgics, B. I., just before the end; and Pliny's + Nat. Hist. B. IL ch. 33.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-24" id="link14note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link14noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ We may here take notice + that espousals alone were of old esteemed a sufficient foundation for + affinity, Hyrcanus being here called father-in-law to Herod because his + granddaughter Mariamne was betrothed to him, although the marriage was + not completed till four years afterwards. See Matthew 1:16.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-25" id="link14note-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#link14noteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ This law of Moses, that + the priests were to be "without blemish," as to all the parts of their + bodies, is in Leviticus 21:17-24] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-26" id="link14note-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#link14noteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ Concerning the + chronology of Herod, and the time when he was first made king at Rome, and + concerning the time when he began his second reign, without a rival, upon + the conquest and slaughter of Antigonus, both principally derived from + this and the two next chapters in Josephus, see the note on sect. 6, and + ch. 15. sect. 10.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-27" id="link14note-27"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#link14noteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ This grievous want of + water at Masada, till the place had like to have been taken by the + Parthians, [mentioned both here, and Of the War, B. I. ch. 15. sect. 1,] + is an indication that it was now summer time.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-28" id="link14note-28"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#link14noteref-28">return</a>)<br /> [ This affirmation of + Antigonus, spoken in the days of Herod, and in a manner to his face, that + he was an Idumean, i.e. a half Jew, seems to me of much greater authority + than that pretense of his favorite and flatterer Nicolaus of Damascus, + that he derived his pedigree from Jews as far backward as the Babylonish + captivity, ch. 1. sect. 3. Accordingly Josephus always esteems him an + Idumean, though he says his father Antipater was of the same people with + the Jews, ch. viii. sect. 1. and by birth a Jew, Antiq. B. XX. ch. 8. + sect. 7; as indeed all such proselytes of justice, as the Idumeans, were + in time esteemed the very same people with the Jews.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-29" id="link14note-29"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#link14noteref-29">return</a>)<br /> [ It may be worth our + observation here, that these soldiers of Herod could not have gotten upon + the tops of these houses which were full of enemies, in order to pull up + the upper floors, and destroy them beneath, but by ladders from the out + side; which illustrates some texts in the New Testament, by which it + appears that men used to ascend thither by ladders on the outsides. See + Matthew 24:17; Mark 13:15; Luke 5:19; 17:31.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14note-30" id="link14note-30"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 30 (<a href="#link14noteref-30">return</a>)<br /> [ Note here, that + Josephus fully and frequently assures us that there passed above three + years between Herod's first obtaining the kingdom at Rome, and his second + obtaining it upon the taking of Jerusalem and death of Antigonus. The + present history of this interval twice mentions the army going into winter + quarters, which perhaps belonged to two several winters, ch. 15. sect. 3, + 4; and though Josephus says nothing how long they lay in those quarters, + yet does he give such an account of the long and studied delays of + Ventidius, Silo, and Macheras, who were to see Herod settled in his new + kingdom, but seem not to have had sufficient forces for that purpose, and + were for certain all corrupted by Antigonus to make the longest delays + possible, and gives us such particular accounts of the many great actions + of Herod during the same interval, as fairly imply that interval, before + Herod went to Samosata, to have been very considerable. However, what is + wanting in Josephus, is fully supplied by Moses Chorenensis, the Armenian + historian, in his history of that interval, B. II ch. 18., where he + directly assures us that Tigranes, then king of Armenia, and the principal + manager of this Parthian war, reigned two years after Herod was made king + at Rome, and yet Antony did not hear of his death, in that very + neighborhood, at Samosata, till he was come thither to besiege it; after + which Herod brought him an army, which was three hundred and forty miles' + march, and through a difficult country, full of enemies also, and joined + with him in the siege of Samosata till that city was taken; then Herod and + Sosins marched back with their large armies the same number of three + hundred and forty miles; and when, in a little time, they sat down to + besiege Jerusalem, they were not able to take it but by a siege of five + months. All which put together, fully supplies what is wanting in + Josephus, and secures the entire chronology of these times beyond + contradiction.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link152H_4_0001" id="link152H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK XV. Containing The Interval Of Eighteen Years.—From The + Death Of Antigonus To The Finishing Of The Temple By Herod.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link152HCH0001" id="link152HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. Concerning Pollio And Sameas. Herod Slays The Principal Of + Antigonus's Friends, And Spoils The City Of Its Wealth. Antony Beheads + Antigonus. + </h3> + <p> + 1. How Sosius and Herod took Jerusalem by force; and besides that, how + they took Antigonus captive, has been related by us in the foregoing book. + We will now proceed in the narration. And since Herod had now the + government of all Judea put into his hands, he promoted such of the + private men in the city as had been of his party, but never left off + avenging and punishing every day those that had chosen to be of the party + of his enemies. But Pollio the Pharisee, and Sameas, a disciple of his, + were honored by him above all the rest; for when Jerusalem was besieged, + they advised the citizens to receive Herod, for which advice they were + well requited. But this Pollio, at the time when Herod was once upon his + trial of life and death, foretold, in way of reproach, to Hyrcanus and the + other judges, how this Herod, whom they suffered now to escape, would + afterward inflict punishment on them all; which had its completion in + time, while God fulfilled the words he had spoken. + </p> + <p> + 2. At this time Herod, now he had got Jerusalem under his power, carried + off all the royal ornaments, and spoiled the wealthy men of what they had + gotten; and when, by these means, he had heaped together a great quantity + of silver and gold, he gave it all to Antony, and his friends that were + about him. He also slew forty-five of the principal men of Antigonus's + party, and set guards at the gates of the city, that nothing might be + carried out together with their dead bodies. They also searched the dead, + and whatsoever was found, either of silver or gold, or other treasure, it + was carried to the king; nor was there any end of the miseries he brought + upon them; and this distress was in part occasioned by the covetousness of + the prince regent, who was still in want of more, and in part by the + Sabbatic year, which was still going on, and forced the country to lie + still uncultivated, since we are forbidden to sow our land in that year. + Now when Antony had received Antigonus as his captive, he determined to + keep him against his triumph; but when he heard that the nation grew + seditious, and that, out of their hatred to Herod, they continued to bear + good-will to Antigonus, he resolved to behead him at Antioch, for + otherwise the Jews could no way be brought to be quiet. And Strabo of + Cappadocia attests to what I have said, when he thus speaks: "Antony + ordered Antigonus the Jew to be brought to Antioch, and there to be + beheaded. And this Antony seems to me to have been the very first man who + beheaded a king, as supposing he could no other way bend the minds of the + Jews so as to receive Herod, whom he had made king in his stead; for by no + torments could they be forced to call him king, so great a fondness they + had for their former king; so he thought that this dishonorable death + would diminish the value they had for Antigonus's memory, and at the same + time would diminish the hatred they bare to Herod." Thus far Strabo. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link152HCH0002" id="link152HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. How Hyrcanus Was Set At Liberty By The Parthians, And Returned + To Herod; And What Alexandra Did When She Heard That Ananelus Was Made + High Priest. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now after Herod was in possession of the kingdom, Hyrcanus the high + priest, who was then a captive among the Parthians, came to him again, and + was set free from his captivity, in the manner following: Barzapharnes and + Pacorus, the generals of the Parthians, took Hyrcanus, who was first made + high priest and afterward king, and Herod's brother, Phasaelus captives, + and were them away into Parthia. Phasaelus indeed could not bear the + reproach of being in bonds; and thinking that death with glory was better + than any life whatsoever, he became his own executioner, as I have + formerly related. + </p> + <p> + 2. But when Hyrcanus was brought into Parthia the king Phraates treated + him after a very gentle manner, as having already learned of what an + illustrious family he was; on which account he set him free from his + bonds, and gave him a habitation at Babylon, <a href="#link15note-1" + name="link15noteref-1" id="link15noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> where + there were Jews in great numbers. These Jews honored Hyrcanus as their + high priest and king, as did all the Jewish nation that dwelt as far as + Euphrates; which respect was very much to his satisfaction. But when he + was informed that Herod had received the kingdom, new hopes came upon him, + as having been himself still of a kind disposition towards him, and + expecting that Herod would bear in mind what favor he had received from + him; and when he was upon his trial, and when he was in danger that a + capital sentence would be pronounced against him, he delivered him from + that danger, and from all punishment. Accordingly, he talked of that + matter with the Jews that came often to him with great affection; but they + endeavored to retain him among them, and desired that he would stay with + them, putting him in mind of the kind offices and honors they did him, and + that those honors they paid him were not at all inferior to what they + could pay to either their high priests or their kings; and what was a + greater motive to determine him, they said, was this, that he could not + have those dignities [in Judea] because of that maim in his body, which + had been inflicted on him by Antigonus; and that kings do not use to + requite men for those kindnesses which they received when they were + private persons, the height of their fortune making usually no small + changes in them. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now although they suggested these arguments to him for his own + advantage, yet did Hyrcanus still desire to depart. Herod also wrote to + him, and persuaded him to desire of Phraates, and the Jews that were + there, that they should not grudge him the royal authority, which he + should have jointly with himself, for that now was the proper time for + himself to make him amends for the favors he had received from him, as + having been brought up by him, and saved by him also, as well as for + Hyrcanus to receive it. And as he wrote thus to Hyrcanus, so did he send + also Saramallas, his ambassador, to Phraates, and many presents with him, + and desired him in the most obliging way that he would be no hinderance to + his gratitude towards his benefactor. But this zeal of Herod's did not + flow from that principle, but because he had been made governor of that + country without having any just claim to it, he was afraid, and that upon + reasons good enough, of a change in his condition, and so made what haste + he could to get Hyrcanus into his power, or indeed to put him quite out of + the way; which last thing he compassed afterward. + </p> + <p> + 4. Accordingly, when Hyrcanus came, full of assurance, by the permission + of the king of Parthia, and at the expense of the Jews, who supplied him + with money, Herod received him with all possible respect, and gave him the + upper place at public meetings, and set him above all the rest at feasts, + and thereby deceived him. He called him his father, and endeavored, by all + the ways possible, that he might have no suspicion of any treacherous + design against him. He also did other things, in order to secure his + government, which yet occasioned a sedition in his own family; for being + cautious how he made any illustrious person the high priest of God, <a + href="#link15note-2" name="link15noteref-2" id="link15noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> + he sent for an obscure priest out of Babylon, whose name was Ananelus, and + bestowed the high priesthood upon him. + </p> + <p> + 5. However, Alexandra, the daughter of Hyrcanus, and wife of Alexander, + the son of Aristobulus the king, who had also brought Alexander [two] + children, could not bear this indignity. Now this son was one of the + greatest comeliness, and was called Aristobulus; and the daughter, + Mariamne, was married to Herod, and eminent for her beauty also. This + Alexandra was much disturbed, and took this indignity offered to her son + exceeding ill, that while he was alive, any one else should be sent for to + have the dignity of the high priesthood conferred upon him. Accordingly, + she wrote to Cleopatra [a musician assisting her in taking care to have + her letters carried] to desire her intercession with Antony, in order to + gain the high priesthood for her son. + </p> + <p> + 6. But as Antony was slow in granting this request, his friend Dellius <a + href="#link15note-3" name="link15noteref-3" id="link15noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> + came into Judea upon some affairs; and when he saw Aristobulus, he stood + in admiration at the tallness and handsomeness of the child, and no less + at Mariamne, the king's wife, and was open in his commendations of + Alexandra, as the mother of most beautiful children. And when she came to + discourse with him, he persuaded her to get pictures drawn of them both, + and to send them to Antony, for that when he saw them, he would deny her + nothing that she should ask. Accordingly, Alexandra was elevated with + these words of his, and sent the pictures to Antony. Dellius also talked + extravagantly, and said that these children seemed not derived from men, + but from some god or other. His design in doing so was to entice Antony + into lewd pleasures with them, who was ashamed to send for the damsel, as + being the wife of Herod, and avoided it, because of the reproaches he + should have from Cleopatra on that account; but he sent, in the most + decent manner he could, for the young man; but added this withal, unless + he thought it hard upon him so to do. When this letter was brought to + Herod, he did not think it safe for him to send one so handsome as was + Aristobulus, in the prime of his life, for he was sixteen years of age, + and of so noble a family, and particularly not to Antony, the principal + man among the Romans, and one that would abuse him in his amours, and + besides, one that openly indulged himself in such pleasures as his power + allowed him without control. He therefore wrote back to him, that if this + boy should only go out of the country, all would be in a state of war and + uproar, because the Jews were in hopes of a change in the government, and + to have another king over them. + </p> + <p> + 7. When Herod had thus excused himself to Antony, he resolved that he + would not entirely permit the child or Alexandra to be treated + dishonorably; but his wife Mariamne lay vehemently at him to restore the + high priesthood to her brother; and he judged it was for his advantage so + to do, because if he once had that dignity, he could not go out of the + country. So he called his friends together, and told them that Alexandra + privately conspired against his royal authority, and endeavored, by the + means of Cleopatra, so to bring it about, that he might be deprived of the + government, and that by Antony's means this youth might have the + management of public affairs in his stead; and that this procedure of hers + was unjust, since she would at the same time deprive her daughter of the + dignity she now had, and would bring disturbances upon the kingdom, for + which he had taken a great deal of pains, and had gotten it with + extraordinary hazards; that yet, while he well remembered her wicked + practices, he would not leave off doing what was right himself, but would + even now give the youth the high priesthood; and that he formerly set up + Ananelus, because Aristobulus was then so very young a child. Now when he + had said this, not at random, but as he thought with the best discretion + he had, in order to deceive the women, and those friends whom he had taken + to consult withal, Alexandra, out of the great joy she had at this + unexpected promise, and out of fear from the suspicions she lay under, + fell a weeping; and made the following apology for herself; and said, that + as to the [high] priesthood, she was very much concerned for the disgrace + her son was under, and so did her utmost endeavors to procure it for him; + but that as to the kingdom, she had made no attempts, and that if it were + offered her [for her son], she would not accept it; and that now she would + be satisfied with her son's dignity, while he himself held the civil + government, and she had thereby the security that arose from his peculiar + ability in governing to all the remainder of her family; that she was now + overcome by his benefits, and thankfully accepted of this honor showed by + him to her son, and that she would hereafter be entirely obedient. And she + desired him to excuse her, if the nobility of her family, and that freedom + of acting which she thought that allowed her, had made her act too + precipitately and imprudently in this matter. So when they had spoken thus + to one another, they came to an agreement, and all suspicions, so far as + appeared, were vanished away. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link152HCH0003" id="link152HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. How Herod Upon His Making Aristobulus High Priest Took Care + That He Should Be Murdered In A Little Time; And What Apology He Made To + Antony About Aristobulus; As Also Concerning Joseph And Mariamne. + </h3> + <p> + 1. So king Herod immediately took the high priesthood away from Ananelus, + who, as we said before, was not of this country, but one of those Jews + that had been carried captive beyond Euphrates; for there were not a few + ten thousands of this people that had been carried captives, and dwelt + about Babylonia, whence Ananelus came. He was one of the stock of the high + priests <a href="#link15note-4" name="link15noteref-4" id="link15noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> + and had been of old a particular friend of Herod; and when he was first + made king, he conferred that dignity upon him, and now put him out of it + again, in order to quiet the troubles in his family, though what he did + was plainly unlawful, for at no other time [of old] was any one that had + once been in that dignity deprived of it. It was Antiochus Epiphanes who + first brake that law, and deprived Jesus, and made his brother Onias high + priest in his stead. Aristobulus was the second that did so, and took that + dignity from his brother [Hyrcanus]; and this Herod was the third, who + took that high office away [from Ananelus], and gave it to this young + man, Aristobulus, in his stead. + </p> + <p> + 2. And now Herod seemed to have healed the divisions in his family; yet + was he not without suspicion, as is frequently the case, of people seeming + to be reconciled to one another, but thought that, as Alexandra had + already made attempts tending to innovations, so did he fear that she + would go on therein, if she found a fit opportunity for so doing; so he + gave a command that she should dwell in the palace, and meddle with no + public affairs. Her guards also were so careful, that nothing she did in + private life every day was concealed. All these hardships put her out of + patience, by little and little and she began to hate Herod; for as she had + the pride of a woman to the utmost degree, she had great indignation at + this suspicious guard that was about her, as desirous rather to undergo + any thing that could befall her, than to be deprived of her liberty of + speech, and, under the notion of an honorary guard, to live in a state of + slavery and terror. She therefore sent to Cleopatra, and made a long + complaint of the circumstances she was in, and entreated her to do her + utmost for her assistance. Cleopatra hereupon advised her to take her son + with her, and come away immediately to her into Egypt. This advice pleased + her; and she had this contrivance for getting away: She got two coffins + made, as if they were to carry away two dead bodies and put herself into + one, and her son into the other and gave orders to such of her servants as + knew of her intentions to carry them away in the night time. Now their + road was to be thence to the sea-side and there was a ship ready to carry + them into Egypt. Now Aesop, one of her servants, happened to fall upon + Sabion, one of her friends, and spake of this matter to him, as thinking + he had known of it before. When Sabion knew this, [who had formerly been + an enemy of Herod, and been esteemed one of those that laid snares for and + gave the poison to [his father] Antipater,] he expected that this + discovery would change Herod's hatred into kindness; so he told the king + of this private stratagem of Alexandra: whereupon be suffered her to + proceed to the execution of her project, and caught her in the very fact; + but still he passed by her offense; and though he had a great mind to do + it, he durst not inflict any thing that was severe upon her, for he knew + that Cleopatra would not bear that he should have her accused, on account + of her hatred to him; but made a show as if it were rather the generosity + of his soul, and his great moderation, that made him forgive them. + However, he fully proposed to himself to put this young man out of the + way, by one means or other; but he thought he might in probability be + better concealed in doing it, if he did it not presently, nor immediately + after what had lately happened. + </p> + <p> + 3. And now, upon the approach of the feast of tabernacles, which is a + festival very much observed among us, he let those days pass over, and + both he and the rest of the people were therein very merry; yet did the + envy which at this time arose in him cause him to make haste to do what he + was about, and provoke him to it; for when this youth Aristobulus, who was + now in the seventeenth year of his age, went up to the altar, according to + the law, to offer the sacrifices, and this with the ornaments of his high + priesthood, and when he performed the sacred offices, <a + href="#link15note-5" name="link15noteref-5" id="link15noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + he seemed to be exceedingly comely, and taller than men usually were at + that age, and to exhibit in his countenance a great deal of that high + family he was sprung from,—a warm zeal and affection towards him + appeared among the people, and the memory of the actions of his + grandfather Aristobulus was fresh in their minds; and their affections got + so far the mastery of them, that they could not forbear to show their + inclinations to him. They at once rejoiced and were confounded, and + mingled with good wishes their joyful acclamations which they made to him, + till the good-will of the multitude was made too evident; and they more + rashly proclaimed the happiness they had received from his family than was + fit under a monarchy to have done. Upon all this, Herod resolved to + complete what he had intended against the young man. When therefore the + festival was over, and he was feasting at Jericho <a href="#link15note-6" + name="link15noteref-6" id="link15noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> with + Alexandra, who entertained them there, he was then very pleasant with the + young man, and drew him into a lonely place, and at the same time played + with him in a juvenile and ludicrous manner. Now the nature of that place + was hotter than ordinary; so they went out in a body, and of a sudden, and + in a vein of madness; and as they stood by the fish-ponds, of which there + were large ones about the house, they went to cool themselves [by + bathing], because it was in the midst of a hot day. At first they were + only spectators of Herod's servants and acquaintance as they were + swimming; but after a while, the young man, at the instigation of Herod, + went into the water among them, while such of Herod's acquaintance, as he + had appointed to do it, dipped him as he was swimming, and plunged him + under water, in the dark of the evening, as if it had been done in sport + only; nor did they desist till he was entirely suffocated. And thus was + Aristobulus murdered, having lived no more in all than eighteen years, <a + href="#link15note-7" name="link15noteref-7" id="link15noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> + and kept the high priesthood one year only; which high priesthood Ananelus + now recovered again. + </p> + <p> + 4. When this sad accident was told the women, their joy was soon changed + to lamentation, at the sight of the dead body that lay before them, and + their sorrow was immoderate. The city also [of Jerusalem], upon the + spreading of this news, were in very great grief, every family looking on + this calamity as if it had not belonged to another, but that one of + themselves was slain. But Alexandra was more deeply affected, upon her + knowledge that he had been destroyed [on purpose]. Her sorrow was greater + than that of others, by her knowing how the murder was committed; but she + was under the necessity of bearing up under it, out of her prospect of a + greater mischief that might otherwise follow; and she oftentimes came to + an inclination to kill herself with her own hand, but still she restrained + herself, in hopes she might live long enough to revenge the unjust murder + thus privately committed; nay, she further resolved to endeavor to live + longer, and to give no occasion to think she suspected that her son was + slain on purpose, and supposed that she might thereby be in a capacity of + revenging it at a proper opportunity. Thus did she restrain herself, that + she might not be noted for entertaining any such suspicion. However, Herod + endeavored that none abroad should believe that the child's death was + caused by any design of his; and for this purpose he did not only use the + ordinary signs of sorrow, but fell into tears also, and exhibited a real + confusion of soul; and perhaps his affections were overcome on this + occasion, when he saw the child's countenance so young and so beautiful, + although his death was supposed to tend to his own security. So far at + least this grief served as to make some apology for him; and as for his + funeral, that he took care should be very magnificent, by making great + preparation for a sepulcher to lay his body in, and providing a great + quantity of spices, and burying many ornaments together with him, till the + very women, who were in such deep sorrow, were astonished at it, and + received in this way some consolation. + </p> + <p> + 5. However, no such things could overcome Alexandra's grief; but the + remembrance of this miserable case made her sorrow, both deep and + obstinate. Accordingly, she wrote an account of this treacherous scene to + Cleopatra, and how her son was murdered; but Cleopatra, as she had + formerly been desirous to give her what satisfaction she could, and + commiserating Alexandra's misfortunes, made the case her own, and would + not let Antony be quiet, but excited him to punish the child's murder; for + that it was an unworthy thing that Herod, who had been by him made king of + a kingdom that no way belonged to him, should be guilty of such horrid + crimes against those that were of the royal blood in reality. Antony was + persuaded by these arguments; and when he came to Laodicea, he sent and + commanded Herod to come and make his defense, as to what he had done to + Aristobulus, for that such a treacherous design was not well done, if he + had any hand in it. Herod was now in fear, both of the accusation, and of + Cleopatra's ill-will to him, which was such that she was ever endeavoring + to make Antony hate him. He therefore determined to obey his summons, for + he had no possible way to avoid it. So he left his uncle Joseph procurator + for his government, and for the public affairs, and gave him a private + charge, that if Antony should kill him, he also should kill Mariamne + immediately; for that he had a tender affection for this his wife, and was + afraid of the injury that should be offered him, if, after his death, she, + for her beauty, should be engaged to some other man: but his intimation + was nothing but this at the bottom, that Antony had fallen in love with + her, when he had formerly heard somewhat of her beauty. So when Herod had + given Joseph this charge, and had indeed no sure hopes of escaping with + his life, he went away to Antony. + </p> + <p> + 6. But as Joseph was administering the public affairs of the kingdom, and + for that reason was very frequently with Mariamne, both because his + business required it, and because of the respects he ought to pay to the + queen, he frequently let himself into discourses about Herod's kindness, + and great affection towards her; and when the women, especially Alexandra, + used to turn his discourses into feminine raillery, Joseph was so + over-desirous to demonstrate the kings inclinations, that he proceeded so + far as to mention the charge he had received, and thence drew his + demonstration, that Herod was not able to live without her; and that if he + should come to any ill end, he could not endure a separation from her, + even after he was dead. Thus spake Joseph. But the women, as was natural, + did not take this to be an instance of Herod's strong affection for them, + but of his severe usage of them, that they could not escape destruction, + nor a tyrannical death, even when he was dead himself. And this saying [of + Joseph] was a foundation for the women's severe suspicions about him + afterwards. + </p> + <p> + 7. At this time a report went about the city Jerusalem among Herod's + enemies, that Antony had tortured Herod, and put him to death. This + report, as is natural, disturbed those that were about the palace, but + chiefly the women; upon which Alexandra endeavored to persuade Joseph to + go out of the palace, and fly away with them to the ensigns of the Roman + legion, which then lay encamped about the city, as a guard to the kingdom, + under the command of Julius; for that by this means, if any disturbance + should happen about the palace, they should be in greater security, as + having the Romans favorable to them; and that besides, they hoped to + obtain the highest authority, if Antony did but once see Mariamne, by + whose means they should recover the kingdom, and want nothing which was + reasonable for them to hope for, because of their royal extraction. + </p> + <p> + 8. But as they were in the midst of these deliberations, letters were + brought from Herod about all his affairs, and proved contrary to the + report, and of what they before expected; for when he was come to Antony, + he soon recovered his interest with him, by the presents he made him, + which he had brought with him from Jerusalem; and he soon induced him, + upon discoursing with him, to leave off his indignation at him, so that + Cleopatra's persuasions had less force than the arguments and presents he + brought to regain his friendship; for Antony said that it was not good to + require an account of a king, as to the affairs of his government, for at + this rate he could be no king at all, but that those who had given him + that authority ought to permit him to make use of it. He also said the + same things to Cleopatra, that it would be best for her not busily to + meddle with the acts of the king's government. Herod wrote an account of + these things, and enlarged upon the other honors which he had received + from Antony; how he sat by him at his hearing causes, and took his diet + with him every day, and that he enjoyed those favors from him, + notwithstanding the reproaches that Cleopatra so severely laid against + him, who having a great desire of his country, and earnestly entreating + Antony that the kingdom might be given to her, labored with her utmost + diligence to have him out of the way; but that he still found Antony just + to him, and had no longer any apprehensions of hard treatment from him; + and that he was soon upon his return, with a firmer additional assurance + of his favor to him, in his reigning and managing public affairs; and that + there was no longer any hope for Cleopatra's covetous temper, since Antony + had given her Celesyria instead of what she had desired; by which means he + had at once pacified her, and got clear of the entreaties which she made + him to have Judea bestowed upon her. + </p> + <p> + 9. When these letters were brought, the women left off their attempt for + flying to the Romans, which they thought of while Herod was supposed to be + dead; yet was not that purpose of theirs a secret; but when the king had + conducted Antony on his way against the Partnians, he returned to Judea, + when both his sister Salome and his mother informed him of Alexandra's + intentions. Salome also added somewhat further against Joseph, though it + was no more than a calumny, that he had often had criminal conversation + with Mariamne. The reason of her saying so was this, that she for a long + time bare her ill-will; for when they had differences with one another, + Mariamne took great freedoms, and reproached the rest for the meanness of + their birth. But Herod, whose affection to Mariamne was always very warm, + was presently disturbed at this, and could not bear the torments of + jealousy, but was still restrained from doing any rash thing to her by the + love he had for her; yet did his vehement affection and jealousy together + make him ask Mariamne by herself about this matter of Joseph; but she + denied it upon her oath, and said all that an innocent woman could + possibly say in her own defense; so that by little and little the king was + prevailed upon to drop the suspicion, and left off his anger at her; and + being overcome with his passion for his wife, he made an apology to her + for having seemed to believe what he had heard about her, and returned her + a great many acknowledgments of her modest behavior, and professed the + extraordinary affection and kindness he had for her, till at last, as is + usual between lovers, they both fell into tears, and embraced one another + with a most tender affection. But as the king gave more and more + assurances of his belief of her fidelity, and endeavored to draw her to a + like confidence in him, Mariamne said, "Yet was not that command thou + gavest, that if any harm came to thee from Antony, I, who had been no + occasion of it, should perish with thee, a sign of thy love to me?" When + these words were fallen from her, the king was shocked at them, and + presently let her go out of his arms, and cried out, and tore his hair + with his own hands, and said, that "now he had an evident demonstration + that Joseph had had criminal conversation" with his wife; for that he + would never have uttered what he had told him alone by himself, unless + there had been such a great familiarity and firm confidence between them. + And while he was in this passion he had like to have killed his wife; but + being still overborne by his love to her, he restrained this his passion, + though not without a lasting grief and disquietness of mind. However, he + gave order to slay Joseph, without permitting him to come into his sight; + and as for Alexandra, he bound her, and kept her in custody, as the cause + of all this mischief. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link152HCH0004" id="link152HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. How Cleopatra, When She Had Gotten From Antony Some Parts Of + Judea And Arabia Came Into Judea; And How Herod Gave Her Many Presents And + Conducted Her On Her Way Back To Egypt. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now at this time the affairs of Syria were in confusion by Cleopatra's + constant persuasions to Antony to make an attempt upon every body's + dominions; for she persuaded him to take those dominions away from their + several princes, and bestow them upon her; and she had a mighty influence + upon him, by reason of his being enslaved to her by his affections. She + was also by nature very covetous, and stuck at no wickedness. She had + already poisoned her brother, because she knew that he was to be king of + Egypt, and this when he was but fifteen years old; and she got her sister + Arsinoe to be slain, by the means of Antony, when she was a supplicant at + Diana's temple at Ephesus; for if there were but any hopes of getting + money, she would violate both temples and sepulchers. Nor was there any + holy place that was esteemed the most inviolable, from which she would not + fetch the ornaments it had in it; nor any place so profane, but was to + suffer the most flagitious treatment possible from her, if it could but + contribute somewhat to the covetous humor of this wicked creature: yet did + not all this suffice so extravagant a woman, who was a slave to her lusts, + but she still imagined that she wanted every thing she could think of, and + did her utmost to gain it; for which reason she hurried Antony on + perpetually to deprive others of their dominions, and give them to her. + And as she went over Syria with him, she contrived to get it into her + possession; so he slew Lysanias, the son of Ptolemy, accusing him of his + bringing the Parthians upon those countries. She also petitioned Antony to + give her Judea and Arabia; and, in order thereto, desired him to take + these countries away from their present governors. As for Antony, he was + so entirely overcome by this woman, that one would not think her + conversation only could do it, but that he was some way or other bewitched + to do whatsoever she would have him; yet did the grossest parts of her + injustice make him so ashamed, that he would not always hearken to her to + do those flagrant enormities she would have persuaded him to. That + therefore he might not totally deny her, nor, by doing every thing which + she enjoined him, appear openly to be an ill man, he took some parts of + each of those countries away from their former governors, and gave them to + her. Thus he gave her the cities that were within the river Eleutherus, as + far as Egypt, excepting Tyre and Sidon, which he knew to have been free + cities from their ancestors, although she pressed him very often to bestow + those on her also. + </p> + <p> + 2. When Cleopatra had obtained thus much, and had accompanied Antony in + his expedition to Armenia as far as Euphrates, she returned back, and came + to Apamia and Damascus, and passed on to Judea, where Herod met her, and + farmed of her parts of Arabia, and those revenues that came to her from + the region about Jericho. This country bears that balsam, which is the + most precious drug that is there, and grows there alone. The place bears + also palm trees, both many in number, and those excellent in their kind. + When she was there, and was very often with Herod, she endeavored to have + criminal conversation with the king; nor did she affect secrecy in the + indulgence of such sort of pleasures; and perhaps she had in some measure + a passion of love to him; or rather, what is most probable, she laid a + treacherous snare for him, by aiming to obtain such adulterous + conversation from him: however, upon the whole, she seemed overcome with + love to him. Now Herod had a great while borne no good-will to Cleopatra, + as knowing that she was a woman irksome to all; and at that time he + thought her particularly worthy of his hatred, if this attempt proceeded + out of lust; he had also thought of preventing her intrigues, by putting + her to death, if such were her endeavors. However, he refused to comply + with her proposals, and called a counsel of his friends to consult with + them whether he should not kill her, now he had her in his power; for that + he should thereby deliver all those from a multitude of evils to whom she + was already become irksome, and was expected to be still so for the time + to come; and that this very thing would be much for the advantage of + Antony himself, since she would certainly not be faithful to him, in case + any such season or necessity should come upon him as that he should stand + in need of her fidelity. But when he thought to follow this advice, his + friends would not let him; and told him that, in the first place, it was + not right to attempt so great a thing, and run himself thereby into the + utmost danger; and they laid hard at him, and begged of him to undertake + nothing rashly, for that Antony would never bear it, no, not though any + one should evidently lay before his eyes that it was for his own + advantage; and that the appearance of depriving him of her conversation, + by this violent and treacherous method, would probably set his affections + more on a flame than before. Nor did it appear that he could offer any + thing of tolerable weight in his defense, this attempt being against such + a woman as was of the highest dignity of any of her sex at that time in + the world; and as to any advantage to be expected from such an + undertaking, if any such could be supposed in this case, it would appear + to deserve condemnation, on account of the insolence he must take upon him + in doing it: which considerations made it very plain that in so doing he + would find his government filled with mischief, both great and lasting, + both to himself and his posterity, whereas it was still in his power to + reject that wickedness she would persuade him to, and to come off + honorably at the same time. So by thus affrighting Herod, and representing + to him the hazard he must, in all probability, run by this undertaking, + they restrained him from it. So he treated Cleopatra kindly, and made her + presents, and conducted her on her way to Egypt. + </p> + <p> + 3. But Antony subdued Armenia, and sent Artabazes, the son of Tigranes, in + bonds, with his children and procurators, to Egypt, and made a present of + them, and of all the royal ornaments which he had taken out of that + kingdom, to Cleopatra. And Artaxias, the eldest of his sons, who had + escaped at that time, took the kingdom of Armenia; who yet was ejected by + Archelaus and Nero Cæsar, when they restored Tigranes, his younger + brother, to that kingdom; but this happened a good while afterward. + </p> + <p> + 4. But then, as to the tributes which Herod was to pay Cleopatra for that + country which Antony had given her, he acted fairly with her, as deeming + it not safe for him to afford any cause for Cleopatra to hate him. As for + the king of Arabia, whose tribute Herod had undertaken to pay her, for + some time indeed he paid him as much as came to two hundred talents; but + he afterwards became very niggardly and slow in his payments, and could + hardly be brought to pay some parts of it, and was not willing to pay even + them without some deductions. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link152HCH0005" id="link152HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. How Herod Made War With The King Of Arabia, And After They Had + Fought Many Battles, At Length Conquered Him, And Was Chosen By The Arabs + To Be Governor Of That Nation; As Also Concerning A Great Earthquake. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Hereupon Herod held himself ready to go against the king of Arabia, + because of his ingratitude to him, and because, after all, he would do + nothing that was just to him, although Herod made the Roman war an + occasion of delaying his own; for the battle at Actium was now expected, + which fell into the hundred eighty and seventh olympiad, where Cæsar and + Antony were to fight for the supreme power of the world; but Herod having + enjoyed a country that was very fruitful, and that now for a long time, + and having received great taxes, and raised great armies therewith, got + together a body of men, and carefully furnished them with all necessaries, + and designed them as auxiliaries for Antony. But Antony said he had no + want of his assistance; but he commanded him to punish the king of Arabia; + for he had heard both from him, and from Cleopatra, how perfidious he was; + for this was what Cleopatra desired, who thought it for her own advantage + that these two kings should do one another as great mischief as possible. + Upon this message from Antony, Herod returned back, but kept his army with + him, in order to invade Arabia immediately. So when his army of horsemen + and footmen was ready, he marched to Diospolis, whither the Arabians came + also to meet them, for they were not unapprized of this war that was + coming upon them; and after a great battle had been fought, the Jews had + the victory. But afterward there were gotten together another numerous + army of the Arabians, at Cana, which is a place of Celesyria. Herod was + informed of this beforehand; so he came marching against them with the + greatest part of the forces he had; and when he was come near to Cana, he + resolved to encamp himself; and he cast up a bulwark, that he might take a + proper season for attacking the enemy; but as he was giving those orders, + the multitude of the Jews cried out that he should make no delay, but lead + them against the Arabians. They went with great spirit, as believing they + were in very good order; and those especially were so that had been in the + former battle, and had been conquerors, and had not permitted their + enemies so much as to come to a close fight with them. And when they were + so tumultuous, and showed such great alacrity, the king resolved to make + use of that zeal the multitude then exhibited; and when he had assured + them he would not be behindhand with them in courage, he led them on, and + stood before them all in his armor, all the regiments following him in + their several ranks: whereupon a consternation fell upon the Arabians; for + when they perceived that the Jews were not to be conquered, and were full + of spirit, the greater part of them ran away, and avoided fighting; and + they had been quite destroyed, had not Anthony fallen upon the Jews, and + distressed them; for this man was Cleopatra's general over the soldiers + she had there, and was at enmity with Herod, and very wistfully looked on + to see what the event of the battle would be. He had also resolved, that + in case the Arabians did any thing that was brave and successful, he would + lie still; but in case they were beaten, as it really happened, he would + attack the Jews with those forces he had of his own, and with those that + the country had gotten together for him. So he fell upon the Jews + unexpectedly, when they were fatigued, and thought they had already + vanquished the enemy, and made a great slaughter of them; for as the Jews + had spent their courage upon their known enemies, and were about to enjoy + themselves in quietness after their victory, they were easily beaten by + these that attacked them afresh, and in particular received a great loss + in places where the horses could not be of service, and which were very + stony, and where those that attacked them were better acquainted with the + places than themselves. And when the Jews had suffered this loss, the + Arabians raised their spirits after their defeat, and returning back + again, slew those that were already put to flight; and indeed all sorts of + slaughter were now frequent, and of those that escaped, a few only + returned into the camp. So king Herod, when he despaired of the battle, + rode up to them to bring them assistance; yet did he not come time enough + to do them any service, though he labored hard to do it; but the Jewish + camp was taken; so that the Arabians had unexpectedly a most glorious + success, having gained that victory which of themselves they were no way + likely to have gained, and slaying a great part of the enemy's army: + whence afterward Herod could only act like a private robber, and make + excursions upon many parts of Arabia, and distress them by sudden + incursions, while he encamped among the mountains, and avoided by any + means to come to a pitched battle; yet did he greatly harass the enemy by + his assiduity, and the hard labor he took in this matter. He also took + great care of his own forces, and used all the means he could to restore + his affairs to their old state. + </p> + <p> + 2. At this time it was that the fight happened at Actium, between Octavius + Cæsar and Antony, in the seventh year of the reign of Herod <a + href="#link15note-8" name="link15noteref-8" id="link15noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> + and then it was also that there was an earthquake in Judea, such a one as + had not happened at any other time, and which earthquake brought a great + destruction upon the cattle in that country. About ten thousand men also + perished by the fall of houses; but the army, which lodged in the field, + received no damage by this sad accident. When the Arabians were informed + of this, and when those that hated the Jews, and pleased themselves with + aggravating the reports, told them of it, they raised their spirits, as if + their enemy's country was quite overthrown, and the men were utterly + destroyed, and thought there now remained nothing that could oppose them. + Accordingly, they took the Jewish ambassadors, who came to them after all + this had happened, to make peace with them, and slew them, and came with + great alacrity against their army; but the Jews durst not withstand them, + and were so cast down by the calamities they were under, that they took no + care of their affairs, but gave up themselves to despair; for they had no + hope that they should be upon a level again with them in battles, nor + obtain any assistance elsewhere, while their affairs at home were in such + great distress also. When matters were in this condition, the king + persuaded the commanders by his words, and tried to raise their spirits, + which were quite sunk; and first he endeavored to encourage and embolden + some of the better sort beforehand, and then ventured to make a speech to + the multitude, which he had before avoided to do, lest he should find them + uneasy thereat, because of the misfortunes which had happened; so he made + a consolatory speech to the multitude, in the manner following: + </p> + <p> + 3. "You are not unacquainted, my fellow soldiers, that we have had, not + long since, many accidents that have put a stop to what we are about, and + it is probable that even those that are most distinguished above others + for their courage can hardly keep up their spirits in such circumstances; + but since we cannot avoid fighting, and nothing that hath happened is of + such a nature but it may by ourselves be recovered into a good state, and + this by one brave action only well performed, I have proposed to myself + both to give you some encouragement, and, at the same time, some + information; both which parts of my design will tend to this point; that + you may still continue in your own proper fortitude. I will then, in the + first place, demonstrate to you that this war is a just one on our side, + and that on this account it is a war of necessity, and occasioned by the + injustice of our adversaries; for if you be once satisfied of this, it + will be a real cause of alacrity to you; after which I will further + demonstrate, that the misfortunes we are under are of no great + consequence, and that we have the greatest reason to hope for victory. I + shall begin with the first, and appeal to yourselves as witnesses to what + I shall say. You are not ignorant certainly of the wickedness of the + Arabians, which is to that degree as to appear incredible to all other + men, and to include somewhat that shows the grossest barbarity and + ignorance of God. The chief things wherein they have affronted us have + arisen from covetousness and envy; and they have attacked us in an + insidious manner, and on the sudden. And what occasion is there for me to + mention many instances of such their procedure? When they were in danger + of losing their own government of themselves, and of being slaves to + Cleopatra, what others were they that freed them from that fear? for it + was the friendship I had with Antony, and the kind disposition he was in + towards us, that hath been the occasion that even these Arabians have not + been utterly undone, Antony being unwilling to undertake any thing which + might be suspected by us of unkindness: but when he had a mind to bestow + some parts of each of our dominions on Cleopatra, I also managed that + matter so, that by giving him presents of my own, I might obtain a + security to both nations, while I undertook myself to answer for the + money, and gave him two hundred talents, and became surety for those two + hundred more which were imposed upon the land that was subject to this + tribute; and this they have defrauded us of, although it was not + reasonable that Jews should pay tribute to any man living, or allow part + of their land to be taxable; but although that was to be, yet ought we not + to pay tribute for these Arabians, whom we have ourselves preserved; nor + is it fit that they, who have professed [and that with great integrity and + sense of our kindness] that it is by our means that they keep their + principality, should injure us, and deprive us of what is our due, and + this while we have been still not their enemies, but their friends. And + whereas observation of covenants takes place among the bitterest enemies, + but among friends is absolutely necessary, this is not observed among + these men, who think gain to be the best of all things, let it be by any + means whatsoever, and that injustice is no harm, if they may but get money + by it: is it therefore a question with you, whether the unjust are to be + punished or not? when God himself hath declared his mind that so it ought + to be, and hath commanded that we ever should hate injuries and injustice, + which is not only just, but necessary, in wars between several nations; + for these Arabians have done what both the Greeks and barbarians own to be + an instance of the grossest wickedness, with regard to our ambassadors, + which they have beheaded, while the Greeks declare that such ambassadors + are sacred and inviolable. <a href="#link15note-9" name="link15noteref-9" + id="link15noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> And for ourselves, we have + learned from God the most excellent of our doctrines, and the most holy + part of our law, by angels or ambassadors; for this name brings God to the + knowledge of mankind, and is sufficient to reconcile enemies one to + another. What wickedness then can be greater than the slaughter of + ambassadors, who come to treat about doing what is right? And when such + have been their actions, how is it possible they can either live securely + in common life, or be successful in war? In my opinion, this is + impossible; but perhaps some will say, that what is holy, and what is + righteous, is indeed on our side, but that the Arabians are either more + courageous or more numerous than we are. Now, as to this, in the first + place, it is not fit for us to say so, for with whom is what is righteous, + with them is God himself; now where God is, there is both multitude and + courage. But to examine our own circumstances a little, we were conquerors + in the first battle; and when we fought again, they were not able to + oppose us, but ran away, and could not endure our attacks or our courage; + but when we had conquered them, then came Athenion, and made war against + us without declaring it; and pray, is this an instance of their manhood? + or is it not a second instance of their wickedness and treachery? Why are + we therefore of less courage, on account of that which ought to inspire us + with stronger hopes? and why are we terrified at these, who, when they + fight upon the level, are continually beaten, and when they seem to be + conquerors, they gain it by wickedness? and if we suppose that any one + should deem them to be men of real courage, will not he be excited by that + very consideration to do his utmost against them? for true valor is not + shown by fighting against weak persons, but in being able to overcome the + most hardy. But then if the distresses we are ourselves under, and the + miseries that have come by the earthquake, hath affrighted any one, let + him consider, in the first place, that this very thing will deceive the + Arabians, by their supposal that what hath befallen us is greater than it + really is. Moreover, it is not right that the same thing that emboldens + them should discourage us; for these men, you see, do not derive their + alacrity from any advantageous virtue of their own, but from their hope, + as to us, that we are quite cast down by our misfortunes; but when we + boldly march against them, we shall soon pull down their insolent conceit + of themselves, and shall gain this by attacking them, that they will not + be so insolent when we come to the battle; for our distresses are not so + great, nor is what hath happened all indication of the anger of God + against us, as some imagine; for such things are accidental, and + adversities that come in the usual course of things; and if we allow that + this was done by the will of God, we must allow that it is now over by his + will also, and that he is satisfied with what hath already happened; for + had he been willing to afflict us still more thereby, he had not changed + his mind so soon. And as for the war we are engaged in, he hath himself + demonstrated that he is willing it should go on, and that he knows it to + be a just war; for while some of the people in the country have perished, + all you who were in arms have suffered nothing, but are all preserved + alive; whereby God makes it plain to us, that if you had universally, with + your children and wives, been in the army, it had come to pass that you + had not undergone any thing that would have much hurt you. Consider these + things, and, what is more than all the rest, that you have God at all + times for your Protector; and prosecute these men with a just bravery, + who, in point of friendship, are unjust, in their battles perfidious, + towards ambassadors impious, and always inferior to you in valor." + </p> + <p> + 4. When the Jews heard this speech, they were much raised in their minds, + and more disposed to fight than before. So Herod, when he had offered the + sacrifices appointed by the law <a href="#link15note-10" + name="link15noteref-10" id="link15noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> made + haste, and took them, and led them against the Arabians; and in order to + that passed over Jordan, and pitched his camp near to that of the enemy. + He also thought fit to seize upon a certain castle that lay in the midst + of them, as hoping it would be for his advantage, and would the sooner + produce a battle; and that if there were occasion for delay, he should by + it have his camp fortified; and as the Arabians had the same intentions + upon that place, a contest arose about it; at first they were but + skirmishes, after which there came more soldiers, and it proved a sort of + fight, and some fell on both sides, till those of the Arabian side were + beaten and retreated. This was no small encouragement to the Jews + immediately; and when Herod observed that the enemy's army was disposed to + any thing rather than to come to an engagement, he ventured boldly to + attempt the bulwark itself, and to pull it to pieces, and so to get nearer + to their camp, in order to fight them; for when they were forced out of + their trenches, they went out in disorder, and had not the least alacrity, + or hope of victory; yet did they fight hand to hand, because they were + more in number than the Jews, and because they were in such a disposition + of war that they were under a necessity of coming on boldly; so they came + to a terrible battle, while not a few fell on each side. However, at + length the Arabians fled; and so great a slaughter was made upon their + being routed, that they were not only killed by their enemies, but became + the authors of their own deaths also, and were trodden down by the + multitude, and the great current of people in disorder, and were destroyed + by their own armor; so five thousand men lay dead upon the spot, while the + rest of the multitude soon ran within the bulwark for safety, but had no + firm hope of safety, by reason of their want of necessaries, and + especially of water. The Jews pursued them, but could not get in with + them, but sat round about the bulwark, and watched any assistance that + would get in to them, and prevented any there, that had a mind to it, from + running away. + </p> + <p> + 5. When the Arabians were in these circumstances, they sent ambassadors to + Herod, in the first place, to propose terms of accommodation, and after + that to offer him, so pressing was their thirst upon them, to undergo + whatsoever he pleased, if he would free them from their present distress; + but he would admit of no ambassadors, of no price of redemption, nor of + any other moderate terms whatever, being very desirous to revenge those + unjust actions which they had been guilty of towards his nation. So they + were necessitated by other motives, and particularly by their thirst, to + come out, and deliver themselves up to him, to be carried away captives; + and in five days' time the number of four thousand were taken prisoners, + while all the rest resolved to make a sally upon their enemies, and to + fight it out with them, choosing rather, if so it must be, to die therein, + than to perish gradually and ingloriously. When they had taken this + resolution, they came out of their trenches, but could no way sustain the + fight, being too much disabled, both in mind and body, and having not room + to exert themselves, and thought it an advantage to be killed, and a + misery to survive; so at the first onset there fell about seven thousand + of them, after which stroke they let all the courage they had put on + before fall, and stood amazed at Herod's warlike spirit under his own + calamities; so for the future they yielded, and made him ruler of their + nation; whereupon he was greatly elevated at so seasonable a success, and + returned home, taking great authority upon him, on account of so bold and + glorious an expedition as he had made. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link152HCH0006" id="link152HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. How Herod Slew Hyrcanus And Then Hasted Away To Cæsar, And + Obtained The Kingdom From Him Also; And How A Little Time Afterward, He + Entertained Cæsar In A Most Honorable Manner. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Herod's other affairs were now very prosperous, and he was not to be + easily assaulted on any side. Yet did there come upon him a danger that + would hazard his entire dominions, after Antony had been beaten at the + battle of Actium by Cæsar [Octavian]; for at that time both Herod's + enemies and friends despaired of his affairs, for it was not probable that + he would remain without punishment, who had showed so much friendship for + Antony. So it happened that his friends despaired, and had no hopes of his + escape; but for his enemies, they all outwardly appeared to be troubled at + his case, but were privately very glad of it, as hoping to obtain a change + for the better. As for Herod himself he saw that there was no one of royal + dignity left but Hyrcanus, and therefore he thought it would be for his + advantage not to suffer him to be an obstacle in his way any longer; for + that in case he himself survived, and escaped the danger he was in, he + thought it the safest way to put it out of the power of such a man to make + any attempt against him, at such junctures of affairs, as was more worthy + of the kingdom than himself; and in case he should be slain by Cæsar, his + envy prompted him to desire to slay him that would otherwise be king after + him. + </p> + <p> + 2. While Herod had these things in his mind, there was a certain occasion + afforded him: for Hyrcanus was of so mild a temper, both then and at other + times, that he desired not to meddle with public affairs, nor to concern + himself with innovations, but left all to fortune, and contented himself + with what that afforded him: but Alexandra [his daughter] was a lover of + strife, and was exceeding desirous of a change of the government, and + spake to her father not to bear for ever Herod's injurious treatment of + their family, but to anticipate their future hopes, as he safely might; + and desired him to write about these matters to Malchus, who was then + governor of Arabia, to receive them, and to secure them [from Herod], for + that if they went away, and Herod's affairs proved to be as it was likely + they would be, by reason of Cæsar's enmity to him, they should then be + the only persons that could take the government; and this, both on account + of the royal family they were of, and on account of the good disposition + of: the multitude to them. While she used these persuasions, Hyrcanus put + off her suit; but as she showed that she was a woman, and a contentious + woman too, and would not desist either night or day, but would always be + speaking to him about these matters, and about Herod's treacherous + designs, she at last prevailed with him to intrust Dositheus, one of his + friends, with a letter, wherein his resolution was declared; and he + desired the Arabian governor to send to him some horsemen, who should + receive him, and conduct him to the lake Asphaltites, which is from the + bounds of Jerusalem three hundred furlongs: and he did therefore trust + Dositheus with this letter, because he was a careful attendant on him, and + on Alexandra, and had no small occasions to bear ill-will to Herod; for he + was a kinsman of one Joseph, whom he had slain, and a brother of those + that were formerly slain at Tyre by Antony: yet could not these motives + induce Dositheus to serve Hyrcanus in this affair; for, preferring the + hopes he had from the present king to those he had from him, he gave Herod + the letter. So he took his kindness in good part, and bid him besides do + what he had already done, that is, go on in serving him, by rolling up the + epistle and sealing it again, and delivering it to Malchus, and then to + bring back his letter in answer to it; for it would be much better if he + could know Malchus's intentions also. And when Dositheus was very ready to + serve him in this point also, the Arabian governor returned back for + answer, that he would receive Hyrcanus, and all that should come with him, + and even all the Jews that were of his party; that he would, moreover, + send forces sufficient to secure them in their journey; and that he should + be in no want of any thing he should desire. Now as soon as Herod had + received this letter, he immediately sent for Hyrcanus, and questioned him + about the league he had made with Malchus; and when he denied it, he + showed his letter to the Sanhedrim, and put the man to death immediately. + </p> + <p> + 3. And this account we give the reader, as it is contained in the + commentaries of king Herod: but other historians do not agree with them, + for they suppose that Herod did not find, but rather make, this an + occasion for thus putting him to death, and that by treacherously laying a + snare for him; for thus do they write: That Herod and he were once at a + treat, and that Herod had given no occasion to suspect [that he was + displeased at him], but put this question to Hyrcanus, Whether he had + received any letters from Malchus? and when he answered that he had + received letters, but those of salutation only; and when he asked further, + whether he had not received any presents from him? and when he had replied + that he had received no more than four horses to ride on, which Malchus + had sent him; they pretended that Herod charged these upon him as the + crimes of bribery and treason, and gave order that he should be led away + and slain. And in order to demonstrate that he had been guilty of no + offense, when he was thus brought to his end, they alleged how mild his + temper had been, and that even in his youth he had never given any + demonstration of boldness or rashness, and that the case was the same when + he came to be king, but that he even then committed the management of the + greatest part of public affairs to Antipater; and that he was now above + fourscore years old, and knew that Herod's government was in a secure + state. He also came over Euphrates, and left those who greatly honored him + beyond that river, though he were to be entirely under Herod's government; + and that it was a most incredible thing that he should enterprise any + thing by way of innovation, and not at all agreeable to his temper, but + that this was a plot of Herod's contrivance. + </p> + <p> + 4. And this was the fate of Hyrcanus; and thus did he end his life, after + he had endured various and manifold turns of fortune in his lifetime. For + he was made high priest of the Jewish nation in the beginning of his + mother Alexandra's reign, who held the government nine years; and when, + after his mother's death, he took the kingdom himself, and held it three + months, he lost it, by the means of his brother Aristobulus. He was then + restored by Pompey, and received all sorts of honor from him, and enjoyed + them forty years; but when he was again deprived by Antigonus, and was + maimed in his body, he was made a captive by the Parthians, and thence + returned home again after some time, on account of the hopes that Herod + had given him; none of which came to pass according to his expectation, + but he still conflicted with many misfortunes through the whole course of + his life; and, what was the heaviest calamity of all, as we have related + already, he came to an end which was undeserved by him. His character + appeared to be that of a man of a mild and moderate disposition, and + suffered the administration of affairs to be generally done by others + under him. He was averse to much meddling with the public, nor had + shrewdness enough to govern a kingdom. And both Antipater and Herod came + to their greatness by reason of his mildness; and at last he met with such + an end from them as was not agreeable either to justice or piety. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now Herod, as soon as he had put Hyrcanus out of the way, made haste to + Cæsar; and because he could not have any hopes of kindness from him, on + account of the friendship he had for Antony, he had a suspicion of + Alexandra, lest she should take this opportunity to bring the multitude to + a revolt, and introduce a sedition into the affairs of the kingdom; so he + committed the care of every thing to his brother Pheroras, and placed his + mother Cypros, and his sister [Salome], and the whole family at Masada, + and gave him a charge, that if he should hear any sad news about him, he + should take care of the government. But as to Mariamne his wife, because + of the misunderstanding between her and his sister, and his sister's + mother, which made it impossible for them to live together, he placed her + at Alexandrium, with Alexandra her mother, and left his treasurer Joseph + and Sohemus of Iturea to take care of that fortress. These two had been + very faithful to him from the beginning, and were now left as a guard to + the women. They also had it in charge, that if they should hear any + mischief had befallen him, they should kill them both, and, as far as they + were able, to preserve the kingdom for his sons, and for his brother + Pheroras. + </p> + <p> + 6. When he had given them this charge, he made haste to Rhodes, to meet + Cæsar; and when he had sailed to that city, he took off his diadem, but + remitted nothing else of his usual dignity. And when, upon his meeting + him, he desired that he would let him speak to him, he therein exhibited a + much more noble specimen of a great soul; for he did not betake himself to + supplications, as men usually do upon such occasions, nor offered him any + petition, as if he were an offender; but, after an undaunted manner, gave + an account of what he had done; for he spake thus to Cæsar: That he had + the greatest friendship for Antony, and did every thing he could that he + might attain the government; that he was not indeed in the army with him, + because the Arabians had diverted him; but that he had sent him both money + and corn, which was but too little in comparison of what he ought to have + done for him; "for if a man owns himself to be another's friend, and knows + him to be a benefactor, he is obliged to hazard every thing, to use every + faculty of his soul, every member of his body, and all the wealth he hath, + for him, in which I confess I have been too deficient. However, I am + conscious to myself, that so far I have done right, that I have not + deserted him upon his defeat at Actium; nor upon the evident change of his + fortune have I transferred my hopes from him to another, but have + preserved myself, though not as a valuable fellow soldier, yet certainly + as a faithful counselor, to Antony, when I demonstrated to him that the + only way that he had to save himself, and not to lose all his authority, + was to slay Cleopatra; for when she was once dead, there would be room for + him to retain his authority, and rather to bring thee to make a + composition with him, than to continue at enmity any longer. None of which + advises would he attend to, but preferred his own rash resolution before + them, which have happened unprofitably for him, but profitably for thee. + Now, therefore, in case thou determinest about me, and my alacrity in + serving Antony, according to thy anger at him, I own there is no room for + me to deny what I have done, nor will I be ashamed to own, and that + publicly too, that I had a great kindness for him. But if thou wilt put + him out of the case, and only examine how I behave myself to my + benefactors in general, and what sort of friend I am, thou wilt find by + experience that we shall do and be the same to thyself, for it is but + changing the names, and the firmness of friendship that we shall bear to + thee will not be disapproved by thee." + </p> + <p> + 7. By this speech, and by his behavior, which showed Cæsar the frankness + of his mind, he greatly gained upon him, who was himself of a generous and + magnificent temper, insomuch that those very actions, which were the + foundation of the accusation against him, procured him Cæsar's good-will. + Accordingly, he restored him his diadem again; and encouraged him to + exhibit himself as great a friend to himself as he had been to Antony, and + then had him in great esteem. Moreover, he added this, that Quintus Didius + had written to him that Herod had very readily assisted him in the affair + of the gladiators. So when he had obtained such a kind reception, and had, + beyond all his hopes, procured his crown to be more entirely and firmly + settled upon him than ever by Cæsar's donation, as well as by that decree + of the Romans, which Cæsar took care to procure for his greater security, + he conducted Cæsar on his way to Egypt, and made presents, even beyond + his ability, to both him and his friends, and in general behaved himself + with great magnanimity. He also desired that Cæsar would not put to death + one Alexander, who had been a companion of Antony; but Cæsar had sworn to + put him to death, and so he could not obtain that his petition. And now he + returned to Judea again with greater honor and assurance than ever, and + affrighted those that had expectations to the contrary, as still acquiring + from his very dangers greater splendor than before, by the favor of God to + him. So he prepared for the reception of Cæsar, as he was going out of + Syria to invade Egypt; and when he came, he entertained him at Ptolemais + with all royal magnificence. He also bestowed presents on the army, and + brought them provisions in abundance. He also proved to be one of Cæsar's + most cordial friends, and put the army in array, and rode along with + Cæsar, and had a hundred and fifty men, well appointed in all respects, + after a rich and sumptuous manner, for the better reception of him and his + friends. He also provided them with what they should want, as they passed + over the dry desert, insomuch that they lacked neither wine nor water, + which last the soldiers stood in the greatest need of; and besides, he + presented Cæsar with eight hundred talents, and procured to himself the + good-will of them all, because he was assisting to them in a much greater + and more splendid degree than the kingdom he had obtained could afford; by + which means he more and more demonstrated to Cæsar the firmness of his + friendship, and his readiness to assist him; and what was of the greatest + advantage to him was this, that his liberality came at a seasonable time + also. And when they returned again out of Egypt, his assistances were no + way inferior to the good offices he had formerly done them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link152HCH0007" id="link152HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. How Herod Slew Sohemus And Mariamne And Afterward Alexandra And + Costobarus, And His Most Intimate Friends, And At Last The Sons Of Babbas + Also. + </h3> + <p> + 1. However, when he came into his kingdom again, he found his house all in + disorder, and his wife Mariamne and her mother Alexandra very uneasy; for + as they supposed [what was easy to be supposed] that they were not put + into that fortress [Alexandrium] for the security of their persons, but as + into a garrison for their imprisonment, and that they had no power over + any thing, either of others or of their own affairs, they were very + uneasy; and Mariamne supposing that the king's love to her was but + hypocritical, and rather pretended [as advantageous to himself] than real, + she looked upon it as fallacious. She also was grieved that he would not + allow her any hopes of surviving him, if he should come to any harm + himself. She also recollected what commands he had formerly given to + Joseph, insomuch that she endeavored to please her keepers, and especially + Sohemus, as well apprized how all was in his power. And at the first + Sohemus was faithful to Herod, and neglected none of the things he had + given him in charge; but when the women, by kind words and liberal + presents, had gained his affections over to them, he was by degrees + overcome, and at length discovered to them all the king's injunctions, and + this on that account principally, that he did not so much as hope he would + come back with the same authority he had before; so that he thought he + should both escape any danger from him, and supposed that he did hereby + much gratify the women, who were likely not to be overlooked in the + settling of the government; nay, that they would be able to make him + abundant recompense, since they must either reign themselves, or be very + near to him that should reign. He had a further ground of hope also, that + though Herod should have all the success he could wish for, and should + return again, he could not contradict his wife in what she desired, for he + knew that the king's fondness for his wife was inexpressible. These were + the motives that drew Sohemus to discover what injunctions had been given + him. So Mariamne was greatly displeased to hear that there was no end of + the dangers she was under from Herod, and was greatly uneasy at it, and + wished that he might obtain no favors [from Cæsar], and esteemed it + almost an insupportable task to live with him any longer; and this she + afterward openly declared, without concealing her resentment. + </p> + <p> + 2. And now Herod sailed home with joy, at the unexpected good success he + had had; and went first of all, as was proper, to this his wife, and told + her, and her only, the good news, as preferring her before the rest, on + account of his fondness for her, and the intimacy there had been between + them, and saluted her; but so it happened, that as he told her of the good + success he had had, she was so far from rejoicing at it, that she rather + was sorry for it; nor was she able to conceal her resentments, but, + depending on her dignity, and the nobility of her birth, in return for his + salutations, she gave a groan, and declared evidently that she rather + grieved than rejoiced at his success, and this till Herod was disturbed at + her, as affording him, not only marks of her suspicion, but evident signs + of her dissatisfaction. This much troubled him, to see that this + surprising hatred of his wife to him was not concealed, but open; and he + took this so ill, and yet was so unable to bear it, on account of the + fondness he had for her, that he could not continue long in any one mind, + but sometimes was angry at her, and sometimes reconciled himself to her; + but by always changing one passion for another, he was still in great + uncertainty, and thus was he entangled between hatred and love, and was + frequently disposed to inflict punishment on her for her insolence towards + him; but being deeply in love with her in his soul, he was not able to get + quit of this woman. In short, as he would gladly have her punished, so was + he afraid lest, ere he were aware, he should, by putting her to death, + bring a heavier punishment upon himself at the same time. + </p> + <p> + 3. When Herod's sister and mother perceived that he was in this temper + with regard to Mariamne they thought they had now got an excellent + opportunity to exercise their hatred against her and provoked Herod to + wrath by telling him, such long stories and calumnies about her, as might + at once excite his hatred and his jealousy. Now, though he willingly + enough heard their words, yet had not he courage enough to do any thing to + her as if he believed them; but still he became worse and worse disposed + to her, and these ill passions were more and more inflamed on both sides, + while she did not hide her disposition towards him, and he turned his love + to her into wrath against her. But when he was just going to put this + matter past all remedy, he heard the news that Cæsar was the victor in + the war, and that Antony and Cleopatra were both dead, and that he had + conquered Egypt; whereupon he made haste to go to meet Cæsar, and left + the affairs of his family in their present state. However, Mariamne + recommended Sohemus to him, as he was setting out on his journey, and + professed that she owed him thanks for the care he had taken of her, and + asked of the king for him a place in the government; upon which an + honorable employment was bestowed upon him accordingly. Now when Herod was + come into Egypt, he was introduced to Cæsar with great freedom, as + already a friend of his, and received very great favors from him; for he + made him a present of those four hundred Galatians who had been + Cleopatra's guards, and restored that country to him again, which, by her + means, had been taken away from him. He also added to his kingdom Gadara, + Hippos, and Samaria; and, besides those, the maritime cities, Gaza, and + Anthedon, and Joppa, and Strato's Tower. + </p> + <p> + 4. Upon these new acquisitions, he grew more magnificent, and conducted + Cæsar as far as Antioch; but upon his return, as much as his prosperity + was augmented by the foreign additions that had been made him, so much the + greater were the distresses that came upon him in his own family, and + chiefly in the affair of his wife, wherein he formerly appeared to have + been most of all fortunate; for the affection he had for Mariamne was no + way inferior to the affections of such as are on that account celebrated + in history, and this very justly. As for her, she was in other respects a + chaste woman, and faithful to him; yet had she somewhat of a woman rough + by nature, and treated her husband imperiously enough, because she saw he + was so fond of her as to be enslaved to her. She did not also consider + seasonably with herself that she lived under a monarchy, and that she was + at another's disposal, and accordingly would behave herself after a saucy + manner to him, which yet he usually put off in a jesting way, and bore + with moderation and good temper. She would also expose his mother and his + sister openly, on account of the meanness of their birth, and would speak + unkindly of them, insomuch that there was before this a disagreement and + unpardonable hatred among the women, and it was now come to greater + reproaches of one another than formerly, which suspicions increased, and + lasted a whole year after Herod returned from Cæsar. However, these + misfortunes, which had been kept under some decency for a great while, + burst out all at once upon such an occasion as was now offered; for as the + king was one day about noon lain down on his bed to rest him, he called + for Mariamne, out of the great affection he had always for her. She came + in accordingly, but would not lie down by him; and when he was very + desirous of her company, she showed her contempt of him; and added, by way + of reproach, that he had caused her father and her brother to be slain. <a + href="#link15note-11" name="link15noteref-11" id="link15noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> + And when he took this injury very unkindly, and was ready to use violence + to her, in a precipitate manner, the king's sister Salome, observing that + he was more than ordinarily disturbed, sent in to the king his cup-bearer, + who had been prepared long beforehand for such a design, and bid him tell + the king how Mariamne had persuaded him to give his assistance in + preparing a love potion for him; and if he appeared to be greatly + concerned, and to ask what that love potion was, to tell him that she had + the potion, and that he was desired only to give it him; but that in case + he did not appear to be much concerned at this potion, to let the thing + drop; and that if he did so, no harm should thereby come to him. When she + had given him these instructions, she sent him in at this time to make + such a speech. So he went in, after a composed manner, to gain credit to + what he should say, and yet somewhat hastily, and said that Mariamne had + given him presents, and persuaded him to give him a love potion. And when + this moved the king, he said that this love potion was a composition that + she had given him, whose effects he did not know, which was the reason of + his resolving to give him this information, as the safest course he could + take, both for himself and for the king. When Herod heard what he said, + and was in an ill disposition before, his indignation grew more violent; + and he ordered that eunuch of Mariamne, who was most faithful to her, to + be brought to torture about this potion, as well knowing it was not + possible that any thing small or great could be done without him. And when + the man was under the utmost agonies, he could say nothing concerning the + thing he was tortured about, but so far he knew, that Mariamne's hatred + against him was occasioned by somewhat that Sohemus had said to her. Now + as he was saying this, Herod cried out aloud, and said that Sohemus, who + had been at all other times most faithful to him, and to his government, + would not have betrayed what injunctions he had given him, unless he had + had a nearer conversation than ordinary with Mariamne. So he gave order + that Sohemus should be seized on and slain immediately; but he allowed his + wife to take her trial; and got together those that were most faithful to + him, and laid an elaborate accusation against her for this love potion and + composition, which had been charged upon her by way of calumny only. + However, he kept no temper in what he said, and was in too great a passion + for judging well about this matter. Accordingly, when the court was at + length satisfied that he was so resolved, they passed the sentence of + death upon her; but when the sentence was passed upon her, this temper was + suggested by himself, and by some others of the court, that she should not + be thus hastily put to death, but be laid in prison in one of the + fortresses belonging to the kingdom: but Salome and her party labored hard + to have the woman put to death; and they prevailed with the king to do so, + and advised this out of caution, lest the multitude should be tumultuous + if she were suffered to live; and thus was Mariamne led to execution. + </p> + <p> + 5. When Alexandra observed how things went, and that there were small + hopes that she herself should escape the like treatment from Herod, she + changed her behavior to quite the reverse of what might have been expected + from her former boldness, and this after a very indecent manner; for out + of her desire to show how entirely ignorant she was of the crimes laid + against Mariamne, she leaped out of her place, and reproached her daughter + in the hearing of all the people; and cried out that she had been an ill + woman, and ungrateful to her husband, and that her punishment came justly + upon her for such her insolent behavior, for that she had not made proper + returns to him who had been their common benefactor. And when she had for + some time acted after this hypocritical manner, and been so outrageous as + to tear her hair, this indecent and dissembling behavior, as was to be + expected, was greatly condemned by the rest of the spectators, as it was + principally by the poor woman who was to suffer; for at the first she gave + her not a word, nor was discomposed at her peevishness, and only looked at + her, yet did she out of a greatness of soul discover her concern for her + mother's offense, and especially for her exposing herself in a manner so + unbecoming her; but as for herself, she went to her death with an unshaken + firmness of mind, and without changing the color of her face, and thereby + evidently discovered the nobility of her descent to the spectators, even + in the last moments of her life. + </p> + <p> + 6. And thus died Mariamne, a woman of an excellent character, both for + chastity and greatness of soul; but she wanted moderation, and had too + much of contention in her nature; yet had she all that can be said in the + beauty of her body, and her majestic appearance in conversation; and + thence arose the greatest part of the occasions why she did not prove so + agreeable to the king, nor live so pleasantly with him, as she might + otherwise have done; for while she was most indulgently used by the king, + out of his fondness for her, and did not expect that he could do any hard + thing to her, she took too unbounded a liberty. Moreover, that which most + afflicted her was, what he had done to her relations, and she ventured to + speak of all they had suffered by him, and at last greatly provoked both + the king's mother and sister, till they became enemies to her; and even he + himself also did the same, on whom alone she depended for her expectations + of escaping the last of punishments. + </p> + <p> + 7. But when she was once dead, the king's affections for her were kindled + in a more outrageous manner than before, whose old passion for her we have + already described; for his love to her was not of a calm nature, nor such + as we usually meet with among other husbands; for at its commencement it + was of an enthusiastic kind, nor was it by their long cohabitation and + free conversation together brought under his power to manage; but at this + time his love to Mariamne seemed to seize him in such a peculiar manner, + as looked like Divine vengeance upon him for the taking away her life; for + he would frequently call for her, and frequently lament for her in a most + indecent manner. Moreover, he bethought him of every thing he could make + use of to divert his mind from thinking of her, and contrived feasts and + assemblies for that purpose, but nothing would suffice; he therefore laid + aside the administration of public affairs, and was so far conquered by + his passion, that he would order his servants to call for Mariamne, as if + she were still alive, and could still hear them. And when he was in this + way, there arose a pestilential disease, and carried off the greatest part + of the multitude, and of his best and most esteemed friends, and made all + men suspect that this was brought upon them by the anger of God, for the + injustice that had been done to Mariamne. This circumstance affected the + king still more, till at length he forced himself to go into desert + places, and there, under pretense of going a hunting, bitterly afflicted + himself; yet had he not borne his grief there many days before he fell + into a most dangerous distemper himself: he had an inflammation upon him, + and a pain in the hinder part of his head, joined with madness; and for + the remedies that were used, they did him no good at all, but proved + contrary to his case, and so at length brought him to despair. All the + physicians also that were about him, partly because the medicines they + brought for his recovery could not at all conquer the disease, and partly + because his diet could be no other than what his disease inclined him to, + desired him to eat whatever he had a mind to, and so left the small hopes + they had of his recovery in the power of that diet, and committed him to + fortune. And thus did his distemper go on, while he was at Samaria, now + called Sebaste. + </p> + <p> + 8. Now Alexandra abode at this time at Jerusalem; and being informed what + condition Herod was in, she endeavored to get possession of the fortified + places that were about the city, which were two, the one belonging to the + city itself, the other belonging to the temple; and those that could get + them into their hands had the whole nation under their power, for without + the command of them it was not possible to offer their sacrifices; and to + think of leaving on those sacrifices is to every Jew plainly impossible, + who are still more ready to lose their lives than to leave off that Divine + worship which they have been wont to pay unto God. Alexandra, therefore, + discoursed with those that had the keeping of these strong holds, that it + was proper for them to deliver the same to her, and to Herod's sons, lest, + upon his death, any other person should seize upon the government; and + that upon his recovery none could keep them more safely for him than those + of his own family. These words were not by them at all taken in good part; + and as they had been in former times faithful [to Herod], they resolved to + continue so more than ever, both because they hated Alexandra, and because + they thought it a sort of impiety to despair of Herod's recovery while he + was yet alive, for they had been his old friends; and one of them, whose + name was Achiabus, was his cousin-german. They sent messengers therefore + to acquaint him with Alexandra's design; so he made no longer delay, but + gave orders to have her slain; yet was it still with difficulty, and after + he had endured great pain, that he got clear of his distemper. He was + still sorely afflicted, both in mind and body, and made very uneasy, and + readier than ever upon all occasions to inflict punishment upon those that + fell under his hand. He also slew the most intimate of his friends, + Costobarus, and Lysimachus, and Cadias, who was also called Antipater; as + also Dositheus, and that upon the following occasion. + </p> + <p> + 9. Costobarus was an Idumean by birth, and one of principal dignity among + them, and one whose ancestors had been priests to the Koze, whom the + Idumeans had [formerly] esteemed as a god; but after Hyrcanus had made a + change in their political government, and made them receive the Jewish + customs and law, Herod made Costobarus governor of Idumea and Gaza, and + gave him his sister Salome to wife; and this was upon the slaughter of + [his uncle] Joseph, who had that government before, as we have related + already. When Costobarus had gotten to be so highly advanced, it pleased + him and was more than he hoped for, and he was more and more puffed up by + his good success, and in a little while he exceeded all bounds, and did + not think fit to obey what Herod, as their ruler, commanded him, or that + the Idumeans should make use of the Jewish customs, or be subject to them. + He therefore sent to Cleopatra, and informed her that the Idumeans had + been always under his progenitors, and that for the same reason it was but + just that she should desire that country for him of Antony, for that he + was ready to transfer his friendship to her; and this he did, not because + he was better pleased to be under Cleopatra's government, but because he + thought that, upon the diminution of Herod's power, it would not be + difficult for him to obtain himself the entire government over the + Idumeans, and somewhat more also; for he raised his hopes still higher, as + having no small pretenses, both by his birth and by these riches which he + had gotten by his constant attention to filthy lucre; and accordingly it + was not a small matter that he aimed at. So Cleopatra desired this country + of Antony, but failed of her purpose. An account of this was brought to + Herod, who was thereupon ready to kill Costobarus; yet, upon the + entreaties of his sister and mother, he forgave him, and vouchsafed to + pardon him entirely; though he still had a suspicion of him afterward for + this his attempt. + </p> + <p> + 10. But some time afterward, when Salome happened to quarrel with + Costobarus, she sent him a bill of divorce <a href="#link15note-12" + name="link15noteref-12" id="link15noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> and + dissolved her marriage with him, though this was not according to the + Jewish laws; for with us it is lawful for a husband to do so; but a wife; + if she departs from her husband, cannot of herself be married to another, + unless her former husband put her away. However, Salome chose to follow + not the law of her country, but the law of her authority, and so renounced + her wedlock; and told her brother Herod, that she left her husband out of + her good-will to him, because she perceived that he, with Antipater, and + Lysimachus, and Dositheus, were raising a sedition against him; as an + evidence whereof, she alleged the case of the sons of Babas, that they had + been by him preserved alive already for the interval of twelve years; + which proved to be true. But when Herod thus unexpectedly heard of it, he + was greatly surprised at it, and was the more surprised, because the + relation appeared incredible to him. As for the fact relating to these + sons of Babas, Herod had formerly taken great pains to bring them to + punishment, as being enemies to his government; but they were now + forgotten by him, on account of the length of time [since he had ordered + them to be slain]. Now the cause of his ill-will and hatred to them arose + hence, that while Antigonus was king, Herod, with his army, besieged the + city of Jerusalem, where the distress and miseries which the besieged + endured were so pressing, that the greater number of them invited Herod + into the city, and already placed their hopes on him. Now the sons of + Babas were of great dignity, and had power among the multitude, and were + faithful to Antigonus, and were always raising calumnies against Herod, + and encouraged the people to preserve the government to that royal family + which held it by inheritance. So these men acted thus politically, and, as + they thought, for their own advantage; but when the city was taken, and + Herod had gotten the government into his hands, and Costobarus was + appointed to hinder men from passing out at the gates, and to guard the + city, that those citizens that were guilty, and of the party opposite to + the king, might not get out of it, Costobarus, being sensible that the + sons of Babas were had in respect and honor by the whole multitude, and + supposing that their preservation might be of great advantage to him in + the changes of government afterward, he set them by themselves, and + concealed them in his own farms; and when the thing was suspected, he + assured Herod upon oath that he really knew nothing of that matter, and so + overcame the suspicions that lay upon him; nay, after that, when the king + had publicly proposed a reward for the discovery, and had put in practice + all sorts of methods for searching out this matter, he would not confess + it; but being persuaded that when he had at first denied it, if the men + were found, he should not escape unpunished, he was forced to keep them + secret, not only out of his good-will to them, but out of a necessary + regard to his own preservation also. But when the king knew the thing, by + his sister's information, he sent men to the places where he had the + intimation they were concealed, and ordered both them, and those that were + accused as guilty with them, to be slain, insomuch that there were now + none at all left of the kindred of Hyrcanus, and the kingdom was entirely + in Herod's own power, and there was nobody remaining of such dignity as + could put a stop to what he did against the Jewish laws. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link152HCH0008" id="link152HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. How Ten Men Of The Citizens [Of Jerusalem] Made A Conspiracy + Against Herod, For The Foreign Practices He Had Introduced, Which Was A + Transgression Of The Laws Of Their Country. Concerning The Building Of + Sebaste And Cæsarea, And Other Edifices Of Herod. + </h3> + <p> + 1. On this account it was that Herod revolted from the laws of his + country, and corrupted their ancient constitution, by the introduction of + foreign practices, which constitution yet ought to have been preserved + inviolable; by which means we became guilty of great wickedness afterward, + while those religious observances which used to lead the multitude to + piety were now neglected; for, in the first place, he appointed solemn + games to be celebrated every fifth year, in honor of Cæsar, and built a + theater at Jerusalem, as also a very great amphitheater in the plain. Both + of them were indeed costly works, but opposite to the Jewish customs; for + we have had no such shows delivered down to us as fit to be used or + exhibited by us; yet did he celebrate these games every five years, in the + most solemn and splendid manner. He also made proclamation to the + neighboring countries, and called men together out of every nation. The + wrestlers also, and the rest of those that strove for the prizes in such + games, were invited out of every land, both by the hopes of the rewards + there to be bestowed, and by the glory of victory to be there gained. So + the principal persons that were the most eminent in these sorts of + exercises were gotten together, for there were very great rewards for + victory proposed, not only to those that performed their exercises naked, + but to those that played the musicians also, and were called Thymelici; + and he spared no pains to induce all persons, the most famous for such + exercises, to come to this contest for victory. He also proposed no small + rewards to those who ran for the prizes in chariot races, when they were + drawn by two, or three, or four pair of horses. He also imitated every + thing, though never so costly or magnificent, in other nations, out of an + ambition that he might give most public demonstration of his grandeur. + Inscriptions also of the great actions of Cæsar, and trophies of those + nations which he had conquered in his wars, and all made of the purest + gold and silver, encompassed the theater itself; nor was there any thing + that could be subservient to his design, whether it were precious + garments, or precious stones set in order, which was not also exposed to + sight in these games. He had also made a great preparation of wild beasts, + and of lions themselves in great abundance, and of such other beasts as + were either of uncommon strength, or of such a sort as were rarely seen. + These were prepared either to fight with one another, or that men who were + condemned to death were to fight with them. And truly foreigners were + greatly surprised and delighted at the vastness of the expenses here + exhibited, and at the great dangers that were here seen; but to natural + Jews, this was no better than a dissolution of those customs for which + they had so great a veneration. <a href="#link15note-13" + name="link15noteref-13" id="link15noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> It + appeared also no better than an instance of barefaced impiety, to throw + men to wild beasts, for the affording delight to the spectators; and it + appeared an instance of no less impiety, to change their own laws for such + foreign exercises: but, above all the rest, the trophies gave most + distaste to the Jews; for as they imagined them to be images, included + within the armor that hung round about them, they were sorely displeased + at them, because it was not the custom of their country to pay honors to + such images. + </p> + <p> + 2. Nor was Herod unacquainted with the disturbance they were under; and as + he thought it unseasonable to use violence with them, so he spake to some + of them by way of consolation, and in order to free them from that + superstitious fear they were under; yet could not he satisfy them, but + they cried out with one accord, out of their great uneasiness at the + offenses they thought he had been guilty of, that although they should + think of bearing all the rest yet would they never bear images of men in + their city, meaning the trophies, because this was disagreeable to the + laws of their country. Now when Herod saw them in such a disorder, and + that they would not easily change their resolution unless they received + satisfaction in this point, he called to him the most eminent men among + them, and brought them upon the theater, and showed them the trophies, and + asked them what sort of things they took these trophies to be; and when + they cried out that they were the images of men, he gave order that they + should be stripped of these outward ornaments which were about them, and + showed them the naked pieces of wood; which pieces of wood, now without + any ornament, became matter of great sport and laughter to them, because + they had before always had the ornaments of images themselves in derision. + </p> + <p> + 3. When therefore Herod had thus got clear of the multitude, and had + dissipated the vehemency of passion under which they had been, the + greatest part of the people were disposed to change their conduct, and not + to be displeased at him any longer; but still some of them continued in + their displeasure against him, for his introduction of new customs, and + esteemed the violation of the laws of their country as likely to be the + origin of very great mischiefs to them, so that they deemed it an instance + of piety rather to hazard themselves [to be put to death], than to seem as + if they took no notice of Herod, who, upon the change he had made in their + government, introduced such customs, and that in a violent manner, which + they had never been used to before, as indeed in pretense a king, but in + reality one that showed himself an enemy to their whole nation; on which + account ten men that were citizens [of Jerusalem] conspired together + against him, and sware to one another to undergo any dangers in the + attempt, and took daggers with them under their garments [for the purpose + of killing Herod]. Now there was a certain blind man among those + conspirators who had thus sworn to one another, on account of the + indignation he had against what he heard to have been done; he was not + indeed able to afford the rest any assistance in the undertaking, but was + ready to undergo any suffering with them, if so be they should come to any + harm, insomuch that he became a very great encourager of the rest of the + undertakers. + </p> + <p> + 4. When they had taken this resolution, and that by common consent, they + went into the theater, hoping that, in the first place, Herod himself + could not escape them, as they should fall upon him so unexpectedly; and + supposing, however, that if they missed him, they should kill a great many + of those that were about him; and this resolution they took, though they + should die for it, in order to suggest to the king what injuries he had + done to the multitude. These conspirators, therefore, standing thus + prepared beforehand, went about their design with great alacrity; but + there was one of those spies of Herod, that were appointed for such + purposes, to fish out and inform him of any conspiracies that should be + made against him, who found out the whole affair, and told the king of it, + as he was about to go into the theater. So when he reflected on the hatred + which he knew the greatest part of the people bore him, and on the + disturbances that arose upon every occasion, he thought this plot against + him not to be improbable. Accordingly, he retired into his palace, and + called those that were accused of this conspiracy before him by their + several names; and as, upon the guards falling upon them, they were caught + in the very fact, and knew they could not escape, they prepared themselves + for their ends with all the decency they could, and so as not at all to + recede from their resolute behavior, for they showed no shame for what + they were about, nor denied it; but when they were seized, they showed + their daggers, and professed that the conspiracy they had sworn to was a + holy and pious action; that what they intended to do was not for gain, or + out of any indulgence to their passions, but principally for those common + customs of their country, which all the Jews were obliged to observe, or + to die for them. This was what these men said, out of their undaunted + courage in this conspiracy. So they were led away to execution by the + king's guards that stood about them, and patiently underwent all the + torments inflicted on them till they died. Nor was it long before that spy + who had discovered them was seized on by some of the people, out of the + hatred they bore to him; and was not only slain by them, but pulled to + pieces, limb from limb, and given to the dogs. This execution was seen by + many of the citizens, yet would not one of them discover the doers of it, + till upon Herod's making a strict scrutiny after them, by bitter and + severe tortures, certain women that were tortured confessed what they had + seen done; the authors of which fact were so terribly punished by the + king, that their entire families were destroyed for this their rash + attempt; yet did not the obstinacy of the people, and that undaunted + constancy they showed in the defense of their laws, make Herod any easier + to them, but he still strengthened himself after a more secure manner, and + resolved to encompass the multitude every way, lest such innovations + should end in an open rebellion. + </p> + <p> + 5. Since, therefore, he had now the city fortified by the palace in which + he lived, and by the temple which had a strong fortress by it, called + Antonia, and was rebuilt by himself, he contrived to make Samaria a + fortress for himself also against all the people, and called it Sebaste, + supposing that this place would be a strong hold against the country, not + inferior to the former. So he fortified that place, which was a day's + journey distant from Jerusalem, and which would be useful to him in + common, to keep both the country and the city in awe. He also built + another fortress for the whole nation; it was of old called Strato's + Tower, but was by him named Cæsarea. Moreover, he chose out some select + horsemen, and placed them in the great plain; and built [for them] a + place in Galilee, called Gaba with Hesebonitis, in Perea. And these were + the places which he particularly built, while he always was inventing + somewhat further for his own security, and encompassing the whole nation + with guards, that they might by no means get from under his power, nor + fall into tumults, which they did continually upon any small commotion; + and that if they did make any commotions, he might know of it, while some + of his spies might be upon them from the neighborhood, and might both be + able to know what they were attempting, and to prevent it. And when he + went about building the wall of Samaria, he contrived to bring thither + many of those that had been assisting to him in his wars, and many of the + people in that neighborhood also, whom he made fellow citizens with the + rest. This he did out of an ambitious desire of building a temple, and out + of a desire to make the city more eminent than it had been before; but + principally because he contrived that it might at once be for his own + security, and a monument of his magnificence. He also changed its name, + and called it Sebaste. Moreover, he parted the adjoining country, which + was excellent in its kind, among the inhabitants of Samaria, that they + might be in a happy condition, upon their first coming to inhabit. Besides + all which, he encompassed the city with a wall of great strength, and made + use of the acclivity of the place for making its fortifications stronger; + nor was the compass of the place made now so small as it had been before, + but was such as rendered it not inferior to the most famous cities; for it + was twenty furlongs in circumference. Now within, and about the middle of + it, he built a sacred place, of a furlong and a half [in circuit], and + adorned it with all sorts of decorations, and therein erected a temple, + which was illustrious on account of both its largeness and beauty. And as + to the several parts of the city, he adorned them with decorations of all + sorts also; and as to what was necessary to provide for his own security, + he made the walls very strong for that purpose, and made it for the + greatest part a citadel; and as to the elegance of the building, it was + taken care of also, that he might leave monuments of the fineness of his + taste, and of his beneficence, to future ages. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link152HCH0009" id="link152HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Famine That Happened In Judea And Syria; And How + Herod, After He Had Married Another Wife, Rebuilt Cæsarea, And Other + Grecian Cities. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now on this very year, which was the thirteenth year of the reign of + Herod, very great calamities came upon the country; whether they were + derived from the anger of God, or whether this misery returns again + naturally in certain periods of time <a href="#link15note-14" + name="link15noteref-14" id="link15noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> for, + in the first place, there were perpetual droughts, and for that reason the + ground was barren, and did not bring forth the same quantity of fruits + that it used to produce; and after this barrenness of the soil, that + change of food which the want of corn occasioned produced distempers in + the bodies of men, and a pestilential disease prevailed, one misery + following upon the back of another; and these circumstances, that they + were destitute both of methods of cure and of food, made the pestilential + distemper, which began after a violent manner, the more lasting. The + destruction of men also after such a manner deprived those that survived + of all their courage, because they had no way to provide remedies + sufficient for the distresses they were in. When therefore the fruits of + that year were spoiled, and whatsoever they had laid up beforehand was + spent, there was no foundation of hope for relief remaining, but the + misery, contrary to what they expected still increased upon them; and this + not only on that year, while they had nothing for themselves left [at the + end of it], but what seed they had sown perished also, by reason of the + ground not yielding its fruits on the second year. <a href="#link15note-15" + name="link15noteref-15" id="link15noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> This + distress they were in made them also, out of necessity, to eat many things + that did not use to be eaten; nor was the king himself free from this + distress any more than other men, as being deprived of that tribute he + used to have from the fruits of the ground, and having already expended + what money he had, in his liberality to those whose cities he had built; + nor had he any people that were worthy of his assistance, since this + miserable state of things had procured him the hatred of his subjects: for + it is a constant rule, that misfortunes are still laid to the account of + those that govern. + </p> + <p> + 2. In these circumstances he considered with himself how to procure some + seasonable help; but this was a hard thing to be done, while their + neighbors had no food to sell them; and their money also was gone, had it + been possible to purchase a little food at a great price. However, he + thought it his best way, by all means, not to leave off his endeavors to + assist his people; so he cut off the rich furniture that was in his + palace, both of silver and gold, insomuch that he did not spare the finest + vessels he had, or those that were made with the most elaborate skill of + the artificers, but sent the money to Petronius, who had been made prefect + of Egypt by Cæsar; and as not a few had already fled to him under their + necessities, and as he was particularly a friend to Herod, and desirous to + have his subjects preserved, he gave leave to them in the first place to + export corn, and assisted them every way, both in purchasing and exporting + the same; so that he was the principal, if not the only person, who + afforded them what help they had. And Herod taking care the people should + understand that this help came from himself, did thereby not only remove + the ill opinion of those that formerly hated him, but gave them the + greatest demonstration possible of his good-will to them, and care of + them; for, in the first place, as for those who were able to provide their + own food, he distributed to them their proportion of corn in the exactest + manner; but for those many that were not able, either by reason of their + old age, or any other infirmity, to provide food for themselves, he made + this provision for them, the bakers should make their bread ready for + them. He also took care that they might not be hurt by the dangers of + winter, since they were in great want of clothing also, by reason of the + utter destruction and consumption of their sheep and goats, till they had + no wool to make use of, nor any thing else to cover themselves withal. And + when he had procured these things for his own subjects, he went further, + in order to provide necessaries for their neighbors, and gave seed to the + Syrians, which thing turned greatly to his own advantage also, this + charitable assistance being afforded most seasonably to their fruitful + soil, so that every one had now a plentiful provision of food. Upon the + whole, when the harvest of the land was approaching, he sent no fewer than + fifty thousand men, whom he had sustained, into the country; by which + means he both repaired the afflicted condition of his own kingdom with + great generosity and diligence, and lightened the afflictions of his + neighbors, who were under the same calamities; for there was nobody who + had been in want that was left destitute of a suitable assistance by him; + nay, further, there were neither any people, nor any cities, nor any + private men, who were to make provision for the multitudes, and on that + account were in want of support, and had recourse to him, but received + what they stood in need of, insomuch that it appeared, upon a computation, + that the number of cori of wheat, of ten attic medimni apiece, that were + given to foreigners, amounted to ten thousand, and the number that was + given in his own kingdom was about fourscore thousand. Now it happened + that this care of his, and this seasonable benefaction, had such influence + on the Jews, and was so cried up among other nations, as to wipe off that + old hatred which his violation of some of their customs, during his reign, + had procured him among all the nation, and that this liberality of his + assistance in this their greatest necessity was full satisfaction for all + that he had done of that nature, as it also procured him great fame among + foreigners; and it looked as if these calamities that afflicted his land, + to a degree plainly incredible, came in order to raise his glory, and to + be to his great advantage; for the greatness of his liberality in these + distresses, which he now demonstrated beyond all expectation, did so + change the disposition of the multitude towards him, that they were ready + to suppose he had been from the beginning not such a one as they had found + him to be by experience, but such a one as the care he had taken of them + in supplying their necessities proved him now to be. + </p> + <p> + 3. About this time it was that he sent five hundred chosen men out of the + guards of his body as auxiliaries to Cæsar, whom Aelius Gallus <a + href="#link15note-16" name="link15noteref-16" id="link15noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> + led to the Red Sea, and who were of great service to him there. When + therefore his affairs were thus improved, and were again in a flourishing + condition, he built himself a palace in the upper city, raising the rooms + to a very great height, and adorning them with the most costly furniture + of gold, and marble scats, and beds; and these were so large that they + could contain very many companies of men. These apartments were also of + distinct magnitudes, and had particular names given them; for one + apartment was called Cæsar's, another Agrippa's. He also fell in love + again, and married another wife, not suffering his reason to hinder him + from living as he pleased. The occasion of this his marriage was as + follows: There was one Simon, a citizen of Jerusalem, the son of one + Boethus, a citizen of Alexandria, and a priest of great note there; this + man had a daughter, who was esteemed the most beautiful woman of that + time; and when the people of Jerusalem began to speak much in her + commendation, it happened that Herod was much affected with what was said + of her; and when he saw the damsel, he was smitten with her beauty, yet + did he entirely reject the thoughts of using his authority to abuse her, + as believing, what was the truth, that by so doing he should be + stigmatized for violence and tyranny; so he thought it best to take the + damsel to wife. And while Simon was of a dignity too inferior to be allied + to him, but still too considerable to be despised, he governed his + inclinations after the most prudent manner, by augmenting the dignity of + the family, and making them more honorable; so he immediately deprived + Jesus, the son of Phabet, of the high priesthood, and conferred that + dignity on Simon, and so joined in affinity with him [by marrying his + daughter]. + </p> + <p> + 4. When this wedding was over, he built another citadel in that place + where he had conquered the Jews when he was driven out of his government, + and Antigonus enjoyed it. This citadel is distant from Jerusalem about + threescore furlongs. It was strong by nature, and fit for such a building. + It is a sort of a moderate hill, raised to a further height by the hand of + man, till it was of the shape of a woman's breast. It is encompassed with + circular towers, and hath a strait ascent up to it, which ascent is + composed of steps of polished stones, in number two hundred. Within it are + royal and very rich apartments, of a structure that provided both for + security and for beauty. About the bottom there are habitations of such a + structure as are well worth seeing, both on other accounts, and also on + account of the water which is brought thither from a great way off, and at + vast expenses, for the place itself is destitute of water. The plain that + is about this citadel is full of edifices, not inferior to any city in + largeness, and having the hill above it in the nature of a castle. + </p> + <p> + 5. And now, when all Herod's designs had succeeded according to his hopes, + he had not the least suspicion that any troubles could arise in his + kingdom, because he kept his people obedient, as well by the fear they + stood in of him, for he was implacable in the infliction of his + punishments, as by the provident care he had showed towards them, after + the most magnanimous manner, when they were under their distresses. But + still he took care to have external security for his government as a + fortress against his subjects; for the orations he made to the cities were + very fine, and full of kindness; and he cultivated a seasonable good + understanding with their governors, and bestowed presents on every one of + them, inducing them thereby to be more friendly to him, and using his + magnificent disposition so as his kingdom might be the better secured to + him, and this till all his affairs were every way more and more augmented. + But then this magnificent temper of his, and that submissive behavior and + liberality which he exercised towards Cæsar, and the most powerful men of + Rome, obliged him to transgress the customs of his nation, and to set + aside many of their laws, and by building cities after an extravagant + manner, and erecting temples,—not in Judea indeed, for that would + not have been borne, it being forbidden for us to pay any honor to images, + or representations of animals, after the manner of the Greeks; but still + he did thus in the country [properly] out of our bounds, and in the cities + thereof <a href="#link15note-17" name="link15noteref-17" + id="link15noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> The apology which he made to + the Jews for these things was this: That all was done, not out of his own + inclinations, but by the commands and injunctions of others, in order to + please Cæsar and the Romans, as though he had not the Jewish customs so + much in his eye as he had the honor of those Romans, while yet he had + himself entirely in view all the while, and indeed was very ambitious to + leave great monuments of his government to posterity; whence it was that + he was so zealous in building such fine cities, and spent such vast sums + of money upon them. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now upon his observation of a place near the sea, which was very proper + for containing a city, and was before called Strato's Tower, he set about + getting a plan for a magnificent city there, and erected many edifices + with great diligence all over it, and this of white stone. He also adorned + it with most sumptuous palaces and large edifices for containing the + people; and what was the greatest and most laborious work of all, he + adorned it with a haven, that was always free from the waves of the sea. + Its largeness was not less than the Pyrmum [at Athens], and had towards + the city a double station for the ships. It was of excellent workmanship; + and this was the more remarkable for its being built in a place that of + itself was not suitable to such noble structures, but was to be brought to + perfection by materials from other places, and at very great expenses. + This city is situate in Phoenicia, in the passage by sea to Egypt, between + Joppa and Dora, which are lesser maritime cities, and not fit for havens, + on account of the impetuous south winds that beat upon them, which rolling + the sands that come from the sea against the shores, do not admit of ships + lying in their station; but the merchants are generally there forced to + ride at their anchors in the sea itself. So Herod endeavored to rectify + this inconvenience, and laid out such a compass towards the land as might + be sufficient for a haven, wherein the great ships might lie in safety; + and this he effected by letting down vast stones of above fifty feet in + length, not less than eighteen in breadth, and nine in depth, into twenty + fathom deep; and as some were lesser, so were others bigger than those + dimensions. This mole which he built by the sea-side was two hundred feet + wide, the half of which was opposed to the current of the waves, so as to + keep off those waves which were to break upon them, and so was called + Procymatia, or the first breaker of the waves; but the other half had upon + it a wall, with several towers, the largest of which was named Drusus, and + was a work of very great excellence, and had its name from Drusus, the + son-in-law of Cæsar, who died young. There were also a great number of + arches where the mariners dwelt. There was also before them a quay, [or + landing place,] which ran round the entire haven, and was a most agreeable + walk to such as had a mind to that exercise; but the entrance or mouth of + the port was made on the north quarter, on which side was the stillest of + the winds of all in this place: and the basis of the whole circuit on the + left hand, as you enter the port, supported a round turret, which was made + very strong, in order to resist the greatest waves; while on the right + hand, as you enter, stood two vast stones, and those each of them larger + than the turret, which were over against them; these stood upright, and + were joined together. Now there were edifices all along the circular + haven, made of the politest stone, with a certain elevation, whereon was + erected a temple, that was seen a great way off by those that were sailing + for that haven, and had in it two statues, the one of Rome, the other of + Cæsar. The city itself was called Cæsarea, which was also itself built of + fine materials, and was of a fine structure; nay, the very subterranean + vaults and cellars had no less of architecture bestowed on them than had + the buildings above ground. Some of these vaults carried things at even + distances to the haven and to the sea; but one of them ran obliquely, and + bound all the rest together, that both the rain and the filth of the + citizens were together carried off with ease, and the sea itself, upon the + flux of the tide from without, came into the city, and washed it all + clean. Herod also built therein a theater of stone; and on the south + quarter, behind the port, an amphitheater also, capable of holding a vast + number of men, and conveniently situated for a prospect to the sea. So + this city was thus finished in twelve years; <a href="#link15note-18" + name="link15noteref-18" id="link15noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> during + which time the king did not fail to go on both with the work, and to pay + the charges that were necessary. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link152HCH0010" id="link152HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. How Herod Sent His Sons To Rome; How Also He Was Accused By + Zenodorus And The Gadarens, But Was Cleared Of What They Accused Him Of + And Withal Gained To Himself The Good-Will Of Cæsar. Concerning The + Pharisees, The Essens And Manahem. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Herod was engaged in such matters, and when he had already + re-edified Sebaste, [Samaria,] he resolved to send his sons Alexander and + Aristobulus to Rome, to enjoy the company of Cæsar; who, when they came + thither, lodged at the house of Pollio, <a href="#link15note-19" + name="link15noteref-19" id="link15noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> who + was very fond of Herod's friendship; and they had leave to lodge in + Cæsar's own palace, for he received these sons of Herod with all + humanity, and gave Herod leave to give his kingdom to which of his sons + he pleased; and besides all this, he bestowed on him Trachon, and Batanea, + and Auranitis, which he gave him on the occasion following: One Zenodorus + <a href="#link15note-20" name="link15noteref-20" id="link15noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> + had hired what was called the house of Lysanias, who, as he was not + satisfied with its revenues, became a partner with the robbers that + inhabited the Trachonites, and so procured himself a larger income; for + the inhabitants of those places lived in a mad way, and pillaged the + country of the Damascenes, while Zenodorus did not restrain them, but + partook of the prey they acquired. Now as the neighboring people were + hereby great sufferers, they complained to Varro, who was then president + [of Syria], and entreated him to write to Cæsar about this injustice of + Zenodorus. When these matters were laid before Cæsar, he wrote back to + Varro to destroy those nests of robbers, and to give the land to Herod, + that so by his care the neighboring countries might be no longer disturbed + with these doings of the Trachonites; for it was not an easy firing to + restrain them, since this way of robbery had been their usual practice, + and they had no other way to get their living, because they had neither + any city of their own, nor lands in their possession, but only some + receptacles and dens in the earth, and there they and their cattle lived + in common together. However, they had made contrivances to get pools of + water, and laid up corn in granaries for themselves, and were able to make + great resistance, by issuing out on the sudden against any that attacked + them; for the entrances of their caves were narrow, in which but one could + come in at a time, and the places within incredibly large, and made very + wide but the ground over their habitations was not very high, but rather + on a plain, while the rocks are altogether hard and difficult to be + entered upon, unless any one gets into the plain road by the guidance of + another, for these roads are not straight, but have several revolutions. + But when these men are hindered from their wicked preying upon their + neighbors, their custom is to prey one upon another, insomuch that no sort + of injustice comes amiss to them. But when Herod had received this grant + from Cæsar, and was come into this country, he procured skillful guides, + and put a stop to their wicked robberies, and procured peace and quietness + to the neighboring people. + </p> + <p> + 2. Hereupon Zenodorus was grieved, in the first place, because his + principality was taken away from him; and still more so, because he envied + Herod, who had gotten it; So he went up to Rome to accuse him, but + returned back again without success. Now Agrippa was [about this time] + sent to succeed Cæsar in the government of the countries beyond the + Ionian Sea, upon whom Herod lighted when he was wintering about Mitylene, + for he had been his particular friend and companion, and then returned + into Judea again. However, some of the Gadarens came to Agrippa, and + accused Herod, whom he sent back bound to the king without giving them the + hearing. But still the Arabians, who of old bare ill-will to Herod's + government, were nettled, and at that time attempted to raise a sedition + in his dominions, and, as they thought, upon a more justifiable occasion; + for Zenodorus, despairing already of success as to his own affairs, + prevented [his enemies], by selling to those Arabians a part of his + principality, called Auranitis, for the value of fifty talents; but as + this was included in the donations of Cæsar, they contested the point + with Herod, as unjustly deprived of what they had bought. Sometimes they + did this by making incursions upon him, and sometimes by attempting force + against him, and sometimes by going to law with him. Moreover, they + persuaded the poorer soldiers to help them, and were troublesome to him, + out of a constant hope that they should reduce the people to raise a + sedition; in which designs those that are in the most miserable + circumstances of life are still the most earnest; and although Herod had + been a great while apprized of these attempts, yet did not he indulge any + severity to them, but by rational methods aimed to mitigate things, as not + willing to give any handle for tumults. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now when Herod had already reigned seventeen years, Cæsar came into + Syria; at which time the greatest part of the inhabitants of Gadara + clamored against Herod, as one that was heavy in his injunctions, and + tyrannical. These reproaches they mainly ventured upon by the + encouragement of Zenodorus, who took his oath that he would never leave + Herod till he had procured that they should be severed from Herod's + kingdom, and joined to Cæsar's province. The Gadarens were induced + hereby, and made no small cry against him, and that the more boldly, + because those that had been delivered up by Agrippa were not punished by + Herod, who let them go, and did them no harm; for indeed he was the + principal man in the world who appeared almost inexorable in punishing + crimes in his own family, but very generous in remitting the offenses that + were committed elsewhere. And while they accused Herod of injuries, and + plunderings, and subversions of temples, he stood unconcerned, and was + ready to make his defense. However, Cæsar gave him his right hand, and + remitted nothing of his kindness to him, upon this disturbance by the + multitude; and indeed these things were alleged the first day, but the + hearing proceeded no further; for as the Gadarens saw the inclination of + Cæsar and of his assessors, and expected, as they had reason to do, that + they should be delivered up to the king, some of them, out of a dread of + the torments they might undergo, cut their own throats in the night time, + and some of them threw themselves down precipices, and others of them cast + themselves into the river, and destroyed themselves of their own accord; + which accidents seemed a sufficient condemnation of the rashness and + crimes they had been guilty of; whereupon Cæsar made no longer delay, but + cleared Herod from the crimes he was accused of. Another happy accident + there was, which was a further great advantage to Herod at this time; for + Zenodorus's belly burst, and a great quantity of blood issued from him in + his sickness, and he thereby departed this life at Antioch in Syria; so + Cæsar bestowed his country, which was no small one, upon Herod; it lay + between Trachon and Galilee, and contained Ulatha, and Paneas, and the + country round about. He also made him one of the procurators of Syria, and + commanded that they should do every thing with his approbation; and, in + short, he arrived at that pitch of felicity, that whereas there were but + two men that governed the vast Roman empire, first Cæsar, and then + Agrippa, who was his principal favorite, Cæsar preferred no one to Herod + besides Agrippa, and Agrippa made no one his greater friend than Herod + besides Cæsar. And when he had acquired such freedom, he begged of Cæsar + a tetrarchy <a href="#link15note-21" name="link15noteref-21" + id="link15noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> for his brother Pheroras, + while he did himself bestow upon him a revenue of a hundred talents out of + his own kingdom, that in case he came to any harm himself, his brother + might be in safety, and that his sons might not have dominion over him. So + when he had conducted Cæsar to the sea, and was returned home, he built + him a most beautiful temple, of the whitest stone, in Zenodorus's country, + near the place called Panlure. This is a very fine cave in a mountain, + under which there is a great cavity in the earth, and the cavern is + abrupt, and prodigiously deep, and full of a still water; over it hangs a + vast mountain; and under the caverns arise the springs of the river + Jordan. Herod adorned this place, which was already a very remarkable one, + still further by the erection of this temple, which he dedicated to + Cæsar. + </p> + <p> + 4. At which time Herod released to his subjects the third part of their + taxes, under pretense indeed of relieving them, after the dearth they had + had; but the main reason was, to recover their good-will, which he now + wanted; for they were uneasy at him, because of the innovations he had + introduced in their practices, of the dissolution of their religion, and + of the disuse of their own customs; and the people every where talked + against him, like those that were still more provoked and disturbed at his + procedure; against which discontents he greatly guarded himself, and took + away the opportunities they might have to disturb him, and enjoined them + to be always at work; nor did he permit the citizens either to meet + together, or to walk or eat together, but watched every thing they did, + and when any were caught, they were severely punished; and many there were + who were brought to the citadel Hyrcania, both openly and secretly, and + were there put to death; and there were spies set every where, both in the + city and in the roads, who watched those that met together; nay, it is + reported that he did not himself neglect this part of caution, but that he + would oftentimes himself take the habit of a private man, and mix among + the multitude, in the night time, and make trial what opinion they had of + his government: and as for those that could no way be reduced to acquiesce + under his scheme of government, he prosecuted them all manner of ways; but + for the rest of the multitude, he required that they should be obliged to + take an oath of fidelity to him, and at the same time compelled them to + swear that they would bear him good-will, and continue certainly so to do, + in his management of the government; and indeed a great part of them, + either to please him, or out of fear of him, yielded to what he required + of them; but for such as were of a more open and generous disposition, and + had indignation at the force he used to them, he by one means or other + made away, with them. He endeavored also to persuade Pollio the Pharisee, + and Satneas, and the greatest part of their scholars, to take the oath; + but these would neither submit so to do, nor were they punished together + with the rest, out of the reverence he bore to Pollio. The Essens also, as + we call a sect of ours, were excused from this imposition. These men live + the same kind of life as do those whom the Greeks call Pythagoreans, + concerning whom I shall discourse more fully elsewhere. However, it is but + fit to set down here the reasons wherefore Herod had these Essens in such + honor, and thought higher of them than their mortal nature required; nor + will this account be unsuitable to the nature of this history, as it will + show the opinion men had of these Essens. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now there was one of these Essens, whose name was Manahem, who had this + testimony, that he not only conducted his life after an excellent manner, + but had the foreknowledge of future events given him by God also. This man + once saw Herod when he was a child, and going to school, and saluted him + as king of the Jews; but he, thinking that either he did not know him, or + that he was in jest, put him in mind that he was but a private man; but + Manahem smiled to himself, and clapped him on his backside with his hand, + and said, "However that be, thou wilt be king, and wilt begin thy reign + happily, for God finds thee worthy of it. And do thou remember the blows + that Manahem hath given thee, as being a signal of the change of thy + fortune. And truly this will be the best reasoning for thee, that thou + love justice [towards men], and piety towards God, and clemency towards + thy citizens; yet do I know how thy whole conduct will be, that thou wilt + not be such a one, for thou wilt excel all men in happiness, and obtain an + everlasting reputation, but wilt forget piety and righteousness; and these + crimes will not be concealed from God, at the conclusion of thy life, when + thou wilt find that he will be mindful of them, and punish them for them." + Now at that time Herod did not at all attend to what Manahem said, as + having no hopes of such advancement; but a little afterward, when he was + so fortunate as to be advanced to the dignity of king, and was in the + height of his dominion, he sent for Manahem, and asked him how long he + should reign. Manahem did not tell him the full length of his reign; + wherefore, upon that silence of his, he asked him further, whether he + should reign ten years or not? He replied, "Yes, twenty, nay, thirty + years;" but did not assign the just determinate limit of his reign. Herod + was satisfied with these replies, and gave Manahem his hand, and dismissed + him; and from that time he continued to honor all the Essens. We have + thought it proper to relate these facts to our readers, how strange soever + they be, and to declare what hath happened among us, because many of these + Essens have, by their excellent virtue, been thought worthy of this + knowledge of Divine revelations. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link152HCH0011" id="link152HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. How Herod Rebuilt The Temple And Raised It Higher And Made It + More Magnificent Than It Was Before; As Also Concerning That Tower Which + He Called Antonia. + </h3> + <p> + 1. And now Herod, in the eighteenth year of his reign, and after the acts + already mentioned, undertook a very great work, that is, to build of + himself the temple of God, <a href="#link15note-22" name="link15noteref-22" + id="link15noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> and make it larger in compass, + and to raise it to a most magnificent altitude, as esteeming it to be the + most glorious of all his actions, as it really was, to bring it to + perfection; and that this would be sufficient for an everlasting memorial + of him; but as he knew the multitude were not ready nor willing to assist + him in so vast a design, he thought to prepare them first by making a + speech to them, and then set about the work itself; so he called them + together, and spake thus to them: "I think I need not speak to you, my + countrymen, about such other works as I have done since I came to the + kingdom, although I may say they have been performed in such a manner as + to bring more security to you than glory to myself; for I have neither + been negligent in the most difficult times about what tended to ease your + necessities, nor have the buildings. I have made been so proper to + preserve me as yourselves from injuries; and I imagine that, with God's + assistance, I have advanced the nation of the Jews to a degree of + happiness which they never had before; and for the particular edifices + belonging to your own country, and your own cities, as also to those + cities that we have lately acquired, which we have erected and greatly + adorned, and thereby augmented the dignity of your nation, it seems to me + a needless task to enumerate them to you, since you well know them + yourselves; but as to that undertaking which I have a mind to set about at + present, and which will be a work of the greatest piety and excellence + that can possibly be undertaken by us, I will now declare it to you. Our + fathers, indeed, when they were returned from Babylon, built this temple + to God Almighty, yet does it want sixty cubits of its largeness in + altitude; for so much did that first temple which Solomon built exceed + this temple; nor let any one condemn our fathers for their negligence or + want of piety herein, for it was not their fault that the temple was no + higher; for they were Cyrus, and Darius the son of Hystaspes, who + determined the measures for its rebuilding; and it hath been by reason of + the subjection of those fathers of ours to them and to their posterity, + and after them to the Macedonians, that they had not the opportunity to + follow the original model of this pious edifice, nor could raise it to its + ancient altitude; but since I am now, by God's will, your governor, and I + have had peace a long time, and have gained great riches and large + revenues, and, what is the principal thing of all, I am at amity with and + well regarded by the Romans, who, if I may so say, are the rulers of the + whole world, I will do my endeavor to correct that imperfection, which + hath arisen from the necessity of our affairs, and the slavery we have + been under formerly, and to make a thankful return, after the most pious + manner, to God, for what blessings I have received from him, by giving me + this kingdom, and that by rendering his temple as complete as I am able." + </p> + <p> + 2. And this was the speech which Herod made to them; but still this speech + affrighted many of the people, as being unexpected by them; and because it + seemed incredible, it did not encourage them, but put a damp upon them, + for they were afraid that he would pull down the whole edifice, and not be + able to bring his intentions to perfection for its rebuilding; and this + danger appeared to them to be very great, and the vastness of the + undertaking to be such as could hardly be accomplished. But while they + were in this disposition, the king encouraged them, and told them he would + not pull down their temple till all things were gotten ready for building + it up entirely again. And as he promised them this beforehand, so he did + not break his word with them, but got ready a thousand waggons, that were + to bring stones for the building, and chose out ten thousand of the most + skillful workmen, and bought a thousand sacerdotal garments for as many of + the priests, and had some of them taught the arts of stone-cutters, and + others of carpenters, and then began to build; but this not till every + thing was well prepared for the work. + </p> + <p> + 3. So Herod took away the old foundations, and laid others, and erected + the temple upon them, being in length a hundred cubits, and in height + twenty additional cubits, which [twenty], upon the sinking of their + foundations <a href="#link15note-23" name="link15noteref-23" + id="link15noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> fell down; and this part it + was that we resolved to raise again in the days of Nero. Now the temple + was built of stones that were white and strong, and each of their length + was twenty-five cubits, their height was eight, and their breadth about + twelve; and the whole structure, as also the structure of the royal + cloister, was on each side much lower, but the middle was much higher, + till they were visible to those that dwelt in the country for a great many + furlongs, but chiefly to such as lived over against them, and those that + approached to them. The temple had doors also at the entrance, and lintels + over them, of the same height with the temple itself. They were adorned + with embroidered veils, with their flowers of purple, and pillars + interwoven; and over these, but under the crown-work, was spread out a + golden vine, with its branches hanging down from a great height, the + largeness and fine workmanship of which was a surprising sight to the + spectators, to see what vast materials there were, and with what great + skill the workmanship was done. He also encompassed the entire temple with + very large cloisters, contriving them to be in a due proportion thereto; + and he laid out larger sums of money upon them than had been done before + him, till it seemed that no one else had so greatly adorned the temple as + he had done. There was a large wall to both the cloisters, which wall was + itself the most prodigious work that was ever heard of by man. The hill + was a rocky ascent, that declined by degrees towards the east parts of the + city, till it came to an elevated level. This hill it was which Solomon, + who was the first of our kings, by Divine revelation, encompassed with a + wall; it was of excellent workmanship upwards, and round the top of it. He + also built a wall below, beginning at the bottom, which was encompassed by + a deep valley; and at the south side he laid rocks together, and bound + them one to another with lead, and included some of the inner parts, till + it proceeded to a great height, and till both the largeness of the square + edifice and its altitude were immense, and till the vastness of the stones + in the front were plainly visible on the outside, yet so that the inward + parts were fastened together with iron, and preserved the joints immovable + for all future times. When this work [for the foundation] was done in this + manner, and joined together as part of the hill itself to the very top of + it, he wrought it all into one outward surface, and filled up the hollow + places which were about the wall, and made it a level on the external + upper surface, and a smooth level also. This hill was walled all round, + and in compass four furlongs, [the distance of] each angle containing in + length a furlong: but within this wall, and on the very top of all, there + ran another wall of stone also, having, on the east quarter, a double + cloister, of the same length with the wall; in the midst of which was the + temple itself. This cloister looked to the gates of the temple; and it had + been adorned by many kings in former times; and round about the entire + temple were fixed the spoils taken from barbarous nations; all these had + been dedicated to the temple by Herod, with the addition of those he had + taken from the Arabians. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now on the north side [of the temple] was built a citadel, whose walls + were square, and strong, and of extraordinary firmness. This citadel was + built by the kings of the Asamonean race, who were also high priests + before Herod, and they called it the Tower, in which were reposited the + vestments of the high priest, which the high priest only put on at the + time when he was to offer sacrifice. These vestments king Herod kept in + that place; and after his death they were under the power of the Romans, + until the time of Tiberius Cæsar; under whose reign Vitellius, the + president of Syria, when he once came to Jerusalem, and had been most + magnificently received by the multitude, he had a mind to make them some + requital for the kindness they had shewn him; so, upon their petition to + have those holy vestments in their own power, he wrote about them to + Tiberius Cæsar, who granted his request: and this their power over the + sacerdotal vestments continued with the Jews till the death of king + Agrippa; but after that, Cassius Longinus, who was president of Syria, and + Cuspius Fadus, who was procurator of Judea, enjoined the Jews to reposit + those vestments in the tower of Antonia, for that they ought to have them + in their power, as they formerly had. However, the Jews sent ambassadors + to Claudius Cæsar, to intercede with him for them; upon whose coming, + king Agrippa, junior, being then at Rome, asked for and obtained the power + over them from the emperor, who gave command to Vitellius, who was then + commander in Syria, to give it them accordingly. Before that time they + were kept under the seal of the high priest, and of the treasurers of the + temple; which treasurers, the day before a festival, went up to the Roman + captain of the temple guards, and viewed their own seal, and received the + vestments; and again, when the festival was over, they brought it to the + same place, and showed the captain of the temple guards their seal, which + corresponded with his seal, and reposited them there. And that these + things were so, the afflictions that happened to us afterwards [about + them] are sufficient evidence. But for the tower itself, when Herod the + king of the Jews had fortified it more firmly than before, in order to + secure and guard the temple, he gratified Antonius, who was his friend, + and the Roman ruler, and then gave it the name of the Tower of Antonia. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now in the western quarters of the enclosure of the temple there were + four gates; the first led to the king's palace, and went to a passage over + the intermediate valley; two more led to the suburbs of the city; and the + last led to the other city, where the road descended down into the valley + by a great number of steps, and thence up again by the ascent for the city + lay over against the temple in the manner of a theater, and was + encompassed with a deep valley along the entire south quarter; but the + fourth front of the temple, which was southward, had indeed itself gates + in its middle, as also it had the royal cloisters, with three walks, which + reached in length from the east valley unto that on the west, for it was + impossible it should reach any farther: and this cloister deserves to be + mentioned better than any other under the sun; for while the valley was + very deep, and its bottom could not be seen, if you looked from above into + the depth, this further vastly high elevation of the cloister stood upon + that height, insomuch that if any one looked down from the top of the + battlements, or down both those altitudes, he would be giddy, while his + sight could not reach to such an immense depth. This cloister had pillars + that stood in four rows one over against the other all along, for the + fourth row was interwoven into the wall, which [also was built of stone]; + and the thickness of each pillar was such, that three men might, with + their arms extended, fathom it round, and join their hands again, while + its length was twenty-seven feet, with a double spiral at its basis; and + the number of all the pillars [in that court] was a hundred and sixty-two. + Their chapiters were made with sculptures after the Corinthian order, and + caused an amazement [to the spectators], by reason of the grandeur of the + whole. These four rows of pillars included three intervals for walking in + the middle of this cloister; two of which walks were made parallel to each + other, and were contrived after the same manner; the breadth of each of + them was thirty feet, the length was a furlong, and the height fifty feet; + but the breadth of the middle part of the cloister was one and a half of + the other, and the height was double, for it was much higher than those on + each side; but the roofs were adorned with deep sculptures in wood, + representing many sorts of figures. The middle was much higher than the + rest, and the wall of the front was adorned with beams, resting upon + pillars, that were interwoven into it, and that front was all of polished + stone, insomuch that its fineness, to such as had not seen it, was + incredible, and to such as had seen it, was greatly amazing. Thus was the + first enclosure. In the midst of which, and not far from it, was the + second, to be gone up to by a few steps: this was encompassed by a stone + wall for a partition, with an inscription, which forbade any foreigner to + go in under pain of death. Now this inner enclosure had on its southern + and northern quarters three gates [equally] distant one from another; but + on the east quarter, towards the sun-rising, there was one large gate, + through which such as were pure came in, together with their wives; but + the temple further inward in that gate was not allowed to the women; but + still more inward was there a third [court of the] temple, whereinto it + was not lawful for any but the priests alone to enter. The temple itself + was within this; and before that temple was the altar, upon which we offer + our sacrifices and burnt-offerings to God. Into none of these three did + king Herod enter, <a href="#link15note-24" name="link15noteref-24" + id="link15noteref-24"><small>24</small></a> for he was forbidden, because + he was not a priest. However, he took care of the cloisters and the outer + enclosures, and these he built in eight years. + </p> + <p> + 6. But the temple itself was built by the priests in a year and six + months; upon which all the people were full of joy; and presently they + returned thanks, in the first place, to God; and in the next place, for + the alacrity the king had showed. They feasted and celebrated this + rebuilding of the temple: and for the king, he sacrificed three hundred + oxen to God, as did the rest every one according to his ability; the + number of which sacrifices is not possible to set down, for it cannot be + that we should truly relate it; for at the same time with this celebration + for the work about the temple fell also the day of the king's + inauguration, which he kept of an old custom as a festival, and it now + coincided with the other, which coincidence of them both made the festival + most illustrious. + </p> + <p> + 7. There was also an occult passage built for the king; it led from + Antonia to the inner temple, at its eastern gate; over which he also + erected for himself a tower, that he might have the opportunity of a + subterraneous ascent to the temple, in order to guard against any sedition + which might be made by the people against their kings. It is also + reported, <a href="#link15note-25" name="link15noteref-25" + id="link15noteref-25"><small>25</small></a> that during the time that the + temple was building, it did not rain in the daytime, but that the showers + fell in the nights, so that the work was not hindered. And this our + fathers have delivered to us; nor is it incredible, if any one have regard + to the manifestations of God. And thus was performed the work of the + rebuilding of the temple. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link152H_FOOT" id="link152H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES: + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link15note-1" id="link15note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link15noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ The city here called + "Babylon" by Josephus, seems to be one which was built by some of the + Seleucidae upon the Tigris, which long after the utter desolation of old + Babylon was commonly so called, and I suppose not far from Seleueia; just + as the latter adjoining city Bagdat has been and is often called by the + same old name of Babylon till this very day.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-2" id="link15note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link15noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ Here we have an eminent + example of Herod's worldly and profane politics, when by the abuse of his + unlawful and usurped power, to make whom he pleased high priest, in the + person of Ananelus, he occasioned such disturbances in his kingdom, and in + his own family, as suffered him to enjoy no lasting peace or tranquillity + ever afterward; and such is frequently the effect of profane court + politics about matters of religion in other ages and nations. The Old + Testament is full of the miseries of the people of the Jews derived from + such court politics, especially in and after the days of Jeroboam the son + of Nebat, "who made Israel to sin;" who gave the most pernicious example + of it; who brought on the grossest corruption of religion by it; and the + punishment of whose family for it was most remarkable. The case is too + well known to stand in need of particular citations.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-3" id="link15note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link15noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ Of this wicked Dellius, + see the note on the War, B. I. ch. 15. sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-4" id="link15note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link15noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ When Josephus says here + that this Ananelus, the new high priest, was "of the stock of the high + priests," and since he had been just telling us that he was a priest of an + obscure family or character, ch. 2. sect. 4, it is not at all probable + that he could so soon say that he was "of the stock of the high priests." + However, Josephus here makes a remarkable observation, that this Ananelus + was the third that was ever unjustly and wickedly turned out of the high + priesthood by the civil power, no king or governor having ventured to do + so, that Josephus knew of, but that heathen tyrant and persecutor + Antiochus Epiphanes; that barbarous parricide Aristobulus, the first that + took royal authority among the Maccabees; and this tyrant king Herod the + Great, although afterward that infamous practice became frequent, till the + very destruction of Jerusalem, when the office of high priesthood was at + an end.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-5" id="link15note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link15noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ This entirely confutes + the Talmudists, who pretend that no one under twenty years of age could + officiate as high priest among the Jews.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-6" id="link15note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link15noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ A Hebrew chronicle, cited + by Reland, says this drowning was at Jordan, not at Jericho, and this even + when he quote Josephus. I suspect the transcriber of the Hebrew chronicle + mistook the name, and wrote Jordan for Jericho.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-7" id="link15note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link15noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ The reading of one of + Josephus's Greek MSS. seems here to be right, that Aristobulus was "not + eighteen years old" when he was drowned, for he was not seventeen when he + was made high priest, ch. 2. sect. 6, ch. 3. sect. 3, and he continued in + that office but one year, as in the place before us.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-8" id="link15note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link15noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ The reader is here to + take notice, that this seventh year of the reign of Herod, and all the + other years of his reign, in Josephus, are dated from the death of + Antigonus, or at the soonest from the conclusion of Antigonus, and the + taking of Jerusalem a few months before, and never from his first + obtaining the kingdom at Rome, above three years before, as some have very + weakly and injudiciously done.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-9" id="link15note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link15noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ Herod says here, that as + ambassadors were sacred when they carried messages to others, so did the + laws of the Jews derive a sacred authority by being delivered from God by + angels, [or Divine ambassadors,] which is St. Paul's expression about the + same laws, Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2;2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-10" id="link15note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link15noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ This piece of religion, + the supplicating God with sacrifices, by Herod, before he went to this + fight with the Arabians, taken notice of also in the first book of the + War, ch. 19. sect. 5, is worth remarking, because it is the only example + of this nature, so far as I remember, that Josephus ever mentions in all + his large and particular accounts of this Herod; and it was when he had + been in mighty distress, and discouraged by a great defeat of his former + army, and by a very great earthquake in Judea, such times of affliction + making men most religious; nor was he disappointed of his hopes here, but + immediately gained a most signal victory over the Arabians, while they who + just before had been so great victors, and so much elevated upon the + earthquake in Judea as to venture to slay the Jewish ambassadors, were now + under a strange consternation, and hardly able to fight at all.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-11" id="link15note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link15noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ Whereas Mariamne is + here represented as reproaching: Herod with the murder of her father + [Alexander], as well as her brother [Aristobulus], while it was her + grandfather Hyrcanus, and not her father Alexander, whom he caused to be + slain, [as Josephus himself informs us, ch. 6. sect. 2,] we must either + take Zonaras's reading, which is here grandfather, rightly, or else we + must, as before, ch. 1. sect. 1, allow a slip of Josephus's pen or memory + in the place before us.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-12" id="link15note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link15noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ Here is a plain example + of a Jewish lady giving a bill of divorce to her husband, though in the + days of Josephus it was not esteemed lawful for a woman so to do. See the + like among the Parthians, Antiq. B. XVIII. ch. 9. sect. 6. However, the + Christian law, when it allowed divorce for adultery, Matthew 5:32, allowed + the innocent wife to divorce her guilty husband, as well as the innocent + husband to divorce his guilty wife, as we learn from the shepherd of + Hermas, Mand. B. IV., and from: the second apology of Justin Martyr, where + a persecution was brought upon the Christians upon such a divorce; and I + think the Roman laws permitted it at that time, as well as the laws of + Christianity. Now this Babas, who was one of the race of the Asamoneans or + Maccabees, as the latter end of this section informs us, is related by the + Jews, as Dr. Hudson here remarks, to have been so eminently religious in + the Jewish way, that, except the day following the tenth of Tisri, the + great day of atonement, when he seems to have supposed all his sins + entirely forgiven, he used every day of the whole year to offer a + sacrifice for his sins of ignorance, or such as he supposed he had been + guilty of, but did not distinctly remember. See somewhat like it of + Agrippa the Great, Antiq. B. XIX. ch. 3. sect. 3, and Job 1:4, 5.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-13" id="link15note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link15noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ These grand plays, and + shows, and Thymelici, or music meetings, and chariot races, when the + chariots were drawn by two, three, or four pair of horses, etc., + instituted by Herod in his theatres, were still, as we see here, looked on + by the sober Jews as heathenish sports, and tending to corrupt the manners + of the Jewish nation, and to bring them in love with paganish idolatry, + and paganish conduct of life, but to the dissolution of the law of Moses, + and accordingly were greatly and justly condemned by them, as appears here + and every where else in Josephus. Nor is the case of our modern + masquerades, plays, operas, and the like "pomps and vanities of this + wicked world," of any better tendency under Christianity.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-14" id="link15note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link15noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ Here we have an eminent + example of the language of Josephus in his writing to Gentiles, different + from that when he wrote to Jews; in his writing to whom he still derives + all such judgments from the anger of God; but because he knew many of the + Gentiles thought they might naturally come in certain periods, he complies + with them in the following sentence. See the note on the War. B. I. ch. + 33. sect. 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-15" id="link15note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link15noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ This famine for two + years that affected Judea and Syria, the thirteenth mid fourteenth years + of Herod, which are the twenty-third and twenty-fourth years before the + Christian era, seems to have been more terrible during this time than was + that in the days of Jacob, Genesis 41., 42. And what makes the comparison + the more remarkable is this, that now, as well as then, the relief they + had was from Egypt also; then from Joseph the governor of Egypt, under + Pharaoh king of Egypt; and now from Petronius the prefect of Egypt, under + Augustus the Roman emperor. See almost the like case, Antiq. B. XX. ch. 2. + sect. 6. It is also well worth our observation here, that these two years + were a Sabbatic year, and a year of jubilee, for which Providence, during + the theocracy, used to provide a triple crop beforehand; but became now, + when the Jews had forfeited that blessing, the greatest years of famine to + them ever since the days of Ahab, 1 Kings 17., 18.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-16" id="link15note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link15noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ This Aelius Gallus + seems to be no other than that Aelius Lagus whom Dio speaks of as + conducting an expedition that was about this time made into Arabia Felix, + according to Betarius, who is here cited by Spanheim. See a full account + of this expedition in Prideaux, at the years 23 and 24.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-17" id="link15note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link15noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ One may here take + notice, that how tyrannical and extravagant soever Herod were in himself, + and in his Grecian cities, as to those plays, and shows, and temples for + idolatry, mentioned above, ch. 8. sect. 1, and here also; yet durst even + he introduce very few of them into the cities of the Jews, who, as + Josephus here notes, would not even then have borne them, so zealous were + they still for many of the laws of Moses, even under so tyrannical a + government as this was of Herod the Great; which tyrannical government + puts me naturally in mind of Dean Prideaux's honest reflection upon the + like ambition after such tyrannical power in Pompey and Cæsar: "One of + these [says he, at the year 60: could not bear an equal, nor the other a + superior; and through this ambitions humor and thirst after more power in + these two men, the whole Roman empire being divided into two opposite + factions, there was produced hereby the most destructive war that ever + afflicted it; and the like folly too much reigns in all other places. + Could about thirty men be persuaded to live at home in peace, without + enterprising upon the rights of each other, for the vain glory of + conquest, and the enlargement of power, the whole world might be at quiet; + but their ambition, their follies, and their humor, leading them + constantly to encroach upon and quarrel with each other, they involve all + that are under them in the mischiefs thereof; and many thousands are they + which yearly perish by it; so that it may almost raise a doubt, whether + the benefit which the world receives from government be sufficient to make + amends for the calamities which it suffers from the follies, mistakes, and + real-administrations of those that manage it."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-18" id="link15note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link15noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ Cæsarea being here said + to be rebuilt and adorned in twelve years, and soon afterwards in ten + years, Antiq. B. XVI. ch. 5. sect. 1, there must be a mistake in one of + the places as to the true number, but in which of them it is hard + positively to determine.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-19" id="link15note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link15noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ This Pollio, with whom + Herod's sons lived at Rome, was not Pollio the Pharisee, already mentioned + by Josephus, ch. 1. sect. 1, and again presently after this, ch. 10. sect. + 4; but Asinine Pollo, the Roman, as Spanheim here observes.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-20" id="link15note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link15noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ The character of this + Zenodorus is so like that of a famous robber of the same name in Strabo, + and that about this very country, and about this very time also, that I + think Dr. Hudson hardly needed to have put a overlaps to his determination + that they were the same.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-21" id="link15note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link15noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ A tetrarchy properly + and originally denoted the fourth part of an entire kingdom or country, + and a tetrarch one that was ruler of such a fourth part, which always + implies somewhat less extent of dominion and power than belong to a + kingdom and to a king.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-22" id="link15note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link15noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ We may here observe, + that the fancy of the modern Jews, in calling this temple, which was + really the third of their temples, the second temple, followed so long by + later Christians, seems to be without any solid foundation. The reason why + the Christians here followed the Jews is, because of the prophecy of + Haggai, 2:6-9, which they expound of the Messiah's coning to the second or + Zorobabel's temple, of which they suppose this of Herod to be only a + continuation; which is meant, I think, of his coming to the fourth and + last temple, of that future, largest, and most glorious one, described by + Ezekiel; whence I take the former notion, how general soever, to be a + great mistake. See Lit. Accorap. of Proph. p. 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-23" id="link15note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link15noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ Some of our modern + students in architecture have made a strange blunder here, when they + imagine that Josephus affirms the entire foundations of the temple or holy + house sunk down into the rocky mountain on which it stood no less than + twenty cubits, whereas he is clear that they were the foundations of the + additional twenty cubits only above the hundred [made perhaps weak on + purpose, and only for show and grandeur] that sunk or fell down, as Dr. + Hudson rightly understands him; nor is the thing itself possible in the + other sense. Agrippa's preparation for building the inner parts of the + temple twenty cubits higher [History of the War, B. V. ch. 1. sect. 5: + must in all probability refer to this matter, since Josephus says here, + that this which had fallen down was designed to be raised up again under + Nero, under whom Agrippa made that preparation. But what Josephus says + presently, that Solomon was the first king of the Jews, appears by the + parallel place, Antiq. B. XX. ch. 9. sect. 7, and other places, to be + meant only the first of David's posterity, and the first builder of the + temple.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-24" id="link15note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link15noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ "Into none Of these + three did king Herod enter," i.e. 1. Not into the court of the priests; 2. + Nor into the holy house itself; 3. Nor into the separate place belonging + to the altar, as the words following imply; for none but priests, or their + attendants the Levites, might come into any of them. See Antiq. B. XVI. + ch. 4. sect. 6, when Herod goes into the temple, and makes a speech in it + to the people, but that could only be into the court of Israel, whither + the people could come to hear him.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15note-25" id="link15note-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#link15noteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ This tradition which + Josephus here mentions, as delivered down from fathers to their children, + of this particular remarkable circumstance relating to the building of + Herod's temple, is a demonstration that such its building was a known + thing in Judea at this time. He was born about forty-six years after it is + related to have been finished, and might himself have seen and spoken with + some of the builders themselves, and with a great number of those that had + seen it building. The doubt therefore about the truth of this history of + the pulling down and rebuilding this temple by Herod, which some weak + people have indulged, was not then much greater than it soon may be, + whether or not our St. Paul's church in London was burnt down in the fire + of London, A.D. 1666, and rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren a little + afterward.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link162H_4_0001" id="link162H_4_0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK XVI. Containing The Interval Of Twelve Years.—From The + Finishing Of The Temple By Herod To The Death Of Alexander And + Aristobulus. </big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link162HCH0001" id="link162HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. A Law Of Herod's About, Thieves. Salome And Pheroras Calumniate + Alexander And Aristobulus, Upon Their Return From Rome For Whom Yet Herod + Provides Wives. + </h3> + <p> + 1. As king Herod was very zealous in the administration of his entire + government, and desirous to put a stop to particular acts of injustice + which were done by criminals about the city and country, he made a law, no + way like our original laws, and which he enacted of himself, to expose + house-breakers to be ejected out of his kingdom; which punishment was not + only grievous to be borne by the offenders, but contained in it a + dissolution of the customs of our forefathers; for this slavery to + foreigners, and such as did not live after the manner of Jews, and this + necessity that they were under to do whatsoever such men should command, + was an offense against our religious settlement, rather than a punishment + to such as were found to have offended, such a punishment being avoided in + our original laws; for those laws ordain, that the thief shall restore + fourfold; and that if he have not so much, he shall be sold indeed, but + not to foreigners, nor so that he be under perpetual slavery, for he must + have been released after six years. But this law, thus enacted, in order + to introduce a severe and illegal punishment, seemed to be a piece of + insolence of Herod, when he did not act as a king, but as a tyrant, and + thus contemptuously, and without any regard to his subjects, did he + venture to introduce such a punishment. Now this penalty, thus brought + into practice, was like Herod's other actions, and became a part of his + accusation, and an occasion of the hatred he lay under. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now at this time it was that he sailed to Italy, as very desirous to + meet with Cæsar, and to see his sons who lived at Rome; and Cæsar was + not only very obliging to him in other respects, but delivered him his + sons again, that he might take them home with him, as having already + completed themselves in the sciences; but as soon as the young men were + come from Italy, the multitude were very desirous to see them, and they + became conspicuous among them all, as adorned with great blessings of + fortune, and having the countenances of persons of royal dignity. So they + soon appeared to be the objects of envy to Salome, the king's sister, and + to such as had raised calumnies against Mariamne; for they were + suspicious, that when these came to the government, they should be + punished for the wickedness they had been guilty of against their mother; + so they made this very fear of theirs a motive to raise calumnies against + them also. They gave it out that they were not pleased with their father's + company, because he had put their mother to death, as if it were not + agreeable to piety to appear to converse with their mother's murderer. + Now, by carrying these stories; that had indeed a true foundation [in the + fact], but were only built on probabilities as to the present accusation, + they were able to do them mischief, and to make Herod take away that + kindness from his sons which he had before borne to them; for they did not + say these things to him openly, but scattered abroad such words, among the + rest of the multitude; from which words, when carried to Herod, he was + induced [at last] to hate them, and which natural affection itself, even + in length of time, was not able to overcome; yet was the king at that time + in a condition to prefer the natural affection of a father before all the + suspicions and calumnies his sons lay under. So he respected them as he + ought to do, and married them to wives, now they were of an age suitable + thereto. To Aristobulus he gave for a wife Bernice, Salome's daughter; and + to Alexander, Glaphyra, the daughter of Archelaus, king of Cappadocia. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link162HCH0002" id="link162HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. How Herod Twice Sailed To Agrippa; And How Upon The Complaint + In Ionia Against The Greeks Agrippa Confirmed The Laws To Them. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Herod had despatched these affairs, and he understood that Marcus + Agrippa had sailed again out of Italy into Asia, he made haste to him, and + besought him to come to him into his kingdom, and to partake of what he + might justly expect from one that had been his guest, and was his friend. + This request he greatly pressed, and to it Agrippa agreed, and came into + Judea; whereupon Herod omitted nothing that might please him. He + entertained him in his new-built cities, and showed him the edifices he + had built, and provided all sorts of the best and most costly dainties for + him and his friends, and that at Sebaste and Cæsarea, about that port that + he had built, and at the fortresses which he had erected at great + expenses, Alexandrium, and Herodium, and Hyrcania. He also conducted him + to the city Jerusalem, where all the people met him in their festival + garments, and received him with acclamations. Agrippa also offered a + hecatomb of sacrifices to God; and feasted the people, without omitting + any of the greatest dainties that could be gotten. He also took so much + pleasure there, that he abode many days with them, and would willingly + have staid longer, but that the season of the year made him make haste + away; for as winter was coming on, he thought it not safe to go to sea + later, and yet he was of necessity to return again to Ionia. + </p> + <p> + 2. So Agrippa went away, when Herod had bestowed on him, and on the + principal of those that were with him, many presents; but king Herod, when + he had passed the winter in his own dominions, made haste to get to him + again in the spring, when he knew he designed to go to a campaign at the + Bosphorus. So when he had sailed by Rhodes and by Cos, he touched at + Lesbos, as thinking he should have overtaken Agrippa there; but he was + taken short here by a north wind, which hindered his ship from going to + the shore; so he continued many days at Chius, and there he kindly treated + a great many that came to him, and obliged them by giving them royal + gifts. And when he saw that the portico of the city was fallen down, which + as it was overthrown in the Mithridatic war, and was very large and fine + building, so was it not so easy to rebuild that as it was the rest, yet + did he furnish a sum not only large enough for that purpose, but what was + more than sufficient to finish the building; and ordered them not to + overlook that portico, but to rebuild it quickly, that so the city might + recover its proper ornaments. And when the high winds were laid, he sailed + to Mytilene, and thence to Byzantium; and when he heard that Agrippa was + sailed beyond the Cyanean rocks, he made all the haste possible to + overtake him, and came up with him about Sinope, in Pontus. He was seen + sailing by the ship-men most unexpectedly, but appeared to their great + joy; and many friendly salutations there were between them, insomuch that + Agrippa thought he had received the greatest marks of the king's kindness + and humanity towards him possible, since the king had come so long a + voyage, and at a very proper season, for his assistance, and had left the + government of his own dominions, and thought it more worth his while to + come to him. Accordingly, Herod was all in all to Agrippa, in the + management of the war, and a great assistant in civil affairs, and in + giving him counsel as to particular matters. He was also a pleasant + companion for him when he relaxed himself, and a joint partaker with him + in all things; ill troubles because of his kindness, and in prosperity + because of the respect Agrippa had for him. Now as soon as those affairs + of Pontus were finished, for whose sake Agrippa was sent thither, they did + not think fit to return by sea, but passed through Paphlagonia and + Cappadocia; they then traveled thence over great Phrygia, and came to + Ephesus, and then they sailed from Ephesus to Samos. And indeed the king + bestowed a great many benefits on every city that he came to, according as + they stood in need of them; for as for those that wanted either money or + kind treatment, he was not wanting to them; but he supplied the former + himself out of his own expenses: he also became an intercessor with + Agrippa for all such as sought after his favor, and he brought things so + about, that the petitioners failed in none of their suits to him, Agrippa + being himself of a good disposition, and of great generosity, and ready to + grant all such requests as might be advantageous to the petitioners, + provided they were not to the detriment of others. The inclination of the + king was of great weight also, and still excited Agrippa, who was himself + ready to do good; for he made a reconciliation between the people of + Ilium, at whom he was angry, and paid what money the people of Chius owed + Cæsar's procurators, and discharged them of their tributes; and helped + all others, according as their several necessities required. + </p> + <p> + 3. But now, when Agrippa and Herod were in Ionia, a great multitude of + Jews, who dwelt in their cities, came to them, and laying hold of the + opportunity and the liberty now given them, laid before them the injuries + which they suffered, while they were not permitted to use their own laws, + but were compelled to prosecute their law-suits, by the ill usage of the + judges, upon their holy days, and were deprived of the money they used to + lay up at Jerusalem, and were forced into the army, and upon such other + offices as obliged them to spend their sacred money; from which burdens + they always used to be freed by the Romans, who had still permitted them + to live according to their own laws. When this clamor was made, the king + desired of Agrippa that he would hear their cause, and assigned Nicolaus, + one of his friends, to plead for those their privileges. Accordingly, when + Agrippa had called the principal of the Romans, and such of the kings and + rulers as were there, to be his assessors, Nicolaus stood up, and pleaded + for the Jews, as follows: "It is of necessity incumbent on such as are in + distress to have recourse to those that have it in their power to free + them from those injuries they lie under; and for those that now are + complainants, they approach you with great assurance; for as they have + formerly often obtained your favor, so far as they have even wished to + have it, they now only entreat that you, who have been the donors, will + take care that those favors you have already granted them may not be taken + away from them. We have received these favors from you, who alone have + power to grant them, but have them taken from us by such as are no greater + than ourselves, and by such as we know are as much subjects as we are; and + certainly, if we have been vouchsafed great favors, it is to our + commendation who have obtained them, as having been found deserving of + such great favors; and if those favors be but small ones, it would be + barbarous for the donors not to confirm them to us. And for those that are + the hinderance of the Jews, and use them reproachfully, it is evident that + they affront both the receivers, while they will not allow those to be + worthy men to whom their excellent rulers themselves have borne their + testimony, and the donors, while they desire those favors already granted + may be abrogated. Now if any one should ask these Gentiles themselves, + which of the two things they would choose to part with, their lives, or + the customs of their forefathers, their solemnities, their sacrifices, + their festivals, which they celebrated in honor of those they suppose to + be gods? I know very well that they would choose to suffer any thing + whatsoever rather than a dissolution of any of the customs of their + forefathers; for a great many of them have rather chosen to go to war on + that account, as very solicitous not to transgress in those matters. And + indeed we take an estimate of that happiness which all mankind do now + enjoy by your means from this very thing, that we are allowed every one to + worship as our own institutions require, and yet to live [in peace]; and + although they would not be thus treated themselves, yet do they endeavor + to compel others to comply with them, as if it were not as great an + instance of impiety profanely to dissolve the religious solemnities of any + others, as to be negligent in the observation of their own towards their + gods. And let us now consider the one of these practices. Is there any + people, or city, or community of men, to whom your government and the + Roman power does not appear to be the greatest blessing? Is there any + one that can desire to make void the favors they have granted? No one is + certainly so mad; for there are no men but such as have been partakers of + their favors, both public and private; and indeed those that take away + what you have granted, can have no assurance but every one of their own + grants made them by you may be taken from them also; which grants of yours + can yet never be sufficiently valued; for if they consider the old + governments under kings, together with your present government, besides + the great number of benefits which this government hath bestowed on them, + in order to their happiness, this is instead of all the rest, that they + appear to be no longer in a state of slavery, but of freedom. Now the + privileges we desire, even when we are in the best circumstances, are not + such as deserve to be envied, for we are indeed in a prosperous state by + your means, but this is only in common with others; and it is no more than + this which we desire, to preserve our religion without any prohibition; + which as it appears not in itself a privilege to be envied us, so it is + for the advantage of those that grant it to us; for if the Divinity + delights in being honored, it must delight in those that permit them to be + honored. And there are none of our customs which are inhuman, but all + tending to piety, and devoted to the preservation of justice; nor do we + conceal those injunctions of ours by which we govern our lives, they being + memorials of piety, and of a friendly conversation among men. And the + seventh day we set apart from labor; it is dedicated to the learning of + our customs and laws, <a href="#link16note-1" name="link16noteref-1" + id="link16noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> we thinking it proper to reflect + on them, as well as on any [good] thing else, in order to our avoiding of + sin. If any one therefore examine into our observances, he will find they + are good in themselves, and that they are ancient also, though some think + otherwise, insomuch that those who have received them cannot easily be + brought to depart from them, out of that honor they pay to the length of + time they have religiously enjoyed them and observed them. Now our + adversaries take these our privileges away in the way of injustice; they + violently seize upon that money of ours which is owed to God, and called + sacred money, and this openly, after a sacrilegious manner; and they + impose tributes upon us, and bring us before tribunals on holy days, and + then require other like debts of us, not because the contracts require it, + and for their own advantage, but because they would put an affront on our + religion, of which they are conscious as well as we, and have indulged + themselves in an unjust, and to them involuntary, hatred; for your + government over all is one, tending to the establishing of benevolence, + and abolishing of ill-will among such as are disposed to it. This is + therefore what we implore from thee, most excellent Agrippa, that we may + not be ill-treated; that we may not be abused; that we may not be hindered + from making use of our own customs, nor be despoiled of our goods, nor be + forced by these men to do what we ourselves force nobody to do; for these + privileges of ours are not only according to justice, but have formerly + been granted us by you. And we are able to read to you many decrees of the + senate, and the tables that contain them, which are still extant in the + capitol, concerning these things, which it is evident were granted after + you had experience of our fidelity towards you, which ought to be valued, + though no such fidelity had been; for you have hitherto preserved what + people were in possession of, not to us only, but almost to all men, and + have added greater advantages than they could have hoped for, and thereby + your government is become a great advantage to them. And if any one were + able to enumerate the prosperity you have conferred on every nation, which + they possess by your means, he could never put an end to his discourse; + but that we may demonstrate that we are not unworthy of all those + advantages we have obtained, it will be sufficient for us, to say nothing + of other things, but to speak freely of this king who now governs us, and + is now one of thy assessors; and indeed in what instance of good-will, as + to your house, hath he been deficient? What mark of fidelity to it hath he + omitted? What token of honor hath he not devised? What occasion for his + assistance of you hath he not regarded at the very first? What hindereth; + therefore, but that your kindnesses may be as numerous as his so great + benefits to you have been? It may also perhaps be fit not here to pass + over in silence the valor of his father Antipater, who, when Cæsar made + an expedition into Egypt, assisted him with two thousand armed men, and + proved inferior to none, neither in the battles on land, nor in the + management of the navy; and what need I say any thing of how great weight + those soldiers were at that juncture? or how many and how great presents + they were vouchsafed by Cæsar? And truly I ought before now to have + mentioned the epistles which Cæsar wrote to the senate; and how Antipater + had honors, and the freedom of the city of Rome, bestowed upon him; for + these are demonstrations both that we have received these favors by our + own deserts, and do on that account petition thee for thy confirmation of + them, from whom we had reason to hope for them, though they had not been + given us before, both out of regard to our king's disposition towards you, + and your disposition towards him. And further, we have been informed by + those Jews that were there with what kindness thou camest into our + country, and how thou offeredst the most perfect sacrifices to God, and + honoredst him with remarkable vows, and how thou gavest the people a + feast, and acceptedst of their own hospitable presents to thee. We ought + to esteem all these kind entertainments made both by our nation and to our + city, to a man who is the ruler and manager of so much of the public + affairs, as indications of that friendship which thou hast returned to the + Jewish nation, and which hath been procured them by the family of Herod. + So we put thee in mind of these things in the presence of the king, now + sitting by thee, and make our request for no more but this, that what you + have given us yourselves you will not see taken away by others from us." + </p> + <p> + 4. When Nicolaus had made this speech, there was no opposition made to it + by the Greeks, for this was not an inquiry made, as in a court of justice, + but an intercession to prevent violence to be offered to the Jews any + longer; nor did the Greeks make any defense of themselves, or deny what it + was supposed they had done. Their pretense was no more than this, that + while the Jews inhabited in their country, they were entirely unjust to + them [in not joining in their worship] but they demonstrated their + generosity in this, that though they worshipped according to their + institutions, they did nothing that ought to grieve them. So when Agrippa + perceived that they had been oppressed by violence, he made this answer: + That, on account of Herod's good-will and friendship, he was ready to + grant the Jews whatsoever they should ask him, and that their requests + seemed to him in themselves just; and that if they requested any thing + further, he should not scruple to grant it them, provided they were no way + to the detriment of the Roman government; but that while their request was + no more than this, that what privileges they had already given them might + not be abrogated, he confirmed this to them, that they might continue in + the observation of their own customs, without any one offering them the + least injury. And when he had said thus, he dissolved the assembly; upon + which Herod stood up and saluted him, and gave him thanks for the kind + disposition he showed to them. Agrippa also took this in a very obliging + manner, and saluted him again, and embraced him in his arms; after which + he went away from Lesbos; but the king determined to sail from Samos to + his own country; and when he had taken his leave of Agrippa, he pursued + his voyage, and landed at Cæsarea in a few days' time, as having favorable + winds; from whence he went to Jerusalem, and there gathered all the people + together to an assembly, not a few being there out of the country also. So + he came to them, and gave them a particular account of all his journey, + and of the affairs of all the Jews in Asia, how by his means they would + live without injurious treatment for the time to come. He also told them + of the entire good fortune he had met with and how he had administered the + government, and had not neglected any thing which was for their advantage; + and as he was very joyful, he now remitted to them the fourth part of + their taxes for the last year. Accordingly, they were so pleased with his + favor and speech to them, that they went their ways with great gladness, + and wished the king all manner of happiness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link162HCH0003" id="link162HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3 + </h3> + <h3> + How Great Disturbances Arose In Herods Family On His Preferring Antipater + His Eldest Son Before The Rest, Till Alexander Took That Injury Very + Heinously. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But now the affairs in Herod's family were in more and more disorder, + and became more severe upon him, by the hatred of Salome to the young men + [Alexander and Aristobulus], which descended as it were by inheritance + [from their mother Mariamne]; and as she had fully succeeded against their + mother, so she proceeded to that degree of madness and insolence, as to + endeavor that none of her posterity might be left alive, who might have it + in their power to revenge her death. The young men had also somewhat of a + bold and uneasy disposition towards their father occasioned by the + remembrance of what their mother had unjustly suffered, and by their own + affectation of dominion. The old grudge was also renewed; and they cast + reproaches on Salome and Pheroras, who requited the young men with + malicious designs, and actually laid treacherous snares for them. Now as + for this hatred, it was equal on both sides, but the manner of exerting + that hatred was different; for as for the young men, they were rash, + reproaching and affronting the others openly, and were inexperienced + enough to think it the most generous to declare their minds in that + undaunted manner; but the others did not take that method, but made use of + calumnies after a subtle and a spiteful manner, still provoking the young + men, and imagining that their boldness might in time turn to the offering + violence to their father; for inasmuch as they were not ashamed of the + pretended crimes of their mother, nor thought she suffered justly, these + supposed that might at length exceed all bounds, and induce them to think + they ought to be avenged on their father, though it were by despatching + him with their own hands. At length it came to this, that the whole city + was full of their discourses, and, as is usual in such contests, the + unskilfulness of the young men was pitied; but the contrivance of Salome + was too hard for them, and what imputations she laid upon them came to be + believed, by means of their own conduct; for they who were so deeply + affected with the death of their mother, that while they said both she and + themselves were in a miserable case, they vehemently complained of her + pitiable end, which indeed was truly such, and said that they were + themselves in a pitiable case also, because they were forced to live with + those that had been her murderers, and to be partakers with them. + </p> + <p> + 2. These disorders increased greatly, and the king's absence abroad had + afforded a fit opportunity for that increase; but as soon as Herod was + returned, and had made the forementioned speech to the multitude, Pheroras + and Salome let fill words immediately as if he were in great danger, and + as if the young men openly threatened that they would not spare him any + longer, but revenge their mother's death upon him. They also added another + circumstance, that their hopes were fixed on Archelaus, the king of + Cappadocia, that they should be able by his means to come to Cæsar, and + accuse their father. Upon hearing such things, Herod was immediately + disturbed; and indeed was the more astonished, because the same things + were related to him by some others also. He then called to mind his former + calamity, and considered that the disorders in his family had hindered him + from enjoying any comfort from those that were dearest to him or from his + wife whom he loved so well; and suspecting that his future troubles would + soon be heavier and greater than those that were past, he was in great + confusion of mind; for Divine Providence had in reality conferred upon him + a great many outward advantages for his happiness, even beyond his hopes; + but the troubles he had at home were such as he never expected to have met + with, and rendered him unfortunate; nay, both sorts came upon him to such + a degree as no one could imagine, and made it a doubtful question, + whether, upon the comparison of both, he ought to have exchanged so great + a success of outward good things for so great misfortunes at home, or + whether he ought not to have chosen to avoid the calamities relating to + his family, though he had, for a compensation, never been possessed of the + admired grandeur of a kingdom. + </p> + <p> + 3. As he was thus disturbed and afflicted, in order to depress these young + men, he brought to court another of his sons, that was born to him when he + was a private man; his name was Antipater; yet did he not then indulge him + as he did afterwards, when he was quite overcome by him, and let him do + every thing as he pleased, but rather with a design of depressing the + insolence of the sons of Mariamne, and managing this elevation of his so, + that it might be for a warning to them; for this bold behavior of theirs + [he thought] would not be so great, if they were once persuaded that the + succession to the kingdom did not appertain to them alone, or must of + necessity come to them. So he introduced Antipater as their antagonist, + and imagined that he made a good provision for discouraging their pride, + and that after this was done to the young men, there might be a proper + season for expecting these to be of a better disposition; but the event + proved otherwise than he intended, for the young men thought he did them a + very great injury; and as Antipater was a shrewd man, when he had once + obtained this degree of freedom, and began to expect greater things than + he had before hoped for, he had but one single design in his head, and + that was to distress his brethren, and not at all to yield to them the + pre-eminence, but to keep close to his father, who was already alienated + from them by the calumnies he had heard about them, and ready to be + wrought upon in any way his zeal against them should advise him to pursue, + that he might be continually more and more severe against them. + Accordingly, all the reports that were spread abroad came from him, while + he avoided himself the suspicion as if those discoveries proceeded from + him; but he rather chose to make use of those persons for his assistants + that were unsuspected, and such as might be believed to speak truth by + reason of the good-will they bore to the king; and indeed there were + already not a few who cultivated a friendship with Antipater, in hopes of + gaining somewhat by him, and these were the men who most of all persuaded + Herod, because they appeared to speak thus out of their good-will to him: + and with these joint accusations, which from various foundations supported + one another's veracity, the young men themselves afforded further + occasions to Antipater also; for they were observed to shed tears often, + on account of the injury that was offered them, and had their mother in + their mouths; and among their friends they ventured to reproach their + father, as not acting justly by them; all which things were with an evil + intention reserved in memory by Antipater against a proper opportunity; + and when they were told to Herod, with aggravations, increased the + disorder so much, that it brought a great tumult into the family; for + while the king was very angry at imputations that were laid upon the sons + of Mariamne, and was desirous to humble them, he still increased the honor + that he had bestowed on Antipater, and was at last so overcome by his + persuasions, that he brought his mother to court also. He also wrote + frequently to Cæsar in favor of him, and more earnestly recommended him + to his care particularly. And when Agrippa was returning to Rome, after he + had finished his ten years' government in Asia. <a href="#link16note-2" + name="link16noteref-2" id="link16noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> Herod + sailed from Judea; and when he met with him, he had none with him but + Antipater, whom he delivered to Agrippa, that he might take him along with + him, together with many presents, that so he might become Cæsar's friend, + insomuch that things already looked as if he had all his father's favor, + and that the young men were already entirely rejected from any hopes of + the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link162HCH0004" id="link162HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. How During Antipater's Abode At Rome, Herod Brought Alexander + And Aristobulus Before Cæsar And Accused Them. Alexander's Defense Of + Himself Before Cæsar And Reconciliation To His Father. + </h3> + <p> + 1. And now what happened during Antipater's absence augmented the honor to + which he had been promoted, and his apparent eminence above his brethren; + for he had made a great figure in Rome, because Herod had sent + recommendations of him to all his friends there; only he was grieved that + he was not at home, nor had proper opportunities of perpetually + calumniating his brethren; and his chief fear was, lest his father should + alter his mind, and entertain a more favorable opinion of the sons of + Mariamne; and as he had this in his mind, he did not desist from his + purpose, but continually sent from Rome any such stories as he hoped might + grieve and irritate his father against his brethren, under pretense indeed + of a deep concern for his preservation, but in truth such as his malicious + mind dictated, in order to purchase a greater hope of the succession, + which yet was already great in itself: and thus he did till he had excited + such a degree of anger in Herod, that he was already become very + ill-disposed towards the young men; but still while he delayed to exercise + so violent a disgust against them, and that he might not either be too + remiss or too rash, and so offend, he thought it best to sail to Rome, and + there accuse his sons before Cæsar, and not indulge himself in any such + crime as might be heinous enough to be suspected of impiety. But as he was + going up to Rome, it happened that he made such haste as to meet with + Cæsar at the city Aquilei <a href="#link16note-3" name="link16noteref-3" + id="link16noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> so when he came to the speech of + Cæsar, he asked for a time for hearing this great cause, wherein he + thought himself very miserable, and presented his sons there, and accused + them of their mad actions, and of their attempts against him: That they + were enemies to him; and by all the means they were able, did their + endeavors to show their hatred to their own father, and would take away + his life, and so obtain his kingdom, after the most barbarous manner: that + he had power from Cæsar to dispose of it, not by necessity, but by + choice, to him who shall exercise the greatest piety towards him; while + these my sons are not so desirous of ruling, as they are, upon a + disappointment thereof, to expose their own life, if so be they may but + deprive their father of his life; so wild and polluted is their mind by + time become, out of their hatred to him: that whereas he had a long time + borne this his misfortune, he was now compelled to lay it before Cæsar, + and to pollute his ears with such language, while he himself wants to know + what severity they have ever suffered from him, or what hardships he hath + ever laid upon them to make them complain of him; and how they can think + it just that he should not be lord of that kingdom which he in a long + time, and with great danger, had gained, and not allow him to keep it and + dispose of it to him who should deserve best; and this, with other + advantages, he proposes as a reward for the piety of such a one as will + hereafter imitate the care he hath taken of it, and that such a one may + gain so great a requital as that is: and that it is an impious thing for + them to pretend to meddle with it beforehand; for he who hath ever the + kingdom in his view, at the same time reckons upon procuring the death of + his father, because otherwise he cannot come at the government: that as + for himself, he had hitherto given them all that he was able, and what was + agreeable to such as are subject to the royal authority, and the sons of a + king; what ornaments they wanted, with servants and delicate fare, and had + married them into the most illustrious families, the one [Aristobulus] to + his sister's daughter, but Alexander to the daughter of king Archelaus; + and, what was the greatest favor of all, when their crimes were so very + bad, and he had authority to punish them, yet had he not made use of it + against them, but had brought them before Cæsar, their common benefactor, + and had not used the severity which, either as a father who had been + impiously abused, or as a king who had been assaulted treacherously, he + might have done, but made them stand upon a level with him in judgment: + that, however, it was necessary that all this should not be passed over + without punishment, nor himself live in the greatest fears; nay, that it + was not for their own advantage to see the light of the sun after what + they have done, although they should escape at this time, since they had + done the vilest things, and would certainly suffer the greatest + punishments that ever were known among mankind. + </p> + <p> + 2. These were the accusations which Herod laid with great vehemency + against his sons before Cæsar. Now the young men, both while he was + speaking, and chiefly at his concluding, wept, and were in confusion. Now + as to themselves, they knew in their own conscience they were innocent; + but because they were accused by their father, they were sensible, as the + truth was, that it was hard for them to make their apology, since though + they were at liberty to speak their minds freely as the occasion required, + and might with force and earnestness refute the accusation, yet was it not + now decent so to do. There was therefore a difficulty how they should be + able to speak; and tears, and at length a deep groan, followed, while they + were afraid, that if they said nothing, they should seem to be in this + difficulty from a consciousness of guilt,—nor had they any defense + ready, by reason of their youth, and the disorder they were under; yet was + not Cæsar unapprized, when he looked upon them in the confusion they were + in, that their delay to make their defense did not arise from any + consciousness of great enormities, but from their unskilfulness and + modesty. They were also commiserated by those that were there in + particular; and they moved their father's affections in earnest till he + had much ado to conceal them. + </p> + <p> + 3. But when they saw there was a kind disposition arisen both in him and + in Cæsar, and that every one of the rest did either shed tears, or at + least did all grieve with them, the one of them, whose name was Alexander, + called to his father, and attempted to answer his accusation, and said, "O + father, the benevolence thou hast showed to us is evident, even in this + very judicial procedure, for hadst thou had any pernicious intentions + about us, thou hadst not produced us here before the common savior of all, + for it was in thy power, both as a king and as a father, to punish the + guilty; but by thus bringing us to Rome, and making Cæsar himself a + witness to what is done, thou intimatest that thou intendest to save us; + for no one that hath a design to slay a man will bring him to the temples, + and to the altars; yet are our circumstances still worse, for we cannot + endure to live ourselves any longer, if it be believed that we have + injured such a father; nay, perhaps it would be worse for us to live with + this suspicion upon us, that we have injured him, than to die without such + guilt. And if our open defense may be taken to be true, we shall be happy, + both in pacifying thee, and in escaping the danger we are in; but if this + calumny so prevails, it is more than enough for us that we have seen the + sun this day; which why should we see, if this suspicion be fixed upon us? + Now it is easy to say of young men, that they desire to reign; and to say + further, that this evil proceeds from the case of our unhappy mother. This + is abundantly sufficient to produce our present misfortune out of the + former; but consider well, whether such an accusation does not suit all + such young men, and may not be said of them all promiscuously; for nothing + can hinder him that reigns, if he have children, and their mother be dead, + but the father may have a suspicion upon all his sons, as intending some + treachery to him; but a suspicion is not sufficient to prove such an + impious practice. Now let any man say, whether we have actually and + insolently attempted any such thing, whereby actions otherwise incredible + use to be made credible? Can any body prove that poison hath been + prepared? or prove a conspiracy of our equals, or the corruption of + servants, or letters written against thee? though indeed there are none of + those things but have sometimes been pretended by way of calumny, when + they were never done; for a royal family that is at variance with itself + is a terrible thing; and that which thou callest a reward of piety often + becomes, among very wicked men, such a foundation of hope, as makes them + leave no sort of mischief untried. Nor does any one lay any wicked + practices to our charge; but as to calumnies by hearsay, how can he put an + end to them, who will not hear what we have to say? Have we talked with + too great freedom? Yes; but not against thee, for that would be unjust, + but against those that never conceal any thing that is spoken to them. + Hath either of us lamented our mother? Yes; but not because she is dead, + but because she was evil spoken of by those that had no reason so to do. + Are we desirous of that dominion which we know our father is possessed of? + For what reason can we do so? If we already have royal honors, as we have, + should not we labor in vain? And if we have them not, yet are not we in + hopes of them? Or supposing that we had killed thee, could we expect to + obtain thy kingdom? while neither the earth would let us tread upon it, + nor the sea let us sail upon it, after such an action as that; nay, the + religion of all your subjects, and the piety of the whole nation, would + have prohibited parricides from assuming the government, and from entering + into that most holy temple which was built by thee <a href="#link16note-4" + name="link16noteref-4" id="link16noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> But + suppose we had made light of other dangers, can any murderer go off + unpunished while Cæsar is alive? We are thy sons, and not so impious or + so thoughtless as that comes to, though perhaps more unfortunate than is + convenient for thee. But in case thou neither findest any causes of + complaint, nor any treacherous designs, what sufficient evidence hast thou + to make such a wickedness of ours credible? Our mother is dead indeed, but + then what befell her might be an instruction to us to caution, and not an + incitement to wickedness. We are willing to make a larger apology for + ourselves; but actions never done do not admit of discourse. Nay, we will + make this agreement with thee, and that before Cæsar, the lord of all, + who is now a mediator between us, If thou, O father, canst bring thyself, + by the evidence of truth, to have a mind free from suspicion concerning us + let us live, though even then we shall live in an unhappy way, for to be + accused of great acts of wickedness, though falsely, is a terrible thing; + but if thou hast any fear remaining, continue thou on in thy pious life, + we will give this reason for our own conduct; our life is not so desirable + to us as to desire to have it, if it tend to the harm of our father who + gave it us." + </p> + <p> + 4. When Alexander had thus spoken, Cæsar, who did not before believe so + gross a calumny, was still more moved by it, and looked intently upon + Herod, and perceived he was a little confounded: the persons there present + were under an anxiety about the young men, and the fame that was spread + abroad made the king hated, for the very incredibility of the calumny, and + the commiseration of the flower of youth, the beauty of body, which were + in the young men, pleaded for assistance, and the more so on this account, + that Alexander had made their defense with dexterity and prudence; nay, + they did not themselves any longer continue in their former countenances, + which had been bedewed with tears, and cast downwards to the ground, but + now there arose in them hope of the best; and the king himself appeared + not to have had foundation enough to build such an accusation upon, he + having no real evidence wherewith to correct them. Indeed he wanted some + apology for making the accusation; but Cæsar, after some delay, said, + that although the young men were thoroughly innocent of that for which + they were calumniated, yet had they been so far to blame, that they had + not demeaned themselves towards their father so as to prevent that + suspicion which was spread abroad concerning them. He also exhorted Herod + to lay all such suspicions aside, and to be reconciled to his sons; for + that it was not just to give any credit to such reports concerning his own + children; and that this repentance on both sides might still heal those + breaches that had happened between them, and might improve that their + good-will to one another, whereby those on both sides, excusing the + rashness of their suspicions, might resolve to bear a greater degree of + affection towards each other than they had before. After Cæsar had given + them this admonition, he beckoned to the young men. When therefore they + were disposed to fall down to make intercession to their father, he took + them up, and embraced them, as they were in tears, and took each of them + distinctly in his arms, till not one of those that were present, whether + free-man or slave, but was deeply affected with what they saw. <a + href="#link16note-5" name="link16noteref-5" id="link16noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 5. Then did they return thanks to Cæsar, and went away together; and with + them went Antipater, with an hypocritical pretense that he rejoiced at + this reconciliation. And in the last days they were with Cæsar, Herod + made him a present of three hundred talents, as he was then exhibiting + shows and largesses to the people of Rome; and Cæsar made him a present + of half the revenue of the copper mines in Cyprus, and committed the care + of the other half to him, and honored him with other gifts and incomes; + and as to his own kingdom, he left it in his own power to appoint which of + his sons he pleased for his successor, or to distribute it in parts to + every one, that the dignity might thereby come to them all. And when Herod + was disposed to make such a settlement immediately, Cæsar said he would + not give him leave to deprive himself, while he was alive, of the power + over his kingdom, or over his sons. + </p> + <p> + 6. After this, Herod returned to Judea again. But during his absence no + small part of his dominion about Trachon had revolted, whom yet the + commanders he left there had vanquished, and compelled to a submission + again. Now as Herod was sailing with his sons, and was come over against + Cilicia, to [the island] Eleusa, which hath now changed its name for + Sebaste, he met with Archelaus, king of Cappadocia, who received him + kindly, as rejoicing that he was reconciled to his sons, and that the + accusation against Alexander, who had married his daughter, was at an end. + They also made one another such presents as it became kings to make, From + thence Herod came to Judea and to the temple, where he made a speech to + the people concerning what had been done in this his journey. He also + discoursed to them about Cæsar's kindness to him, and about as many of + the particulars he had done as he thought it for his advantage other + people should be acquainted with. At last he turned his speech to the + admonition of his sons; and exhorted those that lived at court, and the + multitude, to concord; and informed them that his sons were to reign after + him; Antipater first, and then Alexander and Aristobulus, the sons of + Mariamne: but he desired that at present they should all have regard to + himself, and esteem him king and lord of all, since he was not yet + hindered by old age, but was in that period of life when he must be the + most skillful in governing; and that he was not deficient in other arts of + management that might enable him to govern the kingdom well, and to rule + over his children also. He further told the rulers under him, and the + soldiery, that in case they would look upon him alone, their life would be + led in a peaceable manner, and they would make one another happy. And when + he had said this, he dismissed the assembly. Which speech was acceptable + to the greatest part of the audience, but not so to them all; for the + contention among his sons, and the hopes he had given them, occasioned + thoughts and desires of innovations among them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link162HCH0005" id="link162HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. How Herod Celebrated The Games That Were To Return Every Fifth + Year Upon The Building Of Cæsarea; And How He Built And Adorned Many Other + Places After A Magnificent Manner; And Did Many Other Actions Gloriously + </h3> + <p> + 1. About this time it was that Cæsarea Sebaste, which he had built, was + finished. The entire building being accomplished: in the tenth year, the + solemnity of it fell into the twenty-eighth year of Herod's reign, and + into the hundred and ninety-second olympiad. There was accordingly a great + festival and most sumptuous preparations made presently, in order to its + dedication; for he had appointed a contention in music, and games to be + performed naked. He had also gotten ready a great number of those that + fight single combats, and of beasts for the like purpose; horse races + also, and the most chargeable of such sports and shows as used to be + exhibited at Rome, and in other places. He consecrated this combat to + Cæsar, and ordered it to be celebrated every fifth year. He also sent all + sorts of ornaments for it out of his own furniture, that it might want + nothing to make it decent; nay, Julia, Cæsar's wife, sent a great part of + her most valuable furniture [from Rome], insomuch that he had no want of + any thing. The sum of them all was estimated at five hundred talents. Now + when a great multitude was come to that city to see the shows, as well as + the ambassadors whom other people sent, on account of the benefits they + had received from Herod, he entertained them all in the public inns, and + at public tables, and with perpetual feasts; this solemnity having in the + day time the diversions of the fights, and in the night time such merry + meetings as cost vast sums of money, and publicly demonstrated the + generosity of his soul; for in all his undertakings he was ambitious to + exhibit what exceeded whatsoever had been done before of the same kind. + And it is related that Cæsar and Agrippa often said, that the dominions + of Herod were too little for the greatness of his soul; for that he + deserved to have both all the kingdom of Syria, and that of Egypt also. + </p> + <p> + 2. After this solemnity and these festivals were over, Herod erected + another city in the plain called Capharsaba, where he chose out a fit + place, both for plenty of water and goodness of soil, and proper for the + production of what was there planted, where a river encompassed the city + itself, and a grove of the best trees for magnitude was round about it: + this he named Antipatris, from his father Antipater. He also built upon + another spot of ground above Jericho, of the same name with his mother, a + place of great security and very pleasant for habitation, and called it + Cypros. He also dedicated the finest monuments to his brother Phasaelus, + on account of the great natural affection there had been between them, by + erecting a tower in the city itself, not less than the tower of Pharos, + which he named Phasaelus, which was at once a part of the strong defenses + of the city, and a memorial for him that was deceased, because it bare his + name. He also built a city of the same name in the valley of Jericho, as + you go from it northward, whereby he rendered the neighboring country more + fruitful by the cultivation its inhabitants introduced; and this also he + called Phasaelus. + </p> + <p> + 3. But as for his other benefits, it is impossible to reckon them up, + those which he bestowed on cities, both in Syria and in Greece, and in all + the places he came to in his voyages; for he seems to have conferred, and + that after a most plentiful manner, what would minister to many + necessities, and the building of public works, and gave them the money + that was necessary to such works as wanted it, to support them upon the + failure of their other revenues: but what was the greatest and most + illustrious of all his works, he erected Apollo's temple at Rhodes, at his + own expenses, and gave them a great number of talents of silver for the + repair of their fleet. He also built the greatest part of the public + edifices for the inhabitants of Nicopolis, at Actium; <a + href="#link16note-6" name="link16noteref-6" id="link16noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> + and for the Antiochinus, the inhabitants of the principal city of Syria, + where a broad street cuts through the place lengthways, he built cloisters + along it on both sides, and laid the open road with polished stone, and + was of very great advantage to the inhabitants. And as to the olympic + games, which were in a very low condition, by reason of the failure of + their revenues, he recovered their reputation, and appointed revenues for + their maintenance, and made that solemn meeting more venerable, as to the + sacrifices and other ornaments; and by reason of this vast liberality, he + was generally declared in their inscriptions to be one of the perpetual + managers of those games. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now some there are who stand amazed at the diversity of Herod's nature + and purposes; for when we have respect to his magnificence, and the + benefits which he bestowed on all mankind, there is no possibility for + even those that had the least respect for him to deny, or not openly to + confess, that he had a nature vastly beneficent; but when any one looks + upon the punishments he inflicted, and the injuries he did, not only to + his subjects, but to his nearest relations, and takes notice of his severe + and unrelenting disposition there, he will be forced to allow that he was + brutish, and a stranger to all humanity; insomuch that these men suppose + his nature to be different, and sometimes at contradiction with itself; + but I am myself of another opinion, and imagine that the occasion of both + these sort of actions was one and the same; for being a man ambitious of + honor, and quite overcome by that passion, he was induced to be + magnificent, wherever there appeared any hopes of a future memorial, or of + reputation at present; and as his expenses were beyond his abilities, he + was necessitated to be harsh to his subjects; for the persons on whom he + expended his money were so many, that they made him a very bad procurer of + it; and because he was conscious that he was hated by those under him, for + the injuries he did them, he thought it not an easy thing to amend his + offenses, for that it was inconvenient for his revenue; he therefore + strove on the other side to make their ill- will an occasion of his gains. + As to his own court, therefore, if any one was not very obsequious to him + in his language, and would not confess himself to be his slave, or but + seemed to think of any innovation in his government, he was not able to + contain himself, but prosecuted his very kindred and friends, and punished + them as if they were enemies and this wickedness he undertook out of a + desire that he might be himself alone honored. Now for this, my assertion + about that passion of his, we have the greatest evidence, by what he did + to honor Cæsar and Agrippa, and his other friends; for with what honors + he paid his respects to them who were his superiors, the same did he + desire to be paid to himself; and what he thought the most excellent + present he could make another, he discovered an inclination to have the + like presented to himself. But now the Jewish nation is by their law a + stranger to all such things, and accustomed to prefer righteousness to + glory; for which reason that nation was not agreeable to him, because it + was out of their power to flatter the king's ambition with statues or + temples, or any other such performances; And this seems to me to have been + at once the occasion of Herod's crimes as to his own courtiers and + counselors, and of his benefactions as to foreigners and those that had no + relation to him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link162HCH0006" id="link162HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. An Embassage In Cyrene And Asia To Cæsar, Concerning The + Complaints They Had To Make Against The Greeks; With Copies Of The + Epistles Which Cæsar And Agrippa Wrote To The Cities For Them. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now the cities ill-treated the Jews in Asia, and all those also of the + same nation which lived in Libya, which joins to Cyrene, while the former + kings had given them equal privileges with the other citizens; but the + Greeks affronted them at this time, and that so far as to take away their + sacred money, and to do them mischief on other particular occasions. When + therefore they were thus afflicted, and found no end of their barbarous + treatment they met with among the Greeks, they sent ambassadors to Cæsar + on those accounts, who gave them the same privileges as they had before, + and sent letters to the same purpose to the governors of the provinces, + copies of which I subjoin here, as testimonials of the ancient favorable + disposition the Roman emperors had towards us. + </p> + <p> + 2. "Cæsar Augustus, high priest and tribune of the people, ordains thus: + Since the nation of the Jews hath been found grateful to the Roman people, + not only at this time, but in time past also, and chiefly Hyrcanus the + high priest, under my father <a href="#link16note-7" name="link16noteref-7" + id="link16noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> Cæsar the emperor, it seemed + good to me and my counselors, according to the sentence and oath of the + people of Rome, that the Jews have liberty to make use of their own + customs, according to the law of their forefathers, as they made use of + them under Hyrcanus the high priest of the Almighty God; and that their + sacred money be not touched, but be sent to Jerusalem, and that it be + committed to the care of the receivers at Jerusalem; and that they be not + obliged to go before any judge on the sabbath day, nor on the day of the + preparation to it, after the ninth hour. <a href="#link16note-8" + name="link16noteref-8" id="link16noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> But if + any one be caught stealing their holy books, or their sacred money, + whether it be out of the synagogue or public school, he shall be deemed a + sacrilegious person, and his goods shall be brought into the public + treasury of the Romans. And I give order that the testimonial which they + have given me, on account of my regard to that piety which I exercise + toward all mankind, and out of regard to Caius Marcus Censorinus, together + with the present decree, be proposed in that most eminent place which hath + been consecrated to me by the community of Asia at Ancyra. And if any one + transgress any part of what is above decreed, he shall be severely + punished." This was inscribed upon a pillar in the temple of Cæsar. + </p> + <p> + 3. "Cæsar to Norbanus Flaccus, sendeth greeting. Let those Jews, how many + soever they be, who have been used, according to their ancient custom, to + send their sacred money to Jerusalem, do the same freely." These were the + decrees of Cæsar. + </p> + <p> + 4. Agrippa also did himself write after the manner following, on behalf of + the Jews: "Agrippa, to the magistrates, senate, and people of the + Ephesians, sendeth greeting. I will that the care and custody of the + sacred money that is carried to the temple at Jerusalem be left to the + Jews of Asia, to do with it according to their ancient custom; and that + such as steal that sacred money of the Jews, and fly to a sanctuary, shall + be taken thence and delivered to the Jews, by the same law that + sacrilegious persons are taken thence. I have also written to Sylvanus the + praetor, that no one compel the Jews to come before a judge on the sabbath + day." + </p> + <p> + 5. "Marcus Agrippa to the magistrates, senate, and people of Cyrene, + sendeth greeting. The Jews of Cyrene have interceded with me for the + performance of what Augustus sent orders about to Flavius, the then + praetor of Libya, and to the other procurators of that province, that the + sacred money may be sent to Jerusalem freely, as hath been their custom + from their forefathers, they complaining that they are abused by certain + informers, and under pretense of taxes which were not due, are hindered + from sending them, which I command to be restored without any diminution + or disturbance given to them. And if any of that sacred money in the + cities be taken from their proper receivers, I further enjoin, that the + same be exactly returned to the Jews in that place." + </p> + <p> + 6. "Caius Norbanus Flaccus, proconsul, to the magistrates of the Sardians, + sendeth greeting. Cæsar hath written to me, and commanded me not to + forbid the Jews, how many soever they be, from assembling together + according to the custom of their forefathers, nor from sending their money + to Jerusalem. I have therefore written to you, that you may know that both + Cæsar and I would have you act accordingly." + </p> + <p> + 7. Nor did Julius Antonius, the proconsul, write otherwise. "To the + magistrates, senate, and people of the Ephesians, sendeth greeting. As I + was dispensing justice at Ephesus, on the Ides of February, the Jews that + dwell in Asia demonstrated to me that Augustus and Agrippa had permitted + them to use their own laws and customs, and to offer those their + first-fruits, which every one of them freely offers to the Deity on + account of piety, and to carry them in a company together to Jerusalem + without disturbance. They also petitioned me that I also would confirm + what had been granted by Augustus and Agrippa by my own sanction. I would + therefore have you take notice, that according to the will of Augustus and + Agrippa, I permit them to use and do according to the customs of their + forefathers without disturbance." + </p> + <p> + 8. I have been obliged to set down these decree because the present + history of our own acts will go generally among the Greeks; and I have + hereby demonstrated to them that we have formerly been in great esteem, + and have not been prohibited by those governors we were under from keeping + any of the laws of our forefathers; nay, that we have been supported by + them, while we followed our own religion, and the worship we paid to God; + and I frequently make mention of these decrees, in order to reconcile + other people to us, and to take away the causes of that hatred which + unreasonable men bear to us. As for our customs <a href="#link16note-9" + name="link16noteref-9" id="link16noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> there is + no nation which always makes use of the same, and in every city almost we + meet with them different from one another; but natural justice is most + agreeable to the advantage of all men equally, both Greeks and barbarians, + to which our laws have the greatest regard, and thereby render us, if we + abide in them after a pure manner, benevolent and friendly to all men; on + which account we have reason to expect the like return from others, and to + inform them that they ought not to esteem difference of positive + institutions a sufficient cause of alienation, but [join with us in] the + pursuit of virtue and probity, for this belongs to all men in common, and + of itself alone is sufficient for the preservation of human life. I now + return to the thread of my history. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link162HCH0007" id="link162HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. How, Upon Herod's Going Down Into David's Sepulcher, The + Sedition In His Family Greatly Increased. + </h3> + <p> + 1. As for Herod, he had spent vast sums about the cities, both without and + within his own kingdom; and as he had before heard that Hyrcanus, who had + been king before him, had opened David's sepulcher, and taken out of it + three thousand talents of silver, and that there was a much greater number + left behind, and indeed enough to suffice all his wants, he had a great + while an intention to make the attempt; and at this time he opened that + sepulcher by night, and went into it, and endeavored that it should not be + at all known in the city, but took only his most faithful friends with + him. As for any money, he found none, as Hyrcanus had done, but that + furniture of gold, and those precious goods that were laid up there; all + which he took away. However, he had a great desire to make a more diligent + search, and to go farther in, even as far as the very bodies of David and + Solomon; where two of his guards were slain, by a flame that burst out + upon those that went in, as the report was. So he was terribly affrighted, + and went out, and built a propitiatory monument of that fright he had been + in; and this of white stone, at the mouth of the sepulcher, and that at + great expense also. And even Nicolaus <a href="#link16note-10" + name="link16noteref-10" id="link16noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> his + historiographer makes mention of this monument built by Herod, though he + does not mention his going down into the sepulcher, as knowing that action + to be of ill repute; and many other things he treats of in the same manner + in his book; for he wrote in Herod's lifetime, and under his reign, and so + as to please him, and as a servant to him, touching upon nothing but what + tended to his glory, and openly excusing many of his notorious crimes, and + very diligently concealing them. And as he was desirous to put handsome + colors on the death of Mariamne and her sons, which were barbarous actions + in the king, he tells falsehoods about the incontinence of Mariamne, and + the treacherous designs of his sons upon him; and thus he proceeded in his + whole work, making a pompous encomium upon what just actions he had done, + but earnestly apologizing for his unjust ones. Indeed, a man, as I said, + may have a great deal to say by way of excuse for Nicolaus; for he did not + so properly write this as a history for others, as somewhat that might be + subservient to the king himself. As for ourselves, who come of a family + nearly allied to the Asamonean kings, and on that account have an + honorable place, which is the priesthood, we think it indecent to say any + thing that is false about them, and accordingly we have described their + actions after an unblemished and upright manner. And although we reverence + many of Herod's posterity, who still reign, yet do we pay a greater regard + to truth than to them, and this though it sometimes happens that we incur + their displeasure by so doing. + </p> + <p> + 2. And indeed Herod's troubles in his family seemed to be augmented by + reason of this attempt he made upon David's sepulcher; whether Divine + vengeance increased the calamities he lay under, in order to render them + incurable, or whether fortune made an assault upon him, in those cases + wherein the seasonableness of the cause made it strongly believed that the + calamities came upon him for his impiety; for the tumult was like a civil + war in his palace, and their hatred towards one another was like that + where each one strove to exceed another in calumnies. However, Antipater + used stratagems perpetually against his brethren, and that very cunningly; + while abroad he loaded them with accusations, but still took upon him + frequently to apologize for them, that this apparent benevolence to them + might make him be believed, and forward his attempts against them; by + which means he, after various manners, circumvented his father, who + believed all that he did was for his preservation. Herod also recommended + Ptolemy, who was a great director of the affairs of his kingdom, to + Antipater; and consulted with his mother about the public affairs also. + And indeed these were all in all, and did what they pleased, and made the + king angry against any other persons, as they thought it might be to their + own advantage; but still the sons of Mariamne were in a worse and worse + condition perpetually; and while they were thrust out, and set in a more + dishonorable rank, who yet by birth were the most noble, they could not + bear the dishonor. And for the women, Glaphyra, Alexander's wife, the + daughter of Archelaus, hated Salome, both because of her love to her + husband, and because Glaphyra seemed to behave herself somewhat insolently + towards Salome's daughter, who was the wife of Aristobulus, which equality + of hers to herself Glaphyra took very impatiently. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now, besides this second contention that had fallen among them, neither + did the king's brother Pheroras keep himself out of trouble, but had a + particular foundation for suspicion and hatred; for he was overcome with + the charms of his wife, to such a degree of madness, that he despised the + king's daughter, to whom he had been betrothed, and wholly bent his mind + to the other, who had been but a servant. Herod also was grieved by the + dishonor that was done him, because he had bestowed many favors upon him, + and had advanced him to that height of power that he was almost a partner + with him in the kingdom, and saw that he had not made him a due return for + his labors, and esteemed himself unhappy on that account. So upon + Pheroras's unworthy refusal, he gave the damsel to Phasaelus's son; but + after some time, when he thought the heat of his brother's affections was + over, he blamed him for his former conduct, and desired him to take his + second daughter, whose name was Cypros. Ptolemy also advised him to leave + off affronting his brother, and to forsake her whom he had loved, for that + it was a base thing to be so enamored of a servant, as to deprive himself + of the king's good-will to him, and become an occasion of his trouble, and + make himself hated by him. Pheroras knew that this advice would be for his + own advantage, particularly because he had been accused before, and + forgiven; so he put his wife away, although he already had a son by her, + and engaged to the king that he would take his second daughter, and agreed + that the thirtieth day after should be the day of marriage; and sware he + would have no further conversation with her whom he had put away; but when + the thirty days were over, he was such a slave to his affections, that he + no longer performed any thing he had promised, but continued still with + his former wife. This occasioned Herod to grieve openly, and made him + angry, while the king dropped one word or other against Pheroras + perpetually; and many made the king's anger an opportunity for raising + calumnies against him. Nor had the king any longer a single quiet day or + hour, but occasions of one fresh quarrel or another arose among his + relations, and those that were dearest to him; for Salome was of a harsh + temper, and ill-natured to Mariamne's sons; nor would she suffer her own + daughter, who was the wife of Aristobulus, one of those young men, to bear + a good-will to her husband, but persuaded her to tell her if he said any + thing to her in private, and when any misunderstandings happened, as is + common, she raised a great many suspicions out of it; by which means she + learned all their concerns, and made the damsel ill-natured to the young + man. And in order to gratify her mother, she often said that the young men + used to mention Mariamne when they were by themselves; and that they hated + their father, and were continually threatening, that if they had once got + the kingdom, they would make Herod's sons by his other wives country + schoolmasters, for that the present education which was given them, and + their diligence in learning, fitted them for such an employment. And as + for the women, whenever they saw them adorned with their mother's clothes, + they threatened, that instead of their present gaudy apparel, they should + be clothed in sackcloth, and confined so closely that they should not see + the light of the sun. These stories were presently carried by Salome to + the king, who was troubled to hear them, and endeavored to make up + matters; but these suspicions afflicted him, and becoming more and more + uneasy, he believed every body against every body. However, upon his + rebuking his sons, and hearing the defense they made for themselves, he + was easier for a while, though a little afterwards much worse accidents + came upon him. + </p> + <p> + 4. For Pheroras came to Alexander, the husband of Glaphyra, who was the + daughter of Archelaus, as we have already told you, and said that he had + heard from Salome that Herod has enamored on Glaphyra, and that his + passion for her was incurable. When Alexander heard that, he was all on + fire, from his youth and jealousy; and he interpreted the instances of + Herod's obliging behavior to her, which were very frequent, for the worse, + which came from those suspicions he had on account of that word which fell + from Pheroras; nor could he conceal his grief at the thing, but informed + him what word Pheroras had said. Upon which Herod was in a greater + disorder than ever; and not bearing such a false calumny, which was to his + shame, was much disturbed at it; and often did he lament the wickedness of + his domestics, and how good he had been to them, and how ill requitals + they had made him. So he sent for Pheroras, and reproached him, and said, + "Thou vilest of all men! art thou come to that unmeasurable and + extravagant degree of ingratitude, as not only to suppose such things of + me, but to speak of them? I now indeed perceive what thy intentions are. + It is not thy only aim to reproach me, when thou usest such words to my + son, but thereby to persuade him to plot against me, and get me destroyed + by poison. And who is there, if he had not a good genius at his elbow, as + hath my son, but would not bear such a suspicion of his father, but would + revenge himself upon him? Dost thou suppose that thou hast only dropped a + word for him to think of, and not rather hast put a sword into his hand to + slay his father? And what dost thou mean, when thou really hatest both him + and his brother, to pretend kindness to them, only in order to raise a + reproach against me, and talk of such things as no one but such an impious + wretch as thou art could either devise in their mind, or declare in their + words? Begone, thou art such a plague to thy benefactor and thy brother, + and may that evil conscience of thine go along with thee; while I still + overcome my relations by kindness, and am so far from avenging myself of + them, as they deserve, that I bestow greater benefits upon them than they + are worthy of." + </p> + <p> + 5. Thus did the king speak. Whereupon Pheroras, who was caught in the very + act of his villainy, said that "it was Salome who was the framer of this + plot, and that the words came from her." But as soon as she heard that, + for she was at hand, she cried out, like one that would be believed, that + no such thing ever came out of her mouth; that they all earnestly + endeavored to make the king hate her, and to make her away, because of the + good-will she bore to Herod, and because she was always foreseeing the + dangers that were coming upon him, and that at present there were more + plots against him than usual; for while she was the only person who + persuaded her brother to put away the wife he now had, and to take the + king's daughter, it was no wonder if she were hated by him. As she said + this, and often tore her hair, and often beat her breast, her countenance + made her denial to be believed; but the peverseness of her manners + declared at the same time her dissimulation in these proceedings; but + Pheroras was caught between them, and had nothing plausible to offer in + his own defense, while he confessed that he had said what was charged upon + him, but was not believed when he said he had heard it from Salome; so the + confusion among them was increased, and their quarrelsome words one to + another. At last the king, out of his hatred to his brother and sister, + sent them both away; and when he had commended the moderation of his son, + and that he had himself told him of the report, he went in the evening to + refresh himself. After such a contest as this had fallen out among them, + Salome's reputation suffered greatly, since she was supposed to have first + raised the calumny; and the king's wives were grieved at her, as knowing + she was a very ill-natured woman, and would sometimes be a friend, and + sometimes an enemy, at different seasons: so they perpetually said one + thing or another against her; and somewhat that now fell out made them the + bolder in speaking against her. + </p> + <p> + 6. There was one Obodas, king of Arabia, an inactive and slothful man in + his nature; but Sylleus managed most of his affairs for him. He was a + shrewd man, although he was but young, and was handsome withal. This + Sylleus, upon some occasion coming to Herod, and supping with him, saw + Salome, and set his heart upon her; and understanding that she was a + widow, he discoursed with her. Now because Salome was at this time less in + favor with her brother, she looked upon Sylleus with some passion, and was + very earnest to be married to him; and on the days following there + appeared many, and those very great, indications of their agreement + together. Now the women carried this news to the king, and laughed at the + indecency of it; whereupon Herod inquired about it further of Pheroras, + and desired him to observe them at supper, how their behavior was one + toward another; who told him, that by the signals which came from their + heads and their eyes, they both were evidently in love. After this, + Sylleus the Arabian being suspected, went away, but came again in two or + three months afterwards, as it were on that very design, and spake to + Herod about it, and desired that Salome might be given him to wife; for + that his affinity might not be disadvantageous to his affairs, by a union + with Arabia, the government of which country was already in effect under + his power, and more evidently would be his hereafter. Accordingly, when + Herod discoursed with his sister about it, and asked her whether she were + disposed to this match, she immediately agreed to it. But when Sylleus was + desired to come over to the Jewish religion, and then he should marry her, + and that it was impossible to do it on any other terms, he could not bear + that proposal, and went his way; for he said, that if he should do so, he + should be stoned by the Arabs. Then did Pheroras reproach Salome for her + incontinency, as did the women much more; and said that Sylleus had + debauched her. As for that damsel which the king had betrothed to his + brother Pheroras, but he had not taken her, as I have before related, + because he was enamored on his former wife, Salome desired of Herod she + might be given to her son by Costobarus; which match he was very willing + to, but was dissuaded from it by Pheroras, who pleaded that this young man + would not be kind to her, since his father had been slain by him, and that + it was more just that his son, who was to be his successor in the + tetrarchy, should have her. So he begged his pardon, and persuaded him to + do so. Accordingly the damsel, upon this change of her espousals, was + disposal of to this young man, the son of Pheroras, the king giving for + her portion a hundred talents. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link162HCH0008" id="link162HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. How Herod Took Up Alexander And Bound Him; Whom Yet Archelaus + King Of Cappadocia Reconciled To His Father Herod Again. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But still the affairs of Herod's family were no better, but perpetually + more troublesome. Now this accident happened, which arose from no decent + occasion, but proceeded so far as to bring great difficulties upon him. + There were certain eunuchs which the king had, and on account of their + beauty was very fond of them; and the care of bringing him drink was + intrusted to one of them; of bringing him his supper, to another; and of + putting him to bed, to the third, who also managed the principal affairs + of the government; and there was one told the king that these eunuchs were + corrupted by Alexander the king's son with great sums of money. And when + they were asked whether Alexander had had criminal conversation with them, + they confessed it, but said they knew of no further mischief of his + against his father; but when they were more severely tortured, and were in + the utmost extremity, and the tormentors, out of compliance with + Antipater, stretched the rack to the very utmost, they said that Alexander + bare great ill-will and innate hatred to his father; and that he told them + that Herod despaired to live much longer; and that, in order to cover his + great age, he colored his hair black, and endeavored to conceal what would + discover how old he was; but that if he would apply himself to him, when + he should attain the kingdom, which, in spite of his father, could come to + no one else, he should quickly have the first place in that kingdom under + him, for that he was now ready to take the kingdom, not only as his + birth-right, but by the preparations he had made for obtaining it, because + a great many of the rulers, and a great many of his friends, were of his + side, and those no ill men neither, ready both to do and to suffer + whatsoever should come on that account. + </p> + <p> + 2. When Herod heard this confession, he was all over anger and fear, some + parts seeming to him reproachful, and some made him suspicious of dangers + that attended him, insomuch that on both accounts he was provoked, and + bitterly afraid lest some more heavy plot was laid against him than he + should be then able to escape from; whereupon he did not now make an open + search, but sent about spies to watch such as he suspected, for he was now + overrun with suspicion and hatred against all about him; and indulging + abundance of those suspicions, in order to his preservation, he continued + to suspect those that were guiltless; nor did he set any bounds to + himself, but supposing that those who staid with him had the most power to + hurt him, they were to him very frightful; and for those that did not use + to come to him, it seemed enough to name them [to make them suspected], + and he thought himself safer when they were destroyed. And at last his + domestics were come to that pass, that being no way secure of escaping + themselves, they fell to accusing one another, and imagining that he who + first accused another was most likely to save himself; yet when any had + overthrown others, they were hated; and they were thought to suffer justly + who unjustly accused others, and they only thereby prevented their own + accusation; nay, they now executed their own private enmities by this + means, and when they were caught, they were punished in the same way. Thus + these men contrived to make use of this opportunity as an instrument and a + snare against their enemies; yet when they tried it, were themselves + caught also in the same snare which they laid for others: and the king + soon repented of what he had done, because he had no clear evidence of the + guilt of those whom he had slain; and yet what was still more severe in + him, he did not make use of his repentance, in order to leave off doing + the like again, but in order to inflict the same punishment upon their + accusers. + </p> + <p> + 3. And in this state of disorder were the affairs of the palace; and he + had already told many of his friends directly that they ought not to + appear before him, nor come into the palace; and the reason of this + injunction was, that [when they were there], he had less freedom of + acting, or a greater restraint on himself on their account; for at this + time it was that he expelled Andromachus and Gamellus, men who had of old + been his friends, and been very useful to him in the affairs of his + kingdom, and been of advantage to his family, by their embassages and + counsels; and had been tutors to his sons, and had in a manner the first + degree of freedom with him. He expelled Andromachus, because his son + Demetrius was a companion to Alexander; and Gamellus, because he knew that + he wished him well, which arose from his having been with him in his + youth, when he was at school, and absent at Rome. These he expelled out of + his palace, and was willing enough to have done worse by them; but that he + might not seem to take such liberty against men of so great reputation, he + contented himself with depriving them of their dignity, and of their power + to hinder his wicked proceedings. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now it was Antipater who was the cause of all this; who when he knew + what a mad and licentious way of acting his father was in, and had been a + great while one of his counselors, he hurried him on, and then thought he + should bring him to do somewhat to purpose, when every one that could + oppose him was taken away. When therefore Andromachus and his friends were + driven away, and had no discourse nor freedom with the king any longer, + the king, in the first place, examined by torture all whom he thought to + be faithful to Alexander, Whether they knew of any of his attempts against + him; but these died without having any thing to say to that matter, which + made the king more zealous [after discoveries], when he could not find out + what evil proceedings he suspected them of. As for Antipater, he was very + sagacious to raise a calumny against those that were really innocent, as + if their denial was only their constancy and fidelity [to Alexander], and + thereupon provoked Herod to discover by the torture of great numbers what + attempts were still concealed. Now there was a certain person among the + many that were tortured, who said that he knew that the young man had + often said, that when he was commended as a tall man in his body, and a + skillful marksman, and that in his other commendable exercises he exceeded + all men, these qualifications given him by nature, though good in + themselves, were not advantageous to him, because his father was grieved + at them, and envied him for them; and that when he walked along with his + father, he endeavored to depress and shorten himself, that he might not + appear too tall; and that when he shot at any thing as he was hunting, + when his father was by, he missed his mark on purpose, for he knew how + ambitious his father was of being superior in such exercises. So when the + man was tormented about this saying, and had ease given his body after it, + he added, that he had his brother Aristobulus for his assistance, and + contrived to lie in wait for their father, as they were hunting, and kill + him; and when they had done so to fly to Rome, and desire to have the + kingdom given them. There were also letters of the young man found, + written to his brother, wherein he complained that his father did not act + justly in giving Antipater a country, whose [yearly] revenues amounted to + two hundred talents. Upon these confessions Herod presently thought he had + somewhat to depend on, in his own opinion, as to his suspicion about his + sons; so he took up Alexander and bound him: yet did he still continue to + be uneasy, and was not quite satisfied of the truth of what he had heard; + and when he came to recollect himself, he found that they had only made + juvenile complaints and contentions, and that it was an incredible thing, + that when his son should have slain him, he should openly go to Rome [to + beg the kingdom]; so he was desirous to have some surer mark of his son's + wickedness, and was very solicitous about it, that he might not appear to + have condemned him to be put in prison too rashly; so he tortured the + principal of Alexander's friends, and put not a few of them to death, + without getting any of the things out of them which he suspected. And + while Herod was very busy about this matter, and the palace was full of + terror and trouble, one of the younger sort, when he was in the utmost + agony, confessed that Alexander had sent to his friends at Rome, and + desired that he might be quickly invited thither by Cæsar, and that he + could discover a plot against him; that Mithridates, the king of Parthia, + was joined in friendship with his father against the Romans, and that he + had a poisonous potion ready prepared at Askelori. + </p> + <p> + 5. To these accusations Herod gave credit, and enjoyed hereby, in his + miserable case, some sort of consolation, in excuse of his rashness, as + flattering himself with finding things in so bad a condition; but as for + the poisonous potion, which he labored to find, he could find none. As for + Alexander, he was very desirous to aggravate the vast misfortunes he was + under, so he pretended not to deny the accusations, but punished the + rashness of his father with a greater crime of his own; and perhaps he was + willing to make his father ashamed of his easy belief of such calumnies: + he aimed especially, if he could gain belief to his story, to plague him + and his whole kingdom; for he wrote four letters, and sent them to him, + that he did not need to torture any more persons, for he had plotted + against him; and that he had for his partners Pheroras and the most + faithful of his friends; and that Salome came in to him by night, and that + she lay with him whether he would or not; and that all men were come to be + of one mind, to make away with him as soon as they could, and so get clear + of the continual fear they were in from him. Among these were accused + Ptolemy and Sapinnius, who were the most faithful friends to the king. And + what more can be said, but that those who before were the most intimate + friends, were become wild beasts to one another, as if a certain madness + had fallen upon them, while there was no room for defense or refutation, + in order to the discovery of the truth, but all were at random doomed to + destruction; so that some lamented those that were in prison, some those + that were put to death, and others lamented that they were in expectation + of the same miseries; and a melancholy solitude rendered the kingdom + deformed, and quite the reverse to that happy state it was formerly in. + Herod's own life also was entirely disturbed; and because he could trust + nobody, he was sorely punished by the expectation of further misery; for + he often fancied in his imagination that his son had fallen upon him, or + stood by him with a sword in his hand; and thus was his mind night and day + intent upon this thing, and revolved it over and over, no otherwise than + if he were under a distraction. And this was the sad condition Herod was + now in. + </p> + <p> + 6. But when Archelaus, king of Cappadocia, heard of the state that Herod + was in, and being in great distress about his daughter, and the young man + [her husband], and grieving with Herod, as with a man that was his friend, + on account of so great a disturbance as he was under, he came [to + Jerusalem] on purpose to compose their differences; and when he found + Herod in such a temper, he thought it wholly unseasonable to reprove him, + or to pretend that he had done any thing rashly, for that he should + thereby naturally bring him to dispute the point with him, and by still + more and more apologizing for himself to be the more irritated: he went, + therefore, another way to work, in order to correct the former + misfortunes, and appeared angry at the young man, and said that Herod had + been so very mild a man, that he had not acted a rash part at all. He also + said he would dissolve his daughter's marriage with Alexander, nor could + in justice spare his own daughter, if she were conscious of any thing, and + did not inform Herod of it. When Archelaus appeared to be of this temper, + and otherwise than Herod expected or imagined, and, for the main, took + Herod's part, and was angry on his account, the king abated of his + harshness, and took occasion from his appearing to have acted justly + hitherto, to come by degrees to put on the affection of a father, and was + on both sides to be pitied; for when some persons refuted the calumnies + that were laid on the young man, he was thrown into a passion; but when + Archelaus joined in the accusation, he was dissolved into tears and sorrow + after an affectionate manner. Accordingly, he desired that he would not + dissolve his son's marriage, and became not so angry as before for his + offenses. So when Archelaus had brought him to a more moderate temper, he + transferred the calumnies upon his friends; and said it must be owing to + them that so young a man, and one unacquainted with malice, was corrupted; + and he supposed that there was more reason to suspect the brother than the + soft. Upon which Herod was very much displeased at Pheroras, who indeed + now had no one that could make a reconciliation between him and his + brother. So when he saw that Archelaus had the greatest power with Herod, + he betook himself to him in the habit of a mourner, and like one that had + all the signs upon him of an undone man. Upon this Archelaus did not + overlook the intercession he made to him, nor yet did he undertake to + change the king's disposition towards him immediately; and he said that it + was better for him to come himself to the king, and confess himself the + occasion of all; that this would make the king's anger not to be + extravagant towards him, and that then he would be present to assist him. + When he had persuaded him to this, he gained his point with both of them; + and the calumnies raised against the young man were, beyond all + expectation, wiped off. And Archelaus, as soon as he had made the + reconciliation, went then away to Cappadocia, having proved at this + juncture of time the most acceptable person to Herod in the world; on + which account he gave him the richest presents, as tokens of his respects + to him; and being on other occasions magnanimous, he esteemed him one of + his dearest friends. He also made an agreement with him that he would go + to Rome, because he had written to Cæsar about these affairs; so they + went together as far as Antioch, and there Herod made a reconciliation + between Archelaus and Titus, the president of Syria, who had been greatly + at variance, and so returned back to Judea. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link162HCH0009" id="link162HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Revolt Of The Trachonites; How Sylleus Accused + Herod Before Cæsar; And How Herod, When Cæsar Was Angry At Him, Resolved + To Send Nicolaus To Rome. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Herod had been at Rome, and was come back again, a war arose + between him and the Arabians, on the occasion following: The inhabitants + of Trachonitis, after Cæsar had taken the country away from Zenodorus, + and added it to Herod, had not now power to rob, but were forced to plough + the land, and to live quietly, which was a thing they did not like; and + when they did take that pains, the ground did not produce much fruit for + them. However, at the first the king would not permit them to rob, and so + they abstained from that unjust way of living upon their neighbors, which + procured Herod a great reputation for his care. But when he was sailing to + Rome, it was at that time when he went to accuse his son Alexander, and to + commit Antipater to Cæsar's protection, the Trachonites spread a report + as if he were dead, and revolted from his dominion, and betook themselves + again to their accustomed way of robbing their neighbors; at which time + the king's commanders subdued them during his absence; but about forty of + the principal robbers, being terrified by those that had been taken, left + the country, and retired into Arabia, Sylleus entertaining them, after he + had missed of marrying Salome, and gave them a place of strength, in which + they dwelt. So they overran not only Judea, but all Celesyria also, and + carried off the prey, while Sylleus afforded them places of protection and + quietness during their wicked practices. But when Herod came back from + Rome, he perceived that his dominions had greatly suffered by them; and + since he could not reach the robbers themselves, because of the secure + retreat they had in that country, and which the Arabian government + afforded them, and yet being very uneasy at the injuries they had done + him, he went all over Trachonitis, and slew their relations; whereupon + these robbers were more angry than before, it being a law among them to be + avenged on the murderers of their relations by all possible means; so they + continued to tear and rend every thing under Herod's dominion with + impunity. Then did he discourse about these robberies to Saturninus and + Volumnius, and required that they should be punished; upon which occasion + they still the more confirmed themselves in their robberies, and became + more numerous, and made very great disturbances, laying waste the + countries and villages that belonged to Herod's kingdom, and killing those + men whom they caught, till these unjust proceedings came to be like a real + war, for the robbers were now become about a thousand;—at which + Herod was sore displeased, and required the robbers, as well as the money + which he had lent Obodas, by Sylleus, which was sixty talents, and since + the time of payment was now past, he desired to have it paid him; but + Sylleus, who had laid Obodas aside, and managed all by himself, denied + that the robbers were in Arabia, and put off the payment of the money; + about which there was a hearing before Saturninus and Volumnius, who were + then the presidents of Syria. <a href="#link16note-11" + name="link16noteref-11" id="link16noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> At + last he, by their means, agreed, that within thirty days' time Herod + should be paid his money, and that each of them should deliver up the + other's subjects reciprocally. Now, as to Herod, there was not one of the + other's subjects found in his kingdom, either as doing any injustice, or + on any other account, but it was proved that the Arabians had the robbers + amongst them. + </p> + <p> + 2. When this day appointed for payment of the money was past, without + Sylleus's performing any part of his agreement, and he was gone to Rome, + Herod demanded the payment of the money, and that the robbers that were in + Arabia should be delivered up; and, by the permission of Saturninus and + Volumnius, executed the judgment himself upon those that were refractory. + He took an army that he had, and let it into Arabia, and in three days' + time marched seven mansions; and when he came to the garrison wherein the + robbers were, he made an assault upon them, and took them all, and + demolished the place, which was called Raepta, but did no harm to any + others. But as the Arabians came to their assistance, under Naceb their + captain, there ensued a battle, wherein a few of Herod's soldiers, and + Naceb, the captain of the Arabians, and about twenty of his soldiers, + fell, while the rest betook themselves to flight. So when he had brought + these to punishment, he placed three thousand Idumeans in Trachonitis, and + thereby restrained the robbers that were there. He also sent an account to + the captains that were about Phoenicia, and demonstrated that he had done + nothing but what he ought to do, in punishing the refractory Arabians, + which, upon an exact inquiry, they found to be no more than what was true. + </p> + <p> + 3. However, messengers were hasted away to Sylleus to Rome, and informed + him what had been done, and, as is usual, aggravated every thing. Now + Sylleus had already insinuated himself into the knowledge of Cæsar, and + was then about the palace; and as soon as he heard of these things, he + changed his habit into black, and went in, and told Cæsar that Arabia was + afflicted with war, and that all his kingdom was in great confusion, upon + Herod's laying it waste with his army; and he said, with tears in his + eyes, that two thousand five hundred of the principal men among the + Arabians had been destroyed, and that their captain Nacebus, his familiar + friend and kinsman, was slain; and that the riches that were at Raepta + were carried off; and that Obodas was despised, whose infirm state of body + rendered him unfit for war; on which account neither he, nor the Arabian + army, were present. When Sylleus said so, and added invidiously, that he + would not himself have come out of the country, unless he had believed + that Cæsar would have provided that they should all have peace one with + another, and that, had he been there, he would have taken care that the + war should not have been to Herod's advantage; Cæsar was provoked when + this was said, and asked no more than this one question, both of Herod's + friends that were there, and of his own friends, who were come from Syria, + Whether Herod had led an army thither? And when they were forced to + confess so much, Cæsar, without staying to hear for what reason he did + it, and how it was done, grew very angry, and wrote to Herod sharply. The + sum of his epistle was this, that whereas of old he had used him as his + friend, he should now use him as his subject. Sylleus also wrote an + account of this to the Arabians, who were so elevated with it, that they + neither delivered up the robbers that had fled to them, nor paid the money + that was due; they retained those pastures also which they had hired, and + kept them without paying their rent, and all this because the king of the + Jews was now in a low condition, by reason of Cæsar's anger at him. Those + of Trachonitis also made use of this opportunity, and rose up against the + Idumean garrison, and followed the same way of robbing with the Arabians, + who had pillaged their country, and were more rigid in their unjust + proceedings, not only in order to get by it, but by way of revenge also. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now Herod was forced to bear all this, that confidence of his being + quite gone with which Cæsar's favor used to inspire him; for Cæsar would + not admit so much as an embassage from him to 'make an apology for him; + and when they came again, he sent them away without success. So he was + cast into sadness and fear; and Sylleus's circumstances grieved him + exceedingly, who was now believed by Cæsar, and was present at Rome, nay, + sometimes aspiring higher. Now it came to pass that Obodas was dead; and + Aeneas, whose name was afterward changed to Aretas, <a + href="#link16note-12" name="link16noteref-12" id="link16noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> + took the government, for Sylleus endeavored by calumnies to get him turned + out of his principality, that he might himself take it; with which design + he gave much money to the courtiers, and promised much money to Cæsar, + who indeed was angry that Aretas had not sent to him first before he took + the kingdom; yet did Aeneas send an epistle and presents to Cæsar, and a + golden crown, of the weight of many talents. Now that epistle accused + Sylleus as having been a wicked servant, and having killed Obodas by + poison; and that while he was alive, he had governed him as he pleased; + and had also debauched the wives of the Arabians; and had borrowed money, + in order to obtain the dominion for himself: yet did not Cæsar give heed + to these accusations, but sent his ambassadors back, without receiving any + of his presents. But in the mean time the affairs of Judea and Arabia + became worse and worse, partly because of the anarchy they were under, and + partly because, as bad as they were, nobody had power to govern them; for + of the two kings, the one was not yet confirmed in his kingdom, and so had + not authority sufficient to restrain the evil-doers; and as for Herod, + Cæsar was immediately angry at him for having avenged himself, and so he + was compelled to bear all the injuries that were offered him. At length, + when he saw no end of the mischief which surrounded him, he resolved to + send ambassadors to Rome again, to see whether his friends had prevailed + to mitigate Cæsar, and to address themselves to Cæsar himself; and the + ambassador he sent thither was Nicolans of Damascus. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link162HCH0010" id="link162HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. How Eurycles Falsely Accused Herod's Sons; And How Their + Father Bound Them, And Wrote To Cæsar About Them. Of Sylleus And How He + Was Accused By Nicolaus. + </h3> + <p> + 1. The disorders about Herod's family and children about this time grew + much worse; for it now appeared certain, nor was it unforeseen + before-hand, that fortune threatened the greatest and most insupportable + misfortunes possible to his kingdom. Its progress and augmentation at this + time arose on the occasion following: One Eurycles, a Lacedemonian, [a + person of note there, but a man of a perverse mind, and so cunning in his + ways of voluptuousness and flattery, as to indulge both, and yet seem to + indulge neither of them,] came in his travels to Herod, and made him + presents, but so that he received more presents from him. He also took + such proper seasons for insinuating himself into his friendship, that he + became one of the most intimate of the king's friends. He had his lodging + in Antipater's house; but he had not only access, but free conversation, + with Alexander, as pretending to him that he was in great favor with + Archelaus, the king of Cappadocia; whence he pretended much respect to + Glaphyra, and in an occult manner cultivated a friendship with them all; + but always attending to what was said and done, that he might be furnished + with calumnies to please them all. In short, he behaved himself so to + every body in his conversation, as to appear to be his particular friend, + and he made others believe that his being any where was for that person's + advantage. So he won upon Alexander, who was but young; and persuaded him + that he might open his grievances to him with assurance and with nobody + else. So he declared his grief to him, how his father was alienated from + him. He related to him also the affairs of his mother, and of Antipater; + that he had driven them from their proper dignity, and had the power over + every thing himself; that no part of this was tolerable, since his father + was already come to hate them; and he added, that he would neither admit + them to his table, nor to his conversation. Such were the complaints, as + was but natural, of Alexander about the things that troubled him; and + these discourses Eurycles carried to Antipater, and told him he did not + inform him of this on his own account, but that being overcome by his + kindness, the great importance of the thing obliged him to do it; and he + warned him to have a care of Alexander, for that what he said was spoken + with vehemency, and that, in consequence of what he said, he would + certainly kill him with his own hand. Whereupon Antipater, thinking him to + be his friend by this advice, gave him presents upon all occasions, and at + length persuaded him to inform Herod of what he had heard. So when he + related to the king Alexander's ill temper, as discovered by the words he + had heard him speak, he was easily believed by him; and he thereby brought + the king to that pass, turning him about by his words, and irritating him, + till he increased his hatred to him and made him implacable, which he + showed at that very time, for he immediately gave Eurycles a present of + fifty talents; who, when he had gotten them, went to Archelaus, king of + Cappadocia, and commended Alexander before him, and told him that he had + been many ways of advantage to him, in making a reconciliation between him + and his father. So he got money from him also, and went away, before his + pernicious practices were found out; but when Eurycles was returned to + Lacedemon, he did not leave off doing mischief; and so, for his many acts + of injustice, he was banished from his own country. + </p> + <p> + 2. But as for the king of the Jews, he was not now in the temper he was in + formerly towards Alexander and Aristobulus, when he had been content with + the hearing their calumnies when others told him of them; but he was now + come to that pass as to hate them himself, and to urge men to speak + against them, though they did not do it of themselves. He also observed + all that was said, and put questions, and gave ear to every one that would + but speak, if they could but say any thing against them, till at length he + heard that Euaratus of Cos was a conspirator with Alexander; which thing + to Herod was the most agreeable and sweetest news imaginable. + </p> + <p> + 3. But still a greater misfortune came upon the young men; while the + calumnies against them were continually increased, and, as a man may say, + one would think it was every one's endeavor to lay some grievous thing to + their charge, which might appear to be for the king's preservation. There + were two guards of Herod's body, who were in great esteem for their + strength and tallness, Jucundus and Tyrannus; these men had been cast off + by Herod, who was displeased at them; these now used to ride along with + Alexander, and for their skill in their exercises were in great esteem + with him, and had some gold and other gifts bestowed on them. Now the king + having an immediate suspicion of those men, had them tortured, who endured + the torture courageously for a long time; but at last confessed that + Alexander would have persuaded them to kill Herod, when he was in pursuit + of the wild beasts, that it might be said he fell from his horse, and was + run through with his own spear, for that he had once such a misfortune + formerly. They also showed where there was money hidden in the stable + under ground; and these convicted the king's chief hunter, that he had + given the young men the royal hunting spears and weapons to Alexander's + dependents, at Alexander's command. + </p> + <p> + 4. After these, the commander of the garrison of Alexandrium was caught + and tortured; for he was accused to have promised to receive the young men + into his fortress, and to supply them with that money of the king's which + was laid up in that fortress, yet did not he acknowledge any thing of it + himself; but his son came ill, and said it was so, and delivered up the + writing, which, so far as could be guessed, was in Alexander's hand. Its + contents were these: "When we have finished, by God's help, all that we + have proposed to do, we will come to you; but do your endeavors, as you + have promised, to receive us into your fortress." After this writing was + produced, Herod had no doubt about the treacherous designs of his sons + against him. But Alexander said that Diophantus the scribe had imitated + his hand, and that the paper was maliciously drawn up by Antipater; for + Diophantus appeared to be very cunning in such practices; and as he was + afterward convicted of forging other papers, he was put to death for it. + </p> + <p> + 5. So the king produced those that had been tortured before the multitude + at Jericho, in order to have them accuse the young men, which accusers + many of the people stoned to death; and when they were going to kill + Alexander and Aristobulus likewise, the king would not permit them to do + so, but restrained the multitude, by the means of Ptolemy and Pheroras. + However, the young men were put under a guard, and kept in custody, that + nobody might come at them; and all that they did or said was watched, and + the reproach and fear they were in was little or nothing different from + those of condemned criminals: and one of them, who was Aristobulus, was so + deeply affected, that he brought Salome, who was his aunt, and his + mother-in-law, to lament with him for his calamities, and to hate him who + had suffered things to come to that pass; when he said to her, "Art thou + not in danger of destruction also, while the report goes that thou hadst + disclosed beforehand all our affairs to Syllcus, when thou wast in hopes + of being married to him?" But she immediately carried these words to her + brother. Upon this he was out of patience, and gave command to bind him; + and enjoined them both, now they were kept separate one from the other, to + write down the ill things they had done against their father, and bring + the writings to him, So when this was enjoined them, they wrote this, that + they had laid no treacherous designs, nor made any preparations against + their father, but that they had intended to fly away; and that by the + distress they were in, their lives being now uncertain and tedious to + them. + </p> + <p> + 6. About this time there came an ambassador out of Cappadocia from + Archelaus, whose name was Melas; he was one of the principal rulers under + him. So Herod, being desirous to show Archelaus's ill-will to him, called + for Alexander, as he was in his bonds, and asked him again concerning his + fight, whether and how they had resolved to retire Alexander replied, To + Archelaus, who had promised to send them away to Rome; but that they had + no wicked nor mischievous designs against their father, and that nothing + of that nature which their adversaries had charged upon them was true; and + that their desire was, that he might have examined Tyrannus and Jucundus + more strictly, but that they had been suddenly slain by the means of + Antipater, who put his own friends among the multitude [for that purpose]. + </p> + <p> + 7. When this was said, Herod commanded that both Alexander and Melas + should be carried to Glaphyra, Archelaus's daughter, and that she should + be asked, whether she did not know somewhat of Alexander's treacherous + designs against Herod? Now as soon as they were come to her, and she saw + Alexander in bonds, she beat her head, and in a great consternation gave a + deep and moving groan. The young man also fell into tears. This was so + miserable a spectacle to those present, that, for a great while, they were + not able to say or to do any thing; but at length Ptolemy, who was ordered + to bring Alexander, bid him say whether his wife was conscious of his + actions. He replied, "How is it possible that she, whom I love better than + my own soul, and by whom I have had children, should not know what I do?" + Upon which she cried out that she knew of no wicked designs of his; but + that yet, if her accusing herself falsely would tend to his preservation, + she would confess it all. Alexander replied, "There is no such wickedness + as those [who ought the least of all so to do] suspect, which either I + have imagined, or thou knowest of, but this only, that we had resolved to + retire to Archelaus, and from thence to Rome." Which she also confessed. + Upon which Herod, supposing that Archelaus's ill-will to him was fully + proved, sent a letter by Olympus and Volumnius; and bid them, as they + sailed by, to touch at Eleusa of Cilicia, and give Archelaus the letter. + And that when they had ex-postulated with him, that he had a hand in his + son's treacherous design against him, they should from thence sail to + Rome; and that, in case they found Nicolaus had gained any ground, and + that Cæsar was no longer displeased at him, he should give him his + letters, and the proofs which he had ready to show against the young men. + As to Archelaus, he made his defense for himself, that he had promised to + receive the young men, because it was both for their own and their + father's advantage so to do, lest some too severe procedure should be gone + upon in that anger and disorder they were in on occasion of the present + suspicions; but that still he had not promised to send them to Cæsar; and + that he had not promised any thing else to the young men that could show + any ill-will to him. + </p> + <p> + 8. When these ambassadors were come to Rome, they had a fit opportunity of + delivering their letters to Cæsar, because they found him reconciled to + Herod; for the circumstances of Nicolaus's embassage had been as follows: + As soon as he was come to Rome, and was about the court, he did not first + of all set about what he was come for only, but he thought fit also to + accuse Sylleus. Now the Arabians, even before he came to talk with them, + were quarrelling one with another; and some of them left Sylleus's party, + and joining themselves to Nicolaus, informed him of all the wicked things + that had been done; and produced to him evident demonstrations of the + slaughter of a great number of Obodas's friends by Sylleus; for when these + men left Sylleus, they had carried off with them those letters whereby + they could convict him. When Nicolaus saw such an opportunity afforded + him, he made use of it, in order to gain his own point afterward, and + endeavored immediately to make a reconciliation between Cæsar and Herod; + for he was fully satisfied, that if he should desire to make a defense for + Herod directly, he should not be allowed that liberty; but that if he + desired to accuse Sylleus, there would an occasion present itself of + speaking on Herod's behalf. So when the cause was ready for a hearing, and + the day was appointed, Nicolaus, while Aretas's ambassadors were present, + accused Sylleus, and said that he imputed to him the destruction of the + king [Obodas], and of many others of the Arabians; that he had borrowed + money for no good design; and he proved that he had been guilty of + adultery, not only with the Arabian, but Reinan women also. And he added, + that above all the rest he had alienated Cæsar from Herod, and that all + that he had said about the actions of Herod were falsities. When Nicolaus + was come to this topic, Cæsar stopped him from going on, and desired him + only to speak to this affair of Herod, and to show that he had not led an + army into Arabia, nor slain two thousand five hundred men there, nor taken + prisoners, nor pillaged the country. To which Nicolaus made this answer: + "I shall principally demonstrate, that either nothing at all, or but a + very little, of those imputations are true, of which thou hast been + informed; for had they been true, thou mightest justly have been still + more angry at Herod." At this strange assertion Cæsar was very attentive; + and Nicolaus said that there was a debt due to Herod of five hundred + talents, and a bond, wherein it was written, that if the time appointed be + lapsed, it should be lawful to make a seizure out of any part of his + country. "As for the pretended army," he said, "it was no army, but a + party sent out to require the just payment of the money; that this was not + sent immediately, nor so soon as the bond allowed, but that Sylleus had + frequently come before Saturninus and Volumnius, the presidents of Syria; + and that at last he had sworn at Berytus, by thy fortune, <a + href="#link16note-13" name="link16noteref-13" id="link16noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> + that he would certainly pay the money within thirty days, and deliver up + the fugitives that were under his dominion. And that when Sylleus had + performed nothing of this, Herod came again before the presidents; and + upon their permission to make a seizure for his money, he, with + difficulty, went out of his country with a party of soldiers for that + purpose. And this is all the war which these men so tragically describe; + and this is the affair of the expedition into Arabia. And how can this be + called a war, when thy presidents permitted it, the covenants allowed it, + and it was not executed till thy name, O Cæsar, as well as that of the + other gods, had been profaned? And now I must speak in order about the + captives. There were robbers that dwelt in Trachonitis; at first their + number was no more than forty, but they became more afterwards, and they + escaped the punishment Herod would have inflicted on them, by making + Arabia their refuge. Sylleus received them, and supported them with food, + that they might be mischievous to all mankind, and gave them a country to + inhabit, and himself received the gains they made by robbery; yet did he + promise that he would deliver up these men, and that by the same oaths and + same time that he sware and fixed for payment of his debt: nor can he by + any means show that any other persons have at this time been taken out of + Arabia besides these, and indeed not all these neither, but only so many + as could not conceal themselves. And thus does the calumny of the + captives, which hath been so odiously represented, appear to be no better + than a fiction and a lie, made on purpose to provoke thy indignation; for + I venture to affirm that when the forces of the Arabians came upon us, and + one or two of Herod's party fell, he then only defended himself, and there + fell Nacebus their general, and in all about twenty-five others, and no + more; whence Sylleus, by multiplying every single soldier to a hundred, he + reckons the slain to have been two thousand five hundred." + </p> + <p> + 9. This provoked Cæsar more than ever. So he turned to Sylleus full of + rage, and asked him how many of the Arabians were slain. Hereupon he + hesitated, and said he had been imposed upon. The covenants also were read + about the money he had borrowed, and the letters of the presidents of + Syria, and the complaints of the several cities, so many as had been + injured by the robbers. The conclusion was this, that Sylleus was + condemned to die, and that Cæsar was reconciled to Herod, and owned his + repentance for what severe things he had written to him, occasioned by + calumny, insomuch that he told Sylleus, that he had compelled him, by his + lying account of things, to be guilty of ingratitude against a man that + was his friend. At the last all came to this, Sylleus was sent away to + answer Herod's suit, and to repay the debt that he owed, and after that to + be punished [with death]. But still Cæsar was offended with Aretas, that + he had taken upon himself the government, without his consent first + obtained, for he had determined to bestow Arabia upon Herod; but that the + letters he had sent hindered him from so doing; for Olympus and Volumnius, + perceiving that Cæsar was now become favorable to Herod, thought fit + immediately to deliver him the letters they were commanded by Herod to + give him concerning his sons. When Cæsar had read them, he thought it + would not be proper to add another government to him, now he was old, and + in an ill state with relation to his sons, so he admitted Aretas's + ambassadors; and after he had just reproved him for his rashness, in not + tarrying till he received the kingdom from him, he accepted of his + presents, and confirmed him in his government. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link162HCH0011" id="link162HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. How Herod, By Permission From Cæsar Accused His Sons Before + An Assembly Of Judges At Berytus; And What Tero Suffered For Using A + Boundless And Military Liberty Of Speech. Concerning Also The Death Of The + Young Men And Their Burial At + </h3> + <p> + Alexandrium. + </p> + <p> + So Cæsar was now reconciled to Herod, and wrote thus to him: That he was + grieved for him on account of his sons; and that in case they had been + guilty of any profane and insolent crimes against him, it would behoove + him to punish them as parricides, for which he gave him power accordingly; + but if they had only contrived to fly away, he would have him give them an + admonition, and not proceed to extremity with them. He also advised him to + get an assembly together, and to appoint some place near Berytus, <a + href="#link16note-14" name="link16noteref-14" id="link16noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> + which is a city belonging to the Romans, and to take the presidents of + Syria, and Archelaus king of Cappadocia, and as many more as he thought to + be illustrious for their friendship to him, and the dignities they were + in, and determine what should be done by their approbation. These were the + directions that Cæsar gave him. Accordingly Herod, when the letter was + brought to him, was immediately very glad of Cæsar's reconciliation to + him, and very glad also that he had a complete authority given him over + his sons. And it strangely came about, that whereas before, in his + adversity, though he had indeed showed himself severe, yet had he not been + very rash nor hasty in procuring the destruction of his sons; he now, in + his prosperity, took advantage of this change for the better, and the + freedom he now had, to exercise his hatred against them after an unheard + of manner; he therefore sent and called as many as he thought fit to this + assembly, excepting Archelaus; for as for him, he either hated him, so + that he would not invite him, or he thought he would be an obstacle to his + designs. + </p> + <p> + 2. When the presidents, and the rest that belonged to the cities, were + come to Berytus, he kept his sons in a certain village belonging to Sidon, + called Platana, but near to this city, that if they were called, he might + produce them, for he did not think fit to bring them before the assembly: + and when there were one hundred and fifty assessors present, Herod came by + himself alone, and accused his sons, and that in such a way as if it were + not a melancholy accusation, and not made but out of necessity, and upon + the misfortunes he was under; indeed, in such a way as was very indecent + for a father to accuse his sons, for he was very vehement and disordered + when he came to the demonstration of the crime they were accused of, and + gave the greatest signs of passion and barbarity: nor would he suffer the + assessors to consider of the weight of the evidence, but asserted them to + be true by his own authority, after a manner most indecent in a father + against his sons, and read himself what they themselves had written, + wherein there was no confession of any plots or contrivances against him, + but only how they had contrived to fly away, and containing withal certain + reproaches against him, on account of the ill-will he bare them; and when + he came to those reproaches, he cried out most of all, and exaggerated + what they said, as if they had confessed the design against him, and took + his oath that he had rather lose his life than hear such reproachful + words. At last he said that he had sufficient authority, both by nature + and by Cæsar's grant to him, [to do what he thought fit]. He also added + an allegation of a law of their country, which enjoined this: That if + parents laid their hands on the head of him that was accused, the standers + by were obliged to cast stones at him, and thereby to slay him; which + though he were ready to do in his own country and kingdom, yet did he wait + for their determination; and yet they came thither not so much as judges, + to condemn them for such manifest designs against him, whereby he had + almost perished by his sons' means, but as persons that had an opportunity + of showing their detestation of such practices, and declaring how unworthy + a thing it must be in any, even the most remote, to pass over such + treacherous designs [without punishment]. + </p> + <p> + 3. When the king had said this, and the young men had not been produced to + make any defense for themselves, the assessors perceived there was no room + for equity and reconciliation, so they confirmed his authority. And in the + first place, Saturninus, a person that had been consul, and one of great + dignity, pronounced his sentence, but with great moderation and trouble; + and said that he condemned Herod's sons, but did not think they should be + put to death. He had sons of his own, and to put one's son to death is a + greater misfortune than any other that could befall him by their means. + After him Saturninus's sons, for he had three sons that followed him, and + were his legates, pronounced the same sentence with their father. On the + contrary, Volumnius's sentence was to inflict death on such as had been so + impiously undutiful to their father; and the greatest part of the rest + said the same, insomuch that the conclusion seemed to be, that the young + men were condemned to die. Immediately after this Herod came away from + thence, and took his sons to Tyre, where Nicolaus met him in his voyage + from Rome; of whom he inquired, after he had related to him what had + passed at Berytus, what his sentiments were about his sons, and what his + friends at Rome thought of that matter. His answer was, "That what they + had determined to do to thee was impious, and that thou oughtest to keep + them in prison; and if thou thinkest any thing further necessary, thou + mayst indeed so punish them, that thou mayst not appear to indulge thy + anger more than to govern thyself by judgment; but if thou inclinest to + the milder side, thou mayst absolve them, lest perhaps thy misfortunes be + rendered incurable; and this is the opinion of the greatest part of thy + friends at Rome also." Whereupon Herod was silent, and in great + thoughtfulness, and bid Nicolaus sail along with him. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now as they came to Cæsarea, every body was there talking of Herod's + sons, and the kingdom was in suspense, and the people in great expectation + of what would become of them; for a terrible fear seized upon all men, + lest the ancient disorders of the family should come to a sad conclusion, + and they were in great trouble about their sufferings; nor was it without + danger to say any rash thing about this matter, nor even to hear another + saying it, but men's pity was forced to be shut up in themselves, which + rendered the excess of their sorrow very irksome, but very silent yet was + there an old soldier of Herod's, whose name was Tero, who had a son of the + same age with Alexander, and his friend, who was so very free as openly to + speak out what others silently thought about that matter; and was forced + to cry out often among the multitude, and said, in the most unguarded + manner, that truth was perished, and justice taken away from men, while + lies and ill-will prevailed, and brought such a mist before public + affairs, that the offenders were not able to see the greatest mischiefs + that can befall men. And as he was so bold, he seemed not to have kept + himself out of danger, by speaking so freely; but the reasonableness of + what he said moved men to regard him as having behaved himself with great + manhood, and this at a proper time also, for which reason every one heard + what he said with pleasure; and although they first took care of their own + safety by keeping silent themselves, yet did they kindly receive the great + freedom he took; for the expectation they were in of so great an + affliction, put a force upon them to speak of Tero whatsoever they + pleased. + </p> + <p> + 5. This man had thrust himself into the king's presence with the greatest + freedom, and desired to speak with him by himself alone, which the king + permitted him to do, where he said this: "Since I am not able, O king, to + bear up under so great a concern as I am under, I have preferred the use + of this bold liberty that I now take, which may be for thy advantage, if + thou mind to get any profit by it, before my own safety. Whither is thy + understanding gone, and left thy soul empty? Whither is that extraordinary + sagacity of thine gone whereby thou hast performed so many and such + glorious-actions? Whence comes this solitude, and desertion of thy friends + and relations? Of which I cannot but determine that they are neither thy + friends nor relations, while they overlook such horrid wickedness in thy + once happy kingdom. Dost not thou perceive what is doing? Wilt thou slay + these two young men, born of thy queen, who are accomplished with every + virtue in the highest degree, and leave thyself destitute in thy old age, + but exposed to one son, who hath very ill managed the hopes thou hast + given him,' and to relations, whose death thou hast so often resolved on + thyself? Dost not thou take notice, that the very silence of the multitude + at once sees the crime, and abhors the fact? The whole army and the + officers have commiseration on the poor unhappy youths, and hatred to + those that are the actors in this matter." These words the king heard, and + for some time with good temper. But what can one say? When Tero plainly + touched upon the bad behavior and perfidiousness of his domestics, he was + moved at it; but Tero went on further, and by degrees used an unbounded + military freedom of speech, nor was he so well disciplined as to + accommodate himself to the time. So Herod was greatly disturbed, and + seeming to be rather reproached by this speech, than to be hearing what + was for his advantage, while he learned thereby that both the soldiers + abhorred the thing he was about, and the officers had indignation at it, + he gave order that all whom Tero had named, and Tero himself, should be + bound and kept in prison. + </p> + <p> + 6. When this was over, one Trypho, who was the king's barber, took the + opportunity, and came and told the king, that Tero would often have + persuaded him, when he trimmed him with a razor, to cut his throat, for + that by this means he should be among the chief of Alexander's friends, + and receive great rewards from him. When he had said this, the king gave + order that Tero, and his son, and the barber should be tortured, which was + done accordingly; but while Tero bore up himself, his son seeing his + father already in a sad case, and had no hope of deliverance, and + perceiving what would be the consequence of his terrible sufferings, said, + that if the king would free him and his father from these torments for + what he should say, he would tell the truth. And when the king had given + his word to do so, he said that there was an agreement made, that Tero + should lay violent hands on the king, because it was easy for him to come + when he was alone; and that if, when he had done the thing, he should + suffer death for it, as was not unlikely, it would be an act of generosity + done in favor of Alexander. This was what Tero's son said, and thereby + freed his father from the distress he was in; but uncertain it is whether + he had been thus forced to speak what was true, or whether it were a + contrivance of his, in order to procure his own and his father's + deliverance from their miseries. + </p> + <p> + 7. As for Herod, if he had before any doubt about the slaughter of his + sons, there was now no longer any room left in his soul for it; but he had + banished away whatsoever might afford him the least suggestion of + reasoning better about this matter, so he already made haste to bring his + purpose to a conclusion. He also brought out three hundred of the officers + that were under an accusation, as also Tero and his son, and the barber + that accused them before an assembly, and brought an accusation against + them all; whom the multitude stoned with whatsoever came to hand, and + thereby slew them. Alexander also and Aristobulus were brought to Sebaste, + by their father's command, and there strangled; but their dead bodies were + in the night time carried to Alexandrium, where their uncle by the + mother's side, and the greatest part of their ancestors, had been + deposited. + </p> + <p> + 8. <a href="#link16note-15" name="link16noteref-15" id="link16noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> + And now perhaps it may not seem unreasonable to some, that such an + inveterate hatred might increase so much [on both sides], as to proceed + further, and overcome nature; but it may justly deserve consideration, + whether it be to be laid to the charge of the young men, that they gave + such an occasion to their father's anger, and led him to do what he did, + and by going on long in the same way put things past remedy, and brought + him to use them so unmercifully; or whether it be to be laid to the + father's charge, that he was so hard-hearted, and so very tender in the + desire of government, and of other things that would tend to his glory, + that tae would take no one into a partnership with him, that so whatsoever + he would have done himself might continue immovable; or, indeed, whether + fortune have not greater power than all prudent reasonings; whence we are + persuaded that human actions are thereby determined beforehand by an + inevitable necessity, and we call her Fate, because there is nothing which + is not done by her; wherefore I suppose it will be sufficient to compare + this notion with that other, which attribute somewhat to ourselves, and + renders men not unaccountable for the different conducts of their lives, + which notion is no other than the philosophical determination of our + ancient law. Accordingly, of the two other causes of this sad event, any + body may lay the blame on the young men, who acted by youthful vanity, and + pride of their royal birth, that they should bear to hear the calumnies + that were raised against their father, while certainly they were not + equitable judges of the actions of his life, but ill-natured in + suspecting, and intemperate in speaking of it, and on both accounts easily + caught by those that observed them, and revealed them to gain favor; yet + cannot their father be thought worthy excuse, as to that horrid impiety + which he was guilty of about them, while he ventured, without any certain + evidence of their treacherous designs against him, and without any proofs + that they had made preparations for such attempt, to kill his own sons, + who were of very comely bodies, and the great darlings of other men, and + no way deficient in their conduct, whether it were in hunting, or in + warlike exercises, or in speaking upon occasional topics of discourse; for + in all these they were skillful, and especially Alexander, who was the + eldest; for certainly it had been sufficient, even though he had condemned + them, to have kept them alive in bonds, or to let them live at a distance + from his dominions in banishment, while he was surrounded by the Roman + forces, which were a strong security to him, whose help would prevent his + suffering any thing by a sudden onset, or by open force; but for him to + kill them on the sudden, in order to gratify a passion that governed him, + was a demonstration of insufferable impiety. He also was guilty of so + great a crime in his older age; nor will the delays that he made, and the + length of time in which the thing was done, plead at all for his excuse; + for when a man is on a sudden amazed, and in commotion of mind, and then + commits a wicked action, although this be a heavy crime, yet is it a thing + that frequently happens; but to do it upon deliberation, and after + frequent attempts, and as frequent puttings-off, to undertake it at last, + and accomplish it, was the action of a murderous mind, and such as was not + easily moved from that which is evil. And this temper he showed in what he + did afterward, when he did not spare those that seemed to be the best + beloved of his friends that were left, wherein, though the justice of the + punishment caused those that perished to be the less pitied, yet was the + barbarity of the man here equal, in that he did not abstain from their + slaughter also. But of those persons we shall have occasion to discourse + more hereafter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link162H_4_0013" id="link162H_4_0013"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link16note-1" id="link16note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link16noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ We may here observe the + ancient practice of the Jews, of dedicating the sabbath day, not to + idleness, but to the learning their sacred rites and religious customs, + and to the meditation on the law of Moses; the like to which we meet with + elsewhere in Josephus also against Apion, B. I. sect. 22.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-2" id="link16note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link16noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ This interval of ten + years for the duration of Marcus Agrippa's government in Asia seems to be + true, and agreeable to the Roman history. See Usher's Annals at A.M. + 3392.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-3" id="link16note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link16noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ Although Herod met + Augustus at Aquilei, yet was this accusation of his sons deferred till + they came to Rome, as sect. 3 assures us, and as we are particularly + informed in the History of the War, B. I. ch. 23. sect. 3; though what he + here says belonged distinctly to Alexander, the elder brother, I mean his + being brought to Rome, is here justly extended to both the brothers, and + that not only in our copies, but in that of Zonaras also; nor is there + reason to doubt but they were both at this solemn hearing by Augustus, + although the defense was made by Alexander alone, who was the eldest + brother, and one that could speak very well.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-4" id="link16note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link16noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ Since some prejudiced men + have indulged a wild suspicion, as we have supposed already, Antiq. B. XV. + ch. 11. sect. 7, that Josephus's history of Herod's rebuilding the temple + is no better than a fable, it may not be amiss to take notice of this + occasional clause in the speech of Alexander before his father Herod, in + his and his brother's vindication, which mentions the temple as known by + every body to have been built by Herod.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-5" id="link16note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link16noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ See John 2:20. See also + another speech of Herod's own to the young men that pulled down his golden + eagle from the front of the temple, where he takes notice how the building + of the temple cost him a vast sum; and that the Asamoneans, in those one + hundred and twenty-five years they held the government, were not able to + perform so great a work, to the honor of God, as this was, Antiq. B. XVII. + ch. 6. sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-6" id="link16note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link16noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ Dr. Hudson here gives us + the words of Suetonius concerning this Nicopolis, when Augustus rebuilt + it: "And that the memory of the victory at Actium might be celebrated the + more afterward, he built Nicopolis at Actium, and appointed public shows + to be there exhibited every fifth year." In August, sect. 18.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-7" id="link16note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link16noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ Augustus here calls + Julius Cæsar his father, though by birth he was only his uncle, on + account of his adoption by him. See the same Antiq. B. XIV. ch. 14. sect. + 4.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-8" id="link16note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link16noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ This is authentic + evidence that the Jews, in the days of Augustus, began to prepare for the + celebration of the sabbath at the ninth hour on Friday, as the tradition + of the elders did, it seems, then require of them.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-9" id="link16note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link16noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ The remaining part of + this chapter is remarkable, as justly distinguishing natural justice, + religion, and morality, from positive institutions in all countries, and + evidently preferring the former before the latter, as did the true + prophets of God always under the Old Testament, and Christ and his New; + whence Josephus seems to have been at this time nearer Christianity than + were the Scribes and Pharisees of his age; who, as we know from the New + Testament, were entirely of a different opinion and practice.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-10" id="link16note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link16noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ It is here worth our + observation, how careful Josephus was as to the discovery of truth in + Herod's history, since he would not follow Nicolaus of Damascus himself, + so great an historian, where there was great reason to suspect that he + flattered Herod; which impartiality in history Josephus here solemnly pro + fesses, and of which impartiality he has given more demonstrations than + almost any historian whomsoever; but as to Herod's taking great wealth out + of David's sepulcher, though I cannot prove it, yet do I strongly suspect + it from this very history.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-11" id="link16note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link16noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ These joint presidents + of Syria, Saturninus and Volumnius, were not perhaps of equal authority, + but the latter like a procurator under the former, as the very learned + Noris and Pagi, and with them Dr. Hudson, determine.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-12" id="link16note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link16noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ This Aretas was now + become so established a name for the kings of Arabia, [at Petra and + Damascus,] that when the crown came to this Aeneas, he changed his name to + Aretas, as Havercamp here justly observes. See Antiq. B. XIII. ch. 15. + sect, 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-13" id="link16note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link16noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ This oath, by the + fortune of Cæsar, was put to Polycarp, a bishop of Smyrna, by the Roman + governor, to try whether he were a Christian, as they were then esteemed + who refused to swear that oath. Martyr. Polycarp, sect. 9.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-14" id="link16note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link16noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ What Josephus relates + Augustus to have here said, that Berytus was a city belonging to the + Romans, is confirmed by Spanheim's notes here: "It was," says he, "a + colony placed there by Augustus. Whence Ulpian, De Gens. bel. L. T. XV. + The colony of Berytus was rendered famous by the benefits of Cæsar; and + thence it is that, among the coins of Augustus, we meet with some having + this inscription: The happy colony of Augustus at Berytua."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16note-15" id="link16note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link16noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ The reader is here to + note, that this eighth section is entirely wanting in the old Latin + version, as Spanheim truly observes; nor is there any other reason for it, + I suppose, than the great difficulty of an exact translation.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link172H_4_0001" id="link172H_4_0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK XVII. Containing The Interval Of Fourteen Years.—From The + Death Of Alexander And Aristobulus To The Banishment Of Archelaus.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link172HCH0001" id="link172HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. How Antipater Was Hated By All The Nation [Of The Jews] For The + Slaughter Of His Brethren; And How, For That Reason He Got Into Peculiar + Favor With His Friends At Rome, By Giving Them Many Presents; As He Did + Also With Saturninus, The President Of Syria And The Governors Who Were + Under Him; And Concerning Herod's Wives And Children. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Antipater had thus taken off his brethren, and had brought his + father into the highest degree of impiety, till he was haunted with furies + for what he had done, his hopes did not succeed to his mind, as to the + rest of his life; for although he was delivered from the fear of his + brethren being his rivals as to the government, yet did he find it a very + hard thing, and almost impracticable, to come at the kingdom, because the + hatred of the nation against him on that account was become very great; + and besides this very disagreeable circumstance, the affair of the + soldiery grieved him still more, who were alienated from him, from which + yet these kings derived all the safety which they had, whenever they found + the nation desirous of innovation: and all this danger was drawn upon him + by his destruction of his brethren. However, he governed the nation + jointly with his father, being indeed no other than a king already; and he + was for that very reason trusted, and the more firmly depended on, for the + which he ought himself to have been put to death, as appearing to have + betrayed his brethren out of his concern for the preservation of Herod, + and not rather out of his ill-will to them, and, before them, to his + father himself: and this was the accursed state he was in. Now all + Antipater's contrivances tended to make his way to take off Herod, that he + might have nobody to accuse him in the vile practices he was devising: and + that Herod might have no refuge, nor any to afford him their assistance, + since they must thereby have Antipater for their open enemy; insomuch that + the very plots he had laid against his brethren were occasioned by the + hatred he bore his father. But at this time he was more than ever set upon + the execution of his attempts against Herod, because if he were once dead, + the government would now be firmly secured to him; but if he were suffered + to live any longer, he should be in danger, upon a discovery of that + wickedness of which he had been the contriver, and his father would of + necessity then become his enemy. And on this account it was that he became + very bountiful to his father's friends, and bestowed great sums on several + of them, in order to surprise men with his good deeds, and take off their + hatred against him. And he sent great presents to his friends at Rome + particularly, to gain their good-will; and above all to Saturninus, the + president of Syria. He also hoped to gain the favor of Saturninus's + brother with the large presents he bestowed on him; as also he used the + same art to [Salome] the king's sister, who had married one of Herod's + chief friends. And when he counterfeited friendship to those with whom he + conversed, he was very subtle in gaining their belief, and very cunning to + hide his hatred against any that he really did hate. But he could not + impose upon his aunt, who understood him of a long time, and was a woman + not easily to be deluded, especially while she had already used all + possible caution in preventing his pernicious designs. Although + Antipeter's uncle by the mother's side was married to her daughter, and + this by his own connivance and management, while she had before been + married to Aristobulus, and while Salome's other daughter by that husband + was married to the son of Calleas; yet that marriage was no obstacle to + her, who knew how wicked he was, in her discovering his designs, as her + former kindred to him could not prevent her hatred of him. Now Herod had + compelled Salome, while she was in love with Sylleus the Arabian, and had + taken a fondness for him, to marry Alexas; which match was by her + submitted to at the instance of Julia, who persuaded Salome not to refuse + it, lest she should herself be their open enemy, since Herod had sworn + that he would never be friends with Salome, if she would not accept of + Alexas for her husband; so she submitted to Julia as being Cæsar's wife; + and besides that, she advised her to nothing but what was very much for + her own advantage. At this time also it was that Herod sent back king + Archelaus's daughter, who had been Alexander's wife, to her father, + returning the portion he had with her out of his own estate, that there + might be no dispute between them about it. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Herod brought up his sons' children with great care; for Alexander + had two sons by Glaphyra; and Aristobulus had three sons by Bernice, + Salome's daughter, and two daughters; and as his friends were once with + him, he presented the children before them; and deploring the hard fortune + of his own sons, he prayed that no such ill fortune would befall these who + were their children, but that they might improve in virtue, and obtain + what they justly deserved, and might make him amends for his care of their + education. He also caused them to be betrothed against they should come to + the proper age of marriage; the elder of Alexander's sons to Pheroras's + daughter, and Antipater's daughter to Aristobulus's eldest son. He also + allotted one of Aristobulus's daughters to Antipater's son, and + Aristobulus's other daughter to Herod, a son of his own, who was born to + him by the high priest's daughter; for it is the ancient practice among us + to have many wives at the same time. Now the king made these espousals for + the children, out of commiseration of them now they were fatherless, as + endeavoring to render Antipater kind to them by these intermarriages. But + Antipater did not fail to bear the same temper of mind to his brothers' + children which he had borne to his brothers themselves; and his father's + concern about them provoked his indignation against them upon this + supposal, that they would become greater than ever his brothers had been; + while Archelaus, a king, would support his daughter's sons, and Pheroras, + a tetrarch, would accept of one of the daughters as a wife to his son. + What provoked him also was this, that all the multitude would so + commiserate these fatherless children, and so hate him [for making them + fatherless], that all would come out, since they were no strangers to his + vile disposition towards his brethren. He contrived, therefore, to + overturn his father's settlements, as thinking it a terrible thing that + they should be so related to him, and be so powerful withal. So Herod + yielded to him, and changed his resolution at his entreaty; and the + determination now was, that Antipater himself should marry Aristobulus's + daughter, and Antipater's son should marry Pheroras's daughter. So the + espousals for the marriages were changed after this manner, even without + the king's real approbation. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now Herod the king had at this time nine wives; one of them Antipater's + mother, and another the high priest's daughter, by whom he had a son of + his own name. He had also one who was his brother's daughter, and another + his sister's daughter; which two had no children. One of his wives also + was of the Samaritan nation, whose sons were Antipas and Archelaus, and + whose daughter was Olympias; which daughter was afterward married to + Joseph, the king's brother's son; but Archelaus and Antipas were brought + up with a certain private man at Rome. Herod had also to wife Cleopatra of + Jerusalem, and by her he had his sons Herod and Philip; which last was + also brought up at Rome. Pallas also was one of his wives, which bare him + his son Phasaelus. And besides these, he had for his wives Phedra and + Elpis, by whom he had his daughters Roxana and Salome. As for his elder + daughters by the same mother with Alexander and Aristobulus, and whom + Pheroras neglected to marry, he gave the one in marriage to Antipater, the + king's sister's son, and the other to Phasaelus, his brother's son. And + this was the posterity of Herod. <a href="#link17note-1" + name="link17noteref-1" id="link17noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172HCH0002" id="link172HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. Concerning Zamaris, The Babylonian Jew; Concerning The Plots + Laid By Antipater Against His Father; And Somewhat About The Pharisees. + </h3> + <p> + 1. And now it was that Herod, being desirous of securing himself on the + side of the Trachonites, resolved to build a village as large as a city + for the Jews, in the middle of that country, which might make his own + country difficult to be assaulted, and whence he might be at hand to make + sallies upon them, and do them a mischief. Accordingly, when he understood + that there was a man that was a Jew come out of Babylon, with five hundred + horsemen, all of whom could shoot their arrows as they rode on horse-back, + and, with a hundred of his relations, had passed over Euphrates, and now + abode at Antioch by Daphne of Syria, where Saturninus, who was then + president, had given them a place for habitation, called Valatha, he sent + for this man, with the multitude that followed him, and promised to give + him land in the toparchy called Batanea, which country is bounded with + Trachonitis, as desirous to make that his habitation a guard to himself. + He also engaged to let him hold the country free from tribute, and that + they should dwell entirely without paying such customs as used to be paid, + and gave it him tax-free. + </p> + <p> + 2. The Babylonian was reduced by these offers to come hither; so he took + possession of the land, and built in it fortresses and a village, and + named it Bathyra. Whereby this man became a safeguard to the inhabitants + against the Trachonites, and preserved those Jews who came out of Babylon, + to offer their sacrifices at Jerusalem, from being hurt by the Trachonite + robbers; so that a great number came to him from all those parts where the + ancient Jewish laws were observed, and the country became full of people, + by reason of their universal freedom from taxes. This continued during the + life of Herod; but when Philip, who was [tetrarch] after him, took the + government, he made them pay some small taxes, and that for a little while + only; and Agrippa the Great, and his son of the same name, although they + harassed them greatly, yet would they not take their liberty away. From + whom, when the Romans have now taken the government into their own hands, + they still gave them the privilege of their freedom, but oppress them + entirely with the imposition of taxes. Of which matter I shall treat more + accurately in the progress of this history. <a href="#link17note-2" + name="link17noteref-2" id="link17noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 3. At length Zamaris the Babylonian, to whom Herod had given that country + for a possession, died, having lived virtuously, and left children of a + good character behind him; one of whom was Jacim, who was famous for his + valor, and taught his Babylonians how to ride their horses; and a troop of + them were guards to the forementioned kings. And when Jacim was dead in + his old age, he left a son, whose name was Philip, one of great strength + in his hands, and in other respects also more eminent for his valor than + any of his contemporaries; on which account there was a confidence and + firm friendship between him and king Agrippa. He had also an army which he + maintained as great as that of a king, which he exercised and led + wheresoever he had occasion to march. + </p> + <p> + 4. When the affairs of Herod were in the condition I have described, all + the public affairs depended upon Antipater; and his power was such, that + he could do good turns to as many as he pleased, and this by his father's + concession, in hopes of his good-will and fidelity to him; and this till + he ventured to use his power still further, because his wicked designs + were concealed from his father, and he made him believe every thing he + said. He was also formidable to all, not so much on account of the power + and authority he had, as for the shrewdness of his vile attempts + beforehand; but he who principally cultivated a friendship with him was + Pheroras, who received the like marks of his friendship; while Antipater + had cunningly encompassed him about by a company of women, whom he placed + as guards about him; for Pheroras was greatly enslaved to his wife, and to + her mother, and to her sister; and this notwithstanding the hatred he bare + them for the indignities they had offered to his virgin daughters. Yet did + he bear them, and nothing was to be done without the women, who had got + this man into their circle, and continued still to assist each other in + all things, insomuch that Antipater was entirely addicted to them, both by + himself and by his mother; for these four women, <a href="#link17note-3" + name="link17noteref-3" id="link17noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> said all + one and the same thing; but the opinions of Pheroras and Antipater were + different in some points of no consequence. But the king's sister [Salome] + was their antagonist, who for a good while had looked about all their + affairs, and was apprized that this their friendship was made in order to + do Herod some mischief, and was disposed to inform the king of it. And + since these people knew that their friendship was very disagreeable to + Herod, as tending to do him a mischief, they contrived that their meetings + should not be discovered; so they pretended to hate one another, and to + abuse one another when time served, and especially when Herod was present, + or when any one was there that would tell him: but still their intimacy + was firmer than ever, when they were private. And this was the course they + took. But they could not conceal from Salome neither their first + contrivance, when they set about these their intentions, nor when they had + made some progress in them; but she searched out every thing; and, + aggravating the relations to her brother, declared to him, as well their + secret assemblies and compotations, as their counsels taken in a + clandestine manner, which if they were not in order to destroy him, they + might well enough have been open and public. But to appearance they are at + variance, and speak about one another as if they intended one another a + mischief, but agree so well together when they are out of the sight of the + multitude; for when they are alone by themselves, they act in concert, and + profess that they will never leave off their friendship, but will fight + against those from whom they conceal their designs. And thus did she + search out these things, and get a perfect knowledge of them, and then + told her brother of them, who understood also of himself a great deal of + what she said, but still durst not depend upon it, because of the + suspicions he had of his sister's calumnies. For there was a certain sect + of men that were Jews, who valued themselves highly upon the exact skill + they had in the law of their fathers, and made men believe they were + highly favored by God, by whom this set of women were inveigled. These are + those that are called the sect of the Pharisees, who were in a capacity of + greatly opposing kings. A cunning sect they were, and soon elevated to a + pitch of open fighting and doing mischief. Accordingly, when all the + people of the Jews gave assurance of their good-will to Cæsar, and to the + king's government, these very men did not swear, being above six thousand; + and when the king imposed a fine upon them, Pheroras's wife paid their + fine for them. In order to requite which kindness of hers, since they were + believed to have the foreknowledge of things to come by Divine + inspiration, they foretold how God had decreed that Herod's government + should cease, and his posterity should be deprived of it; but that the + kingdom should come to her and Pheroras, and to their children. These + predictions were not concealed from Salome, but were told the king; as + also how they had perverted some persons about the palace itself; so the + king slew such of the Pharisees as were principally accused, and Bagoas + the eunuch, and one Carus, who exceeded all men of that time in + comeliness, and one that was his catamite. He slew also all those of his + own family who had consented to what the Pharisees foretold; and for + Bagoas, he had been puffed up by them, as though he should be named the + father and the benefactor of him who, by the prediction, was foretold to + be their appointed king; for that this king would have all things in his + power, and would enable Bagoas to marry, and to have children of his own + body begotten. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172HCH0003" id="link172HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. Concerning The Enmity Between Herod And Pheroras; How Herod + Sent Antipater To Cæsar; And Of The Death Of Pheroras. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Herod had punished those Pharisees who had been convicted of the + foregoing crimes, he gathered an assembly together of his friends, and + accused Pheroras's wife; and ascribing the abuses of the virgins to the + impudence of that woman, brought an accusation against her for the + dishonor she had brought upon them: that she had studiously introduced a + quarrel between him and his brother, and, by her ill temper, had brought + them into a state of war, both by her words and actions; that the fines + which he had laid had not been paid, and the offenders had escaped + punishment by her means; and that nothing which had of late been done had + been done without her; "for which reason Pheroras would do well, if he + would of his own accord, and by his own command, and not at my entreaty, + or as following my opinion, put this his wife away, as one that will still + be the occasion of war between thee and me. And now, Pheroras, if thou + valuest thy relation to me, put this wife of thine away; for by this means + thou wilt continue to be a brother to me, and wilt abide in thy love to + me." Then said Pheroras, [although he was pressed hard by the former + words,] that as he would not do so unjust a thing as to renounce his + brotherly relation to him, so would he not leave off his affection for his + wife; that he would rather choose to die than to live, and be deprived of + a wife that was so dear unto him. Hereupon Herod put off his anger against + Pheroras on these accounts, although he himself thereby underwent a very + uneasy punishment. However, he forbade Antipater and his mother to have + any conversation with Pheroras, and bid them to take care to avoid the + assemblies of the women; which they promised to do, but still got together + when occasion served, and both Ptieroras and Antipater had their own merry + meetings. The report went also, that Antipater had criminal conversation + with Pheroras's wife, and that they were brought together by Antipater's + mother. + </p> + <p> + 2. But Antipater had now a suspicion of his father, and was afraid that + the effects of his hatred to him might increase; so he wrote to his + friends at Rome, and bid them to send to Herod, that he would immediately + send Antipater to Cæsar; which when it was done, Herod sent Antipater + thither, and sent most noble presents along with him; as also his + testament, wherein Antipater was appointed to be his successor; and that + if Antipater should die first, his son [Herod Philip] by the high priest's + daughter should succeed. And, together with Antipater, there went to Rome + Sylleus the Arabian, although he had done nothing of all that Cæsar had + enjoined him. Antipater also accused him of the same crimes of which he + had been formerly accused by Herod. Sylleus was also accused by Aretas, + that without his consent he had slain many of the chief of the Arabians at + Petra; and particularly Soemus, a man that deserved to be honored by all + men; and that he had slain Fabatus, a servant of Cæsar. These were the + things of which Sylleus was accused, and that on the occasion following: + There was one Corinthus, belonging to Herod, of the guards of the king's + body, and one who was greatly trusted by him. Sylleus had persuaded this + man with the offer of a great sum of money to kill Herod; and he had + promised to do it. When Fabatus had been made acquainted with this, for + Sylleus had himself told him of it, he informed the king of it; who caught + Corinthus, and put him to the torture, and thereby got out of him the + whole conspiracy. He also caught two other Arabians, who were discovered + by Corinthus; the one the head of a tribe, and the other a friend to + Sylleus, who both were by the king brought to the torture, and confessed + that they were come to encourage Corinthus not to fail of doing what he + had undertaken to do; and to assist him with their own hands in the + murder, if need should require their assistance. So Saturninus, upon + Herod's discovering the whole to him, sent them to Rome. + </p> + <p> + 3. At this time Herod commanded Pheroras, that since he was so obstinate + in his affection for his wife, he should retire into his own tetrarchy; + which he did very willingly, and sware many oaths that he would not come + again till he heard that Herod was dead. And indeed when, upon a sickness + of the king, he was desired to come to him before he died, that he might + intrust him with some of his injunctions, he had such a regard to his + oath, that he would not come to him; yet did not Herod so retain his + hatred to Pheroras, but remitted of his purpose [not to see him], which he + before had, and that for such great causes as have been already mentioned: + but as soon as he began to be ill, he came to him, and this without being + sent for; and when he was dead, he took care of his funeral, and had his + body brought to Jerusalem, and buried there, and appointed a solemn + mourning for him. This [death of Pheroras] became the origin of + Antipater's misfortunes, although he were already sailed for Rome, God now + being about to punish him for the murder of his brethren, I will explain + the history of this matter very distinctly, that it may be for a warning + to mankind, that they take care of conducting their whole lives by the + rules of virtue. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172HCH0004" id="link172HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. Pheroras's Wife Is Accused By His Freedmen, As Guilty Of + Poisoning Him; And How Herod, Upon Examining; Of The Matter By Torture + Found The Poison; But So That It Had Been Prepared For Himself By His Son + Antipater; And Upon An Inquiry By Torture He Discovered The Dangerous + Designs Of Antipater. + </h3> + <p> + 1. As soon as Pheroras was dead, and his funeral was over, two of + Pheroras's freed-men, who were much esteemed by him, came to Herod, and + entreated him not to leave the murder of his brother without avenging it, + but to examine into such an unreasonable and unhappy death. When he was + moved with these words, for they seemed to him to be true, they said that + Pheroras supped with his wife the day before he fell sick, and that a + certain potion was brought him in such a sort of food as he was not used + to eat; but that when he had eaten, he died of it: that this potion was + brought out of Arabia by a woman, under pretense indeed as a love-potion, + for that was its name, but in reality to kill Pheroras; for that the + Arabian women are skillful in making such poisons: and the woman to whom + they ascribe this was confessedly a most intimate friend of one of + Sylleus's mistresses; and that both the mother and the sister of + Pheroras's wife had been at the places where she lived, and had persuaded + her to sell them this potion, and had come back and brought it with them + the day before that his supper. Hereupon the king was provoked, and put + the women slaves to the torture, and some that were free with them; and as + the fact did not yet appear, because none of them would confess it, at + length one of them, under the utmost agonies, said no more but this, that + she prayed that God would send the like agonies upon Antipater's mother, + who had been the occasion of these miseries to all of them. This prayer + induced Herod to increase the women's tortures, till thereby all was + discovered; their merry meetings, their secret assemblies, and the + disclosing of what he had said to his son alone unto Pheroras's <a + href="#link17note-4" name="link17noteref-4" id="link17noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> + women. [Now what Herod had charged Antipater to conceal, was the gift of a + hundred talents to him not to have any conversation with Pheroras.] And + what hatred he bore to his father; and that he complained to his mother + how very long his father lived; and that he was himself almost an old man, + insomuch that if the kingdom should come to him, it would not afford him + any great pleasure; and that there were a great many of his brothers, or + brothers' children, bringing up, that might have hopes of the kingdom as + well as himself, all which made his own hopes of it uncertain; for that + even now, if he should himself not live, Herod had ordained that the + government should be conferred, not on his son, but rather on a brother. + He also had accused the king of great barbarity, and of the slaughter of + his sons; and that it was out of the fear he was under, lest he should do + the like to him, that made him contrive this his journey to Rome, and + Pheroras contrive to go to his own tetrarchy. <a href="#link17note-5" + name="link17noteref-5" id="link17noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 2. These confessions agreed with what his sister had told him, and tended + greatly to corroborate her testimony, and to free her from the suspicion + of her unfaithfulness to him. So the king having satisfied himself of the + spite which Doris, Antipater's mother, as well as himself, bore to him, + took away from her all her fine ornaments, which were worth many talents, + and then sent her away, and entered into friendship with Pheroras's women. + But he who most of all irritated the king against his son was one + Antipater, the procurator of Antipater the king's son, who, when he was + tortured, among other things, said that Antipater had prepared a deadly + potion, and given it to Pheroras, with his desire that he would give it to + his father during his absence, and when he was too remote to have the + least suspicion cast upon him thereto relating; that Antiphilus, one of + Antipater's friends, brought that potion out of Egypt; and that it was + sent to Pheroras by Thendion, the brother of the mother of Antipater, the + king's son, and by that means came to Pheroras's wife, her husband having + given it her to keep. And when the king asked her about it, she confessed + it; and as she was running to fetch it, she threw herself down from the + house-top; yet did she not kill herself, because she fell upon her feet; + by which means, when the king had comforted her, and had promised her and + her domestics pardon, upon condition of their concealing nothing of the + truth from him, but had threatened her with the utmost miseries if she + proved ungrateful [and concealed any thing]: so she promised, and swore + that she would speak out every thing, and tell after what manner every + thing was done; and said what many took to be entirely true, that the + potion was brought out of Egypt by Antiphilus; and that his brother, who + was a physician, had procured it; and that "when Thendion brought it us, + she kept it upon Pheroras's committing it to her; and that it was prepared + by Antipater for thee. When, therefore, Pheroras was fallen sick, and thou + camest to him and tookest care of him, and when he saw the kindness thou + hadst for him, his mind was overborne thereby. So he called me to him, and + said to me, 'O woman! Antipater hath circumvented me in this affair of his + father and my brother, by persuading me to have a murderous intention to + him, and procuring a potion to be subservient thereto; do thou, therefore, + go and fetch my potion, [since my brother appears to have still the same + virtuous disposition towards me which he had formerly, and I do not expect + to live long myself, and that I may not defile my forefathers by the + murder of a brother,] and burn it before my face:' that accordingly she + immediately brought it, and did as her husband bade her; and that she + burnt the greatest part of the potion; but that a little of it was left, + that if the king, after Pheroras's death, should treat her ill, she might + poison herself, and thereby get clear of her miseries." Upon her saying + thus, she brought out the potion, and the box in which it was, before them + all. Nay, there was another brother of Antiphilus, and his mother also, + who, by the extremity of pain and torture, confessed the same things, and + owned the box [to be that which had been brought out of Egypt]. The high + priest's daughter also, who was the king's wife, was accused to have been + conscious of all this, and had resolved to conceal it; for which reason + Herod divorced her, and blotted her son out of his testament, wherein he + had been mentioned as one that was to reign after him; and he took the + high priesthood away from his father-in-law, Simeon the son of Boethus, + and appointed Matthias the son of Theophilus, who was born at Jerusalem, + to be high priest in his room. + </p> + <p> + 3. While this was doing, Bathyllus also, Antipater's freed-man, came from + Rome, and, upon the torture, was found to have brought another potion, to + give it into the hands of Antipater's mother, and of Pheroras, that if the + former potion did not operate upon the king, this at least might carry him + off. There came also letters from Herod's friends at Rome, by the + approbation and at the suggestion of Antipater, to accuse Archelaus and + Philip, as if they calumniated their father on account of the slaughter of + Alexander and Aristobulus, and as if they commiserated their deaths, and + as if, because they were sent for home, [for their father had already + recalled them,] they concluded they were themselves also to be destroyed. + These letters had been procured by great rewards by Antipater's friends; + but Antipater himself wrote to his father about them, and laid the + heaviest things to their charge; yet did he entirely excuse them of any + guilt, and said they were but young men, and so imputed their words to + their youth. But he said that he had himself been very busy in the affair + relating to Sylleus, and in getting interest among the great men; and on + that account had bought splendid ornaments to present them withal, which + cost him two hundred talents. Now one may wonder how it came about, that + while so many accusations were laid against him in Judea during seven + months before this time, he was not made acquainted with any of them. The + causes of which were, that the roads were exactly guarded, and that men + hated Antipater; for there was nobody who would run any hazard himself to + gain him any advantages. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172HCH0005" id="link172HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. Antipater's Navigation From Rome To His Father; And How He Was + Accused By Nicolaus Of Damascus And Condemned To Die By His Father, And By + Quintilius Varus, Who Was Then President Of Syria; And How He Was Then + Bound Till Cæsar Should Be Informed Of His Cause. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Herod, upon Antipater's writing to him, that having done all that + he was to do, and this in the manner he was to do it, he would suddenly + come to him, concealed his anger against him, and wrote back to him, and + bid him not delay his journey, lest any harm should befall himself in his + absence. At the same time also he made some little complaint about his + mother, but promised that he would lay those complaints aside when he + should return. He withal expressed his entire affection for him, as + fearing lest he should have some suspicion of him, and defer his journey + to him; and lest, while he lived at Rome, he should lay plots for the + kingdom, and, moreover, do somewhat against himself. This letter Antipater + met with in Cilicia; but had received an account of Pheroras's death + before at Tarentum. This last news affected him deeply; not out of any + affection for Pheroras, but because he was dead without having murdered + his father, which he had promised him to do. And when he was at Celenderis + in Cilicia, he began to deliberate with himself about his sailing home, as + being much grieved with the ejection of his mother. Now some of his + friends advised him that he should tarry a while some where, in + expectation of further information. But others advised him to sail home + without delay; for that if he were once come thither, he would soon put an + end to all accusations, and that nothing afforded any weight to his + accusers at present but his absence. He was persuaded by these last, and + sailed on, and landed at the haven called Sebastus, which Herod had built + at vast expenses in honor of Cæsar, and called Sebastus. And now was + Antipater evidently in a miserable condition, while nobody came to him nor + saluted him, as they did at his going away, with good wishes of joyful + acclamations; nor was there now any thing to hinder them from entertaining + him, on the contrary, with bitter curses, while they supposed he was come + to receive his punishment for the murder of his brethren. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Quintilius Varus was at this time at Jerusalem, being sent to + succeed Saturninus as president of Syria, and was come as an assessor to + Herod, who had desired his advice in his present affairs; and as they were + sitting together, Antipater came upon them, without knowing any thing of + the matter; so he came into the palace clothed in purple. The porters + indeed received him in, but excluded his friends. And now he was in great + disorder, and presently understood the condition he was in, while, upon + his going to salute his father, he was repulsed by him, who called him a + murderer of his brethren, and a plotter of destruction against himself, + and told him that Varus should be his auditor and his judge the very next + day; so he found that what misfortunes he now heard of were already upon + him, with the greatness of which he went away in confusion; upon which his + mother and his wife met him, [which wife was the daughter of Antigonus, + who was king of the Jews before Herod,] from whom he learned all + circumstances which concerned him, and then prepared himself for his + trial. + </p> + <p> + 3. On the next day Varus and the king sat together in judgment, and both + their friends were also called in, as also the king's relations, with his + sister Salome, and as many as could discover any thing, and such as had + been tortured; and besides these, some slaves of Antipater's mother, who + were taken up a little before Antipater's coming, and brought with them a + written letter, the sum of which was this: That he should not come back, + because all was come to his father's knowledge; and that Cæsar was the + only refuge he had left to prevent both his and her delivery into his + father's hands. Then did Antipater fall down at his father's feet, and + besought him not to prejudge his cause, but that he might be first heard + by his father, and that his father would keep himself unprejudiced. So + Herod ordered him to be brought into the midst, and then lamented himself + about his children, from whom he had suffered such great misfortunes; and + because Antipater fell upon him in his old age. He also reckoned up what + maintenance and what education he had given them; and what seasonable + supplies of wealth he had afforded them, according to their own desires; + none of which favors had hindered them from contriving against him, and + from bringing his very life into danger, in order to gain his kingdom, + after an impious manner, by taking away his life before the course of + nature, their father's wishes, or justice required that that kingdom + should come to them; and that he wondered what hopes could elevate + Antipater to such a pass as to be hardy enough to attempt such things; + that he had by his testament in writing declared him his successor in the + government; and while he was alive, he was in no respect inferior to him, + either in his illustrious dignity, or in power and authority, he having no + less than fifty talents for his yearly income, and had received for his + journey to Rome no fewer than thirty talents. He also objected to him the + case of his brethren whom he had accused; and if they were guilty, he had + imitated their example; and if not, he had brought him groundless + accusations against his near relations; for that he had been acquainted + with all those things by him, and by nobody else, and had done what was + done by his approbation, and whom he now absolved from all that was + criminal, by becoming the inheritor of the guilt of such their parricide. + </p> + <p> + 4. When Herod had thus spoken, he fell a weeping, and was not able to say + any more; but at his desire Nicolaus of Damascus, being the king's friend, + and always conversant with him, and acquainted with whatsoever he did, and + with the circumstances of his affairs, proceeded to what remained, and + explained all that concerned the demonstrations and evidences of the + facts. Upon which Antipater, in order to make his legal defense, turned + himself to his father, and enlarged upon the many indications he had given + of his good-will to him; and instanced in the honors that had been done + him, which yet had not been done, had he not deserved them by his virtuous + concern about him; for that he had made provision for every thing that was + fit to be foreseen beforehand, as to giving him his wisest advice; and + whenever there was occasion for the labor of his own hands, he had not + grudged any such pains for him. And that it was almost impossible that he, + who had delivered his father from so many treacherous contrivances laid + against him, should be himself in a plot against him, and so lose all the + reputation he had gained for his virtue, by his wickedness which succeeded + it; and this while he had nothing to prohibit him, who was already + appointed his successor, to enjoy the royal honor with his father also at + present; and that there was no likelihood that a person who had the one + half of that authority without any danger, and with a good character, + should hunt after the whole with infamy and danger, and this when it was + doubtful whether he could obtain it or not; and when he saw the sad + example of his brethren before him, and was both the informer and the + accuser against them, at a time when they might not otherwise have been + discovered; nay, was the author of the punishment inflicted upon them, + when it appeared evidently that they were guilty of a wicked attempt + against their father; and that even the contentions there were in the + king's family were indications that he had ever managed affairs out of the + sincerest affection to his father. And as to what he had done at Rome, + Cæsar was a witness thereto, who yet was no more to be imposed upon than + God himself; of whose opinions his letters sent hither are sufficient + evidence; and that it was not reasonable to prefer the calumnies of such + as proposed to raise disturbances before those letters; the greatest part + of which calumnies had been raised during his absence, which gave scope to + his enemies to forge them, which they had not been able to do if he had + been there. Moreover he showed the weakness of the evidence obtained by + torture, which was commonly false, because the distress men are in under + such tortures naturally obliges them to say many things in order to please + those that govern them. He also offered himself to the torture. + </p> + <p> + 5. Hereupon there was a change observed in the assembly, while they + greatly pitied Antipater, who by weeping and putting on a countenance + suitable to his sad case made them commiserate the same, insomuch that his + very enemies were moved to compassion; and it appeared plainly that Herod + himself was affected in his own mind, although he was not willing it + should be taken notice of. Then did Nicolaus begin to prosecute what the + king had begun, and that with great bitterness; and summed up all the + evidence which arose from the tortures, or from the testimonies. He + principally and largely cried up the king's virtues, which he had + exhibited in the maintenance and education of his sons; while he never + could gain any advantage thereby, but still fell from one misfortune to + another. Although he owned that he was not so much surprised with that + thoughtless behavior of his former sons, who were but young, and were + besides corrupted by wicked counselors, who were the occasion of their + wiping out of their minds the righteous dictates of nature, and this out + of a desire of coming to the government sooner than they ought to do; yet + that he could not but justly stand amazed at the horrid wickedness of + Antipater, who, although he had not only had great benefits bestowed on + him by his father, enough to tame his reason, yet could not be more tamed + than the most envenomed serpents; whereas even those creatures admit of + some mitigation, and will not bite their benefactors, while Antipater hath + not let the misfortunes of his brethren be any hinderance to him, but he + hath gone on to imitate their barbarity notwithstanding. "Yet wast thou, O + Antipater! [as thou hast thyself confessed,] the informer as to what + wicked actions they had done, and the searcher out of the evidence against + them, and the author of the punishment they underwent upon their + detection. Nor do we say this as accusing thee for being so zealous in thy + anger against them, but are astonished at thy endeavors to imitate their + profligate behavior; and we discover thereby that thou didst not act thus + for the safety of thy father, but for the destruction of thy brethren, + that by such outside hatred of their impiety thou mightest be believed a + lover of thy father, and mightest thereby get thee power enough to do + mischief with the greatest impunity; which design thy actions indeed + demonstrate. It is true, thou tookest thy brethren off, because thou didst + convict theft of their wicked designs; but thou didst not yield up to + justice those who were their partners; and thereby didst make it evident + to all men that thou madest a covenant with them against thy father, when + thou chosest to be the accuser of thy brethren, as desirous to gain to + thyself alone this advantage of laying plots to kill thy father, and so to + enjoy double pleasure, which is truly worthy of thy evil disposition, + which thou has openly showed against thy brethren; on which account thou + didst rejoice, as having done a most famous exploit, nor was that behavior + unworthy of thee. But if thy intention were otherwise, thou art worse than + they: while thou didst contrive to hide thy treachery against thy father, + thou didst hate them, not as plotters against thy father, for in that case + thou hadst not thyself fallen upon the like crime, but as successors of + his dominions, and more worthy of that succession than thyself. Thou + wouldst kill thy father after thy brethren, lest thy lies raised against + them might be detected; and lest thou shouldst suffer what punishment thou + hadst deserved, thou hadst a mind to exact that punishment of thy unhappy + father, and didst devise such a sort of uncommon parricide as the world + never yet saw. For thou who art his son didst not only lay a treacherous + design against thy father, and didst it while he loved thee, and had been + thy benefactor, had made thee in reality his partner in the kingdom, and + had openly declared thee his successor, while thou wast not forbidden to + taste the sweetness of authority already, and hadst the firm hope of what + was future by thy father's determination, and the security of a written + testament; but, for certain, thou didst not measure these things according + to thy father's various disposition, but according to thy own thoughts and + inclinations; and was desirous to take the part that remained away from + thy too indulgent father, and soughtest to destroy him with thy deeds, + whom thou in words pretendedst to preserve. Nor wast thou content to be + wicked thyself, but thou filledst thy mother's head with thy devices, and + raised disturbances among thy brethren, and hadst the boldness to call thy + father a wild beast; while thou hadst thyself a mind more cruel than any + serpent, whence thou sentest out that poison among thy nearest kindred and + greatest benefactors, and invitedst them to assist thee and guard thee, + and didst hedge thyself in on all sides, by the artifices of both men and + women, against an old man, as though that mind of thine was not sufficient + of itself to support so great a hatred as thou baredst to him. And here + thou appearest, after the tortures of free-men, of domestics, of men and + women, which have been examined on thy account, and after the informations + of thy fellow conspirators, as making haste to contradict the truth; and + hast thought on ways not only how to take thy father out of the world, but + to disannul that written law which is against thee, and the virtue of + Varus, and the nature of justice; nay, such is that impudence of thine on + which thou confidest, that thou desirest to be put to the torture thyself, + while thou allegest that the tortures of those already examined thereby + have made them tell lies; that those that have been the deliverers of thy + father may not be allowed to have spoken the truth; but that thy tortures + may be esteemed the discoverers of truth. Wilt not thou, O Varus! deliver + the king from the injuries of his kindred? Wilt not thou destroy this + wicked wild beast, which hath pretended kindness to his father, in order + to destroy his brethren; while yet he is himself alone ready to carry off + the kingdom immediately, and appears to be the most bloody butcher to him + of them all? for thou art sensible that parricide is a general injury both + to nature and to common life, and that the intention of parricide is not + inferior to its perpetration; and he who does not punish it is injurious + to nature itself." + </p> + <p> + 6. Nicolaus added further what belonged to Antipater's mother, and + whatsoever she had prattled like a woman; as also about the predictions + and the sacrifices relating to the king; and whatsoever Antipater had done + lasciviously in his cups and his amours among Pheroras's women; the + examination upon torture; and whatsoever concerned the testimonies of the + witnesses, which were many, and of various kinds; some prepared + beforehand, and others were sudden answers, which further declared and + confirmed the foregoing evidence. For those men who were not acquainted + with Antipater's practices, but had concealed them out of fear, when they + saw that he was exposed to the accusations of the former witnesses, and + that his great good fortune, which had supported him hitherto, had now + evidently betrayed him into the hands of his enemies, who were now + insatiable in their hatred to him, told all they knew of him. And his ruin + was now hastened, not so much by the enmity of those that were his + accusers, as by his gross, and impudent, and wicked contrivances, and by + his ill-will to his father and his brethren; while he had filled their + house with disturbance, and caused them to murder one another; and was + neither fair in his hatred, nor kind in his friendship, but just so far as + served his own turn. Now there were a great number who for a long time + beforehand had seen all this, and especially such as were naturally + disposed to judge of matters by the rules of virtue, because they were + used to determine about affairs without passion, but had been restrained + from making any open complaints before; these, upon the leave now given + them, produced all that they knew before the public. The demonstrations + also of these wicked facts could no way be disproved, because the many + witnesses there were did neither speak out of favor to Herod, nor were + they obliged to keep what they had to say silent, out of suspicion of any + danger they were in; but they spake what they knew, because they thought + such actions very wicked, and that Antipater deserved the greatest + punishment; and indeed not so much for Herod's safety, as on account of + the man's own wickedness. Many things were also said, and those by a great + number of persons, who were no way obliged to say them, insomuch that + Antipater, who used generally to be very shrewd in his lies and impudence, + was not able to say one word to the contrary. When Nicolaus had left off + speaking, and had produced the evidence, Varus bid Antipater to betake + himself to the making his defense, if he had prepared any thing whereby it + might appear that he was not guilty of the crimes he was accused of; for + that, as he was himself desirous, so did he know that his father was in + like manner desirous also, to have him found entirely innocent. But + Antipater fell down on his face, and appealed to God and to all men for + testimonials of his innocency, desiring that God would declare, by some + evident signals, that he had not laid any plot against his father. This + being the usual method of all men destitute of virtue, that when they set + about any wicked undertakings, they fall to work according to their own + inclinations, as if they believed that God was unconcerned in human + affairs; but when once they are found out, and are in danger of undergoing + the punishment due to their crimes, they endeavor to overthrow all the + evidence against them by appealing to God; which was the very thing which + Antipater now did; for whereas he had done everything as if there were no + God in the world, when he was on all sides distressed by justice, and when + he had no other advantage to expect from any legal proofs, by which he + might disprove the accusations laid against him, he impudently abused the + majesty of God, and ascribed it to his power that he had been preserved + hitherto; and produced before them all what difficulties he had ever + undergone in his bold acting for his father's preservation. + </p> + <p> + 7. So when Varus, upon asking Antipater what he had to say for himself, + found that he had nothing to say besides his appeal to God, and saw that + there was no end of that, he bid them bring the potion before the court, + that he might see what virtue still remained in it; and when it was + brought, and one that was condemned to die had drank it by Varus's + command, he died presently. Then Varus got up, and departed out of the + court, and went away the day following to Antioch, where his usual + residence was, because that was the palace of the Syrians; upon which + Herod laid his son in bonds. But what were Varus's discourses to Herod was + not known to the generality, and upon what words it was that he went away; + though it was also generally supposed that whatsoever Herod did afterward + about his son was done with his approbation. But when Herod had bound his + son, he sent letters to Rome to Cæsar about him, and such messengers + withal as should, by word of mouth, inform Cæsar of Antipater's + wickedness. Now at this very time there was seized a letter of Antiphilus, + written to Antipater out of Egypt [for he lived there]; and when it was + opened by the king, it was found to contain what follows: "I have sent + thee Acme's letter, and hazarded my own life; for thou knowest that I am + in danger from two families, if I be discovered. I wish thee good success + in thy affair." These were the contents of this letter; but the king made + inquiry about the other letter also, for it did not appear; and + Antiphilus's slave, who brought that letter which had been read, denied + that he had received the other. But while the king was in doubt about it, + one of Herod's friends seeing a seam upon the inner coat of the slave, and + a doubling of the cloth, [for he had two coats on,] he guessed that the + letter might be within that doubling; which accordingly proved to be true. + So they took out the letter, and its contents were these: "Acme to + Antipater. I have written such a letter to thy father as thou desiredst + me. I have also taken a copy and sent it, as if it came from Salome, to my + lady [Livia]; which, when thou readest, I know that Herod Will punish + Salome, as plotting against him?' Now this pretended letter of Salome to + her lady was composed by Antipater, in the name of Salome, as to its + meaning, but in the words of Acme. The letter was this: 'Acme to king + Herod. I have done my endeavor that nothing that is done against thee + should be concealed from thee. So, upon my finding a letter of Salome + written to my lady against thee, I have written out a copy, and sent it to + thee; with hazard to myself, but for thy advantage.' The reason why she + wrote it was this, that she had a mind to be married to Sylleus. Do thou + therefore tear this letter in pieces, that I may not come into danger of + my life." Now Acme had written to Antipater himself, and informed him, + that, in compliance with his command, she had both herself written to + Herod, as if Salome had laid a sudden plot entirely against him, and had + herself sent a copy of an epistle, as coming from Salome to her lady. Now + Acme was a Jew by birth, and a servant to Julia, Cæsar's wife; and did + this out of her friendship for Antipater, as having been corrupted by him + with a large present of money, to assist in his pernicious designs against + his father and his aunt. + </p> + <p> + 8. Hereupon Herod was so amazed at the prodigious wickedness of Antipater, + that he was ready to have ordered him to be slain immediately, as a + turbulent person in the most important concerns, and as one that had laid + a plot not only against himself, but against his sister also, and even + corrupted Cæsar's own domestics. Salome also provoked him to it, beating + her breast, and bidding him kill her, if he could produce any credible + testimony that she had acted in that manner. Herod also sent for his son, + and asked him about this matter, and bid him contradict if he could, and + not suppress any thing he had to say for himself; and when he had not one + word to say, he asked him, since he was every way caught in his villainy, + that he would make no further delay, but discover his associates in these + his wicked designs. So he laid all upon Antiphilus, but discovered nobody + else. Hereupon Herod was in such great grief, that he was ready to send + his son to Rome to Cæsar, there to give an account of these his wicked + contrivances. But he soon became afraid, lest he might there, by the + assistance of his friends, escape the danger he was in; so he kept him + bound as before, and sent more ambassadors and letters [to Rome] to accuse + his son, and an account of what assistance Acme had given him in his + wicked designs, with copies of the epistles before mentioned. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172HCH0006" id="link172HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. Concerning The Disease That Herod Fell Into And The Sedition + Which The Jews Raised Thereupon; With The Punishment Of The Seditious. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Herod's ambassadors made haste to Rome; but sent, as instructed + beforehand, what answers they were to make to the questions put to them. + They also carried the epistles with them. But Herod now fell into a + distemper, and made his will, and bequeathed his kingdom to [Antipas], his + youngest son; and this out of that hatred to Archelaus and Philip, which + the calumnies of Antipater had raised against them. He also bequeathed a + thousand talents to Cæsar, and five hundred to Julia, Cæsar's wife, to + Cæsar's children, and friends and freed-men. He also distributed among + his sons and their sons his money, his revenues, and his lands. He also + made Salome his sister very rich, because she had continued faithful to + him in all his circumstances, and was never so rash as to do him any harm; + and as he despaired of recovering, for he was about the seventieth year of + his age, he grew fierce, and indulged the bitterest anger upon all + occasions; the cause whereof was this, that he thought himself despised, + and that the nation was pleased with his misfortunes; besides which, he + resented a sedition which some of the lower sort of men excited against + him, the occasion of which was as follows. + </p> + <p> + 2. There was one Judas, the son of Saripheus, and Matthias, the son of + Margalothus, two of the most eloquent men among the Jews, and the most + celebrated interpreters of the Jewish laws, and men well beloved by the + people, because of their education of their youth; for all those that were + studious of virtue frequented their lectures every day. These men, when + they found that the king's distemper was incurable, excited the young men + that they would pull down all those works which the king had erected + contrary to the law of their fathers, and thereby obtain the rewards which + the law will confer on them for such actions of piety; for that it was + truly on account of Herod's rashness in making such things as the law had + forbidden, that his other misfortunes, and this distemper also, which was + so unusual among mankind, and with which he was now afflicted, came upon + him; for Herod had caused such things to be made which were contrary to + the law, of which he was accused by Judas and Matthias; for the king had + erected over the great gate of the temple a large golden eagle, of great + value, and had dedicated it to the temple. Now the law forbids those that + propose to live according to it, to erect images <a href="#link17note-6" + name="link17noteref-6" id="link17noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> or + representations of any living creature. So these wise men persuaded [their + scholars] to pull down the golden eagle; alleging, that although they + should incur any danger, which might bring them to their deaths, the + virtue of the action now proposed to them would appear much more + advantageous to them than the pleasures of life; since they would die for + the preservation and observation of the law of their fathers; since they + would also acquire an everlasting fame and commendation; since they would + be both commended by the present generation, and leave an example of life + that would never be forgotten to posterity; since that common calamity of + dying cannot be avoided by our living so as to escape any such dangers; + that therefore it is a right thing for those who are in love with a + virtuous conduct, to wait for that fatal hour by such behavior as may + carry them out of the world with praise and honor; and that this will + alleviate death to a great degree, thus to come at it by the performance + of brave actions, which bring us into danger of it; and at the same time + to leave that reputation behind them to their children, and to all their + relations, whether they be men or women, which will be of great advantage + to them afterward. + </p> + <p> + 3. And with such discourses as this did these men excite the young men to + this action; and a report being come to them that the king was dead, this + was an addition to the wise men's persuasions; so, in the very middle of + the day, they got upon the place, they pulled down the eagle, and cut it + into pieces with axes, while a great number of the people were in the + temple. And now the king's captain, upon hearing what the undertaking was, + and supposing it was a thing of a higher nature than it proved to be, came + up thither, having a great band of soldiers with him, such as was + sufficient to put a stop to the multitude of those who pulled down what + was dedicated to God; so he fell upon them unexpectedly, and as they were + upon this bold attempt, in a foolish presumption rather than a cautious + circumspection, as is usual with the multitude, and while they were in + disorder, and incautious of what was for their advantage; so he caught no + fewer than forty of the young men, who had the courage to stay behind when + the rest ran away, together with the authors of this bold attempt, Judas + and Matthias, who thought it an ignominious thing to retire upon his + approach, and led them to the king. And when they were come to the king, + and he asked them if they had been so bold as to pull down what he had + dedicated to God, "Yes, [said they,] what was contrived we contrived, and + what hath been performed we performed it, and that with such a virtuous + courage as becomes men; for we have given our assistance to those things + which were dedicated to the majesty of God, and we have provided for what + we have learned by hearing the law; and it ought not to be wondered at, if + we esteem those laws which Moses had suggested to him, and were taught him + by God, and which he wrote and left behind him, more worthy of observation + than thy commands. Accordingly we will undergo death, and all sorts of + punishments which thou canst inflict upon us, with pleasure, since we are + conscious to ourselves that we shall die, not for any unrighteous actions, + but for our love to religion." And thus they all said, and their courage + was still equal to their profession, and equal to that with which they + readily set about this undertaking. And when the king had ordered them to + be bound, he sent them to Jericho, and called together the principal men + among the Jews; and when they were come, he made them assemble in the + theater, and because he could not himself stand, he lay upon a couch, and + enumerated the many labors that he had long endured on their account, and + his building of the temple, and what a vast charge that was to him; while + the Asamoneans, during the hundred and twenty-five years of their + government, had not been able to perform any so great a work for the honor + of God as that was; that he had also adorned it with very valuable + donations, on which account he hoped that he had left himself a memorial, + and procured himself a reputation after his death. He then cried out, that + these men had not abstained from affronting him, even in his lifetime, but + that in the very day time, and in the sight of the multitude, they had + abused him to that degree, as to fall upon what he had dedicated, and in + that way of abuse had pulled it down to the ground. They pretended, + indeed, that they did it to affront him; but if any one consider the thing + truly, they will find that they were guilty of sacrilege against God + therein. + </p> + <p> + 4. But the people, on account of Herod's barbarous temper, and for fear he + should be so cruel and to inflict punishment on them, said what was done + was done without their approbation, and that it seemed to them that the + actors might well be punished for what they had done. But as for Herod, he + dealt more mildly with others [of the assembly] but he deprived Matthias + of the high priesthood, as in part an occasion of this action, and made + Joazar, who was Matthias's wife's brother, high priest in his stead. Now + it happened, that during the time of the high priesthood of this Matthias, + there was another person made high priest for a single day, that very day + which the Jews observed as a fast. The occasion was this: This Matthias + the high priest, on the night before that day when the fast was to be + celebrated, seemed, in a dream, <a href="#link17note-7" + name="link17noteref-7" id="link17noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> to have + conversation with his wife; and because he could not officiate himself on + that account, Joseph, the son of Ellemus, his kinsman, assisted him in + that sacred office. But Herod deprived this Matthias of the high + priesthood, and burnt the other Matthias, who had raised the sedition, + with his companions, alive. And that very night there was an eclipse of + the moon. <a href="#link17note-8" name="link17noteref-8" + id="link17noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 5. But now Herod's distemper greatly increased upon him after a severe + manner, and this by God's judgment upon him for his sins; for a fire + glowed in him slowly, which did not so much appear to the touch outwardly, + as it augmented his pains inwardly; for it brought upon him a vehement + appetite to eating, which he could not avoid to supply with one sort of + food or other. His entrails were also ex-ulcerated, and the chief violence + of his pain lay on his colon; an aqueous and transparent liquor also had + settled itself about his feet, and a like matter afflicted him at the + bottom of his belly. Nay, further, his privy-member was putrefied, and + produced worms; and when he sat upright, he had a difficulty of breathing, + which was very loathsome, on account of the stench of his breath, and the + quickness of its returns; he had also convulsions in all parts of his + body, which increased his strength to an insufferable degree. It was said + by those who pretended to divine, and who were endued with wisdom to + foretell such things, that God inflicted this punishment on the king on + account of his great impiety; yet was he still in hopes of recovering, + though his afflictions seemed greater than any one could bear. He also + sent for physicians, and did not refuse to follow what they prescribed for + his assistance, and went beyond the river Jordan, and bathed himself in + the warm baths that were at Callirrhoe, which, besides their other general + virtues, were also fit to drink; which water runs into the lake called + Asphaltiris. And when the physicians once thought fit to have him bathed + in a vessel full of oil, it was supposed that he was just dying; but upon + the lamentable cries of his domestics, he revived; and having no longer + the least hopes of recovering, he gave order that every soldier should be + paid fifty drachmae; and he also gave a great deal to their commanders, + and to his friends, and came again to Jericho, where he grew so choleric, + that it brought him to do all things like a madman; and though he were + near his death, he contrived the following wicked designs. He commanded + that all the principal men of the entire Jewish nation, wheresoever they + lived, should be called to him. Accordingly, they were a great number that + came, because the whole nation was called, and all men heard of this call, + and death was the penalty of such as should despise the epistles that were + sent to call them. And now the king was in a wild rage against them all, + the innocent as well as those that had afforded ground for accusations; + and when they were come, he ordered them to be all shut up in the + hyppodrome, <a href="#link17note-9" name="link17noteref-9" + id="link17noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> and sent for his sister Salome, + and her husband Alexas, and spake thus to them: "I shall die in a little + time, so great are my pains; which death ought to be cheerfully borne, and + to be welcomed by all men; but what principally troubles me is this, that + I shall die without being lamented, and without such mourning as men + usually expect at a king's death." For that he was not unacquainted with + the temper of the Jews, that his death would be a thing very desirable, + and exceedingly acceptable to them, because during his lifetime they were + ready to revolt from him, and to abuse the donations he had dedicated to + God that it therefore was their business to resolve to afford him some + alleviation of his great sorrows on this occasion; for that if they do not + refuse him their consent in what he desires, he shall have a great + mourning at his funeral, and such as never had any king before him; for + then the whole nation would mourn from their very soul, which otherwise + would be done in sport and mockery only. He desired therefore, that as + soon as they see he hath given up the ghost, they shall place soldiers + round the hippodrome, while they do not know that he is dead; and that + they shall not declare his death to the multitude till this is done, but + that they shall give orders to have those that are in custody shot with + their darts; and that this slaughter of them all will cause that he shall + not miss to rejoice on a double account; that as he is dying, they will + make him secure that his will shall be executed in what he charges them to + do; and that he shall have the honor of a memorable mourning at his + funeral. So he deplored his condition, with tears in his eyes, and + obtested them by the kindness due from them, as of his kindred, and by the + faith they owed to God, and begged of them that they would not hinder him + of this honorable mourning at his funeral. So they promised him not to + transgress his commands. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now any one may easily discover the temper of this man's mind, which + not only took pleasure in doing what he had done formerly against his + relations, out of the love of life, but by those commands of his which + savored of no humanity; since he took care, when he was departing out of + this life, that the whole nation should be put into mourning, and indeed + made desolate of their dearest kindred, when he gave order that one out of + every family should be slain, although they had done nothing that was + unjust, or that was against him, nor were they accused of any other + crimes; while it is usual for those who have any regard to virtue to lay + aside their hatred at such a time, even with respect to those they justly + esteemed their enemies. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172HCH0007" id="link172HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. Herod Has Thoughts Of Killing Himself With His Own Hand; And A + Little Afterwards He Orders Antipater To Be Slain. + </h3> + <p> + 1. As he was giving these commands to his relations, there came letters + from his ambassadors, who had been sent to Rome unto Cæsar, which, when + they were read, their purport was this: That Acme was slain by Cæsar, out + of his indignation at what hand, she had in Antipater's wicked practices; + and that as to Antipater himself, Cæsar left it to Herod to act as became + a father and a king, and either to banish him, or to take away his life, + which he pleased. When Herod heard this, he was some- what better, out of + the pleasure he had from the contents of the letters, and was elevated at + the death of Acme, and at the power that was given him over his son; but + as his pains were become very great, he was now ready to faint for want of + somewhat to eat; so he called for an apple and a knife; for it was his + custom formerly to pare the apple himself, and soon afterwards to cut it, + and eat it. When he had got the knife, he looked about, and had a mind to + stab himself with it; and he had done it, had not his first cousin, + Achiabus, prevented him, and held his hand, and cried out loudly. + Whereupon a woeful lamentation echoed through the palace, and a great + tumult was made, as if the king were dead. Upon which Antipater, who + verily believed his father was deceased, grew bold in his discourse, as + hoping to be immediately and entirely released from his bonds, and to take + the kingdom into his hands without any more ado; so he discoursed with the + jailer about letting him go, and in that case promised him great things, + both now and hereafter, as if that were the only thing now in question. + But the jailer did not only refuse to do what Antipater would have him, + but informed the king of his intentions, and how many solicitations he had + had from him [of that nature]. Hereupon Herod, who had formerly no + affection nor good-will towards his son to restrain him, when he heard + what the jailer said, he cried out, and beat his head, although he was at + death's door, and raised himself upon his elbow, and sent for some of his + guards, and commanded them to kill Antipater without tiny further delay, + and to do it presently, and to bury him in an ignoble manner at Hyrcania. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172HCH0008" id="link172HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. Concerning Herod's Death, And Testament, And Burial. + </h3> + <p> + 1. And now Herod altered his testament upon the alteration of his mind; + for he appointed Antipas, to whom he had before left the kingdom, to be + tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, and granted the kingdom to Archelaus. He + also gave Gaulonitis, and Trachonitis, and Paneas to Philip, who was his + son, but own brother to Archelaus <a href="#link17note-10" + name="link17noteref-10" id="link17noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> by the + name of a tetrarchy; and bequeathed Jarnnia, and Ashdod, and Phasaelis to + Salome his sister, with five hundred thousand [drachmae] of silver that + was coined. He also made provision for all the rest of his kindred, by + giving them sums of money and annual revenues, and so left them all in a + wealthy condition. He bequeathed also to Cæsar ten millions [of drachmae] + of coined money, besides both vessels of gold and silver, and garments + exceeding costly, to Julia, Cæsar's wife; and to certain others, five + millions. When he had done these things, he died, the fifth day after he + had caused Antipater to be slain; having reigned, since he had procured + Antigonus to be slain, thirty-four years; but since he had been declared + king by the Romans, thirty-seven. <a href="#link17note-11" + name="link17noteref-11" id="link17noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> A man + he was of great barbarity towards all men equally, and a slave to his + passion; but above the consideration of what was right; yet was he favored + by fortune as much as any man ever was, for from a private man he became a + king; and though he were encompassed with ten thousand dangers, he got + clear of them all, and continued his life till a very old age. But then, + as to the affairs of his family and children, in which indeed, according + to his own opinion, he was also very fortunate, because he was able to + conquer his enemies, yet, in my opinion, he was herein very unfortunate. + </p> + <p> + 2. But then Salome and Alexas, before the king's death was made known, + dismissed those that were shut up in the hippodrome, and told them that + the king ordered them to go away to their own lands, and take care of + their own affairs, which was esteemed by the nation a great benefit. And + now the king's death was made public, when Salome and Alexas gathered the + soldiery together in the amphitheater at Jericho; and the first thing they + did was, they read Herod's letter, written to the soldiery, thanking them + for their fidelity and good-will to him, and exhorting them to afford his + son Archelaus, whom he had appointed for their king, like fidelity and + good-will. After which Ptolemy, who had the king's seal intrusted to him, + read the king's testament, which was to be of force no otherwise than as + it should stand when Cæsar had inspected it; so there was presently an + acclamation made to Archelaus, as king; and the soldiers came by bands, + and their commanders with them, and promised the same good-will to him, + and readiness to serve him, which they had exhibited to Herod; and they + prayed God to be assistant to him. + </p> + <p> + 3. After this was over, they prepared for his funeral, it being + Archelaus's care that the procession to his father's sepulcher should be + very sumptuous. Accordingly, he brought out all his ornaments to adorn the + pomp of the funeral. The body was carried upon a golden bier, embroidered + with very precious stones of great variety, and it was covered over with + purple, as well as the body itself; he had a diadem upon his head, and + above it a crown of gold: he also had a scepter in his right hand. About + the bier were his sons and his numerous relations; next to these was the + soldiery, distinguished according to their several countries and + denominations; and they were put into the following order: First of all + went his guards, then the band of Thracians, and after them the Germans; + and next the band of Galatians, every one in their habiliments of war; and + behind these marched the whole army in the same manner as they used to go + out to war, and as they used to be put in array by their muster-masters + and centurions; these were followed by five hundred of his domestics + carrying spices. So they went eight furlongs <a href="#link17note-12" + name="link17noteref-12" id="link17noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> to + Herodium; for there by his own command he was to be buried. And thus did + Herod end his life. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now Archelaus paid him so much respect, as to continue his mourning + till the seventh day; for so many days are appointed for it by the law of + our fathers. And when he had given a treat to the multitude, and left off + his motoring, he went up into the temple; he had also acclamations and + praises given him, which way soever he went, every one striving with the + rest who should appear to use the loudest acclamations. So he ascended a + high elevation made for him, and took his seat, in a throne made of gold, + and spake kindly to the multitude, and declared with what joy he received + their acclamations, and the marks of the good-will they showed to him; and + returned them thanks that they did not remember the injuries his father + had done them to his disadvantage; and promised them he would endeavor not + to be behindhand with them in rewarding their alacrity in his service, + after a suitable manner; but that he should abstain at present from the + name of king, and that he should have the honor of that dignity, if Cæsar + should confirm and settle that testament which his father had made; and + that it was on this account, that when the army would have put the diadem + on him at Jericho, he would not accept of that honor, which is usually so + much desired, because it was not yet evident that he who was to be + principally concerned in bestowing it would give it him; although, by his + acceptance of the government, he should not want the ability of rewarding + their kindness to him and that it should be his endeavor, as to all things + wherein they were concerned, to prove in every respect better than his + father. Whereupon the multitude, as it is usual with them, supposed that + the first days of those that enter upon such governments declare the + intentions of those that accept them; and so by how much Archelaus spake + the more gently and civilly to them, by so much did they more highly + commend him, and made application to him for the grant of what they + desired. Some made a clamor that he would ease them of some of their + annual payments; but others desired him to release those that were put + into prison by Herod, who were many, and had been put there at several + times; others of them required that he would take away those taxes which + had been severely laid upon what was publicly sold and bought. So + Archelaus contradicted them in nothing, since he pretended to do all + things so as to get the good-will of the multitude to him, as looking upon + that good-will to be a great step towards his preservation of the + government. Hereupon he went and offered sacrifice to God, and then betook + himself to feast with his friends. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172HCH0009" id="link172HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. How The People Raised A Sedition Against Archelaus, And How He + Sailed To Rome. + </h3> + <p> + 1. At this time also it was that some of the Jews got together out of a + desire of innovation. They lamented Matthias, and those that were slain + with him by Herod, who had not any respect paid them by a funeral + mourning, out of the fear men were in of that man; they were those who had + been condemned for pulling down the golden eagle. The people made a great + clamor and lamentation hereupon, and cast out some reproaches against the + king also, as if that tended to alleviate the miseries of the deceased. + The people assembled together, and desired of Archelaus, that, in way of + revenge on their account, he would inflict punishment on those who had + been honored by Herod; and that, in the first and principal place, he + would deprive that high priest whom Herod had made, and would choose one + more agreeable to the law, and of greater purity, to officiate as high + priest. This was granted by Archelaus, although he was mightily offended + at their importunity, because he proposed to himself to go to Rome + immediately to look after Cæsar's determination about him. However, he + sent the general of his forces to use persuasions, and to tell them that + the death which was inflicted on their friends was according to the law; + and to represent to them that their petitions about these things were + carried to a great height of injury to him; that the time was not now + proper for such petitions, but required their unanimity until such time as + he should be established in the government by the consent of Cæsar, and + should then be come back to them; for that he would then consult with them + in common concerning the purport of their petitions; but that they ought + at present to be quiet, lest they should seem seditious persons. + </p> + <p> + 2. So when the king had suggested these things, and instructed his general + in what he was to say, he sent him away to the people; but they made a + clamor, and would not give him leave to speak, and put him in danger of + his life, and as many more as were desirous to venture upon saying openly + any thing which might reduce them to a sober mind, and prevent their going + on in their present courses, because they had more concern to have all + their own wills performed than to yield obedience to their governors; + thinking it to be a thing insufferable, that, while Herod was alive, they + should lose those that were most dear to them, and that when he was dead, + they could not get the actors to be punished. So they went on with their + designs after a violent manner, and thought all to be lawful and right + which tended to please them, and being unskillful in foreseeing what + dangers they incurred; and when they had suspicion of such a thing, yet + did the present pleasure they took in the punishment of those they deemed + their enemies overweigh all such considerations; and although Archelaus + sent many to speak to them, yet they treated them not as messengers sent + by him, but as persons that came of their own accord to mitigate their + anger, and would not let one of them speak. The sedition also was made by + such as were in a great passion; and it was evident that they were + proceeding further in seditious practices, by the multitude running so + fast upon them. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now, upon the approach of that feast of unleavened bread, which the law + of their fathers had appointed for the Jews at this time, which feast is + called the Passover <a href="#link17note-13" name="link17noteref-13" + id="link17noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> and is a memorial of their + deliverance out of Egypt, when they offer sacrifices with great alacrity; + and when they are required to slay more sacrifices in number than at any + other festival; and when an innumerable multitude came thither out of the + country, nay, from beyond its limits also, in order to worship God, the + seditious lamented Judas and Matthias, those teachers of the laws, and + kept together in the temple, and had plenty of food, because these + seditious persons were not ashamed to beg it. And as Archelaus was afraid + lest some terrible thing should spring up by means of these men's madness, + he sent a regiment of armed men, and with them a captain of a thousand, to + suppress the violent efforts of the seditious before the whole multitude + should be infected with the like madness; and gave them this charge, that + if they found any much more openly seditious than others, and more busy in + tumultuous practices, they should bring them to him. But those that were + seditious on account of those teachers of the law, irritated the people by + the noise and clamors they used to encourage the people in their designs; + so they made an assault upon the soldiers, and came up to them, and stoned + the greatest part of them, although some of them ran away wounded, and + their captain among them; and when they had thus done, they returned to + the sacrifices which were already in their hands. Now Archelaus thought + there was no way to preserve the entire government but by cutting off + those who made this attempt upon it; so he sent out the whole army upon + them, and sent the horsemen to prevent those that had their tents without + the temple from assisting those that were within the temple, and to kill + such as ran away from the footmen when they thought themselves out of + danger; which horsemen slew three thousand men, while the rest went to the + neighboring mountains. Then did Archelaus order proclamation to be made to + them all, that they should retire to their own homes; so they went away, + and left the festival, out of fear of somewhat worse which would follow, + although they had been so bold by reason of their want of instruction. So + Archelaus went down to the sea with his mother, and took with him Nicolaus + and Ptolemy, and many others of his friends, and left Philip his brother + as governor of all things belonging both to his own family and to the + public. There went out also with him Salome, Herod's sister who took with + her, her children, and many of her kindred were with her; which kindred of + hers went, as they pretended, to assist Archelaus in gaining the kingdom, + but in reality to oppose him, and chiefly to make loud complaints of what + he had done in the temple. But Sabinus, Cæsar's steward for Syrian + affairs, as he was making haste into Judea to preserve Herod's effects, + met with Archelaus at Cæsarea; but Varus [president of Syria] came at + that time, and restrained him from meddling with them, for he was there as + sent for by Archceaus, by the means of Ptolemy. And Sabinus, out of regard + to Varus, did neither seize upon any of the castles that were among the + Jews, nor did he seal up the treasures in them, but permitted Archelaus to + have them, until Cæsar should declare his resolution about them; so that, + upon this his promise, he tarried still at Cæsarea. But after Archelaus + was sailed for Rome, and Varus was removed to Antioch, Sabinus went to + Jerusalem, and seized on the king's palace. He also sent for the keepers + of the garrisons, and for all those that had the charge of Herod's + effects, and declared publicly that he should require them to give an + account of what they had; and he disposed of the castles in the manner he + pleased; but those who kept them did not neglect what Archelaus had given + them in command, but continued to keep all things in the manner that had + been enjoined them; and their pretense was, that they kept them all for + Cæsar. + </p> + <p> + 4. At the same time also did Antipas, another of Herod's sons, sail to + Rome, in order to gain the government; being buoyed up by Salome with + promises that he should take that government; and that he was a much + honester and fitter man than Archelaus for that authority, since Herod + had, in his former testament, deemed him the worthiest to be made king, + which ought to be esteemed more valid than his latter testament. Antipas + also brought with him his mother, and Ptolemy the brother of Nicolaus, one + that had been Herod's most honored friend, and was now zealous for + Antipas; but it was Ireneus the orator, and one who, on account of his + reputation for sagacity, was intrusted with the affairs of the kingdom, + who most of all encouraged him to attempt to gain the kingdom; by whose + means it was, that when some advised him to yield to Archelaus, as to his + elder brother, and who had been declared king by their father's last will, + he would not submit so to do. And when he was come to Rome, all his + relations revolted to him; not out of their good-will to him, but out of + their hatred to Archelaus; though indeed they were most of all desirous of + gaining their liberty, and to be put under a Roman governor; but if there + were too great an opposition made to that, they thought Antipas preferable + to Archelaus, and so joined with him, in order to procure the kingdom for + him. Sabinus also, by letters, accused Archelaus to Cæsar. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now when Archelaus had sent in his papers to Cæsar, wherein he pleaded + his right to the kingdom, and his father's testament, with the accounts of + Herod's money, and with Ptolemy, who brought Herod's seal, he so expected + the event; but when Cæsar had read these papers, and Varus's and + Sabinus's letters, with the accounts of the money, and what were the + annual incomes of the kingdom, and understood that Antipas had also sent + letters to lay claim to the kingdom, he summoned his friends together, to + know their opinions, and with them Caius, the son of Agrippa, and of Julia + his daughter, whom he had adopted, and took him, and made him sit first of + all, and desired such as pleased to speak their minds about the affairs + now before them. Now Antipater, Salome's son, a very subtle orator, and a + bitter enemy to Archelaus, spake first to this purpose: That it was + ridiculous in Archelaus to plead now to have the kingdom given him, since + he had, in reality, taken already the power over it to himself, before + Cæsar had granted it to him; and appealed to those bold actions of his, + in destroying so many at the Jewish festival; and if the men had acted + unjustly, it was but fit the punishing of them should have been reserved + to those that were out of the country, but had the power to punish them, + and not been executed by a man that, if he pretended to be a king, he did + an injury to Cæsar, by usurping that authority before it was determined + for him by Cæsar; but if he owned himself to be a private person, his + case was much worse, since he who was putting in for the kingdom could by + no means expect to have that power granted him, of which he had already + deprived Cæsar [by taking it to himself]. He also touched sharply upon + him, and appealed to his changing the commanders in the army, and his + sitting in the royal throne beforehand, and his determination of + law-suits; all done as if he were no other than a king. He appealed also + to his concessions to those that petitioned him on a public account, and + indeed doing such things, than which he could devise no greater if he had + been already settled in the kingdom by Cæsar. He also ascribed to him the + releasing of the prisoners that were in the hippodrome, and many other + things, that either had been certainly done by him, or were believed to be + done, and easily might be believed to have been done, because they were of + such a nature as to be usually done by young men, and by such as, out of a + desire of ruling, seize upon the government too soon. He also charged him + with his neglect of the funeral mourning for his father, and with having + merry meetings the very night in which he died; and that it was thence the + multitude took the handle of raising a tumult: and if Archelaus could thus + requite his dead father, who had bestowed such benefits upon him, and + bequeathed such great things to him, by pretending to shed tears for him + in the day time, like an actor on the stage, but every night making mirth + for having gotten the government, he would appear to be the same Archelaus + with regard to Cæsar, if he granted him the kingdom, which he hath been + to his father; since he had then dancing and singing, as though an enemy + of his were fallen, and not as though a man were carried to his funeral, + that was so nearly related, and had been so great a benefactor to him. But + he said that the greatest crime of all was this, that he came now before + Cæsar to obtain the government by his grant, while he had before acted in + all things as he could have acted if Cæsar himself, who ruled all, had + fixed him firmly in the government. And what he most aggravated in his + pleading was the slaughter of those about the temple, and the impiety of + it, as done at the festival; and how they were slain like sacrifices + themselves, some of whom were foreigners, and others of their own country, + till the temple was full of dead bodies: and all this was done, not by an + alien, but by one who pretended to the lawful title of a king, that he + might complete the wicked tyranny which his nature prompted him to, and + which is hated by all men. On which account his father never so much as + dreamed of making him his successor in the kingdom, when he was of a sound + mind, because he knew his disposition; and in his former and more + authentic testament, he appointed his antagonist Antipas to succeed; but + that Archelaus was called by his father to that dignity when he was in a + dying condition, both of body and mind; while Antipas was called when he + was ripest in his judgment, and of such strength of body as made him + capable of managing his own affairs: and if his father had the like notion + of him formerly that he hath now showed, yet hath he given a sufficient + specimen what a king he is likely to be, when he hath [in effect] deprived + Cæsar of that power of disposing of the kingdom, which he justly hath, + and hath not abstained from making a terrible slaughter of his fellow + citizens in the temple, while he was but a private person. + </p> + <p> + 6. So when Antipater had made this speech, and had confirmed what he had + said by producing many witnesses from among Archelaus's own relations, he + made an end of his pleading. Upon which Nicolaus arose up to plead for + Archelaus, and said, "That what had been done at the temple was rather to + be attributed to the mind of those that had been killed, than to the + authority of Archelaus; for that those who were the authors of such things + are not only wicked in the injuries they do of themselves, but in forcing + sober persons to avenge themselves upon them. Now it is evident that what + these did in way of opposition was done under pretense, indeed, against + Archelaus, but in reality against Cæsar himself, for they, after an + injurious manner, attacked and slew those who were sent by Archelaus, and + who came only to put a stop to their doings. They had no regard, either to + God or to the festival, whom Antipater yet is not ashamed to patronize, + whether it be out of his indulgence of an enmity to Archelaus, or out of + his hatred of virtue and justice. For as to those who begin such tumults, + and first set about such unrighteous actions, they are the men who force + those that punish them to betake themselves to arms even against their + will. So that Antipater in effect ascribes the rest of what was done to + all those who were of counsel to the accusers; for nothing which is here + accused of injustice has been done but what was derived from them as its + authors; nor are those things evil in themselves, but so represented only + in order to do harm to Archelaus. Such is these men's inclination to do an + injury to a man that is of their kindred, their father's benefactor, and + familiarity acquainted with them, and that hath ever lived in friendship + with them; for that, as to this testament, it was made by the king when he + was of a sound mind, and so ought to be of more authority than his former + testament; and that for this reason, because Cæsar is therein left to be + the judge and disposer of all therein contained; and for Cæsar, he will + not, to be sure, at all imitate the unjust proceedings of those men, who, + during Herod's whole life, had on all occasions been joint partakers of + power with him, and yet do zealously endeavor to injure his determination, + while they have not themselves had the same regard to their kinsman [which + Archelaus had]. Cæsar will not therefore disannul the testament of a man + whom he had entirely supported, of his friend and confederate, and that + which is committed to him in trust to ratify; nor will Cæsar's virtuous + and upright disposition, which is known and uncontested through all the + habitable world, imitate the wickedness of these men in condemning a king + as a madman, and as having lost his reason, while he hath bequeathed the + succession to a good son of his, and to one who flies to Cæsar's upright + determination for refuge. Nor can Herod at any time have been mistaken in + his judgment about a successor, while he showed so much prudence as to + submit all to Cæsar's determination." + </p> + <p> + 7. Now when Nicolaus had laid these things before Cæsar, he ended his + plea; whereupon Cæsar was so obliging to Archelaus, that he raised him up + when he had cast himself down at his feet, and said that he well deserved + the kingdom; and he soon let them know that he was so far moved in his + favor, that he would not act otherwise than his father's testament + directed, and than was for the advantage of Archelaus. However, while he + gave this encouragement to Archelaus to depend on him securely, he made no + full determination about him; and when the assembly was broken up, he + considered by himself whether he should confirm the kingdom to Archelaus, + or whether he should part it among all Herod's posterity; and this because + they all stood in need of much assistance to support them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172HCH0010" id="link172HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. A Sedition Against Sabinus; And How Varus Brought The Authors + Of It To Punishment. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But before these things could be brought to a settlement, Malthace, + Archelaus's mother, fell into a distemper, and died of it; and letters + came from Varus, the president of Syria, which informed Cæsar of the + revolt of the Jews; for after Archelaus was sailed, the whole nation was in + a tumult. So Varus, since he was there himself, brought the authors of the + disturbance to punishment; and when he had restrained them for the most + part from this sedition, which was a great one, he took his journey to + Antioch, leaving one legion of his army at Jerusalem to keep the Jews + quiet, who were now very fond of innovation. Yet did not this at all avail + to put an end to that their sedition; for after Varus was gone away, + Sabinus, Cæsar's procurator, staid behind, and greatly distressed the + Jews, relying on the forces that were left there that they would by their + multitude protect him; for he made use of them, and armed them as his + guards, thereby so oppressing the Jews, and giving them so great + disturbance, that at length they rebelled; for he used force in seizing + the citadels, and zealously pressed on the search after the king's money, + in order to seize upon it by force, on account of his love of gain and his + extraordinary covetousness. + </p> + <p> + 2. But on the approach of pentecost, which is a festival of ours, so + called from the days of our forefathers, a great many ten thousands of men + got together; nor did they come only to celebrate the festival, but out of + their indignation at the madness of Sabinus, and at the injuries he + offered them. A great number there was of Galileans, and Idumeans, and + many men from Jericho, and others who had passed over the river Jordan, + and inhabited those parts. This whole multitude joined themselves to all + the rest, and were more zealous than the others in making an assault on + Sabinus, in order to be avenged on him; so they parted themselves into + three bands, and encamped themselves in the places following:—some + of them seized on the hippodrome and of the other two bands, one pitched + themselves from the northern part of the temple to the southern, on the + east quarter; but the third band held the western part of the city, where + the king's palace was. Their work tended entirely to besiege the Romans, + and to enclose them on all sides. Now Sabinus was afraid of these men's + number, and of their resolution, who had little regard to their lives, but + were very desirous not to be overcome, while they thought it a point of + puissance to overcome their enemies; so he sent immediately a letter to + Varus, and, as he used to do, was very pressing with him, and entreated + him to come quickly to his assistance, because the forces he had left were + in imminent danger, and would probably, in no long time, be seized upon, + and cut to pieces; while he did himself get up to the highest tower of the + fortress Phasaelus, which had been built in honor of Phasaelus, king + Herod's brother, and called so when the Parthians had brought him to his + death. <a href="#link17note-14" name="link17noteref-14" + id="link17noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> So Sabinus gave thence a + signal to the Romans to fall upon the Jews, although he did not himself + venture so much as to come down to his friends, and thought he might + expect that the others should expose themselves first to die on account of + his avarice. However, the Romans ventured to make a sally out of the + place, and a terrible battle ensued; wherein, though it is true the Romans + beat their adversaries, yet were not the Jews daunted in their + resolutions, even when they had the sight of that terrible slaughter that + was made of them; but they went round about, and got upon those cloisters + which encompassed the outer court of the temple, where a great fight was + still continued, and they cast stones at the Romans, partly with their + hands, and partly with slings, as being much used to those exercises. All + the archers also in array did the Romans a great deal of mischief, because + they used their hands dexterously from a place superior to the others, and + because the others were at an utter loss what to do; for when they tried + to shoot their arrows against the Jews upwards, these arrows could not + reach them, insomuch that the Jews were easily too hard for their enemies. + And this sort of fight lasted a great while, till at last the Romans, who + were greatly distressed by what was done, set fire to the cloisters so + privately, that those that were gotten upon them did not perceive it. This + fire <a href="#link17note-15" name="link17noteref-15" id="link17noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> + being fed by a great deal of combustible matter, caught hold immediately + on the roof of the cloisters; so the wood, which was full of pitch and + wax, and whose gold was laid on it with wax, yielded to the flame + presently, and those vast works, which were of the highest value and + esteem, were destroyed utterly, while those that were on the roof + unexpectedly perished at the same time; for as the roof tumbled down, some + of these men tumbled down with it, and others of them were killed by their + enemies who encompassed them. There was a great number more, who, out of + despair of saving their lives, and out of astonishment at the misery that + surrounded them, did either cast themselves into the fire, or threw + themselves upon their swords, and so got out of their misery. But as to + those that retired behind the same way by which they ascended, and thereby + escaped, they were all killed by the Romans, as being unarmed men, and + their courage failing them; their wild fury being now not able to help + them, because they were destitute of armor, insomuch that of those that + went up to the top of the roof, not one escaped. The Romans also rushed + through the fire, where it gave them room so to do, and seized on that + treasure where the sacred money was reposited; a great part of which was + stolen by the soldiers, and Sabinus got openly four hundred talents. + </p> + <p> + 3. But this calamity of the Jews' friends, who fell in this battle, + grieved them, as did also this plundering of the money dedicated to God in + the temple. Accordingly, that body of them which continued best together, + and was the most warlike, encompassed the palace, and threatened to set + fire to it, and kill all that were in it. Yet still they commanded them to + go out presently, and promised, that if they would do so, they would not + hurt them, nor Sabinus neither; at which time the greatest part of the + king's troops deserted to them, while Rufus and Gratus, who had three + thousand of the most warlike of Herod's army with them, who were men of + active bodies, went over to the Romans. There was also a band of horsemen + under the command of Rufus, which itself went over to the Romans also. + However, the Jews went on with the siege, and dug mines under the palace + walls, and besought those that were gone over to the other side not to be + their hinderance, now they had such a proper opportunity for the recovery + of their country's ancient liberty; and for Sabinus, truly he was desirous + of going away with his soldiers, but was not able to trust himself with + the enemy, on account of what mischief he had already done them; and he + took this great [pretended] lenity of theirs for an argument why he should + not comply with them; and so, because he expected that Varus was coming, + he still bore the siege. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now at this time there were ten thousand other disorders in Judea, + which were like tumults, because a great number put themselves into a + warlike posture, either out of hopes of gain to themselves, or out of + enmity to the Jews. In particular, two thousand of Herod's old soldiers, + who had been already disbanded, got together in Judea itself, and fought + against the king's troops, although Achiabus, Herod's first cousin, + opposed them; but as he was driven out of the plains into the mountainous + parts by the military skill of those men, he kept himself in the + fastnesses that were there, and saved what he could. + </p> + <p> + 5. There was also Judas, <a href="#link17note-16" name="link17noteref-16" + id="link17noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> the son of that Ezekias who + had been head of the robbers; which Ezekias was a very strong man, and had + with great difficulty been caught by Herod. This Judas, having gotten + together a multitude of men of a profligate character about Sepphoris in + Galilee, made an assault upon the palace [there,] and seized upon all the + weapons that were laid up in it, and with them armed every one of those + that were with him, and carried away what money was left there; and he + became terrible to all men, by tearing and rending those that came near + him; and all this in order to raise himself, and out of an ambitious + desire of the royal dignity; and he hoped to obtain that as the reward not + of his virtuous skill in war, but of his extravagance in doing injuries. + </p> + <p> + 6. There was also Simon, who had been a slave of Herod the king, but in + other respects a comely person, of a tall and robust body; he was one that + was much superior to others of his order, and had had great things + committed to his care. This man was elevated at the disorderly state of + things, and was so bold as to put a diadem on his head, while a certain + number of the people stood by him, and by them he was declared to be a + king, and thought himself more worthy of that dignity than any one else. + He burnt down the royal palace at Jericho, and plundered what was left in + it. He also set fire to many other of the king's houses in several places + of the country, and utterly destroyed them, and permitted those that were + with him to take what was left in them for a prey; and he would have done + greater things, unless care had been taken to repress him immediately; for + Gratus, when he had joined himself to some Roman soldiers, took the forces + he had with him, and met Simon, and after a great and a long fight, no + small part of those that came from Perea, who were a disordered body of + men, and fought rather in a bold than in a skillful manner, were + destroyed; and although Simon had saved himself by flying away through a + certain valley, yet Gratus overtook him, and cut off his head. The royal + palace also at Amathus, by the river Jordan, was burnt down by a party of + men that were got together, as were those belonging to Simon. And thus did + a great and wild fury spread itself over the nation, because they had no + king to keep the multitude in good order, and because those foreigners who + came to reduce the seditious to sobriety did, on the contrary, set them + more in a flame, because of the injuries they offered them, and the + avaricious management of their affairs. + </p> + <p> + 7. But because Athronges, a person neither eminent by the dignity of his + progenitors, nor for any great wealth he was possessed of, but one that + had in all respects been a shepherd only, and was not known by any body; + yet because he was a tall man, and excelled others in the strength of his + hands, he was so bold as to set up for king. This man thought it so sweet + a thing to do more than ordinary injuries to others, that although he + should be killed, he did not much care if he lost his life in so great a + design. He had also four brethren, who were tall men themselves, and were + believed to be superior to others in the strength of their hands, and + thereby were encouraged to aim at great things, and thought that strength + of theirs would support them in retaining the kingdom. Each of these ruled + over a band of men of their own; for those that got together to them were + very numerous. They were every one of them also commanders; but when they + came to fight, they were subordinate to him, and fought for him, while he + put a diadem about his head, and assembled a council to debate about what + things should be done, and all things were done according to his pleasure. + And this man retained his power a great while; he was also called king, + and had nothing to hinder him from doing what he pleased. He also, as well + as his brethren, slew a great many both of the Romans and of the king's + forces, and managed matters with the like hatred to each of them. The + king's forces they fell upon, because of the licentious conduct they had + been allowed under Herod's government; and they fell upon the Romans, + because of the injuries they had so lately received from them. But in + process of time they grew more cruel to all sorts of men, nor could any + one escape from one or other of these seditions, since they slew some out + of the hopes of gain, and others from a mere custom of slaying men. They + once attacked a company of Romans at Emmaus, who were bringing corn and + weapons to the army, and fell upon Arius, the centurion, who commanded the + company, and shot forty of the best of his foot soldiers; but the rest of + them were affrighted at their slaughter, and left their dead behind them, + but saved themselves by the means of Gratus, who came with the king's + troops that were about him to their assistance. Now these four brethren + continued the war a long while by such sort of expeditions, and much + grieved the Romans; but did their own nation also a great deal of + mischief. Yet were they afterwards subdued; one of them in a fight with + Gratus, another with Ptolemy; Archelaus also took the eldest of them + prisoner; while the last of them was so dejected at the other's + misfortune, and saw so plainly that he had no way now left to save + himself, his army being worn away with sickness and continual labors, that + he also delivered himself up to Archelaus, upon his promise and oath to + God [to preserve his life.] But these things came to pass a good while + afterward. + </p> + <p> + 8. And now Judea was full of robberies; and as the several companies of + the seditious lighted upon any one to head them, he was created a king + immediately, in order to do mischief to the public. They were in some + small measure indeed, and in small matters, hurtful to the Romans; but the + murders they committed upon their own people lasted a long while. + </p> + <p> + 9. As soon as Varus was once informed of the state of Judea by Sabinus's + writing to him, he was afraid for the legion he had left there; so he took + the two other legions, [for there were three legions in all belonging to + Syria,] and four troops of horsemen, with the several auxiliary forces + which either the kings or certain of the tetrarchs afforded him, and made + what haste he could to assist those that were then besieged in Judea. He + also gave order that all that were sent out for this expedition, should + make haste to Ptolemais. The citizens of Berytus also gave him fifteen + hundred auxiliaries as he passed through their city. Aretas also, the king + of Arabia Petrea, out of his hatred to Herod, and in order to purchase the + favor of the Romans, sent him no small assistance, besides their footmen + and horsemen; and when he had now collected all his forces together, he + committed part of them to his son, and to a friend of his, and sent them + upon an expedition into Galilee, which lies in the neighborhood of + Ptolemais; who made an attack upon the enemy, and put them to flight, and + took Sepphoris, and made its inhabitants slaves, and burnt the city. But + Varus himself pursued his march for Samaria with his whole army; yet did + not he meddle with the city of that name, because it had not at all joined + with the seditious; but pitched his camp at a certain village that + belonged to Ptolemy, whose name was Arus, which the Arabians burnt, out of + their hatred to Herod, and out of the enmity they bore to his friends; + whence they marched to another village, whose name was Sampho, which the + Arabians plundered and burnt, although it was a fortified and a strong + place; and all along this march nothing escaped them, but all places were + full of fire and of slaughter. Emmaus was also burnt by Varus's order, + after its inhabitants had deserted it, that he might avenge those that had + there been destroyed. From thence he now marched to Jerusalem; whereupon + those Jews whose camp lay there, and who had besieged the Roman legion, + not bearing the coming of this army, left the siege imperfect: but as to + the Jerusalem Jews, when Varus reproached them bitterly for what had been + done, they cleared themselves of the accusation, and alleged that the + conflux of the people was occasioned by the feast; that the war was not + made with their approbation, but by the rashness of the strangers, while + they were on the side of the Romans, and besieged together with them, + rather than having any inclination to besiege them. There also came + beforehand to meet Varus, Joseph, the cousin-german of king Herod, as also + Gratus and Rufus, who brought their soldiers along with them, together + with those Romans who had been besieged; but Sabinus did not come into + Varus's presence, but stole out of the city privately, and went to the + sea-side. + </p> + <p> + 10. Upon this, Varus sent a part of his army into the country, to seek out + those that had been the authors of the revolt; and when they were + discovered, he punished some of them that were most guilty, and some he + dismissed: now the number of those that were crucified on this account + were two thousand. After which he disbanded his army, which he found no + way useful to him in the affairs he came about; for they behaved + themselves very disorderly, and disobeyed his orders, and what Varus + desired them to do, and this out of regard to that gain which they made by + the mischief they did. As for himself, when he was informed that ten + thousand Jews had gotten together, he made haste to catch them; but they + did not proceed so far as to fight him, but, by the advice of Achiabus, + they came together, and delivered themselves up to him: hereupon Varus + forgave the crime of revolting to the multitude, but sent their several + commanders to Cæsar, many of whom Cæsar dismissed; but for the several + relations of Herod who had been among these men in this war, they were the + only persons whom he punished, who, without the least regard to justice, + fought against their own kindred. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172HCH0011" id="link172HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. An Embassage To Cæsar; And How Cæsar Confirmed Herod's + Testament. + </h3> + <p> + 1. So when Varus had settled these affairs, and had placed the former + legion at Jerusalem, he returned back to Antioch; but as for Archelaus, he + had new sources of trouble come upon him at Rome, on the occasions + following: for an embassage of the Jews was come to Rome, Varus having + permitted the nation to send it, that they might petition for the liberty + of living by their own laws. <a href="#link17note-17" + name="link17noteref-17" id="link17noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> Now + the number of the ambassadors that were sent by the authority of the + nation were fifty, to which they joined above eight thousand of the Jews + that were at Rome already. Hereupon Cæsar assembled his friends, and the + chief men among the Romans, in the temple of Apollo, <a + href="#link17note-18" name="link17noteref-18" id="link17noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> + which he had built at a vast charge; whither the ambassadors came, and a + multitude of the Jews that were there already came with them, as did also + Archelaus and his friends; but as for the several kinsmen which Archelaus + had, they would not join themselves with him, out of their hatred to him; + and yet they thought it too gross a thing for them to assist the + ambassadors [against him], as supposing it would be a disgrace to them in + Cæsar's opinion to think of thus acting in opposition to a man of their + own kindred. Philip <a href="#link17note-19" name="link17noteref-19" + id="link17noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> also was come hither out of + Syria, by the persuasion of Varus, with this principal intention to assist + his brother [Archelaus]; for Varus was his great friend: but still so, + that if there should any change happen in the form of government, [which + Varus suspected there would,] and if any distribution should be made on + account of the number that desired the liberty of living by their own + laws, that he might not be disappointed, but might have his share in it. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now upon the liberty that was given to the Jewish ambassadors to speak, + they who hoped to obtain a dissolution of kingly government betook + themselves to accuse Herod of his iniquities; and they declared that he + was indeed in name a king, but that he had taken to himself that + uncontrollable authority which tyrants exercise over their subjects, and + had made use of that authority for the destruction of the Jews, and did + not abstain from making many innovations among them besides, according to + his own inclinations; and that whereas there were a great many who + perished by that destruction he brought upon them, so many indeed as no + other history relates, they that survived were far more miserable than + those that suffered under him; not only by the anxiety they were in from + his looks and disposition towards them, but from the danger their estates + were in of being taken away by him. That he did never leave off adorning + these cities that lay in their neighborhood, but were inhabited by + foreigners; but so that the cities belonging to his own government were + ruined, and utterly destroyed that whereas, when he took the kingdom, it + was in an extraordinary flourishing condition, he had filled the nation + with the utmost degree of poverty; and when, upon unjust pretenses, he had + slain any of the nobility, he took away their estates; and when he + permitted any of them to live, he condemned them to the forfeiture of what + they possessed. And besides the annual impositions which he laid upon + every one of them, they were to make liberal presents to himself, to his + domestics and friends, and to such of his slaves as were vouchsafed the + favor of being his tax-gatherers, because there was no way of obtaining a + freedom from unjust violence without giving either gold or silver for it. + That they would say nothing of the corruption of the chastity of their + virgins, and the reproach laid on their wives for incontinency, and those + things acted after an insolent and inhuman manner; because it was not a + smaller pleasure to the sufferers to have such things concealed, than it + would have been not to have suffered them. That Herod had put such abuses + upon them as a wild beast would not have put on them, if he had power + given him to rule over us; and that although their nation had passed + through many subversions and alterations of government, their history gave + no account of any calamity they had ever been under, that could be + compared with this which Herod had brought upon their nation; that it was + for this reason that they thought they might justly and gladly salute + Archelaus as king, upon this supposition, that whosoever should be set + over their kingdom, he would appear more mild to them than Herod had been; + and that they had joined with him in the mourning for his father, in order + to gratify him, and were ready to oblige him in other points also, if they + could meet with any degree of moderation from him; but that he seemed to + be afraid lest he should not be deemed Herod's own son; and so, without + any delay, he immediately let the nation understand his meaning, and this + before his dominion was well established, since the power of disposing of + it belonged to Cæsar, who could either give it to him or not, as he + pleased. That he had given a specimen of his future virtue to his + subjects, and with what kind of moderation and good administration he + would govern them, by that his first action, which concerned them, his own + citizens, and God himself also, when he made the slaughter of three + thousand of his own countrymen at the temple. How then could they avoid + the just hatred of him, who, to the rest of his barbarity, hath added this + as one of our crimes, that we have opposed and contradicted him in the + exercise of his authority? Now the main thing they desired was this: That + they might be delivered from kingly and the like forms of government, <a + href="#link17note-20" name="link17noteref-20" id="link17noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> + and might be added to Syria, and be put under the authority of such + presidents of theirs as should be sent to them; for that it would thereby + be made evident, whether they be really a seditious people, and generally + fond of innovations, or whether they would live in an orderly manner, if + they might have governors of any sort of moderation set over them. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now when the Jews had said this, Nicolaus vindicated the kings from + those accusations, and said, that as for Herod, since he had never been + thus accused all the time of his life, it was not fit for those that might + have accused him of lesser crimes than those now mentioned, and might have + procured him to be punished during his lifetime, to bring an accusation + against him now he is dead. He also attributed the actions of Archlaus to + the Jews' injuries to him, who, affecting to govern contrary to the laws, + and going about to kill those that would have hindered them from acting + unjustly, when they were by him punished for what they had done, made + their complaints against him; so he accused them of their attempts for + innovation, and of the pleasure they took in sedition, by reason of their + not having learned to submit to justice and to the laws, but still + desiring to be superior in all things. This was the substance of what + Nicolaus said. + </p> + <p> + 4. When Cæsar had heard these pleadings, he dissolved the assembly; but a + few days afterwards he appointed Archelaus, not indeed to be king of the + whole country, but ethnarch of the one half of that which had been subject + to Herod, and promised to give him the royal dignity hereafter, if he + governed his part virtuously. But as for the other half, he divided it + into two parts, and gave it to two other of Herod's sons, to Philip and to + Antipas, that Antipas who disputed with Archelaus for the whole kingdom. + Now to him it was that Peres and Galilee paid their tribute, which + amounted annually to two hundred talents, <a href="#link17note-21" + name="link17noteref-21" id="link17noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> while + Batanea, with Trachonitis, as well as Auranitis, with a certain part of + what was called the House of Zenodorus, <a href="#link17note-22" + name="link17noteref-22" id="link17noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> paid + the tribute of one hundred talents to Philip; but Idumea, and Judea, and + the country of Samaria paid tribute to Archelaus, but had now a fourth + part of that tribute taken off by the order of Cæsar, who decreed them + that mitigation, because they did not join in this revolt with the rest of + the multitude. There were also certain of the cities which paid tribute to + Archelaus: Strato's Tower and Sebaste, with Joppa and Jerusalem; for as to + Gaza, and Gadara, and Hippos, they were Grecian cities, which Cæsar + separated from his government, and added them to the province of Syria. + Now the tribute-money that came to Archelaus every year from his own + dominions amounted to six hundred talents. + </p> + <p> + 5. And so much came to Herod's sons from their father's inheritance. But + Salome, besides what her brother left her by his testament, which were + Jamnia, and Ashdod, and Phasaelis, and five hundred thousand [drachmae] of + coined silver, Cæsar made her a present of a royal habitation at Askelo; + in all, her revenues amounted to sixty talents by the year, and her + dwelling-house was within Archelaus's government. The rest also of the + king's relations received what his testament allotted them. Moreover, + Cæsar made a present to each of Herod's two virgin daughters, besides + what their father left them, of two hundred and fifty thousand [drachmae] + of silver, and married them to Pheroras's sons: he also granted all that + was bequeathed to himself to the king's sons, which was one thousand five + hundred talents, excepting a few of the vessels, which he reserved for + himself; and they were acceptable to him, not so much for the great value + they were of, as because they were memorials of the king to him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172HCH0012" id="link172HCH0012"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 12. Concerning A Spurious Alexander. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When these affairs had been thus settled by Cæsar, a certain young + man, by birth a Jew, but brought up by a Roman freed-man in the city + Sidon, ingrafted himself into the kindred of Herod, by the resemblance of + his countenance, which those that saw him attested to be that of + Alexander, the son of Herod, whom he had slain; and this was an incitement + to him to endeavor to obtain the government; so he took to him as an + assistant a man of his own country, [one that was well acquainted with the + affairs of the palace, but, on other accounts, an ill man, and one whose + nature made him capable of causing great disturbances to the public, and + one that became a teacher of such a mischievous contrivance to the other,] + and declared himself to be Alexander, and the son of Herod, but stolen + away by one of those that were sent to slay him, who, in reality, slew + other men, in order to deceive the spectators, but saved both him and his + brother Aristobulus. Thus was this man elated, and able to impose on those + that came to him; and when he was come to Crete, he made all the Jews that + came to discourse with him believe him [to be Alexander]. And when he had + gotten much money which had been presented to him there, he passed over to + Melos, where he got much more money than he had before, out of the belief + they had that he was of the royal family, and their hopes that he would + recover his father's principality, and reward his benefactors; so he made + haste to Rome, and was conducted thither by those strangers who + entertained him. He was also so fortunate, as, upon his landing at + Dicearchia, to bring the Jews that were there into the same delusion; and + not only other people, but also all those that had been great with Herod, + or had a kindness for him, joined themselves to this man as to their king. + The cause of it was this, that men were glad of his pretenses, which were + seconded by the likeness of his countenance, which made those that had + been acquainted with Alexander strongly to believe that he was no other + but the very same person, which they also confirmed to others by oath; + insomuch that when the report went about him that he was coming to Rome, + the whole multitude of the Jews that were there went out to meet him, + ascribing it to Divine Providence that he has so unexpectedly escaped, and + being very joyful on account of his mother's family. And when he was come, + he was carried in a royal litter through the streets; and all the + ornaments about him were such as kings are adorned withal; and this was at + the expense of those that entertained him. The multitude also flocked + about him greatly, and made mighty acclamations to him, and nothing was + omitted which could be thought suitable to such as had been so + unexpectedly preserved. + </p> + <p> + 2. When this thing was told Cæsar, he did not believe it, because Herod + was not easily to be imposed upon in such affairs as were of great concern + to him; yet, having some suspicion it might be so, he sent one Celadus, a + freed-man of his, and one that had conversed with the young men + themselves, and bade him bring Alexander into his presence; so he brought + him, being no more accurate in judging about him than the rest of the + multitude. Yet did not he deceive Cæsar; for although there was a + resemblance between him and Alexander, yet was it not so exact as to + impose on such as were prudent in discerning; for this spurious Alexander + had his hands rough, by the labors he had been put to and instead of that + softness of body which the other had, and this as derived from his + delicate and generous education, this man, for the contrary reason, had a + rugged body. When, therefore, Cæsar saw how the master and the scholar + agreed in this lying story, and in a bold way of talking, he inquired + about Aristobulus, and asked what became of him who [it seems] was stolen + away together with him, and for what reason it was that he did not come + along with him, and endeavor to recover that dominion which was due to his + high birth also. And when he said that he had been left in the isle of + Crete, for fear of the dangers of the sea, that, in case any accident + should come to himself, the posterity of Mariamne might not utterly + perish, but that Aristobulus might survive, and punish those that laid + such treacherous designs against them; and when he persevered in his + affirmations, and the author of the imposture agreed in supporting it, + Cæsar took the young man by himself, and said to him, "If thou wilt not + impose upon me, thou shalt have this for thy reward, that thou shalt + escape with thy life; tell me, then, who thou art, and who it was that had + boldness enough to contrive such a cheat as this. For this contrivance is + too considerable a piece of villainy to be undertaken by one of thy age." + Accordingly, because he had no other way to take, he told Cæsar the + contrivance, and after what manner and by whom it was laid together. So + Cæsar, upon observing the spurious Alexander to be a strong active man, + and fit to work with his hands, that he might not break his promise to + him, put him among those that were to row among the mariners, but slew him + that induced him to do what he had done; for as for the people of Melos, + he thought them sufficiently punished, in having thrown away so much of + their money upon this spurious Alexander. And such was the ignominious + conclusion of this bold contrivance about the spurious Alexander. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172HCH0013" id="link172HCH0013"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 13. How Archelaus Upon A Second Accusation, Was Banished To + Vienna. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Archelaus was entered on his ethnarchy, and was come into Judea, + he accused Joazar, the son of Boethus, of assisting the seditious, and + took away the high priesthood from him, and put Eleazar his brother in his + place. He also magnificently rebuilt the royal palace that had been at + Jericho, and he diverted half the water with which the village of Neara + used to be watered, and drew off that water into the plain, to water those + palm trees which he had there planted: he also built a village, and put + his own name upon it, and called it Archelais. Moreover, he transgressed + the law of our fathers <a href="#link17note-23" name="link17noteref-23" + id="link17noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> and married Glaphyra, the + daughter of Archelaus, who had been the wife of his brother Alexander, + which Alexander had three children by her, while it was a thing detestable + among the Jews to marry the brother's wife. Nor did this Eleazar abide + long in the high priesthood, Jesus, the son of Sie, being put in his room + while he was still living. + </p> + <p> + 2. But in the tenth year of Archelaus's government, both his brethren, and + the principal men of Judea and Samaria, not being able to bear his + barbarous and tyrannical usage of them, accused him before Cæsar, and + that especially because they knew he had broken the commands of Cæsar, + which obliged him to behave himself with moderation among them. Whereupon + Cæsar, when he heard it, was very angry, and called for Archelaus's + steward, who took care of his affairs at Rome, and whose name was + Archelaus also; and thinking it beneath him to write to Archelaus, he bid + him sail away as soon as possible, and bring him to us: so the man made + haste in his voyage, and when he came into Judea, he found Archelaus + feasting with his friends; so he told him what Cæsar had sent him about, + and hastened him away. And when he was come [to Rome], Cæsar, upon + hearing what certain accusers of his had to say, and what reply he could + make, both banished him, and appointed Vienna, a city of Gaul, to be the + place of his habitation, and took his money away from him. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now, before Archelaus was gone up to Rome upon this message, he related + this dream to his friends: That he saw ears of corn, in number ten, full + of wheat, perfectly ripe, which ears, as it seemed to him, were devoured + by oxen. And when he was awake and gotten up, because the vision appeared + to be of great importance to him, he sent for the diviners, whose study was + employed about dreams. And while some were of one opinion, and some of + another, [for all their interpretations did not agree,] Simon, a man of + the sect of the Essens, desired leave to speak his mind freely, and said + that the vision denoted a change in the affairs of Archelaus, and that not + for the better; that oxen, because that animal takes uneasy pains in his + labors, denoted afflictions, and indeed denoted, further, a change of + affairs, because that land which is ploughed by oxen cannot remain in its + former state; and that the ears of corn being ten, determined the like + number of years, because an ear of corn grows in one year; and that the + time of Archelaus's government was over. And thus did this man expound the + dream. Now on the fifth day after this dream came first to Archelaus, the + other Archelaus, that was sent to Judea by Cæsar to call him away, came + hither also. + </p> + <p> + 4. The like accident befell Glaphyra his wife, who was the daughter of + king Archelaus, who, as I said before, was married, while she was a + virgin, to Alexander, the son of Herod, and brother of Archelaus; but + since it fell out so that Alexander was slain by his father, she was + married to Juba, the king of Lybia; and when he was dead, and she lived in + widowhood in Cappadocia with her father, Archelaus divorced his former + wife Mariamne, and married her, so great was his affection for this + Glphyra; who, during her marriage to him, saw the following dream: She + thought she saw Alexander standing by her, at which she rejoiced, and + embraced him with great affection; but that he complained o her, and said, + O Glaphyra! thou provest that saying to be true, which assures us that + women are not to be trusted. Didst not thou pledge thy faith to me? and + wast not thou married to me when thou wast a virgin? and had we not + children between us? Yet hast thou forgotten the affection I bare to thee, + out of a desire of a second husband. Nor hast thou been satisfied with + that injury thou didst me, but thou hast been so bold as to procure thee a + third husband to lie by thee, and in an indecent and imprudent manner hast + entered into my house, and hast been married to Archelaus, thy husband and + my brother. However, I will not forget thy former kind affection for me, + but will set thee free from every such reproachful action, and cause thee + to be mine again, as thou once wast. When she had related this to her + female companions, in a few days' time she departed this life. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now I did not think these histories improper for the present discourse, + both because my discourse now is concerning kings, and otherwise also on + account of the advantage hence to be drawn, as well for the confirmation + of the immortality of the soul, as of the providence of God over human + affairs, I thought them fit to be set down; but if any one does not + believe such relations, let him indeed enjoy his own opinion, but let him + not hinder another that would thereby encourage himself in virtue. So + Archelaus's country was laid to the province of Syria; and Cyrenius, one + that had been consul, was sent by Cæsar to take account of people's + effects in Syria, and to sell the house of Archelaus. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172H_4_0015" id="link172H_4_0015"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES: + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link17note-1" id="link17note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link17noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ Those who have a mind to + know all the family and descendants of Antipater the Idumean, and of Herod + the Great, his son, and have a memory to preserve them all distinctly, may + consult Josephus, Antiq. B. XVIII. ch. 5. sect. 4; and Of the War, B. I. + ch. 28. sect. 4; in Havercamp's edition, p. 336; and Spanheim, lb. p. 402—405; + and Reland, Paleslin. Part I. p. 178, 176.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-2" id="link17note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link17noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ This is now wanting.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-3" id="link17note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link17noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ Pheroras's wife, and her + mother and sister, and Doris, Antipater's mother.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-4" id="link17note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link17noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ His wife, her mother, and + sister.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-5" id="link17note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link17noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ It seems to me, by this + whole story put together, that Pheroras was not himself poisoned, as is + commonly supposed; for Antipater had persuaded him to poison Herod, ch. v. + sect. 1, which would fall to the ground if he wore himself poisoned; nor + could the poisoning of Pheroras serve any design that appears now going + forward; it was only the supposal of two of his freed-men, that this + love-potion, or poison, which they knew was brought to Pheroras's wife, + was made use of for poisoning him; whereas it appears to have been brought + for her husband to poison Herod withal, as the future examinations + demonstrate.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-6" id="link17note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link17noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ That the making of + images, without an intention to worship them, was not unlawful to the + Jews, see the note on Antiq. B VIII. ch. 7. sect. 5. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-7" id="link17note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link17noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ This fact, that one + Joseph was made high priest for a single day, on occasion of the action + here specified, that befell Matthias, the real high priest, in his sleep, + the night before the great day of expiation, is attested to both in the + Mishna and Talmud, as Dr. Hudson here informs us. And indeed, from this + fact, thus fully attested, we may confute that pretended rule in the + Talmud here mentioned, and endeavored to be excused lay Reland, that the + high priest was not suffered to sleep the night before that great day of + expiation; which watching would surely rather unfit him for the many + important duties he was to perform on that solemn day, than dispose him + duly to perform them. Nor do such Talmudical rules, when unsupported by + better evidence, much less when contradicted there by, seem to me of + weight enough to deserve that so great a man as Reland should spend his + time in endeavors at their vindication.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-8" id="link17note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link17noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ This eclipse of the moon + [which is the only eclipse of either of the luminaries mentioned by our + Josephus in any of his writings] is of the greatest consequence for the + determination of the time for the death of Herod and Antipater, and for + the birth and entire chronology of Jesus Christ. It happened March 13th, + in the year of the Julian period 4710, and the 4th year before the + Christian era. See its calculation by the rules of astronomy, at the end + of the Astronomical Lectures, edit. Lat. p. 451, 452.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-9" id="link17note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link17noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ A place for the + horse-races.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-10" id="link17note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link17noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ When it is here said + that Philip the tetrarch, and Archelaus the king, or ethnarch, were own + brother, or genuine brothers, if those words mean own brothers, or born of + the same father and mother, there must be here some mistake; because they + had indeed the same father, Herod, but different mothers; the former + Cleopatra, and Archelaus Malthace. They were indeed brought up together + privately at Rome like when he went to have his kingdom confirmed to him + at Rome, ch. 9. sect. 5; and Of the War, B. II. ch. 2. sect. 1; which + intimacy is perhaps all that Josephus intended by the words before us.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-11" id="link17note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link17noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ These numbers of years + for Herod's reign, 34 and 37, are the very same with those, Of the War, B. + I. ch. 33. sect. 8, and are among the principal chronological characters + belonging to the reign or death of Herod. See Harm. p. 150—155.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-12" id="link17note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link17noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ At eight stadia or + furlongs a-day, as here, Herod's funeral, conducted to Herodium, which lay + at the distance from Jericho, where he died, of 200 stadia or furlongs, Of + the War, B. 1. ch. 33. sect. 9, must have taken up no less than + twenty-five days.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-13" id="link17note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link17noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ This passover, when the + sedition here mentioned was moved against Archelaus, was not one, but + thirteen months after the eclipse of the moon already mentioned.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-14" id="link17note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link17noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ See Antiq. B. XIV. ch. + 13. sect. 10; and Of the War; B. II. ch. 12. sect. 9.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-15" id="link17note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link17noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ These great + devastations made about the temple here, and Of the War, B. II. ch. 3. + sect. 3, seem not to have been full re-edified in the days of Nero; till + whose time there were eighteen thousand workmen continually employed in + rebuilding and repairing that temple, as Josephus informs us, Antiq. B. + XX. ch. 9. sect. 7. See the note on that place.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-16" id="link17note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link17noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ Unless this Judas, the + son of Ezekias, be the same with that Theudas, mentioned Acts 5:36, + Josephus must have omitted him; for that other Thoualas, whom he afterward + mentions, under Fadus the Roman governor, B. XX. ch. 5. sect. 1, is much + too late to correspond to him that is mentioned in the Acts. The names + Theudas, Thaddeus, and Judas differ but little. See Archbishop Usher's + Annals at A.M. 4001. However, since Josephus does not pretend to reckon up + the heads of all those ten thousand disorders in Judea, which he tells us + were then abroad, see sect. 4 and 8, the Theudas of the Acts might be at + the head of one of those seditions, though not particularly named by him. + Thus he informs us here, sect. 6, and Of the War, B. II. ch. 4. Sect. 2, + that certain of the seditious came and burnt the royal palace at Amsthus, + or Betharamphta, upon the river Jordan. Perhaps their leader, who is not + named by Josephus, might be this Theudas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-17" id="link17note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link17noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ See Of the War, B. II. + ch. 2. sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-18" id="link17note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link17noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ See the note, Of the + War, B. II. ch. 6. sect. 1.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-19" id="link17note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link17noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ He was tetrarch + afterward.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-20" id="link17note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link17noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ If any one compare that + Divine prediction concerning the tyrannical power which Jewish kings would + exercise over them, if they would be so foolish as to prefer it before + their ancient theocracy or aristocracy, 1 Samuel 8:1-22; Antiq. B. VI. ch. + 4. sect. 4, he will soon find that it was superabundantly fulfilled in the + days of Herod, and that to such a degree, that the nation now at last seem + sorely to repent of such their ancient choice, in opposition to God's + better choice for them, and had much rather be subject to even a pagan + Roman government, and their deputies, than to be any longer under the + oppression of the family of Herod; which request of theirs Augustus did + not now grant them, but did it for the one half of that nation in a few + years afterward, upon fresh complaints made by the Jews against Archelaus, + who, under the more humble name of an ethnarch, which Augustus only would + now allow him, soon took upon him the insolence and tyranny of his father + king Herod, as the remaining part of this book will inform us, and + particularly ch. 13. sect. 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-21" id="link17note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link17noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ This is not true. See + Antiq. B. XIV. ch. 9. sect. 3, 4; and ch. 12. sect. 2; and ch. 13. sect. + 1, 2. Antiq. B. XV. ch. 3. sect. 5; and ch. 10. sect. 2, 3. Antiq. B. XVI. + ch. 9. sect. 3. Since Josephus here informs us that Archelaus had one half + of the kingdom of Herod, and presently informs us further that Archelaus's + annual income, after an abatement of one quarter for the present, was 600 + talents, we may therefore gather pretty nearly what was Herod the Great's + yearly income, I mean about 1600 talents, which, at the known value of + 3000 shekels to a talent, and about 2s. 10d. to a shekel, in the days of + Josephus, see the note on Antiq. B. III. ch. 8. sect. 2, amounts to + 680,000 sterling per annum; which income, though great in itself, bearing + no proportion to his vast expenses every where visible in Josephus, and to + the vast sums he left behind him in his will, ch. 8. sect. 1, and ch. 12. + sect. 1, the rest must have arisen either from his confiscation of those + great men's estates whom he put to death, or made to pay fine for the + saving of their lives, or from some other heavy methods of oppression + which such savage tyrants usually exercise upon their miserable subjects; + or rather from these several methods not together, all which yet seem very + much too small for his expenses, being drawn from no larger a nation than + that of the Jews, which was very populous, but without the advantage of + trade to bring them riches; so that I cannot but strongly suspect that no + small part of this his wealth arose from another source; I mean from some + vast sums he took out of David's sepulcher, but concealed from the people. + See the note on Antiq. B. VII. ch. 15. sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-22" id="link17note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link17noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ Take here a very useful + note of Grotias, on Luke 3:1, here quoted by Dr. Hudson: "When Josephus + says that some part of the house [or possession] of Zenodorus [i.e. + Abilene] was allotted to Philip, he thereby declares that the larger part + of it belonged to another. This other was Lysanias, whom Luke mentions, of + the posterity of that Lysanias who was possessed of the same country + called Abilene, from the city Abila, and by others Chalcidene, from the + city Chaleis, when the government of the East was under Antonius, and this + after Ptolemy, the son of Menneus; from which Lysanias this country came + to be commonly called the Country of Lysanias; and as, after the death of + the former Lyanias, it was called the tetrarchy of Zenodorus, so, after + the death of Zenodorus, or when the time for which he hired it was ended + when another Lysanias, of the same name with the former, was possessed of + the same country, it began to be called the Tetrarchy of Lysanias." + However, since Josephus elsewhere [Antiq. B. XX. ch. 7. sect. 1: clearly + distinguishes Abilene from Cilalcidcue, Groius must be here so far + mistaken.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17note-23" id="link17note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link17noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ Spanheim seasonably + observes here, that it was forbidden the Jews to marry their brother's + wife when she had children by her first husband, and that Zonaras [cites, + or] interprets the clause before us accordingly.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link182H_4_0001" id="link182H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK XVIII. Containing The Interval Of Thirty-Two Years.—From + The Banishment Of Archelaus To The Departure From Babylon.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link182HCH0001" id="link182HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. How Cyrenius Was Sent By Cæsar To Make A Taxation Of Syria And + Judea; And How Coponius Was Sent To Be Procurator Of Judea; Concerning + Judas Of Galilee And Concerning The Sects That Were Among The Jews. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Cyrenius, a Roman senator, and one who had gone through other + magistracies, and had passed through them till he had been consul, and one + who, on other accounts, was of great dignity, came at this time into + Syria, with a few others, being sent by Cæsar to be a judge of that + nation, and to take an account of their substance. Coponius also, a man of + the equestrian order, was sent together with him, to have the supreme + power over the Jews. Moreover, Cyrenius came himself into Judea, which was + now added to the province of Syria, to take an account of their substance, + and to dispose of Archelaus's money; but the Jews, although at the + beginning they took the report of a taxation heinously, yet did they leave + off any further opposition to it, by the persuasion of Joazar, who was the + son of Beethus, and high priest; so they, being over-persuaded by Joazar's + words, gave an account of their estates, without any dispute about it. Yet + was there one Judas, a Gaulonite, <a href="#link18note-1" + name="link18noteref-1" id="link18noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> of a city + whose name was Gamala, who, taking with him Sadduc, <a href="#link18note-2" + name="link18noteref-2" id="link18noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> a + Pharisee, became zealous to draw them to a revolt, who both said that this + taxation was no better than an introduction to slavery, and exhorted the + nation to assert their liberty; as if they could procure them happiness + and security for what they possessed, and an assured enjoyment of a still + greater good, which was that of the honor and glory they would thereby + acquire for magnanimity. They also said that God would not otherwise be + assisting to them, than upon their joining with one another in such + councils as might be successful, and for their own advantage; and this + especially, if they would set about great exploits, and not grow weary in + executing the same; so men received what they said with pleasure, and this + bold attempt proceeded to a great height. All sorts of misfortunes also + sprang from these men, and the nation was infected with this doctrine to + an incredible degree; one violent war came upon us after another, and we + lost our friends which used to alleviate our pains; there were also very + great robberies and murder of our principal men. This was done in pretense + indeed for the public welfare, but in reality for the hopes of gain to + themselves; whence arose seditions, and from them murders of men, which + sometimes fell on those of their own people, [by the madness of these men + towards one another, while their desire was that none of the adverse party + might be left,] and sometimes on their enemies; a famine also coming upon + us, reduced us to the last degree of despair, as did also the taking and + demolishing of cities; nay, the sedition at last increased so high, that + the very temple of God was burnt down by their enemies' fire. Such were + the consequences of this, that the customs of our fathers were altered, + and such a change was made, as added a mighty weight toward bringing all + to destruction, which these men occasioned by their thus conspiring + together; for Judas and Sadduc, who excited a fourth philosophic sect + among us, and had a great many followers therein, filled our civil + government with tumults at present, and laid the foundations of our future + miseries, by this system of philosophy, which we were before unacquainted + withal, concerning which I will discourse a little, and this the rather + because the infection which spread thence among the younger sort, who were + zealous for it, brought the public to destruction. + </p> + <p> + 2. The Jews had for a great while had three sects of philosophy peculiar + to themselves; the sect of the Essens, and the sect of the Sadducees, and + the third sort of opinions was that of those called Pharisees; of which + sects, although I have already spoken in the second book of the Jewish + War, yet will I a little touch upon them now. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now, for the Pharisees, they live meanly, and despise delicacies in + diet; and they follow the conduct of reason; and what that prescribes to + them as good for them they do; and they think they ought earnestly to + strive to observe reason's dictates for practice. They also pay a respect + to such as are in years; nor are they so bold as to contradict them in any + thing which they have introduced; and when they determine that all things + are done by fate, they do not take away the freedom from men of acting as + they think fit; since their notion is, that it hath pleased God to make a + temperament, whereby what he wills is done, but so that the will of man + can act virtuously or viciously. They also believe that souls have an + immortal rigor in them, and that under the earth there will be rewards or + punishments, according as they have lived virtuously or viciously in this + life; and the latter are to be detained in an everlasting prison, but that + the former shall have power to revive and live again; on account of which + doctrines they are able greatly to persuade the body of the people; and + whatsoever they do about Divine worship, prayers, and sacrifices, they + perform them according to their direction; insomuch that the cities give + great attestations to them on account of their entire virtuous conduct, + both in the actions of their lives and their discourses also. + </p> + <p> + 4. But the doctrine of the Sadducees is this: That souls die with the + bodies; nor do they regard the observation of any thing besides what the + law enjoins them; for they think it an instance of virtue to dispute with + those teachers of philosophy whom they frequent: but this doctrine is + received but by a few, yet by those still of the greatest dignity. But + they are able to do almost nothing of themselves; for when they become + magistrates, as they are unwillingly and by force sometimes obliged to be, + they addict themselves to the notions of the Pharisees, because the + multitude would not otherwise bear them. + </p> + <p> + 5. The doctrine of the Essens is this: That all things are best ascribed + to God. They teach the immortality of souls, and esteem that the rewards + of righteousness are to be earnestly striven for; and when they send what + they have dedicated to God into the temple, they do not offer sacrifices + <a href="#link18note-3" name="link18noteref-3" id="link18noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> + because they have more pure lustrations of their own; on which account + they are excluded from the common court of the temple, but offer their + sacrifices themselves; yet is their course of life better than that of + other men; and they entirely addict themselves to husbandry. It also + deserves our admiration, how much they exceed all other men that addict + themselves to virtue, and this in righteousness; and indeed to such a + degree, that as it hath never appeared among any other men, neither Greeks + nor barbarians, no, not for a little time, so hath it endured a long while + among them. This is demonstrated by that institution of theirs, which will + not suffer any thing to hinder them from having all things in common; so + that a rich man enjoys no more of his own wealth than he who hath nothing + at all. There are about four thousand men that live in this way, and + neither marry wives, nor are desirous to keep servants; as thinking the + latter tempts men to be unjust, and the former gives the handle to + domestic quarrels; but as they live by themselves, they minister one to + another. They also appoint certain stewards to receive the incomes of + their revenues, and of the fruits of the ground; such as are good men and + priests, who are to get their corn and their food ready for them. They + none of them differ from others of the Essens in their way of living, but + do the most resemble those Dacae who are called Polistae <a + href="#link18note-4" name="link18noteref-4" id="link18noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> + [dwellers in cities]. + </p> + <p> + 6. But of the fourth sect of Jewish philosophy, Judas the Galilean was the + author. These men agree in all other things with the Pharisaic notions; + but they have an inviolable attachment to liberty, and say that God is to + be their only Ruler and Lord. They also do not value dying any kinds of + death, nor indeed do they heed the deaths of their relations and friends, + nor can any such fear make them call any man lord. And since this + immovable resolution of theirs is well known to a great many, I shall + speak no further about that matter; nor am I afraid that any thing I have + said of them should be disbelieved, but rather fear, that what I have said + is beneath the resolution they show when they undergo pain. And it was in + Gessius Florus's time that the nation began to grow mad with this + distemper, who was our procurator, and who occasioned the Jews to go wild + with it by the abuse of his authority, and to make them revolt from the + Romans. And these are the sects of Jewish philosophy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link182HCH0002" id="link182HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. How Herod And Philip Built Several Cities In Honor Of Cæsar. + Concerning The Succession Of Priests And Procurators; As Also What Befell + Phraates And The Parthians. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Cyrenius had now disposed of Archelaus's money, and when the + taxings were come to a conclusion, which were made in the thirty-seventh + year of Cæsar's victory over Antony at Actium, he deprived Joazar of the + high priesthood, which dignity had been conferred on him by the multitude, + and he appointed Ananus, the son of Seth, to be high priest; while Herod + and Philip had each of them received their own tetrarchy, and settled the + affairs thereof. Herod also built a wall about Sepphoris, [which is the + security of all Galilee,] and made it the metropolis of the country. He + also built a wall round Betharamphtha, which was itself a city also, and + called it Julias, from the name of the emperor's wife. When Philip also + had built Paneas, a city at the fountains of Jordan, he named it Cæsarea. + He also advanced the village Bethsaida, situate at the lake of + Gennesareth, unto the dignity of a city, both by the number of inhabitants + it contained, and its other grandeur, and called it by the name of Julias, + the same name with Cæsar's daughter. + </p> + <p> + 2. As Coponius, who we told you was sent along with Cyrenius, was + exercising his office of procurator, and governing Judea, the following + accidents happened. As the Jews were celebrating the feast of unleavened + bread, which we call the Passover, it was customary for the priests to + open the temple-gates just after midnight. When, therefore, those gates + were first opened, some of the Samaritans came privately into Jerusalem, + and threw about dead men's bodies, in the cloisters; on which account the + Jews afterward excluded them out of the temple, which they had not used to + do at such festivals; and on other accounts also they watched the temple + more carefully than they had formerly done. A little after which accident + Coponius returned to Rome, and Marcus Ambivius came to be his successor in + that government; under whom Salome, the sister of king Herod, died, and + left to Julia, [Cæsar's wife,] Jamnia, all its toparchy, and Phasaelis in + the plain, and Arehelais, where is a great plantation of palm trees, and + their fruit is excellent in its kind. After him came Annius Rufus, under + whom died Cæsar, the second emperor of the Romans, the duration of whose + reign was fifty-seven years, besides six months and two days [of which + time Antonius ruled together with him fourteen years; but the duration of + his life was seventy-seven years]; upon whose death Tiberius Nero, his + wife Julia's son, succeeded. He was now the third emperor; and he sent + Valerius Gratus to be procurator of Judea, and to succeed Annius Rufus. + This man deprived Ananus of the high priesthood, and appointed Ismael, the + son of Phabi, to be high priest. He also deprived him in a little time, + and ordained Eleazar, the son of Ananus, who had been high priest before, + to be high priest; which office, when he had held for a year, Gratus + deprived him of it, and gave the high priesthood to Simon, the son of + Camithus; and when he had possessed that dignity no longer than a year, + Joseph Caiaphas was made his successor. When Gratus had done those things, + he went back to Rome, after he had tarried in Judea eleven years, when + Pontius Pilate came as his successor. + </p> + <p> + 3. And now Herod the tetrarch, who was in great favor with Tiberius, built + a city of the same name with him, and called it Tiberias. He built it in + the best part of Galilee, at the lake of Gennesareth. There are warm baths + at a little distance from it, in a village named Emmaus. Strangers came + and inhabited this city; a great number of the inhabitants were Galileans + also; and many were necessitated by Herod to come thither out of the + country belonging to him, and were by force compelled to be its + inhabitants; some of them were persons of condition. He also admitted poor + people, such as those that were collected from all parts, to dwell in it. + Nay, some of them were not quite free-men, and these he was benefactor to, + and made them free in great numbers; but obliged them not to forsake the + city, by building them very good houses at his own expenses, and by giving + them land also; for he was sensible, that to make this place a habitation + was to transgress the Jewish ancient laws, because many sepulchers were to + be here taken away, in order to make room for the city Tiberias <a + href="#link18note-5" name="link18noteref-5" id="link18noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + whereas our laws pronounce that such inhabitants are unclean for seven + days. <a href="#link18note-6" name="link18noteref-6" id="link18noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 4. About this time died Phraates, king of the Parthians, by the treachery + of Phraataces his son, upon the occasion following: When Phraates had had + legitimate sons of his own, he had also an Italian maid-servant, whose + name was Thermusa, who had been formerly sent to him by Julius Cæsar, + among other presents. He first made her his concubine; but he being a + great admirer of her beauty, in process of time having a son by her, whose + name was Phraataces, he made her his legitimate wife, and had a great + respect for her. Now she was able to persuade him to do any thing that she + said, and was earnest in procuring the government of Parthia for her son; + but still she saw that her endeavors would not succeed, unless she could + contrive how to remove Phraates's legitimate sons [out of the kingdom;] so + she persuaded him to send those his sons as pledges of his fidelity to + Rome; and they were sent to Rome accordingly, because it was not easy for + him to contradict her commands. Now while Phraataces was alone brought up + in order to succeed in the government, he thought it very tedious to + expect that government by his father's donation [as his successor]; he + therefore formed a treacherous design against his father, by his mother's + assistance, with whom, as the report went, he had criminal conversation + also. So he was hated for both these vices, while his subjects esteemed + this [wicked] love of his mother to be no way inferior to his parricide; + and he was by them, in a sedition, expelled out of the country before he + grew too great, and died. But as the best sort of Parthians agreed + together that it was impossible they should be governed without a king, + while also it was their constant practice to choose one of the family of + Arsaces, [nor did their law allow of any others; and they thought this + kingdom had been sufficiently injured already by the marriage with an + Italian concubine, and by her issue,] they sent ambassadors, and called + Orodes [to take the crown]; for the multitude would not otherwise have + borne them; and though he was accused of very great cruelty, and was of an + untractable temper, and prone to wrath, yet still he was one of the family + of Arsaces. However, they made a conspiracy against him, and slew him, and + that, as some say, at a festival, and among their sacrifices; [for it is + the universal custom there to carry their swords with them;] but, as the + more general report is, they slew him when they had drawn him out a + hunting. So they sent ambassadors to Rome, and desired they would send one + of those that were there as pledges to be their king. Accordingly, Vonones + was preferred before the rest, and sent to them [for he seemed capable of + such great fortune, which two of the greatest kingdoms under the sun now + offered him, his own and a foreign one]. However, the barbarians soon + changed their minds, they being naturally of a mutable disposition, upon + the supposal that this man was not worthy to be their governor; for they + could not think of obeying the commands of one that had been a slave, [for + so they called those that had been hostages,] nor could they bear the + ignominy of that name; and this was the more intolerable, because then the + Parthians must have such a king set over them, not by right of war, but in + time of peace. So they presently invited Artabanus, king of Media, to be + their king, he being also of the race of Arsaces. Artabanus complied with + the offer that was made him, and came to them with an army. So Vonones met + him; and at first the multitude of the Parthians stood on this side, and + he put his army in array; but Artabanus was beaten, and fled to the + mountains of Media. Yet did he a little after gather a great army + together, and fought with Vonones, and beat him; whereupon Vonones fled + away on horseback, with a few of his attendants about him, to Seleucia + [upon Tigris]. So when Artabanus had slain a great number, and this after + he had gotten the victory by reason of the very great dismay the + barbarians were in, he retired to Ctesiphon with a great number of his + people; and so he now reigned over the Parthians. But Vonones fled away to + Armenia; and as soon as he came thither, he had an inclination to have the + government of the country given him, and sent ambassadors to Rome [for + that purpose]. But because Tiberius refused it him, and because he wanted + courage, and because the Parthian king threatened him, and sent + ambassadors to him to denounce war against him if he proceeded, and + because he had no way to take to regain any other kingdom, [for the people + of authority among the Armenians about Niphates joined themselves to + Artabanus,] he delivered up himself to Silanus, the president of Syria, + who, out of regard to his education at Rome, kept him in Syria, while + Artabanus gave Armenia to Orodes, one of his own sons. + </p> + <p> + 5. At this time died Antiochus, the king of Commagene; whereupon the + multitude contended with the nobility, and both sent ambassadors to + [Rome]; for the men of power were desirous that their form of government + might be changed into that of a [Roman] province; as were the multitude + desirous to be under kings, as their fathers had been. So the senate made + a decree that Germanicus should be sent to settle the affairs of the East, + fortune hereby taking a proper opportunity for depriving him of his life; + for when he had been in the East, and settled all affairs there, his life + was taken away by the poison which Piso gave him, as hath been related + elsewhere. <a href="#link18note-7" name="link18noteref-7" + id="link18noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link182HCH0003" id="link182HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. Sedition Of The Jews Against Pontius Pilate. Concerning Christ, + And What Befell Paulina And The Jews At Rome. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But now Pilate, the procurator of Judea, removed the army from Cæsarea + to Jerusalem, to take their winter quarters there, in order to abolish the + Jewish laws. So he introduced Cæsar's effigies, which were upon the + ensigns, and brought them into the city; whereas our law forbids us the + very making of images; on which account the former procurators were wont + to make their entry into the city with such ensigns as had not those + ornaments. Pilate was the first who brought those images to Jerusalem, and + set them up there; which was done without the knowledge of the people, + because it was done in the night time; but as soon as they knew it, they + came in multitudes to Cæsarea, and interceded with Pilate many days that + he would remove the images; and when he would not grant their requests, + because it would tend to the injury of Cæsar, while yet they persevered + in their request, on the sixth day he ordered his soldiers to have their + weapons privately, while he came and sat upon his judgment-seat, which + seat was so prepared in the open place of the city, that it concealed the + army that lay ready to oppress them; and when the Jews petitioned him + again, he gave a signal to the soldiers to encompass them routed, and + threatened that their punishment should be no less than immediate death, + unless they would leave off disturbing him, and go their ways home. But + they threw themselves upon the ground, and laid their necks bare, and said + they would take their death very willingly, rather than the wisdom of + their laws should be transgressed; upon which Pilate was deeply affected + with their firm resolution to keep their laws inviolable, and presently + commanded the images to be carried back from Jerusalem to Cæsarea. + </p> + <p> + 2. But Pilate undertook to bring a current of water to Jerusalem, and did + it with the sacred money, and derived the origin of the stream from the + distance of two hundred furlongs. However, the Jews <a href="#link18note-8" + name="link18noteref-8" id="link18noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> were not + pleased with what had been done about this water; and many ten thousands + of the people got together, and made a clamor against him, and insisted + that he should leave off that design. Some of them also used reproaches, + and abused the man, as crowds of such people usually do. So he habited a + great number of his soldiers in their habit, who carried daggers under + their garments, and sent them to a place where they might surround them. + So he bid the Jews himself go away; but they boldly casting reproaches + upon him, he gave the soldiers that signal which had been beforehand + agreed on; who laid upon them much greater blows than Pilate had commanded + them, and equally punished those that were tumultuous, and those that were + not; nor did they spare them in the least: and since the people were + unarmed, and were caught by men prepared for what they were about, there + were a great number of them slain by this means, and others of them ran + away wounded. And thus an end was put to this sedition. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to + call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such + men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of + the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, + at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to + the cross, <a href="#link18note-9" name="link18noteref-9" + id="link18noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> those that loved him at the + first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third + day; <a href="#link18note-10" name="link18noteref-10" id="link18noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> + as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful + things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are + not extinct at this day. + </p> + <p> + 4. About the same time also another sad calamity put the Jews into + disorder, and certain shameful practices happened about the temple of Isis + that was at Rome. I will now first take notice of the wicked attempt about + the temple of Isis, and will then give an account of the Jewish affairs. + There was at Rome a woman whose name was Paulina; one who, on account of + the dignity of her ancestors, and by the regular conduct of a virtuous + life, had a great reputation: she was also very rich; and although she was + of a beautiful countenance, and in that flower of her age wherein women + are the most gay, yet did she lead a life of great modesty. She was + married to Saturninus, one that was every way answerable to her in an + excellent character. Decius Mundus fell in love with this woman, who was a + man very high in the equestrian order; and as she was of too great dignity + to be caught by presents, and had already rejected them, though they had + been sent in great abundance, he was still more inflamed with love to her, + insomuch that he promised to give her two hundred thousand Attic drachmae + for one night's lodging; and when this would not prevail upon her, and he + was not able to bear this misfortune in his amours, he thought it the best + way to famish himself to death for want of food, on account of Paulina's + sad refusal; and he determined with himself to die after such a manner, + and he went on with his purpose accordingly. Now Mundus had a freed-woman, + who had been made free by his father, whose name was Ide, one skillful in + all sorts of mischief. This woman was very much grieved at the young man's + resolution to kill himself, [for he did not conceal his intentions to + destroy himself from others,] and came to him, and encouraged him by her + discourse, and made him to hope, by some promises she gave him, that he + might obtain a night's lodging with Paulina; and when he joyfully + hearkened to her entreaty, she said she wanted no more than fifty thousand + drachmae for the entrapping of the woman. So when she had encouraged the + young man, and gotten as much money as she required, she did not take the + same methods as had been taken before, because she perceived that the + woman was by no means to be tempted by money; but as she knew that she was + very much given to the worship of the goddess Isis, she devised the + following stratagem: She went to some of Isis's priests, and upon the + strongest assurances [of concealment], she persuaded them by words, but + chiefly by the offer of money, of twenty-five thousand drachmae in hand, + and as much more when the thing had taken effect; and told them the + passion of the young man, and persuaded them to use all means possible to + beguile the woman. So they were drawn in to promise so to do, by that + large sum of gold they were to have. Accordingly, the oldest of them went + immediately to Paulina; and upon his admittance, he desired to speak with + her by herself. When that was granted him, he told her that he was sent by + the god Anubis, who was fallen in love with her, and enjoined her to come + to him. Upon this she took the message very kindly, and valued herself + greatly upon this condescension of Anubis, and told her husband that she + had a message sent her, and was to sup and lie with Anubis; so he agreed + to her acceptance of the offer, as fully satisfied with the chastity of + his wife. Accordingly, she went to the temple, and after she had supped + there, and it was the hour to go to sleep, the priest shut the doors of + the temple, when, in the holy part of it, the lights were also put out. + Then did Mundus leap out, [for he was hidden therein,] and did not fail of + enjoying her, who was at his service all the night long, as supposing he + was the god; and when he was gone away, which was before those priests who + knew nothing of this stratagem were stirring, Paulina came early to her + husband, and told him how the god Anubis had appeared to her. Among her + friends, also, she declared how great a value she put upon this favor, who + partly disbelieved the thing, when they reflected on its nature, and + partly were amazed at it, as having no pretense for not believing it, when + they considered the modesty and the dignity of the person. But now, on the + third day after what had been done, Mundus met Paulina, and said, "Nay, + Paulina, thou hast saved me two hundred thousand drachmae, which sum thou + mightest have added to thy own family; yet hast thou not failed to be at + my service in the manner I invited thee. As for the reproaches thou hast + laid upon Mundus, I value not the business of names; but I rejoice in the + pleasure I reaped by what I did, while I took to myself the name of + Anubis." When he had said this, he went his way. But now she began to come + to the sense of the grossness of what she had done, and rent her garments, + and told her husband of the horrid nature of this wicked contrivance, and + prayed him not to neglect to assist her in this case. So he discovered the + fact to the emperor; whereupon Tiberius inquired into the matter + thoroughly by examining the priests about it, and ordered them to be + crucified, as well as Ide, who was the occasion of their perdition, and + who had contrived the whole matter, which was so injurious to the woman. + He also demolished the temple of Isis, and gave order that her statue + should be thrown into the river Tiber; while he only banished Mundus, but + did no more to him, because he supposed that what crime he had committed + was done out of the passion of love. And these were the circumstances + which concerned the temple of Isis, and the injuries occasioned by her + priests. I now return to the relation of what happened about this time to + the Jews at Rome, as I formerly told you I would. + </p> + <p> + 5. There was a man who was a Jew, but had been driven away from his own + country by an accusation laid against him for transgressing their laws, + and by the fear he was under of punishment for the same; but in all + respects a wicked man. He, then living at Rome, professed to instruct men + in the wisdom of the laws of Moses. He procured also three other men, + entirely of the same character with himself, to be his partners. These men + persuaded Fulvia, a woman of great dignity, and one that had embraced the + Jewish religion, to send purple and gold to the temple at Jerusalem; and + when they had gotten them, they employed them for their own uses, and + spent the money themselves, on which account it was that they at first + required it of her. Whereupon Tiberius, who had been informed of the thing + by Saturninus, the husband of Fulvia, who desired inquiry might be made + about it, ordered all the Jews to be banished out of Rome; at which time + the consuls listed four thousand men out of them, and sent them to the + island Sardinia; but punished a greater number of them, who were unwilling + to become soldiers, on account of keeping the laws of their forefathers. + <a href="#link18note-11" name="link18noteref-11" id="link18noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> + Thus were these Jews banished out of the city by the wickedness of four + men. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link182HCH0004" id="link182HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. How The Samaritans Made A Tumult And Pilate Destroyed Many Of + Them; How Pilate Was Accused And What Things Were Done By Vitellius + Relating To The Jews And The Parthians. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But the nation of the Samaritans did not escape without tumults. The + man who excited them to it was one who thought lying a thing of little + consequence, and who contrived every thing so that the multitude might be + pleased; so he bid them to get together upon Mount Gerizzim, which is by + them looked upon as the most holy of all mountains, and assured them, that + when they were come thither, he would show them those sacred vessels which + were laid under that place, because Moses put them there <a + href="#link18note-12" name="link18noteref-12" id="link18noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> + So they came thither armed, and thought the discourse of the man probable; + and as they abode at a certain village, which was called Tirathaba, they + got the rest together to them, and desired to go up the mountain in a + great multitude together; but Pilate prevented their going up, by seizing + upon the roads with a great band of horsemen and foot-men, who fell upon + those that were gotten together in the village; and when it came to an + action, some of them they slew, and others of them they put to flight, and + took a great many alive, the principal of which, and also the most potent + of those that fled away, Pilate ordered to be slain. + </p> + <p> + 2. But when this tumult was appeased, the Samaritan senate sent an embassy + to Vitellius, a man that had been consul, and who was now president of + Syria, and accused Pilate of the murder of those that were killed; for + that they did not go to Tirathaba in order to revolt from the Romans, but + to escape the violence of Pilate. So Vitellius sent Marcellus, a friend of + his, to take care of the affairs of Judea, and ordered Pilate to go to + Rome, to answer before the emperor to the accusations of the Jews. So + Pilate, when he had tarried ten years in Judea, made haste to Rome, and + this in obedience to the orders of Vitellius, which he durst not + contradict; but before he could get to Rome Tiberius was dead. + </p> + <p> + 3. But Vitellius came into Judea, and went up to Jerusalem; it was at the + time of that festival which is called the Passover. Vitellius was there + magnificently received, and released the inhabitants of Jerusalem from all + the taxes upon the fruits that were bought and sold, and gave them leave + to have the care of the high priest's vestments, with all their ornaments, + and to have them under the custody of the priests in the temple, which + power they used to have formerly, although at this time they were laid up + in the tower of Antonia, the citadel so called, and that on the occasion + following: There was one of the [high] priests, named Hyrcanus; and as + there were many of that name, he was the first of them; this man built a + tower near the temple, and when he had so done, he generally dwelt in it, + and had these vestments with him, because it was lawful for him alone to + put them on, and he had them there reposited when he went down into the + city, and took his ordinary garments; the same things were continued to be + done by his sons, and by their sons after them. But when Herod came to be + king, he rebuilt this tower, which was very conveniently situated, in a + magnificent manner; and because he was a friend to Antonius, he called it + by the name of Antonia. And as he found these vestments lying there, he + retained them in the same place, as believing, that while he had them in + his custody, the people would make no innovations against him. The like to + what Herod did was done by his son Archelaus, who was made king after him; + after whom the Romans, when they entered on the government, took + possession of these vestments of the high priest, and had them reposited + in a stone-chamber, under the seal of the priests, and of the keepers of + the temple, the captain of the guard lighting a lamp there every day; and + seven days before a festival <a href="#link18note-13" + name="link18noteref-13" id="link18noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> they + were delivered to them by the captain of the guard, when the high priest + having purified them, and made use of them, laid them up again in the same + chamber where they had been laid up before, and this the very next day + after the feast was over. This was the practice at the three yearly + festivals, and on the fast day; but Vitellius put those garments into our + own power, as in the days of our forefathers, and ordered the captain of + the guard not to trouble himself to inquire where they were laid, or when + they were to be used; and this he did as an act of kindness, to oblige the + nation to him. Besides which, he also deprived Joseph, who was also called + Caiaphas, of the high priesthood, and appointed Jonathan the son of + Ananus, the former high priest, to succeed him. After which, he took his + journey back to Antioch. + </p> + <p> + 4. Moreover, Tiberius sent a letter to Vitellius, and commanded him to + make a league of friendship with Artabanus, the king of Parthia; for while + he was his enemy, he terrified him, because he had taken Armenia away from + him, lest he should proceed further, and told him he should no otherwise + trust him than upon his giving him hostages, and especially his son + Artabanus. Upon Tiberius's writing thus to Vitellius, by the offer of + great presents of money, he persuaded both the king of Iberia and the king + of Albania to make no delay, but to fight against Artabanus; and although + they would not do it themselves, yet did they give the Scythians a passage + through their country, and opened the Caspian gates to them, and brought + them upon Artabanus. So Armenia was again taken from the Parthians, and + the country of Parthia was filled with war, and the principal of their men + were slain, and all things were in disorder among them: the king's son + also himself fell in these wars, together with many ten thousands of his + army. Vitellius had also sent such great sums of money to Artabanus's + father's kinsmen and friends, that he had almost procured him to be slain + by the means of those bribes which they had taken. And when Artabanus + perceived that the plot laid against him was not to be avoided, because it + was laid by the principal men, and those a great many in number, and that + it would certainly take effect,—when he had estimated the number of + those that were truly faithful to him, as also of those who were already + corrupted, but were deceitful in the kindness they professed to him, and + were likely, upon trial, to go over to his enemies, he made his escape to + the upper provinces, where he afterwards raised a great army out of the + Dahae and Sacre, and fought with his enemies, and retained his + principality. + </p> + <p> + 5. When Tiberius had heard of these things, he desired to have a league of + friendship made between him and Artabanus; and when, upon this invitation, + he received the proposal kindly, Artabanus and Vitellius went to + Euphrates, and as a bridge was laid over the river, they each of them came + with their guards about them, and met one another on the midst of the + bridge. And when they had agreed upon the terms of peace Herod, the + tetrarch erected a rich tent on the midst of the passage, and made them a + feast there. Artabanus also, not long afterward, sent his son Darius as an + hostage, with many presents, among which there was a man seven cubits + tall, a Jew he was by birth, and his name was Eleazar, who, for his + tallness, was called a giant. After which Vitellius went to Antioch, and + Artabanus to Babylon; but Herod [the tetrarch] being desirous to give + Cæsar the first information that they had obtained hostages, sent posts + with letters, wherein he had accurately described all the particulars, and + had left nothing for the consular Vitellius to inform him of. But when + Vitellius's letters were sent, and Cæsar had let him know that he was + acquainted with the affairs already, because Herod had given him an + account of them before, Vitellius was very much troubled at it; and + supposing that he had been thereby a greater sufferer than he really was, + he kept up a secret anger upon this occasion, till he could be revenged on + him, which he was after Caius had taken the government. + </p> + <p> + 6. About this time it was that Philip, Herod's brother, departed this + life, in the twentieth year of the reign of Tiberius, <a + href="#link18note-14" name="link18noteref-14" id="link18noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> + after he had been tetrarch of Trachonitis and Gaulanitis, and of the + nation of the Bataneans also, thirty-seven years. He had showed himself a + person of moderation and quietness in the conduct of his life and + government; he constantly lived in that country which was subject to him; + he used to make his progress with a few chosen friends; his tribunal also, + on which he sat in judgment, followed him in his progress; and when any + one met him who wanted his assistance, he made no delay, but had his + tribunal set down immediately, wheresoever he happened to be, and sat down + upon it, and heard his complaint: he there ordered the guilty that were + convicted to be punished, and absolved those that had been accused + unjustly. He died at Julias; and when he was carried to that monument + which he had already erected for himself beforehand, he was buried with + great pomp. His principality Tiberius took, [for he left no sons behind + him,] and added it to the province of Syria, but gave order that the + tributes which arose from it should be collected, and laid up in his + tetrachy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link182HCH0005" id="link182HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. Herod The Tetrarch Makes War With Aretas, The King Of Arabia, + And Is Beaten By Him As Also Concerning The Death Of John The Baptist. How + Vitellius Went Up To Jerusalem; Together With Some Account Of Agrippa And + Of The Posterity Of Herod The Great. + </h3> + <p> + 1. About this time Aretas [the king of Arabia Petres] and Herod had a + quarrel on the account following: Herod the tetrarch had, married the + daughter of Aretas, and had lived with her a great while; but when he was + once at Rome, he lodged with Herod, <a href="#link18note-15" + name="link18noteref-15" id="link18noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> who + was his brother indeed, but not by the same mother; for this Herod was the + son of the high priest Sireoh's daughter. However, he fell in love with + Herodias, this last Herod's wife, who was the daughter of Aristobulus + their brother, and the sister of Agrippa the Great. This man ventured to + talk to her about a marriage between them; which address, when she + admitted, an agreement was made for her to change her habitation, and come + to him as soon as he should return from Rome: one article of this marriage + also was this, that he should divorce Aretas's daughter. So Antipas, when + he had made this agreement, sailed to Rome; but when he had done there the + business he went about, and was returned again, his wife having discovered + the agreement he had made with Herodias, and having learned it before he + had notice of her knowledge of the whole design, she desired him to send + her to Macherus, which is a place in the borders of the dominions of + Aretas and Herod, without informing him of any of her intentions. + Accordingly Herod sent her thither, as thinking his wife had not perceived + any thing; now she had sent a good while before to Macherus, which was + subject to her father and so all things necessary for her journey were + made ready for her by the general of Aretas's army; and by that means she + soon came into Arabia, under the conduct of the several generals, who + carried her from one to another successively; and she soon came to her + father, and told him of Herod's intentions. So Aretas made this the first + occasion of his enmity between him and Herod, who had also some quarrel + with him about their limits at the country of Gamalitis. So they raised + armies on both sides, and prepared for war, and sent their generals to + fight instead of themselves; and when they had joined battle, all Herod's + army was destroyed by the treachery of some fugitives, who, though they + were of the tetrarchy of Philip, joined with Aretas's army.. So Herod + wrote about these affairs to Tiberius, who being very angry at the attempt + made by Aretas, wrote to Vitellius to make war upon him, and either to + take him alive, and bring him to him in bonds, or to kill him, and send + him his head. This was the charge that Tiberius gave to the president of + Syria. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came + from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against + John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, + and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness + towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism; for + that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use + of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins + [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the + soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness. Now when [many] + others came in crowds about him, for they were very greatly moved [or + pleased] by hearing his words, Herod, who feared lest the great influence + John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to + raise a rebellion, [for they seemed ready to do any thing he should + advise,] thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief + he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man + who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly he + was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the + castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death. Now the Jews had an + opinion that the destruction of this army was sent as a punishment upon + Herod, and a mark of God's displeasure to him. + </p> + <p> + 3. So Vitellius prepared to make war with Aretas, having with him two + legions of armed men; he also took with him all those of light armature, + and of the horsemen which belonged to them, and were drawn out of those + kingdoms which were under the Romans, and made haste for Petra, and came + to Ptolemais. But as he was marching very busily, and leading his army + through Judea, the principal men met him, and desired that he would not + thus march through their land; for that the laws of their country would + not permit them to overlook those images which were brought into it, of + which there were a great many in their ensigns; so he was persuaded by + what they said, and changed that resolution of his which he had before + taken in this matter. Whereupon he ordered the army to march along the + great plain, while he himself, with Herod the tetrarch and his friends, + went up to Jerusalem to offer sacrifice to God, an ancient festival of the + Jews being then just approaching; and when he had been there, and been + honorably entertained by the multitude of the Jews, he made a stay there + for three days, within which time he deprived Jonathan of the high + priesthood, and gave it to his brother Theophilus. But when on the fourth + day letters came to him, which informed him of the death of Tiberius, he + obliged the multitude to take an oath of fidelity to Caius; he also + recalled his army, and made them every one go home, and take their winter + quarters there, since, upon the devolution of the empire upon Caius, he + had not the like authority of making this war which he had before. It was + also reported, that when Aretas heard of the coming of Vitellius to fight + him, he said, upon his consulting the diviners, that it was impossible + that this army of Vitellius's could enter Petra; for that one of the + rulers would die, either he that gave orders for the war, or he that was + marching at the other's desire, in order to be subservient to his will, or + else he against whom this army is prepared. So Vitellius truly retired to + Antioch; but Agrippa, the son of Aristobulus, went up to Rome, a year + before the death of Tiberius, in order to treat of some affairs with the + emperor, if he might be permitted so to do. I have now a mind to describe + Herod and his family, how it fared with them, partly because it is + suitable to this history to speak of that matter, and partly because this + thing is a demonstration of the interposition of Providence, how a + multitude of children is of no advantage, no more than any other strength + that mankind set their hearts upon, besides those acts of piety which are + done towards God; for it happened, that, within the revolution of a + hundred years, the posterity of Herod, which were a great many in number, + were, excepting a few, utterly destroyed. <a href="#link18note-16" + name="link18noteref-16" id="link18noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> One + may well apply this for the instruction of mankind, and learn thence how + unhappy they were: it will also show us the history of Agrippa, who, as he + was a person most worthy of admiration, so was he from a private man, + beyond all the expectation of those that knew him, advanced to great power + and authority. I have said something of them formerly, but I shall now + also speak accurately about them. + </p> + <p> + 4. Herod the Great had two daughters by Mariamne, the [grand] daughter of + Hyrcanus; the one was Salampsio, who was married to Phasaelus, her first + cousin, who was himself the son of Phasaelus, Herod's brother, her father + making the match; the other was Cypros, who was herself married also to + her first cousin Antipater, the son of Salome, Herod's sister. Phasaelus + had five children by Salampsio; Antipater, Herod, and Alexander, and two + daughters, Alexandra and Cypros; which last Agrippa, the son of + Aristobulus, married; and Timius of Cyprus married Alexandra; he was a man + of note, but had by her no children. Agrippa had by Cypros two sons and + three daughters, which daughters were named Bernice, Mariamne, and + Drusius; but the names of the sons were Agrippa and Drusus, of which + Drusus died before he came to the years of puberty; but their father, + Agrippa, was brought up with his other brethren, Herod and Aristobulus, + for these were also the sons of the son of Herod the Great by Bernice; but + Bernice was the daughter of Costobarus and of Salome, who was Herod's + sister. Aristobulus left these infants when he was slain by his father, + together with his brother Alexander, as we have already related. But when + they were arrived at years of puberty, this Herod, the brother of Agrippa, + married Mariamne, the daughter of Olympias, who was the daughter of Herod + the king, and of Joseph, the son of Joseph, who was brother to Herod the + king, and had by her a son, Aristobulus; but Aristobulus, the third + brother of Agrippa, married Jotape, the daughter of Sampsigeramus, king of + Emesa; they had a daughter who was deaf, whose name also was Jotape; and + these hitherto were the children of the male line. But Herodias, their + sister, was married to Herod [Philip], the son of Herod the Great, who was + born of Mariamne, the daughter of Simon the high priest, who had a + daughter, Salome; after whose birth Herodias took upon her to confound the + laws of our country, and divorced herself from her husband while he was + alive, and was married to Herod [Antipas], her husband's brother by the + father's side, he was tetrarch of Galilee; but her daughter Salome was + married to Philip, the son of Herod, and tetrarch of Trachonitis; and as + he died childless, Aristobulus, the son of Herod, the brother of Agrippa, + married her; they had three sons, Herod, Agrippa, and Aristobulus; and + this was the posterity of Phasaelus and Salampsio. But the daughter of + Antipater by Cypros was Cypros, whom Alexas Selcias, the son of Alexas, + married; they had a daughter, Cypros; but Herod and Alexander, who, as we + told you, were the brothers of Antipater, died childless. As to Alexander, + the son of Herod the king, who was slain by his father, he had two sons, + Alexander and Tigranes, by the daughter of Archelaus, king of Cappadocia. + Tigranes, who was king of Armenia, was accused at Rome, and died + childless; Alexander had a son of the same name with his brother Tigranes, + and was sent to take possession of the kingdom of Armenia by Nero; he had + a son, Alexander, who married Jotape, <a href="#link18note-17" + name="link18noteref-17" id="link18noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> the + daughter of Antiochus, the king of Commagena; Vespasian made him king of + an island in Cilicia. But these descendants of Alexander, soon after their + birth, deserted the Jewish religion, and went over to that of the Greeks. + But for the rest of the daughters of Herod the king, it happened that they + died childless. And as these descendants of Herod, whom we have + enumerated, were in being at the same time that Agrippa the Great took the + kingdom, and I have now given an account of them, it now remains that I + relate the several hard fortunes which befell Agrippa, and how he got + clear of them, and was advanced to the greatest height of dignity and + power. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link182HCH0006" id="link182HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. Of The Navigation Of King Agrippa To Rome, To Tiberius Cæsar; + And Now Upon His Being Accused By His Own Freed-Man, He Was Bound; How + Also He, Was Set At Liberty By Caius, After Tiberius's Death And Was Made + King Of The Tetrarchy Of Philip. + </h3> + <p> + 1. A Little before the death of Herod the king, Agrippa lived at Rome, and + was generally brought up and conversed with Drusus, the emperor Tiberius's + son, and contracted a friendship with Antonia, the wife of Drusus the + Great, who had his mother Bernice in great esteem, and was very desirous + of advancing her son. Now as Agrippa was by nature magnanimous and + generous in the presents he made, while his mother was alive, this + inclination of his mind did not appear, that he might be able to avoid her + anger for such his extravagance; but when Bernice was dead, and he was + left to his own conduct, he spent a great deal extravagantly in his daily + way of living, and a great deal in the immoderate presents he made, and + those chiefly among Cæsar's freed-men, in order to gain their assistance, + insomuch that he was, in a little time, reduced to poverty, and could not + live at Rome any longer. Tiberius also forbade the friends of his deceased + son to come into his sight, because on seeing them he should be put in + mind of his son, and his grief would thereby be revived. + </p> + <p> + 2. For these reasons he went away from Rome, and sailed to Judea, but in + evil circumstances, being dejected with the loss of that money which he + once had, and because he had not wherewithal to pay his creditors, who + were many in number, and such as gave him no room for escaping them. + Whereupon he knew not what to do; so, for shame of his present condition, + he retired to a certain tower, at Malatha, in Idumea, and had thoughts of + killing himself; but his wife Cypros perceived his intentions, and tried + all sorts of methods to divert him from his taking such a course; so she + sent a letter to his sister Herodias, who was now the wife of Herod the + tetrarch, and let her know Agrippa's present design, and what necessity it + was which drove him thereto, and desired her, as a kinswoman of his, to + give him her help, and to engage her husband to do the same, since she saw + how she alleviated these her husband's troubles all she could, although + she had not the like wealth to do it withal. So they sent for him, and + allotted him Tiberias for his habitation, and appointed him some income of + money for his maintenance, and made him a magistrate of that city, by way + of honor to him. Yet did not Herod long continue in that resolution of + supporting him, though even that support was not sufficient for him; for + as once they were at a feast at Tyre, and in their cups, and reproaches + were cast upon one another, Agrippa thought that was not to be borne, + while Herod hit him in the teeth with his poverty, and with his owing his + necessary food to him. So he went to Flaccus, one that had been consul, + and had been a very great friend to him at Rome formerly, and was now + president of Syria. + </p> + <p> + 3. Hereupon Flaccus received him kindly, and he lived with him. Flaccus + had also with him there Aristobulus, who was indeed Agrippa's brother, but + was at variance with him; yet did not their enmity to one another hinder + the friendship of Flaccus to them both, but still they were honorably + treated by him. However, Aristobulus did not abate of his ill-will to + Agrippa, till at length he brought him into ill terms with Flaccus; the + occasion of bringing on which estrangement was this: The Damascens were at + difference with the Sidonians about their limits, and when Flaccus was + about to hear the cause between them, they understood that Agrippa had a + mighty influence upon him; so they desired that he would be of their side, + and for that favor promised him a great deal of money; so he was zealous + in assisting the Damascens as far as he was able. Now Aristobulus had + gotten intelligence of this promise of money to him, and accused him to + Flaccus of the same; and when, upon a thorough examination of the matter, + it appeared plainly so to be, he rejected Agrippa out of the number of his + friends. So he was reduced to the utmost necessity, and came to Ptolemais; + and because he knew not where else to get a livelihood, he thought to sail + to Italy; but as he was restrained from so doing by want of money, he + desired Marsyas, who was his freed-man, to find some method for procuring + him so much as he wanted for that purpose, by borrowing such a sum of some + person or other. So Marsyas desired of Peter, who was the freed-man of + Bernice, Agrippa's mother, and by the right of her testament was + bequeathed to Antonia, to lend so much upon Agrippa's own bond and + security; but he accused Agrippa of having defrauded him of certain sums + of money, and so obliged Marsyas, when he made the bond of twenty thousand + Attic drachmae, to accept of twenty-five hundred drachma as <a + href="#link18note-18" name="link18noteref-18" id="link18noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> + less than what he desired, which the other allowed of, because he could + not help it. Upon the receipt of this money, Agrippa came to Anthedon, and + took shipping, and was going to set sail; but Herennius Capito, who was + the procurator of Jamhis, sent a band of soldiers to demand of him three + hundred thousand drachmae of silver, which were by him owing to Cæsar's + treasury while he was at Rome, and so forced him to stay. He then + pretended that he would do as he bid him; but when night came on, he cut + his cables, and went off, and sailed to Alexandria, where he desired + Alexander the alabarch <a href="#link18note-19" name="link18noteref-19" + id="link18noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> to lend him two hundred + thousand drachmae; but he said he would not lend it to him, but would not + refuse it to Cypros, as greatly astonished at her affection to her + husband, and at the other instances of her virtue; so she undertook to + repay it. Accordingly, Alexander paid them five talents at Alexandria, and + promised to pay them the rest of that sum at Dicearchia [Puteoli]; and + this he did out of the fear he was in that Agrippa would soon spend it. So + this Cypros set her husband free, and dismissed him to go on with his + navigation to Italy, while she and her children departed for Judea. + </p> + <p> + 4. And now Agrippa was come to Puteoli, whence he wrote a letter to + Tiberius Cæsar, who then lived at Capreae, and told him that he was come + so far in order to wait on him, and to pay him a visit; and desired that + he would give him leave to come over to Caprein: so Tiberius made no + difficulty, but wrote to him in an obliging way in other respects; and + withal told him he was glad of his safe return, and desired him to come to + Capreae; and when he was come, he did not fail to treat him as kindly as + he had promised him in his letter to do. But the next day came a letter to + Cæsar from Herennius Capito, to inform him that Agrippa had borrowed + three hundred thousand drachmae, and not pad it at the time appointed; but + when it was demanded of him, he ran away like a fugitive, out of the + places under his government, and put it out of his power to get the money + of him. When Cæsar had read this letter, he was much troubled at it, and + gave order that Agrippa should be excluded from his presence until he had + paid that debt: upon which he was no way daunted at Cæsar's anger, but + entreated Antonia, the mother of Germanicus, and of Claudius, who was + afterward Cæsar himself, to lend him those three hundred thousand + drachmae, that he might not be deprived of Tiberius's friendship; so, out + of regard to the memory of Bernice his mother, [for those two women were + very familiar with one another,] and out of regard to his and Claudius's + education together, she lent him the money; and, upon the payment of this + debt, there was nothing to hinder Tiberius's friendship to him. After + this, Tiberius Cæsar recommended to him his grandson, <a + href="#link18note-20" name="link18noteref-20" id="link18noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> + and ordered that he should always accompany him when he went abroad. But + upon Agrippa's kind reception by Antonia, he betook him to pay his + respects to Caius, who was her grandson, and in very high reputation by + reason of the good-will they bare his father. Now there was one Thallus, a + freed-man of Cæsar, of whom he borrowed a million of drachmae, and thence + repaid Antonia the debt he owed her; and by sending the overplus in paying + his court to Caius, became a person of great authority with him. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now as the friendship which Agrippa had for Caius was come to a great + height, there happened some words to pass between them, as they once were + in a chariot together, concerning Tiberius; Agrippa praying [to God] [for + they two sat by themselves] that Tiberius might soon go off the stage, and + leave the government to Caius, who was in every respect more worthy of it. + Now Eutychus, who was Agrippa's freed-man, and drove his chariot, heard + these words, and at that time said nothing of them; but when Agrippa + accused him of stealing some garments of his, [which was certainly true,] + he ran away from him; but when he was caught, and brought before Piso, who + was governor of the city, and the man was asked why he ran away, he + replied, that he had somewhat to say to Cæsar, that tended to his + security and preservation: so Piso bound him, and sent him to Capreae. But + Tiberius, according to his usual custom, kept him still in bonds, being a + delayer of affairs, if ever there was any other king or tyrant that was + so; for he did not admit ambassadors quickly, and no successors were + despatched away to governors or procurators of the provinces that had been + formerly sent, unless they were dead; whence it was that he was so + negligent in hearing the causes of prisoners; insomuch that when he was + asked by his friends what was the reason of his delay in such cases, he + said that he delayed to hear ambassadors, lest, upon their quick + dismission, other ambassadors should be appointed, and return upon him; + and so he should bring trouble upon himself in their public reception and + dismission: that he permitted those governors who had been sent once to + their government [to stay there a long while], out of regard to the + subjects that were under them; for that all governors are naturally + disposed to get as much as they can; and that those who are not to fix + there, but to stay a short time, and that at an uncertainty when they + shall be turned out, do the more severely hurry themselves on to fleece + the people; but that if their government be long continued to them; they + are at last satiated with the spoils, as having gotten a vast deal, and so + become at length less sharp in their pillaging; but that if successors are + sent quickly, the poor subjects, who are exposed to them as a prey, will + not be able to bear the new ones, while they shall not have the same time + allowed them wherein their predecessors had filled themselves, and so grew + more unconcerned about getting more; and this because they are removed + before they have had time [for their oppressions]. He gave them an example + to show his meaning: A great number of flies came about the sore places of + a man that had been wounded; upon which one of the standers-by pitied the + man's misfortune, and thinking he was not able to drive those flies away + himself, was going to drive them away for him; but he prayed him to let + them alone: the other, by way of reply, asked him the reason of such a + preposterous proceeding, in preventing relief from his present misery; to + which he answered, "If thou drivest these flies away, thou wilt hurt me + worse; for as these are already full of my blood, they do not crowd about + me, nor pain me so much as before, but are somewhat more remiss, while the + fresh ones that come almost famished, and find me quite tired down + already, will be my destruction. For this cause, therefore, it is that I + am myself careful not to send such new governors perpetually to those my + subjects, who are already sufficiently harassed by many oppressions, as + may, like these flies, further distress them; and so, besides their + natural desire of gain, may have this additional incitement to it, that + they expect to be suddenly deprived of that pleasure which they take in + it." And, as a further attestation to what I say of the dilatory nature of + Tiberius, I appeal to this his practice itself; for although he was + emperor twenty-two years, he sent in all but two procurators to govern the + nation of the Jews, Gratus, and his successor in the government, Pilate. + Nor was he in one way of acting with respect to the Jews, and in another + with respect to the rest of his subjects. He further informed them, that + even in the hearing of the causes of prisoners, he made such delays, + because immediate death to those that must be condemned to die would be an + alleviation of their present miseries, while those wicked wretches have + not deserved any such favor; "but I do it, that, by being harassed with + the present calamity, they may undergo greater misery." + </p> + <p> + 6. On this account it was that Eutychus could not obtain a bearing, but + was kept still in prison. However, some time afterward, Tiberius came from + Capreae to Tusculanum, which is about a hundred furlongs from Rome. + Agrippa then desired of Antonia that she would procure a hearing for + Eutychus, let the matter whereof he accused him prove what it would. Now + Antonia was greatly esteemed by Tiberius on all accounts, from the dignity + of her relation to him, who had been his brother Drusus's wife, and from + her eminent chastity; <a href="#link18note-21" name="link18noteref-21" + id="link18noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> for though she was still a + young woman, she continued in her widowhood, and refused all other + matches, although Augustus had enjoined her to be married to somebody + else; yet did she all along preserve her reputation free from reproach. + She had also been the greatest benefactress to Tiberius, when there was a + very dangerous plot laid against him by Sejanus, a man who had been her + husband's friend, and who had the greatest authority, because he was + general of the army, and when many members of the senate and many of the + freed-men joined with him, and the soldiery was corrupted, and the plot + was come to a great height. Now Sejanus had certainly gained his point, + had not Antonia's boldness been more wisely conducted than Sejanus's + malice; for when she had discovered his designs against Tiberius, she + wrote him an exact account of the whole, and gave the letter to Pallas, + the most faithful of her servants, and sent him to Caprere to Tiberius, + who, when he understood it, slew Sejanus and his confederates; so that + Tiberius, who had her in great esteem before, now looked upon her with + still greater respect, and depended upon her in all things. So when + Tiberius was desired by this Antonia to examine Eutychus, he answered, "If + indeed Eutychus hath falsely accused Agrippa in what he hath said of him, + he hath had sufficient punishment by what I have done to him already; but + if, upon examination, the accusation appears to be true, let Agrippa have + a care, lest, out of desire of punishing his freed-man, he do not rather + bring a punishment upon himself." Now when Antonia told Agrippa of this, + he was still much more pressing that the matter might be examined into; so + Antonia, upon Agrippa's lying hard at her continually to beg this favor, + took the following opportunity: As Tiberius lay once at his ease upon his + sedan, and was carried about, and Caius, her grandson, and Agrippa, were + before him after dinner she walked by the sedan, and desired him to call + Eutychus, and have him examined; to which he replied, "O Antonia! the gods + are my witnesses that I am induced to do what I am going to do, not by my + own inclination, but because I am forced to it by thy prayers." When he + had said this, he ordered Macro, who succeeded Sejanus, to bring Eutychus + to him; accordingly, without any delay, he was brought. Then Tiberius + asked him what he had to say against a man who had given him his liberty. + Upon which he said, "O my lord! this Caius, and Agrippa with him, were + once riding in a chariot, when I sat at their feet, and, among other + discourses that passed, Agrippa said to Caius, Oh that the day would once + come when this old fellow will die and name thee for the governor of the + habitable earth! for then this Tiberius, his grandson, would be no + hinderance, but would be taken off by thee, and that earth would be happy, + and I happy also." Now Tiberius took these to be truly Agrippa's words, + and bearing a grudge withal at Agrippa, because, when he had commanded him + to pay his respects to Tiberius, his grandson, and the son of Drusus, + Agrippa had not paid him that respect, but had disobeyed his commands, and + transferred all his regard to Caius; he said to Macro, "Bind this man." + But Macro, not distinctly knowing which of them it was whom he bid him + bind, and not expecting that he would have any such thing done to Agrippa, + he forbore, and came to ask more distinctly what it was that he said. But + when Cæsar had gone round the hippodrome, he found Agrippa standing: "For + certain," said he, "Macro, this is the man I meant to have bound;" and + when he still asked, "Which of these is to be bound?" he said "Agrippa." + Upon which Agrippa betook himself to make supplication for himself, + putting him in mind of his son, with whom he was brought up, and of + Tiberius [his grandson] whom he had educated; but all to no purpose; for + they led him about bound even in his purple garments. It was also very hot + weather, and they had but little wine to their meal, so that he was very + thirsty; he was also in a sort of agony, and took this treatment of him + heinously: as he therefore saw one of Caius's slaves, whose name was + Thaumastus, carrying some water in a vessel, he desired that he would let + him drink; so the servant gave him some water to drink, and he drank + heartily, and said, "O thou boy! this service of thine to me will be for + thy advantage; for if I once get clear of these my bonds, I will soon + procure thee thy freedom of Caius who has not been wanting to minister to + me now I am in bonds, in the same manner as when I was in my former state + and dignity." Nor did he deceive him in what he promised him, but made him + amends for what he had now done; for when afterward Agrippa was come to + the kingdom, he took particular care of Thaumastus, and got him his + liberty from Caius, and made him the steward over his own estate; and when + he died, he left him to Agrippa his son, and to Bernice his daughter, to + minister to them in the same capacity. The man also grew old in that + honorable post, and therein died. But all this happened a good while + later. + </p> + <p> + 7. Now Agrippa stood in his bonds before the royal palace, and leaned on a + certain tree for grief, with many others, who were in bonds also; and as a + certain bird sat upon the tree on which Agrippa leaned, [the Romans call + this bird bubo,] [an owl,] one of those that were bound, a German by + nation, saw him, and asked a soldier who that man in purple was; and when + he was informed that his name was Agrippa, and that he was by nation a + Jew, and one of the principal men of that nation, he asked leave of the + soldier to whom he was bound, <a href="#link18note-22" + name="link18noteref-22" id="link18noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> to let + him come nearer to him, to speak with him; for that he had a mind to + inquire of him about some things relating to his country; which liberty, + when he had obtained, and as he stood near him, he said thus to him by an + interpreter: "This sudden change of thy condition, O young man! is + grievous to thee, as bringing on thee a manifold and very great adversity; + nor wilt thou believe me, when I foretell how thou wilt get clear of this + misery which thou art now under, and how Divine Providence will provide + for thee. Know therefore [and I appeal to my own country gods, as well as + to the gods of this place, who have awarded these bonds to us] that all I + am going to say about thy concerns shall neither be said for favor nor + bribery, nor out of an endeavor to make thee cheerful without cause; for + such predictions, when they come to fail, make the grief at last, and in + earnest, more bitter than if the party had never heard of any such thing. + However, though I run the hazard of my own self, I think it fit to declare + to thee the prediction of the gods. It cannot be that thou shouldst long + continue in these bonds; but thou wilt soon be delivered from them, and + wilt be promoted to the highest dignity and power, and thou wilt be envied + by all those who now pity thy hard fortune; and thou wilt be happy till + thy death, and wilt leave thine happiness to the children whom thou shalt + have. But do thou remember, when thou seest this bird again, that thou + wilt then live but five days longer. This event will be brought to pass by + that God who hath sent this bird hither to be a sign unto thee. And I + cannot but think it unjust to conceal from thee what I foreknow concerning + thee, that, by thy knowing beforehand what happiness is coming upon thee, + thou mayst not regard thy present misfortunes. But when this happiness + shall actually befall thee, do not forget what misery I am in myself, but + endeavor to deliver me." So when the German had said this, he made Agrippa + laugh at him as much as he afterwards appeared worthy of admiration. But + now Antonia took Agrippa's misfortune to heart: however, to speak to + Tiberius on his behalf, she took to be a very difficult thing, and indeed + quite impracticable, as to any hope of success; yet did she procure of + Macro, that the soldiers that kept him should be of a gentle nature, and + that the centurion who was over them and was to diet with him, should be + of the same disposition, and that he might have leave to bathe himself + every day, and that his freed-men and friends might come to him, and that + other things that tended to ease him might be indulged him. So his friend + Silas came in to him, and two of his freed-men, Marsyas and Stechus, + brought him such sorts of food as he was fond of, and indeed took great + care of him; they also brought him garments, under pretense of selling + them; and when night came on, they laid them under him; and the soldiers + assisted them, as Macro had given them order to do beforehand. And this + was Agrippa's condition for six months' time, and in this case were his + affairs. + </p> + <p> + 8. But for Tiberius, upon his return to Caprein, he fell sick. At first + his distemper was but gentle; but as that distemper increased upon him, he + had small or no hopes of recovery. Hereupon he bid Euodus, who was that + freed-man whom he most of all respected, to bring the children <a + href="#link18note-23" name="link18noteref-23" id="link18noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> + to him, for that he wanted to talk to them before he died. Now he had at + present no sons of his own alive for Drusus, who was his only son, was + dead; but Drusus's son Tiberius was still living, whose additional name + was Gemellus: there was also living Caius, the son of Germanicus, who was + the son <a href="#link18note-24" name="link18noteref-24" + id="link18noteref-24"><small>24</small></a> of his brother [Drusus]. He + was now grown up, and had a liberal education, and was well improved by + it, and was in esteem and favor with the people, on account of the + excellent character of his father Germanicus, who had attained the highest + honor among the multitude, by the firmness of his virtuous behavior, by + the easiness and agreeableness of his conversing with the multitude, and + because the dignity he was in did not hinder his familiarity with them + all, as if they were his equals; by which behavior he was not only greatly + esteemed by the people and the senate, but by every one of those nations + that were subject to the Romans; some of which were affected when they + came to him with the gracefulness of their reception by him, and others + were affected in the same manner by the report of the others that had been + with him; and, upon his death, there was a lamentation made by all men; + not such a one as was to be made in way of flattery to their rulers, while + they did but counterfeit sorrow, but such as was real; while every body + grieved at his death, as if they had lost one that was near to them. And + truly such had been his easy conversation with men, that it turned greatly + to the advantage of his son among all; and, among others, the soldiery + were so peculiarly affected to him, that they reckoned it an eligible + thing, if need were, to die themselves, if he might but attain to the + government. + </p> + <p> + 9. But when Tiberius had given order to Euodus to bring the children to + him the next day in the morning, he prayed to his country gods to show him + a manifest signal which of those children should come to the government; + being very desirous to leave it to his son's son, but still depending upon + what God should foreshow concerning them more than upon his own opinion + and inclination; so he made this to be the omen, that the government + should be left to him who should come to him first the next day. When he + had thus resolved within himself, he sent to his grandson's tutor, and + ordered him to bring the child to him early in the morning, as supposing + that God would permit him to be made emperor. But God proved opposite to + his designation; for while Tiberius was thus contriving matters, and as + soon as it was at all day, he bid Euodus to call in that child which + should be there ready. So he went out, and found Caius before the door, + for Tiberius was not yet come, but staid waiting for his breakfast; for + Euodus knew nothing of what his lord intended; so he said to Caius, "Thy + father calls thee," and then brought him in. As soon as Tiberius saw + Caius, and not before, he reflected on the power of God, and how the + ability of bestowing the government on whom he would was entirely taken + from him; and thence he was not able to establish what he had intended. So + he greatly lamented that his power of establishing what he had before + contrived was taken from him, and that his grandson Tiberius was not only + to lose the Roman empire by his fatality, but his own safety also, because + his preservation would now depend upon such as would be more potent than + himself, who would think it a thing not to be borne, that a kinsman should + live with them, and so his relation would not be able to protect him; but + he would be feared and hated by him who had the supreme authority, partly + on account of his being next to the empire, and partly on account of his + perpetually contriving to get the government, both in order to preserve + himself, and to be at the head of affairs also. Now Tiberius had been very + much given to astrology, <a href="#link18note-25" name="link18noteref-25" + id="link18noteref-25"><small>25</small></a> and the calculation of + nativities, and had spent his life in the esteem of what predictions had + proved true, more than those whose profession it was. Accordingly, when he + once saw Galba coming in to him, he said to his most intimate friends, + that there came in a man that would one day have the dignity of the Roman + empire. So that this Tiberius was more addicted to all such sorts of + diviners than any other of the Roman emperors, because he had found them + to have told him truth in his own affairs. And indeed he was now in great + distress upon this accident that had befallen him, and was very much + grieved at the destruction of his son's son, which he foresaw, and + complained of himself, that he should have made use of such a method of + divination beforehand, while it was in his power to have died without + grief by this knowledge of futurity; whereas he was now tormented by his + foreknowledge of the misfortune of such as were dearest to him, and must + die under that torment. Now although he was disordered at this unexpected + revolution of the government to those for whom he did not intend it, he + spake thus to Caius, though unwillingly, and against his own inclination: + "O child! although Tiberius be nearer related to me than thou art, I, by + my own determination, and the conspiring suffrage of the gods, do give and + put into thy hand the Roman empire; and I desire thee never to be + unmindful when thou comest to it, either of my kindness to thee, who set + thee in so high a dignity, or of thy relation to Tiberius. But as thou + knowest that I am, together with and after the gods, the procurer of so + great happiness to thee; so I desire that thou wilt make me a return for + my readiness to assist thee, and wilt take care of Tiberius because of his + near relation to thee. Besides which, thou art to know, that while + Tiberius is alive, he will be a security to thee, both as to empire and as + to thy own preservation; but if he die, that will be but a prelude to thy + own misfortunes; for to be alone under the weight of such vast affairs is + very dangerous; nor will the gods suffer those actions which are unjustly + done, contrary to that law which directs men to act otherwise, to go off + unpunished." This was the speech which Tiberius made, which did not + persuade Caius to act accordingly, although he promised so to do; but when + he was settled in the government, he took off this Tiberius, as was + predicted by the other Tiberius; as he was also himself, in no long time + afterward, slain by a secret plot laid against him. + </p> + <p> + 10. So when Tiberius had at this time appointed Caius to be his successor, + he outlived but a few days, and then died, after he had held the + government twenty-two years five months and three days. Now Caius was the + fourth emperor. But when the Romans understood that Tiberius was dead, + they rejoiced at the good news, but had not courage to believe it; not + because they were unwilling it should be true, for they would have given + huge sums of money that it might be so, but because they were afraid, that + if they had showed their joy when the news proved false, their joy should + be openly known, and they should be accused for it, and be thereby undone. + For this Tiberius had brought a vast number of miseries on the best + families of the Romans, since he was easily inflamed with passion in all + cases, and was of such a temper as rendered his anger irrevocable, till he + had executed the same, although he had taken a hatred against men without + reason; for he was by nature fierce in all the sentences he gave, and made + death the penalty for the lightest offenses; insomuch that when the Romans + heard the rumor about his death gladly, they were restrained from the + enjoyment of that pleasure by the dread of such miseries as they foresaw + would follow, if their hopes proved ill-grounded. Now Marsyas, Agrippa's + freed-man, as soon as he heard of Tiberius's death, came running to tell + Agrippa the news; and finding him going out to the bath, he gave him a + nod, and said, in the Hebrew tongue, "The lion <a href="#link18note-26" + name="link18noteref-26" id="link18noteref-26"><small>26</small></a> is + dead;" who, understanding his meaning, and being overjoyed at the news, + "Nay," said he, "but all sorts of thanks and happiness attend thee for + this news of thine; only I wish that what thou sayest may prove true." Now + the centurion who was set to keep Agrippa, when he saw with what haste + Marsyas came, and what joy Agrippa had from what he said, he had a + suspicion that his words implied some great innovation of affairs, and he + asked them about what was said. They at first diverted the discourse; but + upon his further pressing, Agrippa, without more ado, told him, for he was + already become his friend; so he joined with him in that pleasure which + this news occasioned, because it would be fortunate to Agrippa, and made + him a supper. But as they were feasting, and the cups went about, there + came one who said that Tiberius was still alive, and would return to the + city in a few days. At which news the centurion was exceedingly troubled, + because he had done what might cost him his life, to have treated so + joyfully a prisoner, and this upon the news of the death of Cæsar; so he + thrust Agrippa from the couch whereon he lay, and said, "Dost thou think + to cheat me by a lie about the emperor without punishment? and shalt not + thou pay for this thy malicious report at the price of thine head?" When + he had so said, he ordered Agrippa to be bound again, [for he had loosed + him before,] and kept a severer guard over him than formerly, and in that + evil condition was Agrippa that night; but the next day the rumor + increased in the city, and confirmed the news that Tiberius was certainly + dead; insomuch that men durst now openly and freely talk about it; nay, + some offered sacrifices on that account. Several letters also came from + Caius; one of them to the senate, which informed them of the death of + Tiberius, and of his own entrance on the government; another to Piso, the + governor of the city, which told him the same thing. He also gave order + that Agrippa should be removed out of the camp, and go to that house where + he lived before he was put in prison; so that he was now out of fear as to + his own affairs; for although he was still in custody, yet it was now with + ease to his own affairs. Now, as soon as Caius was come to Rome, and had + brought Tiberius's dead body with him, and had made a sumptuous funeral + for him, according to the laws of his country, he was much disposed to set + Agrippa at liberty that very day; but Antonia hindered him, not out of any + ill-will to the prisoner, but out of regard to decency in Caius, lest that + should make men believe that he received the death of Tiberius with + pleasure, when he loosed one whom he had bound immediately. However, there + did not many days pass ere he sent for him to his house, and had him + shaved, and made him change his raiment; after which he put a diadem upon + his head, and appointed him to be king of the tetrarchy of Philip. He also + gave him the tetrarchy of Lysanias, <a href="#link18note-27" + name="link18noteref-27" id="link18noteref-27"><small>27</small></a> and + changed his iron chain for a golden one of equal weight. He also sent + Marullus to be procurator of Judea. + </p> + <p> + 11. Now, in the second year of the reign of Caius Cæsar, Agrippa desired + leave to be given him to sail home, and settle the affairs of his + government; and he promised to return again, when he had put the rest in + order, as it ought to be put. So, upon the emperor's permission, he came + into his own country, and appeared to them all unexpectedly as asking, and + thereby demonstrated to the men that saw him the power of fortune, when + they compared his former poverty with his present happy affluence; so some + called him a happy man, and others could not well believe that things were + so much changed with him for the better. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link182HCH0007" id="link182HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. How Herod The Tetrarch Was Banished. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But Herodias, Agrippa's sister, who now lived as wife to that Herod who + was tetrarch of Galilee and Peres, took this authority of her brother in + an envious manner, particularly when she saw that he had a greater dignity + bestowed on him than her husband had; since, when he ran away, it was + because he was not able to pay his debts; and now he was come back, he was + in a way of dignity, and of great good fortune. She was therefore grieved + and much displeased at so great a mutation of his affairs; and chiefly + when she saw him marching among the multitude with the usual ensigns of + royal authority, she was not able to conceal how miserable she was, by + reason of the envy she had towards him; but she excited her husband, and + desired him that he would sail to Rome, to court honors equal to his; for + she said that she could not bear to live any longer, while Agrippa, the + son of that Aristobulus who was condemned to die by his father, one that + came to her husband in such extreme poverty, that the necessaries of life + were forced to be entirely supplied him day by day; and when he fled away + from his creditors by sea, he now returned a king; while he was himself + the son of a king, and while the near relation he bare to royal authority + called upon him to gain the like dignity, he sat still, and was contented + with a privater life. "But then, Herod, although thou wast formerly not + concerned to be in a lower condition than thy father from whom thou wast + derived had been, yet do thou now seek after the dignity which thy kinsman + hath attained to; and do not thou bear this contempt, that a man who + admired thy riches should be in greater honor than thyself, nor suffer his + poverty to show itself able to purchase greater things than our abundance; + nor do thou esteem it other than a shameful thing to be inferior to one + who, the other day, lived upon thy charity. But let us go to Rome, and let + us spare no pains nor expenses, either of silver or gold, since they + cannot be kept for any better use than for the obtaining of a kingdom." + </p> + <p> + 2. But for Herod, he opposed her request at this time, out of the love of + ease, and having a suspicion of the trouble he should have at Rome; so he + tried to instruct her better. But the more she saw him draw back, the more + she pressed him to it, and desired him to leave no stone unturned in order + to be king; and at last she left not off till she engaged him, whether he + would or not, to be of her sentiments, because he could no otherwise avoid + her importunity. So he got all things ready, after as sumptuous a manner + as he was able, and spared for nothing, and went up to Rome, and took + Herodias along with him. But Agrippa, when he was made sensible of their + intentions and preparations, he also prepared to go thither; and as soon + as he heard they set sail, he sent Fortunatus, one of his freed-men, to + Rome, to carry presents to the emperor, and letters against Herod, and to + give Caius a particular account of those matters, if he should have any + opportunity. This man followed Herod so quick, and had so prosperous a + voyage, and came so little after Herod, that while Herod was with Caius, + he came himself, and delivered his letters; for they both sailed to + Dicearchia, and found Caius at Bairn, which is itself a little city of + Campania, at the distance of about five furlongs from Dicearchia. There + are in that place royal palaces, with sumptuous apartments, every emperor + still endeavoring to outdo his predecessor's magnificence; the place also + affords warm baths, that spring out of the ground of their own accord, + which are of advantage for the recovery of the health of those that make + use of them; and, besides, they minister to men's luxury also. Now Caius + saluted Herod, for he first met with him, and then looked upon the letters + which Agrippa had sent him, and which were written in order to accuse + Herod; wherein he accused him, that he had been in confederacy with + Sejanus against Tiberius's and that he was now confederate with Artabanus, + the king of Parthia, in opposition to the government of Caius; as a + demonstration of which he alleged, that he had armor sufficient for + seventy thousand men ready in his armory. Caius was moved at this + information, and asked Herod whether what was said about the armor was + true; and when he confessed there was such armor there, for he could not + deny the same, the truth of it being too notorious, Caius took that to be + a sufficient proof of the accusation, that he intended to revolt. So he + took away from him his tetrarchy, and gave it by way of addition to + Agrippa's kingdom; he also gave Herod's money to Agrippa, and, by way of + punishment, awarded him a perpetual banishment, and appointed Lyons, a + city of Gaul, to be his place of habitation. But when he was informed that + Herodias was Agrippa's sister, he made her a present of what money was her + own, and told her that it was her brother who prevented her being put + under the same calamity with her husband. But she made this reply: "Thou, + indeed, O emperor! actest after a magnificent manner, and as becomes + thyself in what thou offerest me; but the kindness which I have for my + husband hinders me from partaking of the favor of thy gift; for it is not + just that I, who have been made a partner in his prosperity, should + forsake him in his misfortunes." Hereupon Caius was angry at her, and sent + her with Herod into banishment, and gave her estate to Agrippa. And thus + did God punish Herodias for her envy at her brother, and Herod also for + giving ear to the vain discourses of a woman. Now Caius managed public + affairs with great magnanimity during the first and second year of his + reign, and behaved himself with such moderation, that he gained the + good-will of the Romans themselves, and of his other subjects. But, in + process of time, he went beyond the bounds of human nature in his conceit + of himself, and by reason of the vastness of his dominions made himself a + god, and took upon himself to act in all things to the reproach of the + Deity itself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link182HCH0008" id="link182HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. Concerning The Embassage Of The Jews To Caius; <a + href="#link18note-28" name="link18noteref-28" id="link18noteref-28"><small>28</small></a> + And How Caius Sent Petronius Into Syria To Make War Against The Jews, + Unless They Would Receive His Statue. + </h3> + <p> + 1. There was now a tumult arisen at Alexandria, between the Jewish + inhabitants and the Greeks; and three ambassadors were chosen out of each + party that were at variance, who came to Caius. Now one of these + ambassadors from the people of Alexandria was Apion, <a + href="#link18note-29" name="link18noteref-29" id="link18noteref-29"><small>29</small></a> + who uttered many blasphemies against the Jews; and, among other things + that he said, he charged them with neglecting the honors that belonged to + Cæsar; for that while all who were subject to the Roman empire built + altars and temples to Caius, and in other regards universally received him + as they received the gods, these Jews alone thought it a dishonorable + thing for them to erect statues in honor of him, as well as to swear by + his name. Many of these severe things were said by Apion, by which he + hoped to provoke Caius to anger at the Jews, as he was likely to be. But + Philo, the principal of the Jewish embassage, a man eminent on all + accounts, brother to Alexander the alabarch, <a href="#link18note-30" + name="link18noteref-30" id="link18noteref-30"><small>30</small></a> and + one not unskillful in philosophy, was ready to betake himself to make his + defense against those accusations; but Caius prohibited him, and bid him + begone; he was also in such a rage, that it openly appeared he was about + to do them some very great mischief. So Philo being thus affronted, went + out, and said to those Jews who were about him, that they should be of + good courage, since Caius's words indeed showed anger at them, but in + reality had already set God against himself. + </p> + <p> + 2. Hereupon Caius, taking it very heinously that he should be thus + despised by the Jews alone, sent Petronius to be president of Syria, and + successor in the government to Vitellius, and gave him order to make an + invasion into Judea, with a great body of troops; and if they would admit + of his statue willingly, to erect it in the temple of God; but if they + were obstinate, to conquer them by war, and then to do it. Accordingly, + Petronius took the government of Syria, and made haste to obey Cæsar's + epistle. He got together as great a number of auxiliaries as he possibly + could, and took with him two legions of the Roman army, and came to + Ptolemais, and there wintered, as intending to set about the war in the + spring. He also wrote word to Caius what he had resolved to do, who + commended him for his alacrity, and ordered him to go on, and to make war + with them, in case they would not obey his commands. But there came many + ten thousands of the Jews to Petronius, to Ptolemais, to offer their + petitions to him, that he would not compel them to transgress and violate + the law of their forefathers; "but if," said they, "thou art entirely + resolved to bring this statue, and erect it, do thou first kill us, and + then do what thou hast resolved on; for while we are alive we cannot + permit such things as are forbidden us to be done by the authority of our + legislator, and by our forefathers' determination that such prohibitions + are instances of virtue." But Petronius was angry at them, and said, "If + indeed I were myself emperor, and were at liberty to follow my own + inclination, and then had designed to act thus, these your words would be + justly spoken to me; but now Cæsar hath sent to me, I am under the + necessity of being subservient to his decrees, because a disobedience to + them will bring upon me inevitable destruction." Then the Jews replied, + "Since, therefore, thou art so disposed, O Petronius! that thou wilt not + disobey Caius's epistles, neither will we transgress the commands of our + law; and as we depend upon the excellency of our laws, and, by the labors + of our ancestors, have continued hitherto without suffering them to be + transgressed, we dare not by any means suffer ourselves to be so timorous + as to transgress those laws out of the fear of death, which God hath + determined are for our advantage; and if we fall into misfortunes, we will + bear them, in order to preserve our laws, as knowing that those who expose + themselves to dangers have good hope of escaping them, because God will + stand on our side, when, out of regard to him, we undergo afflictions, and + sustain the uncertain turns of fortune. But if we should submit to thee, + we should be greatly reproached for our cowardice, as thereby showing + ourselves ready to transgress our law; and we should incur the great anger + of God also, who, even thyself being judge, is superior to Caius." + </p> + <p> + 3. When Petronius saw by their words that their determination was hard to + be removed, and that, without a war, he should not be able to be + subservient to Caius in the dedication of his statue, and that there must + be a great deal of bloodshed, he took his friends, and the servants that + were about him, and hasted to Tiberias, as wanting to know in what posture + the affairs of the Jews were; and many ten thousands of the Jews met + Petronius again, when he was come to Tiberias. These thought they must run + a mighty hazard if they should have a war with the Romans, but judged that + the transgression of the law was of much greater consequence, and made + supplication to him, that he would by no means reduce them to such + distresses, nor defile their city with the dedication of the statue. Then + Petronius said to them, "Will you then make war with Cæsar, without + considering his great preparations for war, and your own weakness?" They + replied, "We will not by any means make war with him, but still we will + die before we see our laws transgressed." So they threw themselves down + upon their faces, and stretched out their throats, and said they were + ready to be slain; and this they did for forty days together, and in the + mean time left off the tilling of their ground, and that while the season + of the year required them to sow it. <a href="#link18note-31" + name="link18noteref-31" id="link18noteref-31"><small>31</small></a> Thus + they continued firm in their resolution, and proposed to themselves to die + willingly, rather than to see the dedication of the statue. + </p> + <p> + 4. When matters were in this state, Aristobulus, king Agrippa's brother, + and Heleias the Great, and the other principal men of that family with + them, went in unto Petronius, and besought him, that since he saw the + resolution of the multitude, he would not make any alteration, and thereby + drive them to despair; but would write to Caius, that the Jews had an + insuperable aversion to the reception of the statue, and how they + continued with him, and left off the tillage off their ground: that they + were not willing to go to war with him, because they were not able to do + it, but were ready to die with pleasure, rather than suffer their laws to + be transgressed: and how, upon the land's continuing unsown, robberies + would grow up, on the inability they would be under of paying their + tributes; and that Caius might be thereby moved to pity, and not order any + barbarous action to be done to them, nor think of destroying the nation: + that if he continues inflexible in his former opinion to bring a war upon + them, he may then set about it himself. And thus did Aristobulus, and the + rest with him, supplicate Petronius. So Petronius, <a href="#link18note-32" + name="link18noteref-32" id="link18noteref-32"><small>32</small></a> partly + on account of the pressing instances which Aristobulus and the rest with + him made, and because of the great consequence of what they desired, and + the earnestness wherewith they made their supplication,—partly on + account of the firmness of the opposition made by the Jews, which he saw, + while he thought it a terrible thing for him to be such a slave to the + madness of Caius, as to slay so many ten thousand men, only because of + their religious disposition towards God, and after that to pass his life + in expectation of punishment; Petronius, I say, thought it much better to + send to Caius, and to let him know how intolerable it was to him to bear + the anger he might have against him for not serving him sooner, in + obedience to his epistle, for that perhaps he might persuade him; and that + if this mad resolution continued, he might then begin the war against + them; nay, that in case he should turn his hatred against himself, it was + fit for virtuous persons even to die for the sake of such vast multitudes + of men. Accordingly, he determined to hearken to the petitioners in this + matter. + </p> + <p> + 5. He then called the Jews together to Tiberias, who came many ten + thousands in number; he also placed that army he now had with him opposite + to them; but did not discover his own meaning, but the commands of the + emperor, and told them that his wrath would, without delay, be executed on + such as had the courage to disobey what he had commanded, and this + immediately; and that it was fit for him, who had obtained so great a + dignity by his grant, not to contradict him in any thing:—"yet," + said he, "I do not think it just to have such a regard to my own safety + and honor, as to refuse to sacrifice them for your preservation, who are + so many in number, and endeavor to preserve the regard that is due to your + law; which as it hath come down to you from your forefathers, so do you + esteem it worthy of your utmost contention to preserve it: nor, with the + supreme assistance and power of God, will I be so hardy as to suffer your + temple to fall into contempt by the means of the imperial authority. I + will, therefore, send to Caius, and let him know what your resolutions + are, and will assist your suit as far as I am able, that you may not be + exposed to suffer on account of the honest designs you have proposed to + yourselves; and may God be your assistant, for his authority is beyond all + the contrivance and power of men; and may he procure you the preservation + of your ancient laws, and may not he be deprived, though without your + consent, of his accustomed honors. But if Caius be irritated, and turn the + violence of his rage upon me, I will rather undergo all that danger and + that affliction that may come either on my body or my soul, than see so + many of you to perish, while you are acting in so excellent a manner. Do + you, therefore, every one of you, go your way about your own occupations, + and fall to the cultivation of your ground; I will myself send to Rome, + and will not refuse to serve you in all things, both by myself and by my + friends." + </p> + <p> + 6. When Petronius had said this, and had dismissed the assembly of the + Jews, he desired the principal of them to take care of their husbandry, + and to speak kindly to the people, and encourage them to have good hope of + their affairs. Thus did he readily bring the multitude to be cheerful + again. And now did God show his presence to Petronius, and signify to him + that he would afford him his assistance in his whole design; for he had no + sooner finished the speech that he made to the Jews, but God sent down + great showers of rain, contrary to human expectation; <a + href="#link18note-33" name="link18noteref-33" id="link18noteref-33"><small>33</small></a> + for that day was a clear day, and gave no sign, by the appearance of the + sky, of any rain; nay, the whole year had been subject to a great drought, + and made men despair of any water from above, even when at any time they + saw the heavens overcast with clouds; insomuch that when such a great + quantity of rain came, and that in an unusual manner, and without any + other expectation of it, the Jews hoped that Petronius would by no means + fail in his petition for them. But as to Petronius, he was mightily + surprised when he perceived that God evidently took care of the Jews, and + gave very plain signs of his appearance, and this to such a degree, that + those that were in earnest much inclined to the contrary had no power left + to contradict it. This was also among those other particulars which he + wrote to Caius, which all tended to dissuade him, and by all means to + entreat him not to make so many ten thousands of these men go distracted; + whom, if he should slay, [for without war they would by no means suffer + the laws of their worship to be set aside,] he would lose the revenue they + paid him, and would be publicly cursed by them for all future ages. + Moreover, that God, who was their Governor, had shown his power most + evidently on their account, and that such a power of his as left no room + for doubt about it. And this was the business that Petronius was now + engaged in. + </p> + <p> + 7. But king Agrippa, who now lived at Rome, was more and more in the favor + of Caius; and when he had once made him a supper, and was careful to + exceed all others, both in expenses and in such preparations as might + contribute most to his pleasure; nay, it was so far from the ability of + others, that Caius himself could never equal, much less exceed it [such + care had he taken beforehand to exceed all men, and particularly to make + all agreeable to Cæsar]; hereupon Caius admired his understanding and + magnificence, that he should force himself to do all to please him, even + beyond such expenses as he could bear, and was desirous not to be behind + Agrippa in that generosity which he exerted in order to please him. So + Caius, when he had drank wine plentifully, and was merrier than ordinary, + said thus during the feast, when Agrippa had drunk to him: "I knew before + now how great a respect thou hast had for me, and how great kindness thou + hast shown me, though with those hazards to thyself, which thou + underwentest under Tiberius on that account; nor hast thou omitted any + thing to show thy good-will towards us, even beyond thy ability; whence it + would be a base thing for me to be conquered by thy affection. I am + therefore desirous to make thee amends for every thing in which I have + been formerly deficient; for all that I have bestowed on thee, that may be + called my gifts, is but little. Everything that may contribute to thy + happiness shall be at thy service, and that cheerfully, and so far as my + ability will reach." <a href="#link18note-34" name="link18noteref-34" + id="link18noteref-34"><small>34</small></a> And this was what Caius said + to Agrippa, thinking he would ask for some large country, or the revenues + of certain cities. But although he had prepared beforehand what he would + ask, yet had he not discovered his intentions, but made this answer to + Caius immediately: That it was not out of any expectation of gain that he + formerly paid his respects to him, contrary to the commands of Tiberius, + nor did he now do any thing relating to him out of regard to his own + advantage, and in order to receive any thing from him; that the gifts he + had already bestowed upon him were great, and beyond the hopes of even a + craving man; for although they may be beneath thy power, [who art the + donor,] yet are they greater than my inclination and dignity, who am the + receiver. And as Caius was astonished at Agrippa's inclinations, and still + the more pressed him to make his request for somewhat which he might + gratify him with, Agrippa replied, "Since thou, O my lord! declarest such + is thy readiness to grant, that I am worthy of thy gifts, I will ask + nothing relating to my own felicity; for what thou hast already bestowed + on me has made me excel therein; but I desire somewhat which may make thee + glorious for piety, and render the Divinity assistant to thy designs, and + may be for an honor to me among those that inquire about it, as showing + that I never once fail of obtaining what I desire of thee; for my petition + is this, that thou wilt no longer think of the dedication of that statue + which thou hast ordered to be set up in the Jewish temple by Petronius." + </p> + <p> + 8. And thus did Agrippa venture to cast the die upon this occasion, so + great was the affair in his opinion, and in reality, though he knew how + dangerous a thing it was so to speak; for had not Caius approved of it, it + had tended to no less than the loss of his life. So Caius, who was + mightily taken with Agrippa's obliging behavior, and on other accounts + thinking it a dishonorable thing to be guilty of falsehood before so many + witnesses, in points wherein he had with such alacrity forced Agrippa to + become a petitioner, and that it would look as if he had already repented + of what he had said, and because he greatly admired Agrippa's virtue, in + not desiring him at all to augment his own dominions, either with larger + revenues, or other authority, but took care of the public tranquillity, of + the laws, and of the Divinity itself, he granted him what he had + requested. He also wrote thus to Petronius, commending him for his + assembling his army, and then consulting him about these affairs. "If + therefore," said' he, "thou hast already erected my statue, let it stand; + but if thou hast not yet dedicated it, do not trouble thyself further + about it, but dismiss thy army, go back, and take care of those affairs + which I sent thee about at first, for I have now no occasion for the + erection of that statue. This I have granted as a favor to Agrippa, a man + whom I honor so very greatly, that I am not able to contradict what he + would have, or what he desired me to do for him." And this was what Caius + wrote to Petronius, which was before he received his letter, informing him + that the Jews were very ready to revolt about the statue, and that they + seemed resolved to threaten war against the Romans, and nothing else. When + therefore Caius was much displeased that any attempt should be made + against his government as he was a slave to base and vicious actions on + all occasions, and had no regard to what was virtuous and honorable, and + against whomsoever he resolved to show his anger, and that for any cause + whatsoever, he suffered not himself to be restrained by any admonition, + but thought the indulging his anger to be a real pleasure, he wrote thus + to Petronius: "Seeing thou esteemest the presents made thee by the Jews to + be of greater value than my commands, and art grown insolent enough to be + subservient to their pleasure, I charge thee to become thy own judge, and + to consider what thou art to do, now thou art under my displeasure; for I + will make thee an example to the present and to all future ages, that + they may not dare to contradict the commands of their emperor." + </p> + <p> + 9. This was the epistle which Caius wrote to Petronius; but Petronius did + not receive it while Caius was alive, that ship which carried it sailing + so slow, that other letters came to Petronius before this, by which he + understood that Caius was dead; for God would not forget the dangers + Petronius had undertaken on account of the Jews, and of his own honor. But + when he had taken Caius away, out of his indignation of what he had so + insolently attempted in assuming to himself divine worship, both Rome and + all that dominion conspired with Petronius, especially those that were of + the senatorian order, to give Caius his due reward, because he had been + unmercifully severe to them; for he died not long after he had written to + Petronius that epistle which threatened him with death. But as for the + occasion of his death, and the nature of the plot against him, I shall + relate them in the progress of this narration. Now that epistle which + informed Petronius of Caius's death came first, and a little afterward + came that which commanded him to kill himself with his own hands. + Whereupon he rejoiced at this coincidence as to the death of Caius, and + admired God's providence, who, without the least delay, and immediately, + gave him a reward for the regard he had to the temple, and the assistance + he afforded the Jews for avoiding the dangers they were in. And by this + means Petronius escaped that danger of death, which he could not foresee. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link182HCH0009" id="link182HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. What Befell The Jews That Were In Babylon On Occasion Of + Asineus And Anileus, Two Brethren. + </h3> + <p> + 1. A Very sad calamity now befell the Jews that were in Mesopotamia, and + especially those that dwelt in Babylonia. Inferior it was to none of the + calamities which had gone before, and came together with a great slaughter + of them, and that greater than any upon record before; concerning all + which I shall speak accurately, and shall explain the occasions whence + these miseries came upon them. There was a city of Babylonia called + Neerda; not only a very populous one, but one that had a good and a large + territory about it, and, besides its other advantages, full of men also. + It was, besides, not easily to be assaulted by enemies, from the river + Euphrates encompassing it all round, and from the wails that were built + about it. There was also the city Nisibis, situate on the same current of + the river. For which reason the Jews, depending on the natural strength of + these places, deposited in them that half shekel which every one, by the + custom of our country, offers unto God, as well as they did other things + devoted to him; for they made use of these cities as a treasury, whence, + at a proper time, they were transmitted to Jerusalem; and many ten + thousand men undertook the carriage of those donations, out of fear of the + ravages of the Parthians, to whom the Babylonians were then subject. Now + there were two men, Asineus and Anileus, of the city Neerda by birth, and + brethren to one another. They were destitute of a father, and their mother + put them to learn the art of weaving curtains, it not being esteemed + disgrace among them for men to be weavers of cloth. Now he that taught + them that art, and was set over them, complained that they came too late + to their work, and punished them with stripes; but they took this just + punishment as an affront, and carried off all the weapons which were kept + in that house, which were not a few, and went into a certain place where + was a partition of the rivers, and was a place naturally very fit for the + feeding of cattle, and for preserving such fruits as were usually laid up + against winter. The poorest sort of the young men also resorted to them, + whom they armed with the weapons they had gotten, and became their + captains; and nothing hindered them from being their leaders into + mischief; for as soon as they were become invincible, and had built them a + citadel, they sent to such as fed cattle, and ordered them to pay them so + much tribute out of them as might be sufficient for their maintenance, + proposing also that they would be their friends, if they would submit to + them, and that they would defend them from all their other enemies on + every side, but that they would kill the cattle of those that refused to + obey them. So they hearkened to their proposals, [for they could do + nothing else,] and sent them as many sheep as were required of them; + whereby their forces grew greater, and they became lords over all they + pleased, because they marched suddenly, and did them a mischief, insomuch + that every body who had to do with them chose to pay them respect; and + they became formidable to such as came to assault them, till the report + about them came to the ears of the king of Parthia himself. + </p> + <p> + 2. But when the governor of Babylonia understood this, and had a mind to + put a stop to them before they grew greater, and before greater mischiefs + should arise from them, he got together as great an army as he could, both + of Parthians and Babylonians, and marched against them, thinking to attack + them and destroy them before any one should carry them the news that he + had got an army together. He then encamped at a lake, and lay still; but + on the next day [it was the sabbath, which is among the Jews a day of rest + from all sorts of work] he supposed that the enemy would not dare to fight + him thereon, but that he would take them and carry them away prisoners, + without fighting. He therefore proceeded gradually, and thought to fall + upon them on the sudden. Now Asineus was sitting with the rest, and their + weapons lay by them; upon which he said, "Sirs, I hear a neighing of + horses; not of such as are feeding, but such as have men on their backs; I + also hear such a noise of their bridles, that I am afraid that some + enemies are coming upon us to encompass us round. However, let somebody go + to look about, and make report of what reality there is in the present + state of things; and may what I have said prove a false alarm." And when + he had said this, some of them went out to spy out what was the matter; + and they came again immediately, and said to him, that "neither hast thou + been mistaken in telling us what our enemies were doing, nor will those + enemies permit us to be injurious to people any longer. We are caught by + their intrigues like brute beasts, and there is a large body of cavalry + marching upon us, while we are destitute of hands to defend ourselves + withal, because we are restrained from doing it by the prohibition of our + law, which obliges us to rest [on this day]." But Asineus did not by any + means agree with the opinion of his spy as to what was to be done, but + thought it more agreeable to the law to pluck up their spirits in this + necessity they were fallen into, and break their law by avenging + themselves, although they should die in the action, than by doing nothing + to please their enemies in submitting to be slain by them. Accordingly, he + took up his weapons, and infused courage into those that were with him to + act as courageously as himself. So they fell upon their enemies, and slew + a great many of them, because they despised them and came as to a certain + victory, and put the rest to flight. + </p> + <p> + 3. But when the news of this fight came to the king of Parthia, he was + surprised at the boldness of these brethren, and was desirous to see them, + and speak with them. He therefore sent the most trusty of all his guards + to say thus to them: "That king Artabanus, although he had been unjustly + treated by you, who have made an attempt against his government, yet hath + he more regard to your courageous behavior, than to the anger he bears to + you, and hath sent me to give you his right hand <a href="#link18note-35" + name="link18noteref-35" id="link18noteref-35"><small>35</small></a> and + security; and he permits you to come to him safely, and without any + violence upon the road; and he wants to have you address yourselves to him + as friends, without meaning any guile or deceit to you. He also promises + to make you presents, and to pay you those respects which will make an + addition of his power to your courage, and thereby be of advantage to + you." Yet did Asineus himself put off his journey thither, but sent his + brother Anileus with all such presents as he could procure. So he went, + and was admitted to the king's presence; and when Artabanus saw Anileus + coming alone, he inquired into the reason why Asineus avoided to come + along with him; and when he understood that he was afraid, and staid by + the lake, he took an oath, by the gods of his country, that he would do + them no harm, if they came to him upon the assurances he gave them, and + gave him his right hand. This is of the greatest force there with all + these barbarians, and affords a firm security to those who converse with + them; for none of them will deceive you when once they have given you + their right hands, nor will any one doubt of their fidelity, when that is + once given, even though they were before suspected of injustice. When + Artabanus had done this, he sent away Anileus to persuade his brother to + come to him. Now this the king did, because he wanted to curb his own + governors of provinces by the courage of these Jewish brethren, lest they + should make a league with them; for they were ready for a revolt, and were + disposed to rebel, had they been sent on an expedition against them. He + was also afraid, lest when he was engaged in a war, in order to subdue + those governors of provinces that had revolted, the party of Asineus, and + those in Babylonia, should be augmented, and either make war upon him, + when they should hear of that revolt, or if they should be disappointed in + that case, they would not fail of doing further mischief to him. + </p> + <p> + 4. When the king had these intentions, he sent away Anileus, and Anileus + prevailed on his brother [to come to the king], when he had related to him + the king's good-will, and the oath that he had taken. Accordingly, they + made haste to go to Artabanus, who received them when they were come with + pleasure, and admired Asineus's courage in the actions he had done, and + this because he was a little man to see to, and at first sight appeared + contemptible also, and such as one might deem a person of no value at all. + He also said to his friends, how, upon the comparison, he showed his soul + to be in all respects superior to his body; and when, as they were + drinking together, he once showed Asineus to Abdagases, one of the + generals of his army, and told him his name, and described the great + courage he was of in war, and Abdagases had desired leave to kill him, and + thereby to inflict on him a punishment for those injuries he had done to + the Parthian government, the king replied, "I will never give thee leave + to kill a man who hath depended on my faith, especially not after I have + sent him my right hand, and endeavored to gain his belief by oaths made by + the gods. But if thou be a truly warlike man, thou standest not in need of + my perjury. Go thou then, and avenge the Parthian government; attack this + man, when he is returned back, and conquer him by the forces that are + under thy command, without my privity." Hereupon the king called for + Asineus, and said to him, "It is time for thee, O thou young man! to + return home, and not provoke the indignation of my generals in this place + any further, lest they attempt to murder thee, and that without my + approbation. I commit to thee the country of Babylonia in trust, that it + may, by thy care, be preserved free from robbers, and from other + mischiefs. I have kept my faith inviolable to thee, and that not in + trifling affairs, but in those that concerned thy safety, and do therefore + deserve thou shouldst be kind to me." When he had said this, and given + Asineus some presents, he sent him away immediately; who, when he was come + home, built fortresses, and became great in a little time, and managed + things with such courage and success, as no other person, that had no + higher a beginning, ever did before him. Those Parthian governors also, + who were sent that way, paid him great respect; and the honor that was + paid him by the Babylonians seemed to them too small, and beneath his + deserts, although he were in no small dignity and power there; nay, + indeed, all the affairs of Mesopotamia depended upon him, and he more and + more flourished in this happy condition of his for fifteen years. + </p> + <p> + 5. But as their affairs were in so flourishing a state, there sprang up a + calamity among them on the following occasion. When once they had deviated + from that course of virtue whereby they had gained so great power, they + affronted and transgressed the laws of their forefathers, and fell under + the dominion of their lusts and pleasures. A certain Parthian, who came as + general of an army into those parts, had a wife following him, who had a + vast reputation for other accomplishments, and particularly was admired + above all other women for her beauty. Anileus, the brother of Asineus, + either heard of that her beauty from others, or perhaps saw her himself + also, and so became at once her lover and her enemy; partly because he + could not hope to enjoy this woman but by obtaining power over her as a + captive, and partly because he thought he could not conquer his + inclinations for her. As soon therefore as her husband had been declared + an enemy to them, and was fallen in the battle, the widow of the deceased + was married to this her lover. However, this woman did not come into their + house without producing great misfortunes, both to Anileus himself, and to + Asineus also; but brought great mischiefs upon them on the occasion + following. Since she was led away captive, upon the death of her husband, + she concealed the images of those gods which were their country gods, + common to her husband and to herself: now it was the custom <a + href="#link18note-36" name="link18noteref-36" id="link18noteref-36"><small>36</small></a> + of that country for all to have the idols they worship in their own + houses, and to carry them along with them when they go into a foreign + land; agreeable to which custom of theirs she carried her idols with her. + Now at first she performed her worship to them privately; but when she was + become Anileus's married wife, she worshipped them in her accustomed + manner, and with the same appointed ceremonies which she used in her + former husband's days; upon which their most esteemed friends blamed him + at first, that he did not act after the manner of the Hebrews, nor perform + what was agreeable to their laws, in marrying a foreign wife, and one that + transgressed the accurate appointments of their sacrifices and religious + ceremonies; that he ought to consider, lest, by allowing himself in many + pleasures of the body, he might lose his principality, on account of the + beauty of a wife, and that high authority which, by God's blessing, he had + arrived at. But when they prevailed not at all upon him, he slew one of + them for whom he had the greatest respect, because of the liberty he took + with him; who, when he was dying, out of regard to the laws, imprecated a + punishment upon his murderer Anileus, and upon Asineus also, and that all + their companions might come to a like end from their enemies; upon the two + first as the principal actors of this wickedness, and upon the rest as + those that would not assist him when he suffered in the defense of their + laws. Now these latter were sorely grieved, yet did they tolerate these + doings, because they remembered that they had arrived at their present + happy state by no other means than their fortitude. But when they also + heard of the worship of those gods whom the Parthians adore, they thought + the injury that Anileus offered to their laws was to be borne no longer; + and a greater number of them came to Asineus, and loudly complained of + Anileus, and told him that it had been well that he had of himself seen + what was advantageous to them; but that however it was now high time to + correct what had been done amiss, before the crime that had been committed + proved the ruin of himself and all the rest of them. They added, that the + marriage of this woman was made without their consent, and without a + regard to their old laws; and that the worship which this woman paid [to + her gods] was a reproach to the God whom they worshipped. Now Asineus was + sensible of his brother's offense, that it had been already the cause of + great mischiefs, and would be so for the time to come; yet did he tolerate + the same from the good-will he had to so near a relation, and forgiving it + to him, on account that his brother was quite overborne by his wicked + inclinations. But as more and more still came about him every day, and the + clamors about it became greater, he at length spake to Anileus about these + clamors, reproving him for his former actions, and desiring him for the + future to leave them off, and send the woman back to her relations. But + nothing was gained by these reproofs; for as the woman perceived what a + tumult was made among the people on her account, and was afraid for + Anileus, lest he should come to any harm for his love to her, she infused + poison into Asineus's food, and thereby took him off, and was now secure + of prevailing, when her lover was to be judge of what should be done about + her. + </p> + <p> + 6. So Anileus took the government upon himself alone, and led his army + against the villages of Mithridates, who was a man of principal authority + in Parthia, and had married king Artabanus's daughter; he also plundered + them, and among that prey was found much money, and many slaves, as also a + great number of sheep, and many other things, which, when gained, make + men's condition happy. Now when Mithridates, who was there at this time, + heard that his villages were taken, he was very much displeased to find + that Anileus had first begun to injure him, and to affront him in his + present dignity, when he had not offered any injury to him beforehand; and + he got together the greatest body of horsemen he was able, and those out + of that number which were of an age fit for war, and came to fight + Anileus; and when he was arrived at a certain village of his own, he lay + still there, as intending to fight him on the day following, because it + was the sabbath, the day on which the Jews rest. And when Anileus was + informed of this by a Syrian stranger of another village, who not only + gave him an exact account of other circumstances, but told him where + Mithridates would have a feast, he took his supper at a proper time, and + marched by night, with an intent of falling upon the Parthians while they + were unapprised what they should do; so he fell upon them about the fourth + watch of the night, and some of them he slew while they were asleep, and + others he put to flight, and took Mithridates alive, and set him naked + upon an ass <a href="#link18note-37" name="link18noteref-37" + id="link18noteref-37"><small>37</small></a> which, among the Parthians, is + esteemed the greatest reproach possible. And when he had brought him into + a wood with such a resolution, and his friends desired him to kill + Mithridates, he soon told them his own mind to the contrary, and said that + it was not right to kill a man who was of one of the principal families + among the Parthians, and greatly honored with matching into the royal + family; that so far as they had hitherto gone was tolerable; for although + they had injured Mithridates, yet if they preserved his life, this benefit + would be remembered by him to the advantage of those that gave it him; but + that if he were once put to death, the king would not be at rest till he + had made a great slaughter of the Jews that dwelt at Babylon; "to whose + safety we ought to have a regard, both on account of our relation to them, + and because if any misfortune befall us, we have no other place to retire + to, since he hath gotten the flower of their youth under him." By this + thought, and this speech of his made in council, he persuaded them to act + accordingly; so Mithridates was let go. But when he was got away, his wife + reproached him, that although he was son-in-law to the king, he neglected + to avenge himself on those that had injured him, while he took no care + about it, but was contented to have been made a captive by the Jews, and + to have escaped them; and she bid him either to go back like a man of + courage, or else she sware by the gods of their royal family that she + would certainly dissolve her marriage with him. Upon which, partly because + he could not bear the daily trouble of her taunts, and partly because he + was afraid of her insolence, lest she should in earnest dissolve their + marriage, he unwillingly, and against his inclinations, got together again + as great an army as he could, and marched along with them, as himself + thinking it a thing not to be borne any longer, that he, a Parthian, + should owe his preservation to the Jews, when they had been too hard for + him in the war. + </p> + <p> + 7. But as soon as Anileus understood that Mithridates was marching with a + great army against him, he thought it too ignominious a thing to tarry + about the lakes, and not to take the first opportunity of meeting his + enemies, and he hoped to have the same success, and to beat their enemies + as they did before; as also he ventured boldly upon the like attempts. + Accordingly, he led out his army, and a great many more joined themselves + to that army, in order to betake themselves to plunder the people, and in + order to terrify the enemy again by their numbers. But when they had + marched ninety furlongs, while the road had been through dry [and sandy] + places, and about the midst of the day, they were become very thirsty; and + Mithridates appeared, and fell upon them, as they were in distress for + want of water, on which account, and on account of the time of the day, + they were not able to bear their weapons. So Anileus and his men were put + to an ignominious rout, while men in despair were to attack those that + were fresh and in good plight; so a great slaughter was made, and many ten + thousand men fell. Now Anileus, and all that stood firm about him, ran + away as fast as they were able into a wood, and afforded Mithridates the + pleasure of having gained a great victory over them. But there now came in + to Anileus a conflux of bad men, who regarded their own lives very little, + if they might but gain some present ease, insomuch that they, by thus + coming to him, compensated the multitude of those that perished in the + fight. Yet were not these men like to those that fell, because they were + rash, and unexercised in war; however, with these he came upon the + villages of the Babylonians, and a mighty devastation of all things was + made there by the injuries that Anileus did them. So the Babylonians, and + those that had already been in the war, sent to Neerda to the Jews there, + and demanded Anileus. But although they did not agree to their demands, + [for if they had been willing to deliver him up, it was not in their power + so to do,] yet did they desire to make peace with them. To which the other + replied, that they also wanted to settle conditions of peace with them, + and sent men together with the Babylonians, who discoursed with Anileus + about them. But the Babylonians, upon taking a view of his situation, and + having learned where Anileus and his men lay, fell secretly upon them as + they were drunk and fallen asleep, and slew all that they caught of them, + without any fear, and killed Anileus himself also. + </p> + <p> + 8. The Babylonians were now freed from Anileus's heavy incursions, which + had been a great restraint to the effects of that hatred they bore to the + Jews; for they were almost always at variance, by reason of the + contrariety of their laws; and which party soever grew boldest before the + other, they assaulted the other: and at this time in particular it was, + that upon the ruin of Anileus's party, the Babylonians attacked the Jews, + which made those Jews so vehemently to resent the injuries they received + from the Babylonians, that being neither able to fight them, nor bearing + to live with them, they went to Seleucia, the principal city of those + parts, which was built by Seleucus Nicator. It was inhabited by many of + the Macedonians, but by more of the Grecians; not a few of the Syrians + also dwelt there; and thither did the Jews fly, and lived there five + years, without any misfortunes. But on the sixth year, a pestilence came + upon these at Babylon, which occasioned new removals of men's habitations + out of that city; and because they came to Seleucia, it happened that a + still heavier calamity came upon them on that account which I am going to + relate immediately. + </p> + <p> + 9. Now the way of living of the people of Seleucia, which were Greeks and + Syrians, was commonly quarrelsome, and full of discords, though the Greeks + were too hard for the Syrians. When, therefore, the Jews were come + thither, and dwelt among them, there arose a sedition, and the Syrians + were too hard for the other, by the assistance of the Jews, who are men + that despise dangers, and very ready to fight upon any occasion. Now when + the Greeks had the worst in this sedition, and saw that they had but one + way of recovering their former authority, and that was, if they could + prevent the agreement between the Jews and the Syrians, they every one + discoursed with such of the Syrians as were formerly their acquaintance, + and promised they would be at peace and friendship with them. Accordingly, + they gladly agreed so to do; and when this was done by the principal men + of both nations, they soon agreed to a reconciliation; and when they were + so agreed, they both knew that the great design of such their union would + be their common hatred to the Jews. Accordingly, they fell upon them, and + slew about fifty thousand of them; nay, the Jews were all destroyed, + excepting a few who escaped, either by the compassion which their friends + or neighbors afforded them, in order to let them fly away. These retired + to Ctesiphon, a Grecian city, and situate near to Seleucia, where the king + [of Parthia] lives in winter every year, and where the greatest part of + his riches are reposited; but the Jews had here no certain settlement, + those of Seleucia having little concern for the king's honor. Now the + whole nation of the Jews were in fear both of the Babylonians and of the + Seleucians, because all the Syrians that live in those places agreed with + the Seleucians in the war against the Jews; so the most of them gathered + themselves together, and went to Neerda and Nisibis, and obtained security + there by the strength of those cities; besides which their inhabitants, + who were a great many, were all warlike men. And this was the state of the + Jews at this time in Babylonia. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link182H_4_0011" id="link182H_4_0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES: + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link18note-1" id="link18note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link18noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ Since St. Luke once, Acts + 5:37, and Josephus four several times, once here, sect. 6; and B. XX. ch. + 5. sect. 2; Of the War, B. II. ch. 8. sect. 1; and ch. 17. sect. 8, calls + this Judas, who was the pestilent author of that seditious doctrine and + temper which brought the Jewish nation to utter destruction, a Galilean; + but here [sect. 1: Josephus calls him a Gaulonite, of the city of Gamala; + it is a great question where this Judas was born, whether in Galilee on + the west side, or in Gaulonitis on the east side, of the river Jordan; + while, in the place just now cited out of the Antiquities, B. XX. ch. 5. + sect. 2, he is not only called a Galilean, but it is added to his story, + "as I have signified in the books that go before these," as if he had + still called him a Galilean in those Antiquities before, as well as in + that particular place, as Dean Aldrich observes, Of the War, B. II. ch. 8. + sect. 1. Nor can one well imagine why he should here call him a Gaulonite, + when in the 6th sect. following here, as well as twice Of the War, he + still calls him a Galilean. As for the city of Gamala, whence this Judas + was derived, it determines nothing, since there were two of that name, the + one in Gaulonitis, the other in Galilee. See Reland on the city or town of + that name.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-2" id="link18note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link18noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ It seems not very + improbable to me that this Sadduc, the Pharisee, was the very same man of + whom the Rabbins speak, as the unhappy, but undesigning, occasion of the + impiety or infidelity of the Sadducees; nor perhaps had the men this name + of Sadducees till this very time, though they were a distinct sect long + before. See the note on B. XIII. ch. 10. sect 5; and Dean Prideaux, as + there quoted. Nor do we, that I know of, find the least footsteps of such + impiety or infidelity of these Sadducees before this time, the + Recognitions assuring us that they began about the days of John the + Baptist; B. 1. ch. 54. See note above.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-3" id="link18note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link18noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ It seems by what Josephus + says here, and Philo himself elsewhere, Op. p. 679, that these Essens did + not use to go to the Jewish festivals at Jerusalem, or to offer sacrifices + there, which may be one great occasion why they are never mentioned in the + ordinary books of the New Testament; though, in the Apostolical + Constitutions, they are mentioned as those that observed the customs of + their forefathers, and that without any such ill character laid upon them + as is there laid upon the other sects among that people.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-4" id="link18note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link18noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ Who these Polistae in + Josephus, or in Strabo, among the Pythagoric Dacae, were, it is not easy + to determine. Scaliger offers no improbable conjecture, that some of these + Dacae lived alone, like monks, in tents or caves; but that others of them + lived together in built cities, and thence were called by such names as + implied the same.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-5" id="link18note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link18noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ We may here take notice, + as well as in the parallel parts of the books Of the War, B. II. ch. 9. + sect. 1, that after the death of Herod the Great, and the succession of + Archelaus, Josephus is very brief in his accounts of Judea, till near his + own time. I suppose the reason is, that after the large history of + Nicolaus of Damascus, including the life of Herod, and probably the + succession and first actions of his sons, he had but few good histories of + those times before him.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-6" id="link18note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link18noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ Numbers 19:11-14.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-7" id="link18note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link18noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ This citation is now + wanting.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-8" id="link18note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link18noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ These Jews, as they are + here called, whose blood Pilate shed on this occasion, may very well be + those very Galilean Jews, "whose blood Pilate had mingled with their + sacrifices," Luke 13:1, 2; these tumults being usually excited at some of + the Jews' great festivals, when they slew abundance of sacrifices, and the + Galileans being commonly much more busy in such tumults than those of + Judea and Jerusalem, as we learn from the history of Archelaus, Antiq. B. + XVII. ch. 9. sect. 3 and ch. 10. sect. 2, 9; though, indeed, Josephus's + present copies say not one word of "those eighteen upon whom the tower in + Siloam fell, and slew them," which the 4th verse of the same 13th chapter + of St. Luke informs us of. But since our gospel teaches us, Luke 23:6, 7, + that "when Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether Jesus were a + Galilean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, + he sent him to Herod;" and ver. 12, "The same day Pilate and Herod were + made friends together for before they had been at enmity between + themselves;" take the very probable key of this matter in the words of the + learned Noldius, de Herod. No. 219: "The cause of the enmity between Herod + and Pilate [says he] seems to have been this, that Pilate had intermeddled + with the tetrarch's jurisdiction, and had slain some of his Galilean + subjects, Luke 13:1; and, as he was willing to correct that error, he sent + Christ to Herod at this time."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-9" id="link18note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link18noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ A.D. 33, April 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-10" id="link18note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link18noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ April 5.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-11" id="link18note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link18noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ Of the banishment of + these four thousand Jews into Sardinia by Tiberius, see Suetonlus in + Tiber. sect. 36. But as for Mr. Reland's note here, which supposes that + Jews could not, consistently with their laws, be soldiers, it is + contradicted by one branch of the history before us, and contrary to + innumerable instances of their fighting, and proving excellent soldiers in + war; and indeed many of the best of them, and even under heathen kings + themselves, did so; those, I mean, who allowed them their rest on the + sabbath day, and other solemn festivals, and let them live according to + their own laws, as Alexander the Great and the Ptolemies of Egypt did. It + is true, they could not always obtain those privileges, and then they got + executed as well as they could, or sometimes absolutely refused to fight, + which seems to have been the case here, as to the major part of the Jews + now banished, but nothing more. See several of the Roman decrees in their + favor as to such matters, B. XIV. ch. 10.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-12" id="link18note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link18noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ Since Moses never came + himself beyond Jordan, nor particularly to Mount Gerizzim, and since these + Samaritans have a tradition among them, related here by Dr. Hudson, from + Reland, who was very skillful in Jewish and Samaritan learning, that in + the days of Uzzi or Ozis the high priest, 1 Chronicles 6:6; the ark and + other sacred vessels were, by God's command, laid up or hidden in Mount + Gerizzim, it is highly probable that this was the foolish foundation the + present Samaritans went upon, in the sedition here described.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-13" id="link18note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link18noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ This mention of the + high priest's sacred garments received seven days before a festival, and + purified in those days against a festival, as having been polluted by + being in the custody of heathens, in Josephus, agrees well with the + traditions of the Talmudists, as Reland here observes. Nor is there any + question but the three feasts here mentioned were the passover, pentecost, + and feast of tabernacles; and the fast so called by way of distinction, as + Acts 27:9, was the great day of expiation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-14" id="link18note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link18noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ This calculation, from + all Josephus's Greek copies, is exactly right; for since Herod died about + September, in the fourth year before the Christian era, and Tiberius + began, as is well known, Aug. 19, A.D. 14, it is evident that the + thirty-seventh year of Philip, reckoned from his father's death, was the + twentieth of Tiberius, or near the end of A.D. 33, [the very year of our + Savior's death also,] or, however, in the beginning of the next year, A.D. + 34. This Philip the tetrarch seems to have been the best of all the + posterity of Herod, for his love of peace, and his love of justice. An + excellent example this.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-15" id="link18note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link18noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ This Herod seems to + have had the additional name of Philip, as Antipas was named + Herod-Antipas: and as Antipas and Antipater seem to be in a manner the + very same name, yet were the names of two sons of Herod the Great; so + might Philip the tetrarch and this Herod-Philip be two different sons of + the same father, all which Grotias observes on Matthew 14:3. Nor was it, + as I with Grotias and others of the Philip the tetrarch, but this + Herod-Philip, whose wife Herod the tetrarch had married, and that in her + first husband's lifetime, and when her first husband had issue by her-; + for which adulterous and incestuous marriage John the Baptist justly + reproved Herod the tetrarch, and for which reproof Salome, the daughter of + Herodias by her first husband Herod-Philip, who was still alive, + occasioned him to be unjustly beheaded.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-16" id="link18note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link18noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ Whether this sudden + extinction of almost the entire lineage of Herod the Great, which was very + numerous, as we are both here and in the next section informed, was not in + part as a punishment for the gross incests they were frequently guilty of, + in marrying their own nephews and nieces, well deserves to be considered. + See Leviticus 18:6, 7; 21:10; and Noldius, De Herod, No. 269, 270.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-17" id="link18note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link18noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ There are coins still + extant of this Eraess, as Spanheim informs us. Spanheim also informs us of + a coin still extant of this Jotape, daughter of the king of Commageus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-18" id="link18note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link18noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ Spanheim observes, that + we have here an instance of the Attic quantity of use-money, which was the + eighth part of the original sum, or 12 per cent., for such is the + proportion of 2500 to 20,000.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-19" id="link18note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link18noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ The governor of the + Jews there.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-20" id="link18note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link18noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ Tiberius, junior of + Germanicus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-21" id="link18note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link18noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ This high commendation + of Antonia for marrying but once, given here, and supported elsewhere; + Antiq. B. XVII. ch. 13. sect. 4, and this, notwithstanding the strongest + temptations, shows how honorable single marriages were both among the Jews + and Romans, in the days of Josephus and of the apostles, and takes away + much of that surprise which the modern Protestants have at those laws of + the apostles, where no widows, but those who had been the wives of one + husband only, are taken into the church list; and no bishops, priests, or + deacons are allowed to marry more than once, without leaving off to + officiate as clergymen any longer. See Luke 2:36; 1 Timothy 5:11, 12; 3:2, + 12; Titus 1:10; Constit. Apost. B. II. sect. 1, 2; B. VI. sect. 17; Can. + B. XVII,; Grot. in Luc. ii. 36; and Resports. ad Consult. Cassand. p. 44; + and Cotelet. in Constit. B. VI. sect. 17. And note, that Tertullian owns + this law against second marriages of the clergy had been once at least + executed in his time; and heavily complains elsewhere, that the breach + thereof had not been always punished by the catholics, as it ought to have + been. Jerome, speaking of the ill reputation of marrying twice, says, that + no such person could be chosen into the clergy in his days; which + Augustine testifies also; and for Epiphanius, rather earlier, he is clear + and full to the same purpose, and says that law obtained over the whole + catholic church in his days,—as the places in the forecited authors + inform us.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-22" id="link18note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link18noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ Dr. Hudson here takes + notice, out of Seneca, Epistle V. that this was the custom of Tiberius, to + couple the prisoner and the soldier that guarded him together in the same + chain.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-23" id="link18note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link18noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ Tiberius his own + grandson, and Caius his brother Drusus's grandson.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-24" id="link18note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link18noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ So I correct Josephus's + copy, which calls Germanicus his brother, who was his brother's son.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-25" id="link18note-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#link18noteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ This is a known thing + among the Roman historians and poets, that Tiberius was greatly given to + astrology and divination.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-26" id="link18note-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#link18noteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ This name of a lion is + often given to tyrants, especially by the such Agrippa, and probably his + freed-man Marsyas, in effect were, Ezekiel 19:1, 9; Esther 4:9 2 Timothy + 4:17. They are also sometimes compared to or represented by wild beasts, + of which the lion is the principal, Daniel 7:3, 8; Apoc. 13:1, 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-27" id="link18note-27"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#link18noteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ Although Caius now + promised to give Agrippa the tetrarchy of Lysanias, yet was it not + actually conferred upon him till the reign of Claudius, as we learn, + Antiq. B. XIX, ch. 5. sect. 1.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-28" id="link18note-28"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#link18noteref-28">return</a>)<br /> [ Regarding instances of + the interpositions of Providence, as have been always very rare among the + other idolatrous nations, but of old very many among the posterity of + Abraham, the worshippers of the true God; nor do these seem much inferior + to those in the Old Testament, which are the more remarkable, because, + among all their other follies and vices, the Jews were not at this time + idolaters; and the deliverances here mentioned were done in order to + prevent their relapse into that idolatry.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-29" id="link18note-29"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#link18noteref-29">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus here assures + us that the ambassadors from Alexandria to Caius were on each part no more + than three in number, for the Jews, and for the Gentiles, which are but + six in all; whereas Philo, who was the principal ambassador from the Jews, + as Josephus here confesses, [as was Apion for the Gentiles,] says, the + Jews' ambassadors were themselves no fewer than live, towards the end of + his legation to Caius; which, if there be no mistake in the copies, must + be supposed the truth; nor, in that case, would Josephus have contradicted + so authentic a witness, had he seen that account of Philo's; which that he + ever did does not appear.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-30" id="link18note-30"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 30 (<a href="#link18noteref-30">return</a>)<br /> [ This Alexander, the + alabarch, or governor of the Jews, at Alexandria, and brother to Philo, is + supposed by Bishop Pearson, in Act. Apost. p. 41,42, to be the same with + that Alexander who is mentioned by St. Luke, as of the kindred of the high + priests, Acts 4:6.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-31" id="link18note-31"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 31 (<a href="#link18noteref-31">return</a>)<br /> [ What Josephus here, and + sect. 6, relates as done by the Jews seed time, is in Philo, "not far off + the time when the corn was ripe," who, as Le Clerc notes, differ here one + from the other. This is another indication that Josephus, when he wrote + this account, had not seen Philo's Legat. ad Caiurn, otherwise he would + hardly trove herein differed from him.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-32" id="link18note-32"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 32 (<a href="#link18noteref-32">return</a>)<br /> [ This. Publius Petronius + was after this still president of Syria, under Cladius, and, at the desire + of Agrippa, published a severe decree against the inhabitants of Dora, + who, in a sort of intitiation of Caius, had set op a statue of Claudius in + a Jewish synagogue there. This decree is extant, B. XIX. ch. 6. sect. 3, + and greatly confirms the present accounts of Josephus, as do the other + decrees of Claudius, relating to the like Jewish affairs, B. XIX. ch. 5. + sect. 2, 3, to which I refer the inquisitive reader.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-33" id="link18note-33"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 33 (<a href="#link18noteref-33">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus here uses the + solemn New Testament words, the presence and appearance of God, for the + extraordinary manifestation of his power and providence to Petronius, by + sending rain in a time of distress, immediately upon the resolution he had + taken to preserve the temple unpolluted, at the hazard of his own life, + without any other miraculous appearance at all in that case; which well + deserves to be taken notice of here, and greatly illustrates several + texts, both in the Old and New Testament.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-34" id="link18note-34"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 34 (<a href="#link18noteref-34">return</a>)<br /> [ This behavior of Caius + to Agrippa is very like that of Herod Antipas, his uncle, to Herodias, + Agrippa's sister, about it John the Baptist, Matthew 14:6—11.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-35" id="link18note-35"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 35 (<a href="#link18noteref-35">return</a>)<br /> [ The joining of the + right hands was esteemed among the Peoians [and Parthians] in particular a + most inviolable obligation to fidelity, as Dr. Hudson here observes, and + refers to the commentary on Justin, B. XI. ch. 15., for its confirmation. + We often meet with the like use of it in Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-36" id="link18note-36"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 36 (<a href="#link18noteref-36">return</a>)<br /> [ This custom of the + Mesopotamians to carry their household gods along with them wherever they + traveled is as old as the days of Jacob, when Rachel his wife did the + same, Genesis 31:19, 30-35; nor is it to pass here unobserved, what great + miseries came on these Jews, because they suffered one of their leaders to + marry an idolatrous wife, contrary to the law of Moses. Of which matter + see the note on B. XIX. ch. 5. sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18note-37" id="link18note-37"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 37 (<a href="#link18noteref-37">return</a>)<br /> [ This custom, in Syria + and Mesopotamia, of setting men upon an ass, by way of disgrace, is still + kept up at Damascus in Syria; where, in order to show their despite + against the Christians, the Turks will not suffer them to hire horses, but + asses only, when they go abroad to see the country, as Mr. Maundrell + assures us, p. 128.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link192H_4_0001" id="link192H_4_0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK XIX. Containing The Interval Of Three Years And A Half.—From + The Departure Out Of Babylon To Fadus, The Roman Procurator.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link192HCH0001" id="link192HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. How Caius <a href="#link19note-1" name="link19noteref-1" + id="link19noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> Was Slain By Cherea. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now this Caius <a href="#link19note-2" name="link19noteref-2" + id="link19noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> did not demonstrate his madness + in offering injuries only to the Jews at Jerusalem, or to those that dwelt + in the neighborhood; but suffered it to extend itself through all the + earth and sea, so far as was in subjection to the Romans, and filled it + with ten thousand mischiefs; so many indeed in number as no former history + relates. But Rome itself felt the most dismal effects of what he did, + while he deemed that not to be any way more honorable than the rest of the + cities; but he pulled and hauled its other citizens, but especially the + senate, and particularly the nobility, and such as had been dignified by + illustrious ancestors; he also had ten thousand devices against such of + the equestrian order, as it was styled, who were esteemed by the citizens + equal in dignity and wealth with the senators, because out of them the + senators were themselves chosen; these he treated after all ignominious + manner, and removed them out of his way, while they were at once slain, + and their wealth plundered, because he slew men generally in order to + seize on their riches. He also asserted his own divinity, and insisted on + greater honors to be paid him by his subjects than are due to mankind. He + also frequented that temple of Jupiter which they style the Capitol, which + is with them the most holy of all their temples, and had boldness enough + to call himself the brother of Jupiter. And other pranks he did like a + madman; as when he laid a bridge from the city Dicearchia, which belongs + to Campania, to Misenum, another city upon the sea-side, from one + promontory to another, of the length of thirty furlongs, as measured over + the sea. And this was done because he esteemed it to be a most tedious + thing to row over it in a small ship, and thought withal that it became + him to make that bridge, since he was lord of the sea, and might oblige it + to give marks of obedience as well as the earth; so he enclosed the whole + bay within his bridge, and drove his chariot over it; and thought that, as + he was a god, it was fit for him to travel over such roads as this was. + Nor did he abstain from the plunder of any of the Grecian temples, and + gave order that all the engravings and sculptures, and the rest of the + ornaments of the statues and donations therein dedicated, should be + brought to him, saying that the best things ought to be set no where but + in the best place, and that the city of Rome was that best place. He also + adorned his own house and his gardens with the curiosities brought from + those temples, together with the houses he lay at when he traveled all + over Italy; whence he did not scruple to give a command that the statue of + Jupiter Olympius, so called because he was honored at the Olympian games + by the Greeks, which was the work of Phidias the Athenian, should be + brought to Rome. Yet did not he compass his end, because the architects + told Memmius Regulus, who was commanded to remove that statue of Jupiter, + that the workmanship was such as would be spoiled, and would not bear the + removal. It was also reported that Memmius, both on that account, and on + account of some such mighty prodigies as are of an incredible nature, put + off the taking it down, and wrote to Caius those accounts, as his apology + for not having done what his epistle required of him; and that when he was + thence in danger of perishing, he was saved by Caius being dead himself, + before he had put him to death. + </p> + <p> + 2. Nay, Caius's madness came to this height, that when he had a daughter + born, he carried her into the capitol, and put her upon the knees of the + statue, and said that the child was common to him and to Jupiter, and + determined that she had two fathers, but which of these fathers were the + greatest he left undetermined; and yet mankind bore him in such his + pranks. He also gave leave to slaves to accuse their masters of any crimes + whatsoever they pleased; for all such accusations were terrible, because + they were in great part made to please him, and at his suggestion, + insomuch that Pollux, Claudius's slave, had the boldness to lay an + accusation against Claudius himself; and Caius was not ashamed to be + present at his trial of life and death, to hear that trial of his own + uncle, in hopes of being able to take him off, although he did not succeed + to his mind. But when he had filled the whole habitable world which he + governed with false accusations and miseries, and had occasioned the + greatest insults of slaves against their masters, who indeed in a great + measure ruled them, there were many secret plots now laid against him; + some in anger, and in order for men to revenge themselves, on account of + the miseries they had already undergone from him; and others made attempts + upon him, in order to take him off before they should fall into such great + miseries, while his death came very fortunately for the preservation of + the laws of all men, and had a great influence upon the public welfare; + and this happened most happily for our nation in particular, which had + almost utterly perished if he had not been suddenly slain. And I confess I + have a mind to give a full account of this matter particularly, because it + will afford great assurance of the power of God, and great comfort to + those that are under afflictions, and wise caution to those who think + their happiness will never end, nor bring them at length to the most + lasting miseries, if they do not conduct their lives by the principles of + virtue. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now there were three several conspiracies made in order to take off + Caius, and each of these three were conducted by excellent persons. + Emilius Regulus, born at Corduba in Spain, got some men together, and was + desirous to take Caius off, either by them or by himself. Another + conspiracy there was laid by them, under the conduct of Cherea Cassius, + the tribune [of the Pretorian band]. Minucianus Annins was also one of + great consequence among those that were prepared to oppose his tyranny. + Now the several occasions of these men's several hatred and conspiracy + against Caius were these: Regulus had indignation and hatred against all + injustice, for he had a mind naturally angry, and bold, and free, which + made him not conceal his counsels; so he communicated them to many of his + friends, and to others who seemed to him persons of activity and vigor: + Minucianus entered into this conspiracy, because of the injustice done to + Lepidus his particular friend, and one of the best character of all the + citizens, whom Caius had slain, as also because he was afraid of himself, + since Caius's wrath tended to the slaughter of all alike: and for Cherea, + he came in, because he thought it a deed worthy of a free ingenuous man to + kill Caius, and was ashamed of the reproaches he lay under from Caius, as + though he were a coward; as also because he was himself in danger every + day from his friendship with him, and the observance he paid him. These + men proposed this attempt to all the rest that were concerned, who saw the + injuries that were offered them, and were desirous that Caius's slaughter + might succeed by their mutual assistance of one another, and they might + themselves escape being killed by the taking off Caius; that perhaps they + should gain their point; and that it would be a happy thing, if they + should gain it, to approve themselves to so many excellent persons, as + earnestly wished to be partakers with them in their design for the + delivery of the city and of the government, even at the hazard of their + own lives. But still Cherea was the most zealous of them all, both out of + a desire of getting himself the greatest name, and also by reason of his + access to Caius's presence with less danger, because he was tribune, and + could therefore the more easily kill him. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now at this time came on the horse-races [Circensian games]; the view + of which games was eagerly desired by the people of Rome, for they come + with great alacrity into the hippodrome [circus] at such times, and + petition their emperors, in great multitudes, for what they stand in need + of; who usually did not think fit to deny them their requests, but readily + and gratefully granted them. Accordingly, they most importunately desired + that Caius would now ease them in their tributes, and abate somewhat of + the rigor of their taxes imposed upon them; but he would not hear their + petition; and when their clamors increased, he sent soldiers some one way + and some another, and gave order that they should lay hold on those that + made the clamors, and without any more ado bring them out, and put them to + death. These were Caius's commands, and those who were commanded executed + the same; and the number of those who were slain on this occasion was very + great. Now the people saw this, and bore it so far, that they left off + clamoring, because they saw with their own eyes that this petition to be + relieved, as to the payment of their money, brought immediate death upon + them. These things made Cherea more resolute to go on with his plot, in + order to put an end to this barbarity of Caius against men. He then at + several times thought to fall upon Caius, even as he was feasting; yet did + he restrain himself by some considerations; not that he had any doubt on + him about killing him, but as watching for a proper season, that the + attempt might not be frustrated, but that he might give the blow so as + might certainly gain his purpose. + </p> + <p> + 5. Cherea had been in the army a long time, yet was he not pleased with + conversing so much with Caius. But Caius had set him to require the + tributes, and other dues, which, when not paid in due time, were forfeited + to Cæsar's treasury; and he had made some delays in requiring them, + because those burdens had been doubled, and had rather indulged his own + mild disposition than performed Caius's command; nay, indeed, he provoked + Caius to anger by his sparing men, and pitying the hard fortunes of those + from whom he demanded the taxes; and Caius upbraided him with his sloth + and effeminacy in being so long about collecting the taxes. And indeed he + did not only affront him in other respects, but when he gave him the + watchword of the day, to whom it was to be given by his place, he gave him + feminine words, and those of a nature very reproachful; and these + watchwords he gave out, as having been initiated in the secrets of certain + mysteries, which he had been himself the author of. Now although he had + sometimes put on women's clothes, and had been wrapt in some embroidered + garments to them belonging, and done a great many other things, in order + to make the company mistake him for a woman; yet did he, by way of + reproach, object the like womanish behavior to Cherea. But when Cherea + received the watchword from him, he had indignation at it, but had greater + indignation at the delivery of it to others, as being laughed at by those + that received it; insomuch that his fellow tribunes made him the subject + of their drollery; for they would foretell that he would bring them some + of his usual watchwords when he was about to take the watchword from + Cæsar, and would thereby make him ridiculous; on which accounts he took + the courage of assuming certain partners to him, as having just reasons + for his indignation against Caius. Now there was one Pompedius, a senator, + and one who had gone through almost all posts in the government, but + otherwise an Epicurean, and for that reason loved to lead an inactive + life. Now Timidius, an enemy of his, had informed Caius that he had used + indecent reproaches against him, and he made use of Quintilia for a + witness to them; a woman she was much beloved by many that frequented the + theater, and particularly by Pompedius, on account of her great beauty. + Now this woman thought it a horrible thing to attest to an accusation that + touched the life of her lover, which was also a lie. Timidius, however, + wanted to have her brought to the torture. Caius was irritated at this + reproach upon him, and commanded Cherea, without any delay, to torture + Quintilia, as he used to employ Cherea in such bloody matters, and those + that required the torture, because he thought he would do it the more + barbarously, in order to avoid that imputation of effeminacy which he had + laid upon him. But Quintilia, when she was brought to the rack, trod upon + the foot of one of her associates, and let him know that he might be of + good courage, and not be afraid of the consequence of her tortures, for + that she would bear them with magnanimity. Cherea tortured this woman + after a cruel manner; unwillingly indeed, but because he could not help + it. He then brought her, without being in the least moved at what she had + suffered, into the presence of Caius, and that in such a state as was sad + to behold; and Caius, being somewhat affected with the sight of Quintilia, + who had her body miserably disordered by the pains she had undergone, + freed both her and Pompedius of the crime laid to their charge. He also + gave her money to make her an honorable amends, and comfort her for that + maiming of her body which she had suffered, and for her glorious patience + under such insufferable torments. + </p> + <p> + 6. This matter sorely grieved Cherea, as having been the cause, as far as + he could, or the instrument, of those miseries to men, which seemed worthy + of consolation to Caius himself; on which account he said to Clement and + to Papinius, [of whom Clement was general of the army, and Papinius was a + tribune,] "To be sure, O Clement, we have no way failed in our guarding + the emperor; for as to those that have made conspiracies against his + government, some have been slain by our care and pains, and some have been + by us tortured, and this to such a degree, that he hath himself pitied + them. How great then is our virtue in submitting to conduct his armies!" + Clement held his peace, but showed the shame he was under in obeying + Caius's orders, both by his eyes and his blushing countenance, while he + thought it by no means right to accuse the emperor in express words, lest + their own safety should be endangered thereby. Upon which Cherea took + courage, and spake to him without fear of the dangers that were before + him, and discoursed largely of the sore calamities under which the city + and the government then labored, and said, "We may indeed pretend in words + that Caius is the person unto whom the cause of such miseries ought to be + imputed; but, in the opinion of such as are able to judge uprightly, it is + I, O Clement! and this Papinius, and before us thou thyself, who bring + these tortures upon the Romans, and upon all mankind. It is not done by + our being subservient to the commands of Caius, but it is done by our own + consent; for whereas it is in our power to put an end to the life of this + man, who hath so terribly injured the citizens and his subjects, we are + his guard in mischief, and his executioners instead of his soldiers, and + are the instruments of his cruelty. We bear these weapons, not for our + liberty, not for the Roman government, but only for his preservation, who + hath enslaved both their bodies and their minds; and we are every day + polluted with the blood that we shed, and the torments we inflict upon + others; and this we do, till somebody becomes Caius's instrument in + bringing the like miseries upon ourselves. Nor does he thus employ us + because he hath a kindness for us, but rather because he hath a suspicion + of us, as also because when abundance more have been killed, [for Caius + will set no bounds to his wrath, since he aims to do all, not out of + regard to justice, but to his own pleasure,] we shall also ourselves be + exposed to his cruelty; whereas we ought to be the means of confirming the + security and liberty of all, and at the same time to resolve to free + ourselves from dangers." + </p> + <p> + 7. Hereupon Clement openly commended Cherea's intentions, but bid him hold + his tongue; for that in case his words should get out among many, and such + things should be spread abroad as were fit to be concealed, the plot would + come to be discovered before it was executed, and they should be brought + to punishment; but that they should leave all to futurity, and the hope + which thence arose, that some fortunate event would come to their + assistance; that, as for himself, his age would not permit him to make any + attempt in that case. "However, although perhaps I could suggest what may + be safer than what thou, Cherea, hast contrived and said, yet how is it + possible for any one to suggest what is more for thy reputation?" So + Clement went his way home, with deep reflections on what he had heard, and + what he had himself said. Cherea also was under a concern, and went + quickly to Cornelius Sabinus, who was himself one of the tribunes, and + whom he otherwise knew to be a worthy man, and a lover of liberty, and on + that account very uneasy at the present management of public affairs, he + being desirous to come immediately to the execution of what had been + determined, and thinking it right for him to propose it to the other, and + afraid lest Clement should discover them, and besides looking upon delays + and puttings off to be the next to desisting from the enterprise. + </p> + <p> + 8. But as all was agreeable to Sabinus, who had himself, equally without + Cherea, the same design, but had been silent for want of a person to whom + he could safely communicate that design; so having now met with one, who + not only promised to conceal what he heard, but who had already opened his + mind to him, he was much more encouraged, and desired of Cherea that no + delay might be made therein. Accordingly they went to Minucianus, who was + as virtuous a man, and as zealous to do glorious actions, as themselves, + and suspected by Caius on occasion of the slaughter of Lepidus; for + Minucianus and Lepidus were intimate friends, and both in fear of the + dangers that they were under; for Caius was terrible to all the great men, + as appearing ready to act a mad part towards each of them in particular, + and towards all of them in general; and these men were afraid of one + another, while they were yet uneasy at the posture of affairs, but avoided + to declare their mind and their hatred against Caius to one another, out + of fear of the dangers they might be in thereby, although they perceived + by other means their mutual hatred against Caius, and on that account were + not averse to a mutual kindness one towards another. + </p> + <p> + 9. When Minucianus and Cherea had met together, and saluted one another, + [as they had been used on former conversations to give the upper hand to + Minucianus, both on account of his eminent dignity, for he was the noblest + of all the citizens, and highly commended by all men, especially when he + made speeches to them,] Minucianus began first, and asked Cherea, What was + the watchword he had received that day from Caius; for the affront which + was offered Cherea, in giving the watchwords, was famous over the city. + But Cherea made no delay so long as to reply to that question, out of the + joy he had that Minueianus would have such confidence in him as to + discourse with him. "But do thou," said he, "give me the watchword of + liberty. And I return thee my thanks that thou hast so greatly encouraged + me to exert myself after an extraordinary manner; nor do I stand in need + of many words to encourage me, since both thou and I are of the same mind, + and partakers of the same resolutions, and this before we have conferred + together. I have indeed but one sword girt on, but this one will serve us + both. Come on, therefore, let us set about the work. Do thou go first, if + thou hast a mind, and bid me follow thee; or else I will go first, and + thou shalt assist me, and we will assist one another, and trust one + another. Nor is there a necessity for even one sword to such as have a + mind disposed to such works, by which mind the sword uses to be + successful. I am zealous about this action, nor am I solicitous what I may + myself undergo; for I can not at leisure to consider the dangers that may + come upon myself, so deeply am I troubled at the slavery our once free + country is now under, and at the contempt cast upon our excellent laws, + and at the destruction which hangs over all men, by the means of Caius. I + wish that I may be judged by thee, and that thou mayst esteem me worthy of + credit in these matters, seeing we are both of the same opinion, and there + is herein no difference between us." + </p> + <p> + 10. When Minucianus saw the vehemency with which Cherea delivered himself, + he gladly embraced him, and encouraged him in his bold attempt, commending + him, and embracing him; so he let him go with his good wishes; and some + affirm that he thereby confirmed Minucianus in the prosecution of what had + been agreed among them; for as Cherea entered into the court, the report + runs, that a voice came from among the multitude to encourage him, which + bid him finish what he was about, and take the opportunity that Providence + afforded; and that Cherea at first suspected that some one of the + conspirators had betrayed him, and he was caught, but at length perceived + that it was by way of exhortation. Whether somebody <a href="#link19note-3" + name="link19noteref-3" id="link19noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> that was + conscious of what he was about, gave a signal for his encouragement, or + whether it was God himself, who looks upon the actions of men, that + encouraged him to go on boldly in his design, is uncertain. The plot was + now communicated to a great many, and they were all in their armor; some + of the conspirators being senators, and some of the equestrian order, and + as many of the soldiery as were made acquainted with it; for there was not + one of them who would not reckon it a part of his happiness to kill Caius; + and on that account they were all very zealous in the affair, by what + means soever any one could come at it, that he might not be behindhand in + these virtuous designs, but might be ready with all his alacrity or power, + both by words and actions, to complete this slaughter of a tyrant. And + besides these, Callistus also, who was a freed-man of Caius, and was the + only man that had arrived at the greatest degree of power under him,—such + a power, indeed, as was in a manner equal to the power of the tyrant + himself, by the dread that all men had of him, and by the great riches he + had acquired; for he took bribes most plenteously, and committed injuries + without bounds, and was more extravagant in the use of his power in unjust + proceedings than any other. He also knew the disposition of Caius to be + implacable, and never to be turned from what he had resolved on. He had + withal many other reasons why he thought himself in danger, and the + vastness of his wealth was not one of the least of them; on which account + he privately ingratiated himself with Claudius, and transferred his + courtship to him, out of this hope, that in case, upon the removal of + Caius, the government should come to him, his interest in such changes + should lay a foundation for his preserving his dignity under him, since he + laid in beforehand a stock of merit, and did Claudius good offices in his + promotion. He had also the boldness to pretend that he had been persuaded + to make away with Claudius, by poisoning him, but had still invented ten + thousand excuses for delaying to do it. But it seems probable to me that + Callistus only counterfeited this, in order to ingratiate himself with + Claudius; for if Caius had been in earnest resolved to take off Claudius, + he would not have admitted of Callistus's excuses; nor would Callistus, if + he had been enjoined to do such an act as was desired by Caius, have put + it off; nor if he had disobeyed those injunctions of his master, had he + escaped immediate punishment; while Claudius was preserved from the + madness of Caius by a certain Divine providence, and Callistus pretended + to such a piece of merit as he no way deserved. + </p> + <p> + 11. However, the execution of Cherea's designs was put off from day to + day, by the sloth of many therein concerned; for as to Cherea himself, he + would not willingly make any delay in that execution, thinking every time + a fit time for it; for frequent opportunities offered themselves; as when + Caius went up to the capitol to sacrifice for his daughter, or when he + stood upon his royal palace, and threw gold and silver pieces of money + among the people, he might be pushed down headlong, because the top of the + palace, that looks towards the market-place, was very high; and also when + he celebrated the mysteries, which he had appointed at that time; for he + was then no way secluded from the people, but solicitous to do every thing + carefully and decently, and was free from all suspicion that he should be + then assaulted by any body; and although the gods should afford him no + divine assistance to enable him to take away his life, yet had he strength + himself sufficient to despatch Caius, even without a sword. Thus was + Chorea angry at his fellow conspirators, for fear they should suffer a + proper opportunity to pass by; and they were themselves sensible that he + had just cause to be angry at them, and that his eagerness was for their + advantage; yet did they desire he would have a little longer patience, + lest, upon any disappointment they might meet with, they should put the + city into disorder, and an inquisition should be made after the + conspiracy, and should render the courage of those that were to attack + Caius without success, while he would then secure himself more carefully + than ever against them; that it would therefore be the best to set about + the work when the shows were exhibited in the palace. These shows were + acted in honor of that Cæsar <a href="#link19note-4" + name="link19noteref-4" id="link19noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> who first + of all changed the popular government, and transferred it to himself; + galleries being fixed before the palace, where the Romans that were + patricians became spectators, together with their children and their + wives, and Cæsar himself was to be also a spectator; and they reckoned, + among those many ten thousands who would there be crowded into a narrow + compass, they should have a favorable opportunity to make their attempt + upon him as he came in, because his guards that should protect him, if any + of them should have a mind to do it, would not here be able to give him + any assistance. + </p> + <p> + 12. Cherea consented to this delay; and when the shows were exhibited, it + was resolved to do the work the first day. But fortune, which allowed a + further delay to his slaughter, was too hard for their foregoing + resolution; and as three days of the regular times for these shows were + now over, they had much ado to get the business done on the last day. Then + Cherea called the conspirators together, and spake thus to them: "So much + time passed away without effort is a reproach to us, as delaying to go + through such a virtuous design as we are engaged in; but more fatal will + this delay prove if we be discovered, and the design be frustrated; for + Caius will then become more cruel in his unjust proceedings. Do we not see + how long we deprive all our friends of their liberty, and give Caius leave + still to tyrannize over them? while we ought to have procured them + security for the future, and, by laying a foundation for the happiness of + others, gain to ourselves great admiration and honor for all time to + come." Now while the conspirators had nothing tolerable to say by way of + contradiction, and yet did not quite relish what they were doing, but + stood silent and astonished, he said further, "O my brave comrades! why do + we make such delays? Do not you see that this is the last day of these + shows, and that Caius is about to go to sea? for he is preparing to sail + to Alexandria, in order to see Egypt. Is it therefore for your honor to + let a man go out of your hands who is a reproach to mankind, and to permit + him to go, after a pompous manner, triumphing both at land and sea? Shall + not we be justly ashamed of ourselves, if we give leave to some Egyptian + or other, who shall think his injuries insufferable to free-men, to kill + him? As for myself, I will no longer bear your slow proceedings, but will + expose myself to the dangers of the enterprise this very day, and bear + cheerfully whatsoever shall be the consequence of the attempt; nor, let + them be ever so great, will I put them off any longer: for, to a wise and + courageous man, what can be more miserable than that, while I am alive, + any one else should kill Caius, and deprive me of the honor of so virtuous + an action?" + </p> + <p> + 13. When Cherea had spoken thus, he zealously set about the work, and + inspired courage into the rest to go on with it, and they were all eager + to fall to it without further delay. So he was at the palace in the + morning, with his equestrian sword girt on him; for it was the custom that + the tribunes should ask for the watchword with their swords on, and this + was the day on which Cherea was, by custom, to receive the watchword; and + the multitude were already come to the palace, to be soon enough for + seeing the shows, and that in great crowds, and one tumultuously crushing + another, while Caius was delighted with this eagerness of the multitude; + for which reason there was no order observed in the seating men, nor was + any peculiar place appointed for the senators, or for the equestrian + order; but they sat at random, men and women together, and free-men were + mixed with the slaves. So Caius came out in a solemn manner, and offered + sacrifice to Augustus Cæsar, in whose honor indeed these shows were + celebrated. Now it happened, upon the fall of a certain priest, that the + garment of Asprenas, a senator, was filled with blood, which made Caius + laugh, although this was an evident omen to Asprenas, for he was slain at + the same time with Caius. It is also related that Caius was that day, + contrary to his usual custom, so very affable and good-natured in his + conversation, that every one of those that were present were astonished at + it. After the sacrifice was over, Caius betook himself to see the shows, + and sat down for that purpose, as did also the principal of his friends + sit near him. Now the parts of the theater were so fastened together, as + it used to be every year, in the manner following: It had two doors, the + one door led to the open air, the other was for going into, or going out + of, the cloisters, that those within the theater might not be thereby + disturbed; but out of one gallery there went an inward passage, parted + into partitions also, which led into another gallery, to give room to the + combatants and to the musicians to go out as occasion served. When the + multitude were set down, and Cherea, with the other tribunes, were set + down also, and the right corner of the theater was allotted to Cæsar, one + Vatinius, a senator, commander of the praetorian band, asked of Cluvius, + one that sat by him, and was of consular dignity also, whether he had + heard any thing of news, or not? but took care that nobody should hear + what he said; and when Cluvius replied, that he had heard no news, "Know + then," said Vatinius, "that the game of the slaughter of tyrants is to be + played this day." But Cluvius replied "O brave comrade hold thy peace, + lest some other of the Achaians hear thy tale." And as there was abundance + of autumnal fruit thrown among the spectators, and a great number of + birds, that were of great value to such as possessed them, on account of + their rareness, Caius was pleased with the birds fighting for the fruits, + and with the violence wherewith the spectators seized upon them: and here + he perceived two prodigies that happened there; for an actor was + introduced, by whom a leader of robbers was crucified, and the pantomime + brought in a play called Cinyras, wherein he himself was to be slain, as + well as his daughter Myrrha, and wherein a great deal of fictitious blood + was shed, both about him that was crucified, and also about Cinyras. It + was also confessed that this was the same day wherein Pausanias, a friend + of Philip, the son of Amyntas, who was king of Macedonia, slew him, as he + was entering into the theater. And now Caius was in doubt whether he + should tarry to the end of the shows, because it was the last day, or + whether he should not go first to the bath, and to dinner, and then return + and sit down as before. Hereupon Minucianus, who sat over Caius, and was + afraid that the opportunity should fail them, got up, because he saw + Cherea was already gone out, and made haste out, to confirm him in his + resolution; but Caius took hold of his garment, in an obliging way, and + said to him, "O brave man! whither art thou going?" Whereupon, out of + reverence to Cæsar, as it seemed, he sat down again; but his fear + prevailed over him, and in a little time he got up again, and then Caius + did no way oppose his going out, as thinking that he went out to perform + some necessities of nature. And Asprenas, who was one of the confederates, + persuaded Caius to go out to the bath, and to dinner, and then to come in + again, as desirous that what had been resolved on might be brought to a + conclusion immediately. + </p> + <p> + 14. So Cherea's associates placed themselves in order, as the time would + permit them, and they were obliged to labor hard, that the place which was + appointed them should not be left by them; but they had an indignation at + the tediousness of the delays, and that what they were about should be put + off any longer, for it was already about the ninth <a href="#link19note-5" + name="link19noteref-5" id="link19noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> hour of + the day; and Cherea, upon Caius's tarrying so long, had a great mind to go + in, and fall upon him in his seat, although he foresaw that this could not + be done without much bloodshed, both of the senators, and of those of the + equestrian order that were present; and although he knew this must happen, + yet had he a great mind to do so, as thinking it a right thing to procure + security and freedom to all, at the expense of such as might perish at the + same time. And as they were just going back into the entrance to the + theater, word was brought them that Caius was arisen, whereby a tumult was + made; hereupon the conspirators thrust away the crowd, under pretense as + if Caius was angry at them, but in reality as desirous to have a quiet + place, that should have none in it to defend him, while they set about + Caius's slaughter. Now Claudius, his uncle, was gone out before, and + Marcus Vinicius his sister's husband, as also Valellus of Asia; whom + though they had had such a mind to put out of their places, the reverence + to their dignity hindered them so to do; then followed Caius, with Paulus + Arruntius: and because Caius was now gotten within the palace, he left the + direct road, along which those his servants stood that were in waiting, + and by which road Claudius had gone out before, Caius turned aside into a + private narrow passage, in order to go to the place for bathing, as also + in order to take a view of the boys that came out of Asia, who were sent + thence, partly to sing hymns in these mysteries which were now celebrated, + and partly to dance in the Pyrrhic way of dancing upon the theatres. So + Cherea met him, and asked him for the watchword; upon Caius's giving him + one of his ridiculous words, he immediately reproached him, and drew his + sword, and gave him a terrible stroke with it, yet was not this stroke + mortal. And although there be those that say it was so contrived on + purpose by Chorea, that Caius should not be killed at one blow, but should + be punished more severely by a multitude of wounds; yet does this story + appear to me incredible, because the fear men are under in such actions + does not allow them to use their reason. And if Cherea was of that mind, I + esteem him the greatest of all fools, in pleasing himself in his spite + against Caius, rather than immediately procuring safety to himself and to + his confederates from the dangers they were in, because there might many + things still happen for helping Caius's escape, if he had not already + given up the ghost; for certainly Cherea would have regard, not so much to + the punishment of Caius, as to the affliction himself and his friends were + in, while it was in his power, after such success, to keep silent, and to + escape the wrath of Caius's defenders, and not to leave it to uncertainty + whether he should gain the end he aimed at or not, and after an + unreasonable manner to act as if he had a mind to ruin himself, and lose + the opportunity that lay before him. But every body may guess as he please + about this matter. However, Caius was staggered with the pain that the + blow gave him; for the stroke of the sword falling in the middle, between + the shoulder and the neck, was hindered by the first bone of the breast + from proceeding any further. Nor did he either cry out, [in such + astonishment was he,] nor did he call out for any of his friends; whether + it were that he had no confidence in them, or that his mind was otherwise + disordered, but he groaned under the pain he endured, and presently went + forward and fled; when Cornelius Sabinus, who was already prepared in his + mind so to do, thrust him down upon his knee, where many of them stood + round about him, and struck him with their swords; and they cried out, and + encouraged one another all at once to strike him again; but all agree that + Aquila gave him the finishing stroke, which directly killed him. But one + may justly ascribe this act to Cherea; for although many concurred in the + act itself, yet was he the first contriver of it, and began long before + all the rest to prepare for it, and was the first man that boldly spake of + it to the rest; and upon their admission of what he said about it, he got + the dispersed conspirators together; he prepared every thing after a + prudent manner, and by suggesting good advice, showed himself far superior + to the rest, and made obliging speeches to them, insomuch that he even + compelled them all to go on, who otherwise had not courage enough for that + purpose; and when opportunity served to use his sword in hand, he appeared + first of all ready so to do, and gave the first blow in this virtuous + slaughter; he also brought Caius easily into the power of the rest, and + almost killed him himself, insomuch that it is but just to ascribe all + that the rest did to the advice, and bravery, and labors of the hands of + Cherea. + </p> + <p> + 15. Thus did Caius come to his end, and lay dead, by the many wounds which + had been given him. Now Cherea and his associates, upon Caius's slaughter, + saw that it was impossible for them to save themselves, if they should all + go the same way, partly on account of the astonishment they were under; + for it was no small danger they had incurred by killing an emperor, who + was honored and loved by the madness of the people, especially when the + soldiers were likely to make a bloody inquiry after his murderers. The + passages also were narrow wherein the work was done, which were also + crowded with a great multitude of Caius's attendants, and of such of the + soldiers as were of the emperor's guard that day; whence it was that they + went by other ways, and came to the house of Germanicus, the father of + Caius, whom they had now killed [which house adjoined to the palace; for + while the edifice was one, it was built in its several parts by those + particular persons who had been emperors, and those parts bare the names + of those that built them or the name of him who had begun to build its + parts]. So they got away from the insults of the multitude, and then were + for the present out of danger, that is, so long as the misfortune which + had overtaken the emperor was not known. The Germans were the first who + perceived that Caius was slain. These Germans were Caius's guard, and + carried the name of the country whence they were chosen, and composed the + Celtic legion. The men of that country are naturally passionate, which is + commonly the temper of some other of the barbarous nations also, as being + not used to consider much about what they do; they are of robust bodies + and fall upon their enemies as soon as ever they are attacked by them; and + which way soever they go, they perform great exploits. When, therefore, + these German guards understood that Caius was slain, they were very sorry + for it, because they did not use their reason in judging about public + affairs, but measured all by the advantages themselves received, Caius + being beloved by them because of the money he gave them, by which he had + purchased their kindness to him; so they drew their swords, and Sabinus + led them on. He was one of the tribunes, not by the means of the virtuous + actions of his progenitors, for he had been a gladiator, but he had + obtained that post in the army by his having a robust body. So these + Germans marched along the houses in quest of Cæsar's murderers, and cut + Asprenas to pieces, because he was the first man they fell upon, and whose + garment it was that the blood of the sacrifices stained, as I have said + already, and which foretold that this his meeting the soldiers would not + be for his good. Then did Norbanus meet them, who was one of the principal + nobility of and could show many generals of armies among his ancestors; + but they paid no regard to his dignity; yet was he of such great strength, + that he wrested the sword of the first of those that assaulted him out of + his hands, and appeared plainly not to be willing to die without a + struggle for his life, until he was surrounded by a great number of + assailants, and died by the multitude of the wounds which they gave him. + The third man was Anteius, a senator, and a few others with him. He did + not meet with these Germans by chance, as the rest did before, but came to + show his hatred to Caius, and because he loved to see Caius lie dead with + his own eyes, and took a pleasure in that sight; for Caius had banished + Anteius's father, who was of the same name with himself, and being not + satisfied with that, he sent out his soldiers, and slew him; so he was + come to rejoice at the sight of him, now he was dead. But as the house was + now all in a tumult, when he was aiming to hide himself, he could not + escape that accurate search which the Germans made, while they barbarously + slew those that were guilty, and those that were not guilty, and this + equally also. And thus were these [three] persons slain. + </p> + <p> + 16. But when the rumor that Caius was slain reached the theater, they were + astonished at it, and could not believe it; even some that entertained his + destruction with great pleasure, and were more desirous of its happening + than almost any other faction that could come to them, were under such a + fear, that they could not believe it. There were also those who greatly + distrusted it, because they were unwilling that any such thing should come + to Caius, nor could believe it, though it were ever so true, because they + thought no man could possibly so much power as to kill Caius. These were + the women, and the children, and the slaves, and some of the soldiery. + This last sort had taken his pay, and in a manner tyrannized with him, and + had abused the best of the citizens, in being subservient to his unjust + commands, in order to gain honors and advantages to themselves; but for + the women and the youth, they had been inveigled with shows, and the + fighting of the gladiators, and certain distributions of flesh-meat among + them, which things them pretense were designed for the pleasing of + multitude, but in reality to satiate the barbarous cruelty and madness of + Caius. The slaves also were sorry, because they were by Caius allowed to + accuse and to despise their masters, and they could have recourse to his + assistance when they had unjustly affronted them; for he was very easy in + believing them against their masters, even when they the city, accused + them falsely; and if they would discover what money their masters had, + they might soon obtain both riches and liberty, as the rewards of their + accusations, because the reward of these informers was the eighth <a + href="#link19note-6" name="link19noteref-6" id="link19noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> + part of the criminal's substance. As to the nobles, although the report + appeared credible to some of them, either because they knew of the plot + beforehand, or because they wished it might be true; however, they + concealed not only the joy they had at the relation of it, but that they + had heard any thing at all about it. These last acted so out of the fear + they had, that if the report proved false, they should be punished, for + having so soon let men know their minds. But those that knew Caius was + dead, because they were partners with the conspirators, they concealed all + still more cautiously, as not knowing one another's minds; and fearing + lest they should speak of it to some of those to whom the continuance of + tyranny was advantageous; and if Caius should prove to be alive, they + might be informed against, and punished. And another report went about, + that although Caius had been wounded indeed, yet was not he dead, but + alive still, and under the physician's hands. Nor was any one looked upon + by another as faithful enough to be trusted, and to whom any one would + open his mind; for he was either a friend to Caius, and therefore + suspected to favor his tyranny, or he was one that hated him, who + therefore might be suspected to deserve the less credit, because of his + ill-will to him. Nay, it was said by some [and this indeed it was that + deprived the nobility of their hopes, and made them sad] that Caius was in + a condition to despise the dangers he had been in, and took no care of + healing his wounds, but was gotten away into the market- place, and, + bloody as he was, was making an harangue to the people. And these were the + conjectural reports of those that were so unreasonable as to endeavor to + raise tumults, which they turned different ways, according to the opinions + of the bearers. Yet did they not leave their seats, for fear of being + accused, if they should go out before the rest; for they should not be + sentenced according to the real intention with which they went out, but + according to the supposals of the accusers and of the judges. + </p> + <p> + 17. But now a multitude of Germans had surrounded the theater with their + swords drawn: all the spectators looked for nothing but death, and at + every one coming in a fear seized upon them, as if they were to be cut in + pieces immediately; and in great distress they were, as neither having + courage enough to go out of the theater, nor believing themselves safe + from dangers if they tarried there. And when the Germans came upon them, + the cry was so great, that the theater rang again with the entreaties of + the spectators to the soldiers, pleading that they were entirely ignorant + of every thing that related to such seditious contrivances, and that if + there were any sedition raised, they knew nothing of it; they therefore + begged that they would spare them, and not punish those that had not the + least hand in such bold crimes as belonged to other persons, while they + neglected to search after such as had really done whatsoever it be that + hath been done. Thus did these people appeal to God, and deplore their + infelicity with shedding of tears, and beating their faces, and said every + thing that the most imminent danger and the utmost concern for their lives + could dictate to them. This brake the fury of the soldiers, and made them + repent of what they minded to do to the spectators, which would have been + the greatest instance of cruelty. And so it appeared to even these + savages, when they had once fixed the heads of those that were slain with + Asprenas upon the altar; at which sight the spectators were sorely + afflicted, both upon the consideration of the dignity of the persons, and + out of a commiseration of their sufferings; nay, indeed, they were almost + in as great disorder at the prospect of the danger themselves were in, + seeing it was still uncertain whether they should entirely escape the like + calamity. Whence it was that such as thoroughly and justly hated Caius + could yet no way enjoy the pleasure of his death, because they were + themselves in jeopardy of perishing together with him; nor had they + hitherto any firm assurance of surviving. + </p> + <p> + 18. There was at this time one Euaristus Arruntius, a public crier in the + market, and therefore of a strong and audible voice, who vied in wealth + with the richest of the Romans, and was able to do what he pleased in the + city, both then and afterward. This man put himself into the most mournful + habit he could, although he had a greater hatred against Caius than any + one else; his fear and his wise contrivance to gain his safety taught him + so to do, and prevailed over his present pleasure; so he put on such a + mournful dress as he would have done had he lost his dearest friends in + the world; this man came into the theater, and informed them of the death + of Caius, and by this means put an end to that state of ignorance the men + had been in. Arruntius also went round about the pillars, and called out + to the Germans, as did the tribunes with him, bidding them put up their + swords, and telling them that Caius was dead. And this proclamation it was + plainly which saved those that were collected together in the theater, and + all the rest who any way met the Germans; for while they had hopes that + Caius had still any breath in him, they abstained from no sort of + mischief; and such an abundant kindness they still had for Caius, that + they would willingly have prevented the plot against him, and procured his + escape from so sad a misfortune, at the expense of their own lives. But + they now left off the warm zeal they had to punish his enemies, now they + were fully satisfied that Caius was dead, because it was now in vain for + them to show their zeal and kindness to him, when he who should reward + them was perished. They were also afraid that they should be punished by + the senate, if they should go on in doing such injuries; that is, in case + the authority of the supreme governor should revert to them. And thus at + length a stop was put, though not without difficulty, to that rage which + possessed the Germans on account of Caius's death. + </p> + <p> + 19. But Cherea was so much afraid for Minucianus, lest he should light + upon the Germans now they were in their fury, that he went and spoke to + every one of the soldiers, and prayed them to take care of his + preservation, and made himself great inquiry about him, lest he should + have been slain. And for Clement, he let Minucianus go when he was brought + to him, and, with many other of the senators, affirmed the action was + right, and commended the virtue of those that contrived it, and had + courage enough to execute it; and said that "tyrants do indeed please + themselves and look big for a while, upon having the power to act + unjustly; but do not however go happily out of the world, because they are + hated by the virtuous; and that Caius, together with all his unhappiness, + was become a conspirator against himself, before these other men who + attacked him did so; and by becoming intolerable, in setting aside the + wise provision the laws had made, taught his dearest friends to treat him + as an enemy; insomuch that although in common discourse these conspirators + were those that slew Caius, yet that, in reality, he lies now dead as + perishing by his own self." + </p> + <p> + 20. Now by this time the people in the theatre were arisen from their + seats, and those that were within made a very great disturbance; the cause + of which was this, that the spectators were too hasty in getting away. + There was also one Aleyon, a physician, who hurried away, as if to cure + those that were wounded, and under that pretense he sent those that were + with him to fetch what things were necessary for the healing of those + wounded persons, but in reality to get them clear of the present dangers + they were in. Now the senate, during this interval, had met, and the + people also assembled together in the accustomed form, and were both + employed in searching after the murderers of Caius. The people did it very + zealously, but the senate in appearance only; for there was present + Valerius of Asia, one that had been consul; this man went to the people, + as they were in disorder, and very uneasy that they could not yet discover + who they were that had murdered the emperor; he was then earnestly asked + by them all who it was that had done it. He replied, "I wish I had been + the man." The consuls <a href="#link19note-7" name="link19noteref-7" + id="link19noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> also published an edict, wherein + they accused Caius, and gave order to the people then got together, and to + the soldiers, to go home; and gave the people hopes of the abatement of + the oppressions they lay under; and promised the soldiers, if they lay + quiet as they used to do, and would not go abroad to do mischief unjustly, + that they would bestow rewards upon them; for there was reason to fear + lest the city might suffer harm by their wild and ungovernable behavior, + if they should once betake themselves to spoil the citizens, or plunder + the temples. And now the whole multitude of the senators were assembled + together, and especially those that had conspired to take away the life of + Caius, who put on at this time an air of great assurance, and appeared + with great magnanimity, as if the administration of the public affairs + were already devolved upon them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link192HCH0002" id="link192HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. How The Senators Determined To Restore The Democracy; But The + Soldiers Were For Preserving The Monarchy, Concerning The Slaughter Of + Caius's Wife And Daughter. A Character Of Caius's Morals. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When the public affairs were in this posture, Claudius was on the + sudden hurried away out of his house; for the soldiers had a meeting + together; and when they had debated about what was to be done, they saw + that a democracy was incapable of managing such a vast weight of public + affairs; and that if it should be set up, it would not be for their + advantage; and in case any one of those already in the government should + obtain the supreme power, it would in all respects be to their grief, if + they were not assisting to him in this advancement; that it would + therefore be right for them, while the public affairs were unsettled, to + choose Claudius emperor, who was uncle to the deceased Caius, and of a + superior dignity and worth to every one of those that were assembled + together in the senate, both on account of the virtues of his ancestors, + and of the learning he had acquired in his education; and who, if once + settled in the empire, would reward them according to their deserts, and + bestow largesses upon them. These were their consultations, and they + executed the same immediately. Claudius was therefore seized upon suddenly + by the soldiery. But Cneas Sentins Saturninus, although he understood that + Claudius was seized, and that he intended to claim the government, + unwillingly indeed in appearance, but in reality by his own free consent, + stood up in the senate, and, without being dismayed, made an exhortatory + oration to them, and such a one indeed as was fit for men of freedom and + generosity, and spake thus: + </p> + <p> + 2. "Although it be a thing incredible, O Romans! because of the great + length of time, that so unexpected an event hath happened, yet are we now + in possession of liberty. How long indeed this will last is uncertain, and + lies at the disposal of the gods, whose grant it is; yet such it is as is + sufficient to make us rejoice, and be happy for the present, although we + may soon be deprived of it; for one hour is sufficient to those that are + exercised in virtue, wherein we may live with a mind accountable only to + ourselves, in our own country, now free, and governed by such laws as this + country once flourished under. As for myself, I cannot remember our former + time of liberty, as being born after it was gone; but I am beyond measure + filled with joy at the thoughts of our present freedom. I also esteem + those that were born and bred up in that our former liberty happy men, and + that those men are worthy of no less esteem than the gods themselves who + have given us a taste of it in this age; and I heartily wish that this + quiet enjoyment of it, which we have at present, might continue to all + ages. However, this single day may suffice for our youth, as well as for + us that are in years. It will seem an age to our old men, if they might + die during its happy duration: it may also be for the instruction of the + younger sort, what kind of virtue those men, from whose loins we are + derived, were exercised in. As for ourselves, our business is, during the + space of time, to live virtuously, than which nothing can be more to our + advantage; which course of virtue it is alone that can preserve our + liberty; for as to our ancient state, I have heard of it by the relations + of others; but as to our later state, during my lifetime, I have known it + by experience, and learned thereby what mischiefs tyrannies have brought + upon this commonwealth, discouraging all virtue, and depriving persons of + magnanimity of their liberty, and proving the teachers of flattery and + slavish fear, because it leaves the public administration not to be + governed by wise laws, but by the humor of those that govern. For since + Julius Cæsar took it into his head to dissolve our democracy, and, by + overbearing the regular system of our laws, to bring disorders into our + administration, and to get above right and justice, and to be a slave to + his own inclinations, there is no kind of misery but what hath tended to + the subversion of this city; while all those that have succeeded him have + striven one with another to overthrow the ancient laws of their country, + and have left it destitute of such citizens as were of generous + principles, because they thought it tended to their safety to have vicious + men to converse withal, and not only to break the spirits of those that + were best esteemed for their virtue, but to resolve upon their utter + destruction. Of all which emperors, who have been many in number, and who + laid upon us insufferable hardships during the times of their government, + this Caius, who hath been slain today, hath brought more terrible + calamities upon us than did all the rest, not only by exercising his + ungoverned rage upon his fellow citizens, but also upon his kindred and + friends, and alike upon all others, and by inflicting still greater + miseries upon them, as punishments, which they never deserved, he being + equally furious against men and against the gods. For tyrants are not + content to gain their sweet pleasure, and this by acting injuriously, and + in the vexation they bring both upon men's estates and their wives; but + they look upon that to be their principal advantage, when they can utterly + overthrow the entire families of their enemies; while all lovers of + liberty are the enemies of tyranny. Nor can those that patiently endure + what miseries they bring on them gain their friendship; for as they are + conscious of the abundant mischiefs they have brought on these men, and + how magnanimously they have borne their hard fortunes, they cannot but be + sensible what evils they have done, and thence only depend on security + from what they are suspicious of, if it may be in their power to take them + quite out of the world. Since, then, we are now gotten clear of such great + misfortunes, and are only accountable to one another, [which form of + government affords us the best assurance of our present concord, and + promises us the best security from evil designs, and will be most for our + own glory in settling the city in good order,] you ought, every one of you + in particular, to make provision for his own, and in general for the + public utility: or, on the contrary, they may declare their dissent to + such things as have been proposed, and this without any hazard of danger + to come upon them, because they have now no lord set over them, who, + without fear of punishment, could do mischief to the city, and had an + uncontrollable power to take off those that freely declared their + opinions. Nor has any thing so much contributed to this increase of + tyranny of late as sloth, and a timorous forbearance of contradicting the + emperor's will; while men had an over-great inclination to the sweetness + of peace, and had learned to live like slaves; and as many of us as either + heard of intolerable calamities that happened at a distance from us, or + saw the miseries that were near us, out of the dread of dying virtuously, + endured a death joined with the utmost infamy. We ought, then, in the + first place, to decree the greatest honors we are able to those that have + taken off the tyrant, especially to Cherea Cassius; for this one man, with + the assistance of the gods, hath, by his counsel and by his actions, been + the procurer of our liberty. Nor ought we to forget him now we have + recovered our liberty, who, under the foregoing tyranny, took counsel + beforehand, and beforehand hazarded himself for our liberties; but ought + to decree him proper honors, and thereby freely declare that he from the + beginning acted with our approbation. And certainly it is a very excellent + thing, and what becomes free-men, to requite their benefactors, as this + man hath been a benefactor to us all, though not at all like Cassius and + Brutus, who slew Caius Julius [Cæsar]; for those men laid the foundations + of sedition and civil wars in our city; but this man, together with his + slaughter of the tyrant, hath set our city free from all those sad + miseries which arose from the tyranny." <a href="#link19note-8" + name="link19noteref-8" id="link19noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 3. And this was the purport of Sentius's oration, <a href="#link19note-9" + name="link19noteref-9" id="link19noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> which was + received with pleasure by the senators, and by as many of the equestrian + order as were present. And now one Trebellius Maximus rose up hastily, and + took off Sentius's finger a ring, which had a stone, with the image of + Caius engraven upon it, and which, in his zeal in speaking, and his + earnestness in doing what he was about, as it was supposed, he had + forgotten to take off himself. This sculpture was broken immediately. But + as it was now far in the night, Cherea demanded of the consuls the + watchword, who gave him this word, Liberty. These facts were the subjects + of admiration to themselves, and almost incredible; for it was a hundred + years since the democracy had been laid aside, when this giving the + watchword returned to the consuls; for before the city was subject to + tyrants, they were the commanders of the soldiers. But when Cherea had + received that watchword, he delivered it to those who were on the senate's + side, which were four regiments, who esteemed the government without + emperors to be preferable to tyranny. So these went away with their + tribunes. The people also now departed very joyful, full of hope and of + courage, as having recovered their former democracy, and were no longer + under an emperor; and Cherea was in very great esteem with them. + </p> + <p> + 4. And now Cherea was very uneasy that Caius's daughter and wife were + still alive, and that all his family did not perish with him, since + whosoever was left of them must be left for the ruin of the city and of + the laws. Moreover, in order to finish this matter with the utmost zeal, + and in order to satisfy his hatred of Caius, he sent Julius Lupus, one of + the tribunes, to kill Caius's wife and daughter. They proposed this office + to Lupus as to a kinsman of Clement, that he might be so far a partaker of + this murder of the tyrant, and might rejoice in the virtue of having + assisted his fellow citizens, and that he might appear to have been a + partaker with those that were first in their designs against him. Yet did + this action appear to some of the conspirators to be too cruel, as to this + using such severity to a woman, because Caius did more indulge his own + ill-nature than use her advice in all that he did; from which ill-nature + it was that the city was in so desperate a condition with the miseries + that were brought on it, and the flower of the city was destroyed. But + others accused her of giving her consent to these things; nay, they + ascribed all that Caius had done to her as the cause of it, and said she + had given a potion to Caius, which had made him obnoxious to her, and had + tied him down to love her by such evil methods; insomuch that she, having + rendered him distracted, was become the author of all the mischiefs that + had befallen the Romans, and that habitable world which was subject to + them. So that at length it was determined that she must die; nor could + those of the contrary opinion at all prevail to have her saved; and Lupus + was sent accordingly. Nor was there any delay made in executing what he + went about, but he was subservient to those that sent him on the first + opportunity, as desirous to be no way blameable in what might be done for + the advantage of the people. So when he was come into the palace, he found + Cesonia, who was Caius's wife, lying by her husband's dead body, which + also lay down on the ground, and destitute of all such things as the law + allows to the dead, and all over herself besmeared with the blood of her + husband's wounds, and bewailing the great affliction she was under, her + daughter lying by her also; and nothing else was heard in these her + circumstances but her complaint of Caius, as if he had not regarded what + she had often told him of beforehand; which words of hers were taken in a + different sense even at that time, and are now esteemed equally ambiguous + by those that hear of them, and are still interpreted according to the + different inclinations of people. Now some said that the words denoted + that she had advised him to leave off his mad behavior and his barbarous + cruelty to the citizens, and to govern the public with moderation and + virtue, lest he should perish by the same way, upon their using him as he + had used them. But some said, that as certain words had passed concerning + the conspirators, she desired Caius to make no delay, but immediately to + put them all to death, and this whether they were guilty or not, and that + thereby he would be out of the fear of any danger; and that this was what + she reproached him for, when she advised him so to do, but he was too slow + and tender in the matter. And this was what Cesonia said, and what the + opinions of men were about it. But when she saw Lupus approach, she showed + him Caius's dead body, and persuaded him to come nearer, with lamentation + and tears; and as she perceived that Lupus was in disorder, and approached + her in order to execute some design disagreeable to himself, she was well + aware for what purpose he came, and stretched out her naked throat, and + that very cheerfully to him, bewailing her case, like one that utterly + despaired of her life, and bidding him not to boggle at finishing the + tragedy they had resolved upon relating to her. So she boldly received her + death's wound at the hand of Lupus, as did the daughter after her. So + Lupus made haste to inform Cherea of what he had done. + </p> + <p> + 5. This was the end of Caius, after he had reigned four years, within four + months. He was, even before he came to be emperor, ill-natured, and one + that had arrived at the utmost pitch of wickedness; a slave to his + pleasures, and a lover of calumny; greatly affected by every terrible + accident, and on that account of a very murderous disposition where he + durst show it. He enjoyed his exorbitant power to this only purpose, to + injure those who least deserved it, with unreasonable insolence and got + his wealth by murder and injustice. He labored to appear above regarding + either what was divine or agreeable to the laws, but was a slave to the + commendations of the populace; and whatsoever the laws determined to be + shameful, and punished, that he esteemed more honorable than what was + virtuous. He was unmindful of his friends, how intimate soever, and though + they were persons of the highest character; and if he was once angry at + any of them, he would inflict punishment upon them on the smallest + occasions, and esteemed every man that endeavored to lead a virtuous life + his enemy. And whatsoever he commanded, he would not admit of any + contradiction to his inclinations; whence it was that he had criminal + conversation with his own sister; <a href="#link19note-10" + name="link19noteref-10" id="link19noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> from + which occasion chiefly it was also that a bitter hatred first sprang up + against him among the citizens, that sort of incest not having been known + of a long time; and so this provoked men to distrust him, and to hate him + that was guilty of it. And for any great or royal work that he ever did, + which might be for the present and for future ages, nobody can name any + such, but only the haven that he made about Rhegium and Sicily, for the + reception of the ships that brought corn from Egypt; which was indeed a + work without dispute very great in itself, and of very great advantage to + the navigation. Yet was not this work brought to perfection by him, but + was the one half of it left imperfect, by reason of his want of + application to it; the cause of which was this, that he employed his + studies about useless matters, and that by spending his money upon such + pleasures as concerned no one's benefit but his own, he could not exert + his liberality in things that were undeniably of great consequence. + Otherwise he was an excellent orator, and thoroughly acquainted with the + Greek tongue, as well as with his own country or Roman language. He was + also able, off-hand and readily, to give answers to compositions made by + others, of considerable length and accuracy. He was also more skillful in + persuading others to very great things than any one else, and this from a + natural affability of temper, which had been improved by much exercise and + pains-taking; for as he was the grandson <a href="#link19note-11" + name="link19noteref-11" id="link19noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> of the + brother of Tiberius, whose successor he was, this was a strong inducement + to his acquiring of learning, because Tiberius aspired after the highest + pitch of that sort of reputation; and Caius aspired after the like glory + for eloquence, being induced thereto by the letters of his kinsman and his + emperor. He was also among the first rank of his own citizens. But the + advantages he received from his learning did not countervail the mischief + he brought upon himself in the exercise of his authority; so difficult it + is for those to obtain the virtue that is necessary for a wise man, who + have the absolute power to do what they please without control. At the + first he got himself such friends as were in all respects the most worthy, + and was greatly beloved by them, while he imitated their zealous + application to the learning and to the glorious actions of the best men; + but when he became insolent towards them, they laid aside the kindness + they had for him, and began to hate him; from which hatred came that plot + which they raised against him, and wherein he perished. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link192HCH0003" id="link192HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. How Claudius Was Seized Upon And Brought Out Of His House And + Brought To The Camp; And How The Senate Sent An Embassage To Him. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Claudius, as I said before, went out of that way along which Caius + was gone; and as the family was in a mighty disorder upon the sad accident + of the murder of Caius, he was in great distress how to save himself, and + was found to have hidden himself in a certain narrow place, though he had + no other occasion for suspicion of any dangers, besides the dignity of his + birth; for while he was a private man, he behaved himself with moderation, + and was contented with his present fortune, applying himself to learning, + and especially to that of the Greeks, and keeping himself entirely clear + from every thing that might bring on any disturbance. But as at this time + the multitude were under a consternation, and the whole palace was full of + the soldiers' madness, and the very emperor's guards seemed under the like + fear and disorder with private persons, the band called pretorian, which + was the purest part of the army, was in consultation what was to be done + at this juncture. Now all those that were at this consultation had little + regard to the punishment Caius had suffered, because he justly deserved + such his fortune; but they were rather considering their own + circumstances, how they might take the best care of themselves, especially + while the Germans were busy in punishing the murderers of Caius; which yet + was rather done to gratify their own savage temper, than for the good of + the public; all which things disturbed Claudius, who was afraid of his own + safety, and this particularly because he saw the heads of Asprenas and his + partners carried about. His station had been on a certain elevated place, + whither a few steps led him, and whither he had retired in the dark by + himself. But when Gratus, who was one of the soldiers that belonged to the + palace, saw him, but did not well know by his countenance who he was, + because it was dark, though he could well judge that it was a man who was + privately there on some design, he came nearer to him; and when Claudius + desired that he would retire, he discovered who he was, and owned him to + be Claudius. So he said to his followers, "This is a Germanicus; <a + href="#link19note-12" name="link19noteref-12" id="link19noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> + come on, let us choose him for our emperor." But when Claudius saw they + were making preparations for taking him away by force, and was afraid they + would kill him, as they had killed Caius, he besought them to spare him, + putting them in mind how quietly he had demeaned himself, and that he was + unacquainted with what had been done. Hereupon Gratus smiled upon him, and + took him by the right hand, and said, "Leave off, sir, these low thoughts + of saving yourself, while you ought to have greater thoughts, even of + obtaining the empire, which the gods, out of their concern for the + habitable world, by taking Caius out of the way, commit to thy virtuous + conduct. Go to, therefore, and accept of the throne of thy ancestors." So + they took him up and carried him, because he was not then able to go on + foot, such was his dread and his joy at what was told him. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now there was already gathered together about Gratus a great number of + the guards; and when they saw Claudius carried off, they looked with a sad + countenance, as supposing that he was carried to execution for the + mischiefs that had been lately done; while yet they thought him a man who + never meddled with public affairs all his life long, and one that had met + with no contemptible dangers under the reign of Caius; and some of them + thought it reasonable that the consuls should take cognizance of these + matters; and as still more and more of the soldiery got together, the + crowd about him ran away, and Claudius could hardly go on, his body was + then so weak; and those who carried his sedan, upon an inquiry that was + made about his being carried off, ran away and saved themselves, as + despairing of their Lord's preservation. But when they were come into the + large court of the palace, [which, as the report goes about it, was + inhabited first of all the parts of the city of Rome,] and had just + reached the public treasury, many more soldiers came about him, as glad to + see Claudius's face, and thought it exceeding right to make him emperor, + on account of their kindness for Germanicus, who was his brother, and had + left behind him a vast reputation among all that were acquainted with him. + They reflected also on the covetous temper of the leading men of the + senate, and what great errors they had been guilty of when the senate had + the government formerly; they also considered the impossibility of such an + undertaking, as also what dangers they should be in, if the government + should come to a single person, and that such a one should possess it as + they had no hand in advancing, and not to Claudius, who would take it as + their grant, and as gained by their good-will to him, and would remember + the favors they had done him, and would make them a sufficient recompense + for the same. + </p> + <p> + 3. These were the discourses the soldiers had one with another by + themselves, and they communicated them to all such as came in to them. Now + those that inquired about this matter willingly embraced the invitation + that was made them to join with the rest; so they carried Claudius into + the camp, crowding about him as his guard, and encompassing him about, one + chairman still succeeding another, that their vehement endeavors might not + be hindered. But as to the populace and senators, they disagreed in their + opinions. The latter were very desirous to recover their former dignity, + and were zealous to get clear of the slavery that had been brought on them + by the injurious treatment of the tyrants, which the present opportunity + afforded them; but for the people, who were envious against them, and knew + that the emperors were capable of curbing their covetous temper, and were + a refuge from them, they were very glad that Claudius had been seized + upon, and brought to them, and thought that if Claudius were made emperor, + he would prevent a civil war, such as there was in the days of Pompey. But + when the senate knew that Claudius was brought into the camp by the + soldiers, they sent to him those of their body which had the best + character for their virtues, that they might inform him that he ought to + do nothing by violence, in order to gain the government; that he who was a + single person, one either already or hereafter to be a member of their + body, ought to yield to the senate, which consisted of so great a number; + that he ought to let the law take place in the disposal of all that + related to the public order, and to remember how greatly the former + tyrants had afflicted their city, and what dangers both he and they had + escaped under Caius; and that he ought not to hate the heavy burden of + tyranny, when the injury is done by others, while he did himself willfully + treat his country after a mad and insolent manner; that if he would comply + with them, and demonstrate that his firm resolution was to live quietly + and virtuously, he would have the greatest honors decreed to him that a + free people could bestow; and by subjecting himself to the law, would + obtain this branch of commendation, that he acted like a man of virtue, + both as a ruler and a subject; but that if he would act foolishly, and + learn no wisdom by Caius's death, they would not permit him to go on; that + a great part of the army was got together for them, with plenty of + weapons, and a great number of slaves, which they could make use of; that + good hope was a great matter in such cases, as was also good fortune; and + that the gods would never assist any others but those that undertook to + act with virtue and goodness, who can be no other than such as fight for + the liberty of their country. + </p> + <p> + 4. Now these ambassadors, Veranius and Brocchus, who were both of them + tribunes of the people, made this speech to Claudius; and falling down + upon their knees, they begged of him that he would not throw the city into + wars and misfortunes; but when they saw what a multitude of soldiers + encompassed and guarded Claudius, and that the forces that were with the + consuls were, in comparison of them, perfectly inconsiderable, they added, + that if he did desire the government, he should accept of it as given by + the senate; that he would prosper better, and be happier, if he came to + it, not by the injustice, but by the good-will of those that would bestow + it upon him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link192HCH0004" id="link192HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. What Things King Agrippa Did For Claudius; And How Claudius + When He Had Taken The Government Commanded The Murderers Of Caius To Be + Slain. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Claudius, though he was sensible after what an insolent manner the + senate had sent to him yet did he, according to their advice, behave + himself for the present with moderation; but not so far that he could not + recover himself out of his fright; so he was encouraged [to claim the + government] partly by the boldness of the soldiers, and partly by the + persuasion of king Agrippa, who exhorted him not to let such a dominion + slip out of his hands, when it came thus to him of its own accord. Now + this Agrippa, with relation to Caius, did what became one that had been so + much honored by him; for he embraced Caius's body after he was dead, and + laid it upon a bed, and covered it as well as he could, and went out to + the guards, and told them that Caius was still alive; but he said that + they should call for physicians, since he was very ill of his wounds. But + when he had learned that Claudius was carried away violently by the + soldiers, he rushed through the crowd to him, and when he found that he + was in disorder, and ready to resign up the government to the senate, he + encouraged him, and desired him to keep the government; but when he had + said this to Claudius, he retired home. And upon the senate's sending for + him, he anointed his head with ointment, as if he had lately accompanied + with his wife, and had dismissed her, and then came to them: he also asked + of the senators what Claudius did; who told him the present state of + affairs, and then asked his opinion about the settlement of the public. He + told them in words that he was ready to lose his life for the honor of the + senate, but desired them to consider what was for their advantage, without + any regard to what was most agreeable to them; for that those who grasp at + government will stand in need of weapons and soldiers to guard them, + unless they will set up without any preparation for it, and so fall into + danger. And when the senate replied that they would bring in weapons in + abundance, and money, and that as to an army, a part of it was already + collected together for them, and they would raise a larger one by giving + the slaves their liberty,—Agrippa made answer, "O senators! may you + be able to compass what you have a mind to; yet will I immediately tell + you my thoughts, because they tend to your preservation. Take notice, + then, that the army which will fight for Claudius hath been long exercised + in warlike affairs; but our army will be no better than a rude multitude + of raw men, and those such as have been unexpectedly made free from + slavery, and ungovernable; we must then fight against those that are + skillful in war, with men who know not so much as how to draw their + swords. So that my opinion is, that we should send some persons to + Claudius, to persuade him to lay down the government; and I am ready to be + one of your ambassadors." + </p> + <p> + 2. Upon this speech of Agrippa, the senate complied with him, and he was + sent among others, and privately informed Claudius of the disorder the + senate was in, and gave him instructions to answer them in a somewhat + commanding strain, and as one invested with dignity and authority. + Accordingly, Claudius said to the ambassadors, that he did not wonder the + senate had no mind to have an emperor over them, because they had been + harassed by the barbarity of those that had formerly been at the head of + their affairs; but that they should taste of an equitable government under + him, and moderate times, while he should only be their ruler in name, but + the authority should be equally common to them all; and since he had + passed through many and various scenes of life before their eyes, it would + be good for them not to distrust him. So the ambassadors, upon their + hearing this his answer, were dismissed. But Claudius discoursed with the + army which was there gathered together, who took oaths that they would + persist in their fidelity to him; Upon which he gave the guards every man + five thousand <a href="#link19note-13" name="link19noteref-13" + id="link19noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> drachmae a-piece, and a + proportionable quantity to their captains, and promised to give the same + to the rest of the armies wheresoever they were. + </p> + <p> + 3. And now the consuls called the senate together into the temple of + Jupiter the Conqueror, while it was still night; but some of those + senators concealed themselves in the city, being uncertain what to do, + upon the hearing of this summons; and some of them went out of the city to + their own farms, as foreseeing whither the public affairs were going, and + despairing of liberty; nay, these supposed it much better for them to be + slaves without danger to themselves, and to live a lazy and inactive life, + than by claiming the dignity of their forefathers, to run the hazard of + their own safety. However, a hundred and no more were gotten together; and + as they were in consultation about the present posture of affairs, a + sudden clamor was made by the soldiers that were on their side, desiring + that the senate would choose them an emperor, and not bring the government + into ruin by setting up a multitude of rulers. So they fully declared + themselves to be for the giving the government not to all, but to one; but + they gave the senate leave to look out for a person worthy to be set over + them, insomuch that now the affairs of the senate were much worse than + before, because they had not only failed in the recovery of their liberty, + which they boasted themselves of, but were in dread of Claudius also. Yet + were there those that hankered after the government, both on account of + the dignity of their families and that accruing to them by their + marriages; for Marcus Minucianus was illustrious, both by his own + nobility, and by his having married Julia, the sister of Caius, who + accordingly was very ready to claim the government, although the consuls + discouraged him, and made one delay after another in proposing it: that + Minucianus also, who was one of Caius's murderers, restrained Valerius of + Asia from thinking of such things; and a prodigious slaughter there had + been, if leave had been given to these men to set up for themselves, and + oppose Claudius. There were also a considerable number of gladiators + besides, and of those soldiers who kept watch by night in the city, and + rowers of ships, who all ran into the camp; insomuch that, of those who + put in for the government, some left off their pretensions in order to + spare the city, and others out of fear for their own persons. + </p> + <p> + 4. But as soon as ever it was day, Cherea, and those that were with him, + came into the senate, and attempted to make speeches to the soldiers. + However, the multitude of those soldiers, when they saw that they were + making signals for silence with their hands, and were ready to begin to + speak to them, grew tumultuous, and would not let them speak at all, + because they were all zealous to be under a monarchy; and they demanded of + the senate one for their ruler, as not enduring any longer delays: but the + senate hesitated about either their own governing, or how they should + themselves be governed, while the soldiers would not admit them to govern, + and the murderers of Caius would not permit the soldiers to dictate to + them. When they were in these circumstances, Cherea was not able to + contain the anger he had, and promised, that if they desired an emperor, + he would give them one, if any one would bring him the watchword from + Eutychus. Now this Eutychus was charioteer of the green-band faction, + styled Prasine, and a great friend of Caius, who used to harass the + soldiery with building stables for the horses, and spent his time in + ignominious labors, which occasioned Cherea to reproach them with him, and + to abuse them with much other scurrilous language; and told them he would + bring them the head of Claudius; and that it was an amazing thing, that, + after their former madness, they should commit their government to a fool. + Yet were not they moved with his words, but drew their swords, and took up + their ensigns, and went to Claudius, to join in taking the oath of + fidelity to him. So the senate were left without any body to defend them, + and the very consuls differed nothing from private persons. They were also + under consternation and sorrow, men not knowing what would become of them, + because Claudius was very angry at them; so they fell a reproaching one + another, and repented of what they had done. At which juncture Sabinus, + one of Caius's murderers, threatened that he would sooner come into the + midst of them and kill himself, than consent to make Claudius emperor, and + see slavery returning upon them; he also abused Cherea for loving his life + too well, while he who was the first in his contempt of Caius, could think + it a good thin to live, when, even by all that they had done for the + recovery of their liberty, they found it impossible to do it. But Cherea + said he had no manner of doubt upon him about killing himself; that yet he + would first sound the intentions of Claudius before he did it. + </p> + <p> + 5. These were the debates [about the senate]; but in the camp every body + was crowding on all sides to pay their court to Claudius; and the other + consul, Quintus Pomponhis, was reproached by the soldiery, as having + rather exhorted the senate to recover their liberty; whereupon they drew + their swords, and were going to assault him, and they had done it, if + Claudius had not hindered them, who snatched the consul out of the danger + he was in, and set him by him. But he did not receive that part of the + senate which was with Quintus in the like honorable manner; nay, some of + them received blows, and were thrust away as they came to salute Claudius; + nay, Aponius went away wounded, and they were all in danger. However, king + Agrippa went up to Claudius, and desired he would treat the senators more + gently; for if any mischief should come to the senate, he would have no + others over whom to rule. Claudius complied with him, and called the + senate together into the palace, and was carried thither himself through + the city, while the soldiery conducted him, though this was to the great + vexation of the multitude; for Cherea and Sabinus, two of Caius's + murderers, went in the fore-front of them, in an open manner, while + Pollio, whom Claudius, a little before, had made captain of his guards, + had sent them an epistolary edict, to forbid them to appear in public. + Then did Claudius, upon his coming to the palace, get his friends + together, and desired their suffrages about Cherea. They said that the + work he had done was a glorious one; but they accused him that he did it of + perfidiousness, and thought it just to inflict the punishment [of death] + upon him, to discountenance such actions for the time to come. So Cherea + was led to his execution, and Lupus and many other Romans with him. Now it + is reported that Cherea bore this calamity courageously; and this not only + by the firmness of his own behavior under it, but by the reproaches he + laid upon Lupus, who fell into tears; for when Lupus laid his garment + aside, and complained of the cold <a href="#link19note-14" + name="link19noteref-14" id="link19noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> he + said, that cold was never hurtful to Lupus [i.e. a wolf] And as a great + many men went along with them to see the sight, when Cherea came to the + place, he asked the soldier who was to be their executioner, whether this + office was what he was used to, or whether this was the first time of his + using his sword in that manner, and desired him to bring him that very + sword with which he himself slew Caius. <a href="#link19note-15" + name="link19noteref-15" id="link19noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> So he + was happily killed at one stroke. But Lupus did not meet with such good + fortune in going out of the world, since he was timorous, and had many + blows leveled at his neck, because he did not stretch it out boldly [as he + ought to have done]. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now, a few days after this, as the Parental solemnities were just at + hand, the Roman multitude made their usual oblations to their several + ghosts, and put portions into the fire in honor of Cherea, and besought + him to be merciful to them, and not continue his anger against them for + their ingratitude. And this was the end of the life that Cherea came to. + But for Sabinus, although Claudius not only set him at liberty, but gave + him leave to retain his former command in the army, yet did he think it + would be unjust in him to fail of performing his obligations to his fellow + confederates; so he fell upon his sword, and killed himself, the wound + reaching up to the very hilt of the sword. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link192HCH0005" id="link192HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. How Claudius Restored To Agrippa His Grandfathers Kingdoms And + Augmented His Dominions; And How He Published An Edict In Behalf. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when Claudius had taken out of the way all those soldiers whom he + suspected, which he did immediately, he published an edict, and therein + confirmed that kingdom to Agrippa which Caius had given him, and therein + commended the king highly. He also made all addition to it of all that + country over which Herod, who was his grandfather, had reigned, that is, + Judea and Samaria; and this he restored to him as due to his family. But + for Abila <a href="#link19note-16" name="link19noteref-16" + id="link19noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> of Lysanias, and all that lay + at Mount Libanus, he bestowed them upon him, as out of his own + territories. He also made a league with this Agrippa, confirmed by oaths, + in the middle of the forum, in the city of Rome: he also took away from + Antiochus that kingdom which he was possessed of, but gave him a certain + part of Cilicia and Commagena: he also set Alexander Lysimachus, the + alabarch, at liberty, who had been his old friend, and steward to his + mother Antonia, but had been imprisoned by Caius, whose son [Marcus] + married Bernice, the daughter of Agrippa. But when Marcus, Alexander's + son, was dead, who had married her when she was a virgin, Agrippa gave her + in marriage to his brother Herod, and begged for him of Claudius the + kingdom of Chalcis. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now about this time there was a sedition between the Jews and the + Greeks, at the city of Alexandria; for when Caius was dead, the nation of + the Jews, which had been very much mortified under the reign of Caius, and + reduced to very great distress by the people of Alexandria, recovered + itself, and immediately took up their arms to fight for themselves. So + Claudius sent an order to the president of Egypt to quiet that tumult; he + also sent an edict, at the requests of king Agrippa and king Herod, both + to Alexandria and to Syria, whose contents were as follows: "Tiberius + Claudius Cæsar Augustus Germanicus, high priest, and tribune of the + people, ordains thus: Since I am assured that the Jews of Alexandria, + called Alexandrians, have been joint inhabitants in the earliest times + with the Alexandrians, and have obtained from their kings equal privileges + with them, as is evident by the public records that are in their + possession, and the edicts themselves; and that after Alexandria had been + subjected to our empire by Augustus, their rights and privileges have been + preserved by those presidents who have at divers times been sent thither; + and that no dispute had been raised about those rights and privileges, + even when Aquila was governor of Alexandria; and that when the Jewish + ethnarch was dead, Augustus did not prohibit the making such ethnarchs, as + willing that all men should be so subject [to the Romans] as to continue + in the observation of their own customs, and not be forced to transgress + the ancient rules of their own country religion; but that, in the time of + Caius, the Alexandrians became insolent towards the Jews that were among + them, which Caius, out of his great madness and want of understanding, + reduced the nation of the Jews very low, because they would not transgress + the religious worship of their country, and call him a god: I will + therefore that the nation of the Jews be not deprived of their rights and + privileges, on account of the madness of Caius; but that those rights and + privileges which they formerly enjoyed be preserved to them, and that they + may continue in their own customs. And I charge both parties to take very + great care that no troubles may arise after the promulgation of this + edict." + </p> + <p> + 3. And such were the contents of this edict on behalf of the Jews that was + sent to Alexandria. But the edict that was sent into the other parts of + the habitable earth was this which follows: "Tiberius Claudius Cæsar + Augustus Germanicus, high priest, tribune of the people, chosen consul the + second time, ordains thus: Upon the petition of king Agrippa and king + Herod, who are persons very dear to me, that I would grant the same rights + and privileges should be preserved to the Jews which are in all the Roman + empire, which I have granted to those of Alexandria, I very willingly + comply therewith; and this grant I make not only for the sake of the + petitioners, but as judging those Jews for whom I have been petitioned + worthy of such a favor, on account of their fidelity and friendship to the + Romans. I think it also very just that no Grecian city should be deprived + of such rights and privileges, since they were preserved to them under the + great Augustus. It will therefore be fit to permit the Jews, who are in + all the world under us, to keep their ancient customs without being + hindered so to do. And I do charge them also to use this my kindness to + them with moderation, and not to show a contempt of the superstitious + observances of other nations, but to keep their own laws only. And I will + that this decree of mine be engraven on tables by the magistrates of the + cities, and colonies, and municipal places, both those within Italy and + those without it, both kings and governors, by the means of the + ambassadors, and to have them exposed to the public for full thirty days, + in such a place whence it may plainly be read from the ground." <a + href="#link19note-17" name="link19noteref-17" id="link19noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link192HCH0006" id="link192HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. What Things Were Done By Agrippa At Jerusalem When He Was + Returned Back Into Judea; And What It Was That Petronius Wrote To The + Inhabitants Of Doris, In Behalf. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Claudius Cæsar, by these decrees of his which were sent to + Alexandria, and to all the habitable earth, made known what opinion he had + of the Jews. So he soon sent Agrippa away to take his kingdom, now he was + advanced to a more illustrious dignity than before, and sent letters to + the presidents and procurators of the provinces that they should treat him + very kindly. Accordingly, he returned in haste, as was likely he would, + now he returned in much greater prosperity than he had before. He also + came to Jerusalem, and offered all the sacrifices that belonged to him, + and omitted nothing which the law required; <a href="#link19note-18" + name="link19noteref-18" id="link19noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> on + which account he ordained that many of the Nazarites should have their + heads shorn. And for the golden chain which had been given him by Caius, + of equal weight with that iron chain wherewith his royal hands had been + bound, he hung it up within the limits of the temple, over the treasury, + <a href="#link19note-19" name="link19noteref-19" id="link19noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> + that it might be a memorial of the severe fate he had lain under, and a + testimony of his change for the better; that it might be a demonstration + how the greatest prosperity may have a fall, and that God sometimes raises + up what is fallen down: for this chain thus dedicated afforded a document + to all men, that king Agrippa had been once bound in a chain for a small + cause, but recovered his former dignity again; and a little while + afterward got out of his bonds, and was advanced to be a more illustrious + king than he was before. Whence men may understand that all that partake + of human nature, how great soever they are, may fall; and that those that + fall may gain their former illustrious dignity again. + </p> + <p> + 2. And when Agrippa had entirely finished all the duties of the Divine + worship, he removed Theophilus, the son of Ananus, from the high + priesthood, and bestowed that honor of his on Simon the son of Boethus, + whose name was also Cantheras whose daughter king Herod married, as I have + related above. Simon, therefore, had the [high] priesthood with his + brethren, and with his father, in like manner as the sons of Simon, the + son of Onias, who were three, had it formerly under the government of the + Macedonians, as we have related in a former book. + </p> + <p> + 3. When the king had settled the high priesthood after this manner, he + returned the kindness which the inhabitants of Jerusalem had showed him; + for he released them from the tax upon houses, every one of which paid it + before, thinking it a good thing to requite the tender affection of those + that loved him. He also made Silas the general of his forces, as a man who + had partaken with him in many of his troubles. But after a very little + while the young men of Doris, preferring a rash attempt before piety, and + being naturally bold and insolent, carried a statue of Cæsar into a + synagogue of the Jews, and erected it there. This procedure of theirs + greatly provoked Agrippa; for it plainly tended to the dissolution of the + laws of his country. So he came without delay to Publius Petronius, who + was then president of Syria, and accused the people of Doris. Nor did he + less resent what was done than did Agrippa; for he judged it a piece of + impiety to transgress the laws that regulate the actions of men. So he + wrote the following letter to the people of Doris in an angry strain: + "Publius Petronius, the president under Tiberius Claudius Cæsar Augustus + Germanicus, to the magistrates of Doris, ordains as follows: Since some of + you have had the boldness, or madness rather, after the edict of Claudius + Cæsar Augustus Germanicus was published, for permitting the Jews to + observe the laws of their country, not to obey the same, but have acted in + entire opposition thereto, as forbidding the Jews to assemble together in + the synagogue, by removing Cæsar's statue, and setting it up therein, and + thereby have offended not only the Jews, but the emperor himself, whose + statue is more commodiously placed in his own temple than in a foreign + one, where is the place of assembling together; while it is but a part of + natural justice, that every one should have the power over the place + belonging peculiarly to themselves, according to the determination of + Cæsar,—to say nothing of my own determination, which it would be + ridiculous to mention after the emperor's edict, which gives the Jews + leave to make use of their own customs, as also gives order that they + enjoy equally the rights of citizens with the Greeks themselves,—I + therefore ordain that Proculus Vitellius, the centurion, bring those men + to me, who, contrary to Augustus's edict, have been so insolent as to do + this thing, at which those very men, who appear to be of principal + reputation among them, have an indignation also, and allege for + themselves, 'that it was not done with their consent, but by the violence + of the multitude, that they may give an account of what hath been done. I + also exhort the principal magistrates among them, unless they have a mind + to have this action esteemed to be done with their consent, to inform the + centurion of those that were guilty of it, and take care that no handle be + hence taken for raising a sedition or quarrel among them; which those seem + to me to treat after who encourage such doings; while both I myself, and + king Agrippa, for whom I have the highest honor, have nothing more under + our care, than that the nation of the Jews may have no occasion given them + of getting together, under the pretense of avenging themselves, and become + tumultuous. And that it may be more publicly known what Augustus hath + resolved about this whole matter, I have subjoined those edicts which he + hath lately caused to be published at Alexandria, and which, although they + may be well known to all, yet did king Agrippa, for whom I have the + highest honor, read them at that time before my tribunal, and pleaded that + the Jews ought not to be deprived of those rights which Augustus hath + granted them. I therefore charge you, that you do not, for the time to + come, seek for any occasion of sedition or disturbance, but that every one + be allowed to follow their own religious customs." + </p> + <p> + 4. Thus did Petronius take care of this matter, that such a breach of the + law might be corrected, and that no such thing might be attempted + afterwards against the Jews. And now king Agrippa took the [high] + priesthood away from Simon Cantheras, and put Jonathan, the son of Ananus, + into it again, and owned that he was more worthy of that dignity than the + other. But this was not a thing acceptable to him, to recover that his + former dignity. So he refused it, and said, "O king! I rejoice in the + honor that thou hast for me, and take it kindly that thou wouldst give me + such a dignity of thy own inclinations, although God hath judged that I am + not at all worthy of the high priesthood. I am satisfied with having once + put on the sacred garments; for I then put them on after a more holy + manner than I should now receive them again. But if thou desirest that a + person more worthy than myself should have this honorable employment, give + me leave to name thee such a one. I have a brother that is pure from all + sin against God, and of all offenses against thyself; I recommend him to + thee, as one that is fit for this dignity." So the king was pleased with + these words of his, and passed by Jonathan, and, according to his + brother's desire, bestowed the high priesthood upon Matthias. Nor was it + long before Marcus succeeded Petronius, as president of Syria. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link192HCH0007" id="link192HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. Concerning Silas And On What Account It Was That King Agrippa + Was Angry At Him. How Agrippa Began To Encompass Jerusalem With A Wall; + And What Benefits He Bestowed On The Inhabitants Of Berytus. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Silas, the general of the king's horse, because he had been + faithful to him under all his misfortunes, and had never refused to be a + partaker with him in any of his dangers, but had oftentimes undergone the + most hazardous dangers for him, was full of assurance, and thought he + might expect a sort of equality with the king, on account of the firmness + of the friendship he had showed to him. Accordingly, he would no where let + the king sit as his superior, and took the like liberty in speaking to him + upon all occasions, till he became troublesome to the king, when they were + merry together, extolling himself beyond measure, and oft putting the king + in mind of the severity of fortune he had undergone, that he might, by way + of ostentation, demonstrate What zeal he had showed in his service; and + was continually harping upon this string, what pains he had taken for him, + and much enlarged still upon that subject. The repetition of this so + frequently seemed to reproach the king, insomuch that he took this + ungovernable liberty of talking very ill at his hands. For the + commemoration of times when men have been under ignominy, is by no means + agreeable to them; and he is a very silly man who is perpetually relating + to a person what kindness he had done him. At last, therefore, Silas had + so thoroughly provoked the king's indignation, that he acted rather out of + passion than good consideration, and did not only turn Silas out of his + place, as general of his horse, but sent him in bonds into his own + country. But the edge of his anger wore off by length of time, and made + room for more just reasonings as to his judgment about this man; and he + considered how many labors he had undergone for his sake. So when Agrippa + was solemnizing his birth-day, and he gave festival entertainments to all + his subjects, he sent for Silas on the sudden to be his guest. But as he + was a very frank man, he thought he had now a just handle given him to be + angry; which he could not conceal from those that came for him, but said + to them, "What honor is this the king invites me to, which I conclude will + soon be over? For the king hath not let me keep those original marks of + the good-will I bore him, which I once had from him; but he hath plundered + me, and that unjustly also. Does he think that I can leave off that + liberty of speech, which, upon the consciousness of my deserts, I shall + use more loudly than before, and shall relate how many misfortunes I have + been delivered from; how many labors I have undergone for him, whereby I + procured him deliverance and respect; as a reward for which I have borne + the hardships of bonds and a dark prison? I shall never forget this usage. + Nay, perhaps, my very soul, when it is departed out of the body, will not + forget the glorious actions I did on his account." This was the clamor he + made, and he ordered the messengers to tell it to the king. So he + perceived that Silas was incurable in his folly, and still suffered him to + lie in prison. + </p> + <p> + 2. As for the walls of Jerusalem, that were adjoining to the new city + [Bezetha], he repaired them at the expense of the public, and built them + wider in breadth, and higher in altitude; and he had made them too strong + for all human power to demolish, unless Marcus, the then president of + Syria, had by letter informed Claudius Cæsar of what he was doing. And + when Claudius had some suspicion of attempts for innovation, he sent to + Agrippa to leave off the building of those walls presently. So he obeyed, + as not thinking it proper to contradict Claudius. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now this king was by nature very beneficent and liberal in his gifts, + and very ambitious to oblige people with such large donations; and he made + himself very illustrious by the many chargeable presents he made them. He + took delight in giving, and rejoiced in living with good reputation. He + was not at all like that Herod who reigned before him; for that Herod was + ill-natured, and severe in his punishments, and had no mercy on them that + he hated; and every one perceived that he was more friendly to the Greeks + than to the Jews; for he adorned foreign cities with large presents in + money; with building them baths and theatres besides; nay, in some of + those places he erected temples, and porticoes in others; but he did not + vouchsafe to raise one of the least edifices in any Jewish city, or make + them any donation that was worth mentioning. But Agrippa's temper was + mild, and equally liberal to all men. He was humane to foreigners, and + made them sensible of his liberality. He was in like manner rather of a + gentle and compassionate temper. Accordingly, he loved to live continually + at Jerusalem, and was exactly careful in the observance of the laws of his + country. He therefore kept himself entirely pure; nor did any day pass + over his head without its appointed sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + 4. However, there was a certain mall of the Jewish nation at Jerusalem, + who appeared to be very accurate in the knowledge of the law. His name was + Simon. This man got together an assembly, while the king was absent at + Cæsarea, and had the insolence to accuse him as not living holily, and + that he might justly be excluded out of the temple, since it belonged only + to native Jews. But the general of Agrippa's army informed him that Simon + had made such a speech to the people. So the king sent for him; and as he + was sitting in the theater, he bid him sit down by him, and said to him + with a low and gentle voice, "What is there done in this place that is + contrary to the law?" But he had nothing to say for himself, but begged + his pardon. So the king was more easily reconciled to him than one could + have imagined, as esteeming mildness a better quality in a king than + anger, and knowing that moderation is more becoming in great men than + passion. So he made Simon a small present, and dismissed him. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now as Agrippa was a great builder in many places, he paid a peculiar + regard to the people of Berytus; for he erected a theater for them, + superior to many others of that sort, both in Sumptuousness and elegance, + as also an amphitheater, built at vast expenses; and besides these, he + built them baths and porticoes, and spared for no costs in any of his + edifices, to render them both handsome and large. He also spent a great + deal upon their dedication, and exhibited shows upon them, and brought + thither musicians of all sorts, and such as made the most delightful music + of the greatest variety. He also showed his magnificence upon the theater, + in his great number of gladiators; and there it was that he exhibited the + several antagonists, in order to please the spectators; no fewer indeed + than seven hundred men to fight with seven hundred other men <a + href="#link19note-20" name="link19noteref-20" id="link19noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> + and allotted all the malefactors he had for this exercise, that both the + malefactors might receive their punishment, and that this operation of war + might be a recreation in peace. And thus were these criminals all + destroyed at once. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link192HCH0008" id="link192HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. What Other Acts Were Done By Agrippa Until His Death; And After + What Manner He Died. + </h3> + <p> + 1. When Agrippa had finished what I have above related at Berytus, he + removed to Tiberias, a city of Galilee. Now he was in great esteem among + other kings. Accordingly there came to him Antiochus, king of Commalena, + Sampsigeratnus, king of Emesa, and Cotys, who was king of the Lesser + Armenia, and Polemo, who was king of Pontus, as also Herod his brother, + who was king of Chalcis. All these he treated with agreeable + entertainments, and after an obliging manner, and so as to exhibit the + greatness of his mind, and so as to appear worthy of those respects which + the kings paid to him, by coming thus to see him. However, while these + kings staid with him, Marcus, the president of Syria, came thither. So the + king, in order to preserve the respect that was due to the Romans, went + out of the city to meet him, as far as seven furlongs. But this proved to + be the beginning of a difference between him and Marcus; for he took with + him in his chariot those other kings as his assessors. But Marcus had a + suspicion what the meaning could be of so great a friendship of these + kings one with another, and did not think so close an agreement of so many + potentates to be for the interest of the Romans. He therefore sent some of + his domestics to every one of them, and enjoined them to go their ways + home without further delay. This was very ill taken by Agrippa, who after + that became his enemy. And now he took the high priesthood away from + Matthias, and made Elioneus, the son of Cantheras, high priest in his + stead. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now when Agrippa had reigned three years over all Judea, he came to the + city Cæsarea, which was formerly called Strato's Tower; and there he + exhibited shows in honor of Cæsar, upon his being informed that there was + a certain festival celebrated to make vows for his safety. At which + festival a great multitude was gotten together of the principal persons, + and such as were of dignity through his province. On the second day of + which shows he put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of a contexture + truly wonderful, and came into the theater early in the morning; at which + time the silver of his garment being illuminated by the fresh reflection + of the sun's rays upon it, shone out after a surprising manner, and was so + resplendent as to spread a horror over those that looked intently upon + him; and presently his flatterers cried out, one from one place, and + another from another, [though not for his good,] that he was a god; and + they added, "Be thou merciful to us; for although we have hitherto + reverenced thee only as a man, yet shall we henceforth own thee as + superior to mortal nature." Upon this the king did neither rebuke them, + nor reject their impious flattery. But as he presently afterward looked + up, he saw an owl <a href="#link19note-21" name="link19noteref-21" + id="link19noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> sitting on a certain rope over + his head, and immediately understood that this bird was the messenger of + ill tidings, as it had once been the messenger of good tidings to him; and + fell into the deepest sorrow. A severe pain also arose in his belly, and + began in a most violent manner. He therefore looked upon his friends, and + said, "I, whom you call a god, am commanded presently to depart this life; + while Providence thus reproves the lying words you just now said to me; + and I, who was by you called immortal, am immediately to be hurried away + by death. But I am bound to accept of what Providence allots, as it + pleases God; for we have by no means lived ill, but in a splendid and + happy manner." When he said this, his pain was become violent. Accordingly + he was carried into the palace, and the rumor went abroad every where, + that he would certainly die in a little time. But the multitude presently + sat in sackcloth, with their wives and children, after the law of their + country, and besought God for the king's recovery. All places were also + full of mourning and lamentation. Now the king rested in a high chamber, + and as he saw them below lying prostrate on the ground, he could not + himself forbear weeping. And when he had been quite worn out by the pain + in his belly for five days, he departed this life, being in the + fifty-fourth year of his age, and in the seventh year of his reign; for he + reigned four years under Caius Cæsar, three of them were over Philip's + tetrarchy only, and on the fourth he had that of Herod added to it; and he + reigned, besides those, three years under the reign of Claudius Cæsar; in + which time he reigned over the forementioned countries, and also had Judea + added to them, as well as Samaria and Cæsarea. The revenues that he + received out of them were very great, no less than twelve millions of + drachmae. <a href="#link19note-22" name="link19noteref-22" + id="link19noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> Yet did he borrow great sums + from others; for he was so very liberal that his expenses exceeded his + incomes, and his generosity was boundless. <a href="#link19note-23" + name="link19noteref-23" id="link19noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 3. But before the multitude were made acquainted with Agrippa's being + expired, Herod the king of Chalcis, and Helcias the master of his horse, + and the king's friend, sent Aristo, one of the king's most faithful + servants, and slew Silas, who had been their enemy, as if it had been done + by the king's own command. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link192HCH0009" id="link192HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. What Things Were Done After The Death Of Agrippa; And How + Claudius, On Account Of The Youth And Unskilfulness Of Agrippa, Junior, + Sent Cuspius Fadus To Be Procurator Of Judea, And Of The Entire Kingdom. + </h3> + <p> + 1. And thus did king Agrippa depart this life. But he left behind him a + son, Agrippa by name, a youth in the seventeenth year of his age, and + three daughters; one of which, Bernice, was married to Herod, his father's + brother, and was sixteen years old; the other two, Mariamne and Drusilla, + were still virgins; the former was ten years old, and Drusilla six. Now + these his daughters were thus espoused by their father; Marlatone to + Julius Archelaus Epiphanes, the son of Antiochus, the son of Chelcias; and + Drusilla to the king of Commagena. But when it was known that Agrippa was + departed this life, the inhabitants of Cæsarea and of Sebaste forgot the + kindnesses he had bestowed on them, and acted the part of the bitterest + enemies; for they cast such reproaches upon the deceased as are not fit to + be spoken of; and so many of them as were then soldiers, which were a + great number, went to his house, and hastily carried off the statues <a + href="#link19note-24" name="link19noteref-24" id="link19noteref-24"><small>24</small></a> + of this king's daughters, and all at once carried them into the + brothel-houses, and when they had set them on the tops of those houses, + they abused them to the utmost of their power, and did such things to them + as are too indecent to be related. They also laid themselves down in + public places, and celebrated general feastings, with garlands on their + heads, and with ointments and libations to Charon, and drinking to one + another for joy that the king was expired. Nay, they were not only + unmindful of Agrippa, who had extended his liberality to them in + abundance, but of his grandfather Herod also, who had himself rebuilt + their cities, and had raised them havens and temples at vast expenses. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now Agrippa, the son of the deceased, was at Rome, and brought up with + Claudius Cæsar. And when Cæsar was informed that Agrippa was dead, and + that the inhabitants of Sebaste and Cæsarea had abused him, he was sorry + for the first news, and was displeased with the ingratitude of those + cities. He was therefore disposed to send Agrippa, junior, away presently + to succeed his father in the kingdom, and was willing to confirm him in it + by his oath. But those freed-men and friends of his, who had the greatest + authority with him, dissuaded him from it, and said that it was a + dangerous experiment to permit so large a kingdom to come under the + government of so very young a man, and one hardly yet arrived at years of + discretion, who would not be able to take sufficient care of its + administration; while the weight of a kingdom is heavy enough to a grown + man. So Cæsar thought what they said to be reasonable. Accordingly he + sent Cuspins Fadus to be procurator of Judea, and of the entire kingdom, + and paid that respect to the deceased as not to introduce Marcus, who had + been at variance with him, into his kingdom. But he determined, in the + first place, to send orders to Fadus, that he should chastise the + inhabitants of Cæsarea and Sebaste for those abuses they had offered to + him that was deceased, and their madness towards his daughters that were + still alive; and that he should remove that body of soldiers that were at + Cæsarea and Sebaste, with the five regiments, into Pontus, that they might + do their military duty there; and that he should choose an equal number of + soldiers out of the Roman legions that were in Syria, to supply their + place. Yet were not those that had such orders actually removed; for by + sending ambassadors to Claudius, they mollified him, and got leave to + abide in Judea still; and these were the very men that became the source + of very great calamities to the Jews in after-times, and sowed the seeds + of that war which began under Florus; whence it was that when Vespasian + had subdued the country, he removed them out of his province, as we shall + relate hereafter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link192H_FOOT" id="link192H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link19note-1" id="link19note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link19noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ In this and the three + next chapters we have, I think, a larger and more distinct account of the + slaughter of Caius, and the succession of Claudius, than we have of any + such ancient facts whatsoever elsewhere. Some of the occasions of which + probably were, Josephus's bitter hatred against tyranny, and the pleasure + he took in giving the history of the slaughter of such a barbarous tyrant + as was this Caius Caligula, as also the deliverance his own nation had by + that slaughter, of which he speaks sect. 2, together with the great + intimacy he had with Agrippa, junior, whose father was deeply concerned in + the advancement of Claudius, upon the death of Caius; from which Agrippa, + junior, Josephus might be fully informed Of his history.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-2" id="link19note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link19noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ Called Caligula by the + Romans.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-3" id="link19note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link19noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ Just such a voice as this + is related to be came, and from an unknown original also, to the famous + Polycarp, as he was going to martyrdom, bidding him "play the man;" as the + church of Smyrna assures us in their account of that his martyrdom, sect. + 9.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-4" id="link19note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link19noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ Here Josephus supposes + that it was Augustus, and not Julius Cæsar, who first changed the Roman + commonwealth into a monarchy; for these shows were in honor of Augustus, + as we shall learn in the next section.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-5" id="link19note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link19noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ Suetonius says Caius was + slain about the seventh hour of the day, the ninth. The series of the + narration favors Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-6" id="link19note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link19noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ The rewards proposed by + the Roman laws to informers was sometimes an eighth part as Spanheim + assures us, from the criminal's goods, as here, and sometimes a fourth + part.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-7" id="link19note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link19noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ These consuls are named + in the War of the Jews, B. II. ch. 11. sect; 1, Sentius Saturninus and + Pomponius Secundus, as Spanheim notes here. The speech of the former of + them is set down in the next chapter, sect. 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-8" id="link19note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link19noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ In this oration of + Sentius Saturninus, we may see the great value virtuous men put upon + public liberty, and the sad misery they underwent, while they were + tyrannized over by such emperors as Caius. See Josephus's own short but + pithy reflection at the end of the chapter: "So difficult," says he, "it + is for those to obtain the virtue that is necessary to a wise man, who + have the absolute power to do what they please without control."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-9" id="link19note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link19noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ Hence we learn that, in + the opinion of Saturninus, the sovereign authority of the consuls and + senate had been taken away just a hundred years before the death of Caius, + A.D. 41, or in the sixtieth year before the Christian saga, when the first + triumvirate began under Cæsar, Pompey, and Crassus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-10" id="link19note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link19noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ Spanheim here notes + from Suetonius, that the name of Caius's sister with whom he was guilty of + incest, was Drusilla and that Suetonius adds, he was guilty of the same + crime with all his sisters also. He notes further, that Suetonius omits + the mention of the haven for ships, which our author esteems the only + public work for the good of the present and future ages which Caius left + behind him, though in an imperfect condition.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-11" id="link19note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link19noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ This Caius was the son + of that excellent person Germanicus, who was the son of Drusus, the + brother of Tiberius the emperor. The first place Claudius came to was + inhabited, and called Herincure, as Spanheim here informs us from + Suetonius, in Claud. ch. 10. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-12" id="link19note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link19noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ How Claudius, another + son of Drusus, which Drusus was the father of Germanicus, could be here + himself called Germanicus, Suetonius informs us, when he assures us that, + by a decree of the senate, the surname of Germanicus was bestowed upon + Drusus, and his posterity also.—In Claud. ch. 1.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-13" id="link19note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link19noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ This number of drachmae + to be distributed to each private soldier, five thousand drachmae, equal + to twenty thousand sesterces, or one hundred and sixty-one pounds + sterling, seems much too large, and directly contradicts Suetonius, ch. + 10., who makes them in all but fifteen sesterces, or two shillings and + four pence. Yet might Josephus have this number from Agrippa, junior, + though I doubt the thousands, or at least the hundreds, have been added by + the transcribers, of which we have had several examples already in + Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-14" id="link19note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link19noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ This piercing cold here + complained of by Lupus agrees well to the time of the year when Claudius + began his reign; it being for certain about the months of November, + December, or January, and most probably a few days after January the + twenty-fourth, and a few days before the Roman Parentalia.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-15" id="link19note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link19noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ It is both here and + elsewhere very remarkable, that the murders of the vilest tyrants, who yet + highly deserved to die, when those murderers were under oaths, or other + the like obligations of fidelity to them, were usually revenged, and the + murderers were cut off themselves, and that after a remarkable manner; and + this sometimes, as in the present case, by those very persons who were not + sorry for such murders, but got kingdoms by them. The examples are very + numerous, both in sacred and profane histories, and seem generally + indications of Divine vengeance on such murderers. Nor is it unworthy of + remark, that such murderers of tyrants do it usually on such ill + principles, in such a cruel manner, and as ready to involve the innocent + with the guilty, which was the case here, ch. 1. sect. 14, and ch. 2. + sect. 4, as justly deserved the Divine vengeance upon them. Which seems to + have been the case of Jehu also, when, besides the house of Ahab, for + whose slaughter he had a commission from God, without any such commission, + any justice or commiseration, he killed Ahab's great men, and + acquaintance, and priests, and forty-two of the kindred of Ahaziah, 2 + Kings 10:11-14. See Hosea 1:4. I do not mean here to condemn Ehud or + Judith, or the like executioners of God's vengeance on those wicked + tyrants who had unjustly oppressed God's own people under their theocracy; + who, as they appear still to have had no selfish designs nor intentions to + slay the innocent, so had they still a Divine commission, or a Divine + impulse, which was their commission for what they did, Judges 3:15, 19, + 20; Judith 9:2; Test. Levi. sect. 5, in Authent. Rec. p. 312. See also + page 432.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-16" id="link19note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link19noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ Here St. Luke is in + some measure confirmed, when he reforms us, ch. 3:1, that Lysanias was + some time before tetrarch of Abilene, whose capital was Abila; as he is + further confirmed by Ptolemy, the great geographer, which Spanheim here + observes, when he calls that city Abila of Lysanias. See the note on B. + XVII. ch. 11. sect. 4; and Prid. at the years 36 and 22. I esteem this + principality to have belonged to the land of Canaan originally, to have + been the burying-place of Abel, and referred to as such, Matthew 23:35; + Luke 11:51. See Authent. Rec. Part. II. p. 883—885.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-17" id="link19note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link19noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ This form was so known + and frequent among the Romans, as Dr. Hudson here tells us from the great + Selden, that it used to be thus represented at the bottom of their edicts + by the initial letters only, U. D. P. R. L. P, Unde De Plano Recte Lege + Possit; "Whence it may be plainly read from the ground."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-18" id="link19note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link19noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus shows, both + here and ch. 7. sect. 3, that he had a much greater opinion of king + Agrippa I. than Simon the learned Rabbi, than the people of Cæsarea and + Sebaste, ch. 7. sect. 4; and ch. 9. sect. 1; and indeed than his double- + dealing between the senate and Claudius, ch. 4. sect. 2, than his + slaughter of James the brother of John, and his imprisonment of Peter, or + his vain-glorious behavior before he died, both in Acts 12:13; and here, + ch. 4. sect. 1, will justify or allow. Josephus's character was probably + taken from his son Agrippa, junior.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-19" id="link19note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link19noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ This treasury-chamber + seems to have been the very same in which our Savior taught, and where the + people offered their charity money for the repairs or other uses of the + temple, Mark 12:41, etc.; Luke 22:1; John 8:20.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-20" id="link19note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link19noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ A strange number of + condemned criminals to be under the sentence of death at once; no fewer, + it seems, than one thousand four hundred!] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-21" id="link19note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link19noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ We have a mighty cry + made here by some critics, as the great Eusebius had on purpose falsified + this account of Josephus, so as to make it agree with the parallel account + in the Acts of the Apostles, because the present copies of his citation of + it, Hist. Eceles. B. II. ch. 10., omit the words an owl—on a certain + rope, which Josephus's present copies retain, and only have the + explicatory word or angel; as if he meant that angel of the Lord which St. + Luke mentions as smiting Herod, Acts 12:23, and not that owl which + Josephus called an angel or messenger, formerly of good, but now of bad + news, to Agrippa. This accusation is a somewhat strange one in the case of + the great Eusebius, who is known to have so accurately and faithfully + produced a vast number of other ancient records, and particularly not a + few out of our Josephus also, without any suspicion of prevarication. Now, + not to allege how uncertain we are whether Josephus's and Eusebius's + copies of the fourth century were just like the present in this clause, + which we have no distinct evidence of, the following words, preserved + still in Eusebius, will not admit of any such exposition: "This [bird] + [says Eusebius] Agrippa presently perceived to be the cause of ill + fortune, as it was once of good fortune, to him;" which can only belong to + that bird, the owl, which as it had formerly foreboded his happy + deliverance from imprisonment, Antiq. B. XVIII. ch. 6. sect. 7, so was it + then foretold to prove afterward the unhappy forerunner of his death in + five days' time. If the improper words signifying cause, be changed for + Josephus's proper word angel or messenger, and the foregoing words, be + inserted, Esuebius's text will truly represent that in Josephus. Had this + imperfection been in some heathen author that was in good esteem with our + modern critics, they would have readily corrected these as barely errors + in the copies; but being in an ancient Christian writer, not so well + relished by many of those critics, nothing will serve but the ill-grounded + supposal of willful corruption and prevarication.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-22" id="link19note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link19noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ This sum of twelve + millions of drachmae, which is equal to three millions of shekels, i.e. at + 2s. 10d. a shekel, equal to four hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds + sterling, was Agrippa the Great's yearly income, or about three quarters + of his grandfather Herod's income; he having abated the tax upon houses at + Jerusalem, ch. 6. sect. 3, and was not so tyrannical as Herod had been to + the Jews. See the note on Antiq. B. XVII. ch. 11. sect. 4. A large sum + this! but not, it seems, sufficient for his extravagant expenses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-23" id="link19note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link19noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ Reland takes notice + here, not improperly, that Josephus omits the reconciliation of this Herod + Agrippa to the Tyrians and Sidoninus, by the means of Blastus the king's + chamberlain, mentioned Acts 12:20. Nor is there any history in the world + so complete, as to omit nothing that other historians take notice of, + unless the one be taken out of the other, and accommodated to it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19note-24" id="link19note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link19noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ Photius, who made an + extract out of this section, says they were not the statues or images, but + the ladies themselves, who were thus basely abused by the soldiers.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link202H_4_0001" id="link202H_4_0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h3> + <big>BOOK XX. Containing The Interval Of Twenty-Two Years.—From + Fadus The Procurator To Florus.</big> + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link202HCH0001" id="link202HCH0001"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 1. A Sedition Of The Philadelphians Against The Jews; And Also + Concerning The Vestments Of The High Priest. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Upon the death of king Agrippa, which we have related in the foregoing + book, Claudius Cæsar sent Cassius Longinus as successor to Marcus, out of + regard to the memory of king Agrippa, who had often desired of him by + letters, while he was alive, that he would not suffer Marcus to be any + longer president of Syria. But Fadus, as soon as he was come procurator + into Judea, found quarrelsome doings between the Jews that dwelt in Perea, + and the people of Philadelphia, about their borders, at a village called + Mia, that was filled with men of a warlike temper; for the Jews of Perea + had taken up arms without the consent of their principal men, and had + destroyed many of the Philadelphians. When Fadus was informed of this + procedure, it provoked him very much that they had not left the + determination of the matter to him, if they thought that the + Philadelphians had done them any wrong, but had rashly taken up arms + against them. So he seized upon three of their principal men, who were + also the causes of this sedition, and ordered them to be bound, and + afterwards had one of them slain, whose name was Hannibal; and he banished + the other two, Areram and Eleazar. Tholomy also, the arch robber, was, + after some time, brought to him bound, and slain, but not till he had done + a world of mischief to Idumea and the Arabians. And indeed, from that + time, Judea was cleared of robberies by the care and providence of Fadus. + He also at this time sent for the high priests and the principal citizens + of Jerusalem, and this at the command of the emperor, and admonished them + that they should lay up the long garment and the sacred vestment, which it + is customary for nobody but the high priest to wear, in the tower of + Antonia, that it might be under the power of the Romans, as it had been + formerly. Now the Jews durst not contradict what he had said, but desired + Fadus, however, and Longinus, [which last was come to Jerusalem, and had + brought a great army with him, out of a fear that the [rigid] injunctions + of Fadus should force the Jews to rebel,] that they might, in the first + place, have leave to send ambassadors to Cæsar, to petition him that they + may have the holy vestments under their own power; and that, in the next + place, they would tarry till they knew what answer Claudius would give to + that their request. So they replied, that they would give them leave to + send their ambassadors, provided they would give them their sons as + pledges [for their peaceable behavior]. And when they had agreed so to do, + and had given them the pledges they desired, the ambassadors were sent + accordingly. But when, upon their coming to Rome, Agrippa, junior, the son + of the deceased, understood the reason why they came, [for he dwelt with + Claudius Cæsar, as we said before,] he besought Cæsar to grant the Jews + their request about the holy vestments, and to send a message to Fadus + accordingly. + </p> + <p> + 2. Hereupon Claudius called for the ambassadors; and told them that he + granted their request; and bade them to return their thanks to Agrippa for + this favor, which had been bestowed on them upon his entreaty. And besides + these answers of his, he sent the following letter by them: "Claudius + Cæsar Germanicus, tribune of the people the fifth time, and designed + consul the fourth time, and imperator the tenth time, the father of his + country, to the magistrates, senate, and people, and the whole nation of + the Jews, sendeth greeting. Upon the presentation of your ambassadors to + me by Agrippa, my friend, whom I have brought up, and have now with me, + and who is a person of very great piety, who are come to give me thanks + for the care I have taken of your nation, and to entreat me, in an earnest + and obliging manner, that they may have the holy vestments, with the crown + belonging to them, under their power,—I grant their request, as that + excellent person Vitellius, who is very dear to me, had done before me. + And I have complied with your desire, in the first place, out of regard to + that piety which I profess, and because I would have every one worship God + according to the laws of their own country; and this I do also because I + shall hereby highly gratify king Herod, and Agrippa, junior, whose sacred + regards to me, and earnest good-will to you, I am well acquainted with, + and with whom I have the greatest friendship, and whom I highly esteem, + and look on as persons of the best character. Now I have written about + these affairs to Cuspius Fadus, my procurator. The names of those that + brought me your letter are Cornelius, the son of Cero, Trypho, the son of + Theudio, Dorotheus, the son of Nathaniel, and John, the son of Jotre. This + letter is dated before the fourth of the calends of July, when Ruffis and + Pompeius Sylvanus are consuls." + </p> + <p> + 3. Herod also, the brother of the deceased Agrippa, who was then possessed + of the royal authority over Chalcis, petitioned Claudius Cæsar for the + authority over the temple, and the money of the sacred treasure, and the + choice of the high priests, and obtained all that he petitioned for. So + that after that time this authority continued among all his descendants + till the end of the war <a href="#link20note-1" name="link20noteref-1" + id="link20noteref-1"><small>1</small></a> Accordingly, Herod removed the + last high priest, called Cimtheras, and bestowed that dignity on his + successor Joseph, the son of Cantos. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link202HCH0002" id="link202HCH0002"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 2. How Helena The Queen Of Adiabene And Her Son Izates, Embraced + The Jewish Religion; And How Helena Supplied The Poor With Corn, When + There Was A Great Famine At Jerusalem. + </h3> + <p> + 1. About this time it was that Helena, queen of Adiabene, and her son + Izates, changed their course of life, and embraced the Jewish customs, and + this on the occasion following: Monobazus, the king of Adiabene, who had + also the name of Bazeus, fell in love with his sister Helena, and took her + to be his wife, and begat her with child. But as he was in bed with her + one night, he laid his hand upon his wife's belly, and fell asleep, and + seemed to hear a voice, which bid him take his hand off his wife's belly, + and not hurt the infant that was therein, which, by God's providence, + would be safely born, and have a happy end. This voice put him into + disorder; so he awaked immediately, and told the story to his wife; and + when his son was born, he called him Izates. He had indeed Monobazus, his + elder brother, by Helena also, as he had other sons by other wives + besides. Yet did he openly place all his affections on this his only + begotten <a href="#link20note-2" name="link20noteref-2" + id="link20noteref-2"><small>2</small></a> son Izates, which was the origin + of that envy which his other brethren, by the same father, bore to him; + while on this account they hated him more and more, and were all under + great affliction that their father should prefer Izates before them. Now + although their father was very sensible of these their passions, yet did + he forgive them, as not indulging those passions out of an ill + disposition, but out of a desire each of them had to be beloved by their + father. However, he sent Izates, with many presents, to Abennerig, the + king of Charax- Spasini, and that out of the great dread he was in about + him, lest he should come to some misfortune by the hatred his brethren + bore him; and he committed his son's preservation to him. Upon which + Abennerig gladly received the young man, and had a great affection for + him, and married him to his own daughter, whose name was Samacha: he also + bestowed a country upon him, from which he received large revenues. + </p> + <p> + 2. But when Monobazus was grown old, and saw that he had but a little time + to live, he had a mind to come to the sight of his son before he died. So + he sent for him, and embraced him after the most affectionate manner, and + bestowed on him the country called Carra; it was a soil that bare amomum + in great plenty: there are also in it the remains of that ark, wherein it + is related that Noah escaped the deluge, and where they are still shown to + such as are desirous to see them. <a href="#link20note-3" + name="link20noteref-3" id="link20noteref-3"><small>3</small></a> + Accordingly, Izates abode in that country until his father's death. But + the very day that Monobazus died, queen Helena sent for all the grandees, + and governors of the kingdom, and for those that had the armies committed + to their command; and when they were come, she made the following speech + to them: "I believe you are not unacquainted that my husband was desirous + Izates should succeed him in the government, and thought him worthy so to + do. However, I wait your determination; for happy is he who receives a + kingdom, not from a single person only, but from the willing suffrages of + a great many." This she said, in order to try those that were invited, and + to discover their sentiments. Upon the hearing of which, they first of all + paid their homage to the queen, as their custom was, and then they said + that they confirmed the king's determination, and would submit to it; and + they rejoiced that Izates's father had preferred him before the rest of + his brethren, as being agreeable to all their wishes: but that they were + desirous first of all to slay his brethren and kinsmen, that so the + government might come securely to Izates; because if they were once + destroyed, all that fear would be over which might arise from their hatred + and envy to him. Helena replied to this, that she returned them her thanks + for their kindness to herself and to Izates; but desired that they would + however defer the execution of this slaughter of Izates's brethren till he + should be there himself, and give his approbation to it. So since these + men had not prevailed with her, when they advised her to slay them, they + exhorted her at least to keep them in bonds till he should come, and that + for their own security; they also gave her counsel to set up some one whom + she could put the greatest trust in, as a governor of the kingdom in the + mean time. So queen Helena complied with this counsel of theirs, and set + up Monobazus, the eldest son, to be king, and put the diadem upon his + head, and gave him his father's ring, with its signet; as also the + ornament which they call Sampser, and exhorted him to administer the + affairs of the kingdom till his brother should come; who came suddenly + upon hearing that his father was dead, and succeeded his brother + Monobazus, who resigned up the government to him. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now, during the time Izates abode at Charax-Spasini, a certain Jewish + merchant, whose name was Ananias, got among the women that belonged to the + king, and taught them to worship God according to the Jewish religion. He, + moreover, by their means, became known to Izates, and persuaded him, in + like manner, to embrace that religion; he also, at the earnest entreaty of + Izates, accompanied him when he was sent for by his father to come to + Adiabene; it also happened that Helena, about the same time, was + instructed by a certain other Jew and went over to them. But when Izates + had taken the kingdom, and was come to Adiabene, and there saw his + brethren and other kinsmen in bonds, he was displeased at it; and as he + thought it an instance of impiety either to slay or imprison them, but + still thought it a hazardous thing for to let them have their liberty, + with the remembrance of the injuries that had been offered them, he sent + some of them and their children for hostages to Rome, to Claudius Cæsar, + and sent the others to Artabanus, the king of Parthia, with the like + intentions. + </p> + <p> + 4. And when he perceived that his mother was highly pleased with the + Jewish customs, he made haste to change, and to embrace them entirely; and + as he supposed that he could not be thoroughly a Jew unless he were + circumcised, he was ready to have it done. But when his mother understood + what he was about, she endeavored to hinder him from doing it, and said to + him that this thing would bring him into danger; and that, as he was a + king, he would thereby bring himself into great odium among his subjects, + when they should understand that he was so fond of rites that were to them + strange and foreign; and that they would never bear to be ruled over by a + Jew. This it was that she said to him, and for the present persuaded him + to forbear. And when he had related what she had said to Ananias, he + confirmed what his mother had said; and when he had also threatened to + leave him, unless he complied with him, he went away from him, and said + that he was afraid lest such an action being once become public to all, he + should himself be in danger of punishment for having been the occasion of + it, and having been the king's instructor in actions that were of ill + reputation; and he said that he might worship God without being + circumcised, even though he did resolve to follow the Jewish law entirely, + which worship of God was of a superior nature to circumcision. He added, + that God would forgive him, though he did not perform the operation, while + it was omitted out of necessity, and for fear of his subjects. So the king + at that time complied with these persuasions of Ananias. But afterwards, + as he had not quite left off his desire of doing this thing, a certain + other Jew that came out of Galilee, whose name was Eleazar, and who was + esteemed very skillful in the learning of his country, persuaded him to do + the thing; for as he entered into his palace to salute him, and found him + reading the law of Moses, he said to him, "Thou dost not consider, O king! + that thou unjustly breakest the principal of those laws, and art injurious + to God himself, [by omitting to be circumcised]; for thou oughtest not + only to read them, but chiefly to practice what they enjoin thee. How long + wilt thou continue uncircumcised? But if thou hast not yet read the law + about circumcision, and dost not know how great impiety thou art guilty of + by neglecting it, read it now." When the king had heard what he said, he + delayed the thing no longer, but retired to another room, and sent for a + surgeon, and did what he was commanded to do. He then sent for his mother, + and Ananias his tutor, and informed them that he had done the thing; upon + which they were presently struck with astonishment and fear, and that to a + great degree, lest the thing should be openly discovered and censured, and + the king should hazard the loss of his kingdom, while his subjects would + not bear to be governed by a man who was so zealous in another religion; + and lest they should themselves run some hazard, because they would be + supposed the occasion of his so doing. But it was God himself who hindered + what they feared from taking effect; for he preserved both Izates himself + and his sons when they fell into many dangers, and procured their + deliverance when it seemed to be impossible, and demonstrated thereby that + the fruit of piety does not perish as to those that have regard to him, + and fix their faith upon him only. <a href="#link20note-4" + name="link20noteref-4" id="link20noteref-4"><small>4</small></a> But these + events we shall relate hereafter. + </p> + <p> + 5. But as to Helena, the king's mother, when she saw that the affairs of + Izates's kingdom were in peace, and that her son was a happy man, and + admired among all men, and even among foreigners, by the means of God's + providence over him, she had a mind to go to the city of Jerusalem, in + order to worship at that temple of God which was so very famous among all + men, and to offer her thank-offerings there. So she desired her son to + give her leave to go thither; upon which he gave his consent to what she + desired very willingly, and made great preparations for her dismission, + and gave her a great deal of money, and she went down to the city + Jerusalem, her son conducting her on her journey a great way. Now her + coming was of very great advantage to the people of Jerusalem; for whereas + a famine did oppress them at that time, and many people died for want of + what was necessary to procure food withal, queen Helena sent some of her + servants to Alexandria with money to buy a great quantity of corn, and + others of them to Cyprus, to bring a cargo of dried figs. And as soon as + they were come back, and had brought those provisions, which was done very + quickly, she distributed food to those that were in want of it, and left a + most excellent memorial behind her of this benefaction, which she bestowed + on our whole nation. And when her son Izates was informed of this famine, + <a href="#link20note-5" name="link20noteref-5" id="link20noteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + he sent great sums of money to the principal men in Jerusalem. However, + what favors this queen and king conferred upon our city Jerusalem shall be + further related hereafter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link202HCH0003" id="link202HCH0003"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 3. How Artabanus, the King of Parthia out of Fear of the Secret + Contrivances of His Subjects Against Him, Went to Izates, and Was By Him + Reinstated in His Government; as Also How Bardanes His Son Denounced War + Against Izates. + </h3> + <p> + 1. But now Artabanus, king of the Parthians perceiving that the governors + of the provinces had framed a plot against him, did not think it safe for + him to continue among them; but resolved to go to Izates, in hopes of + finding some way for his preservation by his means, and, if possible, for + his return to his own dominions. So he came to Izates, and brought a + thousand of his kindred and servants with him, and met him upon the road, + while he well knew Izates, but Izates did not know him. When Artabanus + stood near him, and, in the first place, worshipped him, according to the + custom, he then said to him, "O king! do not thou overlook me thy servant, + nor do thou proudly reject the suit I make thee; for as I am reduced to a + low estate, by the change of fortune, and of a king am become a private + man, I stand in need of thy assistance. Have regard, therefore, unto the + uncertainty of fortune, and esteem the care thou shalt take of me to be + taken of thyself also; for if I be neglected, and my subjects go off + unpunished, many other subjects will become the more insolent towards + other kings also." And this speech Artabanus made with tears in his eyes, + and with a dejected countenance. Now as soon as Izates heard Artabanus's + name, and saw him stand as a supplicant before him, he leaped down from + his horse immediately, and said to him, "Take courage, O king! nor be + disturbed at thy present calamity, as if it were incurable; for the change + of thy sad condition shall be sudden; for thou shalt find me to be more + thy friend and thy assistant than thy hopes can promise thee; for I will + either re-establish thee in the kingdom of Parthia, or lose my own." + </p> + <p> + 2. When he had said this, he set Artabanus upon his horse, and followed + him on foot, in honor of a king whom he owned as greater than himself; + which, when Artabanus saw, he was very uneasy at it, and sware by his + present fortune and honor that he would get down from his horse, unless + Izates would get upon his horse again, and go before him. So he complied + with his desire, and leaped upon his horse; and when he had brought him to + his royal palace, he showed him all sorts of respect when they sat + together, and he gave him the upper place at festivals also, as regarding + not his present fortune, but his former dignity, and that upon this + consideration also, that the changes of fortune are common to all men. He + also wrote to the Parthians, to persuade them to receive Artabanus again; + and gave them his right hand and his faith, that he should forget what was + past and done, and that he would undertake for this as a mediator between + them. Now the Parthians did not themselves refuse to receive him again, + but pleaded that it was not now in their power so to do, because they had + committed the government to another person, who had accepted of it, and + whose name was Cinnamus; and that they were afraid lest a civil war should + arise on this account. When Cinnamus understood their intentions, he wrote + to Artabanus himself, for he had been brought up by him, and was of a + nature good and gentle also, and desired him to put confidence in him, and + to come and take his own dominions again. Accordingly, Artabanus trusted + him, and returned home; when Cinnamus met him, worshipped him, and saluted + him as a king, and took the diadem off his own head, and put it on the + head of Artabanus. + </p> + <p> + 3. And thus was Artahanus restored to his kingdom again by the means of + Izates, when he had lost it by the means of the grandees of the kingdom. + Nor was he unmindful of the benefits he had conferred upon him, but + rewarded him with such honors as were of the greatest esteem among them; + for he gave him leave to wear his tiara upright, <a href="#link20note-6" + name="link20noteref-6" id="link20noteref-6"><small>6</small></a> and to + sleep upon a golden bed, which are privileges and marks of honor peculiar + to the kings of Parthia. He also cut off a large and fruitful country from + the king of Armenia, and bestowed it upon him. The name of the country is + Nisibis, wherein the Macedonians had formerly built that city which they + called Antioch of Mygodonia. And these were the honors that were paid + Izates by the king of the Parthians. + </p> + <p> + 4. But in no long time Artabanus died, and left his kingdom to his son + Bardanes. Now this Bardanes came to Izates, and would have persuaded him + to join him with his army, and to assist him in the war he was preparing + to make with the Romans; but he could not prevail with him. For Izates so + well knew the strength and good fortune of the Romans, that he took + Bardanes to attempt what was impossible to be done; and having besides + sent his sons, five in number, and they but young also, to learn + accurately the language of our nation, together with our learning, as well + as he had sent his mother to worship at our temple, as I have said + already, was the more backward to a compliance; and restrained Bardanes, + telling him perpetually of the great armies and famous actions of the + Romans, and thought thereby to terrify him, and desired thereby to hinder + him from that expedition. But the Parthian king was provoked at this his + behavior, and denounced war immediately against Izates. Yet did he gain no + advantage by this war, because God cut off all his hopes therein; for the + Parthians perceiving Bardanes's intentions, and how he had determined to + make war with the Romans, slew him, and gave his kingdom to his brother + Gotarzes. He also, in no long time, perished by a plot made against him, + and Vologases, his brother, succeeded him, who committed two of his + provinces to two of his brothers by the same father; that of the Medes to + the elder, Pacorus; and Armenia to the younger, Tiridates. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link202HCH0004" id="link202HCH0004"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 4. How Izates Was Betrayed By His Own Subjects, And Fought Against + By The Arabians And How Izates, By The Providence Of God, Was Delivered + Out Of Their Hands. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now when the king's brother, Monobazus, and his other kindred, saw how + Izates, by his piety to God, was become greatly esteemed by all men, they + also had a desire to leave the religion of their country, and to embrace + the customs of the Jews; but that act of theirs was discovered by Izates's + subjects. Whereupon the grandees were much displeased, and could not + contain their anger at them; but had an intention, when they should find a + proper opportunity, to inflict a punishment upon them. Accordingly, they + wrote to Abia, king of the Arabians, and promised him great sums of money, + if he would make an expedition against their king; and they further + promised him, that, on the first onset, they would desert their king, + because they were desirous to punish him, by reason of the hatred he had + to their religious worship; then they obliged themselves, by oaths, to be + faithful to each other, and desired that he would make haste in this + design. The king of Arabia complied with their desires, and brought a + great army into the field, and marched against Izates; and, in the + beginning of the first onset, and before they came to a close fight, those + grandees, as if they had a panic terror upon them, all deserted Izates, as + they had agreed to do, and, turning their backs upon their enemies, ran + away. Yet was not Izates dismayed at this; but when he understood that the + grandees had betrayed him, he also retired into his camp, and made inquiry + into the matter; and as soon as he knew who they were that made this + conspiracy with the king of Arabia, he cut off those that were found + guilty; and renewing the fight on the next day, he slew the greatest part + of his enemies, and forced all the rest to betake themselves to flight. He + also pursued their king, and drove him into a fortress called Arsamus, and + following on the siege vigorously, he took that fortress. And when he had + plundered it of all the prey that was in it, which was not small, he + returned to Adiabene; yet did not he take Abia alive, because, when he + found himself encompassed on every side, he slew himself. + </p> + <p> + 2. But although the grandees of Adiabene had failed in their first + attempt, as being delivered up by God into their king's hands, yet would + they not even then be quiet, but wrote again to Vologases, who was then + king of Parthia, and desired that he would kill Izates, and set over them + some other potentate, who should be of a Parthian family; for they said + that they hated their own king for abrogating the laws of their + forefathers, and embracing foreign customs. When the king of Parthia heard + this, he boldly made war upon Izates; and as he had no just pretense for + this war, he sent to him, and demanded back those honorable privileges + which had been bestowed on him by his father, and threatened, on his + refusal, to make war upon him. Upon hearing of this, Izates was under no + small trouble of mind, as thinking it would be a reproach upon him to + appear to resign those privileges that had been bestowed upon him out of + cowardice; yet because he knew, that though the king of Parthia should + receive back those honors, yet would he not be quiet, he resolved to + commit himself to God, his Protector, in the present danger he was in of + his life; and as he esteemed him to be his principal assistant, he + intrusted his children and his wives to a very strong fortress, and laid + up his corn in his citadels, and set the hay and the grass on fire. And + when he had thus put things in order, as well as he could, he awaited the + coming of the enemy. And when the king of Parthia was come, with a great + army of footmen and horsemen, which he did sooner than was expected, [for + he marched in great haste,] and had cast up a bank at the river that + parted Adiabene from Media,—Izates also pitched his camp not far + off, having with him six thousand horsemen. But there came a messenger to + Izates, sent by the king of Parthia, who told him how large his dominions + were, as reaching from the river Euphrates to Bactria, and enumerated that + king's subjects; he also threatened him that he should be punished, as a + person ungrateful to his lords; and said that the God whom he worshipped + could not deliver him out of the king's hands. When the messenger had + delivered this his message, Izates replied that he knew the king of + Parthia's power was much greater than his own; but that he knew also that + God was much more powerful than all men. And when he had returned him this + answer, he betook himself to make supplication to God, and threw himself + upon the ground, and put ashes upon his head, in testimony of his + confusion, and fasted, together with his wives and children. <a + href="#link20note-7" name="link20noteref-7" id="link20noteref-7"><small>7</small></a> + Then he called upon God, and said, "O Lord and Governor, if I have not in + vain committed myself to thy goodness, but have justly determined that + thou only art the Lord and principal of all beings, come now to my + assistance, and defend me from my enemies, not only on my own account, but + on account of their insolent behavior with regard to thy power, while they + have not feared to lift up their proud and arrogant tongue against thee." + Thus did he lament and bemoan himself, with tears in his eyes; whereupon + God heard his prayer. And immediately that very night Vologases received + letters, the contents of which were these, that a great band of Dahe and + Sacse, despising him, now he was gone so long a journey from home, had + made an expedition, and laid Parthia waste; so that he [was forced to] + retire back, without doing any thing. And thus it was that Izates escaped + the threatenings of the Parthians, by the providence of God. + </p> + <p> + 3. It was not long ere Izates died, when he had completed fifty-five years + of his life, and had ruled his kingdom twenty-four years. He left behind + him twenty-four sons and twenty-four daughters. However, he gave order + that his brother Monobazus should succeed in the government, thereby + requiting him, because, while he was himself absent after their father's + death, he had faithfully preserved the government for him. But when + Helena, his mother, heard of her son's death, she was in great heaviness, + as was but natural, upon her loss of such a most dutiful son; yet was it a + comfort to her that she heard the succession came to her eldest son. + Accordingly, she went to him in haste; and when she was come into + Adiabene, she did not long outlive her son Izates. But Monobazus sent her + bones, as well as those of Izates, his brother, to Jerusalem, and gave + order that they should be buried at the pyramids <a href="#link20note-8" + name="link20noteref-8" id="link20noteref-8"><small>8</small></a> which + their mother had erected; they were three in number, and distant no more + than three furlongs from the city Jerusalem. But for the actions of + Monobazus the king, which he did during the rest of his life, we will + relate them hereafter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link202HCH0005" id="link202HCH0005"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 5. Concerning Theudas And The Sons Of Judas The Galilean; As Also + What Calamity Fell Upon The Jews On The Day Of The Passover. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now it came to pass, while Fadus was procurator of Judea, that a + certain magician, whose name was Theudas, <a href="#link20note-9" + name="link20noteref-9" id="link20noteref-9"><small>9</small></a> persuaded + a great part of the people to take their effects with them, and follow him + to the river Jordan; for he told them he was a prophet, and that he would, + by his own command, divide the river, and afford them an easy passage over + it; and many were deluded by his words. However, Fadus did not permit them + to make any advantage of his wild attempt, but sent a troop of horsemen + out against them; who, falling upon them unexpectedly, slew many of them, + and took many of them alive. They also took Theudas alive, and cut off his + head, and carried it to Jerusalem. This was what befell the Jews in the + time of Cuspius Fadus's government. + </p> + <p> + 2. Then came Tiberius Alexander as successor to Fadus; he was the son of + Alexander the alabarch of Alexandria, which Alexander was a principal + person among all his contemporaries, both for his family and wealth: he + was also more eminent for his piety than this his son Alexander, for he + did not continue in the religion of his country. Under these procurators + that great famine happened in Judea, in which queen Helena bought corn in + Egypt at a great expense, and distributed it to those that were in want, + as I have related already. And besides this, the sons of Judas of Galilee + were now slain; I mean of that Judas who caused the people to revolt, when + Cyrenius came to take an account of the estates of the Jews, as we have + showed in a foregoing book. The names of those sons were James and Simon, + whom Alexander commanded to be crucified. But now Herod, king of Chalcis, + removed Joseph, the son of Camydus, from the high priesthood, and made + Ananias, the son of Nebedeu, his successor. And now it was that Cumanus + came as successor to Tiberius Alexander; as also that Herod, brother of + Agrippa the great king, departed this life, in the eighth year of the + reign of Claudius Cæsar. He left behind him three sons; Aristobulus, whom + he had by his first wife, with Bernicianus, and Hyrcanus, both whom he had + by Bernice his brother's daughter. But Claudius Cæsar bestowed his + dominions on Agrippa, junior. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now while the Jewish affairs were under the administration of Cumanus, + there happened a great tumult at the city of Jerusalem, and many of the + Jews perished therein. But I shall first explain the occasion whence it + was derived. When that feast which is called the passover was at hand, at + which time our custom is to use unleavened bread, and a great multitude + was gathered together from all parts to that feast, Cumanus was afraid + lest some attempt of innovation should then be made by them; so he ordered + that one regiment of the army should take their arms, and stand in the + temple cloisters, to repress any attempts of innovation, if perchance any + such should begin; and this was no more than what the former procurators + of Judea did at such festivals. But on the fourth day of the feast, a + certain soldier let down his breeches, and exposed his privy members to + the multitude, which put those that saw him into a furious rage, and made + them cry out that this impious action was not done to approach them, but + God himself; nay, some of them reproached Cumanus, and pretended that the + soldier was set on by him, which, when Cumanus heard, he was also himself + not a little provoked at such reproaches laid upon him; yet did he exhort + them to leave off such seditious attempts, and not to raise a tumult at + the festival. But when he could not induce them to be quiet for they still + went on in their reproaches to him, he gave order that the whole army + should take their entire armor, and come to Antonia, which was a fortress, + as we have said already, which overlooked the temple; but when the + multitude saw the soldiers there, they were affrighted at them, and ran + away hastily; but as the passages out were but narrow, and as they thought + their enemies followed them, they were crowded together in their flight, + and a great number were pressed to death in those narrow passages; nor + indeed was the number fewer than twenty thousand that perished in this + tumult. So instead of a festival, they had at last a mournful day of it; + and they all of them forgot their prayers and sacrifices, and betook + themselves to lamentation and weeping; so great an affliction did the + impudent obsceneness of a single soldier bring upon them. <a + href="#link20note-10" name="link20noteref-10" id="link20noteref-10"><small>10</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 4. Now before this their first mourning was over, another mischief befell + them also; for some of those that raised the foregoing tumult, when they + were traveling along the public road, about a hundred furlongs from the + city, robbed Stephanus, a servant of Cæsar, as he was journeying, and + plundered him of all that he had with him; which things when Cumanus + heard of, he sent soldiers immediately, and ordered them to plunder the + neighboring villages, and to bring the most eminent persons among them in + bonds to him. Now as this devastation was making, one of the soldiers + seized the laws of Moses that lay in one of those villages, and brought + them out before the eyes of all present, and tore them to pieces; and this + was done with reproachful language, and much scurrility; which things when + the Jews heard of, they ran together, and that in great numbers, and came + down to Cæsarea, where Cumanus then was, and besought him that he would + avenge, not themselves, but God himself, whose laws had been affronted; + for that they could not bear to live any longer, if the laws of their + forefathers must be affronted after this manner. Accordingly Cumanus, out + of fear lest the multitude should go into a sedition, and by the advice of + his friends also, took care that the soldier who had offered the affront + to the laws should be beheaded, and thereby put a stop to the sedition + which was ready to be kindled a second time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link202HCH0006" id="link202HCH0006"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 6. How There Happened A Quarrel Between The Jews And The + Samaritans; And How Claudius Put An End To Their Differences. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now there arose a quarrel between the Samaritans and the Jews on the + occasion following: It was the custom of the Galileans, when they came to + the holy city at the festivals, to take their journeys through the country + of the Samaritans; <a href="#link20note-11" name="link20noteref-11" + id="link20noteref-11"><small>11</small></a> and at this time there lay, in + the road they took, a village that was called Ginea, which was situated in + the limits of Samaria and the great plain, where certain persons thereto + belonging fought with the Galileans, and killed a great many of them. But + when the principal of the Galileans were informed of what had been done, + they came to Cumanus, and desired him to avenge the murder of those that + were killed; but he was induced by the Samaritans, with money, to do + nothing in the matter; upon which the Galileans were much displeased, and + persuaded the multitude of the Jews to betake themselves to arms, and to + regain their liberty, saying that slavery was in itself a bitter thing, + but that when it was joined with direct injuries, it was perfectly + intolerable, And when their principal men endeavored to pacify them, and + promised to endeavor to persuade Cumanus to avenge those that were + killed, they would not hearken to them, but took their weapons, and + entreated the assistance of Eleazar, the son of Dineus, a robber, who had + many years made his abode in the mountains, with which assistance they + plundered many villages of the Samaritans. When Cumanus heard of this + action of theirs, he took the band of Sebaste, with four regiments of + footmen, and armed the Samaritans, and marched out against the Jews, and + caught them, and slew many of them, and took a great number of them alive; + whereupon those that were the most eminent persons at Jerusalem, and that + both in regard to the respect that was paid them, and the families they + were of, as soon as they saw to what a height things were gone, put on + sackcloth, and heaped ashes upon their heads, and by all possible means + besought the seditious, and persuaded them that they would set before + their eyes the utter subversion of their country, the conflagration of + their temple, and the slavery of themselves, their wives, and children, <a + href="#link20note-12" name="link20noteref-12" id="link20noteref-12"><small>12</small></a> + which would be the consequences of what they were doing; and would alter + their minds, would cast away their weapons, and for the future be quiet, + and return to their own homes. These persuasions of theirs prevailed upon + them. So the people dispersed themselves, and the robbers went away again + to their places of strength; and after this time all Judea was overrun + with robberies. + </p> + <p> + 2. But the principal of the Samaritans went to Ummidius Quadratus, the + president of Syria, who at that time was at Tyre, and accused the Jews of + setting their villages on fire, and plundering them; and said withal, that + they were not so much displeased at what they had suffered, as they were + at the contempt thereby showed the Romans; while if they had received any + injury, they ought to have made them the judges of what had been done, and + not presently to make such devastation, as if they had not the Romans for + their governors; on which account they came to him, in order to obtain + that vengeance they wanted. This was the accusation which the Samaritans + brought against the Jews. But the Jews affirmed that the Samaritans were + the authors of this tumult and fighting, and that, in the first place, + Cumanus had been corrupted by their gifts, and passed over the murder of + those that were slain in silence;—which allegations when Quadratus + heard, he put off the hearing of the cause, and promised that he would + give sentence when he should come into Judea, and should have a more exact + knowledge of the truth of that matter. So these men went away without + success. Yet was it not long ere Quadratus came to Samaria, where, upon + hearing the cause, he supposed that the Samaritans were the authors of + that disturbance. But when he was informed that certain of the Jews were + making innovations, he ordered those to be crucified whom Cumanus had + taken captives. From whence he came to a certain village called Lydda, + which was not less than a city in largeness, and there heard the Samaritan + cause a second time before his tribunal, and there learned from a certain + Samaritan that one of the chief of the Jews, whose name was Dortus, and + some other innovators with him, four in number, persuaded the multitude to + a revolt from the Romans; whom Quadratus ordered to be put to death: but + still he sent away Ananias the high priest, and Ananus the commander [of + the temple], in bonds to Rome, to give an account of what they had done to + Claudius Cæsar. He also ordered the principal men, both of the Samaritans + and of the Jews, as also Cumanus the procurator, and Celer the tribune, to + go to Italy to the emperor, that he might hear their cause, and determine + their differences one with another. But he came again to the city of + Jerusalem, out of his fear that the multitude of the Jews should attempt + some innovations; but he found the city in a peaceable state, and + celebrating one of the usual festivals of their country to God. So he + believed that they would not attempt any innovations, and left them at the + celebration of the festival, and returned to Antioch. + </p> + <p> + 3. Now Cumanus, and the principal of the Samaritans, who were sent to + Rome, had a day appointed them by the emperor whereon they were to have + pleaded their cause about the quarrels they had one with another. But now + Cæsar's freed-men and his friends were very zealous on the behalf of + Cumanus and the Samaritans; and they had prevailed over the Jews, unless + Agrippa, junior, who was then at Rome, had seen the principal of the Jews + hard set, and had earnestly entreated Agrippina, the emperor's wife, to + persuade her husband to hear the cause, so as was agreeable to his + justice, and to condemn those to be punished who were really the authors + of this revolt from the Roman government:—whereupon Claudius was so + well disposed beforehand, that when he had heard the cause, and found that + the Samaritans had been the ringleaders in those mischievous doings, he + gave order that those who came up to him should be slain, and that + Cumanus should be banished. He also gave order that Celer the tribune + should be carried back to Jerusalem, and should be drawn through the city + in the sight of all the people, and then should be slain. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link202HCH0007" id="link202HCH0007"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 7. Felix Is Made Procurator Of Judea; As Also Concerning Agrippa, + Junior And His Sisters. + </h3> + <p> + 1. So Claudius sent Felix, the brother of Pallas, to take care of the + affairs of Judea; and when he had already completed the twelfth year of + his reign, he bestowed upon Agrippa the tetrarchy of Philip and Batanea, + and added thereto Trachonites, with Abila; which last had been the + tetrarchy of Lysanias; but he took from him Chalcis, when he had been + governor thereof four years. And when Agrippa had received these countries + as the gift of Cæsar, he gave his sister Drusilla in marriage to Azizus, + king of Emesa, upon his consent to be circumcised; for Epiphanes, the son + of king Antiochus, had refused to marry her, because, after he had + promised her father formerly to come over to the Jewish religion, he would + not now perform that promise. He also gave Mariamne in marriage to + Archelaus, the son of Helcias, to whom she had formerly been betrothed by + Agrippa her father; from which marriage was derived a daughter, whose name + was Bernice. + </p> + <p> + 2. But for the marriage of Drusilla with Azizus, it was in no long time + afterward dissolved upon the following occasion: While Felix was + procurator of Judea, he saw this Drusilla, and fell in love with her; for + she did indeed exceed all other women in beauty; and he sent to her a + person whose name was Simon <a href="#link20note-13" + name="link20noteref-13" id="link20noteref-13"><small>13</small></a> one of + his friends; a Jew he was, and by birth a Cypriot, and one who pretended + to be a magician, and endeavored to persuade her to forsake her present + husband, and marry him; and promised, that if she would not refuse him, he + would make her a happy woman. Accordingly she acted ill, and because she + was desirous to avoid her sister Bernice's envy, for she was very ill + treated by her on account of her beauty, was prevailed upon to transgress + the laws of her forefathers, and to marry Felix; and when he had had a son + by her, he named him Agrippa. But after what manner that young man, with + his wife, perished at the conflagration of the mountain Vesuvius, <a + href="#link20note-14" name="link20noteref-14" id="link20noteref-14"><small>14</small></a> + in the days of Titus Cæsar, shall be related hereafter. <a + href="#link20note-15" name="link20noteref-15" id="link20noteref-15"><small>15</small></a> + </p> + <p> + 3. But as for Bernice, she lived a widow a long while after the death of + Herod [king of Chalcis], who was both her husband and her uncle; but when + the report went that she had criminal conversation with her brother, + [Agrippa, junior,] she persuaded Poleme, who was king of Cilicia, to be + circumcised, and to marry her, as supposing that by this means she should + prove those calumnies upon her to be false; and Poleme was prevailed upon, + and that chiefly on account of her riches. Yet did not this matrimony + endure long; but Bernice left Poleme, and, as was said, with impure + intentions. So he forsook at once this matrimony, and the Jewish religion; + and, at the same time, Mariamne put away Archelaus, and was married to + Demetrius, the principal man among the Alexandrian Jews, both for his + family and his wealth; and indeed he was then their alabarch. So she named + her son whom she had by him Agrippinus. But of all these particulars we + shall hereafter treat more exactly. <a href="#link20note-16" + name="link20noteref-16" id="link20noteref-16"><small>16</small></a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link202HCH0008" id="link202HCH0008"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 8. After What Manner Upon The Death Of Claudius, Nero Succeeded In + The Government; As Also What Barbarous Things He Did. Concerning The + Robbers, Murderers And Impostors, That Arose While Felix And Festus Were + Procurators Of Judea. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Claudius Cæsar died when he had reigned thirteen years, eight + months, and twenty days; <a href="#link20note-17" name="link20noteref-17" + id="link20noteref-17"><small>17</small></a> and a report went about that + he was poisoned by his wife Agrippina. Her father was Germanicus, the + brother of Cæsar. Her husband was Domitius Aenobarbus, one of the most + illustrious persons that was in the city of Rome; after whose death, and + her long continuance in widowhood, Claudius took her to wife. She brought + along with her a son, Domtitus, of the same name with his father. He had + before this slain his wife Messalina, out of jealousy, by whom he had his + children Britannicus and Octavia; their eldest sister was Antonia, whom he + had by Pelina his first wife. He also married Octavia to Nero; for that + was the name that Cæsar gave him afterward, upon his adopting him for his + son. + </p> + <p> + 2. But now Agrippina was afraid, lest, when Britannicus should come to + man's estate, he should succeed his father in the government, and desired + to seize upon the principality beforehand for her own son [Nero]; upon + which the report went that she thence compassed the death of Claudius. + Accordingly, she sent Burrhus, the general of the army, immediately, and + with him the tribunes, and such also of the freed-men as were of the + greatest authority, to bring Nero away into the camp, and to salute him + emperor. And when Nero had thus obtained the government, he got + Britannicus to be so poisoned, that the multitude should not perceive it; + although he publicly put his own mother to death not long afterward, + making her this requital, not only for being born of her, but for bringing + it so about by her contrivances that he obtained the Roman empire. He also + slew Octavia his own wife, and many other illustrious persons, under this + pretense, that they plotted against him. + </p> + <p> + 3. But I omit any further discourse about these affairs; for there have + been a great many who have composed the history of Nero; some of which + have departed from the truth of facts out of favor, as having received + benefits from him; while others, out of hatred to him, and the great + ill-will which they bare him, have so impudently raved against him with + their lies, that they justly deserve to be condemned. Nor do I wonder at + such as have told lies of Nero, since they have not in their writings + preserved the truth of history as to those facts that were earlier than + his time, even when the actors could have no way incurred their hatred, + since those writers lived a long time after them. But as to those that + have no regard to truth, they may write as they please; for in that they + take delight: but as to ourselves, who have made truth our direct aim, we + shall briefly touch upon what only belongs remotely to this undertaking, + but shall relate what hath happened to us Jews with great accuracy, and + shall not grudge our pains in giving an account both of the calamities we + have suffered, and of the crimes we have been guilty of. I will now + therefore return to the relation of our own affairs. + </p> + <p> + 4. For in the first year of the reign of Nero, upon the death of Azizus, + king of Emesa, Soemus, his brother, succeeded in his kingdom, and + Aristobulus, the son of Herod, king of Chalcis, was intrusted by Nero with + the government of the Lesser Armenia. Cæsar also bestowed on Agrippa a + certain part of Galilee, Tiberias, and Tarichae, <a href="#link20note-18" + name="link20noteref-18" id="link20noteref-18"><small>18</small></a> and + ordered them to submit to his jurisdiction. He gave him also Julias, a + city of Perea, with fourteen villages that lay about it. + </p> + <p> + 5. Now as for the affairs of the Jews, they grew worse and worse + continually, for the country was again filled with robbers and impostors, + who deluded the multitude. Yet did Felix catch and put to death many of + those impostors every day, together with the robbers. He also caught + Eleazar, the son of Dineas, who had gotten together a company of robbers; + and this he did by treachery; for he gave him assurance that he should + suffer no harm, and thereby persuaded him to come to him; but when he + came, he bound him, and sent him to Rome. Felix also bore an ill-will to + Jonathan, the high priest, because he frequently gave him admonitions + about governing the Jewish affairs better than he did, lest he should + himself have complaints made of him by the multitude, since he it was who + had desired Cæsar to send him as procurator of Judea. So Felix contrived + a method whereby he might get rid of him, now he was become so continually + troublesome to him; for such continual admonitions are grievous to those + who are disposed to act unjustly. Wherefore Felix persuaded one of + Jonathan's most faithful friends, a citizen of Jerusalem, whose name was + Doras, to bring the robbers upon Jonathan, in order to kill him; and this + he did by promising to give him a great deal of money for so doing. Doras + complied with the proposal, and contrived matters so, that the robbers + might murder him after the following manner: Certain of those robbers went + up to the city, as if they were going to worship God, while they had + daggers under their garments, and by thus mingling themselves among the + multitude they slew Jonathan <a href="#link20note-19" + name="link20noteref-19" id="link20noteref-19"><small>19</small></a> and as + this murder was never avenged, the robbers went up with the greatest + security at the festivals after this time; and having weapons concealed in + like manner as before, and mingling themselves among the multitude, they + slew certain of their own enemies, and were subservient to other men for + money; and slew others, not only in remote parts of the city, but in the + temple itself also; for they had the boldness to murder men there, without + thinking of the impiety of which they were guilty. And this seems to me to + have been the reason why God, out of his hatred of these men's wickedness, + rejected our city; and as for the temple, he no longer esteemed it + sufficiently pure for him to inhabit therein, but brought the Romans upon + us, and threw a fire upon the city to purge it; and brought upon us, our + wives, and children, slavery, as desirous to make us wiser by our + calamities. + </p> + <p> + 6. These works, that were done by the robbers, filled the city with all + sorts of impiety. And now these impostors and deceivers persuaded the + multitude to follow them into the wilderness, and pretended that they + would exhibit manifest wonders and signs, that should be performed by the + providence of God. And many that were prevailed on by them suffered the + punishments of their folly; for Felix brought them back, and then punished + them. Moreover, there came out of Egypt <a href="#link20note-20" + name="link20noteref-20" id="link20noteref-20"><small>20</small></a> about + this time to Jerusalem one that said he was a prophet, and advised the + multitude of the common people to go along with him to the Mount of + Olives, as it was called, which lay over against the city, and at the + distance of five furlongs. He said further, that he would show them from + hence how, at his command, the walls of Jerusalem would fall down; and he + promised them that he would procure them an entrance into the city through + those walls, when they were fallen down. Now when Felix was informed of + these things, he ordered his soldiers to take their weapons, and came + against them with a great number of horsemen and footmen from Jerusalem, + and attacked the Egyptian and the people that were with him. He also slew + four hundred of them, and took two hundred alive. But the Egyptian himself + escaped out of the fight, but did not appear any more. And again the + robbers stirred up the people to make war with the Romans, and said they + ought not to obey them at all; and when any persons would not comply with + them, they set fire to their villages, and plundered them. + </p> + <p> + 7. And now it was that a great sedition arose between the Jews that + inhabited Cæsarea, and the Syrians who dwelt there also, concerning their + equal right to the privileges belonging to citizens; for the Jews claimed + the pre-eminence, because Herod their king was the builder of Cæsarea, and + because he was by birth a Jew. Now the Syrians did not deny what was + alleged about Herod; but they said that Cæsarea was formerly called + Strato's Tower, and that then there was not one Jewish inhabitant. When + the presidents of that country heard of these disorders, they caught the + authors of them on both sides, and tormented them with stripes, and by + that means put a stop to the disturbance for a time. But the Jewish + citizens depending on their wealth, and on that account despising the + Syrians, reproached them again, and hoped to provoke them by such + reproaches. However, the Syrians, though they were inferior in wealth, yet + valuing themselves highly on this account, that the greatest part of the + Roman soldiers that were there were either of Cæsarea or Sebaste, they + also for some time used reproachful language to the Jews also; and thus it + was, till at length they came to throwing stones at one another, and + several were wounded, and fell on both sides, though still the Jews were + the conquerors. But when Felix saw that this quarrel was become a kind of + war, he came upon them on the sudden, and desired the Jews to desist; and + when they refused so to do, he armed his soldiers, and sent them out upon + them, and slew many of them, and took more of them alive, and permitted + his soldiers to plunder some of the houses of the citizens, which were + full of riches. Now those Jews that were more moderate, and of principal + dignity among them, were afraid of themselves, and desired of Felix that + he would sound a retreat to his soldiers, and spare them for the future, + and afford them room for repentance for what they had done; and Felix was + prevailed upon to do so. + </p> + <p> + 8. About this time king Agrippa gave the high priesthood to Ismael, who + was the son of Fabi. And now arose a sedition between the high priests and + the principal men of the multitude of Jerusalem; each of which got them a + company of the boldest sort of men, and of those that loved innovations + about them, and became leaders to them; and when they struggled together, + they did it by casting reproachful words against one another, and by + throwing stones also. And there was nobody to reprove them; but these + disorders were done after a licentious manner in the city, as if it had no + government over it. And such was the impudence <a href="#link20note-21" + name="link20noteref-21" id="link20noteref-21"><small>21</small></a> and + boldness that had seized on the high priests, that they had the hardiness + to send their servants into the threshing-floors, to take away those + tithes that were due to the priests, insomuch that it so fell out that the + poorest sort of the priests died for want. To this degree did the violence + of the seditious prevail over all right and justice. + </p> + <p> + 9. Now when Porcius Festus was sent as successor to Felix by Nero, the + principal of the Jewish inhabitants of Cæsarea went up to Rome to accuse + Felix; and he had certainly been brought to punishment, unless Nero had + yielded to the importunate solicitations of his brother Pallas, who was at + that time had in the greatest honor by him. Two of the principal Syrians + in Cæsarea persuaded Burrhus, who was Nero's tutor, and secretary for his + Greek epistles, by giving him a great sum of money, to disannul that + equality of the Jewish privileges of citizens which they hitherto enjoyed. + So Burrhus, by his solicitations, obtained leave of the emperor that an + epistle should be written to that purpose. This epistle became the + occasion of the following miseries that befell our nation; for when the + Jews of Cæsarea were informed of the contents of this epistle to the + Syrians, they were more disorderly than before, till a war was kindled. + </p> + <p> + 10. Upon Festus's coming into Judea, it happened that Judea was afflicted + by the robbers, while all the villages were set on fire, and plundered by + them. And then it was that the sicarii, as they were called, who were + robbers, grew numerous. They made use of small swords, not much different + in length from the Persian acinacae, but somewhat crooked, and like the + Roman sicae, [or sickles,] as they were called; and from these weapons + these robbers got their denomination; and with these weapons they slew a + great many; for they mingled themselves among the multitude at their + festivals, when they were come up in crowds from all parts to the city to + worship God, as we said before, and easily slew those that they had a mind + to slay. They also came frequently upon the villages belonging to their + enemies, with their weapons, and plundered them, and set them on fire. So + Festus sent forces, both horsemen and footmen, to fall upon those that had + been seduced by a certain impostor, who promised them deliverance and + freedom from the miseries they were under, if they would but follow him as + far as the wilderness. Accordingly, those forces that were sent destroyed + both him that had deluded them, and those that were his followers also. + </p> + <p> + 11. About the same time king Agrippa built himself a very large + dining-room in the royal palace at Jerusalem, near to the portico. Now + this palace had been erected of old by the children of Asamoneus and was + situate upon an elevation, and afforded a most delightful prospect to + those that had a mind to take a view of the city, which prospect was + desired by the king; and there he could lie down, and eat, and thence + observe what was done in the temple; which thing, when the chief men of + Jerusalem saw they were very much displeased at it; for it was not + agreeable to the institutions of our country or law that what was done in + the temple should be viewed by others, especially what belonged to the + sacrifices. They therefore erected a wall upon the uppermost building + which belonged to the inner court of the temple towards the west, which + wall when it was built, did not only intercept the prospect of the + dining-room in the palace, but also of the western cloisters that belonged + to the outer court of the temple also, where it was that the Romans kept + guards for the temple at the festivals. At these doings both king Agrippa, + and principally Festus the procurator, were much displeased; and Festus + ordered them to pull the wall down again: but the Jews petitioned him to + give them leave to send an embassage about this matter to Nero; for they + said they could not endure to live if any part of the temple should be + demolished; and when Festus had given them leave so to do, they sent ten + of their principal men to Nero, as also Ismael the high priest, and + Helcias, the keeper of the sacred treasure. And when Nero had heard what + they had to say, he not only forgave <a href="#link20note-22" + name="link20noteref-22" id="link20noteref-22"><small>22</small></a> them + what they had already done, but also gave them leave to let the wall they + had built stand. This was granted them in order to gratify Poppea, Nero's + wife, who was a religious woman, and had requested these favors of Nero, + and who gave order to the ten ambassadors to go their way home; but + retained Helcias and Ismael as hostages with herself. As soon as the king + heard this news, he gave the high priesthood to Joseph, who was called + Cabi, the son of Simon, formerly high priest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link202HCH0009" id="link202HCH0009"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 9. Concerning Albinus Under Whose Procuratorship James Was Slain; + As Also What Edifices Were Built By Agrippa. + </h3> + <p> + 1. And now Cæsar, upon hearing the death of Festus, sent Albinus into + Judea, as procurator. But the king deprived Joseph of the high priesthood, + and bestowed the succession to that dignity on the son of Ananus, who was + also himself called Ananus. Now the report goes that this eldest Ananus + proved a most fortunate man; for he had five sons who had all performed + the office of a high priest to God, and who had himself enjoyed that + dignity a long time formerly, which had never happened to any other of our + high priests. But this younger Ananus, who, as we have told you already, + took the high priesthood, was a bold man in his temper, and very insolent; + he was also of the sect of the Sadducees, <a href="#link20note-23" + name="link20noteref-23" id="link20noteref-23"><small>23</small></a> who + are very rigid in judging offenders, above all the rest of the Jews, as we + have already observed; when, therefore, Ananus was of this disposition, he + thought he had now a proper opportunity [to exercise his authority]. + Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled + the sanhedrim of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who + was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others, [or, some of his + companions]; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers + of the law, he delivered them to be stoned: but as for those who seemed + the most equitable of the citizens, and such as were the most uneasy at + the breach of the laws, they disliked what was done; they also sent to the + king [Agrippa], desiring him to send to Ananus that he should act so no + more, for that what he had already done was not to be justified; nay, some + of them went also to meet Albinus, as he was upon his journey from + Alexandria, and informed him that it was not lawful for Ananus to assemble + a sanhedrim without his consent. <a href="#link20note-24" + name="link20noteref-24" id="link20noteref-24"><small>24</small></a> + Whereupon Albinus complied with what they said, and wrote in anger to + Ananus, and threatened that he would bring him to punishment for what he + had done; on which king Agrippa took the high priesthood from him, when he + had ruled but three months, and made Jesus, the son of Damneus, high + priest. + </p> + <p> + 2. Now as soon as Albinus was come to the city of Jerusalem, he used all + his endeavors and care that the country might be kept in peace, and this + by destroying many of the Sicarii. But as for the high priest, Ananias <a + href="#link20note-25" name="link20noteref-25" id="link20noteref-25"><small>25</small></a> + he increased in glory every day, and this to a great degree, and had + obtained the favor and esteem of the citizens in a signal manner; for he + was a great hoarder up of money: he therefore cultivated the friendship of + Albinus, and of the high priest [Jesus], by making them presents; he also + had servants who were very wicked, who joined themselves to the boldest + sort of the people, and went to the thrashing-floors, and took away the + tithes that belonged to the priests by violence, and did not refrain from + beating such as would not give these tithes to them. So the other high + priests acted in the like manner, as did those his servants, without any + one being able to prohibit them; so that [some of the] priests, that of + old were wont to be supported with those tithes, died for want of food. + </p> + <p> + 3. But now the Sicarii went into the city by night, just before the + festival, which was now at hand, and took the scribe belonging to the + governor of the temple, whose name was Eleazar, who was the son of Ananus + [Ananias] the high priest, and bound him, and carried him away with them; + after which they sent to Ananias, and said that they would send the scribe + to him, if he would persuade Albinus to release ten of those prisoners + which he had caught of their party; so Ananias was plainly forced to + persuade Albinus, and gained his request of him. This was the beginning of + greater calamities; for the robbers perpetually contrived to catch some of + Ananias's servants; and when they had taken them alive, they would not let + them go, till they thereby recovered some of their own Sicarii. And as + they were again become no small number, they grew bold, and were a great + affliction to the whole country. + </p> + <p> + 4. About this time it was that king Agrippa built Cæsarea Philippi larger + than it was before, and, in honor of Nero, named it Neronlas. And when he + had built a theater at Berytus, with vast expenses, he bestowed on them + shows, to be exhibited every year, and spent therein many ten thousand + [drachmae]; he also gave the people a largess of corn, and distributed oil + among them, and adorned the entire city with statues of his own donation, + and with original images made by ancient hands; nay, he almost transferred + all that was most ornamental in his own kingdom thither. This made him + more than ordinarily hated by his subjects, because he took those things + away that belonged to them to adorn a foreign city. And now Jesus, the son + of Gamaliel, became the successor of Jesus, the son of Damneus, in the + high priesthood, which the king had taken from the other; on which account + a sedition arose between the high priests, with regard to one another; for + they got together bodies of the boldest sort of the people, and frequently + came, from reproaches, to throwing of stones at each other. But Ananias + was too hard for the rest, by his riches, which enabled him to gain those + that were most ready to receive. Costobarus also, and Saulus, did + themselves get together a multitude of wicked wretches, and this because + they were of the royal family; and so they obtained favor among them, + because of their kindred to Agrippa; but still they used violence with the + people, and were very ready to plunder those that were weaker than + themselves. And from that time it principally came to pass that our city + was greatly disordered, and that all things grew worse and worse among us. + </p> + <p> + 5. But when Albinus heard that Gessius Florus was coming to succeed him, + he was desirous to appear to do somewhat that might be grateful to the + people of Jerusalem; so he brought out all those prisoners who seemed to + him to be most plainly worthy of death, and ordered them to be put to + death accordingly. But as to those who had been put into prison on some + trifling occasions, he took money of them, and dismissed them; by which + means the prisons were indeed emptied, but the country was filled with + robbers. + </p> + <p> + 6. Now as many of the Levites, <a href="#link20note-26" + name="link20noteref-26" id="link20noteref-26"><small>26</small></a> which + is a tribe of ours, as were singers of hymns, persuaded the king to + assemble a sanhedrim, and to give them leave to wear linen garments, as + well as the priests for they said that this would be a work worthy the + times of his government, that he might have a memorial of such a novelty, + as being his doing. Nor did they fail of obtaining their desire; for the + king, with the suffrages of those that came into the sanhedrim, granted + the singers of hymns this privilege, that they might lay aside their + former garments, and wear such a linen one as they desired; and as a part + of this tribe ministered in the temple, he also permitted them to learn + those hymns as they had besought him for. Now all this was contrary to the + laws of our country, which, whenever they have been transgressed, we have + never been able to avoid the punishment of such transgressions. + </p> + <p> + 7. And now it was that the temple was finished. So when the people saw + that the workmen were unemployed, who were above eighteen thousand and + that they, receiving no wages, were in want because they had earned their + bread by their labors about the temple; and while they were unwilling to + keep by them the treasures that were there deposited, out of fear of + [their being carried away by] the Romans; and while they had a regard to + the making provision for the workmen; they had a mind to expend these + treasures upon them; for if any one of them did but labor for a single + hour, he received his pay immediately; so they persuaded him to rebuild + the eastern cloisters. These cloisters belonged to the outer court, and + were situated in a deep valley, and had walls that reached four hundred + cubits [in length], and were built of square and very white stones, the + length of each of which stones was twenty cubits, and their height six + cubits. This was the work of king Solomon, <a href="#link20note-27" + name="link20noteref-27" id="link20noteref-27"><small>27</small></a> who + first of all built the entire temple. But king Agrippa, who had the care + of the temple committed to him by Claudius Cæsar, considering that it is + easy to demolish any building, but hard to build it up again, and that it + was particularly hard to do it to these cloisters, which would require a + considerable time, and great sums of money, he denied the petitioners + their request about that matter; but he did not obstruct them when they + desired the city might be paved with white stone. He also deprived Jesus, + the son of Gamaliel, of the high priesthood, and gave it to Matthias, the + son of Theophilus, under whom the Jews' war with the Romans took its + beginning. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link202HCH0010" id="link202HCH0010"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 10. An Enumeration Of The High Priests. + </h3> + <p> + 1. And now I think it proper and agreeable to this history to give an + account of our high priests; how they began, who those are which are + capable of that dignity, and how many of them there had been at the end of + the war. In the first place, therefore, history informs us that Aaron, the + brother of Moses, officiated to God as a high priest, and that, after his + death, his sons succeeded him immediately; and that this dignity hath been + continued down from them all to their posterity. Whence it is a custom of + our country, that no one should take the high priesthood of God but he who + is of the blood of Aaron, while every one that is of another stock, though + he were a king, can never obtain that high priesthood. Accordingly, the + number of all the high priests from Aaron, of whom we have spoken already, + as of the first of them, until Phanas, who was made high priest during the + war by the seditious, was eighty-three; of whom thirteen officiated as + high priests in the wilderness, from the days of Moses, while the + tabernacle was standing, until the people came into Judea, when king + Solomon erected the temple to God; for at the first they held the high + priesthood till the end of their life, although afterward they had + successors while they were alive. Now these thirteen, who were the + descendants of two of the sons of Aaron, received this dignity by + succession, one after another; for their form of government was an + aristocracy, and after that a monarchy, and in the third place the + government was regal. Now the number of years during the rule of these + thirteen, from the day when our fathers departed out of Egypt, under Moses + their leader, until the building of that temple which king Solomon erected + at Jerusalem, were six hundred and twelve. After those thirteen high + priests, eighteen took the high priesthood at Jerusalem, one in succession + to another, from the days of king Solomon, until Nebuchadnezzar, king of + Babylon, made an expedition against that city, and burnt the temple, and + removed our nation into Babylon, and then took Josadek, the high priest, + captive; the times of these high priests were four hundred and sixty-six + years, six months, and ten days, while the Jews were still under the regal + government. But after the term of seventy years' captivity under the + Babylonians, Cyrus, king of Persia, sent the Jews from Babylon to their + own land again, and gave them leave to rebuild their temple; at which time + Jesus, the son of Josadek, took the high priesthood over the captives when + they were returned home. Now he and his posterity, who were in all + fifteen, until king Antiochus Eupator, were under a democratical + government for four hundred and fourteen years; and then the forementioned + Antiochus, and Lysias the general of his army, deprived Onias, who was + also called Menelaus, of the high priesthood, and slew him at Berea; and + driving away the son [of Onias the third], put Jaeimus into the place of + the high priest, one that was indeed of the stock of Aaron, but not of + that family of Onias. On which account Onias, who was the nephew of Onias + that was dead, and bore the same name with his father, came into Egypt, + and got into the friendship of Ptolemy Philometor, and Cleopatra his wife, + and persuaded them to make him the high priest of that temple which he + built to God in the prefecture of Heliopolis, and this in imitation of + that at Jerusalem; but as for that temple which was built in Egypt, we + have spoken of it frequently already. Now when Jacimus had retained the + priesthood three years, he died, and there was no one that succeeded him, + but the city continued seven years without a high priest. But then the + posterity of the sons of Asamoneus, who had the government of the nation + conferred upon them, when they had beaten the Macedonians in war, + appointed Jonathan to be their high priest, who ruled over them seven + years. And when he had been slain by the treacherous contrivance of + Trypho, as we have related some where, Simon his brother took the high + priesthood; and when he was destroyed at a feast by the treachery of his + son-in-law, his own son, whose name was Hyrcanus, succeeded him, after he + had held the high priesthood one year longer than his brother. This + Hyrcanus enjoyed that dignity thirty years, and died an old man, leaving + the succession to Judas, who was also called Aristobulus, whose brother + Alexander was his heir; which Judas died of a sore distemper, after he had + kept the priesthood, together with the royal authority; for this Judas was + the first that put on his head a diadem for one year. And when Alexander + had been both king and high priest twenty-seven years, he departed this + life, and permitted his wife Alexandra to appoint him that should be high + priest; so she gave the high priesthood to Hyrcanus, but retained the + kingdom herself nine years, and then departed this life. The like duration + [and no longer] did her son Hyrcanus enjoy the high priesthood; for after + her death his brother Aristobulus fought against him, and beat him, and + deprived him of his principality; and he did himself both reign, and + perform the office of high priest to God. But when he had reigned three + years, and as many months, Pompey came upon him, and not only took the + city of Jerusalem by force, but put him and his children in bonds, and + sent them to Rome. He also restored the high priesthood to Hyrcanus, and + made him governor of the nation, but forbade him to wear a diadem. This + Hyrcanus ruled, besides his first nine years, twenty-four years more, when + Barzapharnes and Pacorus, the generals of the Parthians, passed over + Euphrates, and fought with Hyrcanus, and took him alive, and made + Antigonus, the son of Aristobulus, king; and when he had reigned three + years and three months, Sosius and Herod besieged him, and took him, when + Antony had him brought to Antioch, and slain there. Herod was then made + king by the Romans, but did no longer appoint high priests out of the + family of Asamoneus; but made certain men to be so that were of no eminent + families, but barely of those that were priests, excepting that he gave + that dignity to Aristobulus; for when he had made this Aristobulus, the + grandson of that Hyrcanus who was then taken by the Parthians, and had + taken his sister Mariarmne to wife, he thereby aimed to win the good-will + of the people, who had a kind remembrance of Hyrcanus [his grandfather]. + Yet did he afterward, out of his fear lest they should all bend their + inclinations to Aristobulus, put him to death, and that by contriving how + to have him suffocated as he was swimming at Jericho, as we have already + related that matter; but after this man he never intrusted the priesthood + to the posterity of the sons of Asamoneus. Archelaus also, Herod's son, + did like his father in the appointment of the high priests, as did the + Romans also, who took the government over the Jews into their hands + afterward. Accordingly, the number of the high priests, from the days of + Herod until the day when Titus took the temple and the City, and burnt + them, were in all twenty-eight; the time also that belonged to them was a + hundred and seven years. Some of these were the political governors of the + people under the reign of Herod, and under the reign of Archelaus his son, + although, after their death, the government became an aristocracy, and the + high priests were intrusted with a dominion over the nation. And thus much + may suffice to be said concerning our high priests. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link202HCH0011" id="link202HCH0011"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + CHAPTER 11. Concerning Florus The Procurator, Who Necessitated The Jews To + Take Up Arms Against The Romans. The Conclusion. + </h3> + <p> + 1. Now Gessius Florus, who was sent as successor to Albinus by Nero, + filled Judea with abundance of miseries. He was by birth of the city of + Clazomene, and brought along with him his wife Cleopatra, [by whose + friendship with Poppea, Nero's wife, he obtained this government,] who was + no way different from him in wickedness. This Florus was so wicked, and so + violent in the use of his authority, that the Jews took Albinus to have + been [comparatively] their benefactor; so excessive were the mischiefs + that he brought upon them. For Albinus concealed his wickedness, and was + careful that it might not be discovered to all men; but Gessius Florus, as + though he had been sent on purpose to show his crimes to every body, made + a pompous ostentation of them to our nation, as never omitting any sort of + violence, nor any unjust sort of punishment; for he was not to be moved by + pity, and never was satisfied with any degree of gain that came in his + way; nor had he any more regard to great than to small acquisitions, but + became a partner with the robbers themselves. For a great many fell then + into that practice without fear, as having him for their security, and + depending on him, that he would save them harmless in their particular + robberies; so that there were no bounds set to the nation's miseries; but + the unhappy Jews, when they were not able to bear the devastations which + the robbers made among them, were all under a necessity of leaving their + own habitations, and of flying away, as hoping to dwell more easily any + where else in the world among foreigners [than in their own country]. And + what need I say any more upon this head? since it was this Florus who + necessitated us to take up arms against the Romans, while we thought it + better to be destroyed at once, than by little and little. Now this war + began in the second year of the government of Florus, and the twelfth year + of the reign of Nero. But then what actions we were forced to do, or what + miseries we were enabled to suffer, may be accurately known by such as + will peruse those books which I have written about the Jewish war. + </p> + <p> + 2. I shall now, therefore, make an end here of my Antiquities; after the + conclusion of which events, I began to write that account of the war; and + these Antiquities contain what hath been delivered down to us from the + original creation of man, until the twelfth year of the reign of Nero, as + to what hath befallen the Jews, as well in Egypt as in Syria and in + Palestine, and what we have suffered from the Assyrians and Babylonians, + and what afflictions the Persians and Macedonians, and after them the + Romans, have brought upon us; for I think I may say that I have composed + this history with sufficient accuracy in all things. I have attempted to + enumerate those high priests that we have had during the interval of two + thousand years; I have also carried down the succession of our kings, and + related their actions, and political administration, without + [considerable] errors, as also the power of our monarchs; and all + according to what is written in our sacred books; for this it was that I + promised to do in the beginning of this history. And I am so bold as to + say, now I have so completely perfected the work I proposed to myself to + do, that no other person, whether he were a Jew or foreigner, had he ever + so great an inclination to it, could so accurately deliver these accounts + to the Greeks as is done in these books. For those of my own nation freely + acknowledge that I far exceed them in the learning belonging to Jews; I + have also taken a great deal of pains to obtain the learning of the + Greeks, and understand the elements of the Greek language, although I have + so long accustomed myself to speak our own tongue, that I cannot pronounce + Greek with sufficient exactness; for our nation does not encourage those + that learn the languages of many nations, and so adorn their discourses + with the smoothness of their periods; because they look upon this sort of + accomplishment as common, not only to all sorts of free-men, but to as + many of the servants as please to learn them. But they give him the + testimony of being a wise man who is fully acquainted with our laws, and + is able to interpret their meaning; on which account, as there have been + many who have done their endeavors with great patience to obtain this + learning, there have yet hardly been so many as two or three that have + succeeded therein, who were immediately well rewarded for their pains. + </p> + <p> + 3. And now it will not be perhaps an invidious thing, if I treat briefly + of my own family, and of the actions of my own life <a + href="#link20note-28" name="link20noteref-28" id="link20noteref-28"><small>28</small></a> + while there are still living such as can either prove what I say to be + false, or can attest that it is true; with which accounts I shall put an + end to these Antiquities, which are contained in twenty books, and sixty + thousand verses. And if God permit me, I will briefly run over this war <a + href="#link20note-29" name="link20noteref-29" id="link20noteref-29"><small>29</small></a>, + and to add what befell them further to that very day, the 13th of + Domitian, or A.D. 03, is not, that I have observed, taken distinct notice + of by any one; nor do we ever again, with what befell us therein to this + very day, which is the thirteenth year of the reign of Cæsar Domitian, + and the fifty-sixth year of my own life. I have also an intention to write + three books concerning our Jewish opinions about God and his essence, and + about our laws; why, according to them, some things are permitted us to + do, and others are prohibited. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link202H_FOOT" id="link202H_FOOT"> + <!-- h3 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h3> + FOOTNOTES + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link20note-1" id="link20note-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#link20noteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ Here is some error in the + copies, or mistake in Josephus; for the power of appointing high priests, + alter Herod king of Chalcis was dead, and Agrippa, junior, was made king + of Chalcis in his room, belonged to him; and he exercised the same all + along till Jerusalem was destroyed, as Josephus elsewhere informs us, ch. + 8. sect., 11; ch. 9. sect. 1, 4, 6, 7.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-2" id="link20note-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#link20noteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus here uses the + word monogene, an only begotten son, for no other than one best beloved, + as does both the Old and New Testament, I mean where there were one or + more sons besides, Genesis 22:2; Hebrew 11:17. See the note on B. I. ch. + 13. sect. 1.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-3" id="link20note-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#link20noteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ It is here very + remarkable, that the remains of Noah's ark were believed to be still in + being in the days of Josephus. See the note on B. I. ch. 3. sect. 5.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-4" id="link20note-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#link20noteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ Josephus is very full and + express in these three chapters, 3., 4., and 5., in observing how + carefully Divine Providence preserved this Izates, king of Adiabene, and + his sons, while he did what he thought was his bounden duty, + notwithstanding the strongest political motives to the contrary.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-5" id="link20note-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#link20noteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ This further account of + the benefactions of Izates and Helena to the Jerusalem Jews which Josephus + here promises is, I think, no where performed by him in his present works. + But of this terrible famine itself in Judea, take Dr. Hudson's note here:—"This + [ says he ] is that famine foretold by Agabus, Acts 11:28, which happened + when Claudius was consul the fourth time; and not that other which + happened when Claudius was consul the second time, and Cesina was his + colleague, as Scaliger says upon Eusebius, p. 174." Now when Josephus had + said a little afterward, ch. 5. sect. 2, that "Tiberius Alexander + succeeded Cuspius Fadus as procurator," he immediately subjoins, that" + under these procurators there happened a great famine in Judea." Whence it + is plain that this famine continued for many years, on account of its + duration under these two procurators. Now Fadus was not sent into Judea + till after the death of king Agrippa, i.e. towards the latter end of the + 4th year of Claudius; so that this famine foretold by Agabus happened upon + the 5th, 6th, and 7th years of Claudius, as says Valesius on Euseb. II. + 12. Of this famine also, and queen Helena's supplies, and her monument, + see Moses Churenensis, p. 144, 145, where it is observed in the notes that + Pausanias mentions that her monument also.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-6" id="link20note-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#link20noteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ This privilege of wearing + the tiara upright, or with the tip of the cone erect, is known to have + been of old peculiar to great kings, from Xenophon and others, as Dr. + Hudson observes here.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-7" id="link20note-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#link20noteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ This conduct of Izates is + a sign that he was become either a Jew, or an Ebionite Christian, who + indeed differed not much from proper Jews. See ch. 6. sect. 1. However, + his supplications were heard, and he was providentially delivered from + that imminent danger he was in.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-8" id="link20note-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#link20noteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ These pyramids or + pillars, erected by Helena, queen of Adiabene, near Jerusalem, three in + number, are mentioned by Eusebius, in his Eccles. Hist. B. II. ch. 12, for + which Dr. Hudson refers us to Valesius's notes upon that place.—They + are also mentioned by Pausanias, as hath been already noted, ch. 2. sect. + 6. Reland guesses that that now called Absalom's Pillar may be one of + them.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-9" id="link20note-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#link20noteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ This Theudas, who arose + under Fadus the procurator, about A.D. 45 or 46, could not be that Thendas + who arose in the days of the taxing, under Cyrenius, or about A.D. 7, Acts + v. 36, 37. Who that earlier Theudas was, see the note on B. XVII. ch. 10. + sect. 5.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-10" id="link20note-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#link20noteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ This and many more + tumults and seditions which arose at the Jewish festivals, in Josephus, + illustrate the cautious procedure of the Jewish governors, when they said, + Matthew 26:5, "Let us not take Jesus on the feast-day, lest there be an up + roar among the people;" as Reland well observes on tins place. Josephus + also takes notice of the same thing, Of the War, B. I. ch. 4. sect. 3.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-11" id="link20note-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#link20noteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ This constant passage + of the Galileans through the country of Samaria, as they went to Judea and + Jerusalem, illustrates several passages in the Gospels to the same + purpose, as Dr. Hudson rightly observes. See Luke 17:11; John 4:4. See + also Josephus in his own Life, sect. 52, where that journey is determined + to three days.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-12" id="link20note-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#link20noteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ Our Savior had foretold + that the Jews' rejection of his gospel would bring upon them, among other + miseries, these three, which they themselves here show they expected would + be the consequences of their present tumults and seditions: the utter + subversion of their country, the conflagration of their temple, and the + slavery of themselves, their wives, and children See Luke 21:6-24.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-13" id="link20note-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#link20noteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ This Simon, a friend of + Felix, a Jew, born in Cyprus, though he pretended to be a magician, and + seems to have been wicked enough, could hardly be that famous Simon the + magician, in the Acts of the Apostles, 8:9, etc., as some are ready to + suppose. This Simon mentioned in the Acts was not properly a Jew, but a + Samaritan, of the town of Gittae, in the country of Samaria, as the + Apostolical Constitutions, VI. 7, the Recognitions of Clement, II. 6, and + Justin Martyr, himself born in the country of Samaria, Apology, I. 34, + inform us. He was also the author, not of any ancient Jewish, but of the + first Gentile heresies, as the forementioned authors assure us. So I + suppose him a different person from the other. I mean this only upon the + hypothesis that Josephus was not misinformed as to his being a Cypriot + Jew; for otherwise the time, the name, the profession, and the wickedness + of them both would strongly incline one to believe them the very same. As + to that Drusilla, the sister of Agrippa, junior, as Josephus informs us + here, and a Jewess, as St. Luke informs us, Acts 24:24, whom this Simon + mentioned by Josephus persuaded to leave her former husband, Azizus, king + of Emesa, a proselyte of justice, and to marry Felix, the heathen + procurator of Judea, Tacitus, Hist. V. 9, supposes her to be a heathen; + and the grand-daughter of Antonius and Cleopatra, contrary both to St. + Luke and Josephus. Now Tacitus lived somewhat too remote, both as to time + and place, to be compared with either of those Jewish writers, in a matter + concerning the Jews in Judea in their own days, and concerning a sister of + Agrippa, junior, with which Agrippa Josephus was himself so well + acquainted. It is probable that Tacitus may say true, when he informs us + that this Felix [who had in all three wives, or queens, as Suetonius in + Claudius, sect. 28, assures us] did once marry such a grandchild of + Antonius and Cleopatra; and finding the name of one of them to have been + Drusilla, he mistook her for that other wife, whose name he did not know.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-14" id="link20note-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#link20noteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ This eruption of + Vesuvius was one of the greatest we have in history. See Bianchini's + curious and important observations on this Vesuvius, and its seven several + great eruptions, with their remains vitrified, and still existing, in so + many different strata under ground, till the diggers came to the + antediluvian waters, with their proportionable interstices, implying the + deluge to have been above two thousand five hundred years before the + Christian era, according to our exactest chronology.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-15" id="link20note-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#link20noteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ This is now wanting.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-16" id="link20note-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#link20noteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ This also is now + wanting.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-17" id="link20note-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#link20noteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ This duration of the + reign of Claudius agrees with Dio, as Dr. Hudson here remarks; as he also + remarks that Nero's name, which was at first L. Domitius Aenobarbus, after + Claudius had adopted him was Nero Claudius Cæsar Drusus Germanicus. This + Soleus as [own Life, sect. 11, as also] by Dio Cassius and Taeims, as Dr. + Hudson informs us.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-18" id="link20note-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#link20noteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ This agrees with + Josephus's frequent accounts elsewhere in his own Life, that Tibetans, and + Taricheae, and Gamala were under this Agrippa, junior, till Justus, the + son of Pistus, seized for the Jews, upon the breaking out of the war.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-19" id="link20note-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#link20noteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ This treacherous and + barbarous murder of the good high priest Jonathan, by the contrivance of + this wicked procurator, Felix, was the immediate occasion of the ensuing + murders by the Sicarii or ruffians, and one great cause of the following + horrid cruelties and miseries of the Jewish nation, as Josephus here + supposes; whose excellent reflection on the gross wickedness of that + nation, as the direct cause of their terrible destruction, is well worthy + the attention of every Jewish and of every Christian reader. And since we + are soon coming to the catalogue of the Jewish high priests, it may not be + amiss, with Reland, to insert this Jonathan among them, and to transcribe + his particular catalogue of the last twenty-eight high priests, taken out + of Josephus, and begin with Ananelus, who was made by Herod the Great. See + Antiq. B. XV. ch. 2. sect. 4, and the note there. 1. Ananelus. 2. + Aristobulus. 3. Jesus, the son of Fabus. 4. Simon, the son of Boethus. 5. + Marthias, the son of Theophiltu. 6. Joazar, the son of Boethus. 7. + Eleazar, the son of Boethus. 8. Jesus, the son of Sic. 9. [Annas, or] + Ananus, the son of Seth. 10. Ismael, the son of Fabus. 11. Eleazar, the + son of Ananus. 12. Simon, the son of Camithus. 13. Josephus Caiaphas, the + son-in-law to Ananus. 14. Jonathan, the son of Ananus. 15. Theophilus, his + brother, and son of Ananus. 16. Simon, the son of Boethus. 17. Matthias, + the brother of Jonathan, and son of Ananus. 18. Aljoneus. 19. Josephus, + the son of Camydus. 20. Ananias, the son of Nebedeus. 21. Jonathas. 22. + Ismael, the son of Fabi. 23. Joseph Cabi, the son of Simon. 24. Ananus, + the son of Artanus. 25. Jesus, the son of Damnetas. 26. Jesus, the son of + Gamaliel. 27. Matthias, the son of Theophilus. 28. Phannias, the son of + Samuel. As for Ananus and Joseph Caiaphas, here mentioned about the middle + of this catalogue, they are no other than those Annas and Caiaphas so + often mentioned in the four Gospels; and that Ananias, the son of + Nebedeus, was that high priest before whom St. Paul pleaded his own cause, + Acts 24.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-20" id="link20note-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#link20noteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ Of these Jewish + impostors and false prophets, with many other circumstances and miseries + of the Jews, till their utter destruction, foretold by our Savior, see + Lit. Accompl. of Proph. p. 58-75. Of this Egyptian impostor, and the + number of his followers, in Josephus, see Acts 21:38.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-21" id="link20note-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#link20noteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ The wickedness here was + very peculiar and extraordinary, that the high priests should so oppress + their brethren the priests, as to starve the poorest of them to death. See + the like presently, ch. 9. sect. 2. Such fatal crimes are covetousness and + tyranny in the clergy, as well as in the laity, in all ages.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-22" id="link20note-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#link20noteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ We have here one + eminent example of Nero's mildness and goodness in his government towards + the Jews, during the first five years of his reign, so famous in + antiquity; we have perhaps another in Josephus's own Life, sect. 3; and a + third, though of a very different nature here, in sect. 9, just before. + However, both the generous acts of kindness were obtained of Nero by his + queen Poppea, who was a religious lady, and perhaps privately a Jewish + proselyte, and so were not owing entirely to Nero's own goodness.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-23" id="link20note-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#link20noteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ It hence evidently + appears that Sadducees might be high priests in the days of Josephus, and + that these Sadducees were usually very severe and inexorable judges, while + the Pharisees were much milder, and more merciful, as appears by Reland's + instances in his note on this place, and on Josephus's Life, sect. 31, and + those taken from the New Testament, from Josephus himself, and from the + Rabbins; nor do we meet with any Sadducees later than this high priest in + all Josephus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-24" id="link20note-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#link20noteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ Of this condemnation of + James the Just, and its causes, as also that he did not die till long + afterwards, see Prim. Christ. Revived, vol. III. ch. 43-46. The sanhedrim + condemned our Savior, but could not put him to death without the + approbation of the Roman procurator; nor could therefore Ananias and his + sanhedrim do more here, since they never had Albinus's approbation for the + putting this James to death.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-25" id="link20note-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#link20noteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ This Ananias was not + the son of Nebedeus, as I take it, but he who was called Annas or Ananus + the elder, the ninth in the catalogue, and who had been esteemed high + priest for a long time; and, besides Caiaphas, his son-in-law, had five of + his own sons high priests after him, which were those of numbers 11, 14, + 15, 17, 24, in the foregoing catalogue. Nor ought we to pass slightly over + what Josephus here says of Annas, or Ananias, that he was high priest a + long time before his children were so; he was the son of Seth, and is set + down first for high priest in the foregoing catalogue, under number 9. He + was made by Quirinus, and continued till Ismael, the 10th in number, for + about twenty-three years, which long duration of his high priesthood, + joined to the successions of his son-in-law, and five children of his own, + made him a sort of perpetual high priest, and was perhaps the occasion + that former high priests kept their titles ever afterwards; for I believe + it is hardly met with be fore him.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-26" id="link20note-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#link20noteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ This insolent petition + of some of the Levites, to wear the sacerdotal garments when they sung + hymns to God in the temple, was very probably owing to the great + depression and contempt the haughty high priests had now brought their + brethren the priests into; of which see ch. 8. sect. 8, and ch. 9, sect. + 2.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-27" id="link20note-27"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#link20noteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ Of these cloisters of + Solomon, see the description of the temple, ch. 13. They seem, by + Josephus's words, to have been built from the bottom of the valley.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-28" id="link20note-28"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#link20noteref-28">return</a>)<br /> [ See the Life at the + beginning of the volume.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20note-29" id="link20note-29"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#link20noteref-29">return</a>)<br /> [ What Josephus here + declares his intention to do, if God permitted, to give the public again + an abridgement of the Jewish War hear of it elsewhere, whether he + performed what he now intended or not. Some of the reasons of this design + of his might possibly be, his observation of the many errors he had been + guilty of in the two first of those seven books of the War, which were + written when he was comparatively young, and less acquainted with the + Jewish antiquities than he now was, and in which abridgement we might have + hoped to find those many passages which himself, as well as those several + passages which others refer to, as written by him, but which are not + extant in his present works. However, since many of his own references to + what he had written elsewhere, as well as most of his own errors, belong + to such early times as could not well come into this abridgement of the + Jewish War; and since none of those that quote things not now extant in + his works, including himself as well as others, ever cite any such + abridgement; I am forced rather to suppose that he never did publish any + such work at all; I mean, as distinct from his own Life, written by + himself, for an appendix to these Antiquities, and this at least seven + years after these Antiquities were finished. Nor indeed does it appear to + me that Josephus ever published that other work here mentioned, as + intended by him for the public also: I mean the three or four books + concerning God and his essence, and concerning the Jewish laws; why, + according to them, some things were permitted the Jews, and others + prohibited; which last seems to be the same work which Josephus had also + promised, if God permitted, at the conclusion of his preface to these + Antiquities; nor do I suppose that he ever published any of them. The + death of all his friends at court, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, and the + coming of those he had no acquaintance with to the crown, I mean Nerva and + Trajan, together with his removal from Rome to Judea, with what followed + it, might easily interrupt such his intentions, and prevent his + publication of those works.] + </p> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS ***</div> + </body> +</html> |